John Arthur Olson

MAJOR JOHN ARTHUR "BUZZ" OLSON
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
CS-07 "Sexton Seven"


John Arthur "Buzz" Olson was born in Helena, Montana. Raised under the big skies of Big Sky Country, Buzz developed an early passion for aviation, discipline, and leadership. When Congress authorized the establishment of the United States Air Force Academy, John seized the opportunity to join the pioneer era of Air Force leadership. He received an appointment to the legendary First Class—the USAFA Class of 1959.

Cadet Years (1955–1959)

Upon entering the Academy, Buzz was assigned to Cadet Squadron 07. Known among his classmates for his quick wit, tactical mind, and intense focus, he earned the nickname "Buzz" early on. His leadership abilities were recognized by both military staff and peers, resulting in his selection as a two-time Cadet Squadron Commander during his cadet career.

Beyond his leadership duties, Buzz was an avid competitive bridge player, frequently orchestrating games in the cadet dayrooms, and a fierily competitive participant in intramural sports. While attending the Academy, Buzz met the love of his life and lifelong sweetheart, laying the foundation for his family alongside his Air Force career. On June 3, 1959, he graduated and was commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

Military Career & Vietnam Service

Lieutenant Olson completed primary and basic pilot training before receiving his initial assignment as a bomber/airlift pilot at Pease Air Force Base, New Hampshire (1961–1965), flying strategic missions during the height of the Cold War.

In 1966, as conflict escalated in Southeast Asia, Buzz volunteered for Forward Air Control (FAC) duties and was assigned to the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) in South Vietnam. Operating out of Qui Nhơn, Nha Trang, and Pleiku Air Bases, Captain Olson flew low-level visual reconnaissance, target marking, and close air support orchestration under hazardous combat conditions.

During his combat tour (1966–1967), his exceptional heroism and aerial skill under fire earned him the Silver Star—the nation’s third-highest military combat decoration—alongside the Distinguished Flying Cross and multiple Air Medals.

Following his combat duty, he served in developmental operations at the Rome Air Development Center (RADC) at Griffiss Air Force Base, New York (1967–1968). His staff brilliance later earned him an assignment to Allied Forces Southern Europe (NATO Headquarters, 6th Allied Tactical Air Force) in Naples, Italy (1971–1973) as an Operations Staff Officer. He subsequently returned to the Pacific theater with the 374th Tactical Airlift Wing out of Ching Chuan Kang (CCK) Air Base, Taiwan (1973), supporting tactical airlift operations across Southeast Asia.

Major Olson retired from active duty after 22 years of honorable military service to the nation.

Post-Military Life & Community

Following his military retirement, John transitioned to the commercial sector in Southern California, settling in Huntington Beach. He applied his leadership skills as a Commercial Account Executive with Orkin Pest Control starting in 1977. Throughout his civilian years, Buzz remained an active bridge enthusiast, community volunteer, and a devoted family man.

Major John Arthur "Buzz" Olson passed away on July 10, 1987, in California at the age of 50. He is remembered by his 1959 classmates as a steadfast leader, a brave combat pilot, and a devoted family man who exemplified the Academy motto, Service Before Self.

EDUCATION

• B.S., Engineering Sciences – United States Air Force Academy (1959)
• USAF Pilot Training & Tactical Air Control School (1959–1961)
• Air Command and Staff College (Professional Military Education)

MAJOR MEDALS & AWARDS

• Silver Star
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Air Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster / 2 Awards)
• Air Force Commendation Medal
• National Defense Service Medal
• Vietnam Service Medal (with combat stars)
• Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
• Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

1955–1959 Cadet / Two-Time Squadron Commander Cadet Squadron 07, USAFA, CO
1959–1961 Student Pilot UPT / Combat Crew Training
1961–1965 Pilot Pease Air Force Base, NH
1966–1967 Forward Air Controller (FAC) Pilot 21st TASS (Qui Nhơn / Nha Trang / Pleiku AB, South Vietnam)
1967–1968 Operations / Development Officer RADC, Griffiss Air Force Base, NY
1971–1973 Operations Staff Officer 6th Allied Tactical Air Force, NATO HQs, Naples, Italy
1973–1977 Staff / Airlift Operations Officer 374th Tactical Airlift Wing, CCK Air Base, Taiwan
1977 Commercial Account Executive Huntington Beach, CA (Civilian)