John Michael Davey

Major General John Michael Davey
Class of 1959

John Michael Davey was born in San Diego, California, on June 18, 1937. He grew up in a family with deep ties to the East Coast, eventually graduating from La Salle Academy High School in Providence, Rhode Island. He attended the University of Notre Dame for one year before answering the call to join the inaugural class of the United States Air Force Academy in 1955.

Known by the nickname "Baby" among his classmates, he was celebrated for his winning smile and inherent kindness. His time at the Academy was marked by the historic transition from Lowry Air Force Base to the permanent site at Colorado Springs, where he was a member of the "Pioneer Class" that established the Cadet Wing's first traditions.

The Navy Exchange & Combat Missions

One of the most unique chapters of General Davey’s career was his participation in the Air Force-Navy Pilot Exchange Program.
• Carrier Operations: He served with the Navy’s VF-41 "Black Aces" aboard the USS Independence. During this tour, he logged over 300 carrier landings in the F-4 Phantom II—a rare feat for an Air Force officer.
• Combat Record: He flew 93 combat missions over North Vietnam. This experience provided him with a profound "joint" perspective on air power that he carried throughout his career.
• Ground Support: Early in his career, he also served as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) attached to the 82nd Airborne Division, where he became jump-qualified, earning his Parachutist Badge.

Command and Staff Leadership

General Davey was a key leader during the Cold War, particularly in the defense of Europe and the modernization of the tactical fighter force.
• Fighter Command: He spent extensive time at Ramstein Air Base, West Germany, commanding the 512th Tactical Fighter Squadron and serving as the assistant deputy commander for operations for the 86th Tactical Fighter Group.
• Air Division Command: He achieved the distinction of commanding three major Air Divisions: the 832nd (Luke AFB), the 26th (March AFB), and the 25th (McChord AFB) between 1985 and 1989.
• Joint Policy: His final active-duty role was as the Director for Plans and Policy (J-5) at Headquarters U.S. European Command in Stuttgart.

A Partnership of Service: John and Janice

John’s journey was shared with his wife, Janice, whom he met during his time as a cadet. They were married shortly after his graduation in June 1959, beginning their lives together just as the Class of '59 was commissioned.
Throughout their many assignments—from the coastal fog of Rhode Island to the front lines of the Cold War in West Germany—Janice was a central figure in the squadron communities John led. Together, they raised their children in the vibrant, close-knit world of the Air Force fighter community. Their family life was characterized by the same humor and "old school" values John was known for in the cockpit.

Post-Military Legacy

After retiring in 1993, General Davey dedicated fifteen years to military education:
• 1993–2004: Professor of Military History and Strategy at the Armed Forces Staff College.
• 2004–2008: Senior Fellow at the Joint Forces Staff College.

Military Decorations

• Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
• Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster
• Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters
• Air Medal with eight oak leaf clusters
• Air Force Commendation Medal with oak leaf cluster
• Parachutist Badge