Biography

Al Gatto began his military career with the Marines right after high school. He was sent to Camp Lejeune with orders to attend carpentry school but his interest in demolition called him to volunteer for Bomb Disposal. He was sent to Camp Pendleton, California then started a tour of duty with the Seventh Engineer Battalion/First Marine Air Wing at K-3 in Pohang, Korea in October of 1951.
When the Vietnam War escalated he served with the Ninth Infantry Division as a forward air controller, flying the O-1 Bird Dog.
His F-100 years would come later.

Units Assigned

• 417th Tactical Fighter Squadron
• 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron (F-100)

Awards & Decorations

 Vietnam Gallantry Cross
 Silver Star

Flight Info

F-100
O-1

Military Education

Civilian Education