Siblings honor brother's sacrifice

  • Published
  • By Master Sgt Jack Braden
  • Air Force Print News
AVON, Ill. (AFPN) --  At a small rural church 10 miles from here, friends and family members gathered to honor 1st Lt. Bruce Sweney, an Air Force reconnaissance pilot who was shot down over North Korea Oct. 2, 1951. By all accounts the day was perfect for a memorial service -- bright sunny skies for the flyover, an Air Force honor guard for the flag ceremony and hundreds of friends and family members in attendance. The only one missing was the Airman being honored. 

"We have been trying to find out what happened to Bruce for 55 years," said Martha Sweney, his younger sister. "He was seen with his parachute open after his jet exploded, but neither Bruce nor his parachute were found when rescue crews went to recover him."
 
After decades of hoping their brother, the third of five children, would return, it was decided to have a memorial service to honor Lieutenant Sweney's life and service.

"We haven't given up hope of his return," said Martha Sweney, "but it's time to honor his sacrifice." 

The service marked an opportunity for the Sweney family to gain some closure. 

"It really helps dealing with not having him here," said Donna Andrus, the lieutenant's youngest sister. "Some of our grandchildren are named after him and have been told how honest, good and well respected he was. He is a hero to them and someone they can measure up to." 

As a young man, Lieutenant Sweney was fascinated with flying. He learned to fly small aircraft like crop dusters before asking his father's permission to join the Air Force. After signing up he went to James Connally Air Force Base near Waco, Texas, to learn how to fly the F-80 Shooting Star. He then deployed to the 15th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in South Korea flying reconnaissance missions over North Korea. 

"In many ways his job was more dangerous than a fighter pilot," said Bill Sweney, his older brother. "The F-80 that Bruce flew didn't have any weapons, and the North Koreans would fly straight for them. Their only defense was a fighter escort." 

On Oct. 2, 1951, Lieutenant Sweney was shot down while on a mission near the Korean-China border. He was declared dead in March 1954 but is still listed as one of 389 prisoners of war not returned by North Korea. 

Although his parents have since past away, his family has never given up hope that he will someday return. After dedicating 55 years of her life attempting to find out what happened to her brother, the memorial service Oct. 1 brings some sense of closure for Martha Sweney and the rest of the family.