Richard Bates, POW

On this date in 1973, the Viet Cong released First Lieutenant Richard Bates of the U.S. Air Force. While flying a mission nearly 6 months before, he was shot down over North Vietnam and taken prisoner. Bates was from Plaza, ND, and was 24 when he was captured.

Other Publications You Might Be Interested In

The incredible saga of a 3-sport Rutgers hero who spent 8 years as a POW (Raymond Vohden)

The U.S. Air Force Starlifter touched down at Clark Air Force Base in the Philippines on Feb. 12, 1973. The eyes of the nation looked on as 115 prisoners of war returned to the United States military facility. Near the front of the pack stood Raymond Vohden, a 42-year old

Vietnam Prisoners of War Visit Dixon Middle School

Captain Lynn Beens was a prisoner for 99 days. He was stationed in Guam where he executed 55 missions dropping bombs.

12 minutes with Vietnam war vet and former POW David Drummond

It was a few days before Christmas, 1972, when Jill Drummond got the worst present imaginable. It was a letter from the United States Air Force telling her that her husband David Drummond was officially missing in action in Vietnam. Shock, fear and worry all followed. What she didn’t know

Viet Nam Veterans Of America Chapter 203 Recognizes POW John Sparks

The Viet Nam Veterans of America Chapter 203 recognized POW John Sparks at its March meeting on Monday night. In April, 1968, Mr. Sparks was flying a reconnaissance mission over North Viet Nam when his OV-1 Mohawk twin engine fixed wing aircraft was shot down. He was captured and spent

Wendell “Ray” Alcorn: Seven Years a Prisoner of War

Ray Alcorn grew up on a farm in Pennsylvania. He served 30 years in the U.S. Navy including seven years as a prisoner of war. His last assignment before retirement as a Captain was as Dean of Students at the Naval War College. Alcorn and his wife, Karen, moved to