OFFICIAL STATUS: DEAD, BODY NOT RECOVERED

CASE SUMMARY: SEE ATTACHED

RATIONALE FOR SELECTION: When last seen PFC Hewitt was alive and in good health. No correlated reports of death have been received since his disappearance.

REFNO: 0286 20 Apr 76

1. On 22 March 1966 PFC Samuel Hewitt was a rifleman with Co L, 3d Battalion, 9th Marine Regiment in South Vietnam. His unit had been on patrol prior to this date, and was at this time in a relatively secure area for a rest. Because of a defect, PFC had turned his weapon into the armory, and had borrowed his squad leader's M-79 grenade launcher, stating that he was "going to see somebody." (It was mandatory that a weapon be carried at all times.) At about 1800 hours PFC Hewitt was seen going toward the vicinity of the latrine, and it was assumed that he was going to take a slower as he had a towel with him. The latrine was located about 50 meters from the perimeter wire. PFC Hewitt had no assigned duties during the day of 22 March, however, he was assigned to a listening post for that night. PFC Hewitt could not be located at 1900 hours 2 and at 1930 hours, (22 March), and on 23 March a search of the company area was conducted without success. It was learned through investigation that PFC Hewitt was a "loner" and had a tendency on previous occasions to wander away from his squad. His unit reported him missing on 23 March 1966. (Ref 1)

2. JCRC was -unable to develop any additional leads or information on this case. This individual's name and identifying data were turned over to Four-Party Joint Military Team with a request for any information available. No response was forthcoming. PFC is currently carried in the status of Dead, Body Not Recovered.

REFERENCES USED

1. RPT (U), 3rd Marine Division, 1 Apr 66.