Jerry Holmes was born in 1935, in Jenks, Okla., and graduated from Wewoka High School in 1953. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in geological engineering in 1958 and a Master of Science degree in aerospace engineering in 1964, both from the University of Oklahoma. The general completed Squadron Officer School in 1965, National War College in 1976 and the Harvard University program for senior executives in national and international security in 1985.
While at OU, Holmes was in the USAF ROTC, Engineers’ Club, Society of Geological Engineering and on the Dean’s Honor Roll. While serving in the U.S. Air Force, he was commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization Airborne Early Warning Force in Mons, Belgium. His honors include the Defense Distinguished Service Medal, the U.S. Air Force Distinguished Service Medal, the Legion of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the Bronze Star Medal, the Meritorious Service Medal with Oak Leaf Cluster, the Air Medal with Six Oak Leaf Clusters, the U.S. Air Force Commendation Medal, and the Outstanding Unit Award with V for Valor in combat. He was inducted into the Oklahoma Military Hall of Fame, the Gallogly College of Engineering Distinguished Graduates Society, the Oklahoma Aviation and Space Hall of Fame, and the Quarter Century Club. He is a five-time recipient of the Alumni Teaching Award in the Gallogly College of Engineering.
For nearly 30 years, he served on the Gallogly College of Engineering Board of Visitors. When the college enhanced its curriculum with courses in professional development, Holmes developed a leadership, management and ethics course for engineers. Additionally, he served as chair of the Aerospace and Mechanical Engineering Advisory Board and on the college's Dean Search Committee, Advisory Council and Centennial Committee. He supported curriculum reviews, evaluated senior capstone projects and spoke regularly to classes and student groups. Since retirement, he has continued to mentor current and former students, many of whom he now calls friends.
The Jerry Holmes Leadership Program for Engineers and Scientists was established in General Holmes's honor in 2015. His legacy continues through JHLP and the Jerry Holmes Student Scholarship for Engineering.
Learn more about the general from his U.S. Air Force Bio.
In 2022, General Holmes shared some of his treasured leadership lessons for this video series.
Hear more of Jerry Holmes's story in this two-part 2010 interview.
