Robert B. (By) Fuller

By zthanson, 17 November, 2022
First Name
Robert
Middle Name
B.
Last Name
Fuller
Birthdate
Hometown
Quitman, MS
Rank
Rear Admiral Lower Half
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in military uniform sitting at a desk.
PreCapture Description

By Fuller enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 14, 1945, and served as a Fireman aboard the destroyer USS Waldron (DD-699) until he left active duty on August 6, 1946. He remained in the Naval Reserve until receiving an honorable discharge to enter the U.S. Naval Academy. He graduated with a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on June 1, 1951. Ensign Fuller completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator, followed by service as an F4U-4 Corsair and F9F-5 Panther pilot with VF-192 at NAS Moffett Field, California. His next assignment was with the Combat Information Center School at NAS Glynco, Georgia, and then as Flag Lieutenant for Carrier Division Seven. Lieutenant Commander Fuller next attended A-4 Skyhawk Replacement Air Group training with VA-126 at NAS Miramar, California, followed by service as an A-4 pilot and Operations Officer with VA-55 at NAS Miramar and then at NAS Lemoore, California. He then served as a Junior Officer Detailer with the Bureau of Naval Personnel at the Pentagon before attending Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk, Virginia. Commander Fuller served as Executive Officer of VA-44 at NAS Cecil Field, Florida and then as Executive Officer of VA-76 at NAS Lemoore. He then served as Commanding Officer of VA-76 from December 1966 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on July 14, 1967.

Post Release Image
Older gentlemen sitting talking to each other.
Post Release Description

Captain Fuller was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 4, 1973. Captain Fuller served as Commanding Officer of the USS Detroit (AOE-4. He next served as Commanding Officer of the USS America (CV-66), and then as Deputy Director for Operations for Reconnaissance and Electronic Warfare and Director of the Joint Reconnaissance Center on the staff of the Joint Chiefs of Staff in the Pentagon. Rear Admiral Fuller's final assignment was as Commander of Carrier Division Four. He retired from the Navy on December 1, 1982. During his Naval career, Admiral Fuller amassed 6,710 flying hours, 110 combat missions in Southeast Asia, and 640 Carrier Landings. By Fuller died on October 4, 2019 and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star (2)
  • Defense Superior Service Medal
  • Legion of Merit (2)
  • Distinguished Flying Cross (4)
  • Bronze Star (2)
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release