James F. Young

By zthanson, 6 December, 2022
First Name
James
Middle Name
F.
Last Name
Young
Birthdate
Hometown
Grosse Pointe, Michigan
Rank
Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Male in U.S. Air Force uniform.
PreCapture Description

James Young enlisted in the U.S. Air Force on May 22, 1948, and served in the Berlin Airlift. Young was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the Air Force on September 11, 1953, and then completed pilot training. Captain Young served as Chief, Flying Status Branch and as Chief, Promotion and Flying Status Branch, Personnel Actions and Records Division, Officer Personnel Directorate, in the Office of the Deputy Chief of Staff for Personnel with Headquarters Air Training Command at Randolph AFB, Texas, from July 1959 to May 1961. He began flying combat missions in Southeast Asia with the 20th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron of the 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing out of Tan Son Nhut AB, Republic of Vietnam, in January 1966. While flying his 74th combat mission, Major Young was forced to eject from his stricken RF-101 Voodoo over North Vietnam on July 6, 1966.

Post Release Image
Male in decorated U.S. Air Force uniform.
Post Release Description

He was released during Operation Homecoming on February 12, 1973. Colonel Young retired from the Air Force on January 31, 1984. He and his wife Anneliese had three daughters together-Rebecca, Carrie, and Denise. James Young died on November 18, 2006, and was buried at Riverside National Cemetery in Riverside, California.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star (2)
  • Legion of Merit
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Bronze Star (3)
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release