Navy Federal Credit Union

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Master Sergeant Paul Wesley Airey (ASN: 11117034), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding service to the United States as Non-Commissioned Officer-in-Charge of Communications, Naha Air Base, Okinawa, from 28 October 1951 to 1 July 1952. During this period, Sergeant AIREY discerned the need of more effective corrosion control for radio and radar equipment. Unable to obtain suitable equipment, Sergeant AIREY skillfully constructed an electric oven, compressor, air line and spray guns, all assembled from salvage depot spare parts. Sergeant AIREY then trained personnel in the proper use and maintenance of this equipment, and placed it in full operation on a production line basis, giving airborne radio and radar equipment first priority. Sergeant Airey’s extraordinary achievement resulted in a tremendous monetary saving by prolonging the life of communication equipment at negligible expense. Through his exemplary attention to duty, resourcefulness and outstanding devotion to the best interests of the military service, Sergeant AIREY reflected great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Forces, and the United States Air Force

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

    Division:

    Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force

    Action Date:

    April 3, 1967 – July 31, 1969

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Chief Master Sergeant of the Air Force Paul Wesley Airey (ASN: 11117034), 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, culminating as Chief Master Sergeant of the United States Air from 3 April 1967 to 31 July 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Chief Master Sergeant Airey and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Technical Sergeant

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (Germany)

    Action Date:

    July 8, 1944 – May 1945

    NARA Database: Records of World War II Prisoners of War, created, 1942 – 35969

    Technical Sergeant Paul Wesley Airey (ASN: 11117034), United States Army Air Forces, was captured by German forces after he was shot down over enemy territory on 8 July 1944, and was held as a Prisoner of War until his return to U.S. Military Control at the end of hostilities in May 1945.