Sponsored by:

Navy Federal Credit Union
Gene
Thomas
Pemberton
POW (RVN) KIA
June 4, 1926

–

July 24, 1966

Cemetery:

Graceland Memorial Cemetery

Gene Pemberton was interned as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam after he was shot down on July 23, 1966 and was held until his death in captivity on July 24, 1966. His remains were recovered and returned on March 6, 1974. The EWO of his aircraft, Major Benjamin Newsom, was captured at the same time he was and died in captivity on July 26, 1966.

Awards Received

  • Prisoner of War Medal

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Division:

    Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)

    Action Date:

    July 23, 1966 – July 24, 1966

    Major Gene Thomas Pemberton (AFSN: 17136906/26552), United States Air Force, was held as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from July 23, 1966 until his death in Captivity on or about July 24, 1966.

  • Silver Star

    Service:

    United States Air Force

    Rank:

    Major

    Batallion:

    354th Tactical Fighter Squadron

    Division:

    Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

    Action Date:

    July 23, 1966

    The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pride in presenting the Silver Star (Posthumously) to Major Gene Thomas Pemberton (AFSN: 17136906/26552), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 aircraft of the 354th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action near Phuc Yen, North Vietnam, on 23 July 1966. On that date, Major Pemberton was the flight leader of a four-ship F-105 aircraft team assigned to patrol the heavily defended Red River Delta in search of hostile surface-to-air missile sites. Despite encountering extremely adverse weather and heavy defenses, Major Pemberton courageously pressed the attack in complete disregard of his personal safety. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Pemberton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.