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First Name
Ralph
Middle Name
E.
Last Name
Gaither
Birthdate
Hometown
Birmingham, AL
Rank
Commander
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
Ralph Gaither was born on March 8, 1942, in Birmingham, Alabama. He enlisted in the U.S. Navy on November 26, 1962, and was commissioned through the Naval Aviation Cadet Program and was designated a Naval Aviator on October 16, 1964. After fleet training in the F-4B Phantom II, Gaither began flying combat missions in Southeast Asia with Fighter Squadron 84 from the USS Independence in May 1965. On October 17, 1965, Ensign Gaither and his Radar Intercept Officer, LTJG Rodney Knutson, were forced to eject over North Vietnam and were taken as Prisoners of War.
Post Release Image
Post Release Description
They both were released during “Operation Homecoming” on February 12, 1973. Commander Gaither later went back on flying status and retired from the Navy on February 1, 1986. Ralph Gaither was married to the former Barbara Lee Smith and they have two daughters, Nikki and Amy. He wrote a book entitled "With God in a POW Camp", which has helped to tell his experiences as a Christian in the prisons of North Vietnam. Ralph Gaither died on May 7, 2019, and was buried at Barrancas National Cemetery on NAS Pensacola, Florida.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Silver Star (2)
- Legion of Merit (2)
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star (3)
Passed away before release
Post Release