ESTES, EDWARD DALE

Name: Edward Dale Estes
Rank/Branch:O4/United States Navy, pilot
Unit: VA 112
Date of Birth: 16 May 1934
Home City of Record: Marionville MO
Date of Loss: 03 January 1968
Country of Loss: North Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 204000 North 1063100 East
Status (in 1973): Returnee
Category:
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: none
Missions: 90+
Other Personnel in Incident:

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

EDWARD D. ESTES
Commander - United States Navy
Shot Down: January 3,1968
Released: March 14,1973

BIOGRAPHY

* Born in Marionville, Missouri, 16 May 1934

* Attended high school in Purdy, Missouri and graduated from Southwest
Missouri State College in 1955.

* Entered the Naval Aviation Candidate program in November 1955,
commissioned 1 March 1956 and received wings in July 1957.

* Duty assignmcnts include the Naval Air Training Command as a T-28 flight
instructor from November 1957 to January 1960. Attack Squadron 35 flying
A1H Sky raiders. This tour included two Mediterranean deployments on
board USS Saratoga. Reported to the Bureau of Naval Personnel in January
1963 for a three year tour in Officer Assignments. Last tour was with
Attack Squadron 112, flying A-4C Skyhawks and deployed in USS Kitty Haw.

* On second combat cruise when hit by a surface to air missile southwest of
Haipong on 3 January 1968.

* Carried as MIA until spring of 1970. Repatriated 14 March 1973.

* Currently residing in Orange Park, Florida with wife, Bette, and sons,
Edward 13, and David 11.

* Scheduled to assume command of Attack Squadron 72 in September 1974.

STATEMENT

It did not take long in the confines of a Hanoi prison cell to realize just
how many things I had taken for granted all my life. Now, after more than
five years of imprisonment of cruel and degrading treatment. I have returned
with a far greater love and appreciation for our grand and glorious America.
The words "freedom" and "democracy " are much more significant.

During my captivity those fellow POWs with whom I served consistently
displayed the highest sense of honor courage and devotion to duty. I never
lost faith in God country my family and my fellow Americans. I knew that we
would never be forgotten. These things sustained me throughout our long
ordeal. I am convinced that we are free today because of the courageous
and effective actions taken by our President, Richard M. Nixon and because
of the overwhelming support of the American people on our behalf. All your
letters and prayers and the tremendous welcome home are things I will never
forget.

Now may we be united in remembrance of those brave men killed in defense of
freedom those who fought so well and returned many wounded and maimed and
those who are still missing in action. May our thoughts and prayers remain
with them and their families.

December 1996
Edward Estes retired from the United States Navy as a Captain. He and Bette
reside in Virginia.

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