Cmdr Guy Herbert Freeborn

Commander Guy Herbert Freeborn (USN retired) flew west on May 3rd, 2026, in Morristown, TN. He was born in Hart, Michigan on February 24th, 1935 to Guy C. Freeborn (a World War I US Navy veteran) and Katherine M. Freeborn (nee Kessler).

The Freeborn family were multi-generational farmers in Hart. Guy grew up working on his family’s farm and also working in a grocery store in Whitehall, enjoying summer breaks at nearby Pentwater and on Lake Michigan.

Guy graduated from Hart High School in 1953, and attended the University of Utah on a Navy ROTC scholarship. While at the University, he was a member of the Sigma Phi Epsilon fraternity. One memory of his days as a “Ute” was his fraternity getting the famous jazz musician Chet Baker to play a concert. Guy was a lifelong jazz fan and Chet Baker’s music always had a special place with him.

Guy was commissioned an ensign in June of 1959 and began flight training at Pensacola Naval Air Station, Florida. After completing flight school, he was assigned to fighters, his first being the McDonnell F3H “Demon”. During a cruise aboard the USS Coral Sea, Guy had to eject from his Demon when he experienced oil failure in the single engine aircraft. After ejecting successfully, he got to spend several hours in the South China Sea “contemplating his situation” as he recalled before a US Navy destroyer picked him up. He would later go on to fly the F-8 Crusader and the F-4 Phantom.

While flying combat missions from the USS Constellation over Vietnam on August 10th, 1967, then Lieutenant Freeborn and his RIO Lieutenant Junior Grade Bob Elliott shot down a MiG-21 over North Vietnam.

Guy would complete 201 combat missions over Vietnam over two tours, be awarded the Silver Star, Distinguished Flying Cross, Bronze Star, Air Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, and more. He retired from the Navy in 1980 having served as Commanding Officer (Renegade 1) of a Fighter Squadron (VF-202) at Naval Air Station Dallas.

After his Navy service, Guy retired to Rancho Santa Fe, California and had a successful career in commercial real estate. He continued to serve the military community in many ways. He was a prominent member of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilot’s Association in support of families of aircrew members who were missing in combat or killed in the line of duty. Guy was voted “Rat of the Year” and later elected to lead the national organization.

Guy also supported the Wounded Warrior Project and worked on behalf of injured Navy seals in the San Diego area.

Guy was instrumental in the planning and fund raising to bring the USS Midway to San Diego in 2004 where it was converted into a museum and event center. In the museum’s early days, the F-4 Phantom on the ship’s deck had Guy’s name on the canopy. The USS Midway museum has had over 20 million visitors since opening.

Guy is survived by a daughter, Colonel Tami F. Turner (USAF retired) and her husband Colonel Jim Turner (USAF retired), granddaughters Rachael and Ella Turner, and great-grandson Venus Arragon-Turner, all of Morristown, TN, a son Travis Freeborn and his wife Jessica of Solana Beach, CA, a sister, JoAnne Mack and her husband Terry of Pentwater, MI, a brother, Lt Col Robert Freeborn (USAF retired) and his wife Suzanne of Tacoma, WA.

Graveside services with full military honors will be at the Elbridge Township Cemetery in Hart, Michigan where generations of Guy’s ancestors rest.

In lieu of flowers, Guy’s family suggests a charitable bequest to any organization benefiting military members and their families.

Beacon Cremation & Funeral Service, King-Hart Chapel, is in charge of local arrangements.

www.beaconfh.com

Obituary lovingly provided by the Freeborn family