There are still 48 of the 1,578 veterans of the Vietnam War still unreturned are from Michigan;

Here are 2 of them that went missing in January.

Captain Robert John Welch, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Detroit, Michigan.
He was the pilot and served with the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.
On January 16, 1967, a R-F4C Phantom II with a crew of two departed on a reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam.
The Phantom was hit by a surface-to air-missile and crashed. The pilot ejected,
was then captured and imprisoned and eventually returned to U.S. control.

First Lieutenant Fredrick Joseph Wozniak, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Alpena, Michigan.
He served with the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron.
On January 17, 1967, RF-4C Phantom II with a crew of two departed Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base on a
photo reconnaissance mission of a target in North Vietnam.
The Phantom did not return after its fuel should have been exhausted.
The search was unsuccessful, and the crew members were declared missing in action.

Here are 7 of them that went missing in February.

Warrant Officer 1 James Lee Paul, who joined the U.S. Army from Riverview, Michigan.
He was the copilot of this Cobra and he was lost with the aircraft.
On February 5, 1971, an AH-1G Cobra with two crew members took part in an extraction mission near Khe Sanh, in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam.
Shortly after the start of the mission, the Cobra entered heavy cloud cover. While climbing to escape the cloud, the aircraft impacted a mountainside.
The remains of the Cobra�s pilot; however, the copilot�s remains could not be located or identified.

Specialist 4 Wade Lawrence Groth, who joined the U.S. Army from Greenville, Michigan.
Was a member of the 50th Medical Detachment, 43rd Medical Group, 44th Medical Brigade.
On February 12, 1968, a UH-1H Iroquois carrying four crew members took off from Ban Me Thuot, South Vietnam, on a nighttime emergency
medical evacuation mission to Gia Nghia Special Forces Camp.
The aircraft failed to reach its destination, all four of the aircraft�s crew members remain unaccounted for.

Lieutenant Robert Clarence Marvin, who joined the U.S. Navy from Dexter, Michigan.
He served with Attack Squadron 115 embarked aboard the USS Hancock (CVA 19).
On February 14, 1967, LT Marvin piloted a single-seat A1-H that launched from the Hancock on a combat mission over North Vietnam.
Ten minutes later, he radioed that he was losing oil pressure and would return to the ship.
This was the last communication from LT Marvin, and he was not seen or heard from again.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Marvin Maurice Leonard, who joined the U.S. Army from Grand Rapids, Michigan.
He was a pilot of Company C, 159th Aviation Battalion, 101st Airborne Division.
On February 15, 1971, a CH-47C Chinook carrying five crew members and one passenger, took part in a combat support resupply mission over Laos.
During the flight, "Regard 25" caught fire, exploded, and crashed near the Pon River in Savannakhet Province, Laos.
The remains of the aircraft commander and pilot were not recovered.

Lieutenant Commander Rodney Max Chapman, who joined the U.S. Navy from Alpena, Michigan.
He was the pilot of Heavy Attack Squadron 10, embarked aboard the Coral Sea.
On February 18, 1969, a KA-3B Skywarrior with a crew of three took off from the USS Coral Sea on a tanker mission over the
Gulf of Tonkin. While on its return approach to the Coral Sea.
The plane went down and was lost with the aircraft. His remains were not recovered following the incident.

Aviation Structural Mechanic First Class Stanley Milton Jerome, who joined the U.S. Navy from Detroit, Michigan.
He was a member of Heavy Attack Squadron 10, embarked aboard the Coral Sea.
On February 18, 1969, a KA-3B Skywarrior with a crew of three took off from the USS Coral Sea on a tanker mission over the Gulf of Tonkin.
While on its return approach to the Coral Sea, the Skywarrior crashed into the water.
An extensive search of the area found no sign of the aircraft or its crew.

Specialist 4 Arthur Wright entered the U.S. Army from Lansing, Michigan.
He and served in Battery A, 1st Battalion, 44th Artillery Group.
On February 21, 1967, he was manning a listening post at the gate of a U.S. Marine Corps combat base in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam,
with two other soldiers. During his shift, with his two companions were going out to check the perimeter wire and did not return.
Subsequent searches for him or his remains were unsuccessful.

Here are 6 of them that went missing in March.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Donald Joseph Woloszyk joined the U.S. Navy from Alpena, Michigan.
Woloszyk served with Attack Squadron 55.

On March 1, 1966, he was the pilot of an A-4E Skyhawk when it launched from the USS Ranger as second in a flight of four aircraft
on an armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam.
He failed to arrive at a prearranged rendezvous point and was reported missing.
Extensive aerial searches were conducted but a crash site was not found.

Specialist Five Michael Frederick May, who joined the U.S. Army from Vassar, Michigan.
May served with the 5th Special Forces Group.

On March 2, 1969, eleven members of a U.S. Army reconnaissance team embarked on a combat mission in Cambodia.
They departed the landing zone and approached their objective, but enemy forces ambushed them.
The team members were unable to evacuate the two dead Soldiers when it was overrun by the enemy.

Specialist Four Craig Mitchell Dix, who joined the U.S. Army from Livonia, Michigan.
Dix served with the 128th Assault Helicopter Company.

On March 17, 1971, a UH-1 Iroquois with a crew of four on a combat mission in Cambodia was shot down by enemy ground fire.
Search and rescue missions attempted to reach the crash site but was driven off by enemy fire and the search was finally called off.
No further attempts to locate him or his remains have been unsuccessful.

Sergeant Harry Medford Beckwith III entered the U.S. Army from Flint, Michigan.
He served in Troop D, 3rd Squadron, 5th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Brigade, 5th Infantry Division.

On March 24, 1971, he was a crew member on an OH-58A Kiowa that crashed at after being hit by enemy fire shortly
after departing for command post at Ham Nhi, South Vietnam.
SGT Beckwith's remains were seen falling out of the rescue helicopter, but it could not be located and he is still unaccounted for.

Private First Class Richard Dean Roberts entered the U.S. Army from Lansing, Michigan.
Roberts served with Company B, 1st Battalion, 8th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division.

On March 25, 1969, three members of the 4th Infantry Division were conducting a road interdiction mission
in Kontum Province, South Vietnam.
Their unit came in contact with an enemy force, searched by a reconnaissance team found personal items belonging to two of the missing men,
but no signs of the men were located.

Corporal Larry Edward Green, who joined the U.S. Marine Corps from Mt. Morris, Michigan.
Green served with Marine Medium Helicopter Squadron 363 1st Marine Air Wing.

On March 26, 1968, a UH-34D was the wingman aircraft in a flight of two on an emergency medical evacuation
mission from Hue-Phu Bai to Da Nang, South Vietnam.
During the flight, this Choctaw's pilot lost sight of the lead aircraft due to weather conditions,
and the helicopter nose-dived into the water.
Search unable to locate the other two crew members or the three passengers.

Here are 5 of them that went missing in April.

Lieutenant Junior Grade (LTJG) William Leslie Tromp, who joined the U.S. Navy from Fennville Michigan.
Trompwas a member of Attack Squadron 115. On April 17, 1966, he piloted a single-seat A-1H that launched from the USS Kitty Hawk
as the second of two aircraft on a night coastal armed reconnaissance mission over enemy targets in North Vietnam.
After delivering their ordnance to the target, located at the mouth of a river southeast of Ha Tinh,
the flight leader then radioed LTJG Tromp but his transmission was cut short. He made no further contact and was not seen again,
and searches of the area found no sign of LTJG Tromp or his aircraft.

