John Pavlock, Major John Paul Pavlock graduated from the US Air Force Academy in 1983. Upon completion of Basic Pilot Training he served his country as a fighter pilot. Flying the F-4E in Korea and the Philippines. In 1989 Major Pavlock was trained to fly the F-15E model.
In August 1990, Major Pavlock was sent to Al Kharj, AFB in Saudi Arabia in preparation of Operation Desert Storm. He logged over 100 combat hours and 36 bombing missions over a seven month period. He earned three Air Medals for Meritorious Achievement for his actions during Operation Desert Storm.
Major Pavlock was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for Heroism for his actions on January 17, 1991. On that date, he flew a night mission into one of the most heavily defended enemy bases, deep within hostile territory, and successfully destroyed targets which were critically important to the outcome of the war.
Upon completion of the Gulf War, Major Pavlock visited an eighth-grade class that had written him during the war. He shared his experiences with the students and thanked them for their support.
Major Pavlock was interviewed by author William L. Smallwood and was featured in the book "STRIKE EAGLE: Flying the F-15E in the Gulf War".
After completion of active duty, Major Pavlock continued to serve as a Flight Commander in the Air National Guard flying the A-10 from August 1993 to March 1999.
Major Pavlock now resides in Wilmington, Delaware and is a pilot with American Airlines. He is still active in the military, serving as a US Air Force Academy Liaison Officer.
