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.
Maddox died on January 5, 2001, due to sepsis at a hospital in Bedford, Texas. He is buriedBurial Detail: Maddox, William J – ANC Explorer at Arlington National Cemetery.
Awards and decorations Maddox is one of the most decorated Army Aviators. His awards include:
Combat Infantryman BadgeArmy Master Aviator BadgeArmy Distinguished Service MedalSilver Starwith 3 bronze oak leaf clustersLegion of Meritwith 4 bronze oak leaf clustersDistinguished Flying Crosswith 1 silver and 2 bronze oak leaf clustersSoldier's MedalBronze Starwith Combat V and 3 bronze oak leaf clustersPurple Heartwith 3 bronze oak leaf clustersAir Medalwith Combat V and award numeral 127Army Commendation Medalwith Combat V and 2 bronze oak leaf clustersArmy Good Conduct MedalAmerican Campaign MedalAsiatic-Pacific Campaign MedalWorld War II Victory MedalArmy of Occupation MedalNational Defense Service Medalwith 1 bronze service starKorean Service Medalwith Arrowhead and 3 bronze campaign starsVietnam Service Medalwith 1 silver and 3 bronze campaign starsKorean Defense Service MedalArmed Forces Reserve MedalOrder of National Security MeritCheon-Su Medal (Korea)National Order of Vietnam(Knight)Vietnam Army Distinguished Service Order(2nd Class)Vietnam Cross of Gallantrywith 3 Palms and 2 Silver StarsUnited Nations Korea MedalVietnam Campaign MedalRepublic of Korea War Service Medal
Army Presidential Unit Citation Republic of Korea Presidential Unit CitationVietnam Presidential Unit CitationRepublic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross Unit CitationRepublic of Vietnam Civil Actions Unit Citation
See also Army aviation
References