F-4 PHANTOM COMBAT EJECTION over Vietnam and spent SIX years as a POW | Ronald J. Webb

Ronald J. Webb was commissioned a 2d Lt in the U.S. Air Force on January 22, 1960, through the Air Force ROTC program while he attended Indiana University. He would serve five years in the Air Force as a navigator, before an opportunity allowed him to earn his pilot wings in June 1966.
Webb served as an F-4 pilot with the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron at DaNang AB, South Vietnam beginning in March 1967. On his 44th mission over Vietnam, Webb was involved in a freak mid-air collision and was forced to eject over North Vietnam.
On June 11, 1967 Webb was taken as a Prisoner of war and would spend the next 2,094 days in captivity. For nearly six years he would survive interrogations, physical abuse, and malnutrition at Hỏa Lò Prison, known to American POWs as the "Hanoi Hilton".
Major Webb would finally be released during Operation Homecoming on March 4, 1973.
Interview recorded on April 26, 2023
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[@jkon3134]

I grew up living across the street from Col. Webb. Guy was a great man and class act. Gave me a T-shirt from when he got in a bar fight with a bunch of Marines. Still had dried up blood on it. I ended up serving in the Corp and the shirt meant that much more. Always enjoyed sitting with him when our family went for dinner and listening to his stories. Fascinating stories about the true experiences of POWs. True hero that deserves the MOH.

[@shable1436]

Awesome story, semper Fi

[@FasterthanSpeed414]

Somehow found a way to make it about you

[@irishguyjg_2ndchancerecovery]

I thought it was Odd that he thought his front seater was calling him Jesus Christ. Bugged me. No disrespect intended, but Col Webb I think was mistaken when his front seater told him he was Jesus

[@RainCity3rd]

Do you know if Col. Webb ever traveled back to vietnam since? I have always found it very interesting how people look back at these terrible situations, are they able to forgive etc.

[@M14armorer]

Semper Fi Marine

[@Mike_Norris]

It's astounding to think that Alvarez, still alive at 85...spent 10% of his entire life as a POW. For any of these men, that must be a huge burden that probably never goes away.

[@FasterthanSpeed414]

You’re bad at percentages

[@scottfoster3445]

Just 7 per cent 😢 american schools and yall stay till 18 Double dumb

[@jamesburns2232]

Being a POW had two things going for it. You were still alive and you were receiving regular promotions to the next higher rank. Some gave all. All gave some.

[@AustinBoil]

I did two tours in Vietnam (67-68-69) so was there when he was prisoner. It was an honor to serve & it made me a better man. Col Webb is a true American hero, thank you for your unyielding service to our country!

[@Soknik01]

Thank you for your service.

[@richardthornhill4630]

Thanks to all our Veterans who served.

[@sharkymoon422]

Served the billionaires not you.. What you saying brainwashed things for

[@nemiw4429]

What are u thanking them for. Spraying Vietnam with chemicals? Literally using chemical warfare forbiddem by Geneva convention.

[@BlueWaterSTAX]

Thanks for your service Lt.Webb. God Bless The American Veterans Center and all our Veterans

[@phonymex3340]

I thought he was a Colonel?

[@Allyourbase1990]

When I was a Marine , I always prayed I was never taken as any kind of POW. These older Vietnam guys are hardcore

[@Ljgaming826]

Your still a marine brother Semper fi

[@ethanhart5237]

You are and will always be a Marine brother you earned that title for life. Thank you for serving the country I love.

[@Meatrocket69]

🧢

[@markjordan1765]

@@ethanhart5237 Semper Fi

[@danielrn133]

Same man. I did two deployments (OIF/OIR) and I think that the thought of being captured was almost worse than getting killed. POWs are stronger than I could ever be. I am not sure I would have made it.

[@jf4313]

“He never called me this” ……”Jesus Christ eject!” Excellent subtle joke you can see a brief pause as he resists the urge to smile at his own joke. What a hero thank you for your story but especially thank you for your service sir.

[@road_warrior_1]

6 years, unimaginable.

