William J. Maddox Jr Explained

William J. Maddox, Jr
Birth Date:22 May 1921
Birth Place:Newburgh, New York, US
Death Place:Bedford, Texas, US
Placeofburial:Arlington National Cemetery
Placeofburial Label:Place of burial
Nickname:'Grey Ghost'
Allegiance:United States of America
Serviceyears:1943–1976
Rank: Major General
Commands:Platoon, 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:World War II
Korean War
Vietnam War
Awards:Army 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)
Relations:Jaye Maddox (wife)

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.

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), the daughter of Japanese diplomat Saburo 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:

Combat Infantryman Badge
Army Master Aviator Badge
Army Distinguished Service MedalSilver 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 MedalAmerican Campaign Medal
Asiatic-Pacific Campaign MedalWorld War II Victory MedalArmy 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 MedalArmed Forces Reserve MedalOrder 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 MedalVietnam Campaign MedalRepublic of Korea War Service Medal
Army Presidential Unit CitationRepublic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation
Vietnam Presidential Unit CitationRepublic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit CitationRepublic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation

See also

Notes and References

  1. Web site: MG William J. Maddox, Jr.
  2. https://ancexplorer.army.mil/publicwmv/#/arlington-national/search/results/1/CgZtYWRkb3gSB3dpbGxpYW0aAWo-/ Burial Detail: Maddox, William J