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First Name
Allan
Middle Name
R.
Last Name
Carpenter
Birthdate
Hometown
Portland, ME
Rank
Commander
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
Allan Carpenter enlisted in the U.S. Navy on September 27, 1955, and was commissioned through Officer Candidate School on August 17, 1962. After becoming a Naval Aviator in 1963 and going through Navy Justice School, Carpenter was assigned to the Replacement Air Group with VA-43 at NAS Oceana, Virginia, for transition training in the A-4 Skyhawk. He began flying combat missions in the A-4 with VA-72 from the USS Independence in 1965 and the USS Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1966, and was forced to eject on August 21, 1966, after taking heavy battle damage and making it back to the vicinity of the carrier. He was rescued by the ship's helicopter and went back on flying status. Carpenter was shot down again over North Vietnam on November 1, 1966, while flying his 135th combat mission, and was taken as a Prisoner of War by the North Vietnamese.
Post Release Image
Post Release Description
After his release during “Operation Homecoming” on March 4, 1973 Commander Carpenter went back on flying status as an instrument flight instructor with VF-43 at NAS Oceana. This was followed by a tour in the College Degree Program at Old Dominion University in Norfolk, Virginia, and his retirement from the Navy on December 31, 1978. Since his retirement, Allan has amassed almost 4,000 flying hours in ultralight and experimental aircraft. Al married Carolyn Malone in 1957 and they have 4 children.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Silver Star (3)
- Legion of Merit
- Bronze Star (2)
- Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release