(WENY) -- In this week's edition of Vietnam Reflections, we are sharing the story of Wallace "Moe" Newcomb. 

Moe served as a fighter pilot in the U.S. Air Force, stationed in Thailand as part of the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron, executing bombing missions in North Vietnam.

On August 3, 1967, Moe's F-105 Thunderchief was shot down over North Vietnam, and he was taken captive as a prisoner of war. He would remain imprisoned at Ha Lò Prison in Hanoi, until his release on March 14, 1973 as part of "Operation Homecoming."

WENY News is sharing Moe's story in two parts. This is part one, focusing on his entry into the service, deployment to Thailand, and missions during the Vietnam War until his plane was shot down and he was taken captive.

PART 1:

 

Part two focuses on Moe's arrival at the prison camp, where he would remain as a prisoner of war until his release as part of "Operation Homecoming" on March 14, 1973. Moe returned to the Southern Tier to a heroes' welcome, with a parade in Painted Post.

He continued his career in the Air Force, and eventually the NY Air National Guard. He eventually retired, at the rank of Lieutenant Colonel. 

PART 2: 

RAW INTERVIEW WITH WALLACE "MOE" NEWCOMB: