This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Tommy Burgdorf (Birddog), FC2
to remember
Hume, Kenneth Edward, LCDR.
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LCDR Kenneth E. Hume of VF-154, flying F-8D BuNo 148668, was hit while making a ZUNI rocket attack against a AAA site. Although a small fire was visible, Hume decided to try to get to Danang, but within minutes his F-8 suddenly went into a dive and was lost at sea. Although his escort saw the canopy separate before water impact Hume did not eject. His remains were not recoverable.
This Sailor has an (IMO) In Memory Of Headstone in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
Other Comments:
Name of Award
Distinguished Flying Cross
Years Awarded
1965
Details behind Awards:
Awarded for actions during the Vietnam War
The President of the United States of America takes pride in presenting the Distinguished Flying Cross (Posthumously) to Lieutenant Commander Kenneth Edward Hume, United States Navy, for heroism and extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight while serving with Fighter Squadron ONE HUNDRED FIFTY-FOUR (VF-154), in the Republic of Vietnam on 29 March 1965. As an aircraft Section Leader, Lieutenant Commander Hume led his unit in a rocket attack against an enemy military installation of prime importance. The unit made a diving attack in the face of heavy hostile ground fire, scoring direct hits and inflicting severe damage to the objective. After completing his attack, Lieutenant Commander Hume reported a fire in the after section of his aircraft and attempted to save the plane by flying at reduced power to his carrier base. However, control was subsequently lost and his aircraft crashed into the sea. General Orders: All Hands (January 1966) Action Date: March 29, 1965 Service: Navy Rank: Lieutenant Commander Squadron: Fighter Squadron 154 (VF-154) Ship: USS Coral Sea (CVA-43)
Other Memories Ken, a native of Cincinnati, came to the Academy by way of a Navy Fleet appointment. At the Academy as in the Fleet, Ken has never been known to miss a liberty. His main interest at the Academy has been the radiator squad, although at times he has given up this pleasant pastime to engage in batt football. His experience in this sport stems from his high school days when he won the Player of the Year award. Ken is a typical Navy man who manages to mix wine, women, and song into all of his liberties. On any weekend he can be found in the dragging section. Upon graduation the Navy will get another candidate for jet fighters. FOOTBALL - 4, 3, 2, 1 PING PONG - 4, 3, 2, 1 SOFTBALL - 4, 3, 2, 1 "The Lucky Bag, 1954" (USNA Yearbook)
