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
Refno: 1179

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. Updated by the P.O.W.
NETWORK 1998.

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.

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