Gregory L. Wood

The League recently presented a Certificate of Appreciation to Gregory L. Wood for his decades of service to and on behalf of MIA, Lt. Roderick “Rog” Lester and Rog’s parents, Reg and Esther Lester.

Greg was a member of Lester’s VA-52 Squadron aboard the USS Kitty Hawk at the time Lester and Bombardier-Navigator, Harry Mossman, did not return from a 1972 night mission over N. Vietnam. 

Greg’s dedicated work on behalf of the MIA issue began in 1997 when he accompanied three of Lester’s AOCS classmates to Hanoi and a remains excavation site near Ha Long.  Greg continued his efforts to honor both aviators and comfort the Lesters throughout the remainder of their lives. 

His accomplishments, on behalf of the lost men, included a refurbishment and repainting of an Intruder on display at the Seattle Museum of Flight.  The aircraft was configured as it would have been when Lester and Mossman departed the Kitty Hawk and is painted in squadron colors, their names on the canopy sides.  The displays inside the museum include the actual tail hook and debris from the crash site that he was instrumental in having returned.  Greg’s tireless work on this and other Intruder/MIA remembrance projects continues to be appreciated by all involved.
Throughout the years, Greg appeared in numerous forums and televised programs on behalf of the Intruder community and the Lesters in efforts to insure the two aviators are honored and their sacrifice not forgotten.  His work and dedication on behalf our issue will not be forgotten.
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Unfortunately, Greg has entered hospice care in the Seattle area.  Our thoughts, prayers and appreciation go out to him.