a crashed US observer aircraft

Downed 'Bird Dog' 1st Tour
a crashed US observer aircraft found by 5RAR

This aircraft was shot down by soldiers of the VC 274 Regiment on June 6, 1966. Their commander decided to lay an ambush around the plane hoping the battalion would send out a search party but no one knew where it went down.

1 Platoon A Company, led by Lt. John Hartley MID discovered the aircraft in January 1967. It was invisible from 30 yards away and it was by chance that it was discovered. A. Company HQ under the command of Maj Max Carroll MID secured the area and Recce Platoon under command 2nd Lt Michael 'Deaky' von Berg MC were tasked to secure a helicopter infiltration point through the thick jungle canopy for the SAS to winch down and to assist in the recovery of the pilots remains.

The pilot had been killed on impact and the observer had been able to climb out and the small pile of empty cartridge cases beside his skeleton testified that he had bravely held the VC off until his ammunition had run out. They had then shot him through the back of the head.

The helmet of the pilot was recovered from the body of a VC killed later in January 1967, by an SAS (Special Air Service) patrol.

Footnote: Thanks to Brian Tate, the identities of the two airmen have been revealed. Brian's thorough research at the US Vietnam Veterans' Memorial (The Wall) has identified the two airmen as:

Major John Charles JACOBS, USAF, 30 years old, married, Caucasian, born 10/7/35 of Milhousen, Indiana, length of service 10 years, casualty on 7/6/66, died from hostile action while missing, pilot of a fixed wing aircraft which crashed on land. The body was recovered.

Major Jacob's entry on the wall is on Panel 08E, Line 17

Captain Charles Stephen FRANCO, USAF, 25 years old, single, Caucasian, born 12/6/40, of New York, New York, length of service 4 years, casualty on 7/6/66, died from hostile action while missing, crew of a fixed wing aircraft which crashed on land. The body was recovered.

Captain Franco's entry on the wall is on Panel 08E, Line16