This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Simonet, Kenneth Adrian, Col USAF(Ret).
If you knew or served with this Airman and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
Contact Info
Home Town New York City
Last Address Marietta, Georgia
Date of Passing Apr 22, 2014
Location of Interment Arlington Memorial Park - Sandy Springs, Georgia
On Jan 18, 1968 he was credited with shooting down a North Vietnamese MiG-17 but unfortunately, he himself was shot down on the same mission and became a POW. After 1,883 days in captivity, he was released Mar 14, 1973.
His Silver Star citations: 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 Major Kenneth Adrian Simonet (AFSN: 16242501), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force as an F-4D Commander of the 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand, in action over North Vietnam on 18 January 1968. On that date, Major Simonet delivered his ordnance on an important strategic target in the face of intense anti-aircraft artillery fire, tracking surface-to-air missiles, and attacking hostile aircraft. With exceptional boldness and courage, Major Simonet then engaged the hostile aircraft in close air to air combat. As a direct result of Major Simonet's efforts, his target was heavily damaged, and one hostile aircraft was shot down. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Major Simonet has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. Action Date: 18-Jan-68 Service: Air Force Rank: Major Company: 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron Division: Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand
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 a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Kenneth Adrian Simonet (AFSN: 16242501), United States Air Force, for gallantry and intrepidity in action in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force during January 1968, 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. Colonel Simonet 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: Jan-68 Service: Air Force Rank: Colonel Division: Prisoner of War (North Vietnam)
1957-1957, F-84 Thunderjet
From Year 1957
To Year 1957
Personal Memories
Not Specified
Image
F-84 Thunderjet Details
Aircraft/Missile Information
Model Republic F-84F Thunderjet Length 37.43 ft | 11.41 m Width 36.42 ft | 11.10 m Height 14.99 ft | 4.57 m Engine(s) 1 x Wright J65-W-3 turbojet engine generating 7,220lbs of thrust. Empty Weight 13,830 lbs | 6,273 kg MTOW 28,001 lbs | 12,701 kg Max Speed 695 mph | 1,118 km/h | 604 kts Max Range 860 miles | 1,384 km Ceiling 45,997 ft | 14,020 m | 8.7 miles Climb Rate 7,400 ft/min (2,257 m/min) Hardpoints 2 Armament 6 x 12.7mm machine guns 24 x 5in rockets
Up to 6,000lbs of external ordnance. Accommodations 1
Major Variants
* XP-84 Thunderjet - First prototype model (1946); General Electric J35-GE-7 turbojet engine. * XP-8A Thunderjet - Prototype (25 total); Allison J35-A-15 * P-84B Thunderjet - XP-8A porduction model. * P-84C Thunderjet - Revised electrical system; J35-A-13C engine; Later redesignated as the F-84C. * F-84 Thunderjet * YF-84A Thunderjet - First swept-wing variant * F-84D Thunderjet - J35-A-17D engine; Re-engineered landing gear system; thicker wing systems. * F-84E Thunderjet - Post-Korean War model featuring improved system components; Enlarged cockpit; Lengthened fuselage. * F-84G Thunderjet - J35-A-29 engine * F-84F Thunderstreak - Swept wing; Wright J65-W-1 turbojet engine (later models with Wright J65-W-3 engines). * RF-84F Thunderflash - Final development model of F-84 series; Reconnaissance variant with J65-W-7 engine.
