Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Joseph
Hampton
Atkinson
February 5, 1900

–

November 6, 1984

Born:

Dublin

, 

Texas

Home:

Dublin

, 

Texas

Buried: 

Colorado Springs

, 

Colorado

Cemetery:

U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery

Joseph Atkinson became a flying cadet in 1928 and earned his wings and commission in 1924. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, he transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1961 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.

Awards Received

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Action Date:

    September 1956 – February 1961
    Department of the Air Force, Special Orders No. G-21 (March 3, 1961)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Army Design) to Lieutenant General Joseph Hampton Atkinson (ASN: 0-17055), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility, culminating as Commander, Air Defense Command, Ent Air Force Base, Colorado, from September 1956 to February 1961. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Atkinson 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.

  • Army Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General
    War Department, General Orders No. 84 (October 28, 1944)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Army Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General Joseph Hampton Atkinson (ASN: 0-17055), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General 5th Bombardment Wing of the V Bombardment Wing in North Africa, and subsequently as Commanding General 47th Bombardment Wing in Italy, during the period from January 1943 though July 1944. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Atkinson and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    V Bombardment Wing

    Division:

    15th Air Force

    Action Date:

    World War II
    Headquarters, Northwest African Strategic Air Force, General Orders No. 15 (June 20, 1943)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Brigadier General Joseph Hampton Atkinson (ASN: 0-17055), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action against the enemy while serving as Pilot of a B-17 Flying Fortress Bomber and as Commanding General of the 5th Bombardment Wing, FIFTEENTH Air Force, in aerial operations in the Mediterranean Theater of Operations during World War II. As Commanding General of this Bombardment Wing, this officer has exhibited expert professional knowledge and sound judgment on every occasion. His outstanding qualities of leadership and his untiring efforts in planning and leading aerial operations against the enemy in North Africa have been an inspiration to all personnel of his command. The many victories attained against the enemy by units of the Wing have in no small measure been due to the ability, leadership, and inspiration of General Atkinson. The personal courage and coolness displayed by General Atkinson during aerial operations reflects great credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    97th Bombardment Group

    Action Date:

    World War II

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Colonel (Air Corps) Joseph Hampton Atkinson (ASN: 0-17055), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with the 97th Bombardment Group during World War II. 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.