Jay Thorpe Robbins (16 September 1919 – 3 March 2001) was a career officer in the United States Air Force who rose to the rank of lieutenant general.

He was educated at Coolidge High School until 1936 and then attended Texas A&M University, graduating in 1940 with a Bachelor of Science and a commission as second lieutenant through the Reserve Officers' Training Corps.

Robbins entered active United States Army Air Corps duty at Randolph Field, Texas, in July 1941.

He received his pilot's wings in July 1942, and began fighter-aircraft training in the 55th Fighter Squadron, 20th Pursuit Group, at Morris Field, NC and Drew Army Airfield in Florida.

He commanded the 434th Army Air Forces Base Unit at Santa Rosa Field, California, from February to November 1945.

In 1960, he led the U.S. Air Force European Gunnery Champions to the "William Tell" weaponry meet in Nevada, flying F-100s aircraft across the Atlantic to participate.

During his lengthy career, Robbins earned many decorations, including:[2][3] The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Jay Thorpe Robbins, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, Fifth Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 4 September 1943.

[2] 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 Distinguished Service Cross to First Lieutenant (Air Corps) Jay Thorpe Robbins, United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an armed enemy while serving as Pilot of a P-38 Fighter Airplane in the 80th Fighter Squadron, 8th Fighter Group, Fifth Air Force, in aerial combat against enemy forces on 24 October 1943.