CW5 Jack H. Dotterer, Ret.

CW5 Jack H. Dotterer

Army Aviation Hall of Fame 2022 Induction - Nashville, TN

Chief Warrant Officer Five (Ret.) Jack Dotterer’s most lasting achievements resulted from his brilliant and relentless acquisition and program management skills during his Army career in the 160th Special Operations Aviation Regiment’s Systems Integration and Management office, (SIMO) and during his 20-year civilian career as a SETA (Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance) contractor at vertical flight’s technical leading edge.

He retired after 31 years of military service on 31 December 1999, serving in both conventional and Special Operations units. He had over 6,500 flight hours, 1,280 in combat and for which he was awarded 21 Air Medals, including one for valor.

His achievements as a civilian resulted in unparalleled aircraft modernization contributions which were directed to the advancement of Army Aviation and tactical force projection throughout the 20th and 21st century. He was dedicated to the development, readiness, and mission accomplishment of conventional and special operations Army aircraft.

As the Senior MH-60 Program Integrator for the Technology Applications Program Office (TAPO), Jack delivered unique capabilities to our National leadership. He also proved to be a highly capable logistician and strategic planner who was instrumental in the establishment of the SOF aviation depot at Lexington Blue Grass Army Depot (LBAD). It became the model for the Army’s Prototype Integration Facility (PIF) and the Logistics Support Facility (LSF).

CW5 (Ret.) Jack Dotterer had the heart of a warrior, the brain of an engineer, and the work ethic of few other men.  Many of his contributions to Army Aviation technologies are still used to this day and have provided the foundation for advances in weapon systems, aircraft survivability, communications, and cockpit systems that have proliferated across the entire Army.

His legacy will be felt by thousands of both conventional and Special Operations Aviators for decades to come. (294)