199th L.I.B. POW*MIA Page 5

     

                                                                 Last updated April 22, 2001.

 

JOHN   EDWARD   CONGER   JR. Name: John Edward Conger, Jr. Rank/Branch: E3/US Army Unit: Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Brigade Date of Birth: 07 January 1950 (Columbus OH) Home City of Record: Lebanon OH Date of Loss: 27 January 1969 Country of Loss: South Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 103954N 1062519E (XS555802) Status (in 1973): Missing in Action Category: 2 Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground Other Personnel in Incident: (none missing) REMARKS: SYNOPSIS: PFC John E. Conger, Jr. was a rifleman for Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry Brigade, and was serving in that capacity on January 27, 1969 on a search and destroy mission in Long An Province, South Vietnam near the city of Tan An. The unit was inserted by helicopter and began a sweep. While crossing a field, Congar's company was taken under fire by enemy machine guns. During the initial fire four men were wounded. PFC Conger moved up to attempt to knock out the machine gun nest and was reportedly wounded in the right shoulder and neck. Attempts to recover Conger and five other wounded individuals at that time were unsuccessful because of continuing fire. On January 28, U.S. artillery and aircraft shelled and bombed the area while U.S. ground forces cordoned off the area. By January 29, the area had been secured, but Conger and the other individuals could not be located. On October 13, 1969, the remains of the individuals who had been missing with Conger were found, but no trace of Conger was located. No further searches were conducted. PFC John Conger was declared Missing in Action. It was never learned whether he was killed that day in January or not. He might have survived to be taken prisoner. As reports continue to flow in indicating that Americans are still alive and captives in Southeast Asia, it becomes increasingly apparent that PFC Conger could be among them. If so, what must he be thinking of his country.

                        

                                                                

                                                             This page created April 22, 2001,
                                                                Last updated April 22, 2000.

DALLAS ALAN DRIVER Name: Dallas Alan Driver Rank/Branch: E4/US Army Unit: Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade Date of Birth: 07 May 1948 (Winchester VA) Home City of Record: Stephens City VA Date of Loss: 09 October 1969 Country of Loss: South Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 110546N 1070433E (YD267273) Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered Category: 4 Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1D Other Personnel in Incident: Jimmy R. Garbett; Raymond G. Moore; James L. Suydam; James H. Turner; (all missing). WO Kilbourne (the pilot - survived); unnamed crew chief, (survived immediate crash, later drowned - remains recovered); CW4 James W. Bailey (aircraft commander - remains recovered) REMARKS: IN RIV - 2 REMS RCV - NSUBJ - J SYNOPSIS: On October 9, 1969, a UH1H helicopter crew and passengers were attempting an extraction from a mined pickup zone in eastern Long Khanh Province, South Vietnam near the shores of the Song Dong Nai River. During the extraction attempt, the helicopter's rotor blade struck trees, causing the loss of rotor RPM's and lift capability. The helicopter began losing altitude, turned right and headed west and downriver in an attempt to regain air speed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck 15-20 feet of water in an almost level attitude, and sank on its left side in less than 10 seconds. Immediate and continuous air and water searches, loudspeaker broadcasts, and phamplet distributions were conducted during the period of 9-15 October and 19-21 October, suspended October 16-18 only because of poor weather conditions. No recovery was made of any of those missing from the aircraft, but the remains of two personnel aboard were located and subsequently identified. A LRRP swimmer trying to inspect the site had difficulty staying afloat even with a rope. The individual reported that equipment seen on the shore after the crash appeared to be alternately submerged and then reappear. It could not be determined at the time how many persons escaped the aircraft. One who was known to escape (unnamed in Army records) reported that he could not make it to shore and went under. Another survivor reported seeing him go down within 3-4 feet of him, but never saw him again. One of the individuals who was initially seen to survive, later drowned or was lost in the indicent. The only survivor of the original crash was WO Kilbourne, the pilot. The two remains located were identified as the crew chief, who had survived the immediate crash, but later drowned. CW4 James W. Bailey, the aircraft commander, was lost and remains recovered. The waters of the Song Dong Nai River were swift and treacherous. It is particularly tragic that men who survived an aircraft would drown trying to reach safety. Driver, Garbett, Moore and Turner were listed as Killed, Body Not Recovered. Since their remains were never found, they are listed with honor among the missing. Unlike the crew of the UH1H, many of the cases of missing Americans in Southeast Asia have no clear resolution. Some were known to have been captives, but simply did not come home. Others were alive and well the last time they were seen. Reports continue to be received on some, specifically by name and location. Many authorities believe that there are hundreds still alive being held against their wills. Although the U.S. has named the resolution of the POW/MIA issue of "highest national priority", little seems to have been done for those who wait for their country to secure their freedom.

