Jon A. Gallo

COLONEL JON A. GALLO
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron: 10

Jon Anthony Gallo, known to his classmates as "Jonny," arrived at the United States Air Force Academy as a self-described "Air Force Brat." Born in Florida, he brought with him an innate understanding of the military lifestyle and a quick-witted personality that would make him a memorable figure in the Academy's historic first graduating class.

During his time at the Academy, Jon was a member of Cadet Squadron 10. His Polaris yearbook entry captures a man of dual natures: a dedicated cadet on the soccer field and a "deadly adversary" in the hallways, often armed with a water pistol or a well-placed practical joke. Despite his penchant for "beating the system," he was deeply committed to the mission. His classmates predicted early on that Jon wouldn’t be found anywhere but in the cockpit of a fighter, noting his ambition to one day reach the highest levels of Air Force leadership.

A CAREER IN THE COCKPIT: FIGHTERS AND SOUTHEAST ASIA
Upon graduation in 1959, Jon entered pilot training, earning his wings in 1961. His early career saw him honing his skills as an interceptor pilot, flying with the 509th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Clark Air Base in the Philippines and later the 460th FIS in Portland.

As the conflict in Southeast Asia intensified, Jon transitioned to tactical fighters. From 1968 to 1969, he served with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Air Base, Thailand. Flying hazardous combat missions over Vietnam, his skill and bravery earned him high honors, including four Distinguished Flying Crosses and nine Air Medals.

LEADERSHIP IN EUROPE AND THE COLD WAR
Following his combat tour, Jon’s career focused heavily on the European theater and NATO operations. He spent several years in West Germany at Bitburg and Erding Air Bases, serving as a Pilot and Operations Officer for the 525th Tactical Fighter Squadron. His expertise in international military affairs eventually led him to the Pentagon, where he served as the Deputy Director of Plans and Policy for the Europe/NATO Division.

In the late 1970s and early 80s, Jon’s leadership extended to high-level staff roles in Naples, Italy, and eventually into command positions. He served as the Deputy Commander of the 31st Combat Support Group at Homestead AFB and culminated his active-duty career as the Commander of the 347th Combat Support Group at Moody AFB.

POST-MILITARY LIFE AND COMMUNITY LEGACY
After retiring with 30 years of distinguished service, Jon remained deeply embedded in the aviation and Colorado communities. He served as a flight operations training consultant for United Airlines and took on the role of Director for the Colorado National Airshow.

His passion for mentorship continued well into his later years. He served as an adjunct faculty member for Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University in Colorado Springs, teaching the next generation of aviators. Jon was also an active member of the Sertoma Club (Gleneagle chapter) and remained a dedicated supporter of the USAFA Association of Graduates (AOG).

Jon Gallo passed away in early 1995. He is remembered by his "First Class" peers as a man of humor, diplomacy, and unwavering dedication to the "Long Blue Line."

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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Year Duty / Position Location
1959–1961 Pilot Training Marianna / Vance / Perrin AFB
1961–1963 Pilot, 509th Fighter Interceptor Sq Clark Air Base, Philippines
1963–1965 Pilot, 460th Fighter Interceptor Sq Portland Intl Airport, OR
1966 Pilot, 71st Fighter Interceptor Sq Selfridge AFB, MI
1967–1968 Pilot, 40th Tactical Fighter Sq Eglin AFB, FL
1968–1969 Pilot, 469th Tactical Fighter Sq Korat Air Base, Thailand
1969–1971 Pilot, 525th Tactical Fighter Sq Bitburg Air Base, West Germany
1971–1972 Pilot / Operations Officer, 525th TFS Erding Air Base, West Germany
1972–1973 Operations Staff Officer, HQ USAFE Lindsey AS, West Germany
1973–1977 Deputy Dir Plans & Policy (NATO) HQ USAF, Washington D.C.
1977–1978 Student, Air War College Maxwell AFB, AL
1978–1981 Staff Officer / Ex to Commander HQ AFSOUTH, Naples, Italy
1981–1984 Deputy Commander, 31st CSG Homestead AFB, FL
1984–1985 Commander, 347th Combat Support Group Moody AFB, GA

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MEDALS AND AWARDS
• Legion of Merit (1)
• Distinguished Flying Cross (4)
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal (1)
• Meritorious Service Medal (2)
• Air Medal (9)