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In Memoriam

Jack M. Butcher

The following articles were copied from the obituary link below to preserve accessibility.

BUTCHER, JACK M.: RIP  11 Nov 2018


Name: Jack M. Butcher
Rank/Branch: O2/United States Air Force
Unit: 20th TASS
Date of Birth: 12 April 1946
Home City of Record: Ann Arbor MI (Born: Berwyn, IL)
Date of Loss: 24 March 1971
Country of Loss: Laos/North Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 155100 North  1064100 East
Status (in 1973): Returnee
Category:
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: OV10A
Missions: 11
Other Personnel in Incident: none

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. 2019

REMARKS: 730328 RELEASED BY PL

 

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

JACK M. BUTCHER
Captain - United States Air Force
Shot Down: March 24, 1971
Released: March 28, 1973
                                       
"On my eleventh combat mission over Laos on 24 March 1971, I was shot down.
I was injured in the explosion of the aircraft but managed to eject. Very
soon after landing on the ground I was captured and was detained in a small
camp in Laos for six weeks. While in this camp I managed to escape once, but
was re-captured after only a few hours. While in this camp, I also received
medical attention and regained my health for the trip by foot to Hanoi.

During the trip to Hanoi, I escaped again. This time I evaded for ten days.
I survived by eating some fruit, ants and grasshoppers. I attempted to make
signals in an effort to be rescued. However, on the tenth day, I
accidentally ran into the enemy and was re-captured again. After some rest,
I was again moved toward Hanoi.

During the first week of June 1971 I arrived in Hanoi and was joined with a
small group of men captured in Laos and remained with them in Hanoi until 28
March 1973 when we were released. Three days later I was reunited with my
wife, Dawn, at Wright Patterson AFB."

Although he ejected from a flaming aircraft and received severe shrapnel
wounds in both legs, and although he was imprisoned from March 27, 1971 to
March 28, 1973, Captain Butcher considers himself "lucky." "I was captured
after the bad times," he says, referring to the period from 1965 to 1969
when the POWs were tortured. "I was not beaten. I was not mistreated."

He was graduated from the University of Michigan with a degree in
engineering and a commission in the Air Force through ROTC. He had become
interested in aeronautical engineering and flying after joining ROTC, and
after graduating he received his wings at Webb AFB, Big Spring, Texas. After
six months of training in the OV-10 forward air controlling aircraft, he
volunteered for duty in Vietnam so, as he says, he could be "close to what
was happening." He was sent to DaNang Air Base, South Vietnam.

He plans to spend three months in the Air Force Pilot Upgrading School where
he will be refamiliarized with flying. After nine additional months training
on the F-106 plane, he plans to spend an additional two year tour with the
Air Force.

Captain Butcher has these thoughts to share about America:

"American POWs, in serving the way they did, helped to preserve the freedom
in this country necessary to correct its faults and mistakes.

"I  learned a lot in prison camp. I learned what a great country this is. It
was a daily challenge to stick up for it and to love it. And that love grows
and grows."

-------------------------------------
Jack Butcher retired from the United States Air Force as a Lt. Colonel. He
and his wife Dawn reside in Washington State.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Jack Butcher Veteran Tribute:   http://www.veterantributes.org/TributeDetail.php?recordID=1416

Jack Butcher Obit: http://www.edwardsmemorial.com/obituaries/Jack-Meyring-Butcher?obId=3461206

 

RRVFPA  02/24/19:

Jack Butcher, RIP
 
Jack Butcher was born in 1946 in Berwyn, Illinois. He was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force through the Air Force ROTC program at the University of Michigan on May 13, 1969, and went on active duty beginning June 14, 1969. Lt Butcher next completed Undergraduate Pilot Training and was awarded his pilot wings at Webb AFB, Texas, in June 1970, and then completed OV-10 Bronco Combat Crew Training before deploying to Southeast Asia in February 1971. He served as an OV-10 pilot with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron at DaNang AB, South Vietnam, from February 1971 until he was forced to eject over Laos and was taken as a Prisoner of War on March 24, 1971. After spending 736 days in captivity, Capt Butcher was released during Operation Homecoming on March 28, 1973. During his time in captivity, he managed to escape twice; once for a few hours, and a second time for 10 days. He was briefly hospitalized to recover from his injuries at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, and then attended F-106 Delta Dart Combat Crew Training at Tyndall AFB, Florida, from December 1973 to July 1974. His next assignment was as an F-106 pilot with the 87th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at K.I. Sawyer AFB, Michigan, from July 1974 to February 1975, followed by Pilot Instructor Training at Randolph AFB, Texas, from February to August 1975. Maj Butcher served as an instructor pilot with the 3389th Flying Training Squadron at Webb AFB from August 1975 to January 1978, and then as an F-106 pilot, Weapons Training Officer, and Chief of Stan/Eval with the 318th Fighter Interceptor Squadron at McChord AFB, Washington, from January 1978 to July 1982. His next assignment was to Air Command and Staff College at Maxwell AFB, Alabama, from August 1982 to June 1983, followed by F-15 Eagle conversion training at Luke AFB, Arizona, from June to September 1983. LtCol Butcher then served as an F-15 pilot with the 22nd Tactical Fighter Squadron at Bitburg AB, West Germany, from September 1983 to February 1986. His final assignment was as Executive Officer to the Commander of the Northwest Air Defense Sector at McChord AFB, Washington, from February 1986 until his retirement from the Air Force on July 1, 1989.
 
