Alan J. (Al) Kroboth

By zthanson, 1 December, 2022
First Name
Alan
Middle Name
J.
Last Name
Kroboth
Birthdate
Hometown
Linden, NJ
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a military suit and glasses.
PreCapture Description

Al Kroboth enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on May 24, 1969, and entered Officer Candidate School at MB Quantico, Virginia, on September 30, 1969, receiving his commission as a Second Lieutenant in the Marine Corps on December 5, 1969. Lieutenant Kroboth next attended Naval Flight Officer training at NAS Pensacola, Florida, and was designated a Naval Flight Officer in August 1970, followed by Bombardier/Navigator training at NATTC Glynco, Georgia, and A-6 Intruder training with VMAT(AW)-202 at MCAS Cherry Point, North Carolina. He served as an A-6 Bombardier/Navigator with VMA-332 at MCAS Cherry Point from April to August 1971, and then with VMA(AW)-533 at Nam Phong Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from October 1971 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on July 7, 1972.

Post Release Image
Man in a suit and tie.
Post Release Description

Captain Kroboth was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 27, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Arlington, Virginia, and then was medically retired from the Marine Corps on September 30, 1973. Al Kroboth died on January 23, 2019, and was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Bronze Star
  • Purple Heart
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release