Jon David Black

LIEUTENANT COLONEL JON DAVID BLACK
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron: 02

THE PIONEER YEARS
A native of Johnson City, Tennessee, Jon "Blackie" Black rode out of the Tennessee hills to become part of the USAFA Class of 1959. His classmates in the Polaris yearbook remembered him for his infectious smile, friendliness, and a "Confederate-type" spirit that the Academy would not soon forget. As a member of the "First Class," he helped establish the bedrock of the Academy’s traditions while excelling in both academics and leadership.

Jon David Black was a foundational member of the United States Air Force Academy’s inaugural graduating class. Entering the Academy during its infancy, Jon and his classmates (the "First Class") were the architects of the cadet wing's traditions. As a member of Cadet Squadron 02, Jon navigated a rigorous balanced curriculum of social sciences, humanities, and the "technical and theoretical aspects of airmanship."

During his time at the Academy, the Cadet Wing was a tight-knit group of approximately 1,100 men, with Jon’s class of 1959 leading the way. He lived the disciplined life of an original cadet—beginning each day at 5:50 a.m. and ending at 10:15 p.m.—while balancing academic excellence with the intensive intramural sports and social life centered at Arnold Hall. On June 3, 1959, he was among the first to receive a Bachelor of Science degree, an aeronautical rating of navigator, and a commission as a 2d Lieutenant in the Regular Air Force.

VALOR IN THE SKIES
Following graduation, Jon completed pilot training at Laredo AFB (1959-1960). After several years as an Instructor Pilot, he transitioned to the F-4C Phantom II. By 1967, Jon was an F-4 Phantom II Aircraft Commander with the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron ("Triple Nickel") at Ubon Air Base. On October 24, 1967, Captain Black demonstrated the "professional competence and aerial skill" that would define his career. Serving as an Aircraft Commander deep in North Vietnam, Jon’s flight was intercepted by two flights of hostile aircraft. He aggressively engaged the attackers, scoring a probable destruction of a MiG and ensuring the strike force successfully delivered its ordnance on target. His courage under fire ensured the success of the mission and earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross.

RESILIENCE IN CAPTIVITY
Just three days later after his DFC action, on October 27, 1967, Jon was shot down over North Vietnam. His ejection was harrowing; his aircraft was cartwheeling and burning as he jettisoned. After a dangerous descent into the jungle, he was captured and held as a Prisoner of War at the notorious Hỏa Lò Prison, known to Americans as the "Hanoi Hilton." Jon was one of three American POWs—along with Major Norris Overly and Captain David Methvin—who were part of a historic early release on February 16, 1968. Their return to the United States was a moment of national significance, marking a rare instance of repatriation during the height of the conflict.

Military Awards & Decorations
• Distinguished Flying Cross (October 24, 1967)
• Prisoner of War Medal (October 27, 1967 – February 16, 1968)
• Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Air Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal

"The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Black reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force." — Distinguished Flying Cross Citation

PROFESSIONAL SERVICE RECORD
Year Duty Location
1959–1960 Pilot Training Laredo AFB, TX
1960–1965 Instructor Pilot 3640th Pilot Training Wing
1966–1967 Pilot - F-4C/D 555th TFS, George AFB / Ubon AB
1967–1968 Prisoner of War Hanoi, North Vietnam
1971 Squadron Commander Inter-American Air Forces Academy
1974–1975 Action Officer HQ USAFSO, Albrook AFB
1977 Chief, Command Acquisitions Headquarters ATC

A LIFETIME OF SERVICE AND LEADERSHIP
Upon returning to duty, Lt. Col. Black continued to lead. His post-war career included serving as a Squadron Commander at the Inter-American Air Forces Academy and as a Chief of Command Acquisitions at Headquarters ATC. He retired as a Lieutenant Colonel, leaving behind a legacy of "faithfulness to nation, family, and community."

In his civilian life, Jon remained a man of the air and sea. He served as a Senior Instructor for B-747 and DC-9 flight crews for US Air and found joy as a yacht broker in Dallas. He was a man of deep faith and a pillar of the Roanoke, TX community.

Jon passed away in April 2025. He is survived by his sons, David and Christopher ("Chuck"), who carry forward the memory of a man who was first in his class and first in service.