Fallen Soldier: John Carroll

Major John Carroll, 32, of St. Louis, MO, was killed on November 7, 1972, when he was fatally wounded on a Forward Air Controller mission in Xiangkhoang Province, Laos. His Cessna O-1 “Bird Dog” aircraft was struck by hostile fire and forced to land. Search and rescue attempts were unsuccessful due to the intense enemy fire in the area,

In 1993, a Joint MIA/POW Accounting Command began investigating his whereabouts and, in 2007, his remains were located, returned and buried with full military honors at the Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs. He was awarded the Air Force Cross for extraordinary heroism in military operations.

Maj. Carrol entered the U.S. Air Force Academy in June 1958. Upon graduation, he was commissioned as a 2d Lieutenant. He graduated from pilot training in 1963 and then completed B-52 Stratofortress Combat Crew Training in 1964, Test Pilot School in 1971, and OV-10 Bronco training for Forward Air Control duty in Southeast Asia.

Maj. Carroll was known for his personal motivation, hard work, outstanding airmanship, courage, and leadership potential. His name is on the USAFA War Memorial for his sacrifice for and dedication to this country.