Monroe W. Hatch Jr.

General, U.S. Air Force

Monroe W. Hatch Jr. was born on 20 November 1933 in New Orleans, LA. He entered the U.S. Naval Academy in 1951 and graduated in 1955 with a Bachelor of Science degree. Upon graduation from the USNA, Hatch chose to be commissioned as a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force.

Hatch was assigned to the 3415th Technical Training Wing at Lowry AFB, CO, for Guidance Officer Training. In February 1956, he transferred to the 587th Tactical Missile Group at Sembach Air Base, West Germany, as a Squadron Guided Missile Officer. In February 1958, he entered pilot training at Graham AFB, FL, and continued training at Greenville AFB, MS, where he received his wings in January 1959. After B-47 Stratojet combat crew training, he was assigned to the 321st Bombardment Wing at McCoy AFB, FL. In July 1961, he transitioned to B-52 Stratofortresses and served as a pilot with the 42nd Bombardment Wing at AFB, ME.

He was assigned as a Special Projects Officer and, later, Programs Officer in the Advanced Technical Division, Headquarters Strategic Air Command (SAC), Offutt AFB, NE, from July 1964 to April 1965. He then served as an Operations Staff Officer in the Astronautics Technology and Applications Office, under the Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans. In June 1967, he attended the University of Oklahoma under the Air Force Institute of Technology program. While there, he was elected to Tau Beta Pi and Sigma Gamma Tau honor societies.

He was assigned to Headquarters 7th Air Force, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam, in June 1969, serving as a T-39 Sabreliner courier pilot and as 7th Air Force Standardization and Evaluation Flight Examiner.

In October 1970, Hatch was assigned to the Office of the Secretary of Defense in Washington, DC, where he served as Military Assistant for Strategic Analysis in the Office of the Deputy Director for Strategic and Space Systems, Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering. He then attended the National War College from August 1973 until July 1974. After graduating, Hatch was assigned to the Aircraft Division, Directorate of Operational Requirements and Development, Headquarters U.S. Air Force, Washington. After serving as Deputy Division Chief, he became Chief of the Division in June 1976. In September 1978, he was assigned as Deputy Director for Strategic Forces, Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Research, Development and Acquisition.

He returned to SAC Headquarters in June 1979 as Assistant Deputy Chief of Staff of Plans for Operational Requirements. In March 1981, he became Commander of 14th Air Division at Beale AFB, CA. He was assigned to SAC Headquarters in February 1982 and served as Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans until February 1983, when he became the command's Chief of Staff. Hatch was appointed Inspector General of the Air Force in September 1984. In August 1985, he was assigned as Vice Commander in Chief, SAC, at Offutt AFB.

On 29 January 1987, Hatch was promoted to the four-star rank of General and assumed his final assignment as Vice Chief of Staff of the U.S. Air Force in February.

General Hatch retired from the Air Force on 1 June 1990. During his service, he became a Command Pilot with over 6,000 flying hours.

Medals and Awards

Defense Distinguished Service Medal

Distinguished Service Medal

Legion of Merit (2 Awards)

Air Medal (3 Awards)

Joint Service Commendation Medal

Air Force Commendation Medal

Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (2 Awards)

Air Force Organizational Excellence Award (2 Awards)

Combat Readiness Medal

National Defense Service Medal with a Service Star

Armed Forces Expeditionary Medal

Vietnam Service Medal with 4 Service Stars

Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Short

Air Force Overseas Ribbon-Long

Air Force Longevity Service Award (9 Awards)

Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon

Air Force Training Ribbon

Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm

Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal

Badges

Command Pilot Badge
Joint Chiefs of Staff Identification Badge

In Retirement

After retirement from the Air Force, he became the Executive Director of the Air Force Association. He has also works in the private sector.