Jack Butcher flew West on 11 Nov 2018.

 


 

https://www.pownetwork.org/bios/b/b149.htm

 
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04/16/19 02:36 PM #3    

Deane A. Nelson

As with Art, Jack was a true friend. He was the goalie on the "wolverines"  our hockey team. He was always scooting around on his 3 wheel motorcyle during high school. Most people did not know he had a pet monkey while in high school. As the leader olf the  band that played at the Corral, he played a song called "Harlem Nocturne" that was the band's special piece. 

The last time I saw him was a couple of months  after coming back from the "Hanoi Hilton". I don't think he had adjusted to freedom yet. He was in the second plane while John McCain was in the first. He credited his survival to his faith in God. He told me the prisoners had a secret code. He used it to get Miciogan football scores. He was very relunctant to talk about anything else. 

He escaped twice from captivity before he was sent to the Hanoi Hilton. As I understand it, he wanted the whole Viet Nam issue forgotten, so I never nominated him for the LTHS Hall of Fame. 

He should be in the Hall of Fame


04/17/19 09:27 AM #4    

James (Jim) H. Philips

I last spoke to and saw Jack and family at their homecoming reception in Ann Arbor, Mi. upon his return from Vietnam. I was honored to be in in the color guard as part of a Coast Guard contingent at that reception in 1973. His service and duty to country were so commendable. He was not only a good friend all during high school, but a brother in arms during the war.      As Deane, Art and Carl have mentioned sentiments I can only concur.  Jack had the “intestinal fortitude “ to play goalie for the “Wolverines” hockey team. Chris Parker, Wally Rose, Phil Crittenden, Marc Eckerle, Art West, Deane Nelson, Steve Touzalin, Dave Netzel, Dexter Means, my brother Harry, and probably half dozen other friends I have failed to mention made up a group of guys who played hockey in all kinds of conditions - least of which was the keeping our friendships.   Jack “the scab” Butcher was the best. Rest well, you done good!

 


04/17/19 10:49 AM #5    

Lawrence (Larry) D. Schulz (Schulz)

I didn't know Jack well but I have to especially thank Deanne and Jim for their comments,especially about Jack's very challenging times during the Vietnam War.  War is hell and Jack certainly went through it, along with John McCain. 

I second Deanne's nomination of Jack for the LT Hall of Fame.  

Very best regards from a sunny, near summerlike Munich, Germany.

Larry Schulz

 


04/17/19 01:07 PM #6    

John D. Rauch

I did not know Jack, but after reading his story I certainly add a third motion for Jack's inclusion the Hall of Honor ! A great model for all LT students and alumni !!

 

 

 


04/18/19 12:36 PM #7    

Walter (Walt) B. Rose

Jack Butcher represented America at its very best. I hope his time after Nam gave him some peace of mnd. A born leader who made things happen, he was a true hero. It was a privilege to be his friend.....


04/20/19 04:43 PM #8    

John D. Rauch

I have "opened a file" for Jack with the LTHS Hall of Fame:  https://www.lths.net/HallofFame by mailing a Nomination Form for review. I have included two links from above for Jack's biography, but those of you who knew Jack my wish to add more using such form. Deadline for 2019 nominations is May 1, 2019. Let's get this done !

 

 

 

 


04/22/19 01:38 AM #9    

Lawrence (Larry) D. Schulz (Schulz)

Great initiative, John.  While I too served in Vietnam, Jack and my paths never crossed after LTHS so I have little to add.  However, Deane Nelson and others surely have great info to add for the recommendation form.  Let's all get together and give Jack Butcher the recognition that he so much deserves.  


04/26/19 10:15 PM #10    

James (Jim) H. Philips

John, Larry, et.al. of Jack’s classmates and friends - I have submitted a HOF nomination in Jack Butcher’s name. It seems such a small thing to do for a good friend but very deserving. JP


04/29/19 11:46 AM #11    

John D. Rauch

The LTHS HOF committee has just acknowledged receipt of my nomination appllication via email. Here is their direct contact information:  

Robyne Recht

Administrative Assistant

Community Relations/Alumni

Lyons Township High School

100  South Brainard Avenue

LaGrange, IL 60525

708-579-6483

rrecht@lths.net

Deadline is Wednesday, May 1, 2019

 


12/07/19 12:50 PM #12    

Peter Milio (Milio)

I was a proud member of Jack Butchers Dance Band, the times we played were some of my best memories from High School.  It was a large band that played music in the style of Glen Miller Big Band and big band jazz.  There were five sax players with Jack on Alto sax, the Hendrik brothers Brad and Gale on tenor sax and Dennis Tierney on baratone sax.  On trumpet were Ken Krejci, who recently passed away, Chris Parker, and Ken's brother Ron.  There were two trombones but I only remember Glen Sinabaldo.  Then there was piano, bass and drums, memory is a fickle thing, as the drummer, I should remember the bass player!  We played the Corral several times and used to play around town at parties and church functions.  Where Jack found the time for sports I don't know.  But he was a great leader and will be sorely missed.   Peter

 

 

 


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