Lockhart, Thomas G.

An Excerpt from The Pathway to Valor by Jan Lockhart. Published in The Delta Magazine, Sigma Nu Fraternity, Fall 2014

“Having elected Air Force ROTC, Tom was given a thorough physical by the military and qualified for pilot training following his graduation. Assigned to initial pilot training in Big Springs, Tex., he returned to Morgantown in his brand new 1961 Chevy convertible for a last goodbye to his college days and his fraternity brothers.

The Air Force was beginning to build up for the impending war in South East Asia, and started pilot trainees in jet aircraft, the T-37, as opposed to reciprocating engines that had been the norm. Early training was fun and exciting, but as more and more was demanded from these trainees, crashes and even deaths, became more frequent. Tom realized that he would live longer and stay healthier if he learned and experienced as much as possible in this training. His final grades were near the top of his class, and he was able to select the F-100 jet fighter, the front line fighter for the US Air Force and continue his training at Luke Air Force Base in Phoenix, Arizona.

The fatality rate for F-100 training was very high, once again providing motivation to do well, as many of the training classes lost more than half of their pilots. Immediately following his graduation from F- 100s, Tom was one of a select few chosen to train in the newest, fastest jet in the USAF inventory, the F-105 Thunderchief. This aircraft could accomplish every mission tasked to jet fighters – air-to-air combat, low level nuclear strikes, and a host of air-to-ground conventional deliveries.  This airplane was given the moniker, “The Thud,” as that was the sound – or so detractors claimed — it made hitting the ground.

Lockhart on his first combat tour with his favorite unit, the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron, and his favorite airplane, the F-105 Thunderchief. First Lieutenant Lockhart arrived at the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron in Okinawa, on the very day of the Gulf of Tonkin Incident, which is credited with beginning the war in Vietnam. Senior pilots were well aware that this squadron would be one of the first deployed when war did break out, and were justifiably concerned that this green, young pilot needed a great deal of help if he were to live through the coming combat tour. The squadron’s Operations Officer put Tom through an accelerated practical flying program in order to get him up to speed with the operational missions.

Requirements for completion of a tour was 100 missions over North Vietnam. Lockhart completed this milestone, but not before enduring treacherous missions through dangerous combat zones.”

“Lockhart retired from the Air Force in 1988. During his outstanding career as an aviator, he was one of very few pilots who flew the T-37, the T-38, the F-100, the F-105, the F-4, and the F-16 jet fighters.

As Lockhart reminisces on his career and his life, the positive and negative motivations that directed his life journey become quite clear. Recognizing their importance, Tom has made it a priority to pass along as best he can, motivations for others. He works with the Joe Foss Institute teaching school children the importance of the United States Constitution and the Bill of Rights. Tom regularly speaks for the VFW and the American Legion at patriotic holiday ceremonies and to schools about choosing the military as a career. He has mentored several students, including a local young man through the Air Force Academy and into a career as a pilot.” (1)

Source: (1) https://www.sigmanu.org/the-delta/magazine/v132n1/features/the-pathway-to-valor