AFA Mourns the Loss of Gen David C. Jones, USAF (Ret.)

The Air Force Association mourns the loss of David C. Jones, a retired U.S. Air Force general, former Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and long-time AFA supporter. General Jones passed away Saturday, August 10, 2013, at the age of 92.

Prior to becoming Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in 1978, General Jones served four years as Chief of Staff of the USAF, responsible for administering, training, and equipping America’s Airmen as a part of the world’s most advanced defense system. In combat, the general was assigned to a bombardment squadron during the Korean War and accumulated more than 300 hours on missions over North Korea. In 1969, he served in the Republic of Vietnam as deputy commander for operations and then as vice commander of the Seventh Air Force.

The general earned a number of awards and decorations for his outstanding career, including the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, and the Legion of Merit, among others. In 2008, he was honored with AFA’s Lifetime Achievement award for his extensive career supporting the advancement of aerospace power. General Jones also served as an emeritus member of the AFA Board.
General Jones dealt with every facet of the diversified missions of military forces committed to the defense of our country. AFA will continue to remember and honor his legacy of service.