Specialist 5 Michael John Wallace, who entered the U.S. Army from Ann Arbor Michigan.
Wallace served with Company B of the 228th Aviation Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. On April 19, 1968, was one of the two crew men
who jumped out of this helicopter before it crashed. The CH-47 Chinook was on a resupply mission in the A Shau Valley area, South Vietnam,
was approaching its landing zone when it was struck by enemy machine gun and anti-aircraft artillery fire.
Following the incident, his remains unaccounted for.

Lieutenant Commander Ellis Ernest Austin, who entered the U.S. Navy from Vermontville Michigan.
Austin served with Attack Squadron 85. He was the bombardier/navigator aboard this Intruder at the time of its loss.
On April 21, 1966, an A-6A Intruder with two crew members took part in a two-plane night attack mission against an enemy supply
and barracks area on the coast of North Vietnam.
During the mission, the wingman observed a bright flash from the direction of this Intruder.
The wingman then lost contact with this aircraft and it disappeared from friendly radar tracking.
Search and rescue efforts were unable to locate this Intruder or either of its crew members and remains unaccounted-for.

First Lieutenant Gregory John Crossman, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Sturgis Michigan.
Crossman was a member of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron. On April 25, 1968, an F-4D Phantom II with two crew members took off
as the number two aircraft in a two-plane night armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam.
While proceeding to targets in the Xuan Son Ferry area, the aircraft commander aboard the Phantom radioed to the flight leader
on the mission that he would attack a truck convoy that he had spotted south of the Song Troc River.
The flight leader then lost sight of the Phantom, and did not see the aircraft again and his remains have not been recovered.

Captain Warren Leroy Anderson, who entered the U.S. Air Force from Camden Michigan.
Anderson was a member of the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. He was the aircraft commander aboard the Phantom when it went missing. On April 26, 1966, an RF-4C Phantom II carrying two crew members took off on a photographic reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam.
As expected, radar contact with the Phantom was lost as it moved toward its target; however, contact was not reestablished with the crew,
and the aircraft failed to return from its mission.
Search teams found no sign of the missing Phantom or its crew members. His remains have not been recovered.

Here are 0 of them that went missing in May.

Here are 4 of them that went missing in June.

Captain Bruce Gardner Johnson entered the U.S. Army from Harbor Beach Michigan.
Johnson was a member of Detachment SD5891, Headquarters, Military Assistance Command, Vietnam.
On June 10, 1965, he was a passenger from Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Saigon on board the UH-1B when it crashed,
and his remains were not recovered. Because of enemy activity in the area, a search and rescue mission could not be conducted.
The four crew members and three passengers remain unaccounted for.

Lance Corporal James Willard Kooi, who joined the U.S. Marine Corps from Fruitport Michigan.
On June 11, 1967, a CH-46 Sea Knight took off as lead helicopter in a flight of four on an insertion mission to land
a patrol of Marines in hostile territory north of Cam Lo, Quang Tri Province.
Twelve miles west of Dong Ha, Quang Tri Province, the CH-46 took enemy small arms fire while at low altitude,
causing it to crash and burn, and his remains could not be immediately recovered.

Sergeant James Raymond Nelson, who joined the U.S. Army from Ludington Michigan.
Nelson served with Company C, 227th Aviation Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. On June 11, 1967, a UH-1D Iroquois carrying three crew members
and two passengers departed Landing Zone Uplift for Qui Nhon Air Field on an operational mission over South Vietnam.
The helicopter encountered bad weather, and radioed for assistance in determining his position when it disappeared,
and his remains were not recovered.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Thomas Frederick Riggs, who joined the U.S. Army from Farmington Michigan.
Riggs served with Company C, 227th Aviation Battalion, 1st Cavalry Division. On June 11, 1967, a UH-1D Iroquois carrying three crew members
and two passengers departed Landing Zone Uplift for Qui Nhon Air Field on an operational mission over South Vietnam.
The helicopter encountered bad weather, and radioed for assistance in determining his position.
He was the pilot of the Iroquois when it disappeared, and his remains were not recovered.

Here are 3 of them that went missing in July.

Private First Class Earl Francis Seablom, who joined the U.S. Army from Ishpeming Michigan,
was a member of Company D, 34th Engineer Construction Battalion, 79th Engineer Group, 20th Engineer Brigade. On July 18, 1968, he was taking part in a road mine clearing mission in Binh Duong Province, South Vietnam. During the clearing, PFC Seablom stepped on a mine, causing it to explode. He was killed instantly, and the nature of his loss made the recovery of his remains impossible.

Lieutenant Commander David Scott Greiling entered the U.S. Navy from Hillsdale Michigan,
On July 24, 1968, he piloted a single-seat A-7A Crusader (bureau number 153253, call sign "Street Car 302") as the leader in a flight of two aircraft on a night combat mission over enemy targets in North Vietnam. While over the target area, LCDR Greiling radioed that he was rolling in to make a run on the target. Shortly thereafter, his wingman observed a large explosion over the target area, after which he was unable to establish radio contact with LCDR Greiling. The wingman made his pass on the target, then searched for LCDR Greiling but could not locate him.

First Lieutenant Jeremy Michael Jarvis, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Warren Michigan.
On July 25, 1967, an F-4C Phantom II (call sign "Maverick 01") with two crew members was the lead aircraft in a flight of two on a nighttime armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. While flying along the coast en route to the target area, the aircraft commander reported that he saw a fireball in the water about a mile off the coast and lost contact with "Maverick 01". He saw no parachutes, and detected no rescue beeper signals.

Here are 1 of them that went missing in August.

Specialist Richard Michael Allard, who entered the U.S. Army from Chesaning Michigan,
He was a member with the 119th Aviation Company, 52nd Aviation Battalion. On August 24, 1967, a UH-1H Iroquois (tail number 66-12526) with four crew members and carrying five passengers took off from Polei Kleng, in Kontum Province, South Vietnam, on a combat support liaison mission to Plei Krong, South Vietnam. The pilot elected to fly at low level along the Krong Bo Lah River. While conducting a 180-degree turn, the aircraft failed to recover and crashed into approximately 10 feet of water in the river, and remains unaccounted for.

Here are 0 of them that went missing in September.

Here are 9 of them that went missing in October.

First Lieutenant (1st Lt) Martin John Massucci, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Royal Oak, Michigan.
He served with the 43rd Tactical Fighter Wing. On October 1, 1965, he was the pilot of the Phantom when it crashed,
and his remains have not been recovered.

Captain Kenneth Earl Walker entered the U.S. Air Force from Lansing, Michigan.
He served in the 1st Air Commando Squadron. On October 2, 1964, on his fourth pass over the target, other pilots on the mission noticed
Capt Walker's aircraft in a dive that would have been too steep for napalm delivery. His Skyraider was then witnessed to
crash into the water and flip over, sinking immediately.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Bruce Edward Boltze, who joined the U.S. Marine Corps from Flint, Michigan.
He served with Sub Unit 1, 1st Air Naval Gunfire Liaison Company. On October 6, 1972, He was the observer aboard the
Bronco when it disappeared, and his remains were not recovered.

Technical Sergeant Robert La Verne Hill, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Detroit, Michigan.
On October 18, 1966, he was a member of the 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron. He was the flight mechanic aboard
the Albatross when it went missing, and was lost with the aircraft.

