James Vernon Newendorp

James Vernon Newendorp was born in Orange City and raised Alton. He graduated from Floyd Valley High School in 1960 and was married in June 1965. Newendorp attended the U.S. Air Force Academy and received a degree. He later earned a master’s degree in astronautics from Purdue University in 1966. From there he received pilot training in Reece, TX and was an instructor there for 3 years. On July 28, 1971 Newendorp spent two weeks in the Philippines for further training before being sent to Thailand where he was stationed at Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Academy. CAPT Newendorp died on October 1, 1971 when his F-4 Phantom jet crashed after being hit by hostile fire over South Vietnam. A memorial service was held at the Floyd Valley Community School gymnasium. His body was buried at USAF Academy Cemetery in Colorado Springs, CO. He left behind a wife and two young children.