Vietnam War
| Unit | 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron |
|---|---|
| Rank | Colonel U.S. Air Force |
| Entered Service From | Baton Rouge Louisiana |
| Date of Death | November 5 1965 |
| Status | Recovered |
| Memorialized |
Courts of the Missing
Court
A
Honolulu Memorial |
Notes
Colonel McCleary was a member of the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron. On November 5, 1965, he was the pilot of a Thunderchief Fighter (F-105D) on a suppression mission over North Vietnam. A surface to air missile exploded approximately 20 feet from his aircraft. His aircraft burst into flames, pitched nose up, and began shedding pieces. The canopy was observed to separate before the aircraft disappeared into overcast tail first but his wingman couldn't determine if he was able to eject from the aircraft. His remains were recovered on July 13, 1988 and identified on May 13, 1991. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
