Robert Archie Abbott

By zthanson, 2 November, 2022
First Name
Robert
Middle Name
Archie
Last Name
Abbott
Birthdate
Hometown
Deckerville, MI
Rank
Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man dressed in military uniform.
PreCapture Description

R.A. Abbott was commissioned on June 14, 1964. He attended F-105 Thunderchief combat crew training at Nellis AFB, Nevada, before being sent to Southeast Asia in November 1966. Lieutenant Abbott began flying combat missions with the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, in December 1966. He was shot down by a MIG-17 and forced to eject over North Vietnam while flying his 64th combat mission on April 30, 1967. He was immediately captured and spent the next 2,136 days in captivity before being released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 4, 1973.

Post Release Image
Man dressed in military uniform greets crowd on tarmac.
Post Release Description

Captain Abbott was released during “Operation Homecoming” on Marsh 4, 1973. He then entered F-4 Phantom II training with the 21st Tactical Fighter Training Squadron at George AFB, California and flew F-4s until October 1975, when he began Law School. He became an Air Force Staff Judge Advocate in August 1978. Colonel Abbott became Staff Judge Advocate for the 363rd Combat Support Group and then Deputy Judge Advocate for Headquarters 9th Air Force at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, from June 1982 to October 1986, followed by service as Staff Judge Advocate for 23rd Air Force and Deputy Staff Judge Advocate for Headquarters Military Airlift Command at Scott AFB, Illinois, from October 1986 to July 1989. His final assignment was as Staff Judge Advocate at Lowry AFB, Colorado, where he retired from the Air Force on September 5, 1991.

 

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