Add Content
First Name
Kenneth
Middle Name
R.
Last Name
Cameron
Birthdate
Hometown
Berkeley, CA
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
Ken Cameron was commissioned in the U.S. Navy on January 5, 1950, and completed pilot training in 1951. During the Korean War, Cameron flew combat missions with Fighter Squadron 151 off the aircraft carrier USS Boxer. He entered the U.S. Naval Reserve on October 30, 1954, and returned to active duty on March 13, 1956. Between the wars, Cameron served with numerous fighter and attack squadrons in California, Washington, D.C., and Alabama. He attended U.S. Naval War College at Newport, Rhode Island, before joining the Replacement Air Group at NAS Lemoore, California, in early 1967. Captain Cameron began flying combat missions with Attack Squadron 76 off the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31) in March 1967, and he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on May 15, 1967.
Post Release Image
Post Release Description
Despite constant pressure and intense torture from the North Vietnamese in their attempts to gain military information and propaganda material, Captain Cameron resisted tenaciously throughout, often refusing to eat for long periods of time, and never yielding to beatings. Captain Cameron died in captivity on October 4, 1970. His remains were returned to the United States on March 6, 1974, and he was buried in Arlington National Cemetery. Captain Cameron’s exceptional courage, determination and resourcefulness reflected great credit upon himself and upheld the highest traditions of the U.S. Navel Service and the U.S. Armed Forces.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Navy Cross
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
In Memorium