Ernest C. Brace | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Birth name | Ernest Cary Brace |
| Nickname(s) | Ernie |
| Born | August 15, 1931 Detroit, Michigan |
| Died | December 5, 2014 (aged 83) Klamath Falls, Oregon |
| Allegiance | United States of America |
| Service |  United States Marine Corps |
| Years of service | 1947–1961 |
| Rank | Captain |
| Battles / wars | Korean War Vietnam War |
| Awards | Distinguished Flying Cross[1] Purple Heart Air Medal (with 3 stars) Distinguished Public Service Medal[1] Prisoner of War Medal[2] Navy Unit Commendation[1] National Defense Service Medal Korean Service Medal (with 2 stars) United Nations Korea Medal Korean Presidential Unit Citation[3] |
| Spouse(s) | Patricia Emmons (divorced)
[4]
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| Other work | Pilot, BirdAir Manager, Evergreen International Aviation Operations Lead, Sikorsky Aircraft |
Ernest Cary Brace (August 15, 1931 – December 5, 2014) was the longest-held civilian prisoner of war (POW) during the Vietnam War.[5] A decorated Marine Corps fighter pilot and mustang, Brace was court-martialed in 1961 for attempting to fake his own death. He flew as a civilian contract pilot before being captured in Laos in 1965 while flying supplies for USAID. He spent almost eight years as a POW and upon his release received a Presidential pardon in light of his good conduct.
- ^ a b c "AuCoin moves to aid ex-Oregon Marine". The Register-Guard. 3 April 1979.
- ^ McCain, John (July 30, 2013). "Tribute to Ernest Cary Brace". Congressional Record. 159 (111): S6061.
- ^ "Missing Pilot Gives Self Up in Baltimore". Free-Lance Star. Fredericksburg, Virginia. 13 January 1961.
- ^ Cite error: The named reference
NYTwas invoked but never defined (see the help page). - ^ Nowicki, Dan; Muller, Bill (2007-03-01). "McCain Profile: Prisoner of war". The Arizona Republic. azcentral.com. Archived from the original on 2012-12-05. Retrieved 2011-02-04.