[@scifyry]

What these guys lived through is beyond me. I served for 6 years (USMC) and I couldn't imagine being a POW during that whole period of time.

[@Meatrocket69]

Stolen valor

[@michaelnoller3441]

Amazing story. I grew up around those guys. My Dad was a F-4 pilot. Retired in 1974. Some of his friends and acquaintances, were in that group. Quiet strength, is what I call it. No brag or B.S. just tough as can be.

[@John-ky2xm]

Same

[@billybongthornton777]

I was actually an F-4, not a pilot the actual jet, been out of commission for some time.

[@MarioBudz]

Thank you Mr Webb. You are a hero! 🇺🇸

[@mcintoshdev]

Wow, what a GREAT American Hero! My next door neighbor in the mid seventies until I went in Navy in 1982 was LTCDR William Tschudy. He was at the Hanoi Hilton for 6 years and talked about the tap code. He flew A-6A Intruders as a BN with the Sunday Punchers. These heros always amaze me. Thanks for your Service Col. Webb!

[@sharkymoon422]

Hero? Hardly.. He was delusional and went to kill other people for billionaires.. Just a tool in their box..

[@anlerden4851]

Thank You so much for your service and your lovely dedications to Our Beautiful America Dear American Sir.🥰😍🤗🙏❤🤍💙💪👍

[@agentmueller]

You aren’t an American. You are Indian aren’t you?

[@skimmer8774]

I'm lucky I've never had to do a live eject. I retired USAF after 23 years 02 Lt. I'm a hog pilot myself but I have so much respect for you. Thank you for all you have done.

[@Mordant.Melodys]

Can I ask with genuine curiosity, you did 23 years and retired as an 02 or did I read that wrong?

[@taproom113]

@@Mordant.Melodys A "Mustang" maybe? (prior enlisted before being commissioned) That, or he got caught making a low pass over the General's daughter ... a few times 🤣 ^v^

[@skimmer8774]

I never use my time analyzing how someone else uses theirs.

[@jmp.t28b99]

@@Mordant.Melodys He either did not proof read his comment, or he is a basement Troll.

[@Mordant.Melodys]

@@skimmer8774 I wasn’t being rude man. I was in the army and enlisted. I was genuinely curious how officer ranking works in the USAF. I didn’t mean to imply that you did anything wrong. To the contrary I find what you did interesting, heroic, and thankless and I’m glad we have men like you doing what you did. Sorry for the miscommunication man

[@jerrydonquixote5927]

Nobody paid the price like you pows except for the ones that paid the ultimate price. Your stories make me grateful that I've never had to suffer such hardships. I hate y'all had to go through it, but I'm glad y'all made it home! Thank you so much! God Bless America!🙏🏻❤️

[@sharkymoon422]

Yes, these horrific stories should discourage recruitment not promote it.. USA army serves the billionaires not the people

[@jerrydonquixote5927]

@@sharkymoon422 sometimes

[@sharkymoon422]

@@jerrydonquixote5927 Civil war😂🥲😂.. Native American Indian? The billionaires are cruel and devious but once you can see it’s easy to see them..

[@RandDCustoms2]

A true American Hero!!! Thank you everything you endured and all of the help you gave others in captivity.

[@cmpoland420]

Men born in Trenton New Jersey are built different.

[@pancake4425]

Remember Trump calling men like this "losers", because he did not like men who were captured. Believe it or not, for many Americans Trump is the real hero. The goddamn coward!

[@Mikedadof2]

I'm a webb too sir,from New Zealand 🇳🇿 thank you for your service

[@dave3156]

It is painful to listen to what you had to endure. I admire and respect your resolve to stay within the Code of Conduct under such difficult conditions. I salute you sir--welcome home and thank you sincerely for your service and sacrifice.

[@tunahxushi4669]

Please just remember, the Vietnamese Civil War was initiated by China. Without vast Chinese military assistance there have been no conflict. And the CCP Chinese are still at it, the exact same guys.

[@user-wx4jq6jq2q]

Amen👏

[@stevebarzee7340]

I also grew up as the son of a USAF pilot during that era. They were all heroes.

