William J. Maddox Jr

William J. Maddox Jr (May 22, 1921 – January 5, 2001) was a United States Army Aviator and a major general in the United States Army. During his career he amassed over 10,500 flying hours, almost 4,000 of those in combat over Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia.

William J. Maddox, Jr
Maj Gen. William J. Maddox Jr.
Nickname(s)'Grey Ghost'
Born(1921-05-22)May 22, 1921
Newburgh, New York, US
DiedJanuary 5, 2001(2001-01-05) (aged 79)
Bedford, Texas, US
Place of burial
Arlington National Cemetery
AllegianceUnited States of America
Service/branch United States Army
Years of service1943–1976
Rank Major General
Commands heldPlatoon, 122nd Cavalry Reconnaissance Troop
Platoon, Company H, 8th Cavalry Regiment
Flight Detachment, Commander of the Military Assistance and Advisory Group in Japan
13th Aviation Battalion
Detachment, IV Corps Advisor Group
3rd Brigade, 25th Infantry Division
164th Aviation Group
United States Army Aviation School
United States Army Aviation Center
Battles/warsWorld War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
AwardsArmy Distinguished Service Medal
Silver Star (4)
Legion of Merit (5)
Distinguished Flying Cross (8)
Soldier's Medal
Bronze Star (4)
Purple Heart (4)
Air Medal (127)
RelationsJaye Maddox (wife)

He served three tours in Vietnam. In 1976, he commanded the United States Army Aviation Center. Maddox was instrumental in identifying the need for air mobility, developing a management structure that ensured the Army met its aviation objectives. Maddox is one of army's most highly decorated aviators.

Biography

Maddox was born on May 22, 1921, in Newburgh, New York. He was a graduate of Wilson High School in Washington D.C. and Michigan State University. He received a master's degree in international relations from George Washington University. Maddox was married to Jaye Maddox (née Kurusu). They had one son and daughter. Jaye Maddox died in 1999.

After his retirement from the Army, he served as Advisor to King Hussein of Jordan and served as the commandant of Jordanian Aviation Academy. He later served as Managing Director of Arabian Helicopters in Saudi Arabia, and as Managing Director of Bell Helicopters in Asia.[1]

Maddox died on January 5, 2001, due to sepsis at a hospital in Bedford, Texas. He is buried[2] at Arlington National Cemetery.

Awards and decorations

Maddox is one of the most decorated Army Aviators. His awards include:

Bronze star
Silver star
Silver star
Combat Infantryman Badge
Army Master Aviator Badge
Army Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star
with 3 bronze oak leaf clusters
Legion of Merit
with 4 bronze oak leaf clusters		 Distinguished Flying Cross
with 1 silver and 2 bronze oak leaf clusters		 Soldier's Medal
Bronze Star
with Combat V and 3 bronze oak leaf clusters		 Purple Heart
with 3 bronze oak leaf clusters		 Air Medal
with Combat V and award numeral 127
Army Commendation Medal
with Combat V and 2 bronze oak leaf clusters		 Army Good Conduct Medal American Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal World War II Victory Medal Army of Occupation Medal
National Defense Service Medal
with 1 bronze service star		 Korean Service Medal
with Arrowhead and 3 bronze campaign stars		 Vietnam Service Medal
with 1 silver and 3 bronze campaign stars
Korean Defense Service Medal Armed Forces Reserve Medal Order of National Security Merit
Cheon-Su Medal (Korea)
National Order of Vietnam
(Knight)		 Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order
(2nd Class)		 Vietnam Cross of Gallantry
with 3 Palms and 2 Silver Stars
United Nations Korea Medal Vietnam Campaign Medal Republic of Korea War Service Medal
Army Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit Citation Republic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation

See also

References
  1. "MG William J. Maddox, Jr".
  2. Burial Detail: Maddox, William J – ANC Explorer
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