Col James V. Williford

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Wall of Honor Level:
Air and Space Friend

Honored by:
Ms. Doris B. Williford

Colonel James V. Williford was commissioned in the Air Force after graduating from the United States Naval Academy in 1966 with a bachelor's degree in engineering. He also earned a Master's Degree in Public Administration from the University of Northern Colorado in 1975.

After graduation from pilot training at Reese AFB, TX and fighter training at Clovis AFB, NM he had the following assignments:

1968-1969 - Bien Hoa AB, Republic of Vietnam - 90 Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS), pilot (F-100)
1969-1973 - Torrejon AB, Spain - 307/613 TFS, pilot (F-100/F-4E), Aide to Commander, 16AF

1973-1975 - Nellis AFB, NV - 422 Fighter Weapons School (FWS), Operational Test and Evaluation (OT&E) (F-4D / E)

1975-1976 - Air Command and Staff College, Distinguished graduate

1976-1978 - Randolph AFB, TX - Air Force Air Force Military Personnel Center (AFMPC), Deputy Chief, Special Manning; Chief, Rated Supplement

1978-1979 - Kunsan AB, Korea - Chief, Standardization/Evaluation 8 Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) (F-4D)

1979-1983 - MacDill AFB, FL - Operations Officer, 61 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron (TFTS) (F-4/F-16); Commander, 62 TFTS (F-16)

1983-1984 - Langley AFB, VA Executive to Commander, Headquarters Tactical Air Command

1984-1985 - National War College

1985-1987 - Pentagon AF/XOC, Director, Warfighting Analysis (Checkmate)

1987-1988 - Kunsan AB, Korea - Vice Commander 8 TFW/CV (F-16)

1988-1990 - Langley AFB, VA - Director, Fighter / Recce Requirements (TAC/DRF)

1990-1996 - Pentagon, Chief, Office of Acquisitions and Requirements, National Guard Bureau (NGB/RD)

More than 40 military awards including:
- Legion of Merit (+1 OLC)
- Distinguished Flying Cross (+20LC)
- Purple Heart
- Meritorious Service Medal (+5 OLC)
- Air Medal (+10 OLC)
- Air Force Commendation Medal (+2 OLC)
- Army Commendation Medal.
Flight Information:
Ratings: Command pilot, parachutist
Flight hours: More than 3,000; aircraft flown: F-100, F-4, F-16

Colonel Williford retired from the Air Force in June 1966.