Harold Wade Todd

MAJOR GENERAL HAROLD W. “PETE” TODD
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959 | Cadet Squadron 11

Major General Harold W. "Pete" Todd was a pioneering member of the U.S. Air Force Academy’s inaugural Class of 1959, a highly decorated command pilot with over 4,000 flying hours, and the historic first USAFA graduate to attain the rank of general officer. Over a distinguished 30-year active-duty military career, General Todd served as a combat B-52 commander in Vietnam, a strategic NATO planner, executive assistant to top military leadership, and commandant of the Air War College. Beyond his military leadership, Pete was widely admired for his keen intellect, sharp sense of humor, rock-solid integrity, clear thinking, and warm, compassionate demeanor.

Born in Chicago, Illinois, in 1938, Pete grew up with a strong dedication to excellence and public service. He graduated from Gonzaga College High School in Washington, D.C., in 1955. Just one month later, in July 1955, he entered history as part of the first-ever cadet class at the newly established United States Air Force Academy, which was then temporarily situated at Lowry Air Force Base in Denver, Colorado.

As a cadet in Cadet Squadron 11, Pete stood out for his clear thinking, natural leadership, and exceptional written and oral communication skills. In 1958, he moved with the cadet wing to the Academy’s permanent campus in Colorado Springs. On June 3, 1959, he graduated with a Bachelor of Science degree, earning his commission as a second lieutenant in the United States Air Force.

OPERATIONAL FLYING & VIETNAM SERVICE

Upon graduation, Lieutenant Todd entered primary flight training at Bartow Air Base, Florida, and basic pilot training at Webb Air Force Base, Texas, earning his pilot wings in August 1960. Following combat crew training at McConnell AFB, Kansas, and Little Rock AFB, Arkansas, he was assigned in June 1961 as a B-47 Stratojet pilot with the 307th Bombardment Wing at Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska. During the height of the Cold War, Pete and his crew performed critical nuclear ground alert duties at home and on overseas reflex deployments in Spain and England.

Following the deactivation of the 307th in March 1965, he transitioned to the 380th Bombardment Wing at Plattsburgh Air Force Base, New York (528th Bomb Squadron). In January 1966, he completed B-52 Stratofortress combat crew training and was assigned to the 99th Bombardment Wing at Westover Air Force Base, Massachusetts. Serving as a B-52 Aircraft Commander, Captain Todd participated in two major wing deployments to Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, under the 7133rd Bombardment Wing. During the Vietnam War, he courageously flew 156 combat missions over Southeast Asia, earning the Distinguished Flying Cross and eight Air Medals for operational bravery and skill.

High-Level Staff, NATO Architecture, & General Officer Distinction

Recognized for his executive ability and strategic vision, Pete transitioned into high-level staff and leadership roles starting in January 1970 at Headquarters Second Air Force, Barksdale Air Force Base, Louisiana, serving as an air training staff officer, special projects officer, and aide to the commander.

In March 1971, he was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) at Wiesbaden, Germany. He served as executive and aide to the Vice Commander in Chief and subsequently became aide and pilot for the dual-hatted USAFE Commander in Chief and Commander, 4th Allied Tactical Air Force (4 ATAF). When headquarters relocated to Ramstein Air Base in March 1973, Pete served as a principal author of an international study on Allied air forces restructuring in NATO’s central region. His work directly led to the establishment of Allied Air Forces Central Europe (AAFCE).

After graduating from the National War College in 1975, he served at Headquarters U.S. Air Force in Washington, D.C., as Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff, Chief of the Concept Development Division (Directorate of Concepts), and Chief of the Readiness and NATO Staff Group under the Vice Chief of Staff. In July 1978, he was named Executive Assistant to the Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

On December 1, 1978, Pete achieved the historic milestone of promotion to Brigadier General, becoming the very first graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy to reach general officer rank.

General Todd took command of the 25th Air Division (NORAD Region) at McChord Air Force Base, Washington, in September 1980. Promoted to Major General on July 1, 1982, he returned to West Germany in September 1982 as Chief of Staff, 4th Allied Tactical Air Force in Heidelberg. In July 1985, General Todd assumed his final active-duty assignment as Commandant of the Air War College and Vice Commander of Air University at Maxwell Air Force Base, Alabama, where he shaped future generations of military leaders. He retired from active duty in June 1989 after 30 years of commissioned service.

