Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Tad
Jerome
Oelstrom
February 14, 1943

–

Born:

Milwaukee

, 

Wisconsin

Tad Oelstrom graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy at Colorado Springs, Colorado, Class of 1965. As a fighter pilot, he flew 240 combat missions during the Vietnam War and earned two Distinguished Flying Crosses. From 1997 to 2000 he served as the 14th Superintendent of the Air Force Academy. He retired in 2000 as a U.S. Air Force Lieutenant General.

Awards Received

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    421st Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    366th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Tad Jerome Oelstrom, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an F-4E Pilot in the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron and Standardization and Evaluation Officer, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia from 1970 to 1971. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    First Lieutenant

    Batallion:

    421st Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Regiment:

    366th Tactical Fighter Wing

    Division:

    DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam

    Action Date:

    Vietnam War

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to First Lieutenant Tad Jerome Oelstrom, United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving as an F-4E Pilot in the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron and Standardization and Evaluation Officer, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam, in action against the enemy over Southeast Asia from 1970 to 1971. His devotion to duty and courage under all conditions serve as an inspiration to his fellow flyers. His actions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the Armed Forces of the United States.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Lieutenant General Tad Jerome Oelstrom, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Oelstrom and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Defense Superior Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    Under the provisions of Department of Defense 1348.33-M, the Secretary of Defense has awarded the Defense Superior Service Medal to Lieutenant General Tad Jerome Oelstrom, United States Air Force, for exceptionally superior service to the Department of Defense. The distinctive accomplishments of Lieutenant General Oelstrom reflect great credit upon himself, the United States Air Force, and the Department of Defense.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Major General Tad Jerome Oelstrom, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of Major General Oelstrom in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Lieutenant General

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal to Lieutenant General Tad Jerome Oelstrom, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Superintendent of the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colorado Springs, Colorado, from 1997 to 2000. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Oelstrom culminate a long and distinguished career in the service of his country and his dedicated contributions reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.