David Michael Goodrich

MAJOR GENERAL DAVID MICHAEL GOODRICH
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron: 12

David Michael “Dave” Goodrich, born in San Antonio, Texas, arrived at the United States Air Force Academy as a self-described "Army brat" with a lifelong ambition for military professionalism. Graduating with the Class of 1959—the Academy's first graduating class—Dave was known among his peers in CS-12 as a "born instigator" who balanced a high-spirited cadet life with rigorous academics. His yearbook profile in the Polaris famously joked that he would "never lose sight of his ideal of military professionalism," even as he spent time on the soccer fields or jumped from planes to "see the Army."

MILITARY SERVICE & COMBAT LEADERSHIP
Upon commissioning, Dave initially earned his navigator rating before completing pilot training at Moore and Webb Air Force Bases in 1960. His early career saw him flying F-100 Super Sabres with the 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron in the Philippines and Thailand. In 1962, he served a pivotal tour as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) in South Vietnam, flying O-1A Bird Dogs, and later served as a fighter pilot adviser to the Vietnamese Air Force’s 716th Tactical Fighter Squadron.

Dave's name is inextricably linked with the legendary 555th "Triple Nickel" Tactical Fighter Squadron. As part of the cadre that activated the Air Force’s first combat-ready F-4 Phantom II squadron, he led flight operations at MacDill AFB and was the advance echelon commander for the squadron's permanent deployment to Udorn RTAFB, Thailand. During this period, he flew more than 200 combat missions, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement in aerial flight.

ACADEMIC AND DIPLOMATIC CONTRIBUTIONS
General Goodrich was as much a scholar as a warrior. He returned to his alma mater from 1967 to 1970 as an Assistant Professor of Political Science, while also helping establish the Academy’s primary pilot training program. His expertise in international relations led to high-stakes diplomatic assignments, including serving as a Joint Chiefs of Staff (JCS) representative in Vienna for negotiations with the Warsaw Pact on mutual balanced force reductions.

SENIOR COMMAND AND LEGACY
In the 1980s, Dave commanded two major wings in West Germany: the 86th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ramstein and the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hahn. Under his leadership, the 50th TFW became the first U.S. Air Force wing in Europe to transition to the F-16 Fighting Falcon. Beyond the cockpit, he served as the President of the Association of Graduates (AOG) from 1975 to 1978, where he was a driving force in establishing Checkpoints magazine as the "voice of the Long Blue Line." His career culminated in his role as the Commandant of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (ICAF) at Fort Lesley J. McNair, where he oversaw the education of the military's future senior leaders.

Throughout his 36-year career, Dave flew over 25 different military aircraft and logged more than 3,000 flying hours. He retired from active duty in 1991.

LIFE AFTER THE UNIFORM
Following the tradition of many in the Class of 1959, Dave married his wife, Kitty, shortly after graduation during June Week. Together, they raised three children: Alison, David, and Michelle. After retiring from active duty in 1991, Dave returned to San Antonio, remaining active in the World Affairs Council of San Antonio, and held executive roles in the mortgage industry and healthcare industry. He never truly stopped teaching, serving as a Course Director for the U.S. Army War College Senior Fellowship Program at the University of Texas and finally as a Professor at the U.S. Naval War College in Rhode Island.

Major General David M. Goodrich passed away on March 2, 2003, while at his desk at the Naval War College—dedicated to mentoring the next generation of officers until his final moments. He was laid to rest at Arlington National Cemetery

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SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Assignment Location
1959–1960 Pilot Training (Moore AB / Webb AFB) Texas
1961–1962 Pilot, 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron Clark AB, PI / Takhli AB, Thailand
1962 Pilot, Forward Air Controller (FAC), 110Ln Squadron Da Nang AB, South Vietnam
1963–1964 Aide to MAAG Chief / Pilot Advisor, 716th TFS Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam
1964–1966 Pilot/Flight Leader, 555th TFS "Triple Nickel" MacDill AFB, FL / Udorn RTAFB, Thailand
1967–1970 Assistant Professor of Poli Sci / AOC / IP USAF Academy, CO
1970–1971 Student, National War College Ft. McNair, Washington D.C.
1971–1974 Action Officer (Plans/J5) & International Negotiations JCS/HQ USAF, Washington D.C.
1974–1976 Deputy Commander for Operations, 355th TFW Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ
1975–1978 President, Association of Graduates (AOG) USAFA, CO
1976–1978 Special Assistant to Chief-of-Staff & SACEUR SHAPE, Belgium
1978–1980 Vice Commander, 86th TFW Ramstein AB, West Germany
1980–1982 Commander, 50th TFW Hahn AB, West Germany
1982–1985 Chief, Director’s Staff Group (DIA) / JCS Staff Washington D.C.
1985–1986 Deputy Director, Defense Mapping Agency Washington D.C.
1986–1988 Commander, 24th Air Division Griffiss AFB, NY
1988–1989 Assistant DCS Programs & Resources HQ USAF, Washington D.C.
1989–1991 Commandant, Industrial College of Armed Forces Ft. McNair, Washington D.C.
1992–1998 Course Director/Instructor, US Army War College San Antonio, TX
1998–2003 Professor, Joint Mil Operations, US Naval War College Newport, RI


MEDALS AND AWARDS
• Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (Awarded for his final tenure as Commandant of ICAF)
• Defense Superior Service Medal
• Legion of Merit (with 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters — 4 total awards)
• Distinguished Flying Cross (Awarded for combat achievement with the "Triple Nickel" in Southeast Asia)
• Meritorious Service Medal (with 1 Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster — 2 total awards)
• Air Medal (with 5 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters — 6 total awards)
• Joint Service Commendation Medal
• Air Force Commendation Medal
Unit & Service Awards
• Presidential Unit Citation
• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (with "V" Device for Valor and 3 Bronze Oak Leaf Clusters)
• Combat Readiness Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal (with 3 Bronze Service Stars)
Foreign & International Awards
• Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross (with Palm)
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal
Badges & Credentials
• Command Pilot Wings (Representing over 3,000 flying hours)
• Parachutist Badge
• Aircraft/Munitions Maintenance Badge