SYNOPSIS: Major Ivan D. Appleby was the pilot of an F4D aircraft flying a photo 
reconnaissance escort mission over North Vietnam in October 1967. His backseater 
was Capt. William R. Austin II. Austin and Appleby were onboard the lead 
aircraft in a flight of F4D Phantom fighter jets. 

When the flight was over Hoi Binh Province about 25 miles southwest of the city 
of Hoi Binh, it encountered intense hostile fire which inflicted heavy damage to 
the lead aircraft. The aircraft began burning and went out of control. One 
parachute was observed prior to the aircraft crashing into a hill. 

The U.S. later learned that Austin had been captured, but Appleby's fate 
remained uncertain. He was listed Missing in Action. 

When American prisoners were released in 1973, Austin was among them, but 
Appleby was not. In late 1976, based on no information to indicate he was alive, 
Appleby was presumptively declared dead. 

Nearly 2500 Americans did not come home from the war in Vietnam. Unlike "MIAs" 
from previous wars, most of these men and women can be accounted for. Some 
hundred were known to be held as prisoners, and some were photographed in 
captivity. Others were alive and well the last time they were heard from, 
describing an advancing enemy. 

Years after our military involvement ended, reports of Americans held captive 
continue to mount. Thousands of reports have been received related to Americans 
missing in Southeast Asia, and many government officials now believe that 
hundreds are still being held prisoner. The U.S. Government continues to press 
the Vietnamese for information, as it has for nearly 20 years. The U.S. views 
the problem as humanitarian, while the Vietnamese are concerned with 
reconstruction aid promised by the United States in signed agreements, but not 
delivered. Until we are willing to negotiate for their release, these Americans 
will die in communist prisons wondering why their country abandoned them. 


Ivan D. Appleby was promoted to the rank of Colonel during the period he was 
maintained missing. 

* DIA Homecoming (Egress Recap), April 24, 1973 quotes returnee William Austin 
saying "After being hit by SAM, lost hydraulics, aircraft started to roll, 
unable to control with rudder or ailerons. Aircraft CO ordered bailout. After 
I bailed out, I did not see a chute or hear from Maj. Appleby again. I did 
observe what I believe to be the aircraft impact approx 3-5 miles from where I 
landed."