Today our walk was dedicated in honor of :
Air Force Capt. John W. Kennedy, Age 24 of Arlington, Va.
MIA/KIA Aug. 16, 1971
Captain John William Kennedy was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his heroism and extraordinary achievement while engaged in aerial flight. He served as a Pilot and Forward Air Controller. He was assigned to the 20TH TAC AIR SPT SQDN, 504TH TAC AIR SPT GROUP, 7TH Air Force.
CAPT John William “Jack” Kennedy is buried in Section 60, Site 2853 of the Arlington National Cemetery. His remains were recovered December 15, 1993, and positively identified on June 7, 1996.
Final Mission
2LT John W. Kennedy was a USAF forward air controller (FAC) with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron based in Chu Lai, RVN, in support of the 23rd Infantry Division. On August 16, 1971, 2LT Kennedy was the pilot of an O-2A aircraft (#68-11030), flying solo on a visual reconnaissance mission over Quang Tin Province, RVN. His last radio contact was when he reported his position at 1250 hours. At 1310 hours an unsuccessful attempt was made to contact him by radio. Communications search efforts were continued until 1403 hours, at which time Search and Rescue (SAR) were initiated. Kennedy’s last know location was over rugged terrain in a mountainous area with triple canopy jungle. There were Army Intelligence reports that the 31st North Vietnamese Regiment had recently been operating in the area. Electronic and visual surveillance of the area continued until August 23rd when SAR efforts were terminated. Kennedy was listed as ‘Missing in Action,’ a status he carried until July of 1978, when the Air Force re-evaluated his status to ‘Presumed Killed in Action.’ Kennedy was one of the youngest FACs killed in Vietnam. He was posthumously promoted to Captain. His remains were located during a field investigation and repatriated December 15, 1992. It was determined that he had been shot down by ground fire near Ton Bon, 20 miles southwest of Quang Tri. In 1996, Kennedy’s family was contacted by the U.S. Air Force with a positive identification of his remains.
We had a great 7.57 Mile walk today. We walked to Centennial Park and walked part of the paved trail then we headed towards town to the War Memorial Park. After reading a few names on the walk we then headed back to the house. I want to thank everyone who honked, waved, and saluted in helping us honor this hero. We had 176 honks today. It was amazing. Thank you.
Air Force Capt. John W. Kennedy will not be forgotten !
