JOHN "Dick" NIEMELA

1928 - 2021

John Richard Niemela "Dick"  Colonel, U.S.A.F (Ret.)  Fighter Pilot and Gentleman Farmer  
A pioneer in the advancement of jet aviation and gentleman farmer passed away Saturday August 28, 2021 in Reston, Virginia. He was 92. John was born in Peterborough, New Hampshire in 1928. He graduated from the University of Omaha, earned a masters degree from the University of New Hampshire, and was a graduate of the Air War College. John's life was spent in service to his country. He entered the U.S. Air Force in 1950. During the Korean War flew the F100. In the Vietnam War he flew the 01 Bird Dog as Forward Air Controller (FAC) leading the American Air Support for the 1st Australian Task Force. John was one of the pioneer pilots in jet aviation testing the F86, F100, and F104 aircraft. In one test run over the Sierra Mountains in California the aircraft malfunctioned and he managed the second successful downward ejection in the F104. As one of the original F104 pilots he was signed into the Order of Starfighters International F-104 Society. While stationed at Tactical Air Command at George Air Force Base in 1956 he flew the F100-C Super Sabre in the Bendix Trophy Race in a dash from George Air Force Base, California to Will Rogers Air Field, Oklahoma. He was a recipient of several medals including the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star, and the Air Medal. As a farmer, every year he planted a prolific 30'x200' vegetable garden. He applied tried and true farming and animal husbandry skills in care of the farm animals ensuring their fields were always full of clover. His peach and pear trees are prolific and especially so this year. He is survived by his wife JoAnn Huston Niemela of 65 years, their five children, and seven grandchildren. A private burial at Arlington National Cemetery will take place in the coming year.