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George McSwain enlisted in the U.S. Army in 1957, and served on active duty for 3 years, including duty in South Korea. He entered the Naval Aviation Cadet program on February 13, 1964, and he was commissioned and designated a Naval Aviator in 1965. McSwain trained in the A-4 Skyhawk with Attack Squadron 125 at NAS Lemoore, California, before joining Attack Squadron 164. He began flying combat missions with VA-164 off the USS Oriskany (CVA-34) in June 1966, and he was forced to eject over North Vietnam on July 28, 1966. Lieutenant McSwain was immediately captured and taken as a Prisoner of War.

McSwain was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973. After repatriation, McSwain served as an instructor pilot with VT-21 at NAS Kingsville, Texas. His next assignment was with Attack Squadron 174, and then again with VT-21 before being medically retired from the Navy on March 31, 1981. George McSwain died on August 6, 2014.
- Silver Star (2)
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star (3)
- Prisoner of War Medal