The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to Captain (Air Corps) Paul Gregory Atkinson (ASN: 0-25973), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of an A-26 Medium Bomber in the 670th Bombardment Squadron, 416th Bombardment Group, NINTH Air Force, while participating in a bombing mission on 23 January 1945, against enemy ground targets in Europe. Just prior to starting a bomb run, Captain Atkinson’s aircraft was severely damaged by anti-aircraft fire. He was struck in the face and his bombardier’s leg was almost severed. Despite these tremendous obstacles, he made the bombing run with excellent results. Then, since the bombardier was not able to bail out, he successfully made a crash landing once he got over friendly territory. His extraordinary heroism saved the life of the bombardier. The personal courage and zealous devotion to duty displayed by Captain Atkinson on this occasion have upheld the highest traditions of the military service and reflect great credit upon himself, the 9th Air Force, and the United States Army Air Forces.
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Awards Received
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
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Distinguished Flying Cross
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Legion of Merit
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
Aero Research LaboratoriesDivision:
Wright Patterson Air Force BaseAction Date:
1965 – 1969
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Paul Gregory Atkinson (ASN: 0-25973), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Commanding Officer and later as Commanding Officer, Aero Research Laboratories, Wright Patterson Air Force Base, from 1965 to 1969.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelDivision:
Air Force Systems CommandAction Date:
1969 – 1971
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Paul Gregory Atkinson (ASN: 0-25973), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Headquarters, Air Force Systems Command, from 1969 to 1971.
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Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Army Air ForcesRank:
Captain (Air Corps)Batallion:
670th Bombardment SquadronRegiment:
416th Bombardment GroupDivision:
9th Air ForceAction Date:
World War II
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Captain (Air Corps) Paul Gregory Atkinson (ASN: 0-25973), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Pilot of an A-26 Medium Bomber in the 670th Bombardment Squadron, 416th Bombardment Group, NINTH Air Force, during World War II. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions on all these occasions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.
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Legion of Merit
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
Lieutenant ColonelDivision:
Air Research and Development CommandAction Date:
1953 – 1956
United States Military Academy Register of Graduates(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Paul Gregory Atkinson (ASN: 0-25973), United States Air Force, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States with Air Research and Development Command from 1953 to 1956.