Robert Holder Fay

LIEUTENANT COLONEL ROBERT HOLDER FAY, USAF (RET.)
U.S. Air Force Academy, Class of 1959, Cadet Squadron 1

EARLY LIFE AND PATH TO THE ACADEMY
Robert Holder Fay, known affectionately to his classmates as “Bobbo,” was part of the pioneering group of young men who formed the United States Air Force Academy’s Class of 1959. Coming from a generation eager to define the new "Space Age" Air Force, Robert entered the Academy with a quiet determination. His yearbook entry in the Polaris described him as a "slender lad, steadily working at his heart’s desire," a testament to the drive that would see him through the rigorous academic and military requirements of the First Class.

Upon graduation, Robert participated in the joyous tradition of the 'First Class,' marrying his first wife, Judy Hamilton, during the flurry of weddings that followed the June 1959 commissioning. Together they raised two sons, Robert III and Stephen, who remained a central part of his life as he moved through his distinguished Air Force career.

MILITARY CAREER AND SERVICE
Robert entered Pilot Training after graduation in 1959, earning his wings between Graham and Greenville Air Force Bases. His early career was defined by the Strategic Air Command (SAC), where he flew bombers with the 98th Bomb Wing at Lincoln Air Force Base during the height of the Cold War.

Robert’s versatility as an officer led him from the cockpit to staff leadership roles, including serving as an Aide to the Deputy Commander at Barksdale AFB. However, his transition to tactical fighters marked a significant chapter in his service. He transitioned to the F-4 Phantom II, serving with the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron at MacDill AFB and later the 67th TFS at Misawa Air Base, Japan.

COMBAT IN VIETNAM
In 1971, Robert deployed to Southeast Asia as a Flight Commander with the 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Phu Cat Air Base, South Vietnam. Flying the F-4D, he flew numerous combat missions in a high-threat environment. For his heroism and extraordinary achievement in flight, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross and eight Air Medals, reflecting his skill and bravery in the face of enemy fire.

POST-COMBAT LEADERSHIP
Returning from Vietnam, Robert’s expertise was utilized at the highest levels of the Air Force. He served as an Action Officer at Headquarters USAF (the Pentagon) and later held the critical role of Executive Officer for the ACEVAL-AIMVAL Joint Test Force at Nellis Air Force Base. This joint Navy-Air Force program was instrumental in testing air-to-air missile effectiveness and tactics that would shape modern aerial warfare for decades.

LIFE AFTER THE UNIFORM
Lt. Col. Fay retired from the Air Force after 24 years of dedicated service. In civilian life, he transitioned his technical and leadership skills into the private sector, serving as an Engineer for EG&G (a major defense contractor) and later as Vice President for Information Management Inc. in Las Vegas, Nevada. He also served in Nevada as the Operations Director for "Stop All Stalkers," a nonprofit organization. He was personally credited with assisting approximately 3,000 victims of stalking over a five-year period, demonstrating a protective nature that extended well beyond his military service. Robert passed away on March 14, 1997, leaving behind a legacy of service to his country and his classmates.

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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Year Duty Location
1959–1960 Student, Pilot Training Graham AB / Greenville AFB
1961–1965 Pilot, 98th Bomb Wing Lincoln AFB, NE
1965–1967 Aide, Deputy Commander HQ 2nd Air Force, Barksdale AFB, LA
1967–1968 Pilot, 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron MacDill AFB, FL
1968–1971 Pilot, 67th Tactical Fighter Squadron Misawa AB, Japan
1971 Flight Commander, F-4D (389th TFS) Phu Cat AB, South Vietnam
1972–1975 Action Officer, Operations Headquarters USAF, Washington D.C.
1975 Executive Officer, ACEVAL-AIMVAL JTF Nellis AFB, NV

MEDALS AND AWARDS
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Air Medal (with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Air Force Commendation Medal