Ronald Wayne Dodge

By zthanson, 22 February, 2023
First Name
Ronald
Middle Name
Wayne
Last Name
Dodge
Birthdate
Hometown
San Diego, California
Rank
Commander
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a white military suit and cap.
PreCapture Description

Ronald Dodge joined the U.S. Navy from California and was a member of Fighter Squadron 51. On May 17, 1967, he was the pilot of an F8E assigned a combat mission over North Vietnam. On this mission the aircraft was shot down and Commander Dodge was forced to eject. On the ground he made three radio transmissions. One reporting he was surrounded by North Vietnamese forces, before saying  "I'm breaking up my radio." Commander Dodge was subsequently captured.

Post Release Image
Black rectangle with text inside that says 'Died in Captivity, Date Unknown.’
Post Release Description

He died while in custody of the North Vietnamese but the date is unknown. In July 1981,  Commander Dodge's remains were returned in the United States. Commander Dodge is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. 

Passed away before release
In Memorium