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FIVE SOLDIERS' REMAINS RECOVERED FROM 1968

CHOPPER CRASH IN LAOS -- The helicopter was

approaching a landing zone when it was struck by

ground fire. Attempts to reach the site over the

next several days were repelled by enemy fire.

 

 

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-laos-0806,0,930259.story

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Connecticut Soldier's Remains Recovered From 1968 Crash In Laos

The Associated Press

The Army has recovered the remains of five Vietnam-era soldiers, including a sergeant from Hamden, who died when their helicopter was shot down over Laos in 1968, the Department of Defense announced Monday.

Sgt. 1st Class John T. Gallagher was part of a crew of the UH-1D helicopter that was shot down while on patrol in Savannakhet Province, Laos on Jan. 5, 1968.

The helicopter was approaching a landing zone when it was struck by ground fire, the Army said.

There were no survivors, but attempts to reach the site over the next several days were repelled by enemy fire.

In 1995, investigations led by the Joint POW/MIA Accounting Command located the crash site.

The remains and other evidence were recovered during three excavations between 2002-2006.

Investigators used dental records and other evidence to help identify the remains.

Gallagher's remains were individually identified, and his burial date is being set by his family.

"I was happy they never, ever gave up looking," Gallagher's sister Nancy Yunek told WTNH-TV. "I think America is the only country in the world that keeps on looking for their military people."

Group remains from the rest of the crew -- Chief Warrant Officer Dennis C. Hamilton, of Barnes City, Iowa; Chief Warrant Officer Sheldon D. Schultz, of Altoona, Pa.; Sgt. 1st Class Ernest F. Briggs Jr., of San Antonio, Texas; and Sgt. 1st Class James D. Williamson, of Olympia, Wash. -- will be buried on Aug. 14 at Arlington National Cemetery near Washington, D.C.

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Larry Scott  --