Last updated April 22, 2001.

JIMMY RAY GARBETT Name: Jimmy Ray Garbett Rank/Branch: E4/US Army Unit: Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade Date of Birth: 30 August 1948 (Quitman GA) Home City of Record: Lake City FL Date of Loss: 09 October 1969 Country of Loss: South Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 110546N 1070433E (YD267273) Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered Category: 4 Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1D Other Personnel in Incident: Jimmy R. Garbett; Raymond G. Moore; James L. Suydam; James H. Turner; (all missing). WO Kilbourne (the pilot - survived); unnamed crew chief, (survived immediate crash, later drowned - remains recovered); CW4 James W. Bailey (aircraft commander - remains recovered) REMARKS: IN RIV - 2 REMS RCV - NSUBJ - J SYNOPSIS: On October 9, 1969, a UH1H helicopter crew and passengers were attempting an extraction from a mined pickup zone in eastern Long Khanh Province, South Vietnam near the shores of the Song Dong Nai River. During the extraction attempt, the helicopter's rotor blade struck trees, causing the loss of rotor RPM's and lift capability. The helicopter began losing altitude, turned right and headed west and downriver in an attempt to regain air speed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck 15-20 feet of water in an almost level attitude, and sank on its left side in less than 10 seconds. Immediate and continuous air and water searches, loudspeaker broadcasts, and phamplet distributions were conducted during the period of 9-15 October and 19-21 October, suspended October 16-18 only because of poor weather conditions. No recovery was made of any of those missing from the aircraft, but the remains of two personnel aboard were located and subsequently identified. A LRRP swimmer trying to inspect the site had difficulty staying afloat even with a rope. The individual reported that equipment seen on the shore after the crash appeared to be alternately submerged and then reappear. It could not be determined at the time how many persons escaped the aircraft. One who was known to escape (unnamed in Army records) reported that he could not make it to shore and went under. Another survivor reported seeing him go down within 3-4 feet of him, but never saw him again. One of the individuals who was initially seen to survive, later drowned or was lost in the indicent. The only survivor of the original crash was WO Kilbourne, the pilot. The two remains located were identified as the crew chief, who had survived the immediate crash, but later drowned. CW4 James W. Bailey, the aircraft commander, was lost and remains recovered. The waters of the Song Dong Nai River were swift and treacherous. It is particularly tragic that men who survived an aircraft would drown trying to reach safety. Driver, Garbett, Moore and Turner were listed as Killed, Body Not Recovered. Since their remains were never found, they are listed with honor among the missing. Unlike the crew of the UH1H, many of the cases of missing Americans in Southeast Asia have no clear resolution. Some were known to have been captives, but simply did not come home. Others were alive and well the last time they were seen. Reports continue to be received on some, specifically by name and location. Many authorities believe that there are hundreds still alive being held against their wills. Although the U.S. has named the resolution of the POW/MIA issue of "highest national priority", little seems to have been done for those who wait for their country to secure their freedom.

                                                             

                                                          

Last updated April 22, 2001. 

                                                               

GLENN VIRGIL GARDNER Name: Glenn Virgil Gardner Rank/Branch: E2/US Army Unit: Company B, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade Date of Birth: 14 August 1947 (Sanger CA) Home City of Record: San Bernardino CA Date of Loss: 25 November 1966 Country of Loss: South Vietnam/Over Water Loss Coordinates: 072730N 1052612E (WP482244) Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered Category: 5 Acft/Vehicle/Ground: water Other Personnel In Incident: (none missing) Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 15 October 1990 from one or more of the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews. REMARKS: JUMPED OVERBOARD SYNOPSIS: Private Glenn Gardner was a member of Company B, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 99th LIB. He was a passenger on troop carrier USNS Daniel I. Salton en route to Vietnam when he jumped overboard and drowned. On several occasions, Gardner had threatened to take his life, and to jump overboard. On this day, he was last seen at 1730 hours, and was reported missing at approximately 1800 hours following a roll call in which he did not respond. A search was mounted immediately and continued through the night until 1000 hours the next day with no results. Gardner was presumed dead, and it was determined his body could not be recovered. The Vietnam War touched many lives. Tens of thousands of families lost loved ones in battle deaths. Tens of thousands saw their sons and brothers come home maimed physically and mentally from the wounds and torments of the savagry of war. Some received telegrams that their loved ones drowned in recreation; a few learned their sons died from drug overdose; and some learned their sons, for unknown reasons chose to end their lives in Vietnam. As long as man has been, war has been. As a society, we tend to bury the unpleasant aspects of war and concentrate on the victory. In Vietnam, we have only a hollow "Peace with Honor" and must instead, focus on the warriors - men who willingly served their country when called. Men whose lives we used as the price for our freedom. The most tragic of all the warriors are those who still wait, captive and abandoned by their country in prisons and camps in Southeast Asia. In abandoning them, we have made the deaths and suffering of thousands a frivolous waste. We must never neglect the duty we have to the men who must someday answer their country's call.

