James Poteat Gunter

LIEUTENANT COLONEL JAMES POTEAT GUNTER, JR.
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

James "Jim" Poteat Gunter, Jr. was born on May 31, 1937, in Virginia. Answering the call of adventure and service, Jim arrived at the newly established United States Air Force Academy as a member of the historic "First Class." Assigned to Cadet Squadron 08, his formative years at the Academy laid the groundwork for what would become a highly distinguished aviation career defined by exceptional skill, quiet confidence, and an absolute love for flying.

Following his graduation and commissioning in June 1959, Jim entered primary pilot training at Spence Air Base, Georgia, followed by basic pilot training at Webb Air Force Base, Texas. Earning his silver wings in 1960, he completed advanced intercept training at Perrin Air Force Base, Texas. He quickly proved his mettle in the cockpit, securing operational assignments flying fighter interceptors with the 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Bunker Hill Air Force Base, Indiana, and later with the 94th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Selfridge Air Force Base, Michigan.

In 1965, as the conflict in Southeast Asia intensified, Jim transitioned to tactical air commandos, training on the A-1E Skyraider. Deployed to Pleiku Air Base, South Vietnam, he served with the renowned 1st Air Commando Squadron. Flying low-level, high-risk close air support and interdiction missions over treacherous terrain, Jim displayed legendary precision and bravery. For his valor and sustained aerial achievements during his combat tour, he was decorated with the Bronze Star Medal, the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), and an astonishing 12 Air Medals.

Upon returning stateside in 1966, Jim shared his extensive combat knowledge with the next generation of combat aviators as an Instructor Pilot at Hurlburt Field, Florida. By the late 1960s, Jim transitioned from active duty to the Virginia Air National Guard’s 192nd Tactical Fighter Group (149th Tactical Fighter Squadron) based out of Byrd Field in Richmond, Virginia. There, he mastered the formidable F-105D Thunderchief.

Beyond his military duties, Jim served his home state as the Operations Division Manager for the Virginia Department of Aviation from 1972 onward, managing state aviation infrastructure and civil flight operations.

Within his Guard unit, Jim rose to the rank of Lieutenant Colonel and was highly regarded as a master tactician who demanded perfection. He greeted every young pilot entering the squadron with a standard instruction:

"Lieutenant, I want you to fly a tactical formation in a position where I can see you. I’ll tell you when to turn and I’ll tell you when to accelerate. Don’t worry about how we are going to do it, I’ll tell you what you need to know."

Tragically, on March 10, 1981, Lt Col Gunter’s life was cut short during a routine joint Army-Air National Guard close air support exercise at Fort Bragg, North Carolina. His F-105D Thunderchief suffered a catastrophic mid-air explosion during an air-to-ground training run.

Lt Col Jim Gunter died doing what he loved most, leaving behind a legacy of absolute dedication to his country, his family, and the skies he commanded. In his honor, the Virginia Air National Guard established the Major James P. Gunter Junior Officer of the Year Award to permanently recognize young officers who mirror his flawless professionalism and leadership.

SERVICE, EDUCATION, AND AWARDS
Education & Training Location / Institution Year(s)
Bachelor of Science United States Air Force Academy (CS-08) 1955–1959
Pilot Training (Primary/Basic) Spence AB, GA / Webb AFB, TX 1959–1960
Advanced Intercept Training Perrin AFB, TX 1960–1961
Squadron Officer School (SOS) Maxwell AFB, AL (Correspondence) 1964
Air War College Associate Programs Air University (Correspondence/Seminar) ~1971
Medals & Awards Count / Notes
Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) 1
Bronze Star Medal 1
Air Medal 12 (Awarded for combat actions in Vietnam)
Service Assignments Rank / Role Location / Unit Year(s)
1959–1960 Student Pilot Spence AB, GA & Webb AFB, TX Second Lieutenant
1960–1961 Intercept Pilot Perrin AFB, TX First Lieutenant
1961–1963 Pilot 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Bunker Hill AFB, IN First Lieutenant / Captain
1963–1965 Pilot 94th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Selfridge AFB, MI Captain
1965–1966 A-1E Skyraider Pilot 1st Air Commando Squadron, Pleiku AB, South Vietnam Captain
1966–1967 Instructor Pilot (A-1E) Hurlburt Field, FL Captain
1969–1981 F-105D/E Fighter Pilot 149th TFS, 192nd Tactical Fighter Group, Virginia ANG Major / Lieutenant Colonel
1972–1980 Operations Division Manager Virginia Department of Aviation (Richmond, VA) Civilian Profession