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First Name
Wilmer
Middle Name
N.
Last Name
Grubb
Birthdate
Hometown
Upper Darby, PA
Rank
Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
Newk Grubb was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC Program at Penn State University, and then went on active duty beginning May 7, 1955. Grubb graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Webb AFB, Texas. After completing advanced flying school in the F-86 Sabre, he was assigned to the 337th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Westover AFB, Massachusetts. He transitioned into the F-104 Starfighter while serving with the 337th. Captain Grubb then transferred to the 38th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, first at Toul-Rosieres AB, France, and then at Ramstein AB, West Germany. During this time he flew the RF-84 Thunderstreak and RF-101 Voodoo. He then served with the 29th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, from August 1964 to November 1965, when he deployed to Southeast Asia. Grubb flew RF-101 Voodoo reconnaissance aircraft with the 20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Tan Son Nhut AB in the Republic of Vietnam from November 1965 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on January 26, 1966.
Post Release Image
Post Release Description
Captain Grubb was reported by the Communist North Vietnamese government to have died in captivity on February 4, 1966, and his remains were returned to the United States on March 13, 1974. Newk Grubb was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel during the time he was listed as a Prisoner of War. He and his wife Evelyn Grubb (1931-2005) are buried together at Arlington National Cemetery. They had four children together-Jeffrey, Roland, Van, and Roy.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Silver Star
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
In Memorium