On January 23, 1968, an A-6A Intruder (bureau number 152932, call sign "Boomerang 513") with two crew members took off from the USS Ranger (CVA-61) to take part in a strike mission over North Vietnam. As “Boomerang 513” made its approach on the target, it crashed for unknown reasons in the vicinity of (GC) 48Q XF 387 716. The aircraft’s pilot ejected before the crash and was quickly rescued. The other crew member was still aboard “Boomerang 513” when it crashed, and search teams were unable to locate him or his remains following the incident.

Lieutenant Commander Gerald Lee Ramsden, who joined the U.S. Navy from California, was a member of Attack Squadron 165, embarked aboard the Ranger. He was the bombardier/navigator aboard “Boomerang 513” when it crashed, and was lost with the aircraft. He remains unaccounted for. Today, Lieutenant Commander Ramsden is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Based on all information available, DPAA assessed the individual's case to be in the analytical category of Non-recoverable.

If you are a family member of this serviceman, DPAA can provide you with additional information and analysis of your case. Please contact your casualty office representative.