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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
Vietnam War/Counteroffensive Phase VI Campaign (1968-69)
From Month/Year
November / 1968
To Month/Year
February / 1969
Description This campaign was from 2 November 1968 to 22 February 1969. In November 1968 the South Vietnam government with American support began a concentrated effort to expand security in the countryside. This project was known as the "Accelerated Pacification Campaign."
This period covers the election of President Richard M. Nixon and a change of policy brought about by his administration after January 1969 when he announced a coming end to US combat in Southeast Asia and a simultaneous strengthening of South Vietnam's ability to defend itself. Formal truce negotiations began in Paris on January 25, 1969. The period can be characterized as marking time in preparation for an about face. Forty-seven ground combat operations were recorded during this period, the following being the most important:
(1). Operation NAPOLEON in the Dong Ha area initiated previously (1967) by Marine units, terminated on 9 December 1968.
(2). Operation WHEELER WALLOWA by 3d Brigade, 1st Cavalry Division and 196th Infantry Brigade (Light) in north-central Quan Tin Province. This ended on 11 November.
(3). Operation MACARTHUR initiated by 4th U.S. Infantry Division in II Corps tactical zone terminated on 31 January 1969.
(4). Operation COCHISE GREEN conducted by the 173d Airborne Brigade in Binh Dinh Province.
(5). Operation TOAN THANG II consisted of ground operations throughout III CTZ. This was a multi-division operation involving allied forces.
(6). Operation SEA LORDS was a coast and riverine operation. On 6 December Operation GIANT SLINGSHOT was started to disrupt enemy infiltration of materials from the "Parrot's Beak" area of Cambodia. Air operations continued to be important with over 60,000 sorties flown.
