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First Name
Richard
Middle Name
L.
Last Name
Bates
Birthdate
Hometown
Aberdeen, SD
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
Rick Bates was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force through the Air Force ROTC program at the University of North Dakota on June 7, 1970, and went on active duty beginning August 1, 1970. Lieutenant Bates next completed Undergraduate Navigator Training and was awarded his navigator wings at Mather AFB, California, in June 1971, followed by F-4 Phantom II Combat Crew Training from July 1971 to February 1972. His first assignment was as an F-4 Weapons System Officer with the 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Ubon Royal Thai AFB, Thailand, from April 1972 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on October 5, 1972.
Post Release Image
Post Release Description
Lieutenant Bates was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 29, 1973. He then attended Undergraduate Pilot Training, receiving his pilot wings at Williams AFB, Arizona, in April 1975. After completing F-4 Combat Crew Training, Captain Bates served as an F-4 pilot at Hill AFB, Utah,, followed by service as an F-4 pilot at Hahn AB, West Germany. His next assignment was as an F-4 instructor pilot at George AFB, California, and then as Chief of the Standardization/Evaluation Division of the Air Force Flight Test Center at Edwards AFB, California. Major Bates' final assignment was as an F-4 instructor pilot back at George AFB from June 1988 until his retirement from the Air Force on August 1, 1990. After retiring from the Air Force, Rick worked for Tracor Flight Systems, a defense contractor flying the F-100, T-33, F-86, and F-4, and worked as an MD80 simulator instructor for American Airlines beginning in 1997
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Distinguished Flying Cross (3)
- Bronze Star
- Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release