After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Paul Watson was released from active military service in 1945, attended Auburn University, and graduated with a bachelor of science degree in aeronautical administration in 1947. He received a regular commission and returned to active military service in August 1947. During his tour of duty in Vietnam from 1968 to 1969, he served for 8 months with his son, Army Captain Richard Watson. His son was killed in Vietnam and was posthumously awarded the Silver Star. Paul Watson retired in 1972 as a U.S. Air Force Brigadier General.
Sponsored by:
Paul
Cooper
Watson
1918
–
December 29, 1998
Born:
Macon
,
Georgia
Home:
Columbus
,
Georgia
Buried:
Arlington
,
Virginia
Cemetery:
Arlington National Cemetery
Awards Received
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Legion of Merit
-
Legion of Merit
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
-
Distinguished Flying Cross
Service:
United States Air ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
366th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
DaNang Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Paul Cooper Watson, United States Air Force, was awarded a Fourth Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fifth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy during 188 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 ForceRank:
ColonelRegiment:
366th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
DaNang Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
Vietnam War
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel Paul Cooper Watson, 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 while serving as Commanding Officer of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy during 188 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 Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Action Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Paul Cooper Watson, United States Army Air Forces, 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 in a B-24 Liberator Bomber operating from bases in China against Japanese shipping in the South China Seas from 1944 to 1945. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. Lieutenant Watson and his crew were responsible for sinking five Japanese ships. 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 Army Air ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Action Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Paul Cooper Watson, United States Army Air Forces, 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 while serving in a B-24 Liberator Bomber operating from bases in China against Japanese shipping in the South China Seas from 1944 to 1945. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. Lieutenant Watson and his crew were responsible for sinking five Japanese ships. 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 ForceRank:
Brigadier General [then Colonel]Regiment:
366th Tactical Fighter WingDivision:
DaNang Air Base, South VietnamAction Date:
1968 – 1969
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General [then Colonel] Paul Cooper Watson, 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 as Commander of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, from 1968 to 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Watson and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
-
Legion of Merit
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Paul Cooper Watson, 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 Chief of the Pacific Division, J-3; and subsequently as Deputy Director for Operations, J-3, Organization of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, from 1969 to 1972. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Watson 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 ForcesRank:
First Lieutenant (Air Corps)Action Date:
World War II
(Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Paul Cooper Watson, United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving in a B-24 Liberator Bomber operating from bases in China against Japanese shipping in the South China Seas from 1944 to 1945. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. Lieutenant Watson and his crew were responsible for sinking five Japanese ships. 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.