Horace M. Wade
Encyclopedia
Horace Milton Wade was a former General
in the United States Air Force
and a former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
.
. After completing high school in Wortham, Texas
, he returned to Arkansas, and graduated from the Magnolia Agricultural and Mechanical Junior College in 1936. His military career began in 1934 when he became a member of Company D, 153rd Infantry Regiment
, Arkansas National Guard
. He entered the Army Air Corps Flying School at Randolph Field in Texas
in 1937. Upon graduating and receiving his wings, in October 1938, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant, Air Corps Reserve, U.S. Army.
, California
, and in December 1941, was deployed with this unit to the Southwest Pacific. He also served in the China Burma India
and the Middle East Theatre
s of operations, accumulating 36 combat missions in B-17 Flying Fortresss and B-24 Liberator
s before returning to the United States
in 1943.
After a short tour as commander of the 29th Bombardment Group
, Gowen Field, Idaho
, and after a few months as a tactical air inspector for the Second Air Force
, he was transferred, in July 1944, to the War Department
, General Staff. In March 1946 he was assigned to Headquarters Air Transport Command
as deputy chief of staff.
In February 1948 he received his bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas
. He then joined the Strategic Air Command
in August 1949 and served with the 5th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base
in Idaho
, and the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base
in Louisiana
, before being named commander of the 301st Bombardment Wing at Barksdale in February 1951.
He completed the National War College
in June 1955 and was assigned as director of personnel, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base
, Nebraska
. In the summer of 1959, he was designated the commander of the 4310th Air Division
, Nouasseur Air Base
, Morocco
, and in October 1961, was assigned as deputy commander, Eighth Air Force
at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts
. In August 1962 he returned to The Pentagon
to serve as the assistant deputy chief of staff, plans and programs, Headquarters United States Air Force
.
at Westover Air Force Base, and was promoted to the grade of lieutenant general; in August 1966, he was again returned to Air Force headquarters, this time as deputy chief of staff for personnel. On Aug. 1, 1968 he was designated as commander in chief, United States Air Forces in Europe
, Wiesbaden, Germany, and concurrently as commander, Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force, Allied Command Europe, and was promoted to general. In February 1969 he was appointed chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
.
Wade became Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
, on May 1, 1972. At some point the United States Air Force
named an award after him.
Over his career as a pilot, he maintained his proficiency in multijet aircraft and has more than 8,450 hours of flying time.
General (United States)
In the United States Army, United States Air Force, and United States Marine Corps, general is a four-star general officer rank, with the pay grade of O-10. General ranks above lieutenant general and below General of the Army or General of the Air Force; the Marine Corps does not have an...
in the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
and a former Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
The Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force is the second highest ranking military officer in the United States Air Force. In the event that the Chief of Staff of the Air Force is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the VCSAF assumes the duties and responsibilities of the CSAF...
.
Early life
Wade was born in 1916, in Magnolia, ArkansasMagnolia, Arkansas
Magnolia is a city in Columbia County, Arkansas, United States, that was founded in 1853. At the time of its incorporation in 1858, the city had a population of about 1,950. The city grew slowly as an agricultural and regional cotton market until the discovery of oil just east of the city in March,...
. After completing high school in Wortham, Texas
Wortham, Texas
Wortham is a town in Freestone County, Texas, United States. The population was 1,082 at the 2000 census.-Geography:Wortham is located at .According to the United States Census Bureau, the town has a total area of , all of it land...
, he returned to Arkansas, and graduated from the Magnolia Agricultural and Mechanical Junior College in 1936. His military career began in 1934 when he became a member of Company D, 153rd Infantry Regiment
153rd Infantry Regiment (United States)
The 153rd Infantry Regiment is a United States infantry regiment, currently represented in the Arkansas Army National Guard by the 1st Battalion, 153rd Infantry, headquartered at Malvern, Arkansas, and 2nd Battalion, 153rd Infantry, headquartered at Searcy, Arkansas, elements of the 39th Brigade...
, Arkansas National Guard
Arkansas National Guard
The Arkansas National Guard comprises both Army and Air components. The Constitution of the United States specifically charges the National Guard with dual federal and state missions. In fact, the National Guard is the only United States military force empowered to function in a state status...
. He entered the Army Air Corps Flying School at Randolph Field in Texas
Texas
Texas is the second largest U.S. state by both area and population, and the largest state by area in the contiguous United States.The name, based on the Caddo word "Tejas" meaning "friends" or "allies", was applied by the Spanish to the Caddo themselves and to the region of their settlement in...
in 1937. Upon graduating and receiving his wings, in October 1938, he was commissioned as a second lieutenant, Air Corps Reserve, U.S. Army.
