Carl Dennis Chambers

By zthanson, 17 November, 2022
First Name
Carl
Middle Name
Dennis
Last Name
Chambers
Birthdate
Hometown
Santa Monica, CA
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Place holder image. No image available for this veteran.
PreCapture Description

Dennis Chambers was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force through the Air Force ROTC program at California State University at San Jose on June 7, 1963, and went on active duty beginning June 3, 1965. Lieutenant Chambers next completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Williams AFB, Arizona, followed by F-4C Phantom II Combat Crew Training with the 45th Tactical Fighter Squadron at MacDill AFB, Florida. His next assignment was as an F-4C pilot with the 559th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Cam Ranh Bay AB, South Vietnam, from March 1967 until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on August 7, 1967. Lieutenant Chambers and crewmate Glen Wilson escaped while en-route to Hanoi, attempted to steal two small boats, but recaptured after 12 hours.

Post Release Image
Young man saluting other man in military uniform.
Post Release Description

Captain Chambers was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 14, 1973. He then left active duty and joined the Air Force Reserve on August 14, 1973. After attending C-5 Galaxy transition training, he served as a C-5 pilot with the 312th Military Airlift Squadron of the Air Force Reserve at Travis AFB, and left the Air Force Reserve on December 1, 1976. After leaving active duty, Dennis flew for Eastern Airlines for a short time and then went into the real estate business.

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