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COL John Richard Zartman made his final landing on 27 Feb
2010. “COL Z,” as he is remembered by his friends and family, was born on 25 Apr
1931 in Galveston, IN. As the only child of Mary Ehrman and Clarence R. Zartman,
he learned independence, tenacity and dedication as a farmer at an early age. He
was responsible for driving tractors and feeding the farm animals by the age of
ten. His daily jobs started at dawn before school, as he managed his farm
chores, school work and athletics while always maintaining a social life filled
with friends.
During his four years at Delphi High School, he was a top
student-athlete. He was the high school year book editor, a member of the 4-H
club, a National Honor Society member, and a letterman in track, football, and
basketball. As a rising senior, he met the “Love of his Life,” Marilyn Koontz,
at Indiana Beach. Even though they were students at different high schools, they
continued to date over the next several years. Upon graduation, John left for
California with a scholarship to play football for Ventura College in southern
California after being recruited by his high school coach. He played football
and basketball there. Realizing that he wanted a greater challenge after one
year of college, he applied and was accepted to West Point in 1950. During his
four years at West Point, he lettered in varsity soccer, enjoyed the French
club, sang in the Cadet Chapel choir, and was on the regimental staff during his
First Class year. He was an academic scholar.
Upon his request, Marilyn, his high school sweetheart, moved to
New York to teach elementary school after her graduation from Ball State
Teaching College. After graduation, John and Marilyn were happily married in
Monticello, IN, in July of 1954. Shortly thereafter, they left for Florida to
begin their Air Force career of flight around the world. Serving this great
nation as a fighter pilot in the Air Force for 30 years, he was a highly
decorated combat veteran. He was stationed all over the world at places that
included: Germany, France, South Carolina, Florida, Vietnam, Hawaii, Texas,
Virginia, and Washington, DC. He was fortunate to lead many Air Force
organizations along the way. As a squadron commander, 18th Tactical
Reconnaissance Squadron, 1969–71; director of operations Ninth Air Force,
1974–75; wing commander, 507th Tactical Air Control Wing, 1976–78 all at Shaw
AFB, SC; and Tactical Air Command deputy Inspector General, 1978–82 at Langley
AFB, VA, he always was respected by his subordinates and peers.
One of his proudest accomplishments during this time was the
successful conversion of his entire squadron from the RF-101 aircraft in 1970 to
the RF-4 aircraft in 1971. As an Air War College and master of science graduate
at Maxwell AFB, AL, he proved again that he was not only a great leader but also
a phenomenal academic. Best described by his airmen as a leader who always
thought of “service before self,” his legacy includes the many careers he
developed and fostered; treasured friendships; and the deep family love shared
by his wife, children and grandchildren, who looked to him for both guidance and
love.
His decorations included: three Legions of Merit, the Bronze
Star, Air Medal, Joint Service Commendation Medal, National Defense Service
Medal, two Air Force Commendation Medals, the Republic of Vietnam Honor Medal,
Republic of Vietnam Service Medal, and an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award. He
will be missed and forever loved by his surviving wife, Marilyn; his three
children, Sue, Dave, and Beth; his eight grandchildren; and friends. We saluted
his life with a memorial service at Regency Oaks Retirement Center on 6 Mar
2010.
—David Zartman “Son”
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