Herbert Benjamin Ringsdorf

By zthanson, 12 December, 2022
First Name
Herbert
Middle Name
Benjamin
Last Name
Ringsdorf
Birthdate
Hometown
Elba, Alabama
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Air Force suit.
PreCapture Description

Ben Ringsdorf entered Officer Training School with the U.S. Air Force on November 9, 1962, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant at Lackland AFB, Texas, on February 5, 1963. Lieutenant Ringsdorf next completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Vance AFB, Oklahoma, in March 1964, followed by Pilot Systems Operator Training and F-4 Phantom II Combat Crew Training from May 1964 to February 1965. His first assignment was as an F-4 pilot with the 47th Tactical Fighter Squadron at MacDill AFB, Florida, from March 1965 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War while flying on temporary duty with the 559th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cam Ranh Bay AB, South Vietnam, on November 11, 1966. During his time with the 47th TFS, Lieutenant Ringsdorf also flew combat in Southeast Asia from July to November 1965.

Post Release Image
Men in military uniform on a tarmac in front of an aircraft. One man walking holding hands with a woman in a fur coat.
Post Release Description

Captain Ringsdorf was released during Operation Homecoming on February 12, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, and then attended pilot recurrency training at Randolph AFB, Texas, before leaving active duty on October 9, 1973. After leaving the Air Force, Ben completed Medical School and worked as a Family Physician until his death on February 15, 1998. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

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