Armand J. "AJ" Myers

By zthanson, 6 December, 2022
First Name
Armand
Middle Name
J.
Last Name
Myers
Birthdate
Hometown
Yakima, Washington
Rank
Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a military uniform.
PreCapture Description

Armand Myers was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force Reserve through the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Oregon on June 14, 1953, and went on active duty beginning June 24, 1954. After serving as an Admin Officer, Lieutenant Myers attended pilot training and received his pilot wings at Laredo AFB, Texas, in April 1956. After completing all-weather interceptor school, Lieutenant Myers served as an interceptor pilot with Air Defense Command at McGuire AFB, New Jersey, from 1956 to 1959, and then served with the 332nd Fighter Interceptor Squadron at England AFB, Louisiana, from August 1959 to August 1960. His next assignment was with the 509th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Clark AB in the Philippines from August 1960 to July 1964. During this time, he flew combat missions in Southeast Asia beginning in April 1963. Captain Myers then transitioned into the F-4 Phantom II, and served with the 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) at George AFB, California, from July 1964 to December 1965. He deployed to Southeast Asia in December 1965 with the 433rd TFS flying out of Ubon Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, and was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War while flying his 94th combat mission on June 1, 1966.
 

Post Release Image
Man in military uniform reading a book.
Post Release Description

Colonel Myers was released during Operation Homecoming on February 12, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Lackland AFB, Texas, and then attended Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from August 1973 to May 1974, staying on at the college as assistant for POW Research until May 1975. Colonel Myers next served as Chief of the Exercise Section in the Operations Division at Headquarters Allied Air Forces Southern Europe with NATO at Naples, Italy, from July 1975 to June 1978, followed by service as Deputy Chief of Staff for Plans and Operations for 5th Allied Tactical Air Force at Vicenza, Italy, from July 1978 to July 1981. His final assignment was on the staff of the Air Force Element at Headquarters Allied Air Forces Southern Europe at Naples from July 1981 until his retirement from the Air Force on August 1, 1983. AJ Myers Flew West on March 27, 2002, and was buried at the Eagle Point National Cemetery in Eagle Point, Oregon.


 

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star
  • Defense Superior Service Medal
  • Legion of Merit (2)
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Bronze Star (14)
  • Prisoner of War Medal


 

Passed away before release
Post Release