Summary
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 | |
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 Maj Gen. William J. Maddox Jr. | |
| Nickname(s) | 'Grey Ghost' |
| Born | May 22, 1921 Newburgh, New York, US |
| Died | January 5, 2001 (aged 79) Bedford, Texas, US |
| Place of burial | |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |  United States Army |
| Years of service | 1943–1976 |
| Rank |  Major General |
| Commands held | 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/wars | 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) |
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 edit
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 edit
Maddox is one of the most decorated Army Aviators. His awards include:
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