John William Dolan

CAPTAIN JOHN WILLIAM DOLAN
U.S. Air Force Academy, Class of 1959, Cadet Squadron 11 / Sixth Squadron

EARLY LIFE AND THE ROAD TO USAFA
John William Dolan, known affectionately by his classmates as "Doolie," was born on July 17, 1937, in New York. Though a New Yorker by birth, he soon moved to the "sunny shores" of Northridge, California. Receiving a Senatorial appointment from California, John traveled to the fledgling Air Force Academy in the Rockies, joining the ranks of the "First Class" to graduate from the site.

THE ACADEMY YEARS
During his four years at the Academy, John was a prominent figure in the Cadet Wing. While his Polaris entry jokingly notes that his academic endeavors were sometimes "hampered by his lack of study," it was only because his energy was focused on the athletic fields. A gifted athlete, John earned varsity letters in both football and track. He was a member of the historic 1958 Cotton Bowl football team, playing alongside legendary teammates under the leadership of Captain Brock Strom. His dual-threat capability on the field and the track made him a standout representative of the Class of 1959’s physical grit.

MILITARY SERVICE AND COMBAT IN VIETNAM
Following graduation in June 1959, John headed to Webb Air Force Base, Texas, for Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT). He earned his wings in 1960 and remained at Webb as an Instructor Pilot with the 3561st Pilot Training Squadron. For four years, he shaped the next generation of Air Force aviators, imparting the skills he had mastered.

In 1964, John transitioned to the A-1E Skyraider, a rugged, propeller-driven attack aircraft. He was assigned to the 1st Air Commando Squadron based at Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam. Serving during the escalating years of the Vietnam Conflict (1964–1965), John flew grueling close-air support and interdiction missions. During his combat tour, he was credited with flying numerous missions in support of ground troops, earning at least 9 Air Medals for his aerial skill and bravery under fire.

POST-MILITARY AND CIVILIAN CAREER
Captain Dolan resigned his commission in late 1965 to pursue a career in commercial aviation. In 1966, he joined United Airlines in Los Angeles, California. He spent decades in the cockpit of commercial airliners, navigating the skies with the same precision he developed at USAFA and in the cockpits of Texas and Vietnam.

LEGACY
John William Dolan passed away on March 12, 1999. He is remembered by his classmates as a formidable athlete, a dedicated "Air Commando," and a man whose humor and spirit brightened the halls of the Academy during its most foundational years.

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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Year Duty / Assignment Location
1955–1959 Cadet, United States Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, CO
1959–1960 Student, Pilot Training Webb AFB, TX
1960–1964 Instructor Pilot, 3561st Pilot Training Sq Webb AFB, TX
1964–1965 Pilot, A-1E Skyraider, 1st Air Commando Sq Bien Hoa AB, South Vietnam
1966–Retired Commercial Airline Pilot United Airlines, Los Angeles, CA