Skip to content

This Day in History – June 10, 1969 – The X-15 gets a place in history

10 June 1969: The U.S. Air Force donated the first North American Aviation X-15, serial number 56-6670, to the Smithsonian Institution for display at the National Air and Space Museum. The first of three X-15A hypersonic research rocketplanes built by North American for the Air Force and the National Advisory Committee (NACA, the predecessor of NASA), 56-6670 made the first glide flight and

Read More »
Join The SSS
Update My Bio
Main Menu
  • Home
  • History
    • About The SSS
    • Headed West
    • Biographies
    • Today in F-100 History
    • SSS Caterpillar
    • Wall of Honor
    • F-100 Information
    • Friends of the Super Sabre
    • N. American F-100 Super Sabre
  • Galleries
  • The Intake
    • About The Intake: Journal
    • The Intake: Journal of the Super Sabre Society – Archives
  • What’s New
  • Contact

Drittler, John A.

  • Home
  • Biography
  • Biographies
  • Drittler, John A.

John A. Drittler

Preferred Name: Jack
Date of Birth: January 12, 1940
Highest Military Grade: 0-5 – Lieutenant Colonel
Hometown: Detroit, MI
Headed West Date: January 11, 2019
Biography
Pilot Information
Headed West

Jack Drittler joined the Air Force in July of 1960 and completed pilot training at Laredo AFB, Texas in May of 1967.  He was sent to Vietnam with the 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron and completed 226 combat missions at Bien Hoa, flying the F-100 Super Saber.  He earned  2 Distinguished Flying Crosses and 12 Air Medals for superior flying skill.

After Vietnam, he returned to Laredo AFB as a flight instructor.  He was transferred to Mt. Home AFB, Idaho and assigned to the 366th TFS flying F-111 F.  He also served in the 48th TFW (495th TFS) at RAF Lakenheath, UK and McClellan AFB, California where he directed all Flight Test Operations for the F-111, FB-111, A-10, and F-106.

During his USAF career, he was awarded two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two bronze stars, two Meritorious Service medals, 12 Air Medals and twice received the Best in TAC award.   He retired as head of the Sacramento Air Logistics Flight Test unit in May 1984.  He was best known for his superior flying skills, his fierce loyalty to his men, and his wicked sense of humor.
Jack was also a devoted husband, father, and grandfather.  He married Dorothea Buck in July 1962. They had two children: Laura and John.

After he retired he went on over 65 cruises with his wife and family.  He also enjoyed cooking and spending time with his family. Jack “Headed West” in 2019.

Units Assigned

  • 7/1960 Entered USAF
  • 5/1967 Pilot training, Laredo AFB, TX
  • 522nd Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cannon AFB, NM
  • 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron, Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam (F-100)
  • IP, Laredo AFB, TX
  • 366th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Mt. Home AFB, ID (F-111)
  • 495th Tactical Fighter Squadron/48th Tactical Fighter Wing, Lakenheath RAFB, England
  • Air Logistics Flight Test Unit, McClellan AFB, CA (F-111, FB-111, A-10, F-106)
  • 5/1984 Retired USAF

Awards & Decorations

Distinguished Flying Cross
Distinguished Flying Cross (2)
Bronze Star
Bronze Star (2)
Meritorious Service Award
Meritorious Service Medal (2)
Air Medal
Air Medal (12)
Best in TAC award (twice)

Flight Info

F-100
F-111
FB-111
A-10
F-106

Military & Civilian Education

John A. “Jack” Drittler, LtCol USAF. Ret., “Headed West” on January 11, 2019.

Lt. Col John “Jack” Drittler (USAF Ret), 78, died peacefully on January 11, 2019 in Port Charlotte Florida. A veteran of Vietnam, he completed 226 combat missions flying the F-100 Super Sabre.

Jack was born on January 12, 1940 in Detroit Michigan to Harvon and Rosemary Drittler. He joined the Air Force in July of 1960. During his meritorious career he was awarded two distinguished Flying Crosses, two bronze stars, two Meritorious Service medals, 12 Air Medals and twice received the Best in TAC award. He was best known for his superior flying skills, his fierce loyalty to his men, and his wicked sense of humor.

Jack was also a devoted husband, father and grandfather. He married Dorothea Buck in July 1962. He is survived by his wife, Dorothea; his son John (Dawn); his daughter Laura Hauser; and his five grandchildren. He enjoyed cruising, cooking and spending time with his family. There was a memorial mass at Sacred Heart Catholic Church on January 19, at 11:00 am.

In lieu of flowers donations may be made in his name to Tidewell Hospice at 5955 Rand Blvd, Sarasota Fl, 34238-9989 Attn: Philanthropy Dept.

Source: Charlotte Memorial

 

Wall of Honor Location

Our Mission

The mission of the Super Sabre Society is to preserve the history of the F-100 Super Sabre and the men who flew the aircraft.

Follow Us

Copyright © 2025 Super Sabre Society
Website by: Heart and Soul Web Design
Scroll to Top