Rodney A. Knutson

By zthanson, 1 December, 2022
First Name
Rodney
Middle Name
A.
Last Name
Knutson
Birthdate
Hometown
Billings, MT
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Navy suit.
PreCapture Description

Rod Knutson enlisted in the U.S. Marine Corps Reserve on January 7, 1957, and was honorably discharged to enlist in the U.S. Navy Reserve on June 6, 1962. Knutson was commissioned through the Naval School of Pre-flight in February 1963, and became a Naval Flight Officer. After completing NFO School, Advanced Navigator School, and Radar Intercept Officer School, Lieutenant Knutson began flying as a RIO on the F-4B Phantom II with VF-84 in June 1964. On October 17, 1965, Knutson was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War.

Post Release Image
Older man sitting in front of military photos.
Post Release Description

Captain Knudson was released during “Operation Homecoming” on February 12, 1973. He next flew F-4 Phantoms with VF-121 at NAS Miramar, California, and with VF-191 at NAS Miramar and on the USS Coral Sea. Knutson next served as Commanding Officer of Enlisted Personnel and Weapons Test Pilot flying A-4 Skyhawks at the Naval Weapons Center at China Lake, California. From January 1980 to July 1982, he served as Commanding Officer of VF-126 at NAS Miramar. His next assignment after Ships Training was as Navigator on USS Ranger from February 1983 to December 1984. After more training for Ship Commanding Officer, he served as Commanding Officer of USS Mobile. Captain Knutson was Commander of Amphibious Squadron ONE from March 1987 to October 1988, Deputy Director of Carrier and Air Station Programs Division on the Staff of the Assistant Chief of Naval Operations, and then Commander of Naval Training Center San Diego, California, from July 1990 to June 1993. He retired from the Navy on February 28, 1994. Captain Knutson accumulated over 2,500 flying hours during his Navy career, primarily in the F-4 Phantom and A-4 Skyhawk. Rod married Rishelle Riedel in May 1974 and they have two daughters-Kalee and Kamee.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star (2)
  • Legion of Merit (4)
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Bronze Star (4)
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release