50 Years

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Staff

A U.S. Air Force F-16 Fighting Falcon fighter aircraft assigned to the 18th Aggressor Squadron takes off from Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, Oct. 6, 2014, during RED FLAG-Alaska 15-1. RF-A is a series of Pacific Air Forces commander-directed field training exercises for U.S. and partner nation forces, providing combined offensive counter-air, interdiction, close air support and large force employment training in a simulated combat environment. (U.S. Air Force photo by Tech. Sgt. Joseph Swafford Jr./Released)

A wreath was laid at the Vietnam Veterans Memorial for MAJ Dale R. Buis and MSG Chester M Ovnand, killed 50 years ago today, becoming the first U.S. casualties in the Vietnam War.  Part of a military advisors group, Buis and Ovnand were killed by Vietcong guerrillas in Bien Hoa while watching a movie in the mess hall.  Today they are the first names listed on the Vietnam Veterans Memorial under the year 1959.

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