Don “graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburg with a BS in Aerospace Engineering, received his Masters from USC in Aerospace Engineering (4.0 GPA), and was a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (1969). Served in the USAF from 1954
After retiring from USAF, worked as an engineer at Hughes Missile Aircraft Company, working on IR Maverick and AMRAAM programs. Volunteered with the Daedalians, classic car club, scientific trials to advance science, and was a lifelong blood donor” (1)
Source: (1) https://www.dignitymemorial.com/obituaries/tucson-az/donald-conn-6918123
Donald N. Conn, Col USAF, Ret., “Headed West” on May 3, 2016.
Colonel (Ret) Donald Neilson Conn, born in Los Angeles, CA on March 9, 1935, died peacefully on May 3, 2016. Don will be greatly missed by his wife, Margot (born in Vieritz, East Germany), after celebrating more than 54 years of marriage, son, Marcus (53), born in Pittsburgh PA, daughter, Deanna (51),born in Albuquerque, NM, grandchildren, Sedona (17) and Logan (14), born in Tucson, AZ.
In addition to Margot, the loves of his life included flying fighter jets in the USAF, his 1955 convertible T-bird, playing piano on his baby grand Steinway, watering his rescue trees, painting, skiing and golf, winning football pools, martinis at sunset, classical music, art, red wine and philosophy.
He graduated cum laude from the University of Pittsburg with a BS in Aerospace Engineering, received his Masters from USC in Aerospace Engineering (4.0 GPA), and was a graduate of the Industrial College of the Armed Forces (1969). Served in the USAF from 1954 – 1982. Flew OV-10 and T-39 in combat in Vietnam and Laos, and flew F-4A, F-84F, F-100A, F-100D & F-100F, C-47, L-20 Beaver, B-47, H-19, T-33 and T-34. Directed highest number of sorties with 72 F-4s ever done while stationed at Hahn, Germany. Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross with 1 Oak Leaf Cluster (OLC), Meritorious Service Medal with 2 OLC, Air Medal with 1 Silver OLC and 3 Bronze OLC, AF Commendation Medal with 1 OLC, AF Presidential Unit Citation, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, AF Longevity Service Award Ribbon with 1 Silver OLC, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, AF Good Conduct Medal. After retiring from USAF, worked as an engineer at Hughes Missile Aircraft Company, working on IR Maverick and AMRAAM programs. Volunteered with the Daedalians, classic car club, scientific trials to advance science, and was a lifelong blood donor. Private family memorial service.
