Incident
On final approach to Saigon Airport, a C-123 transport aircraft was shot down by enemy fire. It crashed a few kilometers short of the runway, destroying the aircraft. All 16 occupants were killed.
Mission and Aircraft
The aircraft was operating on a mission for the Military Assistance Command, Vietnam Studies and Observation Group (MACV-SOG), a joint service high command unconventional warfare task force engaged in highly classified operations throughout Southeast Asia. The C-123 was modified for its role, carrying pylons and painted in a unique camouflage pattern of low-reflectivity black, green, and brown paint. It bore no standard markings. All aircraft involved in such missions were sanitized, and the nationality and individuality of those on board were withheld.