LERSETH, ROGER GENE RIP - 03/27/04
Name: Roger Gene Lerseth Rank/Branch: O3/US Navy Unit: Date of Birth: Home City of Record: Spokane WA Date of Loss: 06 September 1972 Country of Loss: North Vietnam Loss Coordinates: 204610N 1063800E (XH700972) Status (in 1973): Released POW Category: Acft/Vehicle/Ground: A6A
Other Personnel in Incident: Donald F. Lindland (remains returned)
Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 1 April 1991 from 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 2008.
REMARKS: 730212 RELSD BY DRV - INJURED
SYNOPSIS: The Grumman A6 Intruder is a two-man all weather, low-altitude, carrier-based attack plane, with versions adapted as aerial tanker and electronic warfare platform. The A6A primarily flew close-air-support, all-weather and night attacks on enemy troop concentrations, and night interdiction missions. The planes were credited with some of the most difficult single-plane strikes in the war, including the destruction of the Hai Duong bridge between Hanoi and Haiphong by a single A6. Their missions were tough, but their crews among the most talented and most courageous to serve the United States.
Donald F. Lindand was the pilot of an A6A sent on a combat mission near Haiphong, North Vietnam on September 6, 1972. His bombardier/navigator on the flight was Lt. Roger G. Lerseth. During the mission the aircraft was shot down and both crewmembers ejected.
Lerseth was captured by the Vietnamese and taken to Hanoi. Lindand was seen running on the ground with Lerseth after ejection, and is known to have evaded capture for 24 hours. Hanoi radio reported that the "aggressor pilots" had been captured, but Lerseth was told by the Vietnamese that Lindland was dead.
In February 1973, Lerseth was released with 591 Americans from Vietnam. He had been a "guest" in the Hanoi prison system for the relatively short period of five months.
Since the war ended, over 10,000 reports relating to Americans missing, prisoner or unaccounted for in Southeast Asia have been received by the U.S. Government. Many authorities who have examined this largely classified information are convinced that hundreds of Americans are still held captive today. These reports are the source of serious distress to many returned American prisoners. They had a code that no one could honorably return unless all of the prisoners returned. Not only that code of honor, but the honor of our country is at stake as long as even one man remains unjustly held. It's time we brought our men home.
On June 3, 1983, the Vietnamese "discovered" and returned the remains of Donald F. Lindland to U.S. control. Alive or dead, Lindland was a prisoner of war for eleven years.
03/27/04 As you know, Rog has been quite ill. We hoped we had the issue resolved, however, the balancing act between liver and kidneys never worked. Despite all efforts, nothing could be made to work. It grieves me deeply to tell you that this morning, Roger "...slipped the surly bonds of earth."
Chris ============================
Roger Lerseth retired from the United States Navy as a Commander. He resided in Whidbey Island with his with Chris until his death. He will be buried in Arlington.
The NETWORK had the distinct pleasure of meeting Roger in 1998. We extend our deepest sympathy to the family.
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