Col. Jerry Noel Hoblit, the greatest fighter pilot of all time, flew west on January 31, 2022, at age 85 in Conroe, TX. Pilots around the world were heard to say YGBSM. Some knew him as Hognose, but his call sign was Dragon. While no SAM could catch him, Dementia and Parkinson’s finally did. Aside from being a world-class fighter pilot, Jerry was a loving husband and father, doting grandfather, and generous friend.
Jerry Hoblit graduated from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, Class of 1958. During the Vietnam War, where he served three separate tours, he was awarded three Distinguished Flying Crosses and three Silver Stars, among others. Decades later Colonel Tom Wilson (USAF, Retired), who had been Hoblit's "backseater" learned that Jerry had one less Silver Star and had been recommended for the Air Force Cross but never received it. Three and a half decades after his service in Vietnam, the Air Force awarded Col. Hoblit with its highest honor, The Air Force Cross. Jerry retired as a U.S. Air Force Colonel on June 30, 1982.
While his military career was marked with incredible success, he counted his marriage to Rosalie Ward as his greatest and most happy achievement. The couple was married on May 24, 1963, at Spangdahlem Air Force Base in Germany. Their family grew to include three daughters, Holly Virginia, Heather Elizabeth, and Heidi Noel. Jerry loved his three girls but found being a grandparent to Eric, Ethan, Rhegan, and August to be the most enjoyable.
A Memorial will be held at Metcalf Funeral Home in Conroe, Texas (1801 East White Oak Terrace) at 3 PM on Saturday, March 12. Chocolate Cake (of course!) and light refreshments will be served following.
This summer the family will honor his wishes and spread some of his remains at Lake Rosalie in the High Sierras. Date TBD.
Col. Jerry Noel Hoblit will have full military honors and flyover at Arlington Memorial Cemetery at a future date (most likely in 2023 due to the waitlist). Following this ceremony, the family will honor his request and host a roast in his honor.
Jerry’s wishes were for donations to be made to
Shriner's Children's Hospital
PO Box 1525
Ranson WV, 25438
call 844-7390849
Alternatively, donations can be made to The Salvation Army or The Nature Conservancy.
To contact the family, please email [email protected]
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