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First Name
Williams
Middle Name
D.
Last Name
Burroughs
Birthdate
Hometown
Indianhead, MD
Rank
Lieutenant Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
William Burroughs graduated from West Point and was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force on June 3, 1955. Lieutenant Burroughs graduated from Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Laredo AFB, Texas, in August 1956. He then completed All Weather Interceptor Training before being assigned to the 98th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at Dover AFB, Delaware, from December 1956 to January 1959. Captain Burroughs served as an instructor at the U.S. Air Force Academy from July 1960 to August 1964. Major Burroughs then attended Armed Forces Staff College. After completing RF-101C Voodoo Combat Crew Training, he served with the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron at Kadena AB, Okinawa, from October 1965 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on July 31, 1966.
Post Release Image
Post Release Description
Major Burroughs was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 4, 1973. He then received an Industrial College of the Air Force assignment from August 1973 to June 1974. Colonel Burroughs final assignment was as Assistant Deputy Commander for Operations of the 82nd Flying Training Wing at Williams AFB, Arizona, where he served from June 1974 until his retirement from the Air Force on April 30, 1976. William Burroughs died on March 27, 1999, and is buried at the National Memorial Cemetery of Arizona in Phoenix, Arizona.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Air Force Cross
- Silver Star (2)
- Legion of Merit (2)
- Bronze Star (3)
- Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release