George Thomas Coker
| George Thomas Coker | |
|---|---|
Coker's USN photo (c. 1980)
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| Born |
July 14, 1943 Amarillo, Texas |
| Allegiance | United States |
| Service/branch | United States Navy |
| Years of service | 1963–1986 |
| Rank | Commander |
| Unit | Attack Squadron 65, USS Constellation |
| Battles/wars | Vietnam War |
| Awards | |
| Other work | Distinguished Eagle Scout |
George Thomas Coker (born July 14, 1943) is a retired United States Navy Commander who was awarded the Navy Cross for extraordinary heroism as a prisoner of war (POW) during the Vietnam War. The former Eagle Scout is noted for his devotion to scouting.
In 1966, the A-6 Intruder jet on which Coker was serving as co-pilot, bombardier, and navigator, was shot down over North Vietnam. He was held as a prisoner of war in the "Hanoi Hilton" and other camps for six and a half years. After his release, he continued to serve in the Navy until his retirement in 1986.
George Coker was born in Amarillo, Texas in 1943. In 1951, his family moved to Linden, New Jersey, where he became a New Jersey high school state wrestling champion in the 142 lb weight class and played high school varsity football at Saint Benedict's Preparatory School in Newark, New Jersey. Coker attended Rutgers University from 1961–1963, where he also wrestled. While at Rutgers, he participated in an aviation officer cadet program and was commissioned an Ensign in the United States Navy. After his release from Vietnam, he returned to college and graduated from the University of San Diego in 1976 with a BS in political science. He studied education and mathematics at Old Dominion University from 1982 to 1986. Coker is married and has three children; two daughters and a son, Theresa, Elizabeth, and Thomas Jr.
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