Lieutenant Junior Grade John Bowers Worcester, who joined the U.S. Navy from Big Rapids, Michigan.
On October 19, 1965, he piloted a single-seat A-4C Skyhawk on a two-plane night armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. Afterward, all contact with LTJG Worcester was lost, and he failed to appear for the next scheduled check-in.

First Lieutenant James Arthur McEwen, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Pennsylvania (family in Southeast Michigan).
He was a member of the 9th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. On October 22, 1965, he was a crew member aboard "Sabre 55"
when it went down and he was lost with the aircraft.

Major George Edward Tyler, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Royal Oak, Michigan.
He was a member of the 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing. On October 24, 1968, he was the
aircraft commander aboard the F-4D when it went down. He was unable to bail out and was lost with the aircraft.

Captain William Harry Stroven, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Fremont, Michigan.
He served with the 11th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. On the night of October 28, 1968
he was the aircraft commander of the Phantom when it disappeared, and his remains have not been recovered.

Private First Class (PFC) Dennis Lee Gauthier, who joined the U.S. Army from Rochester, Michigan.
He was a member of Company C of the 3rd Battalion, 12th Infantry Regiment, 4th Infantry Division. On October 31, 1969, his company was ambushed by enemy forces near Pleiku, South Vietnam. While moving into position, the platoon encountered enemy forces,
and PFC Gauthier was hit during the ensuing firefight and unable to locate him or his remains.

Here are 4 of them that went missing in November.

First Lieutenant Patrick Henry Carroll Jr. entered the U.S. Air Force from Berkley, Michigan.
He was a member of the 355th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 31st Tactical Fighter Wing.
On November 2, 1969, an F-100F Super Sabre took off from Tuy Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam for a mission.
The last radio transmission he was running out of fuel over Attapeu Province, the aircraft remain unaccounted for.

Sergeant First Class James Robert Klimo, who entered the U.S. Army from Muskegon Michigan,
He served with the 281st Aviation Company, 17th Aviation Group.
On November 4, 1969, a UH-1H Iroquois took off from South Vietnam on a nighttime flight to South Vietnam.
An emergency distress message from the crew due to poor weather conditions, was no further contact
Search efforts were conducted for six consecutive days, but nothing was found.

Lieutenant Joseph Russell Klugg, who joined the U.S. Navy from Okemos Michigan.
He was a member of Light Photographic Squadron 63, embarked aboard the USS Oriskany.
On November 14, 1970, he was the pilot of a single-seat RF-8G Crusader.
During the catapult launch from the carrier, a malfunction occurred, causing the aircraft to skid off the deck and crash into the water.
Rescue teams searched the wreckage, but were unable to find LT Klugg's remains.

Staff Sergeant Gene Paul Stuifbergen entered the U.S. Air Force from Augusta, Michigan.
He served in the 20th Special Operations Squadron.
On November 27, 1968, with four crew members was on a combat mission in Cambodia, west of Du Co, South Vietnam. During the mission,
the helicopter was in a hover about ten feet above a landing zone when it was hit by enemy ground fire causing it to crash and during the crash,
his body became pinned under the aircraft as it caught fire.
He was the only crew member lost during the incident.

Here are 3 of them that went missing in December.

Staff Sergeant Douglas Vincent Dailey, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Waterford Michigan.
He was a member with the 606th Special Operations Squadron, 56th Special Operations Wing.
On December 13, 1968, a C-123K Provider with a crew of seven left Nakhon Phanom Air Base, Thailand, for a mission over Savannakhet Province, Laos.
The crews of other aircraft in the area saw a large fireball that seemed to break up into three smaller fireballs and crash,
the remains were found or recovered.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Gerald Allan Holman, who joined the U.S. Navy from Northville Michigan.
He was the pilot with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 12 aboard the Franklin Roosevelt.
On December 14, 1966, an E-1B Tracer with a crew of five returning to the aircraft carrier USS Franklin Roosevelt from a combat mission
experienced engine difficulties over the South China Sea.
Rescuers from the ship located two crew members; the other three could not be recovered.

Chief Warrant Officer 2 Otha Lee Perry entered the U.S. Army from Detroit Michigan.
He served in Combat Assault Company, 165th Aviation Group, 1st Aviation Brigade.
On December 14, 1971, a U-21A aircraft with two crew members and four passengers took off from Phu Bai, Republic of (South) Vietnam
on a mission to Da Nang. During the flight, the aircraft experienced an in-flight emergency,
and the pilot radioed that he had lost an engine and had a fire.
They immediately launched search and rescue but failed to locate any of the crew or its passengers.

Vietnam War Accounted for

Vietnam War Unaccounted for

"Prisoners of War-Missing inaction"

�If you are able, save for them a place inside of you
and save one backward glance when you are leaving
for the places they can no longer go.
Be not ashamed to say you loved them,
though you may or may not have always.

Take what they have left and what they have taught you
with their dying and keep it with your own.

And in that time when men decide and feel safe to call the war insane,
take one moment to embrace those gentle heroes you left behind.�

Major Michael O�Donnell,

January 1, 1970 Dak To, Vietnam

NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES OF AMERICAN PRISONERS AND MISSING IN SOUTHEAST ASIA

AMERICANS ACCOUNTED FOR: In mid-October and again more recently, DPAA posted changes to the list of Vietnam War missing and unaccounted-for US personnel, now numbering 1,589. For various reasons, including wishes of the family, DoD announcements are often delayed far beyond the ID dates and sometimes not even made. The number of Americans now listed by DoD as returned and identified since the end of the Vietnam War in 1975 is 961. Another 63 US personnel, recovered by the US and identified before the end of the war, bring the total of US personnel accounted for from the Vietnam War to 1,024. Of the 1,624 still missing and unaccounted-for, 90% were lost in Vietnam or in areas of Cambodia and Laos under Vietnam�s wartime control: Vietnam-1,266 (VN-467, VS-799); Laos-302; Cambodia-49; PRC territorial waters-7. These country-specific numbers can and do fluctuate when investigations result in changes to locations of loss. Since formation in 1970, the League has sought the return of all POWs, the fullest possible accounting for those still missing, and repatriation of all recoverable remains.

REPATRIATION OF REMAINS: On December 12th, remains believed to be those of four US personnel missing and unaccounted-for since the Vietnam War were honored in a repatriation ceremony at Noi Bai International Airport in Hanoi. Turned in unilaterally by civilian Vietnamese and recovered during the 121st period of Joint Field Activities in Vietnam, the four remains were reviewed by Vietnamese and American forensic specialists who determined the potential for being identified as US personnel. Our Ambassador to Vietnam Ted Osius was joined by specialists from DPAA�s Detachment 2 and the Vietnam Office for Seeking Missing Persons (VNOSMP) in honoring those repatriated. In remarks, Ambassador Osius reportedly expressed gratitude for the goodwill and increasingly efficient and effective cooperation being afforded by the Government of Vietnam. The League extends sincere appreciation to all � American and Vietnamese � whose authorization, policy and operational support and/or participation contributed to this repatriation and looks forward to further expanding the level of effort that can lead to increased accounting results.

