RATIONALE FOR SELECTION:     Search and rescue forces established radio communications with both officers, who reported that they were both all right and that the enemy was closing in around them.   No correlated reports have been received subsequent to the incident date to indicate were either that LTC GATES and CPT LaFAYETTE were either captured or dead.

CASE SUMMARY

1.   On 6 April 1966, LTC James W. GATES, pilot, and CPT John LaFAYETTE observer, departed Phu Bai Airfield -RVN at 1540 hours local in an OV1 (#63-13117), as number two in a flight of two aircraft on a reconnaissance mission over Laos.   At about 1648 hours the USAF Airborne Command Post (Hillsborro), received a "Mayday" radio transmission from the two OV1's.   Two Forward Air Controllers (FAC) in the area began an immediate search for the two downed aircrews. (Ref 1)

2.   At about 1730 hours the two aircrews were seen on the ground about one kilometer apart.   One of the FAC's established radio contact with both crews who reported that they were OK.   While waiting the arrival of the rescue helicopters the two FAC's began directing air strikes into the area to suppress hostile fire.   At about 1815 hours GATES and LaFAYETTE radioed that the VC were closing in on them.   Shortly after, radio contact was lost. (Ref 1)

3.   At 1850 hours the crew of the other OV1 was rescued and a visual search of the last known location of LTC GATES and CPT LaFAYETTE was made by a rescue helicopter, but neither officer was seen.   Both rescue helicopters received extensive damage from enemy fire.   Search and rescue efforts were resumed the next day from 0638 hours to 1300 hours.   They were unsuccessful and were suspended. (Ref 1)

4.   The location of the incident is given as grid coordinates XD 803 033.(Ref 2)

5.   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 Four-Party Joint Military Team with a request for any information available.   No response was forthcoming.   LTC GATES is currently carried in the status of Missing.   CPT LaFAYETTE is currently carried in the status of Dead, Remains Not Recovered.

REFERENCES USED

1.   RPT (U), 20th ASTA Det, 12 Apr 66.

2.   RPT (U), Adjutant General DD Form 1300 21 Aug 73.

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