Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Wiltz
Paul
Segura
August 6, 1921

–

April 9, 1999

Born:

New Iberia

, 

Louisiana

Home:

New Iberia

, 

Louisiana

During World War II, Wiltz Segura became a U.S. Army Air Forces ACE, credited with shooting down 6 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. After the war he transferred to the new U.S. Air Force, and retired in 1972 as a Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    December 18, 1965 – November 29, 1966
    Headquarters, Pacific Air Force, Special Order G-51 (November 16, 1967)

    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 Colonel Wiltz Paul Segura (AFSN: FR-23681/ASN: 0-802357), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Vice Commander, 3d Tactical Fighter Wing, Republic of Vietnam, from 18 December 1965 to 29 November 1966. During this period, the exceptional leadership, foresight, and exemplary judgment demonstrated by Colonel Segura were invaluable to the major contributions made by the world’s largest fighter wing. Flying over one hundred combat missions, he continually inspired and led his men in every facet of their responsibilities. While imaginatively developing Bien Hoa Air Base into a major complex capable of supporting United States Air Force operations, he successfully coordinated its growth with the Vietnamese Air Force so well that Bien Hoa was designated the theater model for United States Air Force-Vietnamese Air Force relations. The superior initiative, outstanding professionalism, and personal endeavor displayed by Colonel Segura reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    75th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    23d Fighter Group

    Division:

    14th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 22, 1943 – December 11, 1944
    Headquarters, 14th Air Force, General Orders No. 20 (March 5, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Major (Air Corps) Wiltz Paul Segura (AFSN: FR-23681/ASN: 0-802357), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, FOURTEENTH Air Force. Flying fighter type aircraft from bases in China during the period 22 November 1943 through 11 December 1944 he completed 100 combat missions during which he inflicted heavy losses of material and personnel on the enemy. Although his flights extended deep into enemy territory, where heavy opposition from ground guns and hostile aircraft was encountered, he demonstrated aggressive determination in carrying out his missions. He flew dive-bombing, bomber escort, reconnaissance, interception and strafing sorties. Many of his flights were made through adverse weather and over mountainous terrain with a minimum of navigational aid. The courage and skill he exhibited in combat with the enemy reflect great credit upon his personal records and consonant with the fine traditions of the Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    June 21, 1971 – September 10, 1972
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-627 (September 11, 1972)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Wiltz Paul Segura (AFSN: FR-23681/ASN: 0-802357), 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, culminating as United States Deputy Chief of Staff, Live Oak, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe in Belgium, from 21 June 1971 to 10 September 1972. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Segura culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant (Air Corps)

    Batallion:

    75th Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    23d Fighter Group

    Division:

    14th Air Force

    Action Date:

    November 22, 1943 to June 1, 1944
    Headquarters, 14th Air Force, General Orders No. 64 (August 28, 1944)

    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) Wiltz Paul Segura (AFSN: FR-23681/ASN: 0-802357), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Fighter Pilot of the 75th Fighter Squadron, 23d Fighter Group, FOURTEENTH Air Force. As pilot of a fighter airplane, First Lieutenant Segura participated in fifty combat missions against the enemy in China during the period 22 November 1943 to 1 June 1944. Although aware the enemy had numerically superior forces against him, he carried out his missions with an aggressiveness and determination that has wrought extensive destruction and damage to enemy lines of communication, supplies, equipment, troops and transportation facilities. Frequently he flew through rain, overcasts and storms and over rugged, inadequately mapped terrain. Enemy fire was encountered from both ground defenses and from hostile aircraft. The superior skill and determination demonstrated by First Lieutenant Segura reflect highest credit upon himself and upon the Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    October 14, 1966

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Wiltz Paul Segura (AFSN: FR-23681/ASN: 0-802357), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Pilot near Ben Gar, Republic of Vietnam on 14 October 1966. On that date, Colonel Segura demonstrated outstanding airmanship and courage in the highly successful accomplishment of a close air support mission under extremely hazardous conditions, including continuous exposure to intensive, hostile ground fire. The professional competence, aerial skill and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Segura reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    January 1967 – May 1971

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Wiltz Paul Segura (AFSN: FR-23681/ASN: 0-802357), 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 Commander of the 4531st Tactical Fighter Wing and subsequently the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing, Homestead Air Force Base, Florida, from January 1967 to May 1971. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Segura and his dedicated contributions in the Service of his Country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.