POW and Aviation Hero Laid To Rest at Arlington National Cemetery

Today, we commemorate National POW/MIA Recognition Day and remember all Americans who were prisoners of war or missing in action.
Recently, U.S. Air Force Col. (Ret.) Joe Kittinger was laid to rest in Section 36. While fighting in Vietnam, Kittinger was captured by enemy forces and spent 11 months at the infamous “Hanoi Hilton.” Learn more about his service on our blog.
We honor Kittinger’s service and all POW/MIA service members, civilians, and their families.
(U.S. Army video by Daryl Vaca / Arlington National Cemetery)

[@user-xz9hu4rd2v]

Col. Joe Kittinger was a true hero, and he was famous even before he flew over 400 combat missions, shot down a MiG21 and was himself shot down and captured by the enemy: Kittinger held the parachute freefall record by jumping from 102,000 feet for 50 years.

[@lindasadler2254]

Rest easy sir. Your job is completed.

[@earlbaker2104]

@@user-xz9hu4rd2v Joe shot down more than one MiG21. He had the stars for each kill painted on an F-4 that he ferried back to the States when the USAF replaced the F-4’s with F-111’s at RAF Lakenheath. The pressurized altitude bell that he jumped out of for the freefall record is displayed in the Air Force Museum at Wright-Patterson AFB, Dayton, Ohio. Joe also set a freefall record in crossing the Atlantic at altitude in a bell traveling from the US with plans to land in Scotland. However, he crossed the Atlantic safely but winds blew him off course and he surprised some farmers when he landed in a field in Italy. True stories.

[@oldtanker4860]

Fair skies and tailwinds forever Col.

[@johnjones5354]

RIP Colonel. Well done.

[@nopthongpreda2561]

God blessed ALL the servicemen and women. Thank you!!!

[@tomawen5916]

My father served in the South Korean Air Force (mostly L-5 spotter planes with light weapons) during the Korean War. He told me how impressive it was when the USAF flew combat missions over the NKPA and blasted the Soviet Yaks out of the sky. My dad survived the war, came to America, practiced medicine and raised his family before passing away in 2021. I extend my condolences to Colonel Kittinger's family. I would like to think he flew a training mission or two over the skies of Korea during his service in Vietnam.

[@brucekent1841]

As an Air Force Veteran of operation Linebacker 1 and 2. It was worth the hard work that brought the POW’s home in 1973.

[@danielpurcell7395]

I had the honor of being part the detail that provided security for the returning POW’s at Tan Son Nhut AB in 1973. 377th Security Police Squadron.

[@frankiebluej6902]

I didn't even know this gentleman, but the way this funeral was conducted surely honored the life he lived to his country, and I pray it represented his commitment to his family, and most of all I pray it represented his love for God. Thank you for the service you provide to these servicemen, servicewoman, and their families that y'all represent to the entire WORLD. God Bless y'all. ❤🙌🙏

[@jackvarrella981]

RIP Col Kittinger you have done your Duty, we have the watch from here, Attention, Slow Hand Raise Salute, Slow Return

[@67beatlefreak]

Thank you for your service, Colonel Kittinger. May you rest in peace. Fly, fight, win.

[@amandahirschfeld7382]

R.I.P Hero. You have earned your Angel wings ❤️🙏🕊🇺🇲

[@donwat91]

Id like to give my condolences to the family of Col. Kittinger. I know you missed him while he was a POW . But now hes really a free man with all those he served with during his career. And now with his mother and dad as well. Thank you all for sharing your dad, brother , husband

[@Suzanne-f4x]

God bless him and thank you.

[@sonof4rt]

When i was a Tomb Guard I would hear this in the background while doing my 21's and it would send chills down my spin and inspire me to hold fast no matter what

[@zbagz01]

A few weeks ago I was at the Tomb and an Honor Flight was there to lay a wreath. There was a WWII veteran in a wheel chair who was able to lift himself up to lay that wreath. It was very moving - which is saying a lot because as a tour guide I am in Arlington about 50 times a year. The precision and stamina of the Tomb Guards are amazing.

[@DaveTwatty]

Simple question from a Brit. We haven't got a national cemetery it's all round the country, also mainly in France. What did you think of trump's stunt?. I know he'd have had his head kicked in in the UK. His guards not withstanding

[@sonof4rt]

@@DaveTwatty if youre asking me about the assassination attempts id tell you any creditable threat doesnt miss, its elaborate and isnt going to work unless big guys up stairs say so. other than that, technology is way to advanced to take stuff at face value, props are way too realistic and ; last but not least. if a catastrophe that can lead to world chaos erupts it will not be covered on media at least in a way to provoke action. its not even worth me disclosing this information because 99.9 percent of people wont act on that information. so enjoy life, and love as much as you can.

