Gathering of Eagles Gen Jumper Award Presentation Capt Guy Gruters

On May 10, 2024, Capt. Guy D. Gruters (USAF-ret) delivered the Gathering of Eagles Gen Jumper Award Presentation at the USAF Air University. In his talk, Captain Gruters emphasized the importance of the Military Code of Conduct, sharing insights as a top-secret F-100F “Misty-29” Fast FAC (Forward Air Controller) and fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. He also highlighted the significance of the Son Tay Raid, the role of his personal faith, and the profound impact of church services held by POWs.
Captain Gruters spoke about five fellow POWs whose experiences were both harrowing and inspiring: Lance Sijan, Bud Day, John McCain, Robbie Risner, and John Peter Flynn (SRO/POW). Additionally, he reflected on the concept of “perfect leadership” and recounted his emotional return trip to Vietnam, where he met the NVA militia commander who had saved his life.
Throughout his Vietnam War service, Captain Gruters flew over 400 combat missions. He was shot down twice and spent a grueling 1,912 days as a Prisoner-of-War. His bravery and dedication earned him more than 30 combat awards, including two Silver Stars, two Distinguished Flying Crosses, two Bronze Stars for Valor, two Purple Hearts, the POW Medal, and over 20 Air Medals.

Other Videos You Might Be Interested In

Into The Mouth Of The Cat – The Lance P. Sijan Documentary

LANCE P. SIJAN IS THE ONLY UNITED STATES AIR FORCE ACADEMY GRADUATE TO EVER RECEIVE THE CONGRESSIONAL MEDAL OF HONOR. THIS DOCUMENTARY PORTRAYS THE CAPTAIN’S LIFE, DEPICTS THE PERIOD OF HIS LIFE AFTER EJECTING FROM HIS DAMAGED AIRCRAFT OVER NORTH VIETNAM, AND THE TIME HE SPENT AS A PRISONER OF WAR (POW). DEMONSTRATES HOW HIS FAMILY VALUES INTERSECTED WITH THE AIR FORCE’S CORE VALUES OF “INTEGRITY FIRST, SERVICE BEFORE SELF, AND EXCELLENCE IN ALL WE

Read More »

PRISONER IN VIETNAM. The Dewey Wayne Waddell Story | F-105 Thunderchief and the Hanoi Hilton

Prisoner in Vietnam. The Dewey Wayne Waddell story of how he ended up being a prisoner at the infamous Hanoi Hilton. Dewey Wayne Waddell was taken captive after his F-105 Thunderchief was shot down by Vietnamese communist fighters in 1967, and he was released many years later, in 1973. North Vietnam’s treatment of American airmen shot down and captured over North Vietnam was a subject of controversy and concern throughout the Vietnam War. From the

Read More »

Ronald J. Webb Interview

Ronald J. Webb was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force on January 22, 1960, through the Air Force ROTC program while he attended Indiana University. He would serve five years in the Air Force as a navigator, before an opportunity allowed him to earn his pilot wings in June 1966. Webb served as an F-4 pilot with the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron at DaNang AB, South Vietnam beginning in March 1967. On

Read More »

Contact Us