George P. McSwain, Jr.

By zthanson, 13 December, 2022
First Name
George
Middle Name
P.
Last Name
McSwain
Suffix
Jr.
Birthdate
Hometown
Montrose, California
Rank
Lieutenant Commander
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a suit and tie standing in front of a bookshelf.
PreCapture Description

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.

Post Release Image
Man in military uniform giving a speech at a podium.
Post Release Description

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.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star (2)
  • Legion of Merit
  • Bronze Star (3)
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release