John Jefferson Gaunt

LIEUTENANT COLONEL JOHN JEFFERSON GAUNT
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

John Jefferson "Jeff" Gaunt was born in 1937, in Dallas, Texas. Growing up in the heart of Texas, Jeff developed a drive for service that eventually led him to the newly established United States Air Force Academy. As a member of the "First Class" (1959), Jeff entered the Academy with the historic mission of setting the standards for all future cadets. During his time at the Academy, he was a member of Cadet Squadron 11, where he was known by his peers for his steady discipline and a sharp sense of humor that helped his squadron-mates through the rigors of the early USAFA years.

MILITARY CAREER AND COMBAT SERVICE
Upon graduation in 1959, Jeff entered pilot training at Moore Air Force Base, but his career trajectory soon moved toward the critical field of strategic navigation and reconnaissance. His early career saw him serving with the 55th Air Refueling Squadron and the 4157th Strategic Wing, where he mastered the complexities of long-range missions in the KC-135 and RC-135 platforms.

During the height of the Vietnam War, Jeff served in high-stakes roles both in the air and on the staff. Stationed at Kadena Air Base and later Tan Son Nhut Air Base, he flew reconnaissance missions that were vital to the intelligence efforts of the 7th Air Force. His courage under pressure earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, five Air Medals, and a Bronze Star. After his combat tours, he transitioned to the Strategic Reconnaissance Center at SAC Headquarters, Offutt AFB, where he influenced the operational planning of the nation's most sensitive aerial assets.

PERSONAL LIFE AND LEGACY
Beyond his 28 years of distinguished military service, Jeff was a devoted family man. He married Martha Ann "Marty" Gaunt, and together they raised two daughters, Jennifer and Julie. Jeff was an avid outdoorsman and a lifelong learner, eventually attending the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) to further his technical expertise.

After retiring from the Air Force as a Lieutenant Colonel, Jeff and Marty eventually settled in the scenic Sierra Foothills of California. Proving that an officer's spirit never truly retires, Jeff became a beloved fixture in the local community of Nevada City. For many years, he applied his charm and organizational skills to a "second career" in retail sales at the Nevada City Winery, where he enjoyed sharing stories and local vintages with residents and travelers alike. Jeff passed away on July 10, 2021, leaving behind a legacy of integrity, service, and a life lived to the fullest.

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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Year(s) Duty Location
1959 – 1960 Pilot Training Moore Air Force Base, TX
1960 – 1962 Navigator, 55th Air Refueling Squadron Forbes Air Force Base, KS
1962 – 1964 Navigator, 4157th Strategic Wing Eielson Air Force Base, AK
1964 – 1967 Navigator, 34th ARS, 55th Strategic Wing Offutt Air Force Base, NE
1967 Navigator, Det. 1, 3rd Air Division Yokota Air Base, Japan
1967 – 1969 Navigator (RC-135M), 4252nd Strat Wing Kadena Air Base, Okinawa
1970 Operations Staff Officer, HQ 7th Air Force Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam
1970 – 1973 Operations Staff Officer, Strat Recon Center HQ SAC, Offutt Air Force Base, NE
1973 AFIT Student Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
Post-Service Retail Sales & Community Leader Nevada City Winery, CA

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MEDALS AND AWARDS
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Bronze Star Medal
• Air Medal (5)
• Air Force Commendation Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal
• Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm