ELLIS, LEON FRANCIS Name: Leon Francis Ellis Rank/Branch: O3/United States Air Force Unit: 390th TFS Date of Birth: 09 October 1943 Home City of Record: Commerce GA Date of Loss: 07 November 1967 Country of Loss: North Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 174500 North 1062500 East Status (in 1973): Returnee Category: Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: F4C Missions: 53 Other Personnel in Incident: Kenneth Fisher, returnee Source: Compiled by P.O.W. NETWORK from one or more of the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews. REMARKS: 730314 RELEASED BY DRV SOURCE: WE CAME HOME copyright 1977 Captain and Mrs. Frederic A Wyatt (USNR Ret), Barbara Powers Wyatt, Editor P.O.W. Publications, 10250 Moorpark St., Toluca Lake, CA 91602 Text is reproduced as found in the original publication (including date and spelling errors). UPDATE - 09/95 by the P.O.W. NETWORK, Skidmore, MO LEON F. ELLIS,JR. Captain- United States Air Force Shot Down: November 7, 1967 Released: March 14, 1973 I was born on October 9, 1943 and from the age of one lived on a small farm in Northeast Georgia located about nine miles from Athens and nine miles from Commerce At Commerce High School, I played all sports and was quarterback on the football team. I was selected as STAR Student during my senior year and graduated from high school in 1961. That fall I entered the University of Georgia and four years later received a Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in History; I was a distinguished military graduate and received a commission as a Second Lieutenant upon graduation. Shortly thereafter, I entered flight school at Moody AFB, Georgia. I received my wings in August 1966 and went to George AFB, California for training in the F4C Phantom jet fighter-bomber. In July 1967 I departed the United States for Danang AB, Republic of Vietnam and was flying from there when I was shot down November 7, 1967 on my 53rd mission over North Vietnam. It all began about 4:30 in the afternoon when we rolled in on an active flak site about 30 miles north of Dong Hoi. The aircraft was hit immediately after bomb release, and it exploded into three pieces. I ejected a few seconds later and had an exciting but gentle parachute letdown to the ground. The North Vietnamese were all around and I was captured after having time only to make a short transmission on my survival radio. Thus began a situation which would test my faith, my patience and my strength. I soon realized that although one must have short and long-term goals, he must live each day as it comes, facing each new challenge with a will to do the thing which is right. This philosophy not only strengthened me during the difficult times, but it brought and continues to bring an inner happiness never before experienced. Today, when I think back over this period in my life, I find that the mind tends to forget the bad and remember the good. I remember the close bonds of friendship that were made with fellow POW's where compassion, patience, understanding, honesty and loyalty were not just words, but a way of life. I remember the warm and sincere homecoming given by the American people and the feeling of gratitude which I had upon learning that so many had been working and praying for my welfare. I know that I shall never lose my love and appreciation for freedom, and I hope that I do not forget the responsibilities which go hand in hand with this blessing. ============== Leon Ellis Jr. retired from the United States Air Force as a Colonel. He and his wife Mary reside in Georgia.