[@thomasplaisted3579]

What a great interview. I was fortunate! I am a Vietnam era vet. I was in the Air Force from 1964 until 1968. I was stationed at RAF Lakenheath with the 1979th Communications Squadron as a Ground Radio Operator. How i missed Vietnam is a mystery to me. Thank you for your service Col. Webb.

[@PattMcCrotch]

My wives uncle was General William "Bill" Kirk. He retired as commander in chief, U.S. Air Forces in Europe, and commander, Allied Air Forces Central Europe, with headquarters at Ramstein Air Base, West Germany. He slayed 2 Migs over North Vietnam and flew w/ Robin Olds and even gave Old's his checkout flight on the F-4. Kirk was also instrumental in developing the Red Flag training program. Just wondering if any one here remembers him or served under him. Thanks for the upload.

[@georgeburns7251]

How many wives?

[@jimmextorf7785]

Amazing man, then and now. I'm humbled by his story and honored to live in this great country with so many Heroes like this man. Thank you, Sir.

[@karelovstakken3692]

Whats heroic about going around the world to kill people that never hurt you ?

[@titaniumman_22]

Thanks for your service Mr Webb. What a great story to relay to us of your sacrifice, you are truly blessed! 🇺🇸

[@olivias.3071]

The Memorial Day weekend gives us a chance to express our gratitude. Thank you ALL for your service and sacrifice. God bless those souls who are no longer with us, and keep our heroes that managed to survive well and happy

[@georgepeterson3332]

3 minutes after post and I’m already really into it and barely a minute into video. I love what you do for the men and women who have lived through hell and is still going

[@americanveteranscenter]

Thank you for watching! We work hard everyday to capture more of these stories.

[@georgepeterson3332]

@@americanveteranscenter it’s truly amazing what you guys do so thank you❤️

[@Mrbfgray]

Good story teller too, I imagine he's had some practice and intense memories are nearly hardwired.

[@lukedesselle2491]

@@americanveteranscenter is Col Web still alive??

[@mrt601]

You know when you hear people pissing and moaning about how McDonald's didn't get your order right or you got a flat tire on the way to work or that pain in the ass hing nail that's making your day suck this brings it all into prospective thank you sir for being the strong man that you are

[@pitbullammo7638]

Thank you for service sir. 🇺🇸

[@ttrestle]

I live in Bloomington IN and attended Indiana University. It was a surprise to hear that in this interview. Great interview! Thanks for the upload.

[@Joellikestobox]

Thank you for your service

[@joelpierce3940]

Thank You, Sir 🇺🇸

[@knunyabeasewhacks8744]

Thanks you sir for your service and sacrifices.

[@tommychew6544]

Great session of hearing his story. At the end, a line from a Viet Nam movie came to mind, " every day after the Nam is gravy. "

[@sherriroe4806]

What a true gentleman & hero! God bless you, thank you for your service and your sacrifice for our country.

[@Budmetro]

Thank you for your service, sir. God bless all service members.

[@sharkymoon422]

Thanks for what? American billionaire’s own and control the USA military.. They recruit the stupid sheep and send them to innocent people, meanwhile the sheep back home say thanks for your service 😂🤣😂.. Wake up

[@louietuna8091]

Major Ronald Webb speaks of the horrors he saw and endured, in such a 'matter of fact' manner that it is like hearing about a movie he saw. Then, Ron honors his torturers using the word 'man' while describing a particular type of torture they used on him. And he speaks with no animus. Major Webb is approaching a level of the divinity that I have rarely witnessed in this world. Thank you, sir.

[@vppnbrent]

God bless you Ronald. My hero. I was USN ‘67-‘73.

[@dmcooper382]

Thank you for your service! An incredible story.

[@stevetackett581]

Thank you, Sir! Thank you for enduring all you did for our country, for your family and all our freedom. You are a walking example of a hero.

[@kevbrown1867]

Please explain how blowing up innocent people on the other side of the world makes your life better in the USA ?

[@garyluck8502]

Thanks for your service! Everyone please remember the ones that didn’t make it back home!! Thanks again!