                                                                     Last updated April 22, 2001.

RICHARD EUGENE LOMAX Name: Richard Eugene Lomax Rank/Branch: E4/US Army Unit: Company A, 3rd Btn, 7th Infantry 199th Light Infantry Brigade Date of Birth: 16 November 1946 Home City of Record: Mansfield OH Date of Loss: 26 March 1968 Country of Loss: South Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 110546N 1065542E Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered Category: 4 Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground Other Personnel In Incident: (none missing) REMARKS: SYNOPSIS: Richard Lomax was a rifleman assigned to Company A, 3rd Battalion, 7th Infantry of the 199th Light Infantry Brigade in Vietnam. He was stationed in Bien Hoa Province, Republic of Vietnam. At 0800 hours on March 26, 1968, SP4 Lomax was assigned the task of setting demolition charges on an enemy bunker complex found by his platoon while on a search and destroy mission. While placing the charges, there was an explosion in the immediate area of SP4 Lomax and he was never seen again. The search was made for his remains, but the only items recovered were some equipment and remains identified as belonging to another individual who was also at the site. SP4 Lomax is listed with honor among the missing because no remains were found. His case seems quite clear. For others who are listed missing, resolution is not as simple. Many were known to have survived their loss incident. Quite a few were in radio contact with search teams and describing an advancing enemy. Some were photographed or recorded in captivity. Others simply vanished without a trace. When the war ended, refugees from the communist-overrun countries of Southeast Asia began to flood the world, bringing with them stories of live GI's still in captivity in their homelands. Since 1975, over 6000 such stories have been received. Many authorities believe that hundreds of Americans are still held in the countries in Southeast Asia. The U.S. Government operates on the "assumption" that one or more men are being held, but that it cannot "prove" that this is the case, allowing action to be taken. Meanwhile, low-level talks between the U.S. and Vietnam proceed, yielding a few sets of remains when it seems politically expedient to return them, but as yet, no living American has returned.

Last updated April 22, 2001.

