OFFICIAL STATUS: MISSING

CASE SUMMARY: SEE ATTACHED

RATIONALE FOR SELECTION: Major Hartney ejected from his disabled aircraft and was seen to have a good parachute all the way to the ground, with beeper signal after touchdown. His EWO officer also ejected safely but was reported by DRV Officials to have died of injuries sustained during landing. No subsequent reports have been received to indicate Major Hartney's possible capture or death.

REFNO: 0969 19 April 1976

(U) CASES SUMMARY

1. On 5 January 1968 Maj. James C. Hartney, pilot, and Capt. Samuel Fantle III, electronics warfare officer, were the crew of the lead F105F. (#63-8356), in a flight of four aircraft on a combat mission over North Vietnam. After firing a missile on their target, the leader was hit by cannon fire from a MIG-17. The wingman observed that the flight leader's left wing, was smoking and burning. Members of the flight heard the flight leader call that he was bailing out and two good parachutes were seen and beeper signals were heard.

2. Flight members stated that they saw one crewman on the ground with the other descending in the same area, (vicinity of grid coordinates (GC) XT 096 832). The aircraft impacted in the vicinity of (GC) XJ 096 832). No voice contact could be established with the downed crewmen. No search and rescue effort was attempted due to the location. (Ref 1)

3. In July 1969, it was learned from a North Vietnamese government official in communication with a U.S. Congressman that Capt. Fantle had his limbs fractured during landing and was treated by the local health service, but that he died later the same day (NFI). (Ref 2)

4. 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. These individuals' names and identifying data were turned over to the Four-Party Joint Military Team with a request for any information available. No response was forthcoming. Maj. Hartney is currently carried in the status of Missing. Capt. Fantle is currently carried in the status of Dead, Body Not Recovered.

REFERENCES USED

1. RPT (U), 355th TFW, AF Form 484, w/statements, 11 Jan. 68.

2. LTR (U), H.G. Torbert, Acting Asst Sec for Congressional Relations, w/attachments 15 Jul 69.

ASSOCIATED INDIVIDUALS

1. James C. Hartney 0969-1-01

2.- Samuel Fantle III 0969-1-02