Karl William Schmidt
Karl William Schmidt
Years of Service:
29
Highest Rank:
O-5
Medals & Awards:
Distinguished Flying Cross 1
Meritorious Service Medal 1
Air Medal 5
Air Force Commendation Medal 2
Career Highlights:
LIEUTENANT COLONEL KARL WILLIAM SCHMIDT
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959
Cadet Squadron 12
Karl William Schmidt was born in Bethlehem, Pennsylvania. Raised across several states during his childhood, Karl developed a passion for aviation and a desire to serve as a "fly boy" for Uncle Sam.
His dream took flight when he received a Senatorial appointment to the newly established United States Air Force Academy. Entering with the inaugural Class of 1959, Karl was assigned to Cadet Squadron 12. Affectionately known as "Kraut" among his classmates, he was active in athletic and extracurricular activities at the Academy, running track and competing as a member of the rifle team. He graduated on June 3, 1959, earning his Bachelor of Science degree and a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the United States Air Force.
MILITARY CAREER & FLYING SPECIALTIES
Following graduation, Karl entered Primary and Basic Pilot Training at Moore Air Base and Laredo Air Force Base, Texas, receiving his pilot wings in 1960.
STRATEGIC AIR COMMAND & BOMBER OPERATIONS
Karl began his operational flying career in Strategic Air Command (SAC) bombers:
• 376th Bomb Wing (Lockbourne AFB, OH, 1961–1963): Served as an operational pilot.
• 764th Bomb Squadron (Amarillo AFB, TX, 1963–1968): Continued flight duties in heavy bombardment.
• 4133rd Bomb Wing (Andersen AFB, Guam, 1966–1967): Deployed to the Western Pacific supporting Arc Light operational missions.
• 65th Bomb Squadron (Little Rock AFB, AR, 1968–1970): Served as Aircraft Commander.
RECONNAISSANCE & SOUTHEAST ASIA SERVICE
In 1970, Karl transitioned to tactical reconnaissance in Southeast Asia. Assigned to the 554th Reconnaissance Squadron at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand (1970–1971), he flew combat operational missions over the region. For his aerial achievement, leadership, and heroic service, he was decorated with the Distinguished Flying Cross and 5 Air Medals.
AIR TRAFFIC CONTROL & COMMAND LEADERSHIP
Transitioning into Air Traffic Control and Communications leadership during the second half of his career:
• 2030 Communications Squadron (Wurtsmith AFB, MI, 1971–1973): Served as Air Traffic Control Officer.
• USAFE Headquarters (Europe, 1973–1979): Served as Chief Air Traffic Control Liaison Officer, coordinating joint and international military air traffic control protocols across the European theater.
Lieutenant Colonel Schmidt concluded a distinguished 29-year Air Force career, retiring at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel (O-5).
POST-MILITARY LIFE & COMMUNITY INVOLVEMENT
Following his military service, Karl settled in Cameron Park, California. From 1984 through 2004, he was actively involved in community and aviation groups, including the RB (Red Baron) Association.
Lieutenant Colonel Karl W. Schmidt passed away on September 21, 2022, at the age of 85.
EDUCATION
B.S., General Engineering United States Air Force Academy 1955–1959
Undergraduate Pilot Training Moore AB / Laredo AFB, TX 1959–1960
MEDALS & AWARDS
Distinguished Flying Cross 1
Meritorious Service Medal 1
Air Medal 5
Air Force Commendation Medal 2
SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS
1959–1960 Pilot Training Moore AB / Laredo AFB, TX
1961–1963 Pilot 376th Bomb Wing, Lockbourne AFB, OH
1963–1968 Pilot 764th Bomb Sq, Amarillo AFB, TX
1966–1967 Pilot 4133rd Bomb Wing, Andersen AFB, Guam
1968–1970 Aircraft Commander 65th Bomb Sq, Little Rock AFB, AR
1970–1971 Pilot 554th Reconnaissance Sq, Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand
1971–1973 Air Traffic Control Officer 2030 Comm Sq, Wurtsmith AFB, MI
1973–1979 Chief Air Traffic Control Liaison Officer USAFE (Europe)
1984–2004 Community / RB Association Cameron Park, CA
