MAJOR GENERAL HOWARD ALLAN DAVIS

Major General Howard Allan Davis is the vice commander, Eighth Air Force, with headquarters at Westover Air Force Base, Mass.

General Davis was born in Coshocton, Ohio, in 1915. He graduated from Akron North High School, Akron, Ohio, and received a bachelor of science degree in business administration in 1939 from Miami University, Oxford, Ohio. In 1949 he received his master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration, Cambridge, Mass. He entered flying training in 1941 and upon completion of Advance Flying School in 1942 was commissioned a second lieutenant.

During World War II, he flew 51 combat missions in B-24 aircraft over North Africa and Europe.

In 1947 he entered Harvard University and following completion of his studies in 1949, General Davis was assigned to Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb. In October 1951 he reported to Headquarters 7th Air Division in London, England, where he served as chief of staff of the division until his return to the United States in July 1954.

He then attended the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. After completing the course in July 1955 he served a one-year tour of duty in the War Plans Division at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, and a two-year tour with the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

In 1958 General Davis became deputy commander of the B-47-equipped 379th Bombardment Wing at Homestead Air Force Base, Fla.; and seven months later he was chosen to command the 4138th Strategic Wing, equipped with B-52s, at Turner Air Force Base, Ga. For the achievements attained by the 4138th Strategic Wing during his period of command, he received the Legion of Merit.

July 1961 he became chief of staff of Eighth Air Force, Westover Air Force Base, Mass.; and in August 1962 he became commander of the 72d Bombardment Wing at Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico. General Davis returned to Massachusetts in July 1963 to take command of the 57th Air Division at Westover Air Force Base. In February 1964 he was assigned as deputy director of plans at Headquarters Strategic Air Command, Offutt Air Force Base, Neb.

In July 1965 General Davis was selected to head the newly formed Directorate of Studies and Analysis at Headquarters U.S. Air Force, which later was elevated to an assistant chief of staff level. He became vice commander of the Eighth Air Force in August 1968.

His wartime decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Air Medal with five oak leaf clusters, and Croix de Guerre with Palm (France).

(Current as of Nov. 15, 1968)