CLEVELAND – Robert H. Shumaker, retired U.S. Navy Rear Admiral and a former prisoner of war, will be the guest speaker at the National POW/MIA Recognition Day ceremony held at NASA’s Glenn Research Center in Cleveland on Friday, Sept. 21 at 1 p.m.
In February 1965, while flying an F8 Crusader, Shumaker was shot down on a mission over North Vietnam, captured and spent the next eight years as a POW. He was held in various POW camps, including the infamous Hoa Lo complex in Hanoi, which Shumaker dubbed the “Hanoi Hilton.” As a prisoner, Shumaker was known for creating all sorts of communication systems and his fellow POW’s considered him a resister, leader and patriot.
In 1973, Shumaker was released in Operation Homecoming, repatriated and resumed studies, which led to a doctorate degree in electrical engineering. He retired from the Navy in 1989 and his military decorations include the Distinguished Service Medal, two Silver Stars, four Legions of Merit, the Distinguished Flying Cross, a Bronze Star and two Purple Hearts. In 2011, the U.S. Naval Academy presented Shumaker with the Distinguished Graduate Award.
Also during the employee ceremony, the Lorain High School Army Junior ROTC will perform the Missing Man Table Ceremony.
An informal media opportunity will be held with Shumaker immediately following the program. Reporters interested in attending should contact Jeannette Owens at 216-433-2990 or Jeannette.P.Owens@nasa.gov by 11 a.m. on Sept. 21 to be cleared through security.
For information about NASA’s Glenn Research Center, visit: http://www.nasa.gov/glenn
