Robert Lyons Wilder

MAJOR ROBERT LYONS WILDER
U.S. Air Force Academy Class of 1959

Robert Lyons Wilder was originally from Antwerp, New York. He entered the United States Air Force Academy after receiving a congressional appointment, becoming a member of Cadet Squadron 3 ("Cerberus Three").

During his cadet years at the Academy, "Ho" was known as an avid "engine addict" with a particular passion for the Thunderbird, and he actively served on the Car Committee. On the athletic front, he played water polo and served as the Cadet in Charge (CIC) of the team.

MILITARY SERVICE & OPERATIONAL FLYING

Following graduation with the Class of 1959, Lieutenant Wilder entered primary and basic pilot training at Graham Air Base and Vance Air Force Base, earning his wings in 1960. He was subsequently assigned to the 3576th Pilot Training Squadron at Vance AFB, Oklahoma, where he served as an Instructor Pilot from 1961 to 1964 and completed Squadron Officer School in 1963.

In 1964, Wilder deployed to the Republic of Vietnam during the early stages of the Vietnam War. Based at Bien Hoa Air Base, he served as a Forward Air Controller (FAC) flying the O-1A Bird Dog. In this demanding combat role, he marked targets and directed air strikes in support of ground operations.

Upon completing his combat tour in 1965, Major Wilder transitioned to staff responsibilities. From 1966 to 1969, he served as Chief of the Command Post for the 50th Tactical Fighter Wing at Hahn Air Base in West Germany. In 1969, he was assigned to Headquarters U.S. Air Force at the Pentagon as an Action Officer in Plans & Programs (P&P). Over his 19 years of military service, Major Wilder earned numerous decorations for valor and meritorious achievement, including two Distinguished Flying Crosses, the Bronze Star Medal, and eleven Air Medals.

POST-MILITARY CAREER

Following his Air Force career, Major Wilder entered the private sector. Beginning in 2009, he served as Business Development Manager for Innovative Circuits, Inc. in Alpharetta, Georgia.

EDUCATION

1959 B.S., United States Air Force Academy Cadet Squadron 3
1959–1960 Undergraduate Pilot Training Graham AB, FL / Vance AFB, OK
1963 Squadron Officer School (SOS) Maxwell AFB, AL

SERVICE ASSIGNMENTS

1959–1960 Student Pilot Pilot Training Graham AB / Vance AFB
1961–1964 Instructor Pilot 3576th Pilot Training Squadron Vance AFB, Oklahoma
1964–1965 Forward Air Controller (FAC), O-1A Combat Aviation Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam
1966–1969 Chief, Command Post 50th Tactical Fighter Wing Hahn Air Base, West Germany
1969 Action Officer (Plans & Programs) Headquarters USAF Washington, D.C.
2009– Business Development Manager Innovative Circuits, Inc. Alpharetta, Georgia

MEDALS & MAJOR AWARDS

Distinguished Flying Cross 2
Bronze Star Medal 1
Air Medal 11
Air Force Commendation Medal 1