![]() United States Army Group Burial 18 February 1971 |
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ENGEN,
ROBERT JOSEPH
REMAINS IDNETIIFIED 30 OCT 91 Name: Robert Joseph Engen Rank/Branch: E4/US Army Unit: 507th Transportation Detachment, 2nd Squadron Date of Birth: 03 April 1951 (Grand Forks ND) Home City of Record: Stockton CA Date of Loss: 18 February 1971 Country of Loss: Laos Loss Coordinates: 163910N 1062226E (XD465415) Status (in 1973): Killed/Body Not Recovered Category: 2 Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: OH6A Refno: 1705 Other Personnel in Incident: Gregory S. Crandall; Walter E. Lewellen (both missing) LAM SON 719 was a large offensive operation against NVA communications lines in Laos. The operation called for ARVN troops to drive west from Khe Sanh, cut the Ho Chi Minh Trail, seize Tchpone and return to Vietnam. The ARVN would provide and command the ground forces, while U.S. Army and Air Force would furnish aviation airlift and supporting firepower. The 101st Airborne Division commanded all U.S. Army aviation units in direct support of the operation. Most of the first part of the operation, which began January 30, 1971, was called Operation DEWEY CANYON II, and was conducted by U.S. ground forces in Vietnam. On February 8, 1971, early into the operation,
a U.S. Army OH6A helicopter was shot down about 8 miles east of Tchpone.
This aircraft, flown by W1 Gregory Crandall, pilot, SP4 Robert J. Engen,
scout/observer, and Sgt.
Losses were heavy in Lam Son 719. The ARVN lost almost 50% of their force. U.S. aviation units lost 168 helicopters; another 618 were damaged. Fifty-five aircrewmen were killed, 178 wounded, and 34 missing in action in the entire operation, lasting until April 6, 1971. In all, nearly 600 Americans were lost in Laos,
but because we did not negotiate with the Pathet Lao, no Americans held
in Laos were released. Since that time, over 10,000 reports have been received
relating to Americans prisoner, missing or unaccounted for in Southeast
Asia. Although many authorities are convinced that hundreds remain alive,
the U.S. has not secured the release of a single man.
Full Name: WALTER EDWARD LEWELLEN
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