COFFEE, GERALD LEONARD "JERRY"
Name: Gerald Leonard "Jerry" Coffee Rank/Branch: O3/US Navy Unit: Reconnaissance Squadron 13, USS KITTY HAWK Date of Birth: 02 June 1934 (Modesto CA) Home City of Record: Los Angeles CA Date of Loss: 03 February 1966 Country of Loss: North Vietnam/Over Water Loss Coordinates: 191158N 1054458E (WG788229) Status (in 1973): Released POW Category: Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: RA5C Missions: 12
Other Personnel In Incident: Robert T. Hanson (missing/remains returned 1988)
Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 15 March 1990 with the assistance of one or more of the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews. Updated by the P.O.W. NETWORK 2006.
REMARKS: 730212 RELSD BY DRV
SYNOPSIS: Lt. Gerald L. Coffee was the pilot of an RA5C Vigilante reconnaissance aircraft assigned to Reconnaissance Squadron 13 on board the USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 63). On February 3, 1966, he and navigator Lt. Robert T. Hanson were on an intelligence gathering mission against a heavily defended portion of North Vietnam. Their aircraft was hit by enemy fire and was observed to explode and hit the water near the coast of North Vietnam east of Nghe An Province. No parachutes were seen, however an emergency survival radio beeper was heard.
Both Coffee and Hanson successfully ejected and parachuted into the gulf. Several vessels were put out from the shore to capture the crewmen. Coffee was recovered by militiamen in one of the boats, and was held prisoner until his release in 1973. He stated that he had seen his navigator (Hanson) alive in the water about 12 meters away and thought that he had been picked up in one of the other boats. Lt. Coffee also reported that, shortly after his capture, a guard indicated by gestures that Lt. Hanson was dead and had been buried on the beach. Coffee was shown his identification card.
An article in the February 1, 1973 Quan Doi Nhan Dan (a daily Vietnamese paper), in describing the February 3, 1966 shootdown, stated that, "The militia ...managed to bring the two enemy pilots to shore." Hanson and Coffee's plane was the only aircraft lost within 45 miles of the Gulf of Tonkin that day.
Intelligence reports surfacing over the years during the war and following build a strong case for a well-organized second prison system, and a well orchestrated plan to keep prisoners within systems from intermingling. As it is widely believed that the Vietnamese withheld the release of many prisoners until peace agreement terms were met (specifically reconstruction aid), it is logical to assume that one prison system's inmates were released while another were held back for possible release at a later date. It is also logical to assume that the scenario might be played to its fullest, including convincing each man in a two man crew that had been separated, that the other was dead.
Whether Robert Hanson survived to be captured is not known. Experts now believe, based on thousands of reports received, that hundreds of Americans are still held prisoner in Southeast Asia. Robert Hanson could be one of them. He deserves much better than the abandonment he has received by the country he proudly served.
On November 3, 1988, the Vietnamese, who had previously denied knowledge of Lt. Hanson, "discovered" and returned his remains to U.S. control. When and how he died only the Vietnamese can say.
=========================
SOURCE: WE CAME HOME copyright 1977 Captain and Mrs. Frederic A Wyatt (USNR Ret), Barbara Powers Wyatt, Editor P.O.W. Publications, 10250 Moorpark St., Toluca Lake, CA 91602 Text is reproduced as found in the original publication (including date and spelling errors). UPDATE - 09/95 by the P.O.W. NETWORK, Skidmore, MO
GERALD L. COFFEE Commander - United States Navy Shot-Down: February 3, 1966 Released: February 12, 1973
After graduating from UCLA (University of California at Los Angeles) with a degree in Advertising Art I entered the Navy and pre-flight in the fall of 1957. I received my wings in August 1959. I flew photo Crusaders (RF-8As) out of Cecil Field, Florida, during which time I deployed twice on the USS Saratoga. In the fall of 1962 I flew reconnaissance flights over Cuba. From 1963 to 1966 I was an instructor in the Vigilante RA-5C training squadron in Sanford, Florida. In February 1966, while flying a Vigilante from the USS Kitty Hawk, I was shot down and captured in North Vietnam.
In the fall of 1957 I was married to my wife, Bea, after she graduated from San Jose State University. Bea is from Modesto, California. Our children are Kimberly, 14; Steve, 12; Dave, 11; and Jerry, 7. Of course I had never met Jerry until after my release. The by-word for my future is simply-more education; first in some general areas and then specifically in Political Science or International Relations
Many people have said that by our own words and deeds upon our return we have "turned this country around" or "restored pride in America" or "brought forth new hope for our nation's future." If this is true, then we who have seen America from a very unique vantage point and have endured with the faith of our fathers, must prepare ourselves well; prepare ourselves to fulfill whatever hopes and expectations that may now be placed upon us.
God has blessed America, but only for so long as America endures. That is the part that is up to us - all Americans.
EDITOR'S NOTE: Cdr. Coffee illustrated fellow POW Captain Howard Rutledge's book: IN THE PRESENCE OF MINE ENEMIES published by the Fleming H. Revell Company.
=================
Gerald Coffee retired as a Navy Captain. His last duty station was as Public Affairs officer on the staff of the Commander-in-Chief, Pacific Fleet, where his duty was to speak on a full time basis. He and his wife Susan reside in Hawaii.
===================================
Vietnam POW Coffee enters U.S. Senate race
By Derrick DePledge Advertiser Government Writer
Jerry Coffee, a decorated U.S. Navy pilot who spent seven years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam, announced yesterday he will run in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate.
