Longest-held enlisted POW visits Tyndall

  • Published
  • By Staff Sgt. Timothy R. Capling
  • 325th Fighter Wing Public Affairs
TYNDALL AIR FORCE BASE, Fla. --  Retired Capt. Bill Robinson, who is the longest-held enlisted prisoner of war in American history, visited the Airey NCO Academy here to speak to the academy's and Airman Leadership School students.

During his speech, Mr. Robinson focused on his Air Force career, which began in 1961.

On Sept. 20, 1965, then Airman 1st Class Robinson was serving as the flight engineer aboard a HH43B Huskie helicopter during a rescue mission to extract a downed F-105D Thunderchief pilot in North Vietnam.

"I called that helicopter my toos," Mr. Robinson said. "It flew too low, too slow, for too long."

The helicopter was shot down by enemy fire, and everyone on board was captured by the North Vietnamese Army and transported to Hoa Lo Prison, also known as the Hanoi Hilton.

Mr. Robinson spent the next seven and a half years as a prisoner of war with a large group of servicemembers that included Senator John McCain and retired Col. George "Bud" Day, who Mr. Robinson would later serve under at Eglin Air Force Base, Fla.

"Our goal was to return home with honor," Mr. Robinson said.

He was released Feb. 12, 1973 during Operation Homecoming. He said he was overwhelmed and humbled by the tremendous welcome he received upon returning to the U.S.

"I received a welcome home that others before me did not," said the retired captain.

Later that year, he received a direct commission to the rank of second lieutenant, approved by President Richard Nixon, for his conduct while being held as a POW.

He was medically retired in 1984, capping a 23-year career. He was one of the first two enlisted Airmen to be awarded the Air Force Cross. Other awards he received include the Silver Star, Legion of Merit, Bronze Star, POW Medal and two Purple Hearts.

From his experience as a POW, Mr. Robinson said the best piece of advice he could give to any military member would be to maintain a sense of humor.

"There's no such thing as a bad day," he said. "It's just some are better than others."

Mr. Robinson had words of encouragement and praise for his audience.

"Only three out of ten young Americans qualify to serve their country," he said. "Thank you for the job you do. The civilian community recognizes your sacrifices."

Mr. Robinson said he's been visiting Tyndall for more than seven years.

"I always enjoy my visits here," he said. "I've always felt like a part of Team Tyndall."

Senior Master Sgt. Steve Ross, Airey NCO Academy director of operations and first sergeant, said the retired captain's visit was a great experience for the professional military education students.

"I hope they truly understand why they are taught about the core values and the Code of Conduct," the first sergeant said. "Hopefully, they are inspired by Captain Robinson and remember his wisdom if they ever are in the same situation as he. All Airmen in the United States Air Force should remember the example that he and the many other POWs during the Vietnam War set for us all."

After his speech, Mr. Robinson participated in a re-enlistment ceremony for Master Sgt. Robert Todd, Airey NCO Academy superintendent of plans and programs.

Sergeant Todd, a 14-year Airman, was delighted to have Mr. Robinson conduct his re-enlistment.

"Captain Robinson is a long-time friend of the Airey team and a legacy in our enlisted heritage, so I was honored and blessed to have him re-enlist me," said Sergeant Todd. "Every time I re-enlist it's an honor; however, having Captain Robinson re-enlist me at the Airey NCO Academy, well how cool is that? You can't top that."