Lieutenant Colonel Jess Lockhart, U.S. Army
In the fall of 1966, Jess was a sophomore at the University of Alabama when he received his draft notice. He was inducted into the U.S. Army in December of that year. Qualified for both Officer Candidate School and Helicopter Flight School, he chose Officer Candidate School. Jess was commissioned as an infantry second lieutenant in November 1967. The following year, he was assigned to Vietnam as an infantry platoon leader. As a platoon leader, Jess was awarded a Silver Star, a Bronze Star with “V” device, a Purple Heart, an Air Medal for making over 40 combat assaults, the Army Commendation Medal twice, the Combat Infantryman Badge, the Vietnam Cross of Gallantry with Palm, and the Vietnam Civil Actions Medal.
After four and a half years of active duty, Jess returned to the University of Alabama to complete his Bachelor of Science degree. While at the university, he joined the Alabama National Guard. In 1972, Jess was awarded his third Army Commendation Medal. He moved to Richmond, Virginia, in 1978, joined the Army Reserve, and retired from the armed services in 1989.
