   Navy LCDR Hugh Stafford broke his arm, collarbone, and ribs when his A-4 from VA-163, was downed by a SAM over Haiphong in August 1967. After three days without water, he was then subjected to the rope torture. Despite his injuries (damage to his left arm is evident in this photo); he became known as "a spark plug in the resistance." Rank/Branch: O4/US Navy Unit: Attack Squadron 163, USS ORISKANY (CVA 34) Home City of Record: Cambridge MD Date of Loss: 31 August 1967 Country of Loss: North Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 204100N 1063200E (XH596876) Status (in 1973): Released POW March 14, 1973 Category: Aircraft: A4E "I joined the Navy September 28, 1955. I received my wings on March 16, 1957 at Beeville, Texas. From there I returned to Pensacola, Florida and taught air-to-air gunnery in the TO-28 at Brain Field. I then spent 1959-60 in VALHI at Whidbey Island, Washington. I separated from the Navy in August 1960 and attended Washington College in Chestertown, Maryland. Returning to active duty in August 1962, I joined VU-7 at NAS, North Island, San Diego, California. From 1964-66 I served with Tactical Air Control Squadron 12 at Naval Amphibious Base, Coronado, California. After A-4 training in VA-125 at NAS, Lemoore, California, I joined VA-163 and went on cruise aboard the USS Risking in June 1967 and was shot down on 31 August 1967. Faith in God and in my country were the things that sustained me. Also the fine group of men who were my fellow POWs were of such consistently high caliber that one could never lose faith." Hugh Stafford retired from the United States Navy as a Commander. He and his wife Sheryl resided in Pensacola, Florida until his death on 28 Dec 2003. |