Linebacker II Mission Loss Over North Vietnam (56-0605)

Mission Context and Impact During the Linebacker II operation over North Vietnam, an aircraft operating from Andersen Air Force Base in Guam was engaged by enemy defenses. While overflying the Hanoi area, the aircraft was struck by an SA-2 surface-to-air missile. The impact rendered the aircraft uncontrollable, leading to a crash in Trùng Quán, a district situated northeast of Hanoi. ## Casualties and Crew The incident resulted in the deaths of two crew members, while the remaining four were taken prisoner of war. The crew consisted of Captain Frank Lewis (pilot), Captain Samuel Cusimano (copilot), First Lieutenant Bennie Fryer (navigator), Major James Condon (radio navigator), Major Allen Johnson (electronic warfare officer), and Master Sergeant James Gough (air gunner).