If you knew or served with this Soldier and have additional information or photos to support this Page, please leave a message for the Page Administrator(s) HERE.
On 13 May 1969 1LT Bessor flew an O-1G (tail number 51-16959) on a radio relay mission in support of a Special Forces reconnaissance team operatingin the SVN/Laos border area. He was accompanied by SFC Mike J. Scott from Cammand and Control Central, MACV-SOG, the headquarters which was running the recon operation. At about 0800 the recon team held radio contact with 1LT Bessor's aircraft and could hear aircraft engine noise southwest of their position. They then heard 15 rounds of 37mm antiaircraft fire and engine sputtering. While they did not hear sounds of a crash, they did lose radio contact with the aircraft. Shortly thereafter they heard heavy rifle fire from the same direction. Airborne seach and rescue efforts were hampered by cloud cover and enemy fire. On May 18 a ground unit was able to search the area but found nothing. On conclusion of the SAR effort the two men were classified as Missing in Action. The men remained in MIA status until the Secretary of the Army approved Presuptive Findings of Death( and posthumous promotions) for them - Caption Bessor on 10 Nov. 1976 and MSgt Scott on 24 Aug 1978. Their remains have not been repatriated.
This Soldier has an (IMO) In Memory Of Headstone in Arlington National Cemetery, Memorial Section H.
Don Stock, Childhood neighbor PO., Box, 7945, Charlottesville, VA., 22906, Hi Bruce. I grew up, 2, houses down, from you and was 8, years younger, than you. You were one, of the nicest big kids, that I knew. We used, to play, chicken fights and I always, put my hands, over your eyes. I'm sorry, you had, to die, so young. I miss you. Thanks, for your service!
Cindy Sorenson, Atlantic, IA., 50022, Virginia's POW/MIA's. http://wolfhawke81.webs.com/index.html
You, are not forgotten! I had this site up, on angelfire, for 10, years and am now moving it, to wolfhawke81.webs.com/index.html. There is also a link, on Captain, Bessor's second page, to a memorial, garden, where anyone can, pick a flower (it starts as a pot, grows and blooms, in 28 days) to leave, for any, or all of the people, on this site! You will, long be remembered, Capt., Bessor!
Mike McCaffrey Childhood Friend 119, Pine St., Days Creek, OR., 97429, A long, over due, 'Hello"
Hey Bruce... I first, found out about your MIA., on a Memorial Day, while watching TV. The Wall was being scanned, by the TV., camera and stopped/centered, on your name. Then I, remembered your Dad was in, the television industry. Needless to say, it saddened me. A Vietnam, Vet., myself, the last thing I needed, was to see another loss, especially someone close. I will keep in tact, the memories of us riding, our bikes, together and just, being kids. Your were, a funny, little dude and made me, laugh, but then, we can talk about all, that, when I see, you again. God Bless, Mike.
Tom(Ski) Waskovich Friend - Flew VR's., with Bruce) 149, Fox Hollow Dr., Lanoka Harbor, NJ., 08734, Not Forgotten Buce's sacrifice, is not forgotten, by former SF., or SPAF.. Saturday, July 01, 2000
