MONROE, VINCENT DUNCAN
Remains Returned 23 August 1978

Name: Vincent Duncan Monroe
Rank/Branch: O4/US Navy
Unit: Reconnaissance/Attack Squadron 11, USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 63)
Date of Birth: 01 July 1934 (Chicago IL)
Home City of Record: Oaklyn NJ
Date of Loss: 18 May 1968
Country of Loss: North Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 185800N 1051800E (WF316970)
Status (in 1973): Prisoner of War
Category: 1
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: RA5C

Other Personnel in Incident: Charlie N. James Jr. (released POW)

Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 15 April 1990 from one or more of the
following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence with
POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews.

REMARKS: 780823 REMS RET MONTGOM HANOI

SYNOPSIS: Commander Charlie N. James, Jr. was a pilot assigned to Reconnaissance
Attack Squadron 11 onboard the USS KITTY HAWK. On May 18, 1968, he launched in
his RA5C Vigilante on a multi-aircraft reconnaissance mission over North
Vietnam. His Radar/Navigator that day was Lt.Cdr. Vincent D. Monroe.

The Vigilante commenced its run and crossed the North Vietnam coastline as
planned, proceeding toward Vinh Son, which was the primary target. James' and
Monroe's aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and started to spout flames
burning uncontrollably. The pilot of one of the other aircraft on the mission
transmitted to Monroe that his aircraft was hit, and he responded with, "I
know." This was the last transmission received from James and Monroe.

The aircraft decelerated rapidly and plunged toward the ground. Other pilots
momentarily lost sight of the crippled craft, and when again observed,
approximately 10 seconds later, it impacted the ground. Intensive automatic
weapons fire was in the area from many sites. Two parachutes were observed and
emergency radio beepers heard. Search and rescue efforts were initiated.
However, failure to establish voice contact with either flight member and the
intensity of the anti-aircraft fire in the area necessitated terminaton of the
effort. Electronic surveillance continued, but to no avail.

Radio Hanoi broadcast the capture of two American pilots on May 18, 1968 in the
general area of the loss of James and Monroe. Both men were classified Prisoner
of War.

In 1973, 591 lucky American POWs were released from Vietnam. James was among
them; Monroe was not. Military officials at the time were shocked that hundreds
of servicemen suspected or known to be prisoners of war were not released.

Since American involvement in Southeast Asia ended, thousands of reports have
been received by the U.S. relating to Americans still prisoner, missing, or
otherwise unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Many authorities believe there
are hundreds still alive, waiting for their country to come for them.

Vincent D. Monroe was maintained in Prisoner of War status until January 10,
1978, at which time his status was changed to Presumed Killed in Action. Later
that year, a delegation led by Congressman "Sonny" Montgomery visited Hanoi and
was given the remains of Vincent D. Monroe. Monroe was buried with full military
honors at Arlington National Cemetery.


During the period they were maintained as Prisoner of War, Charlie N. James and
Vincent D. Monroe were promoted to the rank of Captain.