Theodore “Ted” W. Triebel

Captain – United States Navy (Retired)
Naval Aviator – Vietnam War
Aircraft Shot Down: August 27, 1972
Released from captivity: March 29, 1973

Ted Triebel graduated from the US Naval Academy in 1964 and received his wings January 1966. He wrote, “I completed training in the F4 “Phantom” at NAS Miramar, California and joined VF-213, the Black Lions, for two combat cruises to Southeast Asia aboard the Kitty Hawk (CVA-63). Received orders to Air Force exchange in August 1968 and flew with the 8th Tactical Fighter Squadron, the Black Sheep, at Holloman AFB, New Mexico for two years. After a short refresher in VF-121, I joined VF-151, the Vigilantes, in November 1970. I completed a third combat cruise and was halfway through the fourth when I landed in North Vietnam. It was 27 August 1972. I was released on 29 March 1973, a day which will burn bright in my mind forever as I crossed into a medium of freedom.

“Many thoughts took form and perspective while I was in solitary confinement and confronted with the unknown. I will not try to give a dissertation here or endeavor to sum up diverse thoughts with d few platitudes. I do suggest that every American periodically partake of some introspection; he may find some truths or answers to questions which had before evaded him. One thing I came to comprehend fully was the meaning of Freedom. We Americans experience it daily, many people do not. Freedom  is the life blood of human society. It deserves our commitment to its eternal preservation.”

Locally, Captain Triebel led the local NROTC program as Commanding Officer, Naval Reserve Officer Training, Piedmont Consortium (Duke University, NC State University, and University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill). Captain Triebel is also a member of the Orange County Veterans Memorial Committee.