THE WALL OF FACES

Thank you for your service to our country so long ago sir. It remains my fervent hope you will be returned home after the passage of so many years.

Information about MIA LTJG Donald Clay MacLaughlin Jr., USNA Class of 1963, from the POW Network website is at this link:

https://pownetwork.org/bios/m/m350.htm

On the remembrance of your 80th birthday, your sacrifice is not forgotten.

POW-MIA...Never Forget

Semper Fortis

LTJG Donald C. Mac Laughlin Jr. was a U.S. Navy pilot serving with Attack Squadron-76 (VA-76) aboard the aircraft carrier USS Enterprise (CVN-65). On January 2, 1966, Mac Laughlin was flying a Douglas A-4C Skyhawk (#147704), the wingman in a flight of two aircraft on an in-country combat mission in support of ground troops in Quang Ngai Province, RVN. The target area was in a mountainous region eight miles southwest of Duc Pho. While nearing the target area, Mac Laughlin radioed to the flight leader that he had lost visual contact with him. He was instructed to proceed in an easterly heading where the weather was improved and the terrain flat and to orbit the area while the flight leader made a run at the target. This was his last radio contact with the flight leader or the airborne controller operating in the area. Radio and visual contact with Mac Laughlin was attempted several times with negative results. An air rescue squadron at a nearby air station was immediately notified and rescue helicopters were able to locate Mac Laughlin’s crashed aircraft. One helicopter landed near the crash site; however, Mac Laughlin was not found with his aircraft. Because of the tactical situation on the ground and gathering darkness and threatening weather, search operations were suspended. The following morning, a rescue helicopter returned to the crash site and spotted what appeared to be Mac Laughlin’s body. From where the body was positioned, it looked as if he had attempted an ejection from low altitude at the last minute. Enemy groundfire prevented the helicopter from landing and Mac Laughlin’s remains were not recovered. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear LT-JG Donald MacLaughlin, Thank you for your service as an Unrestricted Line Officer - Pilot on the USS ENTERPRISE. You are still MIA. Please come home. Saying thank you isn't enough, but it is from the heart. Yesterday was Memorial Day, and it is important to remember you. Time passes quickly. Please watch over America, it stills needs your strength, courage, guidance and faithfulness. Be at peace.