Robert C. (Bob) Jones

By zthanson, 1 December, 2022
First Name
Robert
Middle Name
C.
Last Name
Jones
Birthdate
Hometown
Milwaukee, WI
Rank
Major
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Air Force suit.
PreCapture Description

Bob Jones entered the U.S. Military Academy at West Point in 1961, and graduated with a commission as a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force on June 9, 1965.Lieutenant Jones then entered Undergraduate Pilot Training and he was awarded his pilot wings at Laughlin AFB, Texas, in September 1966. After completing F-4 Phantom II Combat Crew Training and Pilot Systems Operator Training, he was assigned to the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Eglin AFB, Florida, from March to July 1967. Lieutenant Jones then deployed to Southeast Asia and served with the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ubon Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from July 1967 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on January 18, 1968.

Post Release Image
Older man in a suit smiling.
Post Release Description

Captain Jones was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 14, 1973. He then regained flight status and served with the 308th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Homestead AFB, Florida, from January 1974 until he left active duty on June 1, 1976. After leaving the Air Force, Bob flew for American Airlines for 27 years, retiring as an International Boeing 777 Captain in 2003. He and his wife Freya have one son, Alec, and Bob has three children from a previous marriage-  Matt, Kate, and Courtney.

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