Leo G. Hyatt

By zthanson, 22 November, 2022
First Name
Leo
Middle Name
G.
Last Name
Hyatt
Birthdate
Hometown
Salem, NH
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Navy suit and cap.
PreCapture Description

Leo Hyatt entered the U.S. Naval Academy on June 29, 1953, and was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on June 7, 1957. Ensign Hyatt next completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in November 1958, followed by F-8 Crusader Replacement Air Group training with VF-174 at NAS Cecil Field, Florida. His first assignment was as an F-8 pilot with VF-11 at NAS Cecil Field, and then Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, California. His next assignment was on the staff at the U.S. Naval Academy from 1964 to 1966, followed by RA-5C Vigilante Replacement Air Group training with RVAH-3 at NAS Sanford, Florida. Lieutenant Commander Hyatt served as an RA-5C pilot with RVAH-12 from February 1967 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on August 13, 1967.

Post Release Image
Older gentleman standing in front of framed photos and honors
Post Release Description

Commander Hyatt was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 14, 1973. His next assignment was as an Air Operations Officer with Cruiser Destroyer Group 12 at Norfolk, Virginia, followed by Naval War College. Captain Hyatt served as Commander of the Mine Warfare Inspection Group from July 1979 to August 1982, and then served with the Personnel Support Detachment at NTC Orlando, Florida, from August 1982 until his retirement from the Navy on October 1, 1985.

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