Rare Vietnam POW pilots' group
A superb and rare document group to a USAF Major (then Capt.) shot down over North Vietnam and one of the few to come home in 1973.  This group includes his original award documents for DFC, DFC OLC, Silver Star, Purple Heart, Legion of Merit, and Bronze Star.  It is believed he was buried with his medals howwever this group includes his miniature medal bar and a rare Operation Homecoming decal.

SYNOPSIS: On August 12, 1967, Capt. Edwin L. Atterberry and Capt. Thomas V. Parrott were sent on a reconnaissance mission over Ha Bac Province, North Vietnam. Two RF-4's were in formation, about 10 miles northeast of the city of Gia Lam. Parrot's aircraft was tracked and hit by a SAM and the crew was forced to eject. Upon landing, Parrot was unconscious for about a week or so. Both Atterberry and Parrott were captured by the North Vietnamese, and moved to the Hanoi prison system. There they joined other Americans captured before them. They discovered that despite rigorous training, they were not fully prepared for capture by the North Vietnamese.
Thomas V. Parrott was released from Hanoi on March 14, 1973. He served five and one-half years as a POW.
Thomas Parrott resided in Georgia with his wife Millie, until his death on October, 16, 1998. Tom suffered for many years with kidney complications (result of captivity) and underwent a transplant before his death. He was buried at Memorial Gardens cemetery in Georgia.

Silver Star citation to
Captain Thomas V. Parrott, USAF

11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron
432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing
Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Captain Thomas Vance Parrott (AFSN: FV-3103992), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Navigator of an RF-4C aircraft of the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Udorn Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action in North Vietnam, on 12 August 1967. On that date, Captain Parrott navigated an RF-4C reconnaissance aircraft to obtain photographic coverage of the priority one target deep within hostile territory. With complete disregard for his safety, Captain Parrott would have had to navigate his aircraft through intense anti-aircraft fire and missile attack, to obtain the desired photographic reconnaissance coverage. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Captain Parrott has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

$650.00