Today, we honor the life and sacrifice of Captain Charles Frederick Swope, a brave U.S. Air Force Airman who gave his life in service to our country on this day in 1966 during the Vietnam War. He was just 31 years old.
A resident of Newport, Kentucky, Capt. Swope served with unwavering commitment as a Tactical Aircraft Pilot (MOS 1115) with 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron, 6253rd Combat Support Group, 14th Air Commando Wing, 7th Air Force.
At the time of his death, Capt. Swope was deployed in the Quang Tri Province of South Vietnam. His body was recovered, and his memory has been preserved with honor ever since.
Beginning his tour in Vietnam on Aug. 23, 1966, Capt. Swope’s service exemplified the courage and devotion of an Airman who upheld the values of honor, courage, and commitment to the very end.
Capt. Swope’s service and sacrifice are permanently memorialized on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall, at Panel 12E, Line 49, and here at the Kentucky Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
To learn more about Capt. Swope and his service to our country, click here. To leave a tribute to him on the Wall of Faces, click here.
If you have any additional information, photos, or videos related to Capt. Swope or any other Kentucky veteran who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War, we kindly invite you to share them with us here.
