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First Name
William
Middle Name
J.
Last Name
Metzger
Suffix
Jr.
Birthdate
Hometown
Wisconsin Rapids, Wisconsin
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
William Metzger was commissioned an Ensign in the U.S. Navy in October 1964. Lieutenant Metzger then completed flight training and was designated a Naval Aviator in April 1966 before joining VF-124 at NAS Miramar, California, where he was trained in the F-8 Crusader from May to September 1966. He then served with VF-24 and began flying combat missions in Southeast Asia in February 1967 aboard the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). On May 19, 1967, Lieutenant Metzger was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War.
Post Release Image
Post Release Description
Metzger was released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973, and then was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries. He next attended the Naval Postgraduate School at Monterey, California, where he completed his Master's degree in September 1976. He then completed F-4 Phantom II upgrade training before serving with VF-21 from January 1977 to January 1979, followed by a tour at the Pentagon from January 1979 to May 1982. Captain Metzger then commanded the Naval Recruiting District in the Pacific Northwest at Seattle, Washington, from May 1982 to August 1985. His final assignment was as the Comptroller of the Naval Shipyard at Puget Sound, Washington, where he served from August 1985 until his retirement from the Navy on August 31, 1990. Bill and his wife Bonnie have three daughters.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Silver Star
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star (3)
- Prisoner of War Medal
Additional Asset 1
Bill-Metzger.jpeg
(50.6 KB)
Asset 1 Caption
POW giving a thumbs up as he's behind bars, with a North Vietnamese force standing near him.
Passed away before release
Post Release