THE WALL OF FACES

On January 19, 1967, an F-4B Phantom II (bureau number 153029, call sign "Linfield 213") with two crew members launched from the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk (CVA 63). Immediately after launch, the aircraft appeared to lose power from its starboard engine, causing it to stall and crash into the sea roughly a mile ahead of the ship. The aircraft was destroyed on impact with the water and no ejections or attempts at crew escape were observed. Search and rescue efforts were initiated immediately, but were unable to recover either crew member.

Lieutenant Commander Donald Roberts Ashby Sr., who entered the U.S. Navy from Virginia, served with Fighter Squadron 114 and was the pilot of this Phantom at the time of its loss. He remains unaccounted for. Today, Lieutenant Commander Ashby is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific. His name is also inscribed along with all his fallen comrades on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Wall in Washington, DC.

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POSTED ON 4.17.2023

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 and would be honored to include your bracelet in our Display. If you 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.
https://palmspringsairmuseum.org/vietnam-pow-bracelet-display/
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 760-408-7660 [email protected]

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POSTED ON 5.1.2021

POSTED BY: john fabris

honoring you.....

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. It is my fervent hope you will be returned home.

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POSTED ON 4.1.2021

POSTED BY: ANON

Never forgotten

As your 91st birthday approaches, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

POW-MIA...Never Forget

Semper Fortis

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POSTED ON 10.4.2016

POSTED BY: Lucy Conte Micik

Remembered

DEAR LIEUTENANT COMMANDER ASHBY,
THANK YOU FOR YOUR SERVICE AS A PILOT - UNRESTRICTED LINE OFFICER OFF THE KITTY HAWK. I HOPE YOU ARE FOUND. PLEASE COME HOME....

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