OFFICIAL STATUS: CAPTURED

CASE SUMMARY: SEE ATTACHED

RATIONALE FOR SELECTION: Two escort aircraft saw LCDR Vescelius standing on the ground surrounded by about five North Vietnamese. A North Vietnamese source reported the capture of a U.S. pilot in this area. No positive evidence of LCDR Vescelius' death has been received to date.

REFNO: 0840 20 Apr 76

(U) CASE SUMMARY

1. On 21 September 1967 LCDR Milton J. Vescelius Jr., was the pilot of an RF8G (BUNO #-L44623) on a photo reconnaissance mission over Hai Phong, North Vietnam. While flying in the vicinity of Hai Phong Harbor, LCDR Vescelius' aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft artillery (AAA) fire and began to break up. At about 1358 hours, (local time), LCDR Vescelius ejected. Two escort aircraft overflew the area and saw LCDR Vescelius standing on the ground surrounded by about five North Vietnamese. (Ref 1, 2, & 3)

2. In September 1972 an NVA rallier reported that in September 1967 he had seen a captured U.S. pilot in North Vietnam in the vicinity of grid coordinates (GC) Xi 765 105. The U.S. pilot had reportedly shot a militiaman and was then beaten when captured. The U.S. pilot was evacuated from the area in a vehicle. (Ref 4)

3. 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. Details of this case together with information indicating enemy knowledge of the case were turned over to the Four-Party Joint Military Team on 7 November 1973 with a request for any information which would assist in determining status and resolution. No response was forthcoming. LCDR Vescelius is currently carried in the status of Captured.

REFERENCES USED

1. MSG (U), CTU 77.0.11, 210610Z Sep 67.

2. MSG (U), USS CORAL SEA, 211010Z Sep 67.

3. LTR (U), LT PHOTO RON 03, 23 Sep 67.

4. RPT (U), SAO #84-72, 18 Sep 72.