John Heilig

By zthanson, 22 November, 2022
First Name
John
Last Name
Heilig
Birthdate
Hometown
Miami, FL
Rank
Commander
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Place holder image. No image available for this veteran.
PreCapture Description

John Heilig entered the Naval Aviation Cadet program on March 2, 1961, and entered flight training in September 1961, earning his designation as a Naval Aviator in April 1963. Ensign Heilig next attended the Officers Photo Reconnaissance Course at NAS Pensacola, Florida, from May to July 1963, followed by F-8 Crusader Replacement Air Group training with VF-124 at NAS Miramar, California. He served as an RF-8A pilot with VFP-163 from October 1963. He flew missions in Southeast Asia aboard the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA-64) from June to November 1964, and aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA-19) from January 1966 until he was shot down over North Vietnam and made a Prisoner of War on May 5, 1966.

Post Release Image
Man in military uniform waving.
Post Release Description

Lieutenant Commander Heilig was released during “Operation Homecoming” on February 12, 1973. His next assignment was as an instructor pilot and Executive Officer with VT-10 at NAS Pensacola, followed by amphibious training at Naval Amphibious Base Little Creek, Virginia. Commander Heilig served as Executive Officer of VT-4 at NAS Pensacola, and then as Commanding Officer of Training Air Wing SIX at NAS Pensacola. He attended the National War College at Fort McNair, Washington, D.C., and then served as Assistant Air Officer aboard the aircraft carrier USS Lexington (AVT-16). Captain Heilig next served as Assistant Chief of Staff for International Naval Education on the staff of the Chief of Naval Education and Training at NAS Pensacola, followed by service as Commanding Officer of the Naval Education and Training Security Assistance Field Activity at NAS Pensacola. He served as Commanding Officer of NAS Kingsville, Texas, and then as Officer in Charge of two training detachments supporting Royal Saudi Naval Forces Undergraduate Helicopter Flight Training until his retirement from the Navy on October 1, 1992.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star
  • Legion of Merit (3)
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Bronze Star
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release