Joseph S. Abbott, Jr.

By zthanson, 3 November, 2022
First Name
Joseph
Last Name
Abbott
Suffix
Jr.
Birthdate
Hometown
Salem, NJ
Rank
Lieutenant Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Air Force suit.
PreCapture Description

Joe Abbott enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program on April 8, 1954, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force on July 18, 1955. From September 1964 to early 1966 he went through F-105 Thunderchief Combat Crew Training. He deployed to Southeast Asia as an F-105 pilot and Flying Safety Officer for the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing at Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from August 1966 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on April 30, 1967.

Post Release Image
Man in military uniform talking to another man in military uniform.
Post Release Description

Joe Abbott was released during “Operation Homecoming” on February 18, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Andrews AFB, Maryland, and then attended Air War College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from August 1973 to July 1974. His final assignment was with the Duluth Air Defense Sector at Duluth Airport, Minnesota, where he retired from the Air Force on November 1, 1977. 


 

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star
  • Bronze Star 
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release