The Rev. William Corby, C.S.C., Award - 2016: Col. Martin Mahrt ’55

2016: Col. Martin Mahrt ’55

In recognition of his decades of distinguished military service in the United States Air Force, Col. Martin Mahrt ’55 is honored with this award. 

Mahrt was raised in Custer, South Dakota. After graduating from Notre Dame, he married Colleen, his high school sweetheart, and entered the Air Force. 


His first tour in Vietnam ended in a miraculous rescue after his plane had been shot down deep in enemy territory. Mahrt received the Purple Heart for his injuries. On his second tour, he participated in the evacuation of thousands during the fall of Saigon. 

During Mahrt’s next assignment, he launched the prestigious realistic combat training program for American fighter pilots and our allies. He became the first Commander of Red Flag at Nellis Air Force Base in Nevada. 

Mahrt retired in 1984, having moved 20 times, and returned to his home in Custer, where he farms his land and raises horses. He is a charter member of Operation Black Hills Cabin, which offers wounded veterans an all-expense paid vacation in the Black Hills. He also is a member of the Knights of Columbus, Daedalians, Red River Valley Fighter Pilots, South Dakota Right to Life, the VFW, and St. John’s Choir. He has five children, 11 grandchildren, and two great-grandchildren. 

“The life values I learned at Notre Dame were put to the test many times during my career. I am so proud that my university acknowledges what the military means to our country with this special Rev. William Corby Award.”