OFFICIAL STATUS: DEAD BODY NOT RECOVERED

CASE SUMMARY: SEE ATTACHED

RATIONALE FOR SELECTION: lLt Thomas radioed his intent to eject after being hit. His parachute was observed during descent and touchdown. There have been no subsequent reports that would indicate that lLt Thomas had died.

REFNO: 0329 21 Apr 76

(U) CASE SUMMARY

1. On 5 May 1966 lLt Kenneth D. Thomas Jr., was the pilot of an F105D aircraft, (#61-147, call sign LOCUST FIVE), on an operational strike mission as the number five aircraft in a flight of five over North Vietnam. The aircraft was hit crossing the target area when a heavy concentration of 37mm and 57mm antiaircraft fire opened up on the entire flight. Lt. Thomas transmitted that he was hit and had a fire warning light., but that the engine and other instruments were operating and he would head toward the coast. A minute later, he transmitted he would have to eject immediately. Although his ejection was not observed, his opened parachute was immediately observed and his beeper was heard by the flight leader. The descent and subsequent landing of Lt. Thomas were observed (vicinity of grid coordinates XJ 900 654), however, he was not sighted after ground contact and no voice transmission was heard at anytime after ejection. The aircraft impact was not observed. Due to location, a search and rescue effort was not initiated. (Ref 1)

2. During the existence of JCRC, the hostile threat in the area precluded any visits to or ground inspections of the sites involved in this case. This individual's name and identifying data were turned over to the Four-Party Joint Military Team with a request for any information available. No response was forthcoming. Lt. Thomas is currently carried in the presumptive status of Dead, Body Not Recovered.

REFERENCE USED

1. MSG (U), 388CSGP Korat AB Thai, 051445Z May 66.