POST-MILITARY CAREER, PUBLIC SERVICE, AND FAMILY

Following his Air Force career, General Todd served as an international defense consultant (1989–2005), working extensively with the Swedish Air Force. Driven by a lifelong commitment to public service, he served from 1995 to 2000 as President and Chief Executive Officer of the National Stroke Association in Englewood, Colorado. He also served as President of the 307th Bomb Wing Association and remained an active champion of the USAFA Association of Graduates (AOG). In honor of his legacy in public speaking and debate, the Air Force Academy hosts the annual General Harold "Pete" Todd Memorial Speech & Forensics Tournament.

Pete was devoted to his family and was preceded in death by his beloved wife, Wendy Yvonne Todd. He was a proud father to his daughter, Michelle Adams, a loving grandfather to Dylan and Jessie, and a brother to Richard T. Todd.

Major General Harold W. "Pete" Todd passed away peacefully at his home in Colorado Springs on February 23, 2013, at the age of 74. His memorial service was held at the USAFA Cadet Protestant Chapel. He is remembered by his classmates, fellow airmen, family, and friends as a brilliant strategist, a pioneer for the Class of 1959, and a leader of profound warmth, humor, and character.

EDUCATION

Year Degree / School Location
1955 High School Diploma, Gonzaga College High School Washington, D.C.
1959 Bachelor of Science, U.S. Air Force Academy Colorado Springs, CO
1967 Squadron Officer School (SOS), Maxwell AFB Alabama
1975 Graduate, National War College, Fort Lesley J. McNair Washington, D.C.

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

Years Role / Duty Unit / Location
1959–1960 Student, Primary & Basic Pilot Training Bartow AB, FL / Webb AFB, TX
1960–1961 Student, Combat Crew Training McConnell AFB, KS / Little Rock AFB, AR
1961–1965 B-47 Pilot 307th Bombardment Wing, Lincoln AFB, NE
1965–1966 B-47 / B-52 Pilot 528th Bomb Sq, 380th Bomb Wing, Plattsburgh AFB, NY
1966–1969 B-52 Aircraft Commander (156 Vietnam Combat Missions) 99th Bomb Wing, Westover AFB, MA / 7133rd Bomb Wing, Andersen AFB, Guam
1970–1971 Air Training Staff Officer, Special Projects Officer & Aide HQ 2nd Air Force, Barksdale AFB, LA
1971–1974 Executive & Aide to Vice CINC; Aide & Pilot to CINC USAFE / Commander 4 ATAF HQ USAFE, Wiesbaden AB / Ramstein AB, Germany
1974–1975 Student National War College, Fort McNair, Washington, D.C.
1975–1976 Special Assistant to the Chief of Staff HQ U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
1976–1977 Chief, Concept Development Division, DCS/Plans & Operations HQ U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
1977–1978 Chief, Readiness & NATO Staff Group, Office of Vice Chief of Staff HQ U.S. Air Force, Washington, D.C.
1978–1980 Executive Assistant to the Chairman Joint Chiefs of Staff, Washington, D.C.
1980–1982 Commander 25th Air Division (NORAD Region), McChord AFB, WA
1982–1985 Chief of Staff 4th Allied Tactical Air Force (4 ATAF), Heidelberg, West Germany
1985–1989 Commandant, Air War College & Vice Commander, Air University Maxwell AFB, AL
1989–2005 Private Defense Consultant (Swedish Air Force, etc.) International
1995–2000 President & CEO National Stroke Association, Englewood, CO

MAJOR MILITARY MEDALS AND DECORATIONS

• Defense Distinguished Service Medal
• Air Force Distinguished Service Medal (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Legion of Merit (with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster)
• Distinguished Flying Cross
• Air Medal (with 7 Oak Leaf Clusters / 8 total)
• Air Force Commendation Medal
• Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with "V" Device
• Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm
• Commander's Cross of the Order of Merit of the Federal Republic of Germany