|
Remembering Idahoans still missing in 'Nam |
|
September 8, 2016 |
 |
 |
 |
 |
|
Jon K.
Bodahl |
Curtis R.
Bohlscheid |
Gregg
N. Hollinger |
Hal T.
Hollingsworth |
 |
 |
 |
 |
| William
B. Hunt |
William
E. Lemmons |
Roderick L. Mayer |
Jon M.
Sparks |
|
By U.S. Senator Mike Crapo
I commend those who work to ensure the service
of all our nation’s veterans is not forgotten.
At a recent rally, POW*MIA Awareness Corporation
Director Hiedi Young shared biographies she
prepared of eight Idahoans who went missing
while serving in the Vietnam War and remain
missing. The biographies are a thoughtful
reminder of the ongoing price of our freedom.
Lieutenant Commander Roderick L. Mayer,
United States Navy, Lewiston, has been missing
since October 17, 1965, in North Vietnam. Mayer
was a pilot of a fighter jet that was shot down.
He and his co-pilot ejected from their aircraft.
Based on testimony of his co-pilot, it is
believed that he “died of severe wounds from
ejection.” Status: “Presumptive Finding of
Death, Body Not Recovered.”
Ensign Hal T. Hollingsworth,
United States Navy, Grace, Idaho, has been
missing since January 16, 1966, in South
Vietnam. Hollingsworth was the co-pilot of an
aircraft that while airborne had mechanical
difficulties and crashed at sea. Status: “Killed
in Action, Body Not Recovered.”
Staff Sergeant William B. Hunt,
United States Army, Sandpoint, has been missing
since November 4, 1966, in South Vietnam. Hunt
was lifted into battle to help evacuate wounded.
He voluntarily left the aircraft to help
reinforce remaining troops on the ground. The
Viet Cong attacked the position the unit was
maintaining and after two days of heavy
fighting, Hunt was gravely wounded. Status:
“Presumptive Finding of Death, Body Not
Recovered.”
Captain Curtis R. Bohlscheid,
United States Marine Corps, Pocatello, has been
missing since June 11, 1967, in South Vietnam.
Bohlscheid was the pilot of a helicopter which
crashed into a steep ravine on a mission to
insert a seven-man Marine Force Recon team on
the battlefield. Status: “Killed in Action, Body
Not Recovered”
First Lieutenant William E. Lemmons,
United States Army, Pocatello, has been missing
since June 18, 1967, in South Vietnam. Lemmons
was aboard a helicopter on a visual recon
mission. The helicopter was declared missing and
after extensive searches no trace of the
aircraft or its crew was found. Status: “Missing
in Action.”
Captain Jon K. Bodahl, United
States Air Force, Boise, has been missing since
November 12, 1969, in Laos. Bodahl was the pilot
of an aircraft on a recovery mission that was
shot down. His aircraft was found during search
and rescue operations, but there was no trace of
him. Status: “Missing in Action.”
Chief Warrant Officer Jon M. Sparks,
United States Army, Carey, Idaho, has been
missing since March 19, 1971, in Laos. Sparks
was the co-pilot of a helicopter covering a
downed helicopter during a rescue effort. The
aircraft was shot down and, due to heavy fire, a
search and rescue mission could not be
conducted. It is unknown what his fate was.
Status: “Missing in Action”
Captain Gregg N. Hollinger,
United States Army, Paul, Idaho, has been
missing since December 14, 1971, in South
Vietnam. Hollinger was on an administrative
mission aboard an aircraft that experienced an
in-flight emergency and lost contact with ground
control. Extensive searches were conducted for
the next three days, over water and the adjacent
shore area, but no trace of the aircraft or
personnel was ever found. It was later
determined the aircraft was lost at sea and the
crew and passengers died. Status: “Killed in
Action, Body Not Recovered.”
The immense service of Vietnam Veterans and all
service members is at the forefront of my
thoughts as I work to ensure that they are
appropriately honored and have access to
services respectful of their dedication to our
country. |
|
Questions or comments about this
article?
Click here to e-mail! |
|
|
|
|
