Charles Frederick Klusmann (September 7, 1933 – October 3, 2024) was an American military United States Navy combat pilot who was shot down over Laos during the Vietnam War and later escaped captivity.
Military career
Shoot down, capture and escape
Klusmann was a navy lieutenant (O-3) when he was shot down over the Plain of Jars, Laos (19°28′00″N103°15′00″E / 19.46667°N 103.25000°E / 19.46667; 103.25000) on June 6, 1964, flying an RF-8A Crusader aircraft from the VFP-63, USS Kitty Hawk.[1] He was the first airman shot down and captured by the Pathet Lao and the first to escape three months later, on August 30. He was rescued two days later by CIA Officer Terrence Michael "Terry" Burke.[2] This is notable because the United States government never negotiated for the release of any prisoners held in Laos, and so, not one American held in Laos was ever released.[1]
For extraordinary heroism and achievement while participating in aerial flight during May and June 1964. Lieutenant Klusmann, attached to and serving with Light Photographic Squadron SIXTY-THREE, Detachment C, aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) has been engaged in unarmed reconnaissance flights over Laos in the Plaines des Jarres area. On 21 May 1964, his first flight into the area, his aircraft was struck by ground fire, and burned for a period of 20 minutes. Exercising superior airmanship, he was able to return safely to his ship. On 6 June 1964, on another low-level flight, his aircraft was shot down about 10 miles south of the Pathet Lao stronghold of Ban Ban on Route 7 east of the Plaines des Jarres at noon local time. Lieutenant Klusmann ejected from his aircraft and was observed on the ground. An attempt was made to rescue him by helicopter from a clearing, but as the helicopter approached the area Lieutenant Klusmann, exhibiting heroism of the highest order, waved it off. Almost immediately, he was observed to be surrounded by Pathet Lao troops. The rescue helicopter was subjected to ground fire and one of its occupants was wounded before it could depart the area. Subsequently, the Chinese Communist radio announced that the Pathet Lao