Richard Campbell Graves |
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Killed In Action - Body Not Recovered
SUMMARY
SYNOPSIS: Ensign Richard C. Graves was a pilot assigned to Attack Squadron 215
onboard the aircraft carrier USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31). On May 25, 1967, he launched in his A1H Skyraider on an armed coastal reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. Ensign Graves was the wingman for Lt. O'Rourke on this mission. The flight was to seek out and destroy enemy water-borne logistics traffic.
The lead aircraft started an attack run on a small cargo boat with Ensign Graves
immediately behind him. Graves fired rockets on and around the craft, then pulled
Under the circumstances, Ensign Graves was unable to exit the plane. An immediate
search and rescue effort was started with the assistance of other A1 aircraft and a
Ensign Richard Graves is listed with honor among the missing because no remains were
found. His case seems quite clear. For others who are listed missing, resolution is not Reports continue to mount that we abandoned hundreds of Americans to the enemy when we left Southeast Asia. While Graves may not be among them, one can imagine his proud willingness to fly one more mission to help bring them home. |