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First Name
William
Middle Name
W.
Last Name
Butler
Birthdate
Hometown
Grass Valley, CA
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
Bill Butler was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force through the Air Force ROTC program and went on active duty beginning March 4, 1964. Lieutenant Butler next completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Reese AFB, Texas, in March 1965, followed by F-102 Delta Dagger Combat Crew Training from May to October 1965. His first assignment was as an F-102 pilot with the 94th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Selfridge AFB, Michigan, from November 1965 to February 1967, and he then attended F-105 Thunderchief Combat Crew Training from February to July 1967. Captain Butler served as an F-105 pilot with the 44th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from August to October 1967, and then with the 469th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat from October 1967 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on November 20, 1967.
Post Release Image
Post Release Description
Captain Butler was released during Operation Homecoming on March 14, 1973. He then received an Air Force Institute of Technology Assignment to attend the University of California from September 1973 until he left active duty on June 30, 1974. After leaving the Air Force, Bill completed his Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree, and practiced as a Veterinarian until his death on March 11, 2013. He was buried at Arlington National Cemetery.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Silver Star (2)
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross (7)
- Bronze Star (6)
- Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release