James R. Shively

By zthanson, 12 December, 2022
First Name
James
Middle Name
R.
Last Name
Shively
Birthdate
Hometown
Wheeler, Texas
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a U.S. Air Force uniform and hat.
PreCapture Description

James Shively entered the U.S. Air Force Academy on June 27, 1960, and was commissioned a second lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force on June 3, 1964. Lieutenant Shively received an Air Force Institute of Technology assignment to complete his Master's degree in International Relations at Georgetown University in Washington, D.C., from June 1964 to March 1965, and then completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Williams AFB, Arizona, in March 1966. After completing F-105 Thunderchief Combat Crew Training, Lieutenant Shively served as an F-105 pilot with the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from December 1966 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on May 5, 1967.

Post Release Image
Man wearing a decorated U.S. Air Force suit speaking into microphone in front of an aircraft.
Post Release Description

He was released during Operation Homecoming on February 18, 1973. Captain Shively was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Travis AFB, California, and then served as an Operations Officer with the 3636th Combat Crew Training Wing at Fairchild AFB, Washington, from January 1974 until he left active duty on June 3, 1974. After leaving the Air Force, Jim served as a U.S. Attorney in Washington until retiring in 2004. Jim Shively Flew West on February 18, 2006, and was buried at the Pines Cemetery in Spokane, Washington.

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