Pilot who endured torture at 'Hanoi Hilton' dies

[David]

AP


JACKSON, Miss. – Retired Air Force Col. Jack Pitchford, a fighter pilot from Mississippi who survived seven years in the Vietnamese prison camp known as the "Hanoi Hilton," has died. He was 82.

Pitchford's brother, Jim Pitchford, says the former pilot died Wednesday after battling a brain tumor.

The Natchez, Miss., native was shot down in 1965 and taken to the Hoa Lo prison, enduring torture in the same place as U.S. Sen. John McCain and other veterans.

Pitchford was released in 1973. McCain was released the same year after spending five years in the prison.

Pitchford was born John Joseph Pitchford Jr. on May 29, 1927.

After earning his wings, Pitchford volunteered with the Wild Weasels and was responsible for destroying surface-to-air missiles.

[revwardoc]

RIP Col. Pitchford. A salute to a brave man.

[DMZ-LT]

Rest in Peace , Sir. Thank you for your service

[VIETNAM 1968]

Rest in Peace Col. Jack Pitchford. You have flown your last mission here on Earth and now are assigned to a far better place then the one you just left. May you now REST IN PEACE with the knowledge that you served your Country honorably and faithfully.

Thank you for your service Sir. I SALUTE YOU. You were ONE OF THE TRUE HEROS of a War that most Americans chose NOT TO SUPPORT, and then CONDEMNED THE MEN who fought in it.

To all the rest of my Vietnam Veteran Brothers and Sisters I again wish you all a MOST SINCERE and HEART FELT:

WELCOME HOME


VIETNAM 1968

[ussfa344]

RIP Brother!