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He had a very distinguished career in the USAAF and USAF.
His Silver Star citation: Awarded for actions during the World War II
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain (Air Corps) Paul Kendall Carlton (ASN: 0-789133), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action while piloting a B-29 aircraft of the TWENTIETH Air Force, on a combat mission against enemy installations at Mukden, Manchuria, on 21 December 1944. The B-29 air craft piloted by Captain Carlton had just started its bombing run when it was struck by a heavy caliber anti-aircraft shell. As a result of the anti-aircraft shell, Captain Carlton's aircraft sustained extensive damage. In spite of the damage, Captain Carlton continued his bombing run and dropped his bombs on the target. Immediately after the bomb run, Captain Carlton's aircraft was subjected once again to severe and savage attacks by enemy aircraft and his aircraft sustained damage to instruments, oxygen supply and other vital parts of the aircraft. Disregarding the danger of fire as a result of gasoline flooding the bomb bay, and the hazards of flying at high altitude without oxygen, Captain Carlton, by courageous and gallant action and skillful piloting, maintained his aircraft in flight until he succeeded in landing in friendly territory. Captain Carlton's actions saved his crew from disaster and his aircraft from destruction, all in keeping with the highest traditions of the Army Air Forces and reflecting great credit on himself and the XX Bomber Command.
General Orders: Headquarters, 20th Air Force, General Orders No. 24 (February 3, 1945) Action Date: 21-Dec-44 Service: Army Air Forces Rank: Captain Regiment: XX Bomber Command Division: 20th Air Force
On 8 February 1959, Strategic Air Command established Beale as an operational USAF base. It activated the 4126th Strategic Wing to disburse its B-52 Stratofortress heavy bombers over a larger number of bases, making it more difficult for the Soviet Union to destroy the entire fleet with a surprise first strike.
In May 1959, Colonel (later General) Paul K. Carlton assumed command of the recently activated 4126th Strategic Wing. The first two KC-135 Stratotanker aircraft arrived two months later on 7 July 1959 as part of the 903d Air Refueling Squadron. On 18 January 1960, the 31st Bombardment Squadron with its B-52E Stratofortresses arrived at Beale to become part of the wing. The 14th Air Division (14 AD) moved to Beale from Travis Air Force Base one week later.
Half of the aircraft were maintained on 15-minute alert, fully fueled, armed, and ready for combat. SAC Strategic Wings were considered a provisional unit by HQ, USAF and could not carry a permanent history or lineage. Beginning in 1961, the wing transitioned from B-52E to B-52G aircraft.
