Edward D. Estes

By zthanson, 14 September, 2022
First Name
Edward
Middle Name
D.
Last Name
Estes
Birthdate
Hometown
Marionville, MO.
Rank
Captain
Service Branch
Navy
Date Captured
Date Repatriated
Pre Capture Image
Man in a decorated U.S. Navy suit.
PreCapture Description

Ed Estes earned his commission as an Ensign on March 1, 1956, and his designation as a Naval Aviator on June 28, 1957. He then completed instructor pilot school before serving as a T-28 Trojan instructor pilot with Naval Air Training Command at NAAS Whiting Field, Florida. Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Estes next attended AD-6 Skyraider Replacement Pilot Training with VA-44 at NAS Jacksonville, Florida, followed by service as an AD-6 pilot with VA-35 at NAS Jacksonville, during which time he deployed with his squadron in support of the Cuban Missile Crisis from October to November 1962. His next assignment was as an Officer Assignments Officer with the Bureau of Naval Personnel at the Pentagon. Lieutenant Commander Estes then attended A-4 Skyhawk Replacement Air Group training with VA-125 at NAS Lemoore, California, followed by service as an A-4 pilot and Maintenance Officer with VA-112 at NAS Lemoore until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam and was taken as a Prisoner of War on January 3, 1968.

Post Release Image
Two military officers and a woman standing together.
Post Release Description

Commander Estes was released during “Operation Homecoming” on March 14, 1973. He then served on the staff of the Commander, Light Attack Wing Pacific at NAS Lemoore, and the Commander, Light Attack Wing 1 at NAS Cecil Field, Florida. He next attended A-7 Corsair II Replacement Air Group training with VA-174 at NAS Cecil Field, followed by service as Commanding Officer of VA-72 at Cecil Field. His next assignment was as an A-4 and A-7 Special Projects Officer on the staff of the Commander, Light Attack Wing 1. Captain Estes attended National War College in Washington, D.C., and then served as Commanding Officer of USNAS Agana, Guam, from August 1977 to November 1979. His next assignment was as the Assistant Chief of Staff for Manpower and Personnel with the Commander in Chief of U.S. Atlantic Fleet, followed by service as Commander of Tactical Air Control Group TWO at PSD Little Creek, Virginia, from August 1984 until his retirement from the Navy on August 1, 1986.

Honors, Citations, and Commendations
  • Silver Star
  • Legion of Merit (3)
  • Bronze Star (3)
  • Prisoner of War Medal
Passed away before release
Post Release