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First Name
Robert
Middle Name
G.
Last Name
Certain
Birthdate
Hometown
Savannah, GA
Rank
Colonel
Service Branch
Air Force
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
PreCapture Description
Bob Certain received his commission in the U.S. Air Force through the Air Force ROTC program on June 9, 1969. Certain was trained as a Navigator-Bombardier on B-52 Stratofortresses and began flying combat missions in Vietnam in 1971. On December 18, 1972, Charcoal 01, the B-52G that Captain Certain was flying on, was hit by two surface-to-air missiles over Hanoi and the crew was forced to eject. Certain and two other crew members survived the crash but were captured as Prisoners of War of the North Vietnamese.
Post Release Image
Post Release Description
Bob Certain was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 29, 1973. After his return, Certain became an Air Force Chaplain and went into the Air Force Reserve. As a Reserve Chaplain, Colonel Certain served at Kelly AFB, Texas, Keesler AFB, Mississippi, Eaker AFB, Arkansas, Lackland AFB, Texas, in the Strategic Air Command at the Command Chaplain's Office, in Air Mobility Command at the Command Chaplain's Office, and at the Staff Chaplain's Office at the USAF Academy before retiring from the Air Force Reserve on July 8, 1999. In civilian life, “Father Bob” has served as parish priest in Episcopal Churches all over the United States. Reverend Certain officiated and preached for the Ford family at President Gerald Ford's funeral in January 2007. He published his autobiography, "Unchained Eagle, From Prisoner of War to Prisoner of Christ" in 2003, and is the founder of the Unchained Eagle Memorial and Benevolent Society.
Honors, Citations, and Commendations
- Legion of Merit
- Distinguished Flying Cross
- Bronze Star
- Purple Heart
- Meritorious Service Medal
- Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release