Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
William
S.
Chairsell
July 12, 1919

–

November 27, 1994

Born:

Birmingham

, 

Alabama

Home:

Richmond

, 

Virginia

Buried: 

Boulder City

, 

Nevada

Cemetery:

Southern Nevada Veterans Memorial Cemetery

After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, William Chairsell transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1973 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    April 20, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1093 (1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat “V” to Brigadier General William S. Chairsell (AFSN: 0-441728/0-35730), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as an F-105 Thunderchief Pilot, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 20 April 1967. On that date, General Chairsell, the element leader of “NEWARK” flight, attacked the Xuan Mai Army Barracks and Storage Compound. Flying through an intense barrage of anti-aircraft fire and attacked by hostile aircraft, General Chairsell dropped his ordnance directly into the designated target. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by General Chairsell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Colonel

    Action Date:

    August 17, 1964 – April 1, 1966
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1093 (1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel William S. Chairsell (AFSN: 0-441728/0-35730), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Commander, 49th Tactical Fighter Wing, United States Air Forces in Europe, from 17 August 1964 to 1 April 1966. During this period, the exemplary ability, diligence, and devotion to duty of Colonel Chairsell were instrumental factors in the 49th Tactical Fighter Wing being able to maintain an outstanding combat ready status. This high state of readiness continually provided a primary striking force in the North Atlantic Treaty Organization defense structure. His interest in Community Relations has been paramount in maintaining an exceptional rapport with the host country. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Chairsell and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    August 10, 1966 – July 13, 1967
    Department of the Air Force, Special Order GB-296 (1967)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Brigadier General William S. Chairsell (AFSN: 0-441728/0-35730), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, PACIFIC Air Forces, from 10 August 1966 to 13 July 1967. In this important and sensitive assignment, the exemplary leadership, unceasing efforts, and personal endeavor consistently demonstrated by General Chairsell were significant factors in establishing an enviable combat record and in fulfilling United States Air Force objectives in Southeast Asia. Through imaginative tactical adaptations that reduced aircraft losses under severe weather conditions and sophisticated defense environments, he significantly improved tactical warfare concepts to effect target destruction. Through promoting harmonious relationships with high executives in Thailand’s Army, Air Force, and National Police, as well as local officers, he blended and welded together important programs that mutually benefited both Thailand and the United States. General Chairsell’s achievements in this important assignment are in keeping with the highest standards of performance and traditions of the military service, and reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Action Date:

    October 7, 1944 – September 30, 1946

    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 Major (Air Corps) William S. Chairsell (AFSN: 0-441728/0-35730), United States Army Air Forces, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while assigned to the Western Hemisphere Branch, Operational Plans Division, AC/AS-5, from 7 October 1944 to 2 February 1946, and to the Office of the Special Assistant to the Commanding General, Army Air Forces for Latin American Affairs, from 2 February 1946 to 30 September 1946. As Staff Planning Officer for Training of Latin American nationals in the United States, he made a thorough study of the technical requirements of personnel needed by the air forces of the other American Republics and formulated a detailed plan for the training of this personnel in technical schools of the USAAF. This basic plan was the foundation for the foreign training quotas recently established by the Director of Organization and Training, War Department General Staff. His diplomatic skill and efficiency in his relations with the Brazilian Embassy in maintaining the required flow of combat replacements to the First Brazilian Fighter Squadron in the European Theater of Operations were largely responsible for the successful accomplishment of the mission of that squadron during the war and extremely beneficial to the promotion of better relations between Brazil and the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major Chairsell and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    July 23, 1971 – June 30, 1973

    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 the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General William S. Chairsell (AFSN: 0-441728/0-35730), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Chairsell distinguished himself as Commander of the United States Air Force Tactical Fighter Weapons Center from 23 July 1971 to 30 June 1973. During this period, General Chairsell’s decisive initiative, imaginative leadership and positive management were the prime factors in developing highly effective improvements in the worldwide combat capability of the United States Air Force tactical fighter forces. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Chairsell 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 Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Regiment:

    388th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    April 30, 1967
    Headquarters, 7th Air Force, Special Order G-1193 (1967)

    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 with Combat “V” to Brigadier General William S. Chairsell (AFSN: 0-441728/0-35730), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight while serving as an F-105 Pilot, 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, in action over Southeast Asia on 30 April 1967. On that date, General Chairsell was the flight commander on a strike against a heavily defended target in North Vietnam. Flying through devastating barrage of anti-aircraft fire General Chairsell led his flight on successive strikes on hostile positions resulting in destroyed gun positions and setting off numerous secondary explosions. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by General Chairsell reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.