John P. Flynn

Lieutenant General John Peter Flynn (17 July 1922 – 5 March 1997) was a lieutenant general in the United States Air Force (USAF) who served in World War II, the Korean War and the Vietnam War. He was the senior American prisoner of war in North Vietnam from October 1967 to March 1973. Following his release from captivity he continued his USAF career, finally serving as the 21st Inspector General of the Air Force.

Early life and education Flynn was born on 17 July 1922 in Cleveland, Ohio.

Military career Flynn enlisted in the Ohio Army National Guard on 20 September 1938 and was honorably discharged on 24 September 1940. He enlisted in the United States Army Reserve on 18 November 1942 and began air training on 18 February 1943. He was commissioned as a second lieutenant in the United States Army Air Forces and awarded his wings on 23 May 1944.

Flynn was assigned to the 31st Fighter Wing in Italy, where he flew P-51 Mustangs on bomber escort missions until the end of World War II. He was then transferred to the 20th Fighter Wing at Biggs Air Force Base, Texas. He then moved to Williams Air Force Base, Arizona, where he trained on the P-80 Shooting Star. He was assigned as an RF-80 reconnaissance pilot with the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at March Air Force Base, California, from September 1947 to July 1948.

After his release, Flynn was assigned as vice commandant, Air War College in August 1973. In February 1974 he became the commandant, Air Command and Staff College. He was promoted to major general on 24 April 1974 and in August 1974 was appointed commander, Air Force Military Training Center. He assumed the position of Inspector General of the Air Force in September 1976. He was promoted to lieutenant general on 17 September 1976.