Read B. Mecleary

By zthanson, 13 December, 2022
First Name
Read
Middle Name
B.
Last Name
Mecleary
Birthdate
Hometown
Bronx, New York
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Navy suit and cap.
PreCapture Description

Read Mecleary received his commission through the U.S. Naval Academy on June 3, 1964, and was designated a Naval Aviator after completing flight training in December 1965. From December 1965 to July 1966, Mecleary trained in the A-4 Skyhawk with VA-125. He next flew with VA-93 and began flying combat missions in Southeast Asia in February 1967. On May 26, 1967, Lieutenant Mecleary was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War.

Post Release Image
Older man standing in front of a shaded window.
Post Release Description

Mecleary was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973. After hospitalization, Commander Mecleary served with VF-126 at NAS Miramar, California, from June 1974 to January 1976, and with VR-30 at NAS Alameda, California, flying the C-9B Skytrain II from February 1976 to July 1976. He left active duty and went into the Naval Reserve on September 2, 1976, and continued flying the C-9 at Alameda and North Island, California. He assumed command of VR-57 at NAS North Island on May 26, 1983, and retired from the Naval Reserve on October 20, 1987. Captain Mecleary flew for American Airlines from July 1976 until his retirement on April 1, 2002. He married Margie Ann Suho of Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, a TWA Flight Attendant, in April 1974.


 

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


 

Passed away before release
Post Release