Patrick W. Timberlake

Patrick Weston Timberlake (December 25, 1901 – October 18, 1983) was a lieutenant general in the United States Air Force. During World War II, he served as member of the Army Air Forces in both the Mediterranean and Pacific theaters of operation.

Timberlake attended the U.S. Military Academy, having a successful role on the football team there. Upon his graduation in 1923, he was commissioned in the U.S. Army as a second lieutenant of Artillery. He later moved to the Army Air Corps and became a certified command pilot, combat observer, and aircraft observer. He commanded units in Panama, North Africa, Okinawa and Naples before retiring from the U.S. Air Force in 1957.

Early life Timberlake was born in Fort Greble, Dutch Island, Newport County, Rhode Island on Christmas Day, 1901. His family had a strong military tradition, with several West Point graduates. His father, Colonel Edward J. Timberlake Sr., U.S. Army, USMA Class of 1893, played for West Point in the first Army-Navy football game in 1890. Col. Timberlake had four sons, who all graduated from West Point. The second youngest, J. Coleman Timberlake, died in 1938 at age 32, but Patrick and his three brothers carried on the family's military tradition. His youngest brother, Edward J. Timberlake Jr., was also a decorated Air Force lieutenant general who served in World War II; the oldest son, Edward W. Timberlake, was an Army brigadier general.

Military career

Timberlake enrolled in the U.S. Military Academy at West Point where he played football as a tight end. He had a critical role in the Army–Navy Game in 1922. He caught the go-ahead touchdown in the 4th Quarter to beat the Midshipmen, by 17–14.

He married Emily Bynum on April 5, 1927.

Later years and death In his post-military career he worked with the Northrop Corporation. He died in San Antonio, Texas in 1983, aged 81, and was buried at Sunset Memorial Park.