Biography of Col. Ralph Balcom

Born:  Seattle, WA 
Dec. 24,1933

Family:  Son of Ralph W. Balcom & Evelyn F. Balcom (nee Killen)
              Younger brother of Bruce N. Balcom & older brother of
Capt. Keith W. Balcom (also an F-100 pilot)
              Wife: Marian (British, met while stationed at George AFB, CA)
               Children: Daughter Tracy & son Chris

Education:  Roosevelt H.S., Seattle, WA
                   University of Washington, Seattle, WA        BA, Business

Military:  USAF ROTC commissioned 2nd Lt. (approx.) 1955
               USAF Pilot Training (UPT)------------(approx.) 1956
               F-86 Training, Williams AFB, AZ
               F-100 Training, Nellis AFB, NV
               F-100 Operational Assignment, George AFB, CA (1957-1958)
               Supply Officer (approx. 5 years), Keflavik, Iceland;
Rantoul AFB, IL; Donaldson AFB, SC
               F-105 Training, Nellis AFB
               F-105 Operational Assignment, McConnell AFB, KS; Korat RTAFB, Thailand (approx. 2-3 years total), 2 DFC’s

Went MIA on 96th F-105 combat mission over NVN from Korat AFB (421st Tactical Fighter Squadron) on May 15, 1966.  Crash site believed to be in Laos.  Awaiting permission needed from Laotian government to dig for remains/DNA for confirmation.  Presumed dead in 1977. Had been on active duty about 11 years and held rank of Captain when he disappeared. Promoted to the rank of Colonel by 1977.