David F. Gray

By zthanson, 22 November, 2022
First Name
David
Middle Name
F.
Last Name
Gray
Birthdate
Hometown
Findlay, OH
Rank
Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Air Force suit.
PreCapture Description

Dave Gray was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC program of the University of Florida on December 19, 1964, and went on active duty beginning March 3, 1965. Lieutenant Gray next completed Undergraduate Pilot Training at Webb AFB, Texas, and then went through F-4 Phantom II Combat Crew Training before being assigned to the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, in January 1967. Lieutenant Gray was forced to eject over North Vietnam while flying his 4th combat mission, and was taken as a Prisoner of War on January 23, 1967.

Post Release Image
Older man wearing a vest with military patches on it.
Post Release Description

Captain Gray was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 4, 1973. His next assignment was as a T-39 Sabreliner pilot with the 12th Operations Squadron at Randolph AFB, and then with the 3246th Test Wing at Eglin AFB, Florida. Major Gray then served as a T-39 pilot with the 1402nd Military Airlift Squadron at Eglin, followed by an Air Force Institute of Technology assignment to complete his master's degree from. Colonel Gray served in the Tactical Air Warfare Center's Office of Data Automation at Eglin AFB from August 1978 to May 1984, and then served on the staff at Headquarters Tactical Air Command at Langley AFB, Virginia. He then returned to the Tactical Warfare Center at Eglin AFB from November 1987 until his retirement from the Air Force on March 1, 1993. After retiring from the Air Force, Dave served as Vice President of NAM-POWs from 1993 to 1995, and has served on the board of the National League of POW/MIA Families. Dave and his wife Jean have two sons, Bo and Scott.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Bronze Star
  • Legion of Merit
  • Purple Heart
  • Meritorious Service Medal (3)
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release