Upon graduating from the U.S. Air Force Academy, Ronald G. Bliss became a fighter pilot during the Vietnam War. After flying 35 missions, his F-105 Thunderchief was shot down and he was taken prisoner. He was tortured by his captors for six and a half years. But Bliss and his fellow prisoners, who adopted the motto “Return with Honor,” vowed to remain loyal to their country and each other. He was honored for his bravery after his release in 1973. He subsequently became a prominent attorney in Houston, Texas.