Leigh Hale Hunt

COLONEL LEIGH HALE HUNT, JR.
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Colonel Leigh Hale Hunt, Jr. dedicated 30 years of distinguished service to the United States Air Force, embodying the leadership, sharp tactical skill, and commitment of the Academy's historic pioneering class. As a member of the Class of 1959—the legendary "First Class"—Leigh spent his cadet years in Cadet Squadron 10. Upon graduation on June 3, 1959, he was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant, embarking on a remarkable three-decade career in fighter aviation and high-level operational planning.

MILITARY CAREER & OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Colonel Hunt’s journey in the cockpit began with undergraduate pilot training at Bartow Air Base, Florida, and Reese Air Force Base, Texas, earning his silver wings in 1961. He initially shared his precision for flight as a T-38 instructor pilot with the 3575th Pilot Training Squadron at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma, until 1965. Following an assignment as an Emergency Actions Officer in England, he transitioned to tactical fighters, mastering the F-4 Phantom II.

During the height of the Vietnam War, Colonel Hunt flew extensive combat missions. From 1968 to 1969, he served as a Flight Commander, Maintenance Officer, and F-4 Pilot with the 12th Tactical Fighter Wing at George Air Force Base and in the Republic of Vietnam. He continued his combat tour from 1969 to 1970 with the 559th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cam Ranh Bay Air Base, serving as a Flight Commander and Instructor Pilot. His courage under fire and tactical leadership earned him the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and eight Air Medals.

Upon returning to the United States, Colonel Hunt brought his deep combat experience to the 436th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Homestead Air Force Base, Florida. His sharp analytical mind soon caught the attention of senior leadership, pivoting his career toward strategic operational planning. Throughout the late 1970s and 1980s, he held critical planning roles within Headquarters USAF, the Joint Chiefs of Staff (J-5 Long Range Plans), USAFE at Ramstein and Spangdahlem Air Bases in West Germany, and USREDCOM at MacDill Air Force Base.

ACTIVE LEGACY AND THE LONG BLUE LINE

Throughout his life, Colonel Hunt has remained deeply dedicated to his classmates and the enduring heritage of the Academy. In a powerful testament to his lifelong devotion to the Long Blue Line, he personally donated his USAFA class ring to be melted into the gold ingot during the Academy's 3rd Annual Forged in Blue ceremony in August 2020. This sacred tradition permanently binds the legacy of Colonel Hunt and the Class of 1959 directly into the rings worn by future generations of graduating cadets.

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL MILITARY EDUCATION

• United States Air Force Academy – B.S., Class of 1959
• Squadron Officer School (SOS) – Class of 1965

MEDALS AND AWARDS

• Defense Superior Service Medal (1)
• Distinguished Flying Cross (1)
• Bronze Star Medal (1)
• Defense Meritorious Service Medal (2)
• Meritorious Service Medal (2)
• Air Medal (8)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (1)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Duty / Role Unit / Location
1959–1961 Pilot Training Bartow AB, FL & Reese AFB, TX
1961–1965 Instructor Pilot (T-38) 3575th Pilot Training Squadron, Vance AFB, OK
1965 Emergency Actions Officer 3rd Air Force South, Ruislip Air Station, England
1968–1969 Flight Commander / Maintenance Officer / F-4 Pilot 12th Tactical Fighter Wing, George AFB, CA & RVN
1969–1970 Flight Commander / Instructor Pilot / Maintenance Officer 559th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay AB, RVN
1970–1971 Flight Commander / Instructor Pilot / Mobilization Officer 436th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Homestead AFB, FL
1972–1975 Fighter Plans Officer HQ USAF, Deputy Director Force Development
1975–1978 Long Range Plans Division Officer J-5, Joint Chiefs of Staff
1979–1980 Strike Operations / Director of Operational Plans HQ AAFCE / HQ USAFE, Ramstein AB, West Germany
1980–1983 DO / ADO / Chief Operational Plans Division 52nd Tactical Fighter Wing, USAFE, Spangdahlem AB, West Germany
1983–1985 Chief Plans Division J-5 USREDCOM, MacDill AFB, FL (TacTech & Procedures Division)