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He spent 2,235 days as a POW in North Vietnam.
The location of his remains is unknown.
His Silver Star citation: Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 8, 1918 (amended by act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel William Joseph Baugh (AFSN: 0-670121), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during the period 5 October 1967 through 29 May 1969, while a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. Lieutenant Colonel Baugh resisted their demands by calling upon his deepest inner strengths in a manner which reflected his devotion to duty and great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Action Date: October 3, 1967 to May 29, 1969 Service: Air Force Rank: Lieutenant Colonel Division: Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)
His DFC citation: Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross to Captain William Joseph Baugh (AFSN: 0-670121), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as an F-4C Aircraft Commander near Kep Airfield, North Vietnam on 20 January 1967. On that date, Captain Baugh was flying defensive cover for several attacking aircraft. Undaunted by extremely intense anti-aircraft fire, Captain Baugh maintained on target until receiving a direct hit on his aircraft. Through outstanding perseverance, he then maneuvered the stricken aircraft to his home base and landed under marginal weather conditions on one engine. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Captain Baugh reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.
Action Date: January 20, 1967 Service: Air Force Rank: Captain
Aircraft/Missile Information
Specifications StatsCentral Model North American F-86D Sabre Length 37.50 ft | 11.43 m Width 37.07 ft | 11.30 m Height 14.99 ft | 4.57 m Engine(s) 1 x General Electric J47-GE-27, turbujet engine generating 5,970lbs of thrust. Empty Weight 10,950 lbs | 4,967 kg MTOW 17,000 lbs | 7,711 kg Max Speed 690 mph | 1,110 km/h | 599 kts Max Range 785 miles | 1,263 km Ceiling 50,000 ft | 15,240 m | 9.5 miles Climb Rate 12,000 ft/min (1,344 m/min) Hardpoints 2 Armament 6 x 12.7mm machine guns 24 x 2.75in rockets
External provisions for 2,000 lbs of bombs Accommodations 1
Major Variants
* XP-86 - Original Army Air Force prototypes (3) * YP-86A - Re-engined with GE J47 turbojet. * P-86A - Redesignated from YP-86A * F-86A - Redesignated production model from P-86A; Featured J47-GE-1 turbojet. * F-86D - Complete redesign of base model; Redesignated as night/all-weather aircraft; Hughes fire control system; J47-GE-33 turbojet. * F-86E - Slab tailplane adjustable inflight; J47-GE-27 turbojet * F-86F - J47-GE-27 turbojet; Extended leading edges. * F-86K - Based on F-86D model with J47-GE-17B tubojet. * F-86L - Rebuilt "D" model with updated electronics and larger wing surface
