Cuthbert A. Pattillo facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Cuthbert A. Pattillo
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| Nickname(s) | Bill |
| Born | June 3, 1924 Atlanta, Georgia |
| Died | February 20, 2014 (aged 89) Harrisonburg, Virginia |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service/ |
 United States Air Force |
| Years of service | 1942–1980 |
| Rank |  Major general |
| Commands held | Director of plans and policy, J-5, United States Readiness Command |
| Awards |  Distinguished Service Medal Silver Star Legion of Merit Distinguished Flying Cross Air Medal Air Force Commendation Medal Army Commendation Medal Distinguished Unit Citation Air Force Outstanding Unit Award Croix de Guerre Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal |
Cuthbert Augustus "Bill" Pattillo (June 3, 1924 – February 20, 2014) was a brave major general in the United States Air Force. He was a highly decorated fighter pilot who served in both World War II and the Vietnam War.
Bill Pattillo was also a pioneer in jet aerobatic demonstration teams. He was a founding member of the famous Thunderbirds. This is the official air demonstration squadron of the U.S. Air Force.
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Who was Bill Pattillo?
Bill Pattillo was born in Atlanta, Georgia, on June 3, 1924. He had an identical twin brother named Charles C. "Buck" Pattillo. Bill graduated from Atlanta Technical High School in 1942.
In 1950, he married his high school sweetheart, Joyce Mathews. They had four children together. Bill continued his education while serving in the Air Force. He earned a degree in mathematics in 1962. He also received a master's degree in international affairs in 1965.
Bill Pattillo became a major general on September 1, 1972. He retired from the Air Force on September 1, 1980. He passed away at his home in Harrisonburg, Virginia, on February 20, 2014, at 89 years old.
His Military Journey
Serving in World War II
In November 1942, Bill Pattillo and his twin brother joined the U.S. Army Air Forces. He completed his pilot training and became a second lieutenant in March 1944. In December 1944, he joined the 352d Fighter Group. He flew P-51 Mustangs in Europe.
Pattillo flew 135 combat missions during World War II. He shot down a German Me 262 jet. He also destroyed six other enemy aircraft. On April 16, 1945, his P-51 Sweet and Lovely was shot down. This happened after he destroyed two enemy planes. He successfully parachuted out but was captured by the Germans. He was a POW until the war ended.
After World War II, Pattillo left the Army Air Forces for a short time. He attended the Georgia Institute of Technology. During this time, he commanded a flight of F-47 planes. This was with the Georgia National Guard.
Post-War Service and the Thunderbirds
Bill Pattillo was called back to active duty in March 1948. He became a jet pilot at Turner Air Force Base. In 1949, he moved to Germany. There, he flew F-80s and F-84s. While in Europe, he helped create the "Skyblazers" team. This was an aerial demonstration team for the U.S. Air Forces in Europe.
In March 1953, he moved to Luke Air Force Base. There, he worked as a gunnery instructor with his twin brother, Charles. Together, they were very important in forming the Thunderbirds. This was the first official aerial demonstration team for the U.S. Air Force. Bill Pattillo flew the right wing, and his brother flew the left wing in the original team in 1953.
After his time with the Thunderbirds, Bill Pattillo continued to serve. He held various leadership roles in different squadrons. He also returned to college to earn his degrees.
Vietnam War Service
In August 1968, Pattillo went to the Republic of Vietnam. He served as the vice commander of the 3rd Tactical Fighter Wing. Later, he became the vice commander of the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing. In February 1969, he took command of the 31st Tactical Fighter Wing.
High-Ranking Positions
After his service in Vietnam, Bill Pattillo returned to the United States. He held important positions at Langley Air Force Base. He also worked at the Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C. He became the deputy director of operations in 1972. In 1973, he became the director of operations.
In May 1974, Pattillo was assigned to Allied Forces Central Europe. He served as the deputy chief of staff for operations and intelligence. In July 1977, he moved to MacDill Air Force Base.
Bill Pattillo was a highly skilled pilot. He had flown for more than 5,000 hours during his career.
Awards and Recognition
Bill Pattillo received many awards for his bravery and service. Some of his top awards include the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Silver Star, and the Legion of Merit. He also earned the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal.
In 2000, Bill Pattillo and his twin brother were both honored. They were inducted into the Georgia Aviation Hall of Fame.
