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First Name
Cecil
Middle Name
H.
Last Name
Brunson
Birthdate
Hometown
Memphis, TN
Rank
Lieutenant Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
Cecil Brunson was commissioned through the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Memphis (TN) on June 5, 1970, and went on active duty beginning July 24, 1970. Lieutenant Brunson next completed Undergraduate Navigator Training and was awarded his navigator wings at Mather AFB, California, in May 1971, followed by Weapon Systems Officer (WSO) and F-4 Phantom II Combat Crew Training from May 1971 to February 1972. His next assignment was as an F-4E WSO with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from February 1972 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on October 12, 1972.
Post Release Image
Post Release Description
Lieutenant Brunson was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 29, 1973. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Travis AFB, California, and then completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Williams AFB, Arizona, in May 1974. Captain Brunson next served as an F-4 pilot with the 334th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Seymour-Johnson AFB, North Carolina, from May 1974 until he left active duty and joined the Tennessee Air National Guard on April 11, 1980. He then served as a C-130 Hercules pilot with the 164th Tactical Airlift Group of the Tennessee Air National Guard at Memphis, Tennessee, from April 1980 until his retirement from the National Guard on September 7, 1995.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Silver Star
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release