Roy Spencer
Vietnam Veteran-Air Force Pilot
Lest We Forget Their Sacrifice
On August 12, 1967, Capt. Edwin L. Atterberry and Capt. Thomas V. Parrott were sent on a reconnaissance mission over Ha Bac Province, North Vietnam. When they were about 10 miles northeast of the city of Gia Lam, the aircraft was hit by enemy fire and the crew was forced to eject. Both Atterberry and Parrott were captured by the North Vietnamese, and moved
to the Hanoi prison system. On May 10, 1969, after a year of planning, Atterberry and a fellow POW, John A. Dramesi, made an almost miraculous escape from prison. The two slipped through the roof and traveled three miles over 12 hours, but were recaptured. Dramesi recalls the torture he could not speak of for many months. When Dramesi and Atterberry were recaptured, one of the other POWs recalls shaking Atterberry's hand. This was the last time he was seen by any Americans. Like Dramesi, Atterberry was tortured, but Atterberry did not survive. The Vietnamese told other POWs that Atterberry died of an 'unusual disease.' The POWs knew the disease was attempting to escape. Atterberry's remains were returned in March 1974.
May 18, 2015 |
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Anette Coppedge
gandacoppedge@sbcglobal.net
neighbor of his parents
1804 Lakewood Blvd Euless TX 76039 USA
Memories of a brave hero who fought for his country
I grew up just down the street from your parents. They were so proud and worried about you. I never got to meet you as you were much older that I and had already left home and joined the service. Back in those days, everyone knew everyone in the neighborhood and I knew your parents. I always went by their house to trick-or-treat. I remember when you were captured and all the stories in the news about your attempt to escape. You sounded so brave and strong. The stories were hard to hear and I felt so sorry for your parents. They were so kind and didn't deserve to hear the pain that their beloved son was going through. And then the announcement came that you had beed found killed after another escape attempt. My heart broke for your family. I was not yet a teenager then but it left such a memory that I could never forget you. Never in a hunderd years would I have thought that my future husband too would go off to fight the very same war that took your life. But fortunatly, my loved one returned home safely. However, his return was not what one would have hoped. By that time, the people of our country had grown tired of the Vietnam war and was taking a lot of their frustrations out on our returning soldiers. As a military wife, it was hard to understand why our guys were not given the respect they deserved for fighting for their country. This is to you and all the brave men and women who fought in a war that became such a conflict in itself. My prayer is that no other soldier will ever come home to the cold reception that some of the Vietnam Vets endured upon their return. You, and many others gave the ultimate sacrifice for your country and should all be remembered for your bravery. God bless you and your family. May you rest in peace. And remember, what an impression you made on such a young girl.
Mar 15, 2013 |
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Troy warren
dtownskin123@yahoo.com
extended family
3004 monarch plano tx 75074 usa
Hard as a Rock and Strong as An ox
You and i have never met but i would have liked you and will forever respect you. There are no words i can say to express my thanks to your bravery im proud to be apart of the family that still thinks of u constantly. Your brother in law and best friend remembers the good times with you and will never forget the price you paid.I myself served but did not realize what it meant to give all for my country i have no doubt that your last thoughts were of your wife and children well im proud to say that i know them and they are doing well few will ever understand your ultimate choice to do what you did but all have learned to respect the man.You are a TRUE AMERICAN HERO and i salute you sir
Jun 4, 2012 |
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Laurie Nelson Alexander
I too remember you...
Lieutenant Atterberry...
I too wore your bracelet every day for years, and just sobbed and sobbed on that day in 1974 when I found out you had been taken Home. Your memory burns in my soul. My work in the world is now in honor of you and all those who served as you did.
May you be lifted in peace for all eternity, and may those still here on Earth, someday be freed from the enslavement of hatred and fear that leads us into endless war.
May God bless you and keep you...may His light shine upon you and give you sweet, sweet peace.
Nov 4, 2011 |
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Air Force Cross Citation
Air Force Cross
Awarded posthumously for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pride in presenting the Air Force Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Colonel Edwin Lee Atterberry (AFSN: 0-18487925), United States Air Force (Reserve), for extraordinary heroism in military operations against an opposing armed force as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 11 May 1969 to 14 May 1969. On 11 May 1969, Lieutenant Colonel Atterberry escaped from the North Vietnamese prison camp known as 'The Zoo' and was recaptured twelve hours later. He was subjected to brutal torture for confessions pertaining to camp leadership, organization and details of his escape plans. He was last seen by other prisoners of war on 14 May 1969, and the North Vietnamese later reported that Lieutenant Colonel Atterberry had died. Through his extraordinary heroism and willpower, in the face of the enemy, Lieutenant Colonel Atterberry reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: May 11 - 14, 1969
Service: Air Force Reserve
Rank: Lieutenant Colonel
Division: Prisoner of War (North Vietna
Aug 12, 2011 |
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davy b
Kilgore Tx.
remembrance
Another Memorial Day and more salutes for this brave hero.Thank you Sir,from our grateful generation.
May 31, 2010 |
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Lindajia Williams
manders2@aisd.net
Mr.Anderson's History Student
Sam Houston High School Arlington Tx 76014 USA
My Adopted MIA
Captain Edwin Atterberry, My name is Lindajia Williams. I'm a 2010 junior @ Sam Houston High School in Arlington,TX. As part of a class assignment on Vietnam MIA's,I learned your story and shared it with my classmates. I learned of your sacrifice and I will remember you.
May 21, 2010 |
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Janet Mosley
SOMEONE WHO CARES
I lost a ralative in Viet Nam - 1967
I also have read the book 'P.O.W and cried for what they went through and what courage it took to live each day, hoping it would be for a short time. It is too bad that they could not have tried them for war crimes, but again, they said it was not a war. Ed was a strong man and he is with his keeper. I know our country has not learned a lesson from that war.
We lost so many so young.
The man above took him when he wanted him to keep him from suffering more. Bless his family.
Mar 5, 2010 |
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davy b
remembrance
Honoring your memory, this Veterans Day, as everyday. 'WERE IT NOT FOR THE BRAVE, THERE WOULD BE NO LAND, OF THE FREE.' Thank you, Sir, God bless and keep you.
Nov 11, 2009 |
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