DPAA DIRECTOR VISITS CAMBODIA, LAOS & VIETNAM: DPAA Director Mike Linnington recently returned from his first trip to the three most directly engaged Vietnam War countries. He first briefly visited Cambodia, then made official calls in Vientiane, Laos, and flew by helicopter to visit DPAA and Lao personnel conducting field operations. He returned to Vientiane before going on to Hanoi to meet with senior officials there. On December 5th, Mr. Linnington briefed the Board of Directors on this important, introductory visit that came at a time of ever-increasing bilateral political, economic and military-to-military cooperation. He also visited DPAA and Vietnamese teams conducting field operations in Vietnam before flying back to the US, arriving in time for a DPAA-hosted Family Update in Portland, ME, on November 14th. More will be provided when available.

MORE GOOD NEWS: DPAA Director Linnington has decided to invite representatives of responsible national Veteran organizations to attend and observe briefings at DPAA-hosted POW/MIA Family Updates around the country. The League deeply appreciates this return to including our Veterans in these meetings. Though often general in content, the briefings given are firsthand and provided by responsible US officials. Since DPAA is stressing the importance of outreach and transparency, DPAA-hosted Updates provide an opportunity for both.

GENERAL FOGLESONG VISITS MOSCOW: US Chairman of the US-Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIA Affairs General Robert H. �Doc� Foglesong, USAF (Ret) traveled to Moscow to meet on November 9th with the Russian Co-Chairman, General Colonel Valery Aleksandrovich Vostrotin. The two Co-Chairs outlined their hope for renewing and restoring the work of the USRJC and noted the importance of the new Russian Office of the USRJC located in the Embassy of the Russian Federation. This important office was opened in July of this year and is headed by Maxim N. Alekseev, an impressive Russian official with a diverse background and record of experience. The League welcomes this new initiative and looks forward to working with Mr. Alekseev and senior Russian officials in Moscow. It is past time to press forward and end the seemingly endless delays.

ACCOUNTING RESULTS: Although the pace of joint field recoveries and investigations related to the Vietnam War has resumed to a higher level, the Vietnamese, in particular, have repeatedly called for increasing the pace and scope of such operations, in fact since 2009. In fact the political climate, regionally and bilaterally with Vietnam, lends itself to expanding cooperation across the board. Contact your elected officials and ensure they understand that there must be full funding, with increases as needed, including qualified personnel, for the new Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA).

Empty chair honors U.S. military veterans missing inaction.

The black chair will forever remain empty,

a silent testament to the thousands of American war veterans still considered missing in action.

*Chairs come in all type and sizes, but Have one thing in Common "Honor"

The POW/MIA "National Chair of Honor� was unveiled.

At Philadelphia City Hall on Monday, Mayor Jim Kenney, second from right,
helped install the POW/MIA National Chair of Honor.

Kent County DE Administration Building unveiled their POW-MIA National Chair of Honor.

Cardinal O'Hara High School POW-MIA National Chair of Honor.

POW/MIA Chair, the first permanent emplacement of its kind in California.

City of Thousand Oaks POW/MIA Chair.

POW/MIA Chair at Papa John Stadium.

NATIONAL POW/MIA POSTERS OVER THE YEARS

2023

2017 2018 2019 2020 2021 2022

2016 2015 2014 2013 2012 2011

2010 2009 2008 2007 2006 2005

2004 2003 2002 2001 2000 1999

POW's Prayer
By Jean Ray and L. Vancil

Father,
Your own Son was a prisoner.
Condemned, he died for us.
Victorious, He returned to bring us the gift of life everlasting.
Comfort us now in our longing for the return of the Prisoners Of War and those Missing In Action.

Help Us Father;
Inspire us to remove the obstacles.
Give courage to those who know the truth to speak out.
Grant wisdom to the negotiators, and compassion to the jailors.
Inspire the media to speak out as loudly as they have in the past.
Protect those who seek in secret and help them to succeed.
Show us the tools to do Your will.
Guard and bless those in captivity, their families, and those who work for their release.
Let them come home soon.

Thank you Father.
Amen.

History of the League's POW/MIA Flag

The POW/MIA Flag

Prisoners of War, soldiers captured by enemy soldiers during times of war, are casualties that can all too often be easy to forget. You can't ignore the image of crosses lined in neat rows at Arlington, and other National cemeteries, that remind us of the high cost of freedom. In any gathering of veterans, the scars of war wounds and evidence of missing limbs quickly reminds us of the sacrifice of those who have fought for freedom. It is impossible to forget those Killed in Action (KIA) or Wounded In Action (WIA) because the evidence of their sacrifice is ever before us.

Sadly, the same can not be said for those who are Missing In Action or who may have been taken prisoner by the enemy and never repatriated. Since World War I more than 200,000 Americans have been listed as Prisoners of War or Missing in Action. Less than half of them were returned at the end of hostilities, leaving more than 125,000 American servicemen Missing In Action since the beginning of World War I.

During the 14-years of American involvement in Southeast Asia, and specifically the Vietnam War, more than 2,500 Americans were captured or listed as missing in action. The politics of our Nation's most unpopular war could have eclipsed the fate of these dedicated soldiers, were it not for the NATIONAL LEAGUE OF FAMILIES. As the spouses, children, parents and other family members of soldiers missing in Southeast Asia banded together to keep the plight of their loved ones before the American conscience, the organization grew in strength and influence that reached all the way into the White House. Through the League the missing and the imprisoned servicemen had a voice, but by 1971 something more was needed. Mrs. Michael Hoff, whose husband was among the missing, believed that what the cause lacked was a standard....a flag to remind more fortunate families of those who were still unaccounted for.

It was during this period of time that the People's Republic of China was admitted to the United Nations. Annin & Company was one of the largest manufacturers of flags in the world, and made it their policy to provide flags for each member of that organization. One day, while reading an article in the Jacksonville, Florida Times-Union about this matter, Mrs. Hoff decided to contact Annin's Vice President Norman Rivkees about providing a flag for soldiers captured or missing. Mr. Rivkees quickly adopted the idea, and turned to one of their advertising agencies to consider drafting a design.

Newt Heisley

Newt Heisley was a pilot during World War II, a dangerous role that accounts for many war-time POWs and MIAs. Years after the war he had come to New York looking for work. "It took me four days to find a bad job at low pay," he later said of his introduction to "Big Apple" advertising agencies. But, by working hard, by 1971 he had gradually moved upward in the industry, eventually working for an agency with many nation pow_newt1.jpg (20111 bytes) al accounts.

As a veteran, the call for a flag designed to raise awareness of our Nation's POW/MIAs was a personal challenge. It was even more challenging when he considered that his oldest son Jeffrey was, during these Vietnam War years, training for combat with the United States Marines at Quantico, Virginia. As he pondered this new challenge a series of events set in motion the ideas that would create a flag unlike anything since the days of Betsy Ross. First, Jeffery became very ill while training for combat. The illness, diagnosed as hepatitis, ravaged his body emaciating his face and structure. When he returned home, medically discharged and unable to continue further, his father looked in horror at what had once been a strong, young man. Then, as Newt Heisley looked closer at his son's gaunt features, he began to imagine what life must be like for those behind barbed wire fences on foreign shores. Slowly he began to sketch the profile of his son, working in pencil to create a black and white silhouette, as the new flag's design was created in his mind. Barbed wire, a tower, and most prominently the visage of a gaunt young man became the initial proposal.

