Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Arthur
William
Vanaman
POW (WWII)
1892-05-09

–

1987-09-14

Born:

Millville

, 

New Jersey

Home:

, 

New Jersey

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

During World War II, Arthur Vanaman became the first U.S. General Officer to be captured by the Germans on or about June 27, 1944, while he was acting as an observer on a bombing mission over Germany. After serving in the Army Air Forces in World War II, Arthur Vanaman transferred to the U.S. Air Force when it became a separate branch of service in 1947. He retired in 1954 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    World War II
    War Department General Orders No. 79 (1944)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Arthur W. Vanaman (AFSN: 39A), United States Army Air Forces, was awarded the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Vanaman and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    World War II
    War Department General Orders No. 17 (1947)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Arthur W. Vanaman (AFSN: 39A), United States Army Air Forces, 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. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Vanaman and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Army Air Forces.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    World War II
    War Department General Orders No. 117 (1945)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Brigadier General Arthur W. Vanaman (AFSN: 39A), United States Army Air Forces, 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 during World War II. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Vanaman 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:

    1952 – 1954
    Department of the Air Force, General Orders No. 25 (June 9, 1954)

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Medal (Air Force) to Major General Arthur William Vanaman (AFSN: 39A), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished services to the Government of the United States, in a duty of great responsibility as Commanding General of the Sacramento Air Materiel Area, Air Materiel Command, from 1952 to 1954. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Vanaman 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.