This Military Service Page was created/owned by
SSgt Robert Bruce McClelland, Jr.
to remember
Hatcher, David Burnnet, Lt 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 Mount Airy, North Carolina
Last Address Mount Airy, North Carolina
Date of Passing May 12, 2019
Location of Interment Oakdale Cemetery - Mount Airy, North Carolina
He was shot down over North Vietnam on May 30, 1966. He was captured the next day and spent 2,451 days in captivity. He retired from the USAF Mar 1, 1974.
His Silver Star Citation
The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Lieutenant Colonel David Burnett Hatcher (AFSN: AD-14519547), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as a Prisoner of War in North Vietnam from 1 June 1966 to 8 June 1966. Ignoring international agreements on treatment of prisoners of war, the enemy resorted to mental and physical cruelties to obtain information, confessions, and propaganda materials. This individual 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.
Aircraft/Missile Information
Boeing developed the rigid flying boom system to improve on the hose and drogue in-flight refueling (IFR) system. The boom, mounted at the aft-most portion of the KB-29P, was fitted with two small wings that allowed the boom operator to maneuver the boom. The pilot of the receiver aircraft, guided by the boom operator and light signals on the tanker belly, flew behind and below the tanker for refueling. Once in position, the boom operator "flew" the boom into the refueling receptacle, and the KB-29P flight engineer began fuel transfer.