Newt Heisley's black and white pencil sketch was one of several designs considered for the new POW/MIA flag. Newt planned, should his design be accepted, to add color at a later date...perhaps a deep purple and white. "In the advertising industry, you do everything in black and white first, then add the color," he says. Mr. Heisley's proposal for the new flag was unique. Rarely does a flag prominently display the likeness of a person. None-the-less, it was the design featuring the gaunt silhouette of his son Jeffrey that was accepted and, before Mr. Heisly could return to refine his proposal and add the colors he had planned, the black and white flags were already being printed in quantity by Annon & Company. (Though the POW/MIA flag has been produced in other colors, often in red and white, the black and white design became the most commonly used version.)

The design for the MIA/POW flag was never copyrighted. It became a flag that belongs to everyone, a design that hauntingly reminds us of those we dare not ever forget. Behind the black and white silhouette is a face we can't see...the face of a husband, a father, or a son who has paid with their freedom, for our freedom. Beneath the image are the words....

You Are Not Forgotten

Personal Note:

After years of deteriorating health, Heisley died at age 88 on May 14, 2009 in his home in Colorado Springs, a week before he had planned to marry his fiancee, Donna Allison. He was survived by two sons and a granddaughter. Heisley's first wife, Bunny, whom he had met while in college, died in 2005.

Newt Heisley (died May 14, 2009) but his family, including Jeffrey, live in Colorado Springs, Colorado. Few people know the story behind the flag he designed, which is well enough for Newt. What is important for Mr. Heisley is not that he had the rare opportunity to create something powerful and timeless....that in his own sense he is a modern "Betsy Ross". What is important to Newt is that the image he created years ago as the result of the tragedy that befell his own son, continue to remind us of the real tragedy faced daily by those who have served, been left behind, but are not forgotten.

POW/MIA FLag

On August 10, 1990, the 101st Congress passed U.S. Public Law 101-355, which recognized the League�s POW/MIA flag and designated it "as the symbol of our Nation�s concern and commitment to resolving as fully as possible the fates of Americans still prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia, thus ending the uncertainty for their families and the Nation".

The importance of the League�s POW/MIA flag lies in its continued visibility, a constant reminder of the plight of America�s POW/MIAs. Other than "Old Glory", the League�s POW/MIA flag is the only flag ever to fly over the White House, having been displayed in this place of honor on National POW/MIA Recognition Day since 1982. Passage by the 105th Congress of Section 1082 of the 1998 Defense Authorization Act requires that the League�s POW/MIA flag fly six days each year: Armed Forces Day, Memorial Day, Flag Day, Independence Day, National POW/MIA Recognition Day and Veterans Day. It must be displayed at the White House, the U.S. Capitol, the Departments of State, Defense and Veterans Affairs, headquarters of the Selective Service System, major military installations as designated by the Secretary of the Defense, all Federal cemeteries and all offices of the U.S. Postal Service. By law passed in 2002, it must fly year-round at the National Vietnam Veterans Memorial, the Korean War Veterans Memorial and the World War II Memorial.

RELATED ARTICLE

Evelyn Fowler Grubb was not well known by the general public when she died December 28th at her home in Melbourne, Fl at the age of 74.

In January 1966, Grubb's husband, Air Force Capt. Wilmer Newlin "Nerk" Grubb was shot down over North Vietnam.

Grubb became frustrated with trying to get information on her husband and learned other wives were also having difficulty getting information on their missing husbands.

The result was the formation of the National League of POW/MIA Families. In 1971 and 1972, she served as National Coordinator for the organization and played a part in creating the well - known POW/MIA "You Are Not Forgotten" black and white flag

Grubb demonstrated that one individual with passion and determination can make a difference. Thousands of families will forever be grateful for her efforts.

(Op-Ed Piece from the Stuart News, Stuart, Florida, a Scripps Howard Treasure Coast Newspaper)

Displaying the POW/MIA Flag

Prisoners of War and those Missing in Action come from EVERY STATE, thus the POW/MIA flag has precedence over state flags. The following guidelines should be followed in flying the POW/MIA flag:

If flying the flag from ONE FLAG POLE, the POW/MIA flag is flown directly below the National Colors.

If flying National, POW/MIA and State flags from TWO poles, the POW/MIA flag should be flown from the same pole as the National Colors, and beneath the American Flag, with the state flag flying from the pole to the left.

History of the Missing Man Table

The table is round - to show our everlasting concern for our men still missing.
The cloth is white - symbolizing the purity of their motives when answering the call to duty.
The single red rose, displayed in a vase, reminds us of the life of each of the missing, and their loved ones and friends who keep the faith, awaiting answers.
The vase is tied with a red ribbon, symbol of our continued determination to account for our missing.
A slice of lemon on the bread plate is to remind us of the bitter fate of those captured and missing in a foreign land.
A pinch of salt symbolizes the tears endured by those missing and their families who seek answers.
The Bible represents the strength gained through faith to sustain those lost from our country, founded as one nation under God.
The glass is inverted - to symbolize their inability to share this evening's toast.
The chairs are empty - they are missing.

Let us now raise our water glasses in a toast to honor
America's POW/MIA's and to the success of our efforts to account for them.

"THE SILVER ROSE"

My name is Gary Chenett and I am the National Director of The Order of The Silver Rose. I was referred to you by a Silver rose receipient

I would like to invite you to our website at http://silverrose.org . We are a Non Profit Tax Exempt Vets group that have been helping Vietnam Veterans since 1997.

We offer a gratis Silver Rose Medal and Award to all Vietnam Veterans sickened or killed by AO Dioxins, Our award can also be presented to the families of deceased Veterans. I am very proud to lead a group of over 60 Directors all across America in our simple bur important Mission ,

We are bringing Honors and Recognition to all of these sickened and deceased Heroes or to their families, also our Primary Mission is to try and make all Vietnam Veterans and Gulf War Veterans know that it is imperative that they have yearly full physicals with catscans when possible.

At this point the death toll for both Vietnam Veterans and Gulf War Veterans exceeds 400,000 each.

We would like you to consider working with us to spread the word that this simple yearly full physical can save lives by hopefully having these illnesses diagnosed in early stages before they become terminal.

We have awarded almost 2,400 Silver Rose Medals and Awards to these heroes and everyone in our group including myself all work as volunteers, We sustain the Silver Rose on donations from all of our supporters,

If you have further questions please feel free to email me or call at 810-714-2748, I am home almost always as I am a 100% disabled Combat Vietnam Veteran myself.

We also have the endorsement of the VVA, 9 States and thousands of individuals and many hundreds of individual Veterans Posts.

Again I would like to give you a call to really give you a feel for our Mission and what we are doing. We are the only group in America that offers a Gratis Medal recognizing the efforts of our Vietnam Heroes.

I must add we are not seeking money or donations . We at this point need your help in this life saving Mission .

Take Care , I sure hope we can chat soon at your convenience.

Gary Chenett

Joe Hosteen Kellwood, one of the Navajo code talkers during World War II, has died at age 95.

The Navajo Nation Council confirmed his death, hailing the services and sacrifices made by Navajo warriors.

Kellwood died Monday at the Veterans Hospital in Phoenix He served in the First Marine Division and fought during World War II in the Pacific front,
seeing battle in Cape Gloucester, Peleliu and Okinawa.

As a boy, Kellwood had been spanked in school for daring to speak Navajo.
But his language skills would later prove indispensable in US war efforts.

The Marines tweeted a video of Kellwood singing the Marines' hymn in Navajo and wrote: "Honor the fallen.
Yesterday, one of the last remaining Navajo code talkers passed away at 95 years old."

