In early 1966, while flying a combat mission over North Vietnam, Captain Render Crayton’s A4E Skyhawk was struck by anti-aircraft fire. The plane suffered crippling damage, with a resulting fire and explosion. Unable to maintain flight, Captain Crayton ejected over enemy territory. What happened next, though, demonstrates his character and heroism. While enemy troops quickly closed on his position, a search and rescue helicopter with armed escort arrived to attempt a pick up. Despite repeated efforts to clear the area of hostile fire, they were unsuccessful and fuel ran low. Aware of this, and despite the grave personal danger, Captain Crayton selflessly directed them to depart, leading to his inevitable capture by the enemy.
Burer was POW in Vietnam almost 7 years (Arthur Burer)
Arthur Burera retired Air Force colonel who was shot down over North Vietnam in 1966 and spent 83 months as a prisoner of war, has died. The highly decorated war hero, who was held for a time in Hanoi with a pilot named John McCain, was 77. Burer had Alzheimer’s disease.
