Joseph Arthur Bulger Jr.

MEDALS-RIBBONS: Distinguished Flying Cross W/OLC, Command Pilot, Bronze Star, Meritorious Service, Air Medal w/12 Oak Leaf Clusters, Army of Occupation, Vietnam Service w/2 Stars, Vietnam Campaign, Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/Silver Star

I never got into an airplane - I put it on like a glove. My wings and I are one.

West Point Class of 1952

F-100 Super Sabres

F-86D Sabre

Certification: Aerospace Engineer, American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

Lt. COLONEL JOSEPH A. BULGER JR. USAF Died Nov. 14, 2009. Born 12 June 1930, in Mt. Clemmens, Michigan; Graduated 1948 from Phillips Academy, Andover, Mass. Joined US Army and Air Force in 1948, A Bachelor of Science Graduate of USMA West Point, NY Class of 1952, received a Masters of Science in Aeronautical Engineering while attending University of Michigan in 1960, further enhancing his education with graduate coursework in aerodynamics, fluid mechanics, propulsion research, gas turbine aircraft, rocket engines and mathematics at AFIT HQ, Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio (AU). 2nd Lt. (Reg. AF) Bulger, achieved rank of Fighter Pilot (EAD) June 3rd 1952. Assigned to Bartow AFB, FL July 52 to Feb. 53. San Marcos AFB, TX, Feb. 53 to May 53, J. Connally AFB, TX, May 53 to Sep. 53, Tyndall AFB, FL, F-86 All Weather Training School. Sep. 53 to Dec. 53, Suffolk County AFB, NY. Dec. 53 to Dec. 54, 1st Lt. (Reg. AF), Bulger was assigned to Landstuhl AB, Germany (USAFE) Dec. 54 to Dec. 57, (made Lt. rank on 3rd Jun 55). Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, Jan. 58 to Feb. 60, made Capt. (Reg. AF), 17 Mar 58. HQ AFFTC-AFSC, Edwards AFB, CA, Feb 60 to July 66, Chief Computer Section, Aerospace Flight Research Branch. Developed analog and hybrid analog/digital computer simulations of new Manned Aerospace Advanced Aerodynamic and Space Vehicle Systems. Developed Engineering Service Plan for Lifting Body Research Programs, Notable Projects included, X-15, X-20A alias: Dyna-Soar Project and X-24 lifting body, considered the precursors to today’s Manned Space Shuttle Orbital Glider, Developed Simulation Programs for Aerospace Pilots School. Developed Modern Flight Simulator Laboratory based on his vast knowledge of general purpose computer equipment. Recognized by Industry and Government Agencies as an authority in Flight Simulation Field. Assistant Chief, Flight Research Division, Numbered AF Level. Supervised 21 R&D Engineering Officers and 16 Enlisted Airmen assigned to the Division, served as Project Officer for Flight Test Programs. Project Officer Joint Air Force/NASA Research program. NASA Flight Research Center Air Force Liaison Officer. Attended Armed Forces Staff College, VA Aug. 66 to Jan 67, Temporary Duty Station 4515 CCR Training Squadron, F-100, Luke AFB, AZ Mar 67 to Aug 67. Bien Hoa AB, Republic of Vietnam.14 Aug, 67 to 14 Aug 68. Assigned to the 531st TAC Fighter Squadron, 3rd TAC Fighter Wing, (PACAF) Squadron Pilot Tactical Fighter F-100, Lead Combat Missions. Additional duties: Squadron Maintenance Officer. Combat Missions: Vietnam Air Offensive Phase II, (BSS) and Vietnam Air Offensive Phase III (BSS). 268 South East Asia Combat Missions, 328.8 Combat Hours F-100 aircraft. Made rank of Major (USAF), 4 Dec. 67, Rank of Lt. Colonel, (USAF),3 May 68. HQ USAF Level (AFSC), Los Angeles, AFS, CA. Aug 68 to July 69. Space and Missile Systems Organization. Project Engineer Vandenberg AFB, Santa Barbara County CA. Chief of Manned Orbital Laboratory (MOL) Simulating Branch. The Manned Orbital Lab was the precursor of Skylab and today’s Space Station. HQ AF Systems Command (AFSC), Andrews AFB, MD. Aug 69 to July 71 MAJCOM, Staff Development Engineer, Offense Systems Division. Advanced Strategic Offensive Missile Systems. 2 July 71 to 1 July 73 MAJCOM, R&D Director Offense Systems Division. Assistant Chief Offense Systems Division of Strategic Planning of Advanced Strategic Weapons Systems. HQ Armament Development Test Center ADTC (AFSC), Weapons Division. Eglin AFB, FL. Jun 73 to Apr 76. Special Assistant to Director. Program Manager for Conceptual Armament Systems. Program Manager for Strategic and Tactical Air Launched Weapon Concepts. Program Manager for Missile and Anti-ship studies. Developed SAMCAT Concept: escort of strike forces using air to air intercept of surface to air missiles. 30 June, 77. Separated Active Duty Air Force. 5 July, 77. Professional Membership: American Institute of Aeronautics & Astronautics, member since 1964. (Up to date as of November 2009)