RAYMOND GREGORY MOORE Name: Raymond Gregory Moore Rank/Branch: E4/US Army Unit: Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade Date of Birth: 02 April 1949 Home City of Record: Cincinnati OH Date of Loss: 09 October 1969 Country of Loss: South Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 110546N 1070433E (YD267273) Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered Category: 4 Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1D Other Personnel in Incident: Jimmy R. Garbett; Raymond G. Moore; James L. Suydam; James H. Turner; (all missing). WO Kilbourne (the pilot - survived); unnamed crew chief, (survived immediate crash, later drowned - remains recovered); CW4 James W. Bailey (aircraft commander - remains recovered) REMARKS: IN RIV - 2 REMS RCV - NSUBJ - J SYNOPSIS: On October 9, 1969, a UH1H helicopter crew and passengers were attempting an extraction from a mined pickup zone in eastern Long Khanh Province, South Vietnam near the shores of the Song Dong Nai River. During the extraction attempt, the helicopter's rotor blade struck trees, causing the loss of rotor RPM's and lift capability. The helicopter began losing altitude, turned right and headed west and downriver in an attempt to regain air speed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck 15-20 feet of water in an almost level attitude, and sank on its left side in less than 10 seconds. Immediate and continuous air and water searches, loudspeaker broadcasts, and phamplet distributions were conducted during the period of 9-15 October and 19-21 October, suspended October 16-18 only because of poor weather conditions. No recovery was made of any of those missing from the aircraft, but the remains of two personnel aboard were located and subsequently identified. A LRRP swimmer trying to inspect the site had difficulty staying afloat even with a rope. The individual reported that equipment seen on the shore after the crash appeared to be alternately submerged and then reappear. It could not be determined at the time how many persons escaped the aircraft. One who was known to escape (unnamed in Army records) reported that he could not make it to shore and went under. Another survivor reported seeing him go down within 3-4 feet of him, but never saw him again. One of the individuals who was initially seen to survive, later drowned or was lost in the indicent. The only survivor of the original crash was WO Kilbourne, the pilot. The two remains located were identified as the crew chief, who had survived the immediate crash, but later drowned. CW4 James W. Bailey, the aircraft commander, was lost and remains recovered. The waters of the Song Dong Nai River were swift and treacherous. It is particularly tragic that men who survived an aircraft would drown trying to reach safety. Driver, Garbett, Moore and Turner were listed as Killed, Body Not Recovered. Since their remains were never found, they are listed with honor among the missing. Unlike the crew of the UH1H, many of the cases of missing Americans in Southeast Asia have no clear resolution. Some were known to have been captives, but simply did not come home. Others were alive and well the last time they were seen. Reports continue to be received on some, specifically by name and location. Many authorities believe that there are hundreds still alive being held against their wills. Although the U.S. has named the resolution of the POW/MIA issue of "highest national priority", little seems to have been done for those who wait for their country to secure their freedom. Last updated April 22, 2001. JOHN WILL ROBERSON Name: John Will Roberson Rank/Branch: E3/US Army Unit: Company D, 4th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade Date of Birth: 04 January 1947 (Athens TX) Home City of Record: Malakoff TX Date of Loss: 22 June 1969 Country of Loss: South Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 110516N 1072650E (YT673267) Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered Category: 4 Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground (some lists say Boat) Other Personnel in Incident: (none missing) REMARKS: SYNOPSIS: On June 22, 1969, PFC John W. Roberson's unit was on patrol in Binh Tuy Province, South Vietnam at a point where the province meets neighboring Long Khanh Province. The unit was involved in crossing a stream by means of a single rope bridge when the rope broke and PFC Roberson, a non-swimmer, was swept under. He had been at the deepest part of the channel and in the swiftest part of the stream. Another team member was able to pull him to the surface twice, but was unable to control his struggling. Two other men attempted to assist, but Roberson was swept under and away again. Witnesses never saw him surface again. For a period of two and one-half hours, 3-6 men participated in a search of an area 30-40 meters downstream and in the immediate area. The following day, an additional search was made of the river on both sides for 600 meters, but no trace of Roberson was found. War is hell. Men are killed by other men whom they call their enemy. But men are also killed by "misadventure" - by senseless drowning, falls, and by being in the wrong place at the wrong time. At 22 years of age, John Will Roberson had just begun to live. Because no trace of Roberson's remains were found, his name is maintained among those who are missing and captured in Southeast Asia. Experts believe that hundreds of these Americans are still alive, captive, and want to come home. One can imagine that John Roberson would gladly serve on one more patrol to help bring them home. Last updated April 22, 2001.   