Peter J. Giroux

By zthanson, 22 November, 2022
First Name
Peter
Middle Name
J.
Last Name
Giroux
Birthdate
Hometown
Ithaca, NY
Rank
Major
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Air Force suit.
PreCapture Description

Pete Giroux was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force at Lackland AFB, Texas on January 4, 1967. Lieutenant Giroux attended Undergraduate Pilot Training at Craig AFB, Alabama, followed by EC-121 Warning Star Combat Crew Training. His first assignment was as an EC-121R pilot with the 553rd Reconnaissance Squadron at Korat Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, then attended B-52 Stratofortress Combat Crew Training at Castle AFB, California. Captain Giroux served as a B-52D pilot with the 2nd Bomb Squadron at March AFB, California, from September 1969 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War while flying on temporary duty out of U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield, Thailand, on December 22, 1972.

Post Release Image
Older gentleman in a collared shirt and vest sitting down.
Post Release Description

Captain Giroux was released during “Operation Homecoming” on February 12, 1973. Major Giroux then flew the T-39 Sabreliner and served as Chief of the Career Progression Section at the 3902nd Air Base Wing at Oft AFB, Nebraska, followed by B-52G/H Combat Crew Training at Barksdale AFB, Louisiana. He served as a B-52 pilot with the 596th Bomb Squadron at Barksdale AFB then attended Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. His next assignment was as an instructor at Air Command and Staff College, followed by service as Director of Personnel for the 42nd Combat Support Group at Loring AFB, Maine. Colonel Giroux served as Deputy Commander of the 97th Support Group at Eaker AFB, Arkansas, and then as Commander of the 97th Support Group.  His next assignment was as Vice Commander of the 633rd Air Base Wing at Anderson AFB, Guam, followed by service as Director of the Base Closure Office at Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan. His final assignment was at McConnell AFB, Kansas, working on the base realignment from Strategic Air Command to Air Combat Command until his retirement from the Air Force on January 1, 1995. Pete Giroux died on October 28, 2021, and was buried at Fort Leavenworth National Cemetery on Fort Leavenworth, Kansas.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Distinguished Flying Cross (2)
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release