Vietnam War pilot's remains identified after 50 years

The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) has announced the identification of a Vietnam War Pilot's remains, nearly fifty years after his plane disappeared. U.S. Marine Corps Capt. Ronald W. Forrester was piloting an A-6A Intruder over northern Vietnam in 1972 when his plane vanished during a nighttime combat mission. This marked a significant milestone in a long and arduous journey for closure and recognition for the bravery displayed by Capt. Forrester and his comrades.

A Fateful Mission and Communication Blackout

Capt. Ronald W. Forrester, 25, was an accomplished individual, having pursued a civil engineering major at Texas A&M and serving as the president of the college's Marine Corps ROTC. After completing his studies, he commenced active duty just three months after graduation, serving his nation with utmost dedication. However, on December 27, 1972, Capt. Forrester ceased radio communication, and his plane never returned to base. He had already completed 46 missions by that time, demonstrating his commitment and courage in the face of danger.

On Christmas Day, just two days before his disappearance, Capt. Forrester wrote a poignant letter to his family, expressing his belief in the importance of his missions in ending the long-standing war. Despite his unwavering belief, he also conveyed a sense of declining morale as the challenges intensified. Tragically, the next day was to be his 47th mission—a mission that would ultimately seal his fate.

Unyielding Search for the Missing Pilots

In the wake of the disappearance, search teams were promptly dispatched to locate Capt. Forrester and his co-pilot, Capt. Ralph Jim Chipman. Despite their relentless efforts, no trace of the pilots or the plane was found. The absence of leads and evidence plunged their families and loved ones into a state of profound uncertainty and anguish.

Nearly six years after the incident, in September 1978, Capt. Ronald W. Forrester was officially declared killed in action. The designation offered a bittersweet semblance of closure to his loved ones, who had endured years of heartache and speculation regarding his fate. In the same vein, Capt. Chipman left behind a grieving wife, Susan, and two young sons, casting a shadow of loss on multiple families. In addition to Capt. Forrester's young daughter, Karoni, his twin brother, Donald, and younger brother, Larry, were also left to grapple with the emotional aftermath of their brother's untimely demise. The weight of the loss reverberated through their lives, irrevocably altering their trajectories.

Scientific Advances and Confirmation

Employing circumstantial evidence from the crash site, along with mitochondrial DNA analysis, scientists from DPAA were able to identify Capt. Ronald W. Forrester. The meticulous process of identification involved utilizing DNA, dental records, sinus records, and chest X-rays— a testament to the advancements made in forensic science. The official confirmation came on December 4, 2023, marking a poignant milestone in a journey that spanned multiple decades.

For Capt. Ronald W. Forrester, the final chapter will culminate with his burial at Arlington National Cemetery on October 7 ,2024. This solemn ceremony will serve as a recognition of his valor and sacrifice, offering a long-awaited opportunity for his family and comrades to pay tribute to a life dedicated to serving the nation.