PHOUC LONG, SOUTH VIETNAM










Loss Coordinates: 114856N 1071107E
Status in 1973 - Missing in Action





This crew was one of two UH1C helicopters while on a combat mission.
Due to inclement weather and poor visability, the mission was aborted. During the return flight, the two aircraft became seperated while attempting to return to the Song Be airstrip. One aircraft crashed into the trees and crew members were extracted the following morning. Radio contact was lost with this aircraft after the last contact at 2025 hours on August 1. At that time, the aircraft commander indicated that he was diverting to Bien Hoa Airbase.

When the aircraft failed to arrive at Bien Hoa or Song Be, search efforts were begun at daylight, and continued for three days. On August 6, wreckage of the helicopter was discovered. On August 21 a recovery effort was conducted in the area of the aircraft and it was determined that the helicopter had crashed but not burned. During the recovery effort, portions of remains were found that were associated with CWO Fernan, along with some of his personal effects. Only flight helmets were found for the other three men. No trace was found of the other three in subsequent searches.

In 1985, a private citizen obtained a previously classified document through the Freedom of Information Act which described in great detail a prisoner of war camp in South Vietnam. Together with the drawings and maps of the compound were lists of guards and their backgrounds, and a list of Americans the source had positively identified from photographs. On the list of positive ID's was the name of Steven Hastings. Returned POWS have verified the accuracy of the drawings and much of the information. (some in the positive list were POWS who returned in 1973)

The Government has accused the witness of being a liar.

What do you think?






Operation Just Cause

MAD DOGS, GREYHOUNDS, AND KENNEL KEEPERS