In loving memory of... 1LT. John Michael Rydlewicz.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
JOHN MICHAEL RYDLEWICZ - Air Force - 1LT - O2
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 19, 1947
From: MILWAUKEE, WI
Religion: ROMAN CATHOLIC
Marital Status: Married - Anne S. Rydlewicz, of San Francisco,CA, Parents: Father, Harry E. Rydlewicz, and Mother, Eleanor T. Rydlewicz, both of Milwaukee, WI.
***** "RASH" FAC John Rydlewicz lost in the Mekong Delta while supporting the 1st Air Cavalry Division 12 Aug 71.
Jim Meade
1LT - O2 - Air Force - Regular
Casualty was on Aug 12, 1971
In BINH THUY, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing, FIXED WING - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
PersonID - 19694030
Graduation - 1969
KIA Date - 8/12/1971
Squadron - CS 24
High School - Pius XI HS, Milwaukee, WI
High School Activities Football, Track
Academy Experiences-Ski, Math, Mountaineering, Saddle Clubs
Academic Degree Major - BS - Economics/International Affairs - USAFA
Active Duty Assignments Pilot Training, Pilot OV-10A
KIA Conflict - Vietnam
Combat Information - Rash FAC, OV-10A, 19th Tac Air Spt Sq, 504th Tac Air Spt Gp, Bien Hoa AB - detached to Phan Rang AB, RVN
Killed In Action Mission - OV-10A shot down by ground fire and crashed 15 NM northwest of Xa Phan Thiet, RVN
Next of Kin - Anne S. Rydlewicz, Wife, Harry E. Rydlewicz, Father, Eleanor T. Rydlewicz, Mother
Burial Site - USAF Academy, 10/10/1973
MIA Information MIA 08/12/1971 To 08/16/1971
Aeronautical Speciality Rating Pilot
Notable Decoration Awards PH, AM
Comments - Honored on the FAC Memorial located in Memorial Park, Colorado Springs, CO
Body was recovered - Individual is held to have been missing in action from 12 Aug 71 to 16 Aug 71,
Panel 03W - Line 130
1Lt Rydlewiez, John Michael 12 August 1971
OV- 10A 67- 14662 19 TASS, 504 TASG, USAF, Bien Hoa detached to Phan Rang and 1 Lt John Michael Rydlewicz (KIA)
First Lieutenant John Michael Rydlewicz was 24 and married when he died.
Lt. Rydlewicz was a Rash Forward Air Controller assigned to the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Bien Hoa.
He was flying an OV-10A when he was shot down 15 miles northwest of Xa Phan Thiet in Binh Thuy Province South Vietnam.
A Bronco was shot down by ground fire during an FAC mission 15 miles northwest of the South Vietnamese town of Xa Phan Thiet.
The pilot was unable to escape before the aircraft crashed.
He earned the Purple Heart and the Air Medal. His body was recovered.
***********************************
RYDLEWICZ, John M.
Class of 1969
1st Lieutenant
- killed on 12 August 1971 as an OV-10 aircraft pilot on a visual reconnaissance mission
- the plane crashed near Bien Hoa AB, wreckage found on August 16 (ending his MIA status)
- serving in the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, FAC, supporting the 1st Brigade of the US Army at the time
- the first casualty in Southeast Asia from the USAFA Class of 1969
- name is on the USAFA War Memorial
Bullets compiled by Heather Beer, Association of Graduates intern, Summer 2005
*****************************
On 12 August 1971 Lt. John M. Rydlewicz, Class of 1969, was reported missing in action while on a FAQ visual reconnaissance mission in South Vietnam. He was flying an OV-10 aircraft. After he failed to return to friendly control, he was declared MIA at the time of estimated fuel exhaustion. The aircraft wreckage was subsequently found and evidence of his death was received on 16 August 1971.
