Navy Federal Credit Union

During World War II, Paul McArthur became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1966 as a Lieutenant Colonel.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    87th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    79th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 17, 1943

    Headquarters, 12th Air Force, General Orders No. 70 (October 22, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Paul Graham McArthur (ASN: 0-659742), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a P-40 Fighter Pilot of the 87th Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in action against the enemy in aerial combat in the North African Theater of Operations. On 17 April 1943, while strafing heavy gun positions, motor transport and gun carriers southwest of Gabes, Tunisia, Lieutenant McArthur’s aircraft was hit by a shell in one fuel tank. Although drenched with gasoline and knowing that another hit from the ground would very probably set his fighter afire, Lieutenant McArthur did not hesitate to attack a Tiger Tank and kill six tank borne personnel, who were firing at him with submachine guns. Lieutenant McArthur has destroyed five enemy airplanes, and through his outstanding leadership and professional skill as fighter pilot has reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Service Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    87th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    79th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    June 10, 1943

    Headquarters, Ninth U.S. Army Air Force, General Orders No. 62 (July 13, 1943)

    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 First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Paul Graham McArthur (ASN: 0-659742), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-40 Fighter Airplane in the 87th Fighter Squadron, 79th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 10 June 1943. Lieutenant McArthur on a patrol mission in the Middle East Theater engaged five enemy fighter aircraft. While shooting down the first enemy plane, the engine of his own airplane was damaged by enemy fire. Lieutenant McArthur with great courage, superior skill, and dogged determination overcoming the handicap of a damaged engine, destroyed three additional enemy aircraft and damaged another. By this time his own airplane was in such condition he was forced to abandon it over the sea. The extraordinary heroism of Lieutenant McArthur reflects great credit to himself and to the Army Air Forces.