POW / MIA Braclets

[JOERM]

I've had a POW/ MIA for Lt. Col. John Pitchford, 12-20-65 Braclet since 1972 just before I went to Germany instead of Nam. Thank God for that! My Mom bought it for me and gave it to me for some reason.

After 40 years of having this braclet and always wondering if Lt. Col. Pitchford made it home or not I decided to see if I could find out this morning what happened. I started with libray of congress: Library of Congress Home and hung out there a while until I found another site which led me to this site: Col. John Pitchford dies. Scroll down to read it all and see a prayer and or click on "more info" to get more of the story.

He made it home and had a good life. I wish I could contact his family and let them know that I've had this braclet with me all these years, not wearing it, just with me.

Joe

 

[m1gunner]

Capt. Richard G. Elzinga never came home. He was FAC, and was lost in a Birddog over Laos.

I still remember the day I received the bracelet in 1972. I ordered it (it cost $2 or $10, don't recall) and it arrived at my squadron in a manila envelope, it was flat not curved as those seen today.

I don't wear it as often as I should, but it is still worn .

I check the MIA sites every few months, but his name isn't yet one of those returned to his home.

 

[JOERM]

Capt. Richard G. Elzinga never came home. He was FAC, and was lost in a Birddog over Laos.

"I still remember the day I received the bracelet in 1972. I ordered it (it cost $2 or $10, don't recall) and it arrived at my squadron in a manila envelope, it was flat not curved as those seen today."



I should know what FAC is but I don't recall. I believe all of the bracelets were shipped flat then formed to fit your wrist.

 

[m1gunner]

A FAC is a Forward Air Controller. They flew Cessna O-1 Birddogs, Cessna O-2, and OV-10 Broncos IIRC.

 

[CelticSire]

Still wearing mine daily, rarely do I take it off. SSG James A. Champion, US Army Ranger, MIA South Viet Nam 24 April 1971. Only Ranger ever listed as MIA.

 

[JOERM]

A FAC is a Forward Air Controller. They flew Cessna O-1 Birddogs, Cessna O-2, and OV-10 Broncos IIRC.

I remembered what it was while taking a bike ride during lunch. I have read several books that had a chapter or two about them, totally nuts.

 

[Indiana George]

Interesting, Joe.

Though I was aware of Lt. Col. Pitchford's release in 1972, I continued to wear mine every day until 1975; 'The end of the war in Vietnam."

My bracelet is now on display along with photos of my father and grandfather in their military uniforms.

Rest in Peace, Sir. And Thank You.

 

[rangemaster]

Maybe this is a bit off topic, but since you're on the subject of bracelets- this is the one that I wear. I feel compelled to share.

I have noticed a trend in recent years of these rubberized bracelets, worn for different reasons.

On 16 February, 2011 I lost a partner, and a friend. I'd only worked with Derek for about nine months, and sadly I was just getting to know him well. A senseless tragedy. And I will Never forget his sacrifce.

Rest in Peace, brother.

Deputy Marshal Derek Hotsinpiller | United States Department of Justice - United States Marshals Service, U.S. Government

 

[JOERM]

Interesting, Joe.

Though I was aware of Lt. Col. Pitchford's release in 1972, I continued to wear mine every day until 1975; 'The end of the war in Vietnam."

My bracelet is now on display along with photos of my father and grandfather in their military uniforms.

Rest in Peace, Sir. And Thank You.

Unreal! Never even crossed my mind that someone else here would have his bracelet. Just way cool.