Donald R. Delauter

Who is Donald R. Delauter?

Donald Raphael Delauter is a retired U.S. Air Force Brigadier General and former director of the Command Planning Staff, Headquarters NORAD, at Peterson Air Force Base, Colorado.

Delauter earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Agricultural Economics from the University of Maryland, College Park, in 1955, a Master of Business Administration degree from Ohio State University in 1968; and a Master of Education degree from Boston University at Stuttgart, West Germany in 1977. The General graduated from the Naval War College with highest distinction in 1975.

He entered active duty in March 1956 and was awarded his wings in May 1957. As a young pilot, he was a member of the famed 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the Black Sheep. He served as a fighter pilot in Vietnam in 1968-1969 flying 275 combat missions.

After graduating from the Naval War College, Delauter was assigned to Headquarters of the U.S. European Command, Stuttgart, West Germany. In April 1978, he became Vice-Commander of the 32nd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Camp New Amsterdam, Netherlands, as that unit began conversion from F-4 Phantoms to F-15 Eagles.