Paul Gunn
Encyclopedia
Colonel Paul I. "Pappy" Gunn (October 18, 1899 - October 11, 1957) was a former U.S.naval aviator
known most for his actions in the Second World War as an officer in the United States Army Air Forces
. He was known as "an expert in dare-devil low-level flying," and recognized for numerous feats of heroism and mechanical ingenuity, especially modifications to the Douglas A-20 Havoc light bomber and B-25 Mitchell
medium bomber that turned them into attack aircraft.
Gunn was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (US) with one Oak Leaf Cluster in 1942 for flying an unarmed, unarmored airplane into hostile airspace to bring medical supplies to the besieged troops on Bataan
. In April 1942 he flew a B-25 on the Royce Mission to the Philippines, a mission that was originally intended to bring relief to US forces on Bataan. When General George Kenney arrived in Australia in the summer of 1942 he found Gunn in the process of converting the A-20s of the 3rd Bombardment Group into strafers by adding .50-caliber machineguns in the nose. When he learned that Gunn was using guns from wrecked fighters, he was impressed by the man's innovative abilities and immediately made him a member of his personal staff and placed him in charge of special projects. When the A-20 proved successful. Kenney gave Gunn the go-ahead to convert a squadron of B-25s. Gunn's converted A-20s and B-25s played the major role in the Allied victory in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea
.
In addition to the DFC, Gunn was also awarded the Silver Star
, Legion of Merit
, Air Medal
, 9 Purple Heart
s, and WWII Victory Medal.
Gunn died when his plane crashed in a storm over the Philippines
on October 11, 1957 killing all aboard.
Naval Aviator
A United States Naval Aviator is a qualified pilot in the United States Navy, Marine Corps or Coast Guard.-Naming Conventions:Most Naval Aviators are Unrestricted Line Officers; however, a small number of Limited Duty Officers and Chief Warrant Officers are also trained as Naval Aviators.Until 1981...
known most for his actions in the Second World War as an officer in the United States Army Air Forces
United States Army Air Forces
The United States Army Air Forces was the military aviation arm of the United States of America during and immediately after World War II, and the direct predecessor of the United States Air Force....
. He was known as "an expert in dare-devil low-level flying," and recognized for numerous feats of heroism and mechanical ingenuity, especially modifications to the Douglas A-20 Havoc light bomber and B-25 Mitchell
B-25 Mitchell
The North American B-25 Mitchell was an American twin-engined medium bomber manufactured by North American Aviation. It was used by many Allied air forces, in every theater of World War II, as well as many other air forces after the war ended, and saw service across four decades.The B-25 was named...
medium bomber that turned them into attack aircraft.
Gunn was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross (US) with one Oak Leaf Cluster in 1942 for flying an unarmed, unarmored airplane into hostile airspace to bring medical supplies to the besieged troops on Bataan
Bataan
Bataan is a province of the Philippines occupying the whole of the Bataan Peninsula on Luzon. The province is part of the Central Luzon region. The capital of Bataan is Balanga City and it is bordered by the provinces of Zambales and Pampanga to the north...
. In April 1942 he flew a B-25 on the Royce Mission to the Philippines, a mission that was originally intended to bring relief to US forces on Bataan. When General George Kenney arrived in Australia in the summer of 1942 he found Gunn in the process of converting the A-20s of the 3rd Bombardment Group into strafers by adding .50-caliber machineguns in the nose. When he learned that Gunn was using guns from wrecked fighters, he was impressed by the man's innovative abilities and immediately made him a member of his personal staff and placed him in charge of special projects. When the A-20 proved successful. Kenney gave Gunn the go-ahead to convert a squadron of B-25s. Gunn's converted A-20s and B-25s played the major role in the Allied victory in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea
Battle of the Bismarck Sea
The Battle of the Bismarck Sea took place in the South West Pacific Area during World War II. During the course of the battle, aircraft of the U.S. 5th Air Force and the Royal Australian Air Force attacked a Japanese convoy that was carrying troops to Lae, New Guinea...
.
In addition to the DFC, Gunn was also awarded the Silver Star
Silver Star
The 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 Merit
Legion of Merit
The 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...
, Air Medal
Air Medal
The 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:...
, 9 Purple Heart
Purple Heart
The Purple Heart is a United States military decoration awarded in the name of the President to those who have been wounded or killed while serving on or after April 5, 1917 with the U.S. military. The National Purple Heart Hall of Honor is located in New Windsor, New York...
s, and WWII Victory Medal.
Gunn died when his plane crashed in a storm over the Philippines
Philippines
The Philippines , officially known as the Republic of the Philippines , is a country in Southeast Asia in the western Pacific Ocean. To its north across the Luzon Strait lies Taiwan. West across the South China Sea sits Vietnam...
on October 11, 1957 killing all aboard.