Wilson Denver Key

By zthanson, 1 December, 2022
First Name
Wilson
Middle Name
Denver
Last Name
Key
Birthdate
Hometown
Wilkesboro, NC
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Navy suit.
PreCapture Description

Denver Key graduated from the U.S. Naval Academy with a commission as an Ensign in the U.S. Navy on June 5, 1963. Ensign Key completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in September 1964, and then served as an S-2D Tracker pilot with VS-26 at NAS Norfolk, Virginia, and aboard the aircraft carrier USS Randolf (CVS-15). Lieutenant Key next transitioned to the A-4 Skyhawk before serving with VA-34 at NAS Cecil Field, Florida, and then deployed to Southeast Asia aboard the aircraft carrier USS Intrepid (CV-11) from May 1967 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on November 17, 1967.

Post Release Image
Older man in collared shirt.
Post Release Description

Lieutenant Commander Key was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 14, 1973. He then served as an A-4 pilot with VA-45 at NAS Cecil Field, followed by Postgraduate School to complete his Masters Degree in Physics at the University of North Carolina. Commander Key served as a Physics Instructor at the U.S. Naval Academy, and then served as a Missile Projects Officer with Naval Material Command in Washington, D.C. His next assignment was as a Production Management Branch Officer with Naval Air Systems Command, also in Washington, D.C., followed by service as Commanding Officer of the Naval Plant Representative Office at LTV Corporation in Dallas, Texas. Captain Key served as Aerial Targets Program Manager and then Director of Research and Technology with Naval Air Systems Command in Washington, D.C., and then as Director of Math and Science and Commodore of the Sailing Squadron at the U.S. Naval Academy from June 1990 until his retirement from the Navy on July 1, 1993. After retiring from the Navy, Denver taught physics and astronomy at St. Johns River Community College in Orange Park, Florida.

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