[@richardhowe5583]

Colonel Webb is a class act and a great American hero.. he did not talk bad about his fellow pilots who were giving up information like John McCain did.. he did not even talk bad about President Johnson.. he just said he left us there.. I am about his age and I would love to have a cup of coffee or a couple of drinks and listen to anything he has to say.. thank you sir and I wish lots of happiness and good health to you and your family..👍👍🥂

[@stephen6228]

Wow! What a stud! My heart is warmed to see such bravery and patriotism. If I could only be half as brave as him someday, by God's grace, I'd be happy.

[@ajetmech2002]

God Bless you and all our men. Thank you for sharing your story for all to know. I was a crew Chief on the F4. Prayed every day for my pilots and crew.

[@robertwhite4831]

Made me emotional hearing his story. An incredible man. Thank you for your service Sir, delighted you got home!

[@GoldStarFather]

Thank you so much for this interview. I lived next door to Col. Ron "Spider" Webb in Virginia in '76-'78 while I was attending Old Dominion Univ. We moved from San Diego to VA off the back side of Langley and he made us feel so welcome. I remember him taking me on base one day. We drove up to a beautiful 45 ft. twin inboard classic Henderson wooded motor cruiser in the yacht club, sitting in slip No.1. My mouth dropped open. He told me "hey, I had a lot of back pay when I got back home". This was just a couple years after Nixon got them out of that hell hole. Nixon and Pat threw then a big party at the White House. I have never forgotten Ron and his kind and gentle nature. I always passed that down this respect to my children. My son became a Marine for these same reasons. We miss our son Sean very much and wish with all my heart that he could have made it back home from Iraq.

[@aaronjohn6586]

I am sorry for the loss of your son.

[@keithmyers1260]

I am sorry for your loss

[@solo2r]

Thank You Major Web for your service! God Bless!

[@wacckked8519]

“but i had my big stick and i had a plan” this man is incredible

[@CynthiaLSimmons]

Thank you for your service.

[@kennethjohnson220]

This brings back memories. My late father also ejected from an F-4 Phantom in that war and we prayed every night that he would come back to us from Hanoi.

[@ObamaFromKenya]

@Kenneth Johnson did he come home?

[@kennethjohnson220]

@@ObamaFromKenya Yes, he didn't die in Vietnam thankfully.

[@ObamaFromKenya]

@@kennethjohnson220 good to know 🙏🙏🇺🇸🇺🇸

[@DannyMcgaugh]

So, growing up in Tucson, I had the opportunity and pleasure to see the F4 families. My heart goes out to those who did not come home but proud to call several of their children friends.

[@americanpatriot8402]

I was a junior officer in a combat brigade in Germany. I was sitting in a defensive position briefing, and a Captain was briefing his sector that I was very familiar with. His plan neglected a blind spot at the edge of his kill zone that hid a road big enough for the enemy to drive thru unnoticed by his company from their position. I challenged the plan in the meeting and spoke my peace, and told to sit down and be quiet. The next day the Opposing Forces drove right past them with a whole battalion and rolled up on the rear of our area. They killed all our service/support trains and wiped out the Captain’s entire company, surprising them from behind. In the after action meeting the observer controllers who debriefed us from the 2 star General down highlighted my challenge, acknowledged I was exactly correct. They told the Captain and the other officers who failed to listen to me and instead chastised me for speaking up and challenging the plan and potentially embarrassing the Captain and hurting his ego, that their ego got everyone killed. As I left the meeting the Captain hadn’t learned a thing. He was pissed that I had challenged him. To this day it doesn’t escape me how people who are in a position of leadership doesn’t mean they are leaders. I should have stood my ground, and the leadership should have listened to their people, especially those who have information that might help them win or lose the fight. Don’t take it personal. Be professional and discuss a challenge and make the person challenging the plan explain. I tried to do all that. I told them I have physically walked this ground in a previous exercise and was told about this particular lane and how units get wiped out here.

