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The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Paul Douglas Buie (NSN: 0-72438), United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding of Fighting Squadron SIXTEEN (VF-16) embarked in U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), during attacks on Tarawa Atoll on 18 September and Wake Island on 5 October 1943. He led his Hellcats in five attacks on these targets both in strafing enemy positions and installations and as support to bomber attacks. During these attacks his group shot down eight enemy fighting planes in aerial combat of which one he himself shot down in flames. By leading these persistent and aggressive attacks, he caused great loss to the enemy. His conduct throughout these attacks was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Rear Admiral

    Action Date:

    April 1963 – January 1965
    All Hands (August 1965)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Rear Admiral Paul Douglas Buie (NSN: 0-72438), United States Navy, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from April 1963 to January 1965 as Commander, Iceland Defense Force; Commander Barrier Force, Atlantic; Island Commander, Iceland; and Commander Fleet Air Wings, North Atlantic. Promoting an atmosphere of mutual support and acceptance between United States forces in Iceland and the Government of Iceland, he achieved a major breakthrough in relaxation of restrictions on U.S. Department of Defense personnel stationed there. He improved the coordination and understanding between NATO commands in this strategically vital area of Free World defense.

  • Navy Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 16 (VF-16)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    June 11 – 25, 1944
    Commander Fast Carrier Task Force: Serial 0362 (July 3, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Navy Cross to Commander Paul Douglas Buie (NSN: 0-72438), United States Navy, for extraordinary heroism in operations against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron 16 (VF-16), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in action against enemy Japanese forces in the Pacific War Area from 11 to 25 June 1944. Conducting numerous attacks against the Japanese in the face of intense and accurate enemy anti-aircraft fire during the initial bombardment of the Marianas, Commander Buie countered a large enemy air armada which threatened our surface forces and, skillfully deploying aircraft, directed his squadron in shooting down forty-four of the enemy planes in one sustained action without loss to our personnel. Volunteering to participate in a fighter-bomber search for the fleeing Japanese Fleet during the First Battle of the Philippine Sea on 20 June, he flew over 450 miles from his carrier base to attempt interception. His inspiring leadership, gallant fighting spirit and devotion to duty reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Naval Service.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Commander [then Lieutenant Commander]

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 16 (VF-16)

    Division:

    U.S.S. Lexington (CV-16)

    Action Date:

    April 29 & 30, 1944
    Commander Fast Carrier Task Force Pacific: Serial 0197 (June 3, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Commander [then Lieutenant Commander] Paul Douglas Buie (NSN: 0-72438), United States Navy, for conspicuous gallantry and intrepidity in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a carrier-based Navy Fighter Plane and Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron 16 (VF-16), attached to the U.S.S. LEXINGTON (CV-16), in a large fighter sweep against strong enemy Japanese forces on the Island of Truk, on 29 and 30 April 1944. Braving terrific anti-aircraft fire and strong enemy fighter opposition, Commander Buie courageously led his eleven-plane squadron down under the 5,000 foot cloud ceiling in a bold, determined attack against a large formation of hostile fighters, personally shooting down two Japanese aircraft of the eight destroyed by his squadron, and losing only one of his own planes during the fierce air battle. In addition he aggressively strafed a grounded airplane, and an enemy tug boat, setting the tug afire. His inspiring leadership, indomitable fighting spirit and cool courage in the face of overwhelming opposition were contributing factors in the success of his squadron in inflicting extensive and costly damage upon the enemy, and reflecting high credit upon Commander Buie and the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 16 (VF-16)

    Action Date:

    November 23, 1943
    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 48 (March 23, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Gold Star in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Paul Douglas Buie (NSN: 0-72438), United States Navy, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron SIXTEEN (VF-16), during interception of a large formation of Japanese fighter aircraft in the vicinity of Mille Island on 23 November 1943. He led a combat air patrol of twelve Hellcats against a force of 21 to 23 Japanese fighter planes and personally shot down two Zeros in this action. In a similar action off Mills Island on 24 November 9143, he led his twelve Hellcats in aerial combat against 15 to 20 fighters and 2 bombers and personally shot down one fighter in combat. His leadership, courage, and aggressiveness throughout these actions were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Navy

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Commander

    Batallion:

    Fighting Squadron 16 (VF-16)

    Action Date:

    December 4, 1943
    Commander in Chief, Pacific: Serial 0751 (March 4, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America takes pleasure in presenting a Second Gold Star in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Lieutenant Commander Paul Douglas Buie (NSN: 0-72438), United States Navy, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as Commanding Officer of Fighting Squadron SIXTEEN (VF-16) and outstanding leadership and ability in the line of his profession in engaging with twelve planes of his squadron a vastly superior number of 30 enemy aircraft over the Japanese air base of Roi Island, Kwajalein Atoll, 4 December 1943, for subsequent shooting down 20 of these enemy planes in the air, and destroying three enemy bombers on the ground, with himself shooting down three of these planes personally. By these actions in which he demonstrated the highest qualities of leadership, courage, initiative, endurance, and with utter disregard of personal danger, he conspicuously distinguished himself. His conduct throughout was in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.