Reginald James Clizbe
Military
Top Row L to R: William J. Hanna (Group Ops Officer), Robert V. DeShazo (Group Exec Officer), Malcom Green (future Group C.O.), Frederick Terrell (Group Commander(
Bottom Row L to R: Reginald Clizbe (85th BS C.O.), Richard Horner (86th BS C.O.), Marion Akers (97th BS C.O.)
Object Number - UPL 47510 - Command Staff of the 47th Bomb Group at Souk-el-Arba, Tunisia Top Row L to R: William J. Hanna (Group Ops Officer), Robert V. DeShazo (Group Exec...
Major General Reginald James Clizbe is commander of the U.S. Air Force Southern Command, at Albrook Air Force Base, Canal Zone. USAFSO is the U.S. Air Force representative for plans and operations throughout Latin America and is the air component of the unified U.S. Southern Command. Its overall mission centers on conducting planning and operations as directed by the unified commander and assisting in developing Latin American air forces.
Born at Enid, Mont., in 1916, General Clizbe graduated from Centralia Junior College in Centralia, Wash. In 1940, he graduated from the U.S. Military Academy with a degree in engineering. He also earned a master's degree from the Harvard Graduate School of Business Administration in 1947, and graduated from the Air War College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., in 1953.
Prior to his current assignment, General Clizbe was director of operations, deputy chief of staff, plans and operations, Headquarters U.S. Air Force. He earlier served in various command and staff positions which included duty with North Atlantic Treaty Organization, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Military Airlift Command, Tactical Air Command and U.S. Air Forces in Europe. He commanded several light bombardment wings and during World War II and Korea led many combat missions, flying predominantly in A-20 and A-26 type aircraft.
A command pilot with more than 26 years' service his decorations include the Silver Star with oak leaf cluster, Legion of Merit with three oak leaf clusters, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, Soldier's Medal, Bronze Star Meda1 and the Air Medal with four oak leaf clusters.
(Current as of Feb. 15, 1967)
Connections
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Units served with
- Unit Hierarchy: Group
- Air Force: Twelfth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
- Unit Hierarchy: Squadron
- Air Force: Twelfth Air Force
- Type Category: Bombardment
Places
- Site type: Airfield
- Site type: Airfield
- Site type: Airfield
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: Engle Field
- Site type: Airfield
- Known as: RAF Ta Kali, Ta Qali
Events
| Event | Location | Date | Description |
|---|---|---|---|
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Born |
Enid, Montana | 15 February 1916 | |
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Other Combat Action that Earned the Silver Star |
Faid Pass, Tunisia | 20 January 1943 | The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of an A-20 Light Bomber in the 47th Bombardment Group (Light), TWELFTH Air Force, in action against an armed enemy in North Africa. On 30 January 1943, Major Clizbe's Squadron was assigned the task of attacking, at minimum altitude, a group of enemy armored forces just east of Faid Pass. These forces were deployed in two separate groups approximately a mile apart, one being Northeast and the other Southeast of the pass. In spite of heavy enemy anti-aircraft and small arms fire, Major Clizbe led his flight over the pass at minimum altitude attacking the Southern most concentration with machine gun and demolition bombs and then turned North and delivered a vicious attack against the Northern grouping of armored vehicles, diving squarely in the face of their anti-aircraft and small arms fire to drop his bombs and strafe the enemy. Because of his resolution and daring and the skill with which he led these attacks, Major Clizbe and his flight severely damaged and/or destroyed many enemy armored vehicles, and killed and/or injured many enemy personnel. By his courage in service of an especially hazardous nature, Major Clizbe has served the Armed Forces of his country gallantly and well, and has exemplified the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces. |
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Other Action that Earned the Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star |
Thala, Tunisia | 22 February 1943 | The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Major (Air Corps) Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while serving as a Pilot of an A-20 Light Bomber in the 47th Bombardment Group (Light), TWELFTH Air Force, in action against an armed enemy in the North African Theater of Operations. On 22 February 1943, Major Clizbe volunteered to lead a flight of two unescorted A-20's on a low-level attack against a concentration of enemy tanks and vehicles on the Thela Road. As he crossed the enemy lines his aircraft was badly damaged and one engine completely shot out by anti-aircraft fire. Displaying gallantry over and above the call of duty, he continued on through rain squalls and restricted visibility over mountainous territory until he located his target. In the face of intense ground fire, he then bombed and strafed the convoy from an altitude of fifty feet, throwing the column into confusion and causing great destruction to enemy vehicles and personnel. His outstanding valor and devotion to duty have reflected great credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States. |
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Other Awarded Legion of Merit |
South Korea | 24 December 1950 - 2 January 1951 | The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Colonel Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States while serving as Deputy Commanding Officer and Commanding Officer of the 3d Bombardment Wing and 452d Bombardment Wing, in Korea, from 24 December 1950 to 2 January 1951. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Colonel Clizbe reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. |
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Other Awarded second Legion of Merit |
Pusan, South Korea | 3 January 1951 - 10 February 1952 | The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Colonel Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as Commanding Officer of the 3d Bombardment Wing and 452d Bombardment Wing, in Korea, from 3 January 1951 to 10 February 1952. Colonel Clizbe was charged with the responsibility of directing the vitally important night interdiction missions of the wing. His vast knowledge of night combat and extensive military experience enabled him to lead the wing to accomplishments which markedly influenced the conduct of the Korean campaign. Colonel Clizbe's organizational ability enabled him to successfully accomplish his assigned missions and promote the highest standards of efficiency despite seeming insurmountable obstacles of personnel and materiel shortages during extended combat operations. His thorough understanding of management methods enabled him to establish performance standards and control procedures which permitted constant surveillance over all phases of the wing's activities. Under his capable direction the wing achieved a high level of efficiency, and made a vital contribution in the success of the United Nations effort in Korea. By his outstanding devotion to duty and his exceptional professional knowledge and skill, Colonel Clizbe brought great credit upon himself, the Far East Air Force, and the United States Air Force. |
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Other Awarded Soldier's Medal |
RAF Sculthorpe, UK | 30 October 1958 | The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Soldier's Medal to Colonel Reginald James Clizbe (ASN: 0-23155), United States Air Force, for heroism involving voluntary risk of life not involving conflict with an armed enemy, on 30 October 1958, at Royal Air Force Station, Sculthorpe, England. On that date, an individual, without warning, went berserk and lodged himself in a building containing high explosives. With complete disregard for his own safety, Colonel Clizbe entered the building and attempted to reason with him. With an outstanding display of courage, patience and understanding, Colonel Clizbe succeeded in persuading the victim to surrender his weapon. Colonel Clizbe's efforts prevented possible serious injury to other personnel in the immediate area. The exemplary courage and heroism displayed by Colonel Clizbe reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. |
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Died |
Spokane, WA | 17 October 2003 | |
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Buried |
Spokane, WA | 20 October 2003 | Saint Stephens Episcopal Church Columbarium Spokane, Spokane County, Washington, USA |
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Other Commander U.S. Southern Command |
Albrook Air Base, Panama Canal Zone | Major General | |
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Other Commander of the 17th BW |
Eglin AFB, Florida | ||
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Other Graduated |
West Point, New York | United States Military Academy |