Ronald Clay Fox

CAPTAIN RONALD CLAY FOX
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron 12

Ronald Clay Fox hailed from Mesa, Arizona, a place he took great pride in and where he was affectionately known by the nickname "Ace." His journey to the Air Force Academy was driven by the unique opportunity to join the "First Class"—the historic group of young men who would define the traditions of the new institution.

While at the Academy, Ron was known for his vibrant personality and his love for the outdoors. He was a frequent sight on the Colorado ski slopes and was famously associated with his Sunbeam, a small British sports car he jokingly referred to as a "four-wheeled toaster," which he used to zip around Colorado Springs during his off-duty hours.

Commissioned in 1959, Ron earned his wings in 1960. He specialized early in heavy transport, serving with the 30th Air Transport Squadron at McGuire AFB. In 1968, Ron’s career took a tactical turn when his National Guard unit, the 119th Tactical Fighter Squadron, was federalized during the Pueblo Crisis. He served as the Wing Life Support Officer at Myrtle Beach AFB, a specialty focused on the survival and safety of fighter pilots.

• Airlift Operations: During his early career at McGuire AFB, he specialized in long-range transport, flying the C-118 Liftmaster. This role required a high degree of precision in over-water navigation and logistics.
• Fighter Operations & Life Support: Later, with the 119th Tactical Fighter Squadron, he transitioned to fighter-focused mission support. His role as a Wing Life Support Officer was a critical specialty, involving the management of pilot survival gear, egress systems, and safety protocols—essential for high-performance tactical flying.
• Commercial Heavy Aircraft: In his civilian career, he achieved the highest rating possible as a Captain of the Boeing 747, specializing in international transoceanic routes.

A LEGACY IN THE SKIES
Following his active duty, Ron transitioned to Pan American World Airways, where he spent decades navigating global routes. From flying the corridors of West Berlin during the Cold War to commanding the Boeing 747 as a Captain in Miami, Ron’s career was defined by his mastery of complex, long-range aircraft. He remained a devoted "59er" throughout his life, embodying the professional excellence and adventurous spirit of the Academy's founding class.

________________________________________
SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Year Duty / Position Location
1955–1959 Cadet, Squadron 12 Lowry AFB / USAFA, CO
1959–1960 Pilot Training Bainbridge AB / Greenville AFB
1960–1965 Pilot (C-118) 30th Air Transport Squadron, McGuire AFB, NJ
1965–1968 Pilot / Navigator / Flight Engineer Pan American Airways, JFK Intl Airport, NY
1968 Pilot 119th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Atlantic City, NJ
1968–1969 Wing Life Support Officer / Pilot 113th TFW, Myrtle Beach AFB, SC
1972–1975 First Officer Pan American Airways, Berlin, West Germany
1975–1990s First Officer / Captain Pan American Airways, San Francisco / Miami
2000 Captain (B-747) Pan American Airways, Miami, FL