[@DaveTwatty]

@@sonof4rt I never thought the first one was real. He stands up, no never, he's hit in the ear but 2 days later it's not visible. I'm a Brit and not blood but nothing? I nicked myself shaving and had more

[@zbagz01]

​@@DaveTwatty Did you mean his stunt at Arlington? I wouldn't dare speak for the former Tomb Guard - they are in a class by themselves - but I am a tour guide in DC and I'm in Arlington Cemetery about 50 times a year for over ten years. I have never seen a anyone, let alone a politician, standing at a gravesite smiling with thumbs up. Arlington Cemetery is a military cemetery run by the U.S. Army. If an Arlington employee tells you to stop filming - YOU STOP! No back talk, no arguing. To make matters worse - that picture of Trump smiling with the family was taken in Section 60. This is where there's many young people buried - casualties of the most recent wars. This is sacred ground - and photography there in general is discouraged. There is a law against using Arlington as a backdrop for political campaigns. And Arlington's rules are very clear - political photography is not allowed. The Trump team knew this in advance. But rules are for fools - they'll do whatever they want.

[@MaryMcDaniel-c3h]

God bless all that gave their life for us.❤❤

[@joecct77]

I remember reading in National Geographic the story of his parachute jump when I was a kid.

[@RetiredSailor60]

RIP Warrior...

[@cartman4885]

Thanks for your service Colonel

[@ohrazda1956]

Another great aviator has flown West.....

[@richardhenry5961]

To all that Served! 🥰🥰🥰

[@geoffreywallace9432]

Didn't know you Sir, but rest in peace , and thank you for your service. Sending respect from Barbados.

[@earlbaker2104]

Stationed with him in England in 1970’s. Knew him well. Rest In Peace Joe.

[@GrovelandJohn]

WOW!!!! A true American Hero

[@AllenBashaar]

THANK YOU SIR All gave some, You gave all

[@mikesbaseballcards]

Thank you for your honorable service to the US! RIP....

[@markbarnes2041]

God bless his soul swing with the angels in heaven God bless his family and God bless every single person laying there

[@rickwilkins3055]

He did a number of very brave things in his life, but NOTHING compares with taking that first step on his parachute jump from space.

[@charlesmoore1762]

Col. Kittinger died in December 2022. Strange that he was not interred at Arlington before now. Regardless, one of the nicest such ceremonies I have seen. A hero properly honored. The POW/MIA flag so properly displayed brought tears to my old eyes. Lux Aeterna, Colonel. Perhaps this interrnent was done in 2023 and is posted now in recognition of last Friday's National POW/MIA Recognition Day.

[@Grahzzyhardcore]

welcome home may you be at peace

[@renemartinez3816]

God bless you always and forever! May the Lord Jesus Christ wrap his holy arms around you! Condolences to the family and friends! My full respects in honor of your dedication and service to our country! 🙏🙏🙏😢

[@RCAFpolarexpress]

🙏😌

[@JuanSanchez-zg7ti]

Blue skies with no CAT forever my friend. You can spread your wings high now; the only one able to touch you is GOD. Your F-4 Phantom on the memorial park in Orlando will remind us of your presence . Until we meet again.

[@clementgavi7290]

RIP

[@stephenroots4327]

Rest in peace....

[@bobbybates2614]

I was 9yrs old during the vietnam war

[@LillianSteele-u9v]

I was young as well and was actually born during the Vietnam era which if I am correct was from 1955-1973 when it finally ended. We were not actively involved in the conflict itself until 1963 through 1973 when it finally came to a close. My dad's youngest brother made it home safely and he is now in his 80s and aging gracefully.

[@nathanthompson3401]

A nickel on the grass, Colonel. USAF/ USN ‘72-‘76.

[@karamort182]

Join your friends who also were brave and served well

[@katespear1233]

RIP🙏

[@garys8415]

🕊

[@RozaliaBalazs-r6r]

BEAUTIFUL CEMETERY EVERY HIRO REST IN PARADIS AMEN❤️🙏😭🇮🇱🇺🇲🕊🌹

[@jerryarensberg4269]

'Last of the Americans' laid to rest.

[@run2jazz22]

A tear rolls down my face. As a veteran, some paid the ultimate sacrifice so we can live in this country. Remember this and vote Blue!

[@bradkarlzahn-bp6jx]

Thank you for your Honorable Service, buddy! 🇺🇸🎗️🇺🇸🗽🇺🇸💪🇺🇸

[@DaveTwatty]

From the uk was he laid to rest with his comrades ? Uk graves are those who died together. Not being rude literally like to know

[@nadialockhart9910]

@DaveTwatty If it was explicitly mentioned in his will, he would be buried with his wingman (if at Arlington) or members of his squadron interred at Arlington, but generally, they might not be buried together, especially given that he did not die in combat or captivity, but if I am not mistaken, the sections are grouped by conflict, so WWII veterans are in one section, Korean War veterans in another, so on, and so forth, all the way to the War on Global Terrorism. Hope this answers your question!

[@donwat91]

I can remember when the POW's were released. I was stationed at McGuire AFB NJ but when they came home I was in the Philadelphia Naval Hospital. And they were given the whole floor above our ward. We were not allowed up there to welcome them home. I just remember how happy everybody was.

[@KevinZucht]

RESPECT!!!!!! .......something Trump has not! RIP!!!

[@d.michaelridnouer9295]

Not the place!

[@RobertWPaine]

🌹🌹🌹🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🫡🌹🌹🌹

[@josephturner7569]

Speeding it up is hugely disrespectful.

[@crosswordpuzzle2952]

Watch your back. Trump may be around the corner.

[@kaypie3112]

🫡