Operation Iraqi Freedom Dedication to U.S POW-MIAs

Operation Iraqi Freedom

My tribute page to those KIA, POW, and MIA

This page is dedicated to all U.S. Servicemen and Servicewomen serving around the world
particularly those fighting in the Persian Gulf with a special tribute to those who are Prisoners of War (POW) or Missing In Action (MIA) or were Killed In Action (KIA). As with previous wars they answered the call to serve. When asked to leave their friends and families for a far off battlefield they didn't hesitate or try to hide from their duty to God and Country. Their families and friends are not alone in thank them or remembering them.

This page is also a small token of thanks to those who are KIA,
for making the ultimate sacrifice in defense of their country.

To those who are or were POW or MIA
YOU ARE NOT FORGOTTEN

This tribute is also for those who fought and died in Vietnam, with a special tribute to LtCol Bobby Neeld and Capt Mitchell Lane, missing in action, 04 January 1969, South Vietnam; Capt Randall Craddock, missing in action 21 December 1972, North Vietnam; SSgt Alfons Bankowski, missing in action 23 March 1961, Laos, and Col Stuart Andrews, missing in action, 04 March 1966, South Vietnam.

I have POW-MIA bracelets for four of these Vietnam heroes. I have had LtCol Neeld's bracelet since 1973,
obtaining it at an Arnold Air Society National Conclave in Salt Lake City, Utah,
just over one year after my commission as a Second Lieutenant in the USAF.

Of particular note is March 23. While this is my birthday, it is also a day that many Americans will not and can not forget. Listed above on this day in 1961, SSgt Alfons Bankowski became an MIA. Forty-two years later in another war more American Patriots were lost on the battlefield.

Captured 23 Mar 2003
Released, 13 Apr 2003 - Status changed from POW to Returned, Safe
This American Hero Is Home

POW - SP4 Edgar A Hernandez, Army, Mission, TX    P
POW - SP4 Joseph N Hudson, Army, Alamogordo, NM P
POW - SP4 Shoshana N Johnson, Army, Fort Bliss, TX    P
POW - PFC Patrick W Miller, Army, Park City, KS    P
POW - SGT James J Riley, Army, Pennsauken, NJ    P

Missing In Action 23 Mar 2003
Rescued - Status changed from POW to Returned, Safe
This American Hero Is Home

Safe - PFC Jessica D Lynch, Army, Palestine, WV Rescued!

{MIA} DUTY STATUS WHEREABOUTS UNKNOWN {MIA}

NONE

Change of Status: The following Americans have been reclassified from MIA to KIA
Our prayers our with their family and friends.

All went missing on 23 Mar 2003
This American Hero Is Home

KIA - PVT Brandon U Sloan, Army, Bedford, OH    P
KIA - SGT Donald R Walters, Army, Salem, OR    P
KIA - SGT George Edward Buggs, Army, of Barnwell, SC    P
KIA – MSgt. Robert D Dowdy, Army, Cleveland, OH    P
KIA - PVT Ruben Estrella-Soto, Army, of El Paso, TX    P
KIA - SP4 James M Kiehl, Army, Comfort, TX    P
KIA - CWO Johnny Villareal Mata, Army, El Paso, TX    P
KIA - PFC Lori A Piestewa, Army, Tuba City, AZ    P
MIA - SGT Edward J Anguiano, Army, of Brownsville, TX    P
MIA - PFC Tamario D Burkett, Marine, of Buffalo, NY    P
MIA - CPL Kemaphoom A Chanawongse, Marine, of Waterford, CT    P
MIA - LCPL Donald J Cline, Jr, Marine, of Washoe, NV    P
MIA - PVT Jonathan L Gifford, Marine, of Decatur, IL    P
MIA - PVT Nolen R Hutchings, Marine, of Boiling Springs, SC    P

11 Apr 2003 - went missing on 28 Mar 2003d
This American Hero Is Home

MIA - SGT Fernando Padilla-Ramirez, Marine, of Yuma, AZ P

12 Apr 2003 - went missing on 1 Apr 2003
This American Hero Is Home

MIA - SGT Brendon C Reiss, Marine, of Casper, WY P

The following Americans were KIA on 23 Mar 2003
Our prayers remain with their family and friends.
This American Hero Is Home

Army Spc. Jamaal R. Addison, 22, Roswell, Ga., combat
Marine Sgt. Michael E. Bitz, 31, Ventura, Calif., combat
Marine Lance Cpl. Brian Rory Buesing, 20, Cedar Key, Fla., combat
Marine Lance Cpl. David K. Fribley, 26, Fort Myers, Fla., combat
Marine Cpl. Jose A. Garibay, 21, Costa Mesa, Calif., combat
Marine Cpl. Jorge A. Gonzalez, 20, Los Angeles, combat
Army Pfc. Howard Johnson II, 21, Mobile, Ala., combat
Marine Staff Sgt. Phillip A. Jordan, 42, Enfield, Conn., combat
Marine Lance Cpl. Patrick R. Nixon, 21, Gallatin, Tenn., combat
Marine 2nd Lt. Frederick E. Pokorney Jr., 31, Tonopah, Nev., combat
Marine Cpl. Randal Kent Rosacker, 21, San Diego, combat
Marine Lance Cpl. Thomas J. Slocum, 22, Thornton, Colo., combat
Marine Lance Cpl. Michael J. Williams, 31, Yuma, Ariz

Currently I live in Layton, Utah with my family after retiring from the USAF in 1992.

Two KIA's from the war to free Iraq are from Utah.

Army Staff Sgt. Nino D. Livaudais, 23,
Syracuse, Utah, April 4, 2003
and
Marine Staff Sgt. James Cawley, 41,
Layton, Utah, March 30, 2003.

Both died in combat.

Arlington National Cemetery
Operation Iraqi Freedom casualties buried there.

Defend America - U.S. Department of Defense News About The War On Terrorism
Fallen Warriors

Updated May 1, 2003