Today’s #VeteranOfTheDay is Air Force Veteran James Crew, who was a bombardier and navigator during the Vietnam War and was declared Missing in Action on November 10, 1967.
James Crew was born in Windber, Pennsylvania, in May 1941. Growing up, Crew was well involved with his church and community, earning the rank of Eagle Scout in his local boy scout troop. In 1959, he graduated from Windber Area High School and accepted an appointment to the U.S. Air Force Academy.
With a degree in engineering sciences, Crew commissioned as an officer in the U.S. Air Force in May 1965. A promising military career ahead of him, he was sent to begin training as a bombardier and navigator aboard the F-4 Phantom, which he would help pilot in Vietnam.
Saying goodbye to his daughter, with whom he had only spent 11 months, Crew deployed in spring 1967. In Vietnam, he was based out of Da Nang Air Base with the 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 366th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force. From Da Nang, he would fly missions targeting enemy bases and supply routes.
On Nov. 10, 1967, Crew’s F-4, piloted by Lt. Col. Kelly F. Cook, accompanied by a second F-4, piloted by Maj. James Morgan and 1st Lt. Charles Honeycutt, was sent on a night strike mission over Dong Hoi, North Vietnam. Radar personnel lost contact with both planes during the ‘bombs-away’ phase of the attack, and after failing to return, all four men were declared Missing in Action.
The reason behind their disappearance is still uncertain. First assumed to be shot down by enemy anti-aircraft fire, investigators believe faulty FMU-35 fuses were responsible, detonating the F-4’s bombs prematurely. The undependable fuses were replaced in January 1968 after several other incidents followed.
With the planes in enemy territory, search efforts for the downed aircraft proved unfruitful. Crew was declared dead on Dec. 4, 1978, by the U.S. Air Force, and was posthumously promoted to the rank of major.
Maj. Crew is honored on the Tablets of the Missing in Honolulu, Hawaii. In 2017, Windber Area High School dedicated their track stadium to Crew, honoring his service and sacrifice.
As of today, over 1,582 service personnel are still missing in Vietnam. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency has placed search efforts for Crew’s remains within the analytical phase of active pursuit. In this phase, the DPAA believes Crew’s remains to be recoverable, and search measures are being conducted to locate him and countless others who have not yet been returned home.
We honor his service.
Nominate a Veteran for #VeteranOfTheDay
Do you want to light up the face of a special Veteran? Have you been wondering how to tell your Veteran they are special to you? You’re in luck! VA’s #VeteranOfTheDay social media feature is an opportunity to highlight your Veteran and his/her service.
It’s easy to nominate a Veteran. All it takes is an email to newmedia@va.gov with as much information as you can put together, along with some good photos. Visit our blog post about nominating to learn how to create the best submission.
Writer: Jackson Baker
Editors: Tayler Rairigh, Mary Margaret Brennan
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