********************************
.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
JOHN MICHAEL RYDLEWICZ - Air Force - 1LT - O2
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 19, 1947
From: MILWAUKEE, WI
Religion: ROMAN CATHOLIC
Marital Status: Married - Anne S. Rydlewicz, of San Francisco,CA, Parents: Father, Harry E. Rydlewicz, and Mother, Eleanor T. Rydlewicz, both of Milwaukee, WI.
***** "RASH" FAC John Rydlewicz lost in the Mekong Delta while supporting the 1st Air Cavalry Division 12 Aug 71.
Jim Meade
1LT - O2 - Air Force - Regular
Casualty was on Aug 12, 1971
In BINH THUY, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing, FIXED WING - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
PersonID - 19694030
Graduation - 1969
KIA Date - 8/12/1971
Squadron - CS 24
High School - Pius XI HS, Milwaukee, WI
High School Activities Football, Track
Academy Experiences-Ski, Math, Mountaineering, Saddle Clubs
Academic Degree Major - BS - Economics/International Affairs - USAFA
Active Duty Assignments Pilot Training, Pilot OV-10A
KIA Conflict - Vietnam
Combat Information - Rash FAC, OV-10A, 19th Tac Air Spt Sq, 504th Tac Air Spt Gp, Bien Hoa AB - detached to Phan Rang AB, RVN
Killed In Action Mission - OV-10A shot down by ground fire and crashed 15 NM northwest of Xa Phan Thiet, RVN
Next of Kin - Anne S. Rydlewicz, Wife, Harry E. Rydlewicz, Father, Eleanor T. Rydlewicz, Mother
Burial Site - USAF Academy, 10/10/1973
MIA Information MIA 08/12/1971 To 08/16/1971
Aeronautical Speciality Rating Pilot
Notable Decoration Awards PH, AM
Comments - Honored on the FAC Memorial located in Memorial Park, Colorado Springs, CO
Body was recovered - Individual is held to have been missing in action from 12 Aug 71 to 16 Aug 71,
Panel 03W - Line 130
1Lt Rydlewiez, John Michael 12 August 1971
OV- 10A 67- 14662 19 TASS, 504 TASG, USAF, Bien Hoa detached to Phan Rang and 1 Lt John Michael Rydlewicz (KIA)
First Lieutenant John Michael Rydlewicz was 24 and married when he died.
Lt. Rydlewicz was a Rash Forward Air Controller assigned to the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Bien Hoa.
He was flying an OV-10A when he was shot down 15 miles northwest of Xa Phan Thiet in Binh Thuy Province South Vietnam.
A Bronco was shot down by ground fire during an FAC mission 15 miles northwest of the South Vietnamese town of Xa Phan Thiet.
The pilot was unable to escape before the aircraft crashed.
He earned the Purple Heart and the Air Medal. His body was recovered.
***********************************
RYDLEWICZ, John M.
Class of 1969
1st Lieutenant
- killed on 12 August 1971 as an OV-10 aircraft pilot on a visual reconnaissance mission
- the plane crashed near Bien Hoa AB, wreckage found on August 16 (ending his MIA status)
- serving in the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, FAC, supporting the 1st Brigade of the US Army at the time
- the first casualty in Southeast Asia from the USAFA Class of 1969
- name is on the USAFA War Memorial
Bullets compiled by Heather Beer, Association of Graduates intern, Summer 2005
*****************************
On 12 August 1971 Lt. John M. Rydlewicz, Class of 1969, was reported missing in action while on a FAQ visual reconnaissance mission in South Vietnam. He was flying an OV-10 aircraft. After he failed to return to friendly control, he was declared MIA at the time of estimated fuel exhaustion. The aircraft wreckage was subsequently found and evidence of his death was received on 16 August 1971.
********************************
.
