Ronald L. Mastin

By zthanson, 13 December, 2022
First Name
Ronald
Middle Name
L.
Last Name
Mastin
Birthdate
Hometown
Beloit, Kansas
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

Ronald Mastin was commissioned a Second Lieutenant through the Air Force ROTC detachment on June 3, 1963, going on active duty on November 15, 1963. Mastin graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Reese AFB, Texas, in December 1964, and then attended RF-4C Phantom II upgrade training at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, from January to May 1965. His first assignment was as a Pilot Systems Operator with the 1st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at RAF Alconbury, England, from May 1965 to September 1966. Lieutenant Mastin next began flying combat missions with the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Udorn Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, in October 1966. On January 16, 1967, while flying his 34th combat mission, he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War.

Post Release Image
Man sitting in a collared shirt and suit.
Post Release Description

Captain Mastin was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973. He left active duty in September 1973 and after working for Eastern Airlines he returned to active duty in January 1976. After attending Instructor Pilot School, he served as an instructor pilot at Mather AFB, California, from September 1976 until he left active duty and joined the Alabama Air National Guard in May 1980, serving until 1988 when he joined the Air Force Reserve. Colonel Mastin retired from the reserves on June 3, 1991. He flew for Eastern Airlines from May 1980 to February 1989, and then flew for FedEx from January 1990 until his retirement in December 2007. Ron is married to the former Dawn Lindner and they have two daughters together, Cassie and Carissa, and Ron has a son from a previous marriage, Michael.

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