STAVAST, JOHN EDWARD
Name: John Edward Stavast
Rank/Branch: O4/United States Air Force, pilot
Unit: 12th TRS
Date of Birth:
Home City of Record: Claremont CA
Date of Loss: 17 September 1967
Country of Loss: North Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 205400 North 1053000 East
Status (in 1973): Returnee
Category:
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: RF4C
Missions: 91
Other Personnel in Incident: Gerald Venanzi, 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: 7303014 RELEASED BY DRV
After training in June 1962 Gerald Venanzi proceeded to Udorn RTAFB,
Thailand, where he was permanently stationed.
On the 17th of September 1967 while navigator on an RF-4C aircraft, Venanzi
and the pilot, John Stavast, were hit by a Surface-to-Air missile and
ejected from the aircraft about 25 miles southwest of Hanoi. After spending
45 minutes on the ground, Venanzi was captured by the enemy, thus starting
his internment.
Both men were released 5 1/2 years after their capture.
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
JOHN E. STAVAST
Colonel - United States Air Force
Shot Down: September 17, 1967
Released: March 14, 1973
How wonderful it is to be back home in this wonderful America. It's just
like Christmas morning every morning.
In a way, I think I am lucky. To have been faced with the trials and
tribulations ever present in a communist jail makes me realize just how
great it is to be free. How wonderful to live in this great country. I'll
never take my freedom for granted again.
During my 5 1/2 years in Hanoi prisons, I never met a POW whose faith in
you, or our President, ever wavered. We all knew we would be back home one
day. I am proud of my association with so many fine, courageous men, and we
are all very proud of you.
God bless you all. Thank you for your many prayers and efforts on our
behalf. Thanks also for the wonderful welcome home.
December 1996
John Stavast retired from the United States Air Force as a Colonel. He and
his wife Shirley reside in Texas.
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