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First Name
Jeffery
Middle Name
C.
Last Name
Ellis
Birthdate
Hometown
Caldwell, New Jersey
Rank
Brigadier General
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
Jeff Ellis was commissioned through Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, Texas, on December 21, 1962. Ellis completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Webb AFB, Texas, in 1964. After serving as an instructor pilot at Laughlin AFB, Texas, Lieutenant Ellis began training in the F-105 Thunderchief and was assigned to the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, in 1967. While flying his 44th combat mission over North Vietnam, Captain Ellis was shot down on December 17, 1967, and was taken as a Prisoner of War.
Post Release Description
Captain Ellis was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 14, 1973. After repatriation, Ellis was assigned to the staff of the Armament Development and Test Center at Eglin AFB, Florida. He served as deputy commander for operations of the 71st Flying Training Wing at Vance AFB, Oklahoma. Ellis was then assigned as commander of the 47th Air Base Group at Laughlin AFB. In November 1984, he took over command of the 47th Flying Training Wing, and then served as inspector general at Headquarters Air Training Command at Randolph AFB, Texas. He became commandant of the Air Force Reserve Officer Training Corps at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, and in May 1990, General Ellis was assigned as deputy commander of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization's Fifth Allied Tactical Air Force at Vicenza, Italy. He retired from the Air Force on October 1, 1992. General Ellis is a command pilot with over 3,700 flying hours in the T-37, T-38 Talon, T-41 Mescalero, and F-105 Thunderchief aircraft.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Silver Star
- Bronze Star
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Purple Heart
- Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release