DEADLINE
1 June 2013

When serving as a colonel, William J. Maddox Jr., was instrumental in the 1960s in spearheading the presentation of Army aviation requirements to the scientific and industrial communities while serving in the Office of the Chief of Research and Development on the Army Staff.

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 also 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, Maddox demonstrated the effectiveness of air mobility in his combat operations.

While commanding the 1st Brigade of the 25th Infantry Division, his understanding and execution of airmobile tactics were significantly reflected in numerous successful engagements.

He later commanded the 164th Aviation Group, with responsibility for more than 570 combat aircraft.

Considered a "pilot's pilot," Maddox earned eight Distinguished Flying Crosses and amassed over 10,000 flying hours, of which 4,000 were combat hours flying in Korea, Vietnam and Cambodia.

During the decade of the 1960s, he served in several non-aviation combat arms assignments, including duty as commander of an infantry brigade in combat; as a senior advisor and commander of a division advisory team to a Vietnamese infantry division, and as the chief of staff of the 3rd Armored Division in Germany.

Based on his extensive combined arms experience, Maddox was able to concentrate on developing the tactics and the doctrine for the employment of aviation in support of the ground commander, and was a recognized leader in this area throughout the 1960s.