WASHINGTON –
The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced today that U.S. Army Master Sgt. Donald P. Gervais, 24, killed during the Vietnam War, was accounted for May 16, 2025.
In the spring of 1968, Gervais was assigned to Bravo Company, 1st Battalion, 9th Cavalry Regiment, 1st Cavalry Division. On May 1, he was the door gunner on an OH-6A Cayuse helicopter on a reconnaissance mission over the A Shau Valley, Republic of Vietnam. A nearby aircraft reportedly witnessed the helicopter hit a dead tree and crash into a ravine. Due to enemy ground fire and dense vegetation over the rough terrain, the aircraft was unable to conduct a visual reconnaissance of the crash site. A nearby infantry platoon attempted to investigate the area but were forced to withdraw when they encountered enemy fire. On July 25, 1978, the U.S. Army changed Gervais’ status from Missing in Action to Killed in Action and posthumously promoted him to the rank of Master Sgt.
This is an initial release. The complete accounting of Gervais' case will be published once the family receives their full briefing.
For additional information on the Defense Department’s mission to account for Americans who went missing while serving their country, visit the DPAA website at or on social media at , , , or .