Jack Broughton | Fighter pilot, 89
Jack Broughton, 89, the celebrated Air Force fighter pilot who flew more than 200 missions in Korea and Vietnam and later became an outspoken critic of military leaders, has died.
Jack Broughton, 89, the celebrated Air Force fighter pilot who flew more than 200 missions in Korea and Vietnam and later became an outspoken critic of military leaders, has died.
His son Mark said Wednesday that Col. Broughton died Oct. 24 at a hospital in Laguna Hills, Calif. He had been treated for a variety of ailments.
As a star pilot, Col. Broughton received the Air Force Cross and two Silver Star citations.
But his career was ended after a high-profile court-martial during the Vietnam War. Col. Broughton was accused of violating the rules of engagement that ruled certain targets off-limits.
The court-martial was expunged, but Col. Broughton retired.
After leaving the Air Force, Col. Broughton leveled heavy criticism at the Pentagon and President Lyndon Johnson for mismanagement of the war. - AP