John Edmund Mantei

COLONEL JOHN EDMUND MANTEI
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Born in Menominee, Michigan, to Cyril and Stella (Nault) Mantei, John Edmund Mantei grew up in Marne, Michigan. Known affectionately by his classmates as "Gremlin," John entered the newly formed United States Air Force Academy after earning a congressional appointment. While at the Academy, he was an active member of Cadet Squadron 3 and represented USAFA on the varsity soccer team. On June 3, 1959, John graduated with the historic first class of the United States Air Force Academy.

OPERATIONAL FLYING & COMBAT SERVICE

Following graduation, John completed USAF Pilot Training (1959–1960) and stepped directly into air defense interceptor operations. He served as an F-106 Delta Dart pilot with the 11th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Duluth, Minnesota (1961–1963), before transitioning to the 498th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at McChord Air Force Base, Washington (1963–1965).

In 1965, John deployed to South Vietnam during the height of the Vietnam War. Serving as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) with the 22nd Tactical Air Support Squadron based out of My Tho, he flew high-risk observational and strike-direction missions in support of ground forces. For his tactical skill and bravery under fire, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, and 25 Air Medals.

FLIGHT TEST, ENGINEERING & SENIOR LEADERSHIP

Upon returning from South Vietnam, John advanced into the Air Force's technical and flight-test engineering tracks. He earned a Master of Science in Aerospace Engineering from the Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) in 1968, followed immediately by selection to the prestigious USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School (Test Pilot School) at Edwards Air Force Base, California.
After graduating as an experimental test pilot in 1969, Colonel Mantei was assigned to the 4750th Test Squadron at Tyndall Air Force Base, Florida, evaluating interceptor and weapon systems through 1972. In 1973, he transitioned to Wright-Patterson Air Force Base, Ohio, serving as the Aerospace Defense Command (ADCOM) Representative to the Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD). During this tour, he broadened his administrative and management qualifications by completing a Master of Arts in Business Management from Central Michigan University in 1975.

Following an overseas staff tour with NATO’s 6th Allied Tactical Air Force in Izmir, Turkey (1977), he returned to Wright-Patterson AFB to serve in the System Program Office within ASD (1978–1984). His final military assignment was as Professor of Aerospace Studies and Commandant of the Air Force ROTC detachment at the University of Michigan (1984–1985). Colonel Mantei retired from active duty in 1985 after 26 years of distinguished military service.

POST-MILITARY CAREER, FAMILY & LEGACY

Following his retirement from active duty, John remained deeply connected to Air Force acquisitions and technology modernization. He served as Manager of Dayton Operations for the Electronic Warfare Association, Inc. (1986–1987) and spent over a decade as an acquisition support contractor (1986–1999).

Devoted to his family and community, John was a long-time, active member of the Wright-Patterson Air Force Base Catholic Community at the Prairies Chapel. He was married to his wife, Sue (who preceded him in death in 2013), and together they raised three children: Terese, Michael, and Matthew.

Colonel John E. Mantei passed away on August 6, 2018, in Fairborn, Ohio, at the age of 81. He was laid to rest with full military honors at Dayton National Cemetery.

EDUCATION
Institution Degree / Program Year
United States Air Force Academy Bachelor of Science (Class of 1959) 1959
USAF Pilot Training Pilot Wings 1960
Air Force Institute of Technology (AFIT) M.S. Aerospace Engineering 1968
USAF Aerospace Research Pilot School Test Pilot Certification 1969
Central Michigan University M.A. Business Management 1975

MEDALS & MAJOR DECORATIONS

Award Count / Detail
Distinguished Flying Cross 1
Bronze Star Medal 1
Air Medal 25

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Role / Duty Title Unit / Location
1959–1960 Pilot Training Student USAF Flying Training Command
1961–1963 Fighter Interceptor Pilot (F-106) 11th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, Duluth, MN
1963–1965 Interceptor Pilot 498th Fighter Interceptor Squadron, McChord AFB, WA
1965–1966 Pilot / Forward Air Controller (FAC) 22nd Tactical Air Support Squadron, My Tho, S. Vietnam
1966–1968 AFIT Student Air Force Institute of Technology, Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
1968–1969 Test Pilot School Student Aerospace Research Pilot School, Edwards AFB, CA
1969–1972 Test Pilot 4750th Test Squadron, Tyndall AFB, FL
1973–1976 ADCOM Representative Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
1977 Staff Officer NATO 6th Allied Tactical Air Force, Izmir, Turkey
1978–1984 System Program Office Aeronautical Systems Division (ASD), Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
1984–1985 Professor of Aerospace Studies / ROTC Commandant University of Michigan, Ann Arbor, MI