THE WALL OF FACES

Ross Fobair was my father’s squadron mate and friend. As such, some of the details regarding his loss should be cleared up. First, he was not in the 47th Tactical Fighter Squadron but rather the 45th. The 45th was the first squadron of the 15th Wing to deploy to Southeast Asia and were due to be replaced by the 47th when Fobair was lost. The 47th arrived two days after the loss. This was the first loss of an aircraft to a North Vietnamese SAM and led to the creation of the Wild Weasel squadrons whose task was to hunt and kill SAMs. The squadron had watched the SAM site being constructed as they flew missions up north, but the rules of engagement kept them from taking any action against them for fear of harming Russian advisors (it has come to light since that the shoot down was conducted by Russian technicians). Second, Ross was not captured. The SAM detonated right beneath him and he was probably killed outright. There was no second parachute sighted. The aircraft commander, Richard Keirns, stated that he saw Fobair slumped in the cockpit before he ejected. Keirns was taken prisoner (for the second time as he had been a POW in WWII when his B-17 was shot down over Europe.

I still have the bracelet bearing his name on my dresser. His face looks down from the 45th Squadron photograph on my wall, kneeling just in front of my father. On his face a big smile. It was July, 1965. They were going home….

https://twitter.com/PriceofThe/status/1286631339916242944?s=20

I wore a MIA/Pow bracelet for Ross from the time I was child until his funeral. It was there that I had the honor of removing the old worn bracelet from my wrist and placing it upon the wrist of Ross's sister Betty. I still faithfully wear a KIA bracelet for Ross today. It means so much to know that others have not forgotten him. From my heart, thank you so much for each remembrance. This is one of several photos of Ross that Betty sent me. He was so proud and earned his wings in both life and death.

Lieutenant Colonel Roscoe Henry Fobair, Served with the 47th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 15th Tactical Fighter Wing, 13th Air Force.

I have a bracelet with the name of Major Roscoe Fobair 07-24-65.

I wore this as an honor and thank you to Vietnam War USA men and women who served. If anyone in the family would like this bracelet please contact me at [email protected].