THE WALL OF FACES

LTC John W. Swanson has a memorial stone at Oakland Cemetery in Princeton, IL, and also a memorial at Honolulu Memorial.

Your sacrifice is not forgotten.

On June 15, 1967, CAPT John W. Swanson Jr. was the pilot of a U.S. Air Force Republic F-105D Thunderchief fighter-bomber (#61-0213) from the 34th Tactical Fighter Squadron. CAPT Swanson was in a flight of four aircraft on a mission over North Vietnam when his Thunderchief was hit by anti-aircraft fire at the Dong Khe railroad sidings, twenty miles north of Vinh. Swanson reportedly headed out over the South China Sea where he ejected from his damaged aircraft approximately one mile off the coast of Nghe Tinh near Trung My village. A good chute was observed, and a beeper was heard as search and rescue (SAR) elements were dispatched. The parachute was observed to be gradually sinking in the water, and shortly after Swanson’s ejection, several small boats were seen departing the area. The SAR was limited when mortar fire from shore batteries was directed at the rescuers. No trace of Swanson was found near his parachute and he was placed in a missing status. He was promoted to Lieutenant Colonel during the time he was missing. [Taken from coffeltdatabase.org]

Dear sir or ma'am,

Thank you for your post about the bracelet that you have had for many years. "Jack" was my uncle, and he is dearly missed, as are the many other men and women who served and never made it home. My family and I appreciate the men and women who serve and have served, their families, and are always honored to hear from those who have one of my uncles a bracelets. - You always welcome to reach out to me at [email protected] if you have questions about my uncle or wish to share the story of your bracelet.

I still have mine. So sorry he did not return.

I have a brecelet that has capt. john Swanson 6-15-67 printed on it. I have had it for years and never knew who he was or what happened. I am reaching out to anyone out there who is related to him and may want it. I would be glad to send it if desired.