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 2015.
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
Commander Roger Gene Lerseth, United States Navy (retired), age 57, 24 year
Oak Harbor
resident and former Vietnam prisoner-of-war, died at his home on
Saturday, March 27, 2004,
following a brief illness.
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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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Roger "Zipper" Lerseth died in 2004. At his service at Arlington,
Ev Alvarez delivered this eulogy which is one of the finest that I have ever
heard.
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CAPT Christine "Peach" Picchi RIP
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From
JC:
Chris "Peach" Picchi passed away a week ago, April 2nd. Although details are still sketchy at this point she'd been in ill health for the last two years. Then she got an infection in her pancreas that developed into pancreatitis. In the last two weeks, with her liver and kidneys failing her body gave up and she passed away. Her death was a shock to the entire River Rat, Intruder, Navy League and Whidbey Island communities. She will be sorely missed by so many. The only information I have at this point is that there is a memorial service planned to be held at the base chapel at Whidbey Island NAS. The date and time have yet to be determined. It is my sincere hope that there will be a substantial turnout of River Rats to honor Peach's send off to join her late husband and Blue Two, Roger Lerseth at Arlington. Roger's Tribute Link
Please stand by for further announcements.
JC
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http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Christine-Picchi
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