Edward J. Mechenbier

Major General Edward J. Mechenbier (born 29 June 1942) is a retired United States Air Force (USAF) officer.

Early life and education He was born on 29 June 1942 in Morgantown, West Virginia.

Military career He graduated from the U.S. Air Force Academy as a second lieutenant on 3 June 1964. From July 1964 to August 1965 he attended undergraduate pilot training at Vance Air Force Base, Oklahoma. From September 1965 to February 1966 he attended McDonnell Douglas F-4C Phantom II flight training at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Tucson, Arizona. From February 1966 to November 1966 he flew with the 92nd Fighter Squadron at RAF Bentwaters, England.

In December 1966 he was transferred to the 390th Fighter Squadron at Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. In June 1967, he was shot down on his 80th mission over North Vietnam and was a prisoner of war for nearly six years. During his captivity he was promoted to Captain on 3 December 1967. He was released during Operation Homecoming on 18 February 1973.

He was a command pilot with more than 3,700 flying hours in A-7, F-100, F/RF-4, T-39 and C-141C, plus more than 20 other aircraft for familiarization including the F-15, F-16, F/A-18 and MiG-29.

Later life He co-authored Life on a $5 Bet with Linda D. Swink, an account of his time as a POW.

Decorations His military decorations and awards include the Distinguished Service Medal, Silver Star with oak leaf cluster, Distinguished Flying Cross with oak leaf cluster, Bronze Star Medal with "V" device, Purple Heart with oak leaf cluster, Meritorious Service Medal, Air Medal with silver and three bronze oak leaf clusters, Air Force Commendation Medal, Prisoner of War Medal, Vietnam Service Medal with eight service stars, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm and Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.