James L. Griffin

By zthanson, 22 November, 2022
First Name
James
Middle Name
L.
Last Name
Griffin
Birthdate
Hometown
Gates, TN
Rank
Commander
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Navy suit.
PreCapture Description

James Griffin was commissioned through the U.S. Naval Academy on June 3, 1955, and was designated a Naval Aviator on October 3, 1956. He served with VA-83 during the Lebanon Crisis in 1958, where he flew missions off the aircraft carrier USS Essex. After serving another cruise aboard the aircraft carrier USS Forrestal from 1959-1960, Griffin attended the U.S. Naval Postgraduate School in Monterey, California, where he received a Masters degree in aeronautical engineering in 1963. He joined RVAH-13 flying RA-5C Vigilantes in 1964, where he served on two cruises to Southeast Asia between 1965 and 1967. Commander Griffin had completed over 100 combat missions when he was forced to eject over North Vietnam on May 19, 1967.

Post Release Image
Black rectangle with text inside that says 'Died in Captivity, May 21, 1967.'
Post Release Description

He was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War, but died at the hands of the North Vietnamese two days later, on May 21, 1967. His remains were returned to the United States on March 13, 1974. James Griffin left behind his wife Dora and their two children, James and Glyn Carol.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Air Medal (8)
  • Purple Heart
  • Navy Achievement Medal 
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
In Memorium