World War II Honoree

Earle A. Paxton, Jr.

Branch of Service

U.S. Army Air Force

Hometown

Pasadena, California

Honored By

Ray S. Bassett

Relationship

Friend

ENTERED THE ARMY AIR CORPS AVIATION CADET PROGRAM IN APRIL 1942 RECEIVING HIS WINGS AND COMMISSION AT LUKE FIELD IN CLASS 43D. SERVED AS A PILOT OF LOCKHEED P-38 (F-5) LIGHTNING AIRCRAFT FLYING UNARMED PHOTOGRAPHIC RECONNAISSANCE MISSIONS FROM PERETOLA AIR FIELD NEAR FLORENCE, ITALY TO TARGETS IN AUSTRIA AND NORTHERN ITALY WITH THE 12TH AIR FORCE, 3RD PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE GROUP, 5TH PHOTO RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON. SERVED AS COMMANDING OFFICER OF THE 5TH PHOTOGRAPHIC RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON FROM JUNE 1945 UNTIL SEPTEMBER 1945 WHEN THE SQUADRON WAS DISBANDED.