MIA Donald E. Shay, Jr.

SYNOPSIS:
The Phantom, used by Air Force, Marine and Navy air wings, served a multitude of functions including fighter-bomber and interceptor, photo and electronic surveillance. The two man aircraft was extremely fast (Mach 2), and had a long range (900 - 2300 miles, depending on stores and mission type). The F4 was also extremely maneuverable and handled well at low and high altitudes. Most pilots considered it one of the "hottest" planes around.

Capt. William A. Ott was the pilot and Capt. Donald E. Shay Jr. the weapons/systems officer onboard the reconnaissance version of the Phantom, an RF4C, sent on a mission in Southern Laos on October 8, 1970. The last radio contact was made 30 minutes flying time from their home base. The aircraft was shot down and both Ott and Shay became Missing in Action.

When 591 Americans were released from Vietnam in 1973, Shay and Ott were not among them. As a matter of fact, the Lao released no prisoners whatever. They were not a part of the Paris Peace talks ending American involvement in Southeast Asia, and the prisoners they publicly stated they held have never been released.

Since 1973, over 10,000 reports have been given to the U.S. Government regarding Americans still in Southeast Asia. Some, according to one State Department official, have withstood the closest scrutiny possible, and cannot be disputed. There is very strong reason to believe that Americans are still held captive in Southeast Asia today. Shay and Ott could be among them. It's time we brought our men home.

William A. Ott was promoted to the rank of Colonel and Donald E. Shay to the rank of Major during the period they were maintained Missing in Action. Donald E. Shay is a 1967 graduate of the U.S. Air Force Academy.

Unlike "MIAs" from other wars, most of the nearly 2500 Americans who did not come home from Vietnam can easily be accounted for, dead or alive. We, as a nation, must turn our immediate attention to those who are alive and do everything possible to secure their freedom.