Allan Russell "Al" Carpenter, born March 14, 1938 enlisted in the U. S. Navy in 1955 and rose through the ranks to Petty Officer First Class. He was commissioned in 1962 and won his Naval Aviator wings in 1963. As a young Lieutenant, flying A4E Skyhawks off the U.S.S. Independence in 1965, and the U.S.S. F.D. Roosevelt in 1966, he accumulated 135 combat missions over Vietnam and was shot down twice. The last time, November 1, 1966 led to his spending nearly 6 1/2 years in North Vietnam as a prisoner-of-war. After repatriation in March 1973 he remained on active duty as an instrument flight instructor and in other capacities until his retirement in December 1978. CDR Carpenter's decorations include three Silver Stars, the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, eleven Air Medals and two Purple Hearts.
In retirement, Al remained active in aviation, accumulating nearly 4000 hours piloting ultralight and experimental aircraft. He served the national United States Ultralight Association in many capacities, starting in 1987 as a Basic Flight Instructor, and culminating as Chairman of the Board.
CDR Carpenter married his high school sweetheart, Carolyn Malone, in 1957. They had four children and eleven grandchildren.