John H. Nasmyth, Jr.

By zthanson, 13 December, 2022
First Name
John
Middle Name
H.
Last Name
Nasmyth
Suffix
Jr.
Birthdate
Hometown
Billings, Montana
Rank
Major
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Male in a military uniform.
PreCapture Description

John Nasmyth was commissioned a Second Lieutenant in the U.S. Air Force through the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Idaho on June 10, 1962, and went on active duty beginning September 26, 1962. Lieutenant Nasmyth next completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Laughlin AFB, Texas, in October 1963, followed by Pilot System Operator Training in the F-4 Phantom II at MacDill AFB, Florida. He served with the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron at MacDill AFB from February 1964 to July 1965, and then with the 559th Tactical Fighter Squadron, also at MacDill, until November 1965. Lieutenant Nasmyth transferred to the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron at MacDill in November 1965, and served with that squadron until deploying to Southeast Asia in July 1966. He flew combat missions with the 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing at Ubon Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from July 1966 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on September 4, 1966.

Post Release Image
Older man giving a speech at a podium.
Post Release Description

Nasmyth was released during Operation Homecoming on February 18, 1973. Major Nasmyth was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at March AFB, California, and left the Air Force on November 30, 1973. He wrote the book "2355 Days, A POW's Story" in 1991, and in 2006 he published two books: "So You Want to be a Ferry Pilot" and "The Boys Who Bring in the Crop".

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