In 1924, Colonel John (Jack) Lingo was born at Beebe Hospital in Lewes. After graduating from Lewes High School in a class of only 38 others, he attended the University of Delaware. He then joined the United States Air Force, where he trained as an aviation student and cadet at Gettysburg College. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in 1944 and completed flight training to become a Strategic Air Command triple-rated aviator.
During World War II, Jack flew several combat missions in the South Pacific. Moreover, during the Korean War, he participated in the Battle of Inchon, the Battle of Chosin Reservoir, and many other airborne assaults. In addition to his combat decorations, he was a recipient of the Legion of Merit as well as a graduate of both the Air Command and Staff College (ACSC) and National War College. During the Cold War Airborne Alert, he commanded a combat-ready B-52 bomber squadron. Soon afterwards, he was promoted to full colonel and was a wing commander in the 8th Air Force. His final military assignment was Chief of the Congressional Inquiry Division in the Office of the Secretary of the Air Force at the Pentagon. He was also a member of the exclusive Caterpillar Club, which is composed of pilots whose lives were spared by the emergency use of a parachute.
After completing 26 years of active duty in the Air Force, Jack entered the Rehoboth Beach real estate business and eventually formed Jack Lingo, REALTOR® in 1974. He opened his company’s first office on First Street in Rehoboth Beach and strategically chose the now-recognizable green and yellow color scheme for the company logo. Why? He believed this unique pairing would catch maximum attention by providing excellent contrast.
In addition to his entrepreneurial work, Jack was a former vestry member of All Saints' Church, chairman of the Delaware Real Estate Commission, member of the Sussex County REALTORS® Hall of Fame, and director of J.G. Townsend, Jr. & Company. He died Friday, November 13, 2015, at the age of 91. He was the loving husband of Margaret (Peggy) Lingo as well as a proud father, grandfather, and great-grandfather. His sons and grandchildren have continued the expansion and operation of his company, which now includes offices in Rehoboth Beach, Lewes, and Millsboro. Jack Lingo began a family tradition of excellence which will be carried on for generations to come.
