Colonel (later Major General) William J. Maddox, Jr., was instrumental in the 60's in spearheading the presentation of Army Aviation requirements to the scientific and industrial communities while serving in the Office of the Chief of Research & Development in DA. In this role, he was a key figure in the development of the Army's positions concerning service responsibilities and aviation roles and missions. At the same time, he was instrumental in developing the management structure necessary to achieve Army Aviation objectives.

As commander of the 13th Aviation Battalion in Vietnam, which was recognized three times for valor under his leadership, he demonstrated the effectiveness of airmobility in his combat. While commanding the 25th Infantry Division's 1st Brigade, his perception of airmobile tactics was significantly reflected in numerous successful engagements. He then commanded the 164th Aviation Group with responsibility for more than 570 combat aircraft.

A "pilot's pilot," he earned eight Distinguished Flying Crosses and amassed over 10,000 flying hours of which 4,000 were combat flying hours in Korea, Vietnam, and Cambodia. During the decade of the '60's, he served in several non-aviation combat arms assignments, including duty as commander of an Infantry Brigade in combat, senior advisor and commander of a division advisory team for a Vietnamese infantry division, and Chief of Staff of the 3rd Armored Division in Germany.

Based on his extensive combined arms experience, Colonel Maddox was able to concentrate on developing tactics and doctrine for the employment of aviation in support of the ground commander, and was a recognized leader in this area throughout the decade of the '60's.

 

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