Coffee, 72, a motivational speaker and MidWeek columnist who lives in 'Aiea Heights, said his background and his perspective on terrorism and national security would give voters an alternative to the winner of the Democratic primary between U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka and U.S. Rep. Ed Case.
"We face an implacable enemy who is totally dedicated to our death and the annihilation of our country and our way of life and the values of Western civilization as we know them today," Coffee said at a morning news conference at the Korean and Vietnam War Memorials near the state Capitol. "In my mind, too many people just don't get it yet. And the direness of the situation needs to be articulated in ways that people understand the alternatives.
"And the fact of the matter is there aren't any alternatives. We must win this war."
Gov. Linda Lingle, Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and other prominent Republicans appeared at Coffee's announcement, indicating he has the full support of the state GOP. But his late entry into the race and his lack of political experience raise doubts about whether he can compete against Akaka or Case.
Coffee came close to upsetting state Rep. Blake Oshiro, D-33rd (Halawa, 'Aiea, Pearlridge), in a House race in 2004, but has no other campaign experience to prepare him for a statewide race.
But Coffee is a nationally recognized speaker with contacts in the influential veterans' community. He told reporters yesterday that U.S. Sen. John McCain, R-Ariz., a former Vietnam POW, may appear with him in the Islands in August. Coffee said he is scheduled to meet with McCain next week in Washington, D.C., before he leaves with his wife on a monthlong humanitarian trip to Africa.
Neal Milner, a political science professor at the University of Hawai'i-Manoa, said Coffee is not well-known statewide and will have the disadvantage of campaigning in a traditionally Democratic state. "But he's feisty. He'll campaign hard and he'll certainly bring a conservative voice," Milner said.
Case and a spokeswoman for Akaka's campaign recognized Coffee's military service yesterday. Coffee's reconnaissance jet was shot down by enemy fire in North Vietnam in 1966 and he was held and tortured until his release in 1973. He was awarded the Silver Star, two Bronze Stars, two Purple Hearts and other decorations and retired from the Navy as a captain.
"Jerry is an inspiration to many, including me," Case said. "He would be a worthy opponent in the general election."
But Case said he did not believe Coffee would have much influence on independent or Republican voters who may choose to vote in the Democratic primary. "Voters that want change, which is most voters, will have a first bite at the apple in my primary on Sept. 23, and I believe they are going to take that bite," he said.
Elisa Yadao, Akaka's campaign spokeswoman, said, "Captain Coffee has a distinguished record of service to our nation and to our state but the Akaka campaign will reserve any further comment on his candidacy at this time. Our efforts are currently fully focused on the primary election."
Coffee has been critical of a Native Hawaiian federal recognition bill that has been supported by Akaka, Case, Lingle and most of Hawai'i's political establishment. He said yesterday that the bill, which would recognize Hawaiians as indigenous people with the right to form their own government, could lead to the creation of two states within Hawai'i.
Coffee said his campaign also would touch on such issues as preventing crime and drug abuse, improving education and using nuclear power as an energy source.
Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.
=========================
Posted on: Tuesday, August 8, 2006 Heart surgery forces Coffee to suspend campaign By Derrick DePledge Advertiser Government Writer
Jerry Coffee
Jerry Coffee, a former Vietnam prisoner of war and motivational speaker, suspended his campaign in the Republican primary for U.S. Senate yesterday after undergoing emergency heart bypass surgery in Texas.
Coffee, 72, became ill after attending a funeral Saturday for his mother-in-law. His son, Jerry Coffee Jr., told reporters at Hawai'i Republican Party headquarters last night that this was Coffee's third heart surgery.
"At this time my father is strong and, as many of you who know him would guess, in very good spirits," his son said. "He's surrounded by friends and family and is expected to make a full recovery."
Coffee announced his candidacy in July but immediately left with his wife on a humanitarian mission to Africa. The Coffees cut the mission short to go to the funeral over the weekend and had planned to attend a Washington, D.C., fundraising event yesterday before returning to the Islands to campaign.
Coffee Jr. said it is unlikely his father will revive his campaign even if he makes a speedy recovery.
State election officials could not be reached last night, but the Web site for the state Office of Elections says candidates have until Sept. 1 to withdraw for health-related reasons. Five lesser-known Republicans - Mark Beatty, Chas. "Akacase" Collins, Jay Friedheim, Edward Pirkowski and Steve Tataii - are also on the ballot.
Gov. Linda Lingle, Lt. Gov. James "Duke" Aiona and other influential Republicans appeared at Coffee's campaign announcement last month and many Republicans believed he would be a solid - if long shot - candidate against the winner of the Democratic primary between U.S. Sen. Daniel Akaka and U.S. Rep. Ed Case.
Coffee lost a state House race in 2004 and has had no other political experience. But his background as a Navy pilot who spent seven years as a prisoner of war in Vietnam and his national reputation as a motivational speaker made him a potentially compelling candidate.
Sam Aiona, the state GOP chairman, said it was too soon to discuss the party's strategy. "Obviously, we're disappointed. But I think right now the main concern is the health and well-being of Capt. Jerry Coffee," he said. "It's time for all of this to sink in and keep our thoughts and prayers with the Coffee family."
Coffee Jr. said his father could return home soon and may resume writing a political column for MidWeek that he suspended for the campaign.
Coffee Jr.,said the family was proud of Coffee's desire to run and disappointed, if a little relieved, by his decision to suspend the campaign. Reach Derrick DePledge at ddepledge@honoluluadvertiser.com.