24 Nov 2003 USS AMERICA's first combat loss 1968 Not forgotten by his shipmates. Ken Davis Attack Squadron 85 USS AMERICA kjd0119@alltel.net

 

A Note from The Virtual Wall On 04 June 1968 a flight of Phantoms from Fighter Squadron 33 were tasked against a road intersection about 15 miles south of Vinh. Immediately after bomb release, F-4J BuNo 155554, crewed by LT Eric P. Brice and LTjg William A. Simmons, was hit by 37mm antiaircraft fire. Finding himself with only partial hydraulics and throttles jammed in full military power, Brice headed for open water. When about 25 miles off-shore the aircraft caught fire and Brice directed ejection. Simmons ejected without difficulty from the back seat, but the pilot's canopy failed to leave the aircraft. Brice's wingmen watched helplessly as Brice attempted to push the canopy free so that he too could eject - and they watched as the burning aircraft, with Eric Bryce still aboard, went into the sea. His body was not recovered. Section 49 Lot 166 Space 2a Pineview Cemetery South Rocky Mount North Carolina

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