Robert Aitken “Bob” Rushworth (October 9, 1924 – March 18, 1993[1]) was an American United States Air Force major general, World War II, Korean War and Vietnam War pilot, mechanical and aeronautical engineer, test pilot and Astronaut. He was...
Read MoreCapt Humberto Hernandez graduated from Mesa High School in 1960. On August 15, 1969, he was taking off from Bien Hoa AB when his F-100 crashed.
Gilbert Gonzalez on the WallofFaces.org remembers “I had the pleasure of saluting Capt. Hernandez the day before his tragic accident. I remember he had a great smile as we saluted each other. I was performing guard duty at a Red Horse construction site over looking the runway at Bien Hoa Viet Nam. I heard a loud bang and I noticed an F-100 taking off on the runway.
I also watched as it turned sideways as it was going down. I saw the pilot eject and hit the ground. All the emergency vehicles went to where the plane crashed but could not get too close because of the ammunition exploding. I don’t think that anyone new that he ejected because everyone was going toward the crash site. I did not know it was Capt. Hernandez until the next day. I will never forget that day and I will never forget Capt. Hernandez or his great smile.”
Beto Hernandez had a large and loving family who still post on the WallofFaces.org to honor him. He is buried at the City of Mesa Cemetery, Mesa, AZ and is honored on Panel 19W, Row 42 of the Vietnam Veterans Memorial.
To see a video honoring Capt Hernandez go to In Memory of Humberto Robles Hernandez Vietnam War Pilot – YouTube
Sources: WallofFaces; Honorstates.org;
Units Assigned
- 1965 Laughlin AFB, TX – Received Air Force Pilot’s Wings
- SAC, Minot AFB, ND (B-52)
- 1969 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron/3rd Tactical Fighter Wing/ 7th Air Force Bien Hoa AB, Vietnam (F-100)
Awards & Decorations

Air Medal

National Defense Service Medal

Vietnam Campaign Medal

Vietnam Service Medal

Air Force Presidential Unit Citation

Vietnam Gallantry Cross

Air Force Good Conduct Medal

United States Aviator Badge Air Force
Flight Info
T-38
B-52
F-100
Military & Civilian Education
Civilian Education:
- 1960 Mesa High School, AZ