LtCol. John Owen. Davies USAF POW/Vietnam Veteran, West Reading, August 17th
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Lieutenant Colonel John Owen Davies
US Air Force POW/Vietnam Veteran
Tuesday August 17th 2021
West Reading Pa. 19611
The Patriot Guard Riders have been asked to escort US Air Force POW Vietnam Veteran, LtCol John O. Davies to his final rest at Indiantown Gap National Cemetery. LtCol Davies entered officer training school in 1964 and graduated with a commission as a 2nd Lt. he went on to graduate from Undergraduate Navigator and Electronic Warfare Officer Training. His first assignment was as an Electronic Warfare Officer aboard an EB-66 Destroyer with the 41st Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron of the 432nd Tactical Recon Wing at Takhli Royal Thai AFB Until he was forced to eject over North Vietnam
On February 4, 1967, an EB66C was sent on a mission Over North Vietnam. The crew and Technicians that day were. Maj. Jack W. Bomar, 1Lt. Joh O. Davies, Capt. John Fer, Capt. Russell Poor, Capt. Herb Doby and Maj. Woodrow Wilburn.
Three officers were taken prisoner that day. Capt. Davies (at that time) Maj. Bomar and Capt. Fer were released 2207 days later as part of Operation Homecoming on February 18, 1973. The fates of the remaining three crew members remained unknown. Until Capt. Herb Doby was repatriated to the United States and in 1990 Maj. Woodrow Wilburn was also repatriated. Capt. Russell Poor remains MIA
After his release and a brief hospital stay LtCol. Davies was accepted for Undergraduate Flying Training receiving his pilot’s wings in 1974. After completing c-141 Starlifter advanced training He served as a c-141pilot with the 86th Military Airlift Squadron.
Lt Col John O. Davies is the recipient of the Silver Star His silver star citation reads;
“First Lieutenant John O. Davies distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia on 4 February 1967. On that date, Lieutenant Davies, as an Electronic Warfare Officer, was providing electronic countermeasures to suppress radar controlled antiaircraft artillery and surface to air missiles while his unarmed aircraft maneuvered in an extremely hazardous area. Despite the threat of hostile aircraft and the possibility of lethal missile sites in the area, Lieutenant Davies continued his support mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Davies has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”
His other medals and citations are Legion of Merit, Air Medal, AF Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Bronze Star with OLC, Small Arms Expert Marksmanship, AF outstanding Unit Award with 1 OLC, National defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, AF Longevity Service Ribbon, with 4 OLC’s Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal, republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross, Meritorious Service Medal, And The Prisoner of War Medal.
Lieutenant Colonel John O. Davies is a true American Patriot that has served this nation with honor and distinction.
Now it is our turn to stand and honor him.
Kuhn Funeral Home
739 Penn Ave, West
Reading, PA 19611
Escort
Date: August 17th 2021
Staging: 1200 Hrs.
KSU: 1230 Hrs
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Lh4nYfLrVsg9WQgs8
Indiantown Gap National Cemetery
Committal: 1400 Hrs
Staging: 1330 Hrs
Map: https://goo.gl/maps/Lh4nYfLrVsg9WQgs8
RCIC: Richard Sam
Email: rsam1sg2@yahoo.com
Stage at the parking lot opposite the rear of the PA Memorial, (turn left at the US Flag Circle). DO NOT PROCEED TO COMMITTAL SITE WITHOUT PERMISSION.
NOTE: Concealed carry permits are NOT recognized on military installations and federal reservations. Indiantown Gap National Cemetery is a federal reservation. Do not bring weapons or hazardous materials to this mission.
For mission information, contact:
Eric M. Cramer Veterans Liaison East
Email: pgrpa.vetrep.east@gmail.com
Phone: 717-507-5213
