Background
Paul Hyde Prentiss was born March 26, 1895, in Newark, New Jersey. He attended Lawrenceville Preparatory School in Lawrenceville, New Jersey then Bowdoin College in Brunswick, Maine.
Wartime History
In July 1916 joined the New Jersey National Guard. On April 7, 1917 became a flying cadet. On June 25, 1918 appointed as a 2nd lieutenant in the Air Service. On July 1, 1920 commissioned as a 2nd lieutenant, Air Service, in the Regular Army.
PARTIAL HISTORY
On January 5, 1942 promoted to the temporary rank of Colonel. On October 4, 1942 promote to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
; Colonel, A.U.S., August 23, 1943; Brigadier General, A.U.S., September 20, 1943.
On January 5, 1942 promoted to the temporary rank of Colonel. In August 1942 became Technical Inspector, Air Service Command, 5th Air Force (5th AF) in the Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA). On October 4, 1942 promote to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel.
In December 1942 became Commanding Officer (C.O.) 374th Troop Carrier Group (374th TCG). In May 1943 designated Commanding Officer, later, Commanding General, of the 54th Troop Carrier Wing (54th TCW). On August 23, 1943 became Colonel.
In March 1944 became Commanding General of the V Air Force Service Command (VAFSC). Durin August 1944 became Commanding General of the Far East Air Force Service Command (FEAFSC). In November 1944 he was assigned to Headquarters, 5th Air Force (5th AF) in New Guinea.
Postwar
On January 31, 1946 vacated the rank of Brigadier General. On September 18, 1947 became part of the U.S. Air Force (USAF). On April 2, 1948 reverted to the rank of Colonel. On April 30, 1948 retired from military service with rank of Brigadier General.
Memorials
On July 20, 1953 died at age 58 when fatally electrocuted while remodeling his home in San Antonio, Texas..
Three days later, buried at Arlington National Cemetery at section 3, site 3905-B.
Awards
Rated as Command Pilot, Combat Observer, and Aircraft Observer. Distinguished Service Medal (DSM), Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), Air Medal, Commendation Ribbon, Distinguished Unit Citation, World War I Victory Medal, American Defense Service Medal, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal, World War II Victory Medal, Philippine Liberation Medal, Commander of the Order of the British Empire.
References
U.S. Air Force - Brigadier General Paul Hyde Prentiss
Arlington National Cemetery (ANC Explorer) - Paul H. Prentiss (grave photos)
FindAGrave -
Gen Paul Hyde Prentiss (photo, grave photo)
