the target area and were given permission to release their ordnance on the bridge. The lead aircraft rolled in on the target folled by Kahler in the number two aircraft. As the lead aircrcraft was coming of the target, he saw a flash of light in his rear-view mirror.
The lead aircraft immediately tried to contact Kahler by radio, but was unsuccessful. He had enough fuel to make just one pass over cloud cover and monsoon weather, but did not see a parachute indicating Kahler successfully ejected from his aircraft. The aircrarft went down about 18 miles north so Sam Neua.
The Sam Neua area is noted for caves in which American prisoners of war were held during the war. After the plane went down, a team reached the site and found the cockpit empty of parachutes either inside or on the ground nearby. It was thought at that time that Kahler was working his way to a safer area where he could be rescued. The plane itself was in good condition considering the violent impact.
On June 14 Pathet Lao acknowledged shooting down an F105 and stated the pilot was "suitable punished." The mission was Kahler's 81st combat mission. Nothing has been learned of his fate since that time.
Kahler was raised in Lincoln ,NE and took pilot training in Lubbock, Texas where he received his wings in 1943. He trained pilots during WWII. Following the war, he remained in the Air Force until he was sent to Vietnam. Kahler was promoted to the rank of Colonel during the period he was maintained missing.
I have the honor of buying his bracelet in the 60's and wearing it with pride until he comes home.
And to think we put a man on the moon July 1969. |
