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News & Stories
News | Aug. 22, 2018

Airman Killed During Vietnam War Accounted For (Kibbey, R.)

By DPAA Public Affairs

Air Force Col. Richard A Kibbey, killed in the Vietnam War, was accounted for on August 6.

On Feb. 6, 1967, Kibbey was a member of Detachment 5, 38th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron, when he, along with three other service members, were crew members of an HH-3E helicopter on a rescue and recovery mission over North Vietnam. After rescuing the pilot of a downed aircraft, Kibbey's helicopter was hit by enemy ground fire, resulting in an internal explosion and crash. Kibbey was subsequently reported missing in action. His status was later amended to deceased.

DPAA is grateful to the government of Vietnam for their partnership in this mission, as well as National Leagues of Families for their stalwart persistence in accounting for missing service personnel.

Interment services are pending; more details will be released 7-10 days prior to scheduled funeral services.

Kibbey's name is recorded on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific in Honolulu, along with the others who are missing from the Vietnam War. A rosette will be placed next to his name to indicate he has been accounted for.

For more information about DPAA, visit www.dpaa.mil, find us on social media at www.facebook.com/dodpaa, or call 703-699-1420/1169.

Kibbey's personnel profile can be viewed at
https://dpaa.secure.force.com/dpaaProfile?id=a0Jt0000000BTbdEAG

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Public Affairs Contact Information


Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency PAO
Washington, D.C.
2300 Defense Pentagon
Attn: Outreach and Communications
Washington, D.C. 20301-2300
Email: dpaa.ncr.oc.mbx.public-affairs@mail.mil