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First Name
Gordon
Middle Name
C.
Last Name
Paige
Birthdate
Hometown
San Mateo, California
Rank
Commander
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
Gordon Paige enlisted in the U.S. Navy on July 14, 1961, and entered Naval Aviation Cadet training on November 27, 1963, earning his commission as an Ensign and designation as a Naval Aviator in July 1965. His first assignment was as an instructor pilot with VT-25 at NAS Chase Field, Texas, from August 1965 to October 1966, followed by F-8 Crusader Replacement Air Group training with VF-124 at NAS Miramar, California, from October 1966 to January 1967. Lieutenant Paige served as an RF-8 pilot with VFP-63 from January 1967 to September 1969, and during this time he deployed with his unit to Southeast Asia from August 1967 to January 1968. He next served with the 5th Special Operations Squadron from September 1969 to August 1971, followed by service as an RF-8 pilot back with VFP-63 from August 1971 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on July 22, 1972.
Post Release Image
Post Release Description
Commander Paige was released during Operation Homecoming on March 29, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries, and then attended the Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, California, from August 1973 to July 1976. Commander Paige returned to VFP-63 as an RF-8 pilot from July 1976 to June 1979, followed by service with Commander Air Forces Pacific from June 1979 to July 1982. His final assignment was with Naval Air Systems Command at the Pentagon from July 1982 until his retirement from the Navy on September 1, 1985.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Bronze Star (2)
- Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release