GENERAL CHARLES PEARRE CABELL

Charles Pearre Cabell was born in Dallas, Texas, in 1903. He graduated from the U.S. Military Academy June 12, 1925, and was commissioned a second lieutenant of Field Artillery.

For five years following his graduation from the academy, Lieutenant Cabell served with the 12th Field Artillery at Fort Sam Houston, Texas. He then was assigned to the Air Corps Primary Flying School at Brooks Field, Texas, from which he graduated in February 1931 when he went to Kelly Field, Texas. He completed the observation course at the Air Corps Advanced Flying School in June 1931 and remained at Kelly Field as a flying instructor. He was transferred to the Air Corps July 11, 1931.

Lieutenant Cabell joined the Seventh Observation Squadron at France Field, Panama Canal Zone, as adjutant in October 1931. He subsequently served as commanding officer of the 44th Observation Squadron, the 24th Pursuit squadron, and the 74th Pursuit Squadron, successively, at Albrook Field, C.Z.

In September 1934 he became a flying instructor at the Air Corps Primary Flying School at Randolph Field, Texas. Captain Cabell later served as post adjutant and in September 1938 entered the Air Corps Tactical School at Maxwell Field, Ala., from which he graduated in June l939. In August 1939 he was detailed to the Command and General Staff school at Fort Leavenworth, Kan., from which he graduated in February 1940.

The following June Major Cabell went to Wright Field, Ohio, where he was assigned to the Photographic Laboratory in the Experimental Engineering Division. After a period as an observer with the Royal Air Force in the United Kingdom, he was transferred to Washington, D.C., in April 1941 for duty in the Office of the Chief of Air Corps, as chief of the Photo Unit. In February 1942 Lieutenant Colonel Cabell was made assistant executive for technical planning and coordination. The following month he became chief of the advisory council to the commanding general of the Army Air Forces. From June to October 1943 Colonel Cabell attended the first course at the Army and Navy Staff College.

He was assigned to the Eighth Air Force in the European Theater in October 1943 and on Dec. 1, 1943, assumed command of the 45th Combat Bombardment Wing. In April 1944 Brigadier General Cabell became director of plans for the U.S. Strategic Air Force in Europe, and three months later was made director of operations and intelligence for the Mediterranean Allied Air Forces with headquarters at Caserta, Italy.

In May 1945, General Cabell was assigned to Air Force headquarters, where he became chief of the Strategy and Policy Division in the Office of the Assistant Chief of Air Staff for Plans. In December 1945 he was assigned with the Military Staff Committee of the United Nations, and after attending the London Conference, remained on duty with the United Nations in New York, as deputy and later as U.S. Air Force Representative on the Military Staff Committee.

General Cabell was assigned to Air Force Headquarters in August 1957 as special assistant to the assistant chief of air staff for plans, and the following two months served as acting deputy to the director (designate) of the Joint Staff. In November 1947 Major General Cabell became chief of the Air Intelligence Requirements Division in the Office of the Director of Intelligence. On May 15, 1948, he was appointed director of intelligence of the U.S. Air Force.

On Nov. 1, 1951, General Cabell was named director of the joint staff in the Office of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

Lieutenant General Cabell was sworn in as deputy director of Central Intelligence on April 23, 1953.

He is a rated technical observer and command pilot.


Decorations and Medals

Distinguished Service Medal with oak leaf cluster
Legion of Merit
Distinguished Flying Cross
Bronze Star Medal
Air Medal with oak leaf cluster
American Defense Service Medal
American Campaign Medal
European African Middle Eastern Campaign Medal
World War II Victory Medal
National Defense Service Medal


Foreign Awards

Order of the British Empire (Honorary Commander)
National Order of the Legion of Honor, Degree of Chevalier (France)
Crois De Guerre with Palm (France)
Commander, Order SS Maurice and Lazarous (Italy)