William G. Byrns

By zthanson, 3 November, 2022
First Name
Williams
Middle Name
G.
Last Name
Byrns
Birthdate
Hometown
Greenville, MS
Rank
Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man In a military uniform
PreCapture Description

Bill Byrns was commissioned through Officer Training School at Lackland AFB, Texas, on November 17, 1967. Byrns next went through pilot training at Williams AFB, Arizona, and earned his pilot wings in December 1968. After F-4 Phantom II training, he was stationed with the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing flying out of Korat Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from October 1969 to October 1970. He was reassigned to the 434th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 479th Tactical Fighter Wing before returning to Southeast Asia in June 1971. Colonel Byrns was shot down by antiaircraft fire on May 23, 1972, while flying a fast forward air control mission over North Vietnam. He was captured and taken as a Prisoner of War.

Post Release Image
Man in military uniform greets a young boy with a hug
Post Release Description

Colonel Byrns was released during  “Operation Homecoming” on March 28, 1973. Colonel Byrns served as Chief of Wing Weapons and Tactics, Operations Officer of the 309th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Commander of the 31st Tactical Training Squadron, and Wing Chief of Safety. He then served with Headquarters 9th Air Force at Shaw AFB, South Carolina, as the Director of Safety. Colonel Byrns next served as the Deputy Commander for the 347th Operations Group at Moody AFB, Georgia. During this time he flew combat missions in the F-16 Fighting Falcon in Desert Storm. His final assignment was as Professor of Aerospace Studies for the Air Force ROTC Detachment at Kansas State University until his retirement from the Air Force in 1997. Colonel Byrns is a command pilot with over 4,200 hours of flying time with 894 combat hours amassed over 428 combat missions in two wars. Bill Byrns married Joanne Garrison and they have two children, Scott and Sarah.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Legion of Merit
  • Distinguished Flying Cross (6)
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release