In loving memory of... 1LT. John Michael Rydlewicz.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
JOHN MICHAEL RYDLEWICZ - Air Force - 1LT - O2
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 19, 1947
From: MILWAUKEE, WI
Religion: ROMAN CATHOLIC
Marital Status: Married - Anne S. Rydlewicz, of San Francisco,CA, Parents: Father, Harry E. Rydlewicz, and Mother, Eleanor T. Rydlewicz, both of Milwaukee, WI.
***** "RASH" FAC John Rydlewicz lost in the Mekong Delta while supporting the 1st Air Cavalry Division 12 Aug 71.
Jim Meade
1LT - O2 - Air Force - Regular
Casualty was on Aug 12, 1971
In BINH THUY, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing, FIXED WING - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
PersonID - 19694030
Graduation - 1969
KIA Date - 8/12/1971
Squadron - CS 24
High School - Pius XI HS, Milwaukee, WI
High School Activities Football, Track
Academy Experiences-Ski, Math, Mountaineering, Saddle Clubs
Academic Degree Major - BS - Economics/International Affairs - USAFA
Active Duty Assignments Pilot Training, Pilot OV-10A
KIA Conflict - Vietnam
Combat Information - Rash FAC, OV-10A, 19th Tac Air Spt Sq, 504th Tac Air Spt Gp, Bien Hoa AB - detached to Phan Rang AB, RVN
Killed In Action Mission - OV-10A shot down by ground fire and crashed 15 NM northwest of Xa Phan Thiet, RVN
Next of Kin - Anne S. Rydlewicz, Wife, Harry E. Rydlewicz, Father, Eleanor T. Rydlewicz, Mother
Burial Site - USAF Academy, 10/10/1973
MIA Information MIA 08/12/1971 To 08/16/1971
Aeronautical Speciality Rating Pilot
Notable Decoration Awards PH, AM
Comments - Honored on the FAC Memorial located in Memorial Park, Colorado Springs, CO
Body was recovered - Individual is held to have been missing in action from 12 Aug 71 to 16 Aug 71,
Panel 03W - Line 130
1Lt Rydlewiez, John Michael 12 August 1971
OV- 10A 67- 14662 19 TASS, 504 TASG, USAF, Bien Hoa detached to Phan Rang and 1 Lt John Michael Rydlewicz (KIA)
First Lieutenant John Michael Rydlewicz was 24 and married when he died.
Lt. Rydlewicz was a Rash Forward Air Controller assigned to the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Bien Hoa.
He was flying an OV-10A when he was shot down 15 miles northwest of Xa Phan Thiet in Binh Thuy Province South Vietnam.
A Bronco was shot down by ground fire during an FAC mission 15 miles northwest of the South Vietnamese town of Xa Phan Thiet.
The pilot was unable to escape before the aircraft crashed.
He earned the Purple Heart and the Air Medal. His body was recovered.
***********************************
RYDLEWICZ, John M.
Class of 1969
1st Lieutenant
- killed on 12 August 1971 as an OV-10 aircraft pilot on a visual reconnaissance mission
- the plane crashed near Bien Hoa AB, wreckage found on August 16 (ending his MIA status)
- serving in the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, FAC, supporting the 1st Brigade of the US Army at the time
- the first casualty in Southeast Asia from the USAFA Class of 1969
- name is on the USAFA War Memorial
Bullets compiled by Heather Beer, Association of Graduates intern, Summer 2005
*****************************
On 12 August 1971 Lt. John M. Rydlewicz, Class of 1969, was reported missing in action while on a FAQ visual reconnaissance mission in South Vietnam. He was flying an OV-10 aircraft. After he failed to return to friendly control, he was declared MIA at the time of estimated fuel exhaustion. The aircraft wreckage was subsequently found and evidence of his death was received on 16 August 1971.
********************************
.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
JOHN MICHAEL RYDLEWICZ - Air Force - 1LT - O2
Age: 24
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 19, 1947
From: MILWAUKEE, WI
Religion: ROMAN CATHOLIC
Marital Status: Married - Anne S. Rydlewicz, of San Francisco,CA, Parents: Father, Harry E. Rydlewicz, and Mother, Eleanor T. Rydlewicz, both of Milwaukee, WI.
