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W. Paul Thayer | |
|---|---|
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| 20th United States Deputy Secretary of Defense | |
| In office January 12, 1983 – January 4, 1984 | |
| President | Ronald Reagan |
| Preceded by | Frank Carlucci |
| Succeeded by | William Howard Taft IV |
| Personal details | |
| Born | William Paul Thayer November 23, 1919 Henryetta, Oklahoma |
| Died | May 6, 2010 (aged 90) |
| Alma mater | University of Kansas |
| Military service | |
| Allegiance |  United States |
| Branch/service |  United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1941–1946 |
| Rank | Lieutenant Commander |
| Unit | Fighter Squadron 26 |
| Battles/wars | World War II |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross (3) Air Medal (10) |
William Paul Thayer (November 23, 1919 – May 6, 2010) was an American test pilot, flying ace, aviation executive, and United States Deputy Secretary of Defense during the Reagan Administration.