Michael K. McCuistion

By zthanson, 13 December, 2022
First Name
Michael
Middle Name
K.
Last Name
McCuistion
Birthdate
Hometown
Lincoln, Nebraska
Rank
Lieutenant Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a button down shirt.
PreCapture Description

Michael McCuistion was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC program on June 4, 1960, and went on active duty beginning March 9, 1961. Lieutenant McCuistion completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Craig AFB, Alabama, in March 1962, and then completed pilot instructor training before serving as a flight instructor with the 3646th Pilot Training Squadron at Laughlin AFB, Texas, from June 1962 to September 1966. Captain McCuistion then completed F-105 Thunderchief Combat Crew Training before deploying to Southeast Asia, where he served as an F-105 pilot with the 333rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from April 1967 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on May 8, 1967.

Post Release Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Air Force suit.
Post Release Description

McCuistion was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries, and then served as an A-7 Corsair II pilot and Operations Officer with the 355th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 354th Tactical Fighter Wing at Myrtle Beach AFB, South Carolina, from December 1973 to 1976. Colonel McCuistion then served at the U.S. Air Force Tactical Fighter Weapons Center at Nellis AFB, Nevada, where he served as lead officer conducting the follow-on test and evaluation for the A-10 Thunderbolt II from 1976 to 1979, followed by service as Air Force Advisor to the 466th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the Air Force Reserve, flying the F-105 at Hill AFB, Utah, from 1979 until his retirement from the Air Force on April 1, 1981. After retiring from the Air Force, Mike worked as a corporate pilot from 1981 until retiring in 2002.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star (2)
  • Legion of Merit
  • Distinguished Flying Cross
  • Bronze Star
  • Prisoner of War Medal


 

Additional Asset 1
McCuiston_0.jpg (73.88 KB)
Asset 1 Caption
POW surrounded by North Vietnamese forces.
Passed away before release
Post Release