Kenneth R. Wells

By zthanson, 6 December, 2022
First Name
Kenneth
Middle Name
R.
Last Name
Wells
Birthdate
Hometown
Vancouver, Washington
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Male in decorated U.S. Air Force uniform.
PreCapture Description

Ken Wells enlisted in the U.S. Air Force Reserve on April 23, 1969, and was accepted into Officer Training School in August 1969. Wells was commissioned a second lieutenant through OTS on November 13, 1969, and completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings in December 1970. After completing training as an F-4 Phantom II pilot, Wells began flying combat missions in Southeast Asia with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udorn Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, in November 1971. On December 18, 1971, Lieutenant Wells was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War.

Post Release Image
Older man in glasses in front of flowers.
Post Release Description

He was released during Operation Homecoming on March 28, 1973. After hospitalization, Captain Wells returned to flying status, where he served as a test pilot with the 4900th Test Group at Kirtland AFB, New Mexico, and then the 3246th Test Wing at Eglin AFB, Florida. He left the Air Force on August 11, 1978.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Bronze Star (3)
  • Prisoner of War Medal

 

Additional Asset 1
K. Wells (post-2).jpeg (9.29 KB)
Asset 1 Caption
Older man in glasses wearing red lanyard.
Passed away before release
Post Release