[@edjarrett3164]

What a great recap. You have to speak the truth no matter the cost. Kudos for saying the right things. I’ve had the same issues and I spoke up to my wing commander who shut me down. The outcome was a draw, not that I cared about who wins. We have too many folks not concentrated or allowed to concentrate on the mission at hand. The honesty that every serviceman brings should be a priority for all leaders. Listen carefully should be part of our ethos. It’s amazing the results of just listening. You learn a whole lot.

[@knifelore1647]

God Bless You Sir! I was a small child watching the news every night to see how you men were doing over there, I 13 years later became an Infantry man due to you all! And to this day the F-4 Phantom is still my favorite jet! And please know I say this with all the admiration and respect in the world! God bless the Men And Women that served over in Vietnam!

[@L2FlyMN]

I thank every veteran for their service to this amazing country!!! Long live the republic!🇺🇸🇺🇸🇺🇸 Your sacrifice never forgotten or taken for granted here!!!!!!

[@Mordant.Melodys]

6 days as a POW would be terrifying. I cannot imagine 6 years. The weight of uncertainty is hard to imagine. The instability of living for the day, for 6 whole years, then to come home and try to reintegrate into normal society….just thank you. Thank you so much for what you’ve done. Politics and opinions of the war aside, everyone should be grateful for their vets. If we didn’t have a volunteer service, civilians may be forced to do this job. So remember to be proud of your veterans for doing it so you don’t have to.

[@jamesmack3314]

Totally agree,these guys are deserving of nothing but respect and admiration,truly amazing in their resolve and strength of character….read the story about Jeremiah Denton,he really went thru hell

[@dakota4211]

It is amazing what strong human beings thy ware. Just to update you it was not all volunteer. I came to this beautiful country as a legal immigrant in 1962 and just left Switzerland 🇨🇭 coming from six months militia as a tank comandor. After six months in the US with only the green card , I was drafted in Oakland CA . I wasn't able to pass the test because of my English. I awserd I want to join in the AF. He was very pleased and sent me in an office with an AF Cornell behind the desk. He talked to me and told me come back in a year and we will take you in. I got married my Swiss girl and we had a baby boy and that was the end of my AF they would not draft a family man any more. This is why those movies are very close to my heart. And I will stand up for every veteran.

[@evil_glide5083]

Thank you for your service!

[@lollypop2413]

Capt Robert Carson USMC also flew phantoms in vietnam. An awesome person unflappable brave soul. An awesome friend. He mentioned fighting very hard to avoid being a pow...and being hit by antiaircraft flak on a bombing raid. Flying very fast on return flight

[@Ljgaming826]

Semper fi thanks and welcome home

[@stag3t-muspsa910]

Sir thank you and welcome home...I could sit and listen to you for hours

[@axelromerodiaz6018]

I'm very proud of you. Thank you for your service and commitment to the nation and God bless you always!

[@williammetzo5407]

THANK YOU, SIR.. MAY GOD BLESS YOU AND YOUR FAMILY, OVER AND OVER AND OVER AGAIN!!!!

[@ShevillMathers]

Thank you for sharing your experience, one that too many had to suffer. I can never come to terms with man’s inhumanity to a fellow being, there must be aberrations in their genetic code. Your story, sadly, must be one of so many endured through senseless wars. If the politicians who made the decision to go to war were in the first front line, I don’t there would be such conflicts. I salute you and all those who endured such misery, tall brave men indeed. Greetings from Tasmania Australia.

[@xXxPurpaKushxXx]

Thank you so much sir

[@secondthought2320]

Absolutely a great description of his ordeal. I can see it in my mind. Very calm and gentle voice. God bless you and thank you for your service sir.

[@MrPearlsareforever]

I appreciate hearing his story truly amazing.

[@jbeam5630]

Col. Webb - "Thank You" for your Service and "Thank You" for my Freedom. Welcome Home

[@puggynugz922]

Thank you for your service. God bless you and all your fellow military members.

[@johnweatherford5760]

Col. Webb thank you all for your service!

[@adventure002006]

Amazing story. Thank you for your service❤

[@rce59]

Thanks for your service and the years spent as a pow. My father was a sonar man on the uss gatling in ww2.

