SEEK, BRIAN JOSEPHName: Brian Joseph Seek Rank/Branch: United States Air Force/O2 Unit: Date of Birth: 05 December 1947 Home City of Record: Encino CA Date of Loss: 05 July 1972 Country of Loss: North Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 212400 North 1062400 East Status (in 1973): Returnee Category: Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: F4E Missions: 170 Other Personnel in Incident: William Spencer, returnee Refno: 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: 730329 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). BRIAN J. SEEK Lieutenant - United States Air Force Shot Down: July 5, 1972 Released: March 29, 1973 "Even under such difficult conditions it was and is a privilege and an honor to be associated with such a brave and courageous group of men. "I thank the United States public for their past and continuing concern for the POW/MIA cause. I must mention that the reception given us upon our repatriation was beyond my belief. It was truly awesome and at the same time quite humbling. It renewed and strengthened my confidence in this great nation of ours." Lieutenant Seek was serving as navigator and special weapons officer in an F-4 Phantom when his plane was hit by a missile. He was unable to release himself from the plane, yet as the plane burned and flames started to sear the unprotected parts of his body, the pilot automatically caused Brian's ejection. The plane was at 19,000 feet when it was hit; however, at 10,000 feet Brian realized that his chute had not opened. After yanking and pulling on the ring, his parachute opened at 5,000 feet. On landing, he was captured. This was his 170th mission. Another wounded pilot was taken to prison. Having been captured in July, his family learned that he was still alive, as he was seen in a Hanoi prison camp. However, his family never heard from him until two weeks before his release. Lieutenant Seek entered the Air Force upon his graduation from Arizona State University where he majored in geology. He married his college sweetheart, Gail La Mere of Phoenix. She obtained her Masters degree and taught school during his tour in Southeast Asia. Dr. Brian Seek returned to school after his Homecoming. He retired as a Col. in 1995. He and his wife reside in Arizona where he practises dentristy.