Captain Douglas David Ferguson's Obituary
A public Celebration of Life service for Air Force Captain Douglas D. Ferguson of Tacoma, whose combat aircraft was shot down during the Vietnam War, will begin at 11 a.m. Friday, May 2, in the McChord Theater at Joint Base Lewis-McChord.
Captain Ferguson was born April 26, 1945, to John and Geraldine Ferguson, joining older sister, Susan.
Doug grew up loving the outdoors, building and flying model airplanes, skiing and other sports. He particularly enjoyed flying for a penny a pound at the former Oswald Airport near Fircrest. Upon graduation from Tacoma’s Wilson High School in 1963, Doug was appointed to the U.S. Air Force Academy, where he was a member of the 16th Squadron. He graduated in 1967 and entered flight training. The F-111 tactical bomber was his plane of choice, but when those aircraft were temporarily grounded, he was reassigned to the F-4D Phantom fighter-bomber.
In October 1968, Doug married the love of his life, Linda Leith, also a 1963 Wilson graduate.
Doug was deployed in July 1969 to the Air Force’s 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Udorn Air Force Base, Thailand. On Dec. 30, 1969, his F-4 was struck by anti-aircraft fire and exploded while attacking a target in Laos. Doug was just 24 years old when he was killed, although he officially remained missing in action for more than six years. His remains were recovered at the crash site in 2013 and positively identified last month.
Doug often found humor in life’s ludicrous situations, even in the terrifying events of war. Persistence, even in the face of fear and danger, is one of his legacies. That persistence and commitment earned him the Silver Star for conspicuous gallantry in action just nine days before he was himself lost to enemy action. His medal citation reads as follows:
“First Lieutenant Douglas D. Ferguson distinguished himself by gallantry in connection with military operations as an F-4D pilot over hostile territory on 21 December 1969. On that date, Lieutenant Ferguson, despite adverse weather and intensive hostile ground fire, successfully prevented the capture and possible death of two downed airmen. His heroic determination and professional ability in the face of withering ground fire resulted in the successful rescue of both airmen. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Lieutenant Ferguson has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.”
Doug’s survivors include his wife, Linda; sister, Sue Scott and brother-in-law, Dick; three nephews, Bryan, Christopher and Jason, and eight great nieces and nephews.
Visitation is 2:30 to 5 p.m. Thursday at Mountain View Funeral Home. At that time, those wishing to leave Doug’s POW/MIA bracelets they have worn for so many years may do so. All bracelets will rest with Doug for eternity.
Doug’s public Celebration of Life begins at 11 a.m. Friday in the McChord Theater at JBLM, followed by interment in Mountain View Memorial Park.
Names and birthdates of those attending the service must be provided by tomorrow, April 28. Please contact Sue Scott immediately at [email protected] .
Attendees must enter the McChord Main Gate at Bridgeport Way and Interstate-5 by 9:30 a.m. Friday to complete their security checks before continuing to the Theater. The POW/MIA bracelet box will be available before the service.
Those without the required security information still are invited to the Visitation Thursday and the 1 p.m. Committal Service Friday at Mountain View. We look forward to meeting each of you as we celebrate Doug’s life and honor his sacrifice. God Bless!
What’s your fondest memory of Douglas?
What’s a lesson you learned from Douglas?
Share a story where Douglas' kindness touched your heart.
Describe a day with Douglas you’ll never forget.
How did Douglas make you smile?