VINCENT D. MONROE
Home Of Record:
OAKLYN
County:
Camden
Status:
Remains Recovered
Rank:
CDR
Branch Of Service:
Navy
Country Of Incident:
NVN
Date of Casualty:
May 18, 1968
Date of Birth:
July 01, 1934

 

Vincent D. Monroe was born on July 1, 1934. His home of record is Oaklyn, NJ. He served in the US Navy and attained the rank of Commander (CDR).

Monroe was listed as missing in action on May 18, 1968. His status was later changed to killed in action.

Monroe’s remains were repatriated on August 23, 1978, and identified on September 11, 1978.

Synopsis (from the POW Network) as to the circumstances behind being listed as MIA:
Commander Charlie N. James, Jr. was a pilot assigned to Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 11 onboard the USS KITTY HAWK. On May 18, 1968, he launched in his RA5C Vigilante on a multi-aircraft reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. His Radar/Navigator that day was Lt.Cdr. Vincent D. Monroe.

The Vigilante commenced its run and crossed the North Vietnam coastline as planned, proceeding toward Vinh Son, which was the primary target. James' and Monroe's aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and started to spout flames burning uncontrollably. The pilot of one of the other aircraft on the mission transmitted to Monroe that his aircraft was hit, and he responded with, "I know." This was the last transmission received from James and Monroe.

The aircraft decelerated rapidly and plunged toward the ground. Other pilots momentarily lost sight of the crippled craft, and when again observed, approximately 10 seconds later, it impacted the ground. Intensive automatic weapons fire was in the area from many sites. Two parachutes were observed and emergency radio beepers heard. Search and rescue efforts were initiated. However, failure to establish voice contact with either flight member and the intensity of the anti-aircraft fire in the area necessitated termination of the effort. Electronic surveillance continued, but to no avail.

Radio Hanoi broadcasted the capture of two American pilots on May 18, 1968 in the general area of the loss of James and Monroe. Both men were classified Prisoner of War.

Information from the POW Network and NJVVMF.


MESSAGES LEFT ON THEWALL-USA

** Note that some of these messages are from years ago and their contact information may not be good anymore **

Jon Walker
Boromgr@att.net
School Mate
1245 Tecumseh Ct
Pensacola, FL 32514 USA
Both my wife and I were schoolmates of Vince at grinnell College in the late 50's. I also made the Navy a career and as an Aviator. Vince was a quiet and affable man who did his duty in a manner befitting himself and his country. He died serving those of us who were lucky enough to survive - But, He is not forgotten. I too wore his bracelet for many years - left it in a bag at the WALL in DC in 1992 as a tribute to him. May God grant him eternal peace. Rest well WARRIOR - we salute you Love Jon(59) and Marilyn Walker(58)
Monday, April 23, 2001

Susan Mintzer
slm416@worldnet.att.net
I wore his POW bracelet
Coral Springs, FL 33065 USA
Like the others who have added comments here, I too wore Vincent's POW bracelet and I still have it. If anyone knows if his family would like the bracelet, please let me know. If it would mean something to them to have it, I'd happily send it.
Wednesday, May 08, 2002


If you would like to add a story, comment, or contact, please email CCVietnamKIA@gmail.com