John Forrest Gulledge

CAPTAIN JOHN FORREST GULLEDGE
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Early Life and Path to the Academy
John Forrest Gulledge II was born to Joseph and Faye Gulledge in Siloam Springs, Arkansas. He grew up in Sallisaw, Oklahoma, where his outstanding high school academic profile and athletic prowess quickly drew national notice. His standout achievements paved the way for a historic invitation: to join the historic, very first class of the newly established United States Air Force Academy in 1955.

As a proud member of Cadet Squadron 1, John quickly embedded himself into the culture of the pioneering class. He made lifelong friends and showcased his athletic talents on the gridiron, starting for the legendary 1958 USAFA football team that went undefeated and secured a historic tie in the 1959 Cotton Bowl.

MILITARY SERVICE
Upon graduating in the historic Class of 1959, John entered active military service and underwent Pilot Training from 1959 to 1960 at Moore Air Base and Webb Air Force Base. He completed Squadron Officer School (SOS) from 1961 to 1962.

As a transport and combat pilot, his primary assignments took him across the globe. From 1960 to 1965, he flew with the 40th Troop Carrier Squadron, serving out of Evreux Air Base in France before relocating with the unit to Lockbourne Air Force Base in Ohio.

In 1965, as conflict escalated in Southeast Asia, Captain Gulledge deployed to the Pacific theater. He initially served as an Operations Duty Officer with the 315th Air Division at Don Muang Air Base in Thailand. He then took to the skies in combat operations as a C-123 Provider pilot with the 309th Air Commando Squadron operating out of Tan Son Nhut Air Base in South Vietnam. For his distinguished and heroic actions during his 14 years of military service, Captain Gulledge was decorated with the Airman's Medal and received 16 Air Medals.

Before honorably concluding his active-duty career, he returned to Colorado Springs in 1966 to give back to the institution that shaped him, serving as an Air Officer Commanding (AOC) at the Academy.

CIVILIAN AVIATION CAREER
Transitioning to commercial aviation in 1969, John brought his extensive military piloting expertise to the civilian sector. He joined Western Airlines in Los Angeles, California, serving as a Pilot and Assistant Manager of Flight Check operations until 1987. Following Western Airlines' merger with Delta Airlines, he stepped into the cockpit of the heavy MD-11 tri-jet, serving as a Captain and Senior Flight Instructor. His distinguished commercial career spanned over 28 years before his well-earned retirement in 1997.

FAMILY AND COMMUNITY LIFE
Beyond the cockpit, John led a vibrant and fulfilling life deeply rooted in family and mentorship. He was a devoted husband to his wife, Pili, with whom he shared 27 beautiful years in Coto de Caza, California, and maintained a kind and generous relationship with Mali, the mother of his children.

John took immense pride in his family, which grew to include his daughter, Jennifer; his six sons, Karl, John III, Alex, Aaryn, Reuben, and Andrew; and six grandchildren. He was also an incredibly influential figure in the life of his nephew, Elias.

Instilling the values of sportsmanship, fairness, and camaraderie, John spent years on the local athletic fields coaching, refereeing, and acting as the undisputed "#1 fan" for his children. In his leisure time, he was an avid traveler who frequently crossed the country to stay connected with family and classmates. A passionate sports fan, nothing brought him more joy than watching Pittsburgh Steelers football games with his family while relaxing with a beer or Scotch. His home was famously known as a warm gathering place filled with great food, robust laughter, and genuine hospitality.

FINAL FLIGHT
Captain John F. Gulledge passed away on November 25, 2015, at the age of 78. A memorial service celebrating his life was held at the Coto de Caza Country Club, and his ashes were honorably interred at his beloved U.S. Air Force Academy Cemetery in January 2016. He is remembered by his classmates and family for his unshakeable loyalty, easy sense of humor, kindness, and profound honor.
"Off we go into the wild blue yonder, climbing high into the sun..."

SERVICE CHRONOLOGY & DECORATIONS
EDUCATION
Year Degree / School
1959 Bachelor of Science – United States Air Force Academy
1962 Squadron Officer School (SOS)

MEDALS AND AWARDS
Award / Decoration Quantity
Airman's Medal 1
Air Medal 16
Air Force Commendation Medal 1

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
Years Duty / Role Location / Unit
1959 – 1960 Pilot Training Moore Air Base, TX / Webb Air Force Base, TX
1960 – 1964 Pilot 40th Troop Carrier Squadron – Evreux Air Base, France
1964 – 1965 Pilot 40th Troop Carrier Squadron – Lockbourne Air Force Base, OH
1965 Operations Duty Officer 315th Air Division – Don Muang Air Base, Thailand
1965 – 1966 C-123 Pilot 309th Air Commando Squadron – Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam
1966 Air Officer Commanding (AOC) U.S. Air Force Academy, CO
1969 – 1987 Pilot / Assistant Manager Flight Check Western Airlines – Los Angeles, CA
1987 – 1997 Captain / Senior Flight Instructor (MD-11) Delta Airlines – Los Angeles, CA