Thomas Joseph Jozwiak

MAJOR THOMAS JOSEPH JOZWIAK, USAF (RET.)
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Thomas Joseph Jozwiak was born in Detroit, Michigan to John and Manya (Witkowski) Jozwiak. Growing up in Detroit, Tom quickly distinguished himself as an elite, multi-sport athlete at Detroit Catholic Central High School (Class of 1955). Excelling in basketball, football, and track and field, he earned all-star recognition in all three sports. He won a Michigan State Championship in the shot put and set a school record that stood unbroken for 27 years. In his senior year, he received the prestigious Fr. James H. Whelan Award, the school's highest athletic honor.

Upon graduation, Tom accepted an appointment to the historic inaugural class of the United States Air Force Academy. Arriving at the temporary campus at Lowry Air Force Base, he became an integral member of Cadet Squadron 5. He continued his athletic dominance as a wide receiver and end for the Air Force Falcons football team from 1956 to 1959, playing a crucial role in leading the legendary 1958 team to an undefeated season and a historic appearance in the 1959 Cotton Bowl.

MILITARY SERVICE AND COMBAT CAREER

Graduating with the historic first class of the Air Force Academy in 1959, Tom entered undergraduate pilot training, earning his wings in 1960. He initially served as an instructor pilot with the 3556th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Perrin Air Force Base before returning to his roots at USAFA from 1963 to 1966 to serve as an assistant football coach, mentoring future generations of Falcons.

As the conflict in Southeast Asia escalated, Tom transitioned into tactical fighter and forward air control operations. He was deployed to South Vietnam with the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) out of Nha Trang Air Base. Flying dangerous combat missions under intense conditions, Tom served three tours of combat duty in Vietnam, cementing his legacy as a highly decorated veteran. Over the course of his 25-year military career, he amassed an extraordinary 19 Air Medals, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, and a Bronze Star.

His post-war service saw him fly in numerous elite tactical fighter squadrons. He completed extensive overseas assignments in the United Kingdom with the 20th Tactical Fighter Wing at RAF Wethersfield and RAF Croughton, and as a pilot with the 77th Tactical Fighter Squadron at RAF Upper Heyford. In 1972, he served as Flight Commander for the 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Air Base in Thailand during the later stages of regional operations. He concluded his active-duty career as a Command Post Duty Officer for the 57th Tactical Training Wing at Nellis Air Force Base, retiring at the rank of Major (O-4).

POST-MILITARY LIFE, FAMILY, AND LEGACY

Following his retirement from the Air Force, Tom moved to New Port Richey, Florida, where he launched a successful second career in 1980 as a Financial Services Professional with Primerica. Known within his community as a tremendous motivator, boundless positive thinker, and dedicated member of the Saint Thomas Aquinas Catholic Church faith community, Tom threw himself into local fellowship with the same energy he brought to the cockpit and the football field.

Tom's greatest pride, however, was his large and devoted family. He spent his life alongside the love of his life, Mimi, and together they raised five children. Tom passed away on March 3, 2020, at the age of 82 at the Baldomero Lopez Veterans' Nursing Home. He was honored with full military honors at the Air Force Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs. He is remembered by his classmates, family, and fellow Airmen as a world-class athlete, a fearless combat aviator, and a profoundly devoted family man.

EDUCATION & ATHLETIC HONORS
• High School: Detroit Catholic Central High School, Class of 1955 (Inducted into Hall of Fame, 2008)
• Higher Education: B.S., United States Air Force Academy, Class of 1959 (Inaugural Class)
• Athletics: Air Force Falcons Football Team (1956–1959), 1959 Cotton Bowl Representative

MEDALS AND AWARDS

• Distinguished Flying Cross (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster / 2 total awards)
• Bronze Star Medal
• Meritorious Service Medal
• Air Medal (with 18 Oak Leaf Clusters / 19 total awards)
• Air Force Commendation Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster / 2 total awards)

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Duty / Assignment Location
1959–1960 Pilot Training Spence Air Base, GA / Greenville Air Force Base, MS
1961–1963 Instructor Pilot, 3556th Tactical Fighter Squadron Perrin Air Force Base, TX
1963–1966 Assistant Football Coach US Air Force Academy, CO
1966–1967 Pilot, 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) Nha Trang Air Base, South Vietnam
1968–1970 Pilot, 20th Tactical Fighter Wing RAF Wethersfield, United Kingdom
1970–1971 Chief, Command Post, 20th Tactical Fighter Wing RAF Croughton, United Kingdom
1971–1972 Pilot, 77th Tactical Fighter Squadron RAF Upper Heyford, United Kingdom
1972 Flight Commander, 428th Tactical Fighter Squadron Takhli Air Base, Thailand
1973–1980 Duty Officer, Command Post, 57th Tactical Training Wing Nellis Air Force Base, NV