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307th STRAT WG 

RF-4C Phantom

68-0597

9th December  1972

Pilot Billie J. Williams (remains returned)

I was on a photo reconnaissance mission in North Vietnam (a few miles north of Vihn) when an unseen surface to air missile (SAM) sent my aircraft, piloted by Major Billy Joe Williams (currently MIA) plummeting in flames.

 I received multiple shrapnel wounds and burns on both arms and right leg in the SAM strike and ejected to safety (two good chutes). This occurred during the early afternoon of December 9, 1972, during, approximately, my ninetieth mission. An extensive rescue effort lasted through the late afternoon of
the 10th.
 

      Some extracts used in this Biography  were  provided thanks to the generosity of Charles and Mary Schantag  who also gave permission to include the  following POWNET biography  link               (please use your browser Back Arrow to return to this page)

1st Lt. Hector Michael Acosta