Kellwood worked as a Navajo code talker until the war ended in 1945. He was awarded the Congressional Silver Medal, Presidential Unit Citation, Combat Action Ribbon, Naval Unit Commendation, Good Conduct, American Campaign Medal, Asiatic-Pacific Campaign Medal and WWII Victory Medal, according to his obituary.

The Arizona governor called Kellwood a "hero and patriot."

"Kellwood served with distinction in the 1st Marine Division as a Navajo code talker, ultimately helping lead the allied forces to victory in World War II,
" Gov. Doug Ducey said in a statement. "Let us never forget the countless contributions that code talkers made to our state and our country."

NAVAJO CODE TALKERS MEMORIAL
ARIZONA STATE CAPITAL MALL

I had the Honor of setting down with these two Heroes and listening to their stories.
Sorry to say the "Late" Navajo Code Talkers Frank "Chee" Willeto Jr. and Keith Morrison Little.
R.I.P.

Keith M. Little
(1925-2012)

Keith Little served as a Navajo Code Talker with the US Marine Corps from

December of 1943 until after the war. He fought in numerous engagements of

WWII, including battles in the Marshall Islands, Sai Pan, and Iwo Jima.

Like most of the Navajo Code Talkers, he wasn't aware of the significance

of his contribution to the war effort until much later in life. It was

only then that he understood the importance of documenting their story for

posterity. In conversation about his hopes for the new museum, he speaks

with certitude of his desire to teach the younger generations of the

importance of striving for excellence and of serving above and beyond the

call of duty. Promoting a greater understanding of the Navajo culture,

traditions and way of life is a cause he also holds dear. When asked why

he chose to go to war, he answers simply: "[because] the Japanese made a

sneak attack on the US," adding that he wanted "to protect our people,

land and country." Recognition from the U.S. government and awareness of the Code Talkers
 � even within the Navajo community � has been slow to come. 

It wasn't until 2000 that the Congressional Gold Medal was bestowed
 on the survivors of the original 29 Code Talkers and Silver medals were given to the rest.

Famed Navajo Code Talker Passes Away

January 4, 2012

Frank "Chee" Willeto Jr.
(1924-2012)

Willeto was born on June 6, 1925 in Crownpoint, New Mexico and enlisted in the

U.S. Marines 6th Division in 1944. After completing Code Talker training

Willeto served in the Pacific Theater in Saipan and Okinawa. Following World

War II, he returned to the Navajo Nation where he worked with the Bureau of

Indian Affairs roads department from 1946 to 1974 according to the release. He

was then elected as a tribal councilman in 1974, serving in that capacity until

1986 when he was elected president of the Pueblo Pintado Chapter. His vice

presidency was under the Milton Bluehouse administration. He also sat on many

boards and was a Navajo Nation Supreme Court Justice.

Willeto received the Congressional Silver Medal in 2001 for his service as a

Navajo Code Talker.

Famed Navajo Code Talker Passes Away

June 27, 2012

The Last of the Original Navajo Code Talkers has Died.

Alfred K. Newman, was born 1925 in Rehoboth, N.M.- died January 14, 2019
the last of the original Navajo Code Talkers, has died in New Mexico at age 94.

Newman was among hundreds of Navajos who served in the Marine Corps, using a code based on their native language to outsmart the Japanese in World War II.
During World War II, Newman served from 1943-45 in the 1st Battalion, 21st Marine Regiment and 3rd Marine Division
and saw duty at Bougainville Island, Guam, Iwo Jima, Kwajalein Atoll, Enewetak Atoll, New Georgia and New Caledonia.
Newman is survived by his wife of 69 years, Betsy. They had five children, 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Newman was among 400 Navajos who helped defeat the Japanese during World War II by developing an unbreakable code for military transmissions using the Dine language.
The Code Talkers have been celebrated in books, movies and poems for their vital role in the war, their courage in combat and the unusual encryption system that stymied enemy intelligence.
Navajo Code Talker Alfred Newman was a hero, and he stood amongst giants,� said tribal President Russell Begaye.
�We will be forever grateful for his contributions and bravery, as well as that of each and every one of our Navajo Code Talkers.

They are national treasures.�. In an oral history,
Newman told of herding sheep as a boy and attending a boarding school where rules prohibited students from speaking the language that would one day help the United States prevail in the South Pacific.
Newman told about a new boy in school who spoke no English, and was upset about something.
When Newman asked in their native tongue what was wrong, a teacher overheard.
As punishment, he was forced to write 500 times, "I must not speak Navajo".

After the Japanese attack on Peal Harbor, Newman and many other Navajos enlisted.
Some were chosen for the Code Talker project.
Because Dine has no words for things like bomb or airplane, Newman told an interviewer, they developed a code.
For example, if a commander wanted two tanks moved forward, Newman would radio to another code talker, "Na-Keh-cheh--tala-he net-zin," or "Two turtles needed".

After the war, Mr. Newman worked as an ammunition inspector at Fort Wingate.
Then he moved to Kirtland and worked for a coal mining company until he retired after 25 years.

Mr. Newman was born in Rehoboth, N.M. and is Naanesht'�zhi Dine'� born for Tsi'naajinii.
He is survived by his wife Betsy Eleanor.
Together they were married for 69 years and had five children: Alfred Jr., Marvin, Cherylin, Donovan and Kevin.
And 13 grandchildren and three great grandchildren.

Other Navajo veterans echoed Smith's words in the Navajo language,
saying Nez "baa hane' y�e �� t'�� k�di�ji' b�ighah sil��',"
" His life story ends here".

Missing POW/MIA's

TOTAL NUMBER OF HEROES THAT ARE STILL MISSING
AND THEIR FAMILIES ARE STILL WAITING FOR SOME ANSWERS
FROM ALL WARS.

WW-I 3,343

WW-II 72,350

COLD WAR 126

KOREA 7,676

VIETNAM         1,243
Laos�                                      286
Cambodia-                                48
Republic of China waters      7
TOTAL VIETNAM 1,584

IRAQ THEATER & OTHER 6

1,590 Americans are now listed by DoD as missing and unaccounted-for from the Vietnam War: Vietnam - 1,247 (VN-452, VS-795); Laos�288; Cambodia-48; Peoples Republic of China territorial waters�7.

