Scope and Contents

One folder of documents detail Robert Norlan Daughtrey's service in the United States Air Force, 1954-1975, including his service in Vietnam from April 1965 - February 1973, seven years of which were served in North Vietnamese prison camps. The materials originate from the war era up through the 1990s and include explanations of Air Force awards received by Daughtrey, newspaper clippings about the POW issue, and a description of artist Wilson Hurley's portrait of Daughtrey.

Biographical / Historical

Robert Norlan Daughtrey (Del Rio, Texas) joined the United States Air Force on March 26, 1954. He was assigned to Laughlin AFB, November 1955 - March 1957. During that time, he was in the 3646 Pilot Training Squadron and continued into survival training. Lieutenant Colonel Daughtrey was pulled out of survival school to begin his duty in Vietnam as a F105 pilot. His tours of duty included Tahkli AB March-April 1965 and Korat AB July 20-August 2, 1965. On August 2, 1965 his plane was shot down during as a mission to bomb the Than Hoa Bridge. His last tour was in Hanoi NVN as a POW beginning August 2, 1965 three and one-half years at the Hanoi Hilton (Hoa Lo Prison) and four years in the Zoo (Cu Loc Prison) until his release on February 12, 1973. Lieutenant Colonel Daughtrey was discharged with a medical retirement from service on May 7, 1975 . During his service he was awarded the following: Medals (Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, Distinguished flying Cross, Air Medal, Air Force Commendation Medal, Purple Heart, Good Conduct Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Viet Nam Service Medal and Armed Forces Reserve Medal) and Ribbons (Presidential Unit Citation, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award and Air Force Longevity Award.)