Briefing Document: William Pleasant Yarbrough Jr.

Subject: Life and Military Service of William Pleasant Yarbrough Jr.

Date: October 26, 2023

1. Overview

This document summarizes the life and military career of William Pleasant Yarbrough Jr., focusing on his service in the U.S. Navy and tragic death during the Vietnam War. The information is primarily drawn from the provided text.

2. Early Life and Family

Birth: Born May 25, 1923, in Putnam, Callahan County, Texas, to William Pleasant Yarbrough and Effie Mae Conley.

Family: He had three brothers and a sister.

Early Residence: The family lived in Shackelford and Callahan Counties, Texas during his childhood and adolescence.

3. Military Service

Enlistment: Enlisted in the U.S. Navy in Dallas, Texas, on May 27, 1941 (service number nsn-3565865).

Early Duty: Stationed at the Naval Air Station in San Diego, California, as a Seaman 2c on September 25, 1941.

World War II: Served during World War II.

Korean War: Also served during the Korean War. He wore both the WW2 Victory Medal and the Korean War Service Medal.

Rank Progression:Aviation Radio Tech 1c on December 28, 1945.

Commissioned Navy Lieutenant-Junior Grade on December 25, 1957.

Promoted to Lieutenant on June 1, 1960.

Promoted to Commander (posthumously) on January 1, 1970.

Naval Specialization: Became an experienced and highly regarded Aviation Radio Tech and A3D (Skywarrior) Bombardier/Navigator (B/N) in Naval aviation, prior to his final assignment in an A-6.

Anecdotal Evidence: His nephew remembered him as a "Real Deal" fighter pilot who visited him at Ft. Rucker in 1966 in a "green, bug eyed MG with the top down."

4. Vietnam War and Death

Unit Assignment: Commander William P. Yarbrough Jr. was assigned to Attack Squadron 85 (VA-85), Carrier Air Wing 11 (CVW-11) aboard the USS Kitty Hawk (CVA-63)

Deployment: Deployed to the Seventh Fleet onboard the USS Kitty Hawk.

A-6A Intruder Incident: On January 19, 1967, Yarbrough, as Bombardier/Navigator, and his pilot, Commander Al Brady, were shot down over North Vietnam while attacking a bridge as part of the squadron's "Black Falcon" callsign. Their A-6A Intruder, 'NH 510', s/n 151590, call sign 'BUCKEYE 510', was hit by AAA near Dong Phong Thuong Transportation Complex in Thanh Hoa Province, North Vietnam.

Ejection and Death: Both crew members ejected. Brady became a prisoner of war (POW), but Yarbrough was killed when his parachute failed to deploy properly.

Prior to Death: Yarbrough had previously participated in the Uong Bi strike on a prior cruise.

Missing in Action (MIA): Yarbrough was initially listed as MIA.

Presumptive Finding of Death: On February 24, 1976, the Secretary of the Navy approved a Presumptive Finding of Death.

Identification of Remains: In August 1985, Vietnamese government turned over remains, which were positively identified on October 7, 1985, by the DPMAA in Honolulu as those of William P. Yarbrough Jr.

5. Burial and Memorials

Burial: He was buried in Fort Sam Houston National Cemetery in San Antonio, Texas, on November 8, 1985.

Cenotaph: A cenotaph with a Rosette remains at the Courts of the Missing in the Honolulu Memorial.

6. Key Quotes

"I remember 'Uncle' WP visiting us in Ft. Rucker in 66. I was 6 or 7. He drove up in a green, bug eyed MG with the top down. He looked every bit the 'Real Deal'. A fighter pilot." - Nephew's remembrance

"was hit by AAA while attacking a bridge in daylight...Both crew ejected...Yarbrough...was killed when his parachute failed to deploy properly" - Description of his death.

7. Main Themes

Military Dedication: Yarbrough's long and distinguished career demonstrates unwavering service and dedication to the U.S. Navy across multiple conflicts.

Tragic Sacrifice: His death highlights the human cost of the Vietnam War, especially given the circumstances of the faulty parachute and his prior successful missions.

Service from Enlisted to Commissioned: His career trajectory is note-worthy, transitioning from an enlisted man to a commissioned officer.

Posthumous Recognition: The posthumous promotion to Commander reflects his value to the Navy and the recognition of his sacrifice.

8. Conclusion

William Pleasant Yarbrough Jr. was a dedicated naval officer who served in multiple wars and ultimately gave his life in service to his country. His story reflects the dangers and sacrifices associated with military service, particularly in times of conflict.