Paul T. Gillcrist

Paul Thomas Gillcrist (March 22, 1929 – June 30, 2016) was a rear admiral in the United States Navy. After retirement from the Navy, he wrote non-fiction and fiction books and was a consultant for television.

Early life and education Born in Chicago and raised in Freeport, Long Island, Gillcrist was a 1952 graduate of the United States Naval Academy. He is an alumnus of Gonzaga University and the United States Naval Academy.

In 1981 at the age of 51, Gillcrist became the first flag officer to land an F-14 Tomcat on an aircraft carrier. He died on June 30, 2016 and was interred at Miramar National Cemetery.

Awards His awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal (13), and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross. In 1985, he was named Tailhook Aviator of the Year by the Tailhook Association.

Books Gillcrist, Paul T. Cobra. [Place of publication not identified]: [1st Books Library], 2000. Gillcrist, Paul T. Crusader!: Last of the Gunfighters. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Pub, 1995. Gillcrist, Paul T. Deadly Windfall: A Novel. Lincoln, NE: iUniverse, 2006. Gillcrist, Paul T. Feet Wet: Reflections of a Carrier Pilot. Novato, CA: Presidio Press, 1990. Gillcrist, Paul T. Sea Legs. San Jose, CA: Writer's Showcase, presented by Writer's Digest, 2000. Gillcrist, Dan, Robert Gillcrist, and Paul T. Gillcrist. Spindrift: Stories from the Sea Services. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Military/Aviation History, 1998. Gillcrist, Paul T. Tomcat!: The Grumman F-14 Story. Atglen, PA: Schiffer Pub, 1994.