News-Info-Alerts

To: ALL

From: Andi Wolos & Bob Necci

(POW-MIA InterNetwork)

Re: NLF Update Line Message

Date: November 09, 2000

Update Line
Thank you for calling the National League of Families Update Line. This message is being recorded on Monday, November 6th. According to the Department of Defense, the number of Americans still missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War is 1,992.

Although some names have not yet been publicly released, thirteen Americans previously missing in North Vietnam are now accounted for. The most recent incident involves a US Navy officer whose remains were recovered in March of this year at a site visited by Secretary of Defense Cohen. One incident, involving eleven US Air Force personnel unaccounted for since December 29, 1967, was the subject of successful joint excavation, with remains repatriated in December 1993. The name of one individual involved in this incident was withheld at the request of his family. The 10 named are Col. Charles P. Claxton of IL, Lt.Col. Edwin N. Osborne, Jr., of FL, Lt.Col. Gerald G. VanBuren of OH, Col. Donald E. Fisher of OR, Lt.Col. Gordon J. Wenaas, ND, Maj. Frank C. Parker, III, of PA, CMSgt. Jack McCrary of TN, CMSgt. Wayne A. Eckley of OR, CMSgt. Gean P. Clapper of PA, and CMSgt. James R. Williams of NC. The 13th individual, whose name was not yet announced, was also previously unaccounted for in North Vietnam, and his remains were jointly recovered in 1999.

This brings the number still missing and unaccounted for from the Vietnam War to 1,992, 1,498 in Vietnam, 421 in Laos, 65 in Cambodia and 8 in the territorial waters of the PRC. Since the vast majority of Americans lost in Laos and Cambodia were in areas under wartime Vietnamese control, we look to Vietnam to provide archival records and witnesses to assist in accounting for them.

From news reports, it appears that President Clinton will visit Vietnam November 16-20th. The League has urged the President to stress to Vietnam's leaders the need to increase their own efforts to obtain answers by providing records and returning remains, as Secretary of Defense Cohen did last March. We have also urged the President to request use of US Navy ships and technology for underwater excavations of American aircraft shot down along Vietnam's coastline. Though not advocated by the League, the President's visit offers an opportunity to reinforce the need for greater cooperation, especially unilateral actions by Vietnam.

On October 28th, a team of US specialists concluded month-long field operations in Laos. Initial reports indicate that remains and artifacts were recovered at several excavation sites, and remains that may be those of four Americans were repatriated following a ceremony at Vientiane's International Airport. US-Lao POW/MIA consultations will take place in Vientiane in early December.

On October 30th, a US team of 93 personnel began month-long field operations in Vietnam. Joint investigations and excavations on 32 cases are scheduled in 23 separate provinces, one of which will be visited by President Clinton's delegation in mid-November. These joint activities were preceded by discussions in mid-October on the status of last-known-alive cases, followed by technical talks to review last year's operations and discuss the FY01 operational plan.

On Veterans Day, November 11th, the League's POW/MIA flag will again fly over the White House, US Capitol, the Departments of State, Defense and Veterans Affair, most US Government buildings, major military installations, federal cemeteries, and all offices of the US Postal Service. Please check to ensure that your local post office is adhering to this law.

The League recently finalized the date and location for our 32nd Annual Meeting that will be held June 21-25th, 2001, at Crystal City's DoubleTree Hotel, across the Potomac River from Washington, DC. Family members and concerned supporters are urged to start planning now to attend this important first meeting of a new administration. We again anticipate DOD-sponsored, round-trip travel for this meeting for two family members per missing man.

POW/MIA car-window decals are available at a cost of $20 per 100 by sending a check to the League office at 1001 Connecticut Avenue, NW, Suite 919, Washington, DC 20036. POW/MIA lapel pins are also available at $3 each or 2/$5. For added information on any subject, please contact the League's web site at www.pow-miafamilies.org or call the national office at 202-223-6846. If no one is available to take your call, please leave a message and your call will be returned. Again, thank you for calling.

The National League of Families of
American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia
1001 Connecticut Avenue Northwest, Suite 919
Washington, D.C. 20036-5504
(TEL) 202-223-6846