Wilfred K. Abbott

By zthanson, 3 November, 2022
First Name
Wilfred
Middle Name
K.
Last Name
Abbott
Birthdate
Hometown
Lancaster, CA
Rank
Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in pilot seat of aircraft.
PreCapture Description

Will Abbott enlisted in the Aviation Cadet Program of the U.S. Air Force on January 24, 1957, and was commissioned a Second Lieutenant and awarded his pilot wings at Greenville AFB, Mississippi, on May 28, 1958. Abbott served with the 498th Fighter Interceptor Squadron from July 1963 to January 1966, when he became an exchange officer with the U.S. Navy. Captain Abbott was serving with Fighter Squadron 111, flying combat missions in F-8 Crusaders off the aircraft carrier USS Oriskany (CV-34), when he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on September 5, 1966.

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

Colonel Abbott was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 4, 1973. After attending Armed Forces Staff College at Norfolk, Virginia, from August 1973 to February 1974, Will Abbott was assigned to Elmendorf AFB in Anchorage, Alaska, as Operations Officer and later Squadron Commander of the 43rd Tactical Fighter Squadron flying the F-4E. After further positions in Wing and Command, in 1979 Colonel Abbott was assigned to the Pentagon as Chief of the Strategic Defense Division in XOX and later as Chief of the Tactical Forces Division for DCS/PA. In 1982, Colonel Abbott was assigned again to Elmendorf AFB as Vice Wing Commander and later as Commander of the 21st Fighter Wing. Colonel Abbott retired from the Air Force on September 30, 1984, and remained in Anchorage with his wife Sharon until retiring as a Commissioner for the Regulatory Commission of Alaska in 2009. After his 2nd retirement, Will and Sharon resided in Coronado, California. Will Abbott died on October 8, 2021. He was buried at Miramar National Cemetery in San Diego, California. Will and Sharon had two children together, Michael and Steve.
 

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star
  • Legion of Merit (3)
  • Bronze Star (4)
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release