BRIGADIER GENERAL JEFFREY T. ELLIS

Brigadier General Jeffrey T. Ellis is deputy commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Fifth Allied Tactical Air Force, headquartered in Vicenza, Italy. His duties include operational planning and tactical employment of air forces on NATO's southern flank.

General Ellis was born in 1940, in New Jersey. He earned a bachelor's degree from Lehigh University in 1962 and a master's degree from Troy State University in 1976. He completed Air Command and Staff College in 1976, Industrial College of the Armed Forces in 1977 and Air War College in 1982.

The general received his commission upon graduation from Officer Training School at Lackland Air Force Base, Texas, in December 1962. After completing pilot training at Webb Air Force Base, Texas, and instructor training at James T. Connally Air Force Base, Texas, he was assigned as a T-37 instructor at Laughlin Air Force Base, Texas. In November 1966 he began F-105 training at McConnell Air Force Base, Kan., and was assigned to the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand.

On Dec. 17, 1967, during his 44th mission over North Vietnam, General Ellis was shot down and taken prisoner. Released March 14, 1973, he was assigned to the staff of the Armament Development and Test Center at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla., as budget officer and chief of mission requirements. After completing Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala., the general was assigned to the U.S. Air Force Academy, Colo., as chief of standardization and evaluation, and, later, as the operations officer for the 557th Flying Training Squadron.

In June 1979 he transferred to Sheppard Air Force Base, Texas, where he commanded the 80th Student Squadron and, later, the 88th Flying Training Squadron. After completing Air War College in June 1982, he served as deputy commander for operations, 71st Flying Training Wing, Vance Air Force Base, Okla. He then was assigned as commander of the 47th Air Base Group at Laughlin Air Force Base.

In November 1984 he assumed command of the 47th Flying Training Wing. General Ellis next served as inspector general at Headquarters Air Training Command, Randolph Air Force Base, Texas. In December 1986 he became deputy chief of staff for operations and readiness at Randolph. In October 1988 he became commandant of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps, with headquarters at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. He assumed his present duties in May 1990.

The general is a command pilot with more than 3,700 flying hours, including a total of 122 combat hours in the F-105. His military awards and decorations include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with two oak leaf clusters, Bronze Star Medal with "V" device, Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, and Meritorious Service Medal with three oak leaf clusters.

He was promoted to brigadier general July 1, 1988, with same date of rank.

(Current as of September 1990)