Early career
Upon completion of flying training, he was assigned to the 11th Bombardment Squadron, 7th Bombardment Group, Hamilton FieldHamilton Field
Hamilton Field may refer to:* Hamilton Air Force Base, a former U.S. Air Force Base located on San Francisco Bay, California, United States.* Hamilton Field , an airport located in Derby, Kansas, United States....
, California
California
California is a state located on the West Coast of the United States. It is by far the most populous U.S. state, and the third-largest by land area...
, and in December 1941, was deployed with this unit to the Southwest Pacific. He also served in the China Burma India
China Burma India Theater of World War II
China Burma India Theater was the name used by the United States Army for its forces operating in conjunction with British and Chinese Allied air and land forces in China, Burma, and India during World War II...
and the Middle East Theatre
Middle East Theatre of World War II
The Middle East Theatre of World War II is defined largely by reference to the British Middle East Command, which controlled Allied forces in both Southwest Asia and eastern North Africa...
s of operations, accumulating 36 combat missions in B-17 Flying Fortresss and B-24 Liberator
B-24 Liberator
The Consolidated B-24 Liberator was an American heavy bomber, designed by Consolidated Aircraft of San Diego, California. It was known within the company as the Model 32, and a small number of early models were sold under the name LB-30, for Land Bomber...
s before returning to the United States
United States
The United States of America is a federal constitutional republic comprising fifty states and a federal district...
in 1943.
After a short tour as commander of the 29th Bombardment Group
29th Bombardment Group
The 29th Flying Training Wing is an inactive United States Air Force unit last based at Craig AFB, Alabama. It was inactivated when Craig AFB was closed as a budget reduction action after the Vietnam War....
, Gowen Field, Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
, and after a few months as a tactical air inspector for the Second Air Force
Second Air Force
The Second Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Air Education and Training Command . It is headquartered at Keesler Air Force Base, Mississippi....
, he was transferred, in July 1944, to the War Department
War Department
War Department may refer to:* War Department * United States Department of War - See also :* War Office , a former department of the British Government...
, General Staff. In March 1946 he was assigned to Headquarters Air Transport Command
Air Transport Command
Air Transport Command is an inactive United States Air Force unit. Its mission was to meet the urgent demand for the speedy reinforcement of the United States' military bases worldwide during World War II, using an air supply system to supplement surface transport...
as deputy chief of staff.
In February 1948 he received his bachelor of science degree in business administration from the University of Arkansas
University of Arkansas
The University of Arkansas is a public, co-educational, land-grant, space-grant, research university. It is classified by the Carnegie Foundation as a research university with very high research activity. It is the flagship campus of the University of Arkansas System and is located in...
. He then joined the Strategic Air Command
Strategic Air Command
The Strategic Air Command was both a Major Command of the United States Air Force and a "specified command" of the United States Department of Defense. SAC was the operational establishment in charge of America's land-based strategic bomber aircraft and land-based intercontinental ballistic...
in August 1949 and served with the 5th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base
Mountain Home Air Force Base
Mountain Home Air Force Base is a United States Air Force installation located in southwestern Idaho, United States. The base is in Elmore County, 12 miles southwest of the city of Mountain Home, which is 40 miles southeast of Boise, via Interstate 84.The host unit at Mountain Home since 1972...
in Idaho
Idaho
Idaho is a state in the Rocky Mountain area of the United States. The state's largest city and capital is Boise. Residents are called "Idahoans". Idaho was admitted to the Union on July 3, 1890, as the 43rd state....
, and the 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Barksdale Air Force Base
Barksdale Air Force Base
Barksdale Air Force Base is a United States Air Force base located approximately east-southeast of Bossier City, Louisiana.The host unit at Barksdale is the 2d Bomb Wing , the oldest Bomb Wing in the Air Force. It is assigned to the Air Force Global Strike Command's Eighth Air Force...
in Louisiana
Louisiana
Louisiana is a state located in the southern region of the United States of America. Its capital is Baton Rouge and largest city is New Orleans. Louisiana is the only state in the U.S. with political subdivisions termed parishes, which are local governments equivalent to counties...
, before being named commander of the 301st Bombardment Wing at Barksdale in February 1951.
He completed the National War College
National War College
The National War College of the United States is a school in the National Defense University. It is housed in Roosevelt Hall on Fort Lesley J. McNair, Washington, D.C., the third-oldest Army post still active. It was officially established on July 1, 1946, as an upgraded replacement for the...
in June 1955 and was assigned as director of personnel, Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt Air Force Base
Offutt Air Force Base is a U.S. Air Force installation near Omaha, and lies adjacent to Bellevue in Sarpy County, Nebraska. It is the headquarters of the U.S...