JAMES LAWRENCE SUYDAM Name: James Lawrence Suydam Rank/Branch: E5/US Army Unit: Company A, 5th Battalion, 12th Infantry, 199th Light Infantry Brigade Date of Birth: 04 October 1948 (Easton PA) Home City of Record: Stephens City VA Date of Loss: 09 October 1969 Country of Loss: South Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 110546N 1070433E (YD267273) Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered Category: 4 Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: UH1D Other Personnel in Incident: Jimmy R. Garbett; Raymond G. Moore; James L. Suydam; James H. Turner; (all missing). WO Kilbourne (the pilot - survived); unnamed crew chief, (survived immediate crash, later drowned - remains recovered); CW4 James W. Bailey (aircraft commander - remains recovered) REMARKS: IN RIV - 2 REMS RCV - NSUBJ - J SYNOPSIS: On October 9, 1969, a UH1H helicopter crew and passengers were attempting an extraction from a mined pickup zone in eastern Long Khanh Province, South Vietnam near the shores of the Song Dong Nai River. During the extraction attempt, the helicopter's rotor blade struck trees, causing the loss of rotor RPM's and lift capability. The helicopter began losing altitude, turned right and headed west and downriver in an attempt to regain air speed. Shortly thereafter, the aircraft struck 15-20 feet of water in an almost level attitude, and sank on its left side in less than 10 seconds. Immediate and continuous air and water searches, loudspeaker broadcasts, and phamplet distributions were conducted during the period of 9-15 October and 19-21 October, suspended October 16-18 only because of poor weather conditions. No recovery was made of any of those missing from the aircraft, but the remains of two personnel aboard were located and subsequently identified. A LRRP swimmer trying to inspect the site had difficulty staying afloat even with a rope. The individual reported that equipment seen on the shore after the crash appeared to be alternately submerged and then reappear. It could not be determined at the time how many persons escaped the aircraft. One who was known to escape (unnamed in Army records) reported that he could not make it to shore and went under. Another survivor reported seeing him go down within 3-4 feet of him, but never saw him again. One of the individuals who was initially seen to survive, later drowned or was lost in the indicent. The only survivor of the original crash was WO Kilbourne, the pilot. The two remains located were identified as the crew chief, who had survived the immediate crash, but later drowned. CW4 James W. Bailey, the aircraft commander, was lost and remains recovered. The waters of the Song Dong Nai River were swift and treacherous. It is particularly tragic that men who survived an aircraft would drown trying to reach safety. Driver, Garbett, Moore and Turner were listed as Killed, Body Not Recovered. Since their remains were never found, they are listed with honor among the missing. Unlike the crew of the UH1H, many of the cases of missing Americans in Southeast Asia have no clear resolution. Some were known to have been captives, but simply did not come home. Others were alive and well the last time they were seen. Reports continue to be received on some, specifically by name and location. Many authorities believe that there are hundreds still alive being held against their wills. Although the U.S. has named the resolution of the POW/MIA issue of "highest national priority", little seems to have been done for those who wait for their country to secure their freedom. Last updated April 22, 2001. WILLIAM DEMPSEY THORNTON JR. Name: William Dempsey Thornton, Jr. Rank/Branch: E3/US Army Unit: Company D, 2nd Battalion, 3rd Infantry, 199th Infantry Brigade Date of Birth: 19 August 1946 Home City of Record: Terrytown NY Date of Loss: 28 January 1967 Country of Loss: South Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 103617N 1064324E (XS885727) Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered Category: 4 Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: Ground Other Personnel in Incident: (none missing) Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 01 September 1990 from one or more of the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews. REMARKS: SYNOPSIS: On January 28, 1967, PFC William D. Thornton, Jr. was a rifleman on a search and destroy mission in Long An Province, about 20 miles south of Saigon. During the mission, PFC Thornton and another individual were ordered to carry a captured boat to the unit's pickup zone. After carrying the motor for 150 meters, the two men placed the motor in a sampan they had found. The other individual left the area to retrieve gear he'd left behind and when he returned to the location, Thornton was in the middle of the stream going out with the tide. Thornton was seen coming downstream in the sinking sampan. Two members of his unit attempted to pull him from the sinking sampan to shore with a rope. He stood up in the boat to remove his web gear and in doing so, fell into the stream and was never seen again. Extensive searches were made including shoreline, surface craft and divers, but no trace of Thornton was ever found. He was declared dead, due to hostile causes, body not recovered. For William D. Thornton Jr., death seems a certainty. For hundreds of others, however, simple answers are not possible. Adding to the torment of nearly 10,000 reports relating to Americans missing in Southeast Asia is the certain knowledge that some Americans who were known to be prisoners of war were not released at the end of the war. Others were suspected to be prisoners, and still others were in radio contact with would-be rescuers when last seen alive. Many were known to have survived their loss incidents, only to disappear without a trace. Tragically, many authorities believe there are hundreds of Americans still alive in captivity in Southeast Asia today. What must they be thinking of us? What will our next generation say if called to fight if we are unable to bring these men home from Southeast Asia?         THE POW-MIA   I'm just a nameless silhouette; nobody knows my face, . Though many of you pray for me each day; The man you said you won. t forget, in a dark and distant place. I am the POW; I am the MIA.   I am a Navy pilot; I am a dead Marine; I am the wounded grunt they couldn. t find. But I'm living still, and I. m long dead, and I. m somewhere in between, And I can. t believe that I was left behind.   They killed me in an ambush, and they captured me alive, And I died when my Huey crashed and burned. They over-ran my unit, but I managed to survive, And they brought me North in chains when they returned.   They beat me and they whipped me, and they worked me . til I dropped. To break my will, they made their best endeavor. When great despair had gripped me, still the torture never stopped, And they told me: . We can keep you here forever..   They told me that my parents died, that my kids were grown and gone; And my wife lost hope, and married my best friend. But there. s a prayer I hold inside, that helps me to go on: That someone still remembers, and you. ll bring me Home again.v   I'm just a nameless silhouette; nobody knows my face, . Though many of you pray for me each day; The man you said you won. t forget, in a dark and distant place. I am the POW; I am the MIA.   Tim Murphy �. 1986