Terry M. Geloneck

By zthanson, 22 November, 2022
First Name
Terry
Middle Name
M.
Last Name
Geloneck
Birthdate
Hometown
Detroit, MI
Rank
Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Air Force suit.
PreCapture Description

Terry Geloneck entered Officer Training School on March 17, 1967, and was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force at Lackland AFB, Texas, on May 27, 1967. After attending Aerospace Munitions Officer training, Lieutenant Geloneck served as an Aerospace Munitions Officer at Kelly AFB, Texas, followed by Undergraduate Pilot Training. He next completed B-52 Stratofortress Combat Crew Training before serving as a B-52 pilot with the 744th Bomb Squadron at Beale AFB, California, from October 1970 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on December 20, 1972.

Post Release Image
military man hugging a woman
Post Release Description

Captain Geloneck was released during “Operation Homecoming” on February 12, 1973. He next completed C-141 Starlifter transition training before serving as a C-141 pilot, instructor pilot, and operations officer with the 41st Military Airlift Squadron and 437th Military Airlift Wing at Charleston AFB, South Carolina. Major Geloneck served on the staff of U.S. Air Forces in Europe at Ramstein AB, West Germany, from September 1977 to July 1980, followed by Air Command & Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama. His next assignment was as an instructor and Wing Chief on the faculty of the Air Command & Staff College, and then as Commander of the 3534th U.S. Air Force Recruiting Squadron in Salem, Virginia. Colonel Geloneck's final assignment was as Chief of the Schools Division with Headquarters Air University at Maxwell AFB from June 1986 until his retirement from the Air Force on October 1, 1989. He retired as a Command Pilot with over 3,200 flying hours during his Air Force career. After retiring from the Air Force, Terry flew for Continental Airlines from 1989 to 2004, where he amassed over 13,000 flying hours. He and his wife Jane have been married since 1966, and they have two sons-Chris and Eric; and four grandchildren-John Ryan, Eryn, Braxton, and Cora.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Bronze Star
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release