Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Paul
A.
Kauttu
1929

–

Born:

Vancouver

, 

Washington

Paul Kauttu was commissioned through the Aviation Cadet Program and received his wings in 1951. As a fighter pilot during the Korean War, he was credited with destroying 2.5 enemy aircraft in aerial combat. From 1962 to 1965 he participated in 279 official demonstrations as a pilot and subsequently Team Leader of the Air Force THUNDERBIRDS. He retired in 1977 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Paul A. Kauttu (AFSN: AO-2222677), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as pilot of an F-86 Sabre Jet fighter airplane, in action during 100 combat missions over Korea, during which he destroyed two enemy aircraft and assisted in destruction of another in 1952. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, 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 Force of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Paul A. Kauttu (AFSN: AO-2222677), United States Air Force, was awarded a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight with the 559th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and subsequently with the 35th Tactical Fighter Wing, in action against the enemy during 111 combat missions over Southeast Asia from 1968 to 1969. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Lieutenant Colonel Paul A. Kauttu (AFSN: AO-2222677), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Paul A. Kauttu (AFSN: AO-2222677), 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. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Kauttu and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    16th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron

    Action Date:

    Korean War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant Paul A. Kauttu (AFSN: AO-2222677), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as pilot of an F-86 Sabre Jet fighter airplane, in action during 100 combat missions over Korea, during which he destroyed two enemy aircraft and assisted in destruction of another in 1952. The skillful and zealous manner in which he has sought out the enemy and destroyed him, 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 Force of the United States.