On March 17, Bob Jones, our President and Vietnam Prisoner of War, was recognized at the West Point Society of New York’s Founders Day Gala in New York City.

Mr. Jones graduated from West Point in 1965 and commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force. He completed pilot training and deployed to Southeast Asia. There, he flew the F-4 Phantom, accumulating more than 80 combat missions over North Vietnam and Laos.

On January 18, 1968, his plane was shot down, forcing him to eject over enemy territory where he spent more than five years as a POW at the Hỏa Lò Prison, infamously known today as the Hanoi Hilton. Mr. Jones was released on March 14, 1973, as part of Operation Homecoming.

March 2023 marks the 50th anniversary of Operation Homecoming and Mr. Jones’ service and sacrifice was honored by numerous West Point graduates, their families and distinguished guests.

Mr. Jones spoke on his experiences during the Vietnam War and his time in captivity. Additionally, he was presented with a game ball by one of West Point’s star football players.