David Thomas Archino

COLONEL DAVID THOMAS ARCHINO
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron: 3
Service Years: 1959–1986

EARLY LIFE AND ACADEMY DAYS
Born on September 23, 1937, in Sussex County, Delaware, David Archino graduated from Selbyville High School in 1955. In March of his senior year, he received a historic appointment to the very first class of the United States Air Force Academy. As a member of Cadet Squadron 3, David was part of the foundational group that established the traditions and standards for the Academy today. He graduated and was commissioned in June 1959, initially rated as a Navigator.

MILITARY CAREER AND COMBAT SERVICE
Following graduation, David transitioned to pilot training, earning his wings at Bainbridge and Webb Air Force Base. He spent the early 1960s flying air refueling missions in the KC-97 and KC-135 with the 91st and 902nd Air Refueling Squadrons.

A Command Pilot with over 4,000 flying hours, David’s career was defined by his skill and bravery. He flew 600 combat hours in Vietnam, piloting the C-130 during his time with the 50th Tactical Airlift Squadron at CCK Air Base, Taiwan. His gallantry in the cockpit earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and the Air Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

TECHNICAL LEADERSHIP AND TEST OPERATIONS
David’s career was as intellectually rigorous as it was operationally demanding. In 1968, he earned a Master of Science in Aeronautical Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT). This technical expertise led him to critical roles in test and evaluation, including:
• Section Chief at the 6511th Test Squadron (NAF El Centro), working on test drop extracting systems.
• Chief of Operations & Policy at the Air Force Operational Test and Evaluation Center (AFTEC).
• Joint Test Director for the "Identification Friend, Foe, or Neutral" Joint Test Force at Kirtland AFB.
He also served as a Staff Officer at the Pentagon (AF/XOO), contributing to high-level Air Force operations and policy before retiring in October 1986 after 26 years of dedicated service.

EDUCATION
• Bachelor of Science, United States Air Force Academy (1959)
• Master of Science, Aeronautical Engineering, Air Force Institute of Technology (1968)
• Squadron Officer School (In Residence)
• Industrial College of the Armed Forces (Correspondence)

AWARDS AND DECORATIONS
• Defense Superior Service Medal
• Legion of Merit
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• Air Medal (4)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (4)

POST-MILITARY LIFE
After hanging up the uniform, David returned to the private sector and his Delaware roots. He spent several years in marketing with Logicon, Inc. in San Diego before moving back to Rehoboth Beach, Delaware, where he became the Owner and General Manager of Archino Specialty Advertising.
Beyond his professional life, David remained a pillar of his community. In 1995, he joined the Executive Board of Meals on Wheels, serving as a member-at-large for nearly two decades until 2013. David Archino served both the United States Air Force and the state of Delaware with honor, gallantry, and a lifelong commitment to service.