, Nebraska
Nebraska
Nebraska is a state on the Great Plains of the Midwestern United States. The state's capital is Lincoln and its largest city is Omaha, on the Missouri River....
. In the summer of 1959, he was designated the commander of the 4310th Air Division
4310th Air Division
The 4310th Air Division is an inactive United States Air Force organization. It was last assigned to the Sixteenth Air Force, and stationed at Nouasseur Air Base, Morocco...
, Nouasseur Air Base
Nouasseur Air Base
Nouasseur Air Base near Casablanca, French Morocco is a former United States Air Force Strategic Air Command base. It was designed for B-36 and B-47 bombers.Today, Nouasseur AB is known as Mohammed V International Airport.-Origins:...
, Morocco
Morocco
Morocco , officially the Kingdom of Morocco , is a country located in North Africa. It has a population of more than 32 million and an area of 710,850 km², and also primarily administers the disputed region of the Western Sahara...
, and in October 1961, was assigned as deputy commander, Eighth Air Force
Eighth Air Force
The Eighth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Global Strike Command . It is headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana....
at Westover Air Force Base in Massachusetts
Massachusetts
The Commonwealth of Massachusetts is a state in the New England region of the northeastern United States of America. It is bordered by Rhode Island and Connecticut to the south, New York to the west, and Vermont and New Hampshire to the north; at its east lies the Atlantic Ocean. As of the 2010...
. In August 1962 he returned to The Pentagon
The Pentagon
The Pentagon is the headquarters of the United States Department of Defense, located in Arlington County, Virginia. As a symbol of the U.S. military, "the Pentagon" is often used metonymically to refer to the Department of Defense rather than the building itself.Designed by the American architect...
to serve as the assistant deputy chief of staff, plans and programs, Headquarters United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
.
Later career
On Dec. 1, 1964, Wade was named commander of the Eighth Air ForceEighth Air Force
The Eighth Air Force is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Global Strike Command . It is headquartered at Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana....
at Westover Air Force Base, and was promoted to the grade of lieutenant general; in August 1966, he was again returned to Air Force headquarters, this time as deputy chief of staff for personnel. On Aug. 1, 1968 he was designated as commander in chief, United States Air Forces in Europe
United States Air Forces in Europe
The United States Air Forces in Europe is the United States Air Force component of U.S. European Command, a Department of Defense unified command, and is one of two Air Force Major Commands outside of the continental United States, the other being the Pacific Air Forces...
, Wiesbaden, Germany, and concurrently as commander, Fourth Allied Tactical Air Force, Allied Command Europe, and was promoted to general. In February 1969 he was appointed chief of staff, Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe
Supreme Headquarters Allied Powers Europe is the central command of NATO military forces. It is located at Casteau, north of the Belgian city of Mons...
.
Wade became Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force
The Vice Chief of Staff of the United States Air Force is the second highest ranking military officer in the United States Air Force. In the event that the Chief of Staff of the Air Force is absent or is unable to perform his duties, the VCSAF assumes the duties and responsibilities of the CSAF...
, on May 1, 1972. At some point the United States Air Force
United States Air Force
The United States Air Force is the aerial warfare service branch of the United States Armed Forces and one of the American uniformed services. Initially part of the United States Army, the USAF was formed as a separate branch of the military on September 18, 1947 under the National Security Act of...
named an award after him.
Over his career as a pilot, he maintained his proficiency in multijet aircraft and has more than 8,450 hours of flying time.
Awards
Awards earned during his career:- Distinguished Service MedalDistinguished Service Medal (United States)The Distinguished Service Medal is the highest non-valorous military and civilian decoration of the United States military which is issued for exceptionally meritorious service to the government of the United States in either a senior government service position or as a senior officer of the United...
with an oak leaf cluster - Silver StarSilver StarThe Silver Star is the third-highest combat military decoration that can be awarded to a member of any branch of the United States armed forces for valor in the face of the enemy....
- Legion of MeritLegion of MeritThe Legion of Merit is a military decoration of the United States armed forces that is awarded for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services and achievements...
with two oak leaf clusters - Distinguished Flying CrossDistinguished Flying Cross (United States)The Distinguished Flying Cross is a medal awarded to any officer or enlisted member of the United States armed forces who distinguishes himself or herself in support of operations by "heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in an aerial flight, subsequent to November 11, 1918." The...
- Air MedalAir MedalThe Air Medal is a military decoration of the United States. The award was created in 1942, and is awarded for meritorious achievement while participating in aerial flight.-Criteria:...
with an oak leaf cluster