The Air Force Escape and Evasion Society preserves the stories of personnel who survived capture and resisted enemy control. This community honors resilience, intelligence, and loyalty through documented records and living memories.
By cataloging experiences from different conflicts and regions, the society ensures that tactical lessons and human stories remain accessible to researchers and families.
| Name | Branch | Conflict | Key Contribution |
|---|---|---|---|
| George H. W. Bush | USAAF | World War II | Bailout over Chichijima, evasion and rescue |
| Dieter Dengler | USAF | Vietnam War | Successful escape from Laos, detailed evasion planning |
| John McCain | USAAF | Vietnam War | Capture and resistance, advocacy for veterans |
| Nicolas Loring | USAF | Korean War | Prisoner survival, post-release testimony |
Training for Capture and Evasion
Survival Skills and Resistance Tactics
Members undergo simulations that replicate isolation, interrogation, and restricted movement. Curricula emphasize fieldcraft, navigation, and understanding enemy psychology to reduce vulnerability during evasion.
Historical Evolution of Doctrine
Cold War planning introduced structured resistance training, while later programs integrated joint services and coalition partners. Lessons from Southeast Asia and Europe shaped modern evasion strategies and communication protocols.
Memorializing Service and Sacrifice
Preserving Personal Histories
The society maintains archives of letters, after-action reports, and oral histories. Families access indexed records that document decision points, hardships, and outcomes of evasion missions.
Modern Relevance and Readiness
Continued Education for Airmen
Current training incorporates lessons learned from past escapes, focusing on mindset, resourcefulness, and adherence to international law. Outreach programs ensure that readiness includes psychological preparedness for worst-case scenarios.
Legacy and Commitment
- Champion accurate documentation of escape and evasion experiences
- Support living members and families through archival access and mentorship
- Promote training that incorporates historical evasion case studies
- Advocate for policies that protect veterans and their stories
- Encourage collaboration with allied evasion and resistance organizations
FAQ
Reader questions
What qualifies a veteran for membership in the Air Force Escape and Evasion Society?
Membership is generally open to personnel who survived capture, completed evasion operations, or contributed to evasion and recovery efforts. Relatives of deceased service members may join as associate members to preserve family stories.
How does the society verify historical accounts of escape and evasion?
Researchers cross-reference official reports, unit logs, and personal testimonies. Discrepancies are reviewed by a credentialing panel to ensure accuracy while respecting privacy and operational security.
Can families access detailed records of a missing airman’s evasion attempts?
With proper authorization, next of kin can request declassified mission files and after-action summaries. The society guides families through required documentation and coordinates with archives to streamline requests.
What educational resources does the society offer to schools and researchers?
Curated lesson plans, timelines, and scenario-based exercises help teach evasion principles and decision-making. Academic partnerships support deeper study of resistance behavior and its impact on mission outcomes.