Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
John
Langford
Locke
April 9, 1917

–

August 4, 1986

Born:

El Paso

, 

Texas

Home:

El Paso

, 

Texas

Buried: 

Arlington

, 

Virginia

Cemetery:

Arlington National Cemetery

John Locke graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1941. He retired in 1974 as a U.S. Air Force Major General.

Awards Received

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    July 10, 1965 – July 5, 1967

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, 20 July 1942, takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Legion of Merit to Brigadier General John Langford Locke (ASN: 0-23747), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Chief, Air Force Section, United States Military Mission with the Imperial Iranian Army and United States Military Assistance Advisory Group to Iran from 10 July 1965 to 5 July 1967. In this important assignment, the outstanding professional skill, sound judgment, and exemplary foresight consistently demonstrated by General Locke resulted in a definite improvement in the Armed Forces of an ally and in strengthening of Free World forces. The superior initiative, outstanding leadership, and personal endeavor displayed by General Locke reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    August 1, 1969 – April 30, 1972

    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 John Langford Locke, United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States. General Locke distinguished himself as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Headquarters, United States Air Force, from 1 August 1969 to 30 April 1972. In this important position, the executive leadership, extraordinary initiative and total commitment displayed by General Locke on behalf of the Air Force and its people resulted in significant improvements in the career management and utilization of critical personnel resources. Through exceptional ability and foresight in directing a wide range of important personnel programs, he was responsible for the successful attainment of major objectives which have substantially enhanced the effectiveness of the Air Force. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Locke reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Air Force Distinguished Service Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    May 1, 1972 – March 1, 1974

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General John Langford Locke (ASN: 0-23747), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal for exceptionally meritorious and distinguished service in a position of great responsibility to the Government of the United States as Commander, Headquarters Command, U.S. Air Force, Bolling Air Force Base, Washington, D.C. from 1 May 1972 to 1 March 1974. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Locke 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.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    406th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    August 8, 1944
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 114 (June 25, 1945)

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918, takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel (Air Corps) John Langford Locke (ASN: 0-23747), United States Army Air Forces, for gallantry in action on 8 August 1944. Lieutenant Colonel Locke was leading a squadron of P-47 Thunderbolt Fighter Airplanes of the 406th Fighter Group, NINTH Air Force, on a mission in cooperation with the ground forces just after the breakthrough at St. Lo. Directing his squadron to circle in the area Lieutenant Colonel Locke descended to extremely low altitude in order to locate four formidable gun positions thwarting advancing ground forces, and in the face of withering anti-aircraft fire he silenced them. Although his aircraft was severely damaged in this mission he rejoined his squadron and led a vigorous attack on artillery positions and bombs were dispatched destroying two guns, disabling two, and permitting the allied armored column to advance unimpeded. Lieutenant Colonel Locke’s gallant actions on this occasion brought the highest distinction to himself and his organization.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Brigadier General

    Action Date:

    July 31, 1961 – May 31, 1965

    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 Brigadier General John Langford Locke (ASN: 0-23747), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Deputy Director of Military Personnel, Deputy Chief of Staff, Personnel, Headquarters, United States Air Force, from 31 July 1961 to 31 May 1965. During this period, the superior professional skill, knowledge and leadership demonstrated by General Locke contributed immeasurably in solving major problem areas in military personnel administration. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Locke reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Legion of Merit

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major General

    Action Date:

    August 1967 – July 1969

    (Citation Needed) – SYNOPSIS: Major General John Langford Locke (ASN: 0-23747), United States Air Force, was awarded a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Legion of Merit for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel, Headquarters, United States Air Force, Washington, D.C., from August 1967 to July 1969. The singularly distinctive accomplishments of General Locke and his dedicated contributions in the service of his country reflect the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

  • Distinguished Flying Cross

    Service:

    United States Army Air Forces

    Rank:

    Major (Air Corps)

    Regiment:

    406th Fighter Group

    Division:

    9th Air Force

    Action Date:

    May – July 1944
    Headquarters, 9th Air Force, General Orders No. 267 (November 13, 1944)

    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 Major (Air Corps) John Langford Locke (ASN: 0-23747), United States Army Air Forces, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight against the enemy in the European Theater of Operations from May to July 1944. Throughout this period Major Locke in his capacity as Squadron Commander distinguished himself by outstanding leadership and flying skill in the execution of difficult and arduous bomber-escort and dive-bombing missions in direct support of the ground forces in operations in northern France. Despite the hazards of unfavorable flying conditions and heavy fire from ground installations, Major Locke fearlessly led his squadron in the brilliant execution of its assigned missions. The keen professional skill and outstanding tactical proficiency which he constantly demonstrated served as an inspiration to all members of his command and reflect the highest credit upon his exceptional airmanship.