Randolph Wright Ford

By zthanson, 22 February, 2023
First Name
Randolph
Middle Name
Wright
Last Name
Ford
Birthdate
Hometown
Gainesville, Florida
Rank
Commander
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Close up of a man in a collared shirt.
PreCapture Description

Randolph Ford joined the U.S. Navy from Florida and was a member of Attack Squadron 86. On June 11, 1968, Lieutenant Commander Ford piloted an A-7A Corsair II on a night road reconnaissance mission over enemy territory in Vietnam. Commander Ford's aircraft went down during the mission, and he was subsequently captured.

Post Release Image
Black rectangle with text inside that says 'Died in Captivity, June 20, 1968.’
Post Release Description

He died while in captivity on June 20, 1968. In August 1985, the Vietnamese government returned Commander Ford's remains to U.S. custody, and U.S. analysts confirmed the identification. He was buried with full military honors on November 21, 1985 at Saint Augustine National Cemetery, St. Augustine, Florida.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Bronze Star Medal
Passed away before release
In Memorium