***** "RASH" FAC John Rydlewicz lost in the Mekong Delta while supporting the 1st Air Cavalry Division 12 Aug 71.
Jim Meade
1LT - O2 - Air Force - Regular
Casualty was on Aug 12, 1971
In BINH THUY, SOUTH VIETNAM
Hostile, died while missing, FIXED WING - PILOT
AIR LOSS, CRASH ON LAND
PersonID - 19694030
Graduation - 1969
KIA Date - 8/12/1971
Squadron - CS 24
High School - Pius XI HS, Milwaukee, WI
High School Activities Football, Track
Academy Experiences-Ski, Math, Mountaineering, Saddle Clubs
Academic Degree Major - BS - Economics/International Affairs - USAFA
Active Duty Assignments Pilot Training, Pilot OV-10A
KIA Conflict - Vietnam
Combat Information - Rash FAC, OV-10A, 19th Tac Air Spt Sq, 504th Tac Air Spt Gp, Bien Hoa AB - detached to Phan Rang AB, RVN
Killed In Action Mission - OV-10A shot down by ground fire and crashed 15 NM northwest of Xa Phan Thiet, RVN
Next of Kin - Anne S. Rydlewicz, Wife, Harry E. Rydlewicz, Father, Eleanor T. Rydlewicz, Mother
Burial Site - USAF Academy, 10/10/1973
MIA Information MIA 08/12/1971 To 08/16/1971
Aeronautical Speciality Rating Pilot
Notable Decoration Awards PH, AM
Comments - Honored on the FAC Memorial located in Memorial Park, Colorado Springs, CO
Body was recovered - Individual is held to have been missing in action from 12 Aug 71 to 16 Aug 71,
Panel 03W - Line 130
1Lt Rydlewiez, John Michael 12 August 1971
OV- 10A 67- 14662 19 TASS, 504 TASG, USAF, Bien Hoa detached to Phan Rang and 1 Lt John Michael Rydlewicz (KIA)
First Lieutenant John Michael Rydlewicz was 24 and married when he died.
Lt. Rydlewicz was a Rash Forward Air Controller assigned to the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron at Bien Hoa.
He was flying an OV-10A when he was shot down 15 miles northwest of Xa Phan Thiet in Binh Thuy Province South Vietnam.
A Bronco was shot down by ground fire during an FAC mission 15 miles northwest of the South Vietnamese town of Xa Phan Thiet.
The pilot was unable to escape before the aircraft crashed.
He earned the Purple Heart and the Air Medal. His body was recovered.
***********************************
RYDLEWICZ, John M.
Class of 1969
1st Lieutenant
- killed on 12 August 1971 as an OV-10 aircraft pilot on a visual reconnaissance mission
- the plane crashed near Bien Hoa AB, wreckage found on August 16 (ending his MIA status)
- serving in the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, FAC, supporting the 1st Brigade of the US Army at the time
- the first casualty in Southeast Asia from the USAFA Class of 1969
- name is on the USAFA War Memorial
Bullets compiled by Heather Beer, Association of Graduates intern, Summer 2005
*****************************
On 12 August 1971 Lt. John M. Rydlewicz, Class of 1969, was reported missing in action while on a FAQ visual reconnaissance mission in South Vietnam. He was flying an OV-10 aircraft. After he failed to return to friendly control, he was declared MIA at the time of estimated fuel exhaustion. The aircraft wreckage was subsequently found and evidence of his death was received on 16 August 1971.
********************************
.
Inscription
1st Lieutenant, U.S. Air Force, Class of 1969
Gravesite Details
John was originally buried at St. Adalbert Cemetery in his hometown of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. His body was subsequently exhumed and moved to the United States Air Force Academy Cemetery with a burial date of 10/10/1973.
Family Members
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