Marine Corps 1st Lt William C. Ryan was given full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery, May 10, 2017.
After five decades and seven search attempts, we honor 1st Lt. William C. Ryan. pic.twitter.com/0h5dxGSc6E
— U.S. Marines (@USMC) May 18, 2017
Lt Ryan had been missing since May, 1969 when his F-4 Phantom was shot down on a combat mission over Laos. Ryan, a radar intercept officer was 25 years old at the time. He had flown over 300 combat missions.
“Marine Corps Reserve 1st Lt. William C. Ryan, missing from the Vietnam War, has now been accounted for,” the he Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency said in a statement.
On May 11, 1969, Ryan was the radar intercept officer of an F-4B aircraft on a combat mission over Laos. The aircraft was hit by enemy fire and the pilot lost control, calling several times for Ryan to eject but receiving no response, according to the agency.
The pilot ejected before the aircraft crashed; Ryan did not not. The pilot was rescued and Ryan was declared dead later that day. – NJ.com
Welcome home Lt Ryan. Your service and sacrifice will not be forgotten. Read more about his life story here.
Featured image by Gary Bain via the Vietnam Veterans Memorial Fund Website
