THE WALL OF FACES

CDR Donald E. Erwin was a U.S. Navy pilot assigned to Attack Squadron 164 (VA-164), Carrier Air Wing 21 (CVW-21) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Hancock (CVA 19). On October 2, 1968, Erwin was flying a Douglas A-4E Skyhawk (#151126), call sign Magic Stone 411, as one in a flight of two A-4E’s on an armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. After completing their mission, the flight began looking for targets of opportunity. During this time, Erwin’s Skyhawk received a direct hit from anti-aircraft artillery fire. While heading for the coast, fuel was seen streaming from the jet with fire visible on the underside. After crossing the coastline, the fire intensified and Erwin ejected. A successful ejection was achieved, and Erwin was seen alive in his chute. After entering the waters of the South China Sea, Erwin was lost from sight. His wingman made two passes over the parachute before it sank but no sign of Erwin was noted. No radio transmissions were received, and an extensive search discovered his helmet but failed to locate any sign of the pilot. Erwin was subsequently carried in a status of Missing in Action. Twenty-one years later, on July 31, 1989, the Socialist Republic of Vietnam repatriated a box containing the alleged remains of Erwin. The following February 1990, military authorities confirmed the remains were those of the missing pilot. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

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POSTED ON 7.6.2024

POSTED BY: DAVID THOMPSON

POW/MIA MUSEUM DISPLAY

I am the Curator of the POW/MIA Bracelet Display in the Vietnam Hangar of the Palm Springs Air Museum in Palm Springs, California where we now have over two thousand bracelets honoring POWs, MIAs and KIAs and would be honored to include your bracelet in our Display should you have one. If you no longer have your bracelet or wish to keep yours or are an immediate family member (spouse, fiancé, sibling, child, grandchild, cousin, niece, nephew, or close friend) I can order one for the Display in your name with funds donated by our Museum visitors.
Dr. Dave Thompson
Palm Springs Air Museum
POW/MIA Bracelet Display Curator
Lt. Commander U.S. Navy 1964-1970
10-103 Lakeview Dr. Rancho Mirage, Ca 92270
760-328-0859 760-464-6843 [email protected]

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POSTED ON 6.16.2022

POSTED BY: John Fabris

honoring you...

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. I am heartened you returned home though I wish it had been under very different circumstances. May you rest in eternal peace.

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POSTED ON 1.1.2022

POSTED BY: kr

FORMER MIA CDR DONALD E. ERWIN, USN - - UPDATE FROM DPAA (Remains Recovered)

According to the Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA) website at the below link/URL, the remains of former MIA Commander Donald Edward Erwin, USN, were recovered and later accounted for on 1 February 1990:

https://dpaa-mil.sites.crmforce.mil/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt000000sFDcfEAG

As of the date of this entry, 1,584 Americans remain MIA in Southeast Asia and contiguous waters from the Vietnam War:

https://www.dpaa.mil/Portals/85/VietnamAccounting/pmsea_una_ALL_20211230.pdf

DPAA lists 1,056 Americans accounted for:
https://www.dpaa.mil/Portals/85/VietnamAccounting/pmsea_acc_ALL_20211230.pdf

DPAA lists 187 sailors accounted for and 357 men still MIA:
https://www.dpaa.mil/portals/85/VietnamAccounting/pmsea_acc_NAVY_20211230.pdf
https://www.dpaa.mil/portals/85/VietnamAccounting/pmsea_una_NAVY_20211230.pdf

Remembered on what would've been his 93d birthday - 1 January 2022.

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POSTED ON 1.1.2022

POSTED BY: kr

FORMER MIA CDR DONALD E. ERWIN, USN - - UPDATE FROM DPAA (MIA STATUS)

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