Richard Haven Van Dyke

Richard Haven Van Dyke completed his Air Force pilot training at Williams Air Force Base in Arizon and graduated as a Distinguished Graduate in May 1966 with Class 66G. He then attended Undergraduate Pilot Training (UPT) at Williams AFB, Arizona, with Class 67H and received his pilot rating on June 14 1967. He attended upgrade training and flew in the back seat of the F-4D Phantom II. Eventually, he was assigned to the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron (Warhawks) at DaNang AB, South Vietnam. On September 11, 1968, he piloted an F-4 Phantom II on a mission over North Vietnam. During the mission his aircraft was hit and damaged by anti-aircraft fire. Despite being hit, Captain Van Dyke continued flying and eventually his aircraft crashed into the sea. Before the crash, Captain Van Dyke ejected from the aircraft and subsequently was captured by enemy forces.