Larry Douglas Fortner

MAJOR GENERAL LARRY DOUGLAS FORTNER
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959 | Cadet Squadron 6

THE FIRST CLASS: FROM PENNINGTON GAP TO THE HIGH GROUND
Larry Douglas Fortner was born in 1937 in the small coal-mining town of St. Charles, Virginia. Growing up in the rugged terrain of Lee County, he graduated from Pennington High School in 1955 before embarking on a journey that would take him from the Appalachians to the highest echelons of military command.

As a member of the "First Class," Larry helped establish the traditions of the Academy within Cadet Squadron 6. He was a natural leader among his peers, serving as the Class Senator and helping to define the standards of excellence that would guide the Long Blue Line for decades. On June 3, 1959, he stood on the stage at Lowry Air Force Base to receive his commission and diploma, one of the 207 graduates who transitioned from "doolies" to the vanguard of the modern Air Force.

COMBAT AND THE "MISTY" TRADITION
General Fortner’s operational career was defined by the cockpit of the F-100 Super Sabre. After earning his wings in 1960 at Reese AFB, he served in West Germany before answering the call to Southeast Asia. In July 1966, he deployed to Phan Rang Air Base, South Vietnam, with the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

Over the course of a year, he flew a staggering 264 combat missions. His skill under fire earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross and 16 Air Medals. His experience in the hazardous skies of Vietnam became the foundation for his later expertise in tactical development and aircraft survivability.

TESTING THE FUTURE
Returning stateside in 1967, Fortner transitioned into the elite world of flight testing. A graduate of the Aerospace Research Pilot School at Edwards AFB, he was a member of the Society of Experimental Test Pilots. His contributions to aviation history are profound:
• The A-10 Warthog: As operations officer for the A-X Joint Task Force, he played a pivotal role in the selection and development of the A-10, the Air Force’s premier close air support aircraft.

• Diverse Portfolio: He served as the project pilot for the initial flight of the OV-10 Pave Nail and conducted high-risk spin tests on the T-37B.

• International Advisor: In the mid-1970s, he served in Taiwan, assisting the Republic of China in the co-production of the F-5E and establishing their indigenous flight test programs.

COMMAND AND STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP
As a flag officer, General Fortner commanded at every level, leading the 410th Bombardment Wing and the 2nd Bombardment Wing. His career culminated in high-level joint assignments, including serving as the Deputy Commander of the 6th Allied Tactical Air Force in Turkey and the Executive Director of the Joint Strategic Defense Planning Staff at US Space Command.

Throughout his 33 years of service, he remained a Command Pilot, amassing more than 5,700 flying hours in over 35 different aircraft types—from trainers and fighters to heavy bombers and experimental airframes.

PERSONAL LIFE AND LEGACY
Beyond the flight line, Larry was known for his dedication to his family and his commitment to lifelong learning, earning a master’s degree in systems management from USC. After retiring from active duty in 1992, he continued to contribute to the defense industry as a consultant and district manager for TRW Space & Electronics Group in Colorado Springs. He remained an active voice in the AOG, frequently appearing in Checkpoints and Polaris as a proud representative of the Class of 1959.

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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Duty / Title Location
1959–1960 Pilot Training (T-34, T-37, T-33) Bartow AB, FL / Reese AFB, TX
1961–1965 F-100 Pilot, 10th Tactical Fighter Squadron Hahn AB, West Germany
1965–1967 Pilot, 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron England AFB, LA / Phan Rang AB, Vietnam
1967–1968 Student, Aerospace Research Pilot School Edwards AFB, CA
1968–1973 Experimental Test Pilot, Flight Test Center Edwards AFB, CA
1973–1975 F-104/F-5E Advisor, MAAG Taipei/Taichung, Taiwan (ROC)
1975–1976 Student, Air War College Maxwell AFB, AL
1976–1978 Chief, F-15 Division / Director Flight Management HQ AFSC, Andrews AFB, MD
1979–1980 Deputy Commander for Operations, 96th Bomb Wing Dyess AFB, TX
1980–1982 Vice Commander, 93rd Bomb Wing Castle AFB, CA
1982–1983 Wing Commander, 410th Bomb Wing K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI
1983–1984 Wing Commander, 2nd Bomb Wing Barksdale AFB, LA
1984–1986 Commander, 42nd Air Division Blytheville AFB, AR
1986–1987 Deputy Inspector General Headquarters USAF, Washington D.C.
1987–1989 Deputy Commander, 6th Allied Tactical Air Force Izmir, Turkey
1989–1992 Executive Director, Joint Strategic Defense Planning Staff Peterson AFB, CO

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MILITARY AWARDS & DECORATIONS
• Air Force Distinguished Service Medal
• Defense Superior Service Medal
• Legion of Merit
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Air Medal (with 15 Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Air Force Commendation Medal