On my left wrist I wear a POW/MIA bracelet. The name on my POW/MIA bracelet is Colonel Thomas W. Dugan, U.S. Air Force. Col Dugan was a pilot with the 8th Bomb Squad, 7th Air Force, shot down over Laos in 1968. In 1978 Col. Dugan’s status was changed from MIA to “Died while MIA” at age 35, body not recovered.
The bracelet bearing his name is worn around the edges, scuffed and scarred from many years of wear. I don’t take it off. In fact, that bracelet will remain on my wrist until one of two things happens: 1. The remains of Col. Thomas Wayne Dugan are recovered and identified, or: 2. I die.
If that sounds a little over the top, consider what these pilots went through in the mid to late 60s. The United States launched three major air bombing campaigns in those years – “Operation Rolling Thunder,” “Operation Barrel Roll,” and Operation Steel Tiger. Much of this dangerous flying took place over Laos, which was the route of the Ho Chi Minh trail, a supply chain utilizing a system of trails leading from North Vietnam to the South, over which troops, food and military supplies traveled. Maintaining the Ho Chi Minh Trail was a top priority for the Communists in the North, and at any given time it was heavily defended by Soviet-made MiG fighters and surface-to-air missiles and anti-aircraft batteries. Our American pilots were engaged in an all out, high-risk air war.
According to Phillip Jennings in “The Politically Incorrect Guide to the Vietnam War,” “Barrel Roll pilots ended up providing close air support for the Royal Lao Army and anti-Communist Laotian tribes fighting the Pathet Lao in the North Vietnamese. The operation was a closely held secret because of the alleged neutrality of Laos. The manifest reality on the ground, however, was that the North Vietnamese not only had 40,000 troops fighting alongside the Communist Pathet Lao to overthrow the Laotian government, but were using Laos as a supply line and staging area for their ongoing invasion of South Vietnam.”
Despite the danger and loss of American planes and pilots, tens of thousands of enemy troops were killed and thousands of tons of food, equipment and weapons were destroyed along the trail through Laos. But many of the pilots shot down there were lost to us forever, and if there is one thing an American military man cannot stand, it’s leaving a comrade, whether dead or alive, behind.
The following story, also from that above referenced author, illustrates the lengths to which an American will go to rescue or recover a fellow American. It’s the story of “the Rescue of Streetcar 304.”
Navy pilot Lieutenant Kenny Fields, flying an A-7, was shot down at Techpone, Laos, in May 1968, on his first combat mission off the carrier USS America. Shortly thereafter a rescue pilot was shot down nearby. By the time Fields’ rescue was complete (forty hours after he ejected) the Air Force had flown 189 sorties, four pilots had been shot down, and seven aircraft were lost or heavily damaged in the effort to rescue him. One of the pilots shot down became a POW for five years.
This uniquely American mentality is on display on a small scale by each POW bracelet worn by each American across the country and down through the years. And there is no better time than around Veterans Day to look at the bracelet and discover the story behind the name engraved there, and to dwell on the depth of honor and sacrifice that story encompasses, represents, and to share that story with others.
I have a suggestion for you: If you have a POW bracelet - maybe one you wore in the 70's that's now almost forgotten, lying in a bedroom drawer, take it out and dust if off and put it on. Google up the name and acquaint yourself - or re-acquaint yourself - with the story of the man whos name is on that bracelet.
If you don't have one, think about getting one. It's a conversation starter, a hook that you can use to draw someone into an educational moment for the benefit of our nation's collective memory.
God bless those who died, and those who were never found. Those who endured torture and finally came home, and those who never did. We dare never forget them.
GOD BLESS the American Warrior, his/her family, and all of you who support them through your words and deeds, every day. Most of all, God Bless this great nation, STILL the greatest nation the world has ever known.
Take a look ever day at the Confirmed Missions threads in each of the four national WWR Regions:
Region 1 (Atlantic States)
Region 2 (Central States)
Region 3 (Mountain States)
Region 4 (Pacific States)
Also, read the stories through the after action reports and photos on the main website, which is continually updated. Remember, this is all about honoring our troops, one at a time or one unit at a time. Without that purpose, all the rest is just noise.
If you haven't dropped in to FREE AMERICAN BIKER lately, you'll be surprised by the growth. This store is the official supplier of WWR merchandise, but has a whole lot more. Over 200 patches - military, veteran, troop support, 9/11 rememberence, police support, freedom support, free American riding, and much more. Also pins, KIA and POW collections, embroidered veteran key chains, throttle art (handle covers)...nothing but 100% military SUPPORT and patriotic sentiment - no "peace" symbols here. Give a look-see today.
Volume 2, Issue 12, Tuesday, November 2, 2010