[@user-ir8uk8ey2d]

Another fellow Trentonian, probably grew up in Chambersburg. I salute you, sir.

[@MegaPugsley1]

Your sacrifice will never be forgotten! THANK YOU SIR! God Bless You & Yours!

[@EKGraves]

Wow, amazing resilience. Thank you for your service.

[@johnshields6852]

My uncle Jack piloted the F4 phantom in Vietnam, I was in awe as a kid, a few holidays he'd come home on leave, I'd want to ask him questions, but he didn't talk about it. Thank you for your content. 🇺🇸🙏

[@kysupersport]

Awesome description! Thank you Sir!!

[@jameshallisey6689]

God Bless all of the Vietnam veterans!!!

[@adrienroy9310]

Gentlemen like this is what people mean by the greatest generation. The mental strength this man exudes despite the situation he endured gives you perspective. This man's story and others like them should be mandatory in schools.

[@Ipipeyourmom]

Same with the Vietnamese, surviving years of colonial influence, beating every single colonizer and imperialist one after the other, fighting back despite being against a military force with much more firepower than your own. Truly a brave people

[@davidwheatcroft2797]

I salute you, sir! Perfect memory. Very best wishes to you and all aviators.

[@mitchellculberson9336]

Thank you for your service to a FREE and grateful nation.

[@joannamcpeak7531]

Words are not enough to thank you, at all.

[@JSFGuy]

Thanks! Well done, top notch quality.

[@thophunter614]

Thank you veterans. Thanks for serving

[@bobbyj3701]

Happy Independence Day Sir! You are a True Patriot of this Country! Without heroes such as yourself, I probably wouldn't be able to send you this message! Happy 4th... and thank you once again!

[@MrGp3po]

Thanks for your service and sacrifice.

[@georgesierra9038]

May God continue to bless you. Thanks for your service.

[@user-hi6dj2uo3v]

I'm 🇨🇦 and have so much respect for these Vets

[@nmjazz09]

God bless you, sir and thank you! Thank You, for your service!

[@brianesselbach9158]

Thank you for your service and sacrafice sir.

[@steve53LY]

You are a brave and fantastic human being!

[@ttrmotocross]

"I had my big stick, and I had a plan." Incredible stuff.

[@user-em1fu8eg8l]

My father USN Captain Charles L Putnam was a RA5C pilot. He was shot down over North Vietnam in 1967 . He remains where found twenty years later. He buried at Arlington. I knew some of the men captured and the stories are terrible. We did not know what happened to my father for many years. His copilot was rescued the F4 pilots said they saw his shoot open. The helicopter was unable to get to him.

[@MaximusDesimusMeridius]

Sorry for your loss.

[@hudson5573]

Thanks, Colonel Webb your spirit and patriotism are inspirational. I'm proud to have worn the same uniform. SMSgt Bernie Hudson, USAF Retired

[@xvsj5833]

Thank you ❤for your service, courage and sacrifice to answer the call to serve. ✌️🇺🇸

[@charleywalker2982]

Thanks for sharing your videos and keep them coming please.

[@NobilityandLoyalty]

Thanks!

[@waldoanddenisestakes639]

Thank you is all I can say. Listening to this made me weep.

[@MyCatInABox]

God bless you and your family Col. WEbb. Thankyou from the bottom of my heart for your service And God bless our troops 🇱🇷

[@dustinwilson627]

Thankyou for your service and great sacrifice, i hate you missed your daughter younger years of growing up, God bless you

[@yolakin8210]

People sent to fight other people that they have never met. History always repeats this.

[@TruthAboutHeaven]

Awesome story. Thanks for your service!

[@jerryblainii1208]

Thank you for following the code, respect and god bless.

[@kranson8514]

Incredible men their resolve is truly awakening, how little we have to worry about. I fear we'll never truly able to repay their sacrifice, thank you😌

[@Stratsrule]

If todays Americans could just listen and understand what these extremely brave and courageous heroes went through for freedom and democracy I think we would be in a better place!! Ty sir for everything!!