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“Captain Romero is an outstanding young officer who displays unlimited potential. He has functioned in an outstanding manner as both a squadron pilot and as an aircraft commander upgradee. Captain Romero is a highlyskilled and experienced pilot who continually displays excellent knowledge of all phases of his job . . .He has demonstrated his ability and desire to assume increased responsibilities and should be considered for promotion ahead of his contemporaries.”
Opinion of Endorsing Officer. “I highly recommend that he be promoted well ahead of his contemporaries.”
. . .Page after page of Romero’s military records repeat the same thing: “Highly recommend he be promoted ahead of his contemporaries.”
Born John Harry Romero, Jr. September 1, 1941, in Lafayette, Louisiana, he grew up a home boy near the Mississippi. After attending University of Southwest Louisiana, Lafayette, he enrolled in the Air Force on December 11th, 1964, at the age of 23. Lanky, almost 6 feet tall, he was nevertheless agile and qualified for some of the best jets. He quickly distinguished himself above his fellow junior officers, and became an exceptional pilot. By this time Romero had married his sweetheart, Carrie, and in the next few years they would have 2 children together, Carolyn, and John III.
After finishing training in Texas, young Romero was quickly transferred to Hahn, Germany, as a part of the 10th tactical fighter squadron. Various duties then came as Romero was being groomed for promotion. He eventually became the Forward Air Controller.
After being transferred back to the States, Romero continued to express his desire to learn more about every aspect of aerial warfare. As a result of his interest and abilities, he occupied a number of positions while continuing to fly, and finally was made the second commander of a Phantom F-4 Wing.
On January 18, 1970, he finally got his chance to put his training and experience to work. He was transferred to Vietnam, to see front line tactical fighter combat, including ground support bombing missions and striking at targets far behind enemy lines. The honors came surprisingly quickly. For the first month flying achievements alone he was awarded the Air Medal. Soon even higher awards came. On April 1, he was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross, then on June 10, he was awarded yet another, with First Oak Leaf Cluster. He was then also named Top Gun in his Wing.
“Captain Romero is fully qualified and capable of performing in a nuclear strike, conventional weapons delivery or Air defense role utilizing the F-4D weapons system under all weather conditions. Responsible for planning and executing these missions. Maintains an operational knowledge of peacetime/wartime plans and procedures, continually reviews assigned targets and accomplishes periodic testing on these subjects. Committed to global deployment for indefinite periods with minimum notice.”
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