U.S. Unaccounted-For from the Vietnam War

Prisoners of War, Missing in Action and Killed in Action/Body not Recovered
Report for: Michigan

MILITARY SERVICE	COUNTRY of CASUALTY	NAME	LOSS RANK	STATUS	DATE of INCIDENT	HOME of RECORD
USA	S. Vietnam	Allard, Richard Michael	E4	XX	1967/08/24	Chesaning, MI
USAF	N. Vietnam	Anderson, Warren Leroy	O3	XX	1966/04/26	Camden, MI
USN	N. Vietnam	Austin, Ellis Ernest	O4	XX	1966/04/21	Vermontville, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Beckwith, Harry Medfor III	E5	BB	1971/03/24	Flint, MI
USMC	S. Vietnam	Boltze, Bruce Edward	W2	BB	1972/10/06	Flint, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Buckley, Louis, Jr.	E5	XX	1966/05/21	Detroit, MI
**USA	S. Vietnam	Burgess, John Lawrence	E5		1970/06/30	Kingsley, MI
USAF	Laos	Carroll, Patrick Henry	O2	XX	1969/11/02	Allen Park, MI
USN	N. Vietnam	Chapman, Rodney Max	O4	BB	1969/02/18	Alpena, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Cline, Curtis Roy	E2	XX	1969/09/18	Burlington, MI
USAF	N. Vietnam	Crossman, Gregory John	O2	XX	1968/04/25	Sturgis, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Cudlike, Charles Joseph	E4	BB	1969/05/18	Detroit, MI
USAF	Laos	Dailey, Douglas Vincent	E5	XX	1968/12/13	Waterford, MI
**USAF	Laos	Dennany, James Eugene	O4		1969/11/12	Mattawan, MI
USA	Cambodia	Dix, Craig Mitchell	E4	XX	1971/03/17	Livonia, MI
**USA	Laos	Dye, Melvin C.	E5		1968/02/19	Carleton, MI
USAF	N. Vietnam	Feneley, Francis James	O3	BB	1966/05/11	Curtis, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Gauthier, Dennis L.	E3	XX	1969/10/31	Rochester, MI
USMC	S. Vietnam	Green, Larry Edward	E4	BB	1968/03/26	Mount Morris, MI
USN	N. Vietnam	Greiling, David Scott	O4	XX	1968/07/24	Hillsdale, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Groth, Wade L.	E4	XX	1968/02/12	Greenville, MI
**USMC	S. Vietnam	Hammond, Dennis Wayne	E6	KK	1968/02/08	Detroit, MI
USAF	N. Vietnam	Hill, Robert L.	E6	XX	1966/10/18	Detroit, MI
USN	N. Vietnam	Holman, Gerald Allan	O2	BB	1966/12/14	Northville, MI
USAF	N. Vietnam	Jarvis, Jeremy M.	O2	XX	1967/07/25	Warren, MI
USN	N. Vietnam	Jerome, Stanley Milton	E6	BB	1969/02/18	Detroit, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Johnson, Bruce G.	O3	XX	1965/06/10	Harbor Beach, MI
USAF	N. Vietnam	King, Donald L.	O3	XX	1966/05/14	Muskegon, MI
USA	Laos	Kipina, Marshall F.	E4	XX	1966/07/14	Calumet, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Klimo, James Robert	E4	XX	1969/11/04	Muskegon, MI
USN	N. Vietnam	Klugg, Joseph Russell	O3	BB	1970/11/14	Okemos, MI
USMC	S. Vietnam	Kooi, James Willard	E3	BB	1967/06/11	Fruitport, MI
**USAF	S. Vietnam	Lapham, Robert Granthan	O4		1968/02/08	Marshall, MI
USA	Laos	Leonard, Marvin Maurice	W2	BB	1971/02/15	Grand Rapids, MI
USN	N. Vietnam	Marvin, Robert Clarence	O3	BB	1967/02/14	Dexter, MI
USAF	N. Vietnam	Massucci, Martin J.	O2	XX	1965/10/01	Royal Oak, MI
USA	Cambodia	May, Michael Frederick	E4	BB	1969/03/02	Vassar, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Nelson, James R.	E5	XX	1967/06/11	Ludington, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Paul, James Lee	W1	BB	1971/02/05	Riverview, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Perry, Otha Lee	W2	BB	1971/12/14	Detroit, MI
**USN	S. Vietnam	Pineau, Roland Robert	E7		1967/10/08	Berkley, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Riggs, Thomas F.	W2	XX	1967/06/11	Farmington, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Roberts, Richard D.	E3	XX	1969/03/25	Lansing, MI
**USA	S. Vietnam	Robertson, Mark John	W1	BB	1971/02/10	Detroit, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Seablom, Earl Francis	E3	BB	1968/07/18	Ishpeming, MI
USAF	N. Vietnam	Stroven, William Harry	O3	XX	1968/10/28	Fremont, MI
USAF	Cambodia	Stuifbergen, Gene Paul	E5	BB	1968/11/27	Augusta, MI
USN	N. Vietnam	Tromp, William Leslie	O2	XX	1966/04/17	Fennville, MI
**USAF	Laos	Tucci, Robert L.	O3		1969/11/12	Detroit, MI
USAF	N. Vietnam	Tyler, George E.	O4	XX	1968/10/24	Royal Oak, MI
USAF	S. Vietnam	Walker, Kenneth Earl	O3	BB	1964/10/02	Lansing, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Wallace, Michael J.	E5	XX	1968/04/19	Ann Arbor, MI
USAF	N. Vietnam	Welch, Robert J.	O3	XX	1967/01/16	Detroit, MI
USN	N. Vietnam	Woloszyk, Donald J.	O2	XX	1966/03/01	Alpena, MI
USN	N. Vietnam	Worcester, John B.	O2	XX	1965/10/19	Big Rapids, MI
USAF	N. Vietnam	Wozniak, Frederick J.	O2	XX	1967/01/17	Alpena, MI
USA	S. Vietnam	Wright, Arthur	E4	XX	1967/02/21	Lansing, MI

** D.P.M.O. ANNOUNCED REMAINS RETURNED FOR BURIAL

REPORT TOTALS
Total BB - Killed in Action, Body Not Recovered	19
Total KK - Died in Captivity, Remains Not Returned	1
Total MM - Missing (Civilians Only)	0
Total PP - Prisoner (Civilians Only)	0
Total XX - Presumptive Finding of Death	31
Total	51

FACT VS FICTION.....
THE VIETNAM VETERAN

The stereotypes are wrong. Let's look at the facts, starting with who actually served in Vietnam.

The image of those who fought in Vietnam is one of poorly educated, reluctant draftees -- predominantly poor whites and minorities. But in reality, only one-third of Vietnam-era veterans entered the military through the draft, far lower than the 66 percent drafted in World War II.

It was the best-educated and most egalitarian military force in America's history -- and with the advent of the all-volunteer military, is likely to remain so. In WWII, only 45 percent of the troops had a high school diploma. During the Vietnam War, almost 80 percent of those who enlisted had high school diplomas, and the percentage was higher for draftees -- even though, at the time, only 65 percent of military-age males had a high school diploma.

Throughout the Vietnam era, the median education level of the enlisted man was about 13 years. Proportionately, three times as many college graduates served in Vietnam than in WWII.

Another common assumption: The war in Vietnam was fought by youngsters wet behind the ears, who died as teenagers barely old enough to shave. In fact, more 52-year-olds (22) died in Vietnam than 17-year-olds (12). An analysis of data from the Department of Defense shows the average age of men killed in Vietnam was 22.8 years, or almost 23 years old.

Though the notion persists that those who died in Vietnam were mostly members of a minority group, it's not true. About 5 percent of KIAs were Hispanic and 12.5 percent were black -- making both minorities slightly under-represented in their proportion of draft-age males in the national population.
A common negative image of the soldier in Vietnam is that he smoked pot and injected heroin to dull the horrors of combat. However, except for the last couple of years of the war, drug usage among GIs in Vietnam was lower than for U.S. troops stationed elsewhere.
When drug rates started to rise in 1971 and 1972, almost 90 percent of the men who served in Vietnam had already come and gone. A study after the war by the VA showed drug usage of veterans and non-veterans to be about the same. And marijuana -- not heroin -- was the drug used in 75 percent of the cases. Of those addicted, 88 percent kicked the habit within three years of returning.

Societal Success:

In fact, Vietnam veterans are as successful or more successful than men their own age who did not go to war. Disproportionate numbers of Vietnam veterans serve in Congress, for instance. Vice President Al Gore is a Vietnam veteran, as is enormously popular Colin Powell.

They run Fortune 500 corporations (Frederick Smith of Federal Express), write screenplays (Bill Broyles formerly of Newsweek) and report the evening news (ABC correspondent Jack Smith).

Actor Dennis Franz, who plays a detective on TV's NYPD Blue, is a Vietnam vet, as are large numbers of real law enforcement agents, prosecutors and attorneys. No facet of American life has been untouched by the positive contributions of Vietnam veterans.

While stereotypes may persist in Hollywood and the media, America's finest increasingly run the country.

Posterboy of Anti-War Movement:

The anti-war movement paraded Vietnam servicemen who had deserted their units as "proof" that it was an immoral war. But of the 5,000 men who deserted for various causes during the Vietnam War period, only 5 percent did so while attached to units in Vietnam.

Only 24 deserters attributed their action to the desire to "avoid hazardous duty." Some 97 percent of Vietnam veterans received honorable discharges, exactly the same rate for the military in the 10 years prior to the war.

After the war ended, reports began to circulate of veterans so depraved from their war experiences that they turned to crime, with estimates of the number of incarcerated Vietnam veterans as high as one-quarter of the prison population. But most of these accounts were based on self-reporting by criminals. In every major study of Vietnam veterans where military records were verified, an insignificant number of prisoners were found to be actual Vietnam veterans.

A corollary to the prison myth is the belief that substantial numbers of Vietnam veterans are unemployed. A study by the Labor Department in 1994 showed an unemployment rate of 3 percent for Vietnam veterans -- lower than that of Vietnam-era veterans who served outside the Vietnam theater (5 percent), and for all male veterans (4.9 percent).

The same is true for the nonsense that Vietnam vets have high rates of suicide, often heard as the "fact" that more veterans had died by their own hand than in combat. But that's a myth, too. A 1988 study by the Centers for Disease Control found Vietnam veterans had suicide rates well within the 1.7 percent norm of the general population.

Vietnam Warriors:

A Statistical Profile In Uniform and In Country Vietnam Vets: 9.7% of their generation.
9,087,000 military personnel served on active duty during the Vietnam era (Aug. 5, 1964-May 7, 1975)
8,744,000 GIs were on active duty during the war (Aug. 5, 1964-March 28, 1973).
3,403,100 (including 514,300 offshore) personnel served in the Southeast Asia Theater (Vietnam, Laos, Cambodia, flight crews based in Thailand, and sailors in adjacent South China Sea waters).
2,594,000 personnel served within the borders of South Vietnam (Jan. 1, 1965- March 28, 1973).
Another 50,000 men served in Vietnam between 1960 and 1964.
Of the 2.6 million, between 1-1.6 million (40-60%) either fought in combat, provided close support or were at least fairly regularly exposed to enemy attack.
7,484 women (6,250 or 83.5% were nurses) served in Vietnam.
Peak troop strength in Vietnam: 543,482 (April 30, 1969).

Casualties

Hostile deaths: 47,378
Non-hostile deaths: 10,800
Total: 58,202 (includes men formerly classified as MIA and Mayaguez casualties). Men who have subsequently died of wounds account for the changing total.
*8 nurses died -- 1 was KIA.
*Married men killed: 17,539
*61% of the men killed were 21 or younger
*Highest state death rate: West Virginia- 84.1 (national average 58.9 for every 100,000 males in 1970).
*Wounded: 303,704 -- 153,329 hospitalized + 150,375 injured requiring no hospital care.
*Severely disabled: 75,000 -- 23,214 100% disabled; 5,283 lost limbs; 1,081 sustained multiple amputations.
*Amputation or crippling wounds to the lower extremities were 300% higher than in WWII and 70% higher than in Korea. Multiple amputations occurred at the rate of 18.4% compared to 5.7% in WWII.
*Missing in Action: 2,338.
*POWs: 766 (114 died in captivity).

Draftees vs. Volunteers:

*25% (648,500) of total forces in country were draftees. (66% of U.S. armed forces members were drafted during WWII.)
*Draftees accounted for 30.4% (17,725) of combat deaths in Vietnam.
*Reservists killed: 5,977.
*National Guard: 6,140 served; 101 died.
*Total draftees (1965-73): 1,728,344.
*Actually served in Vietnam: 38%
*Marine Corps draft: 42,633.
*Last man drafted: June 30, 1973.
*Race and Ethnic Background
*88.4% of the men who actually served in Vietnam were Caucasian; 10.6% (275,000) were black; 1% belonged to other races.
*86.3% of the men who died in Vietnam were Caucasian (includes Hispanics);
*12.5% (7,241) were black; 1.2% belonged to other races.
*170,000 Hispanics served in Vietnam; 3,070 (5.2% of total) died there.
*70% of enlisted men killed were of Northwest European descent.
*86.8% of the men who were killed as a result of hostile action were Caucasian; 12.1% (5,711) were black; 1.1% belonged to other races.
*14.6% (1,530) of non-combat deaths were among blacks.
*34% of blacks who enlisted volunteered for the combat arms.
*Overall, blacks suffered 12.5% of the deaths in Vietnam at a time when the percentage of blacks of military age was 13.5% of the total population.

Religion of Dead:

*Protestant -- 64.4%; Catholic -- 28.9%; other/none --6.7%.

*Socio-Economic Status

*76% of the men sent to Vietnam were from lower middle/working class backgrounds.

*Three-fourths had family incomes above the poverty level; 50% were from middle income backgrounds.

*Some 23% of Vietnam vets had fathers with professional, managerial or technical occupations.

*79% of the men who served in Vietnam had a high school education or better when they entered the military service.
(63% of Korean War vets and only 45% of WWII vets had completed high school upon separation.)

*Deaths by region per 100,000 of population: South-31; West-29.9; Midwest-28.4; Northeast-23.5.

Winning & Losing

*82% of veterans who saw heavy combat strongly believe the war was lost because of lack of political will.

*Nearly 75% of the public agrees it was a failure of political will, not of arms.

*Honorable Service

*97% of Vietnam-era veterans were honorably discharged.

*91% of actual Vietnam War veterans and 90% of those who saw heavy combat are proud to have served their country.

*66% of Vietnam vets say they would serve again if called upon.

*87% of the public now holds Vietnam veterans in high esteem.

Personnel Missing - WW-II

Service Personnel Not Recovered Following WWII from MICHIGAN - 2,471
*** WWII Not Recovered Total - 72723 ***

Personnel Missing - Korea (PMKOR)

(Report for 348 Michigan Unaccounted For)

Personnel Missing - Cold War

(Report for 4 Michigan Unaccounted For)

Personnel Missing - Viet Nam

(Report for 48 Michigan Unaccounted For)

ALL OF THESE MICHIGAN FAMILIES ARE WAITING FOR ANSWERS
SOME COULD BE YOUR NEIGHBORS.

"DISCLAIMER"

This is a personal web site that is not sponsored and/or does not claim to be the official pages of the organizations listed on this site. This is a free site for information purposes only and is to list contacts and events.

"Prisoners of War-Missing inaction"

�If you are able, save for them a place inside of you and save one backward glance when you are leaving for the places they can no longer go. Be not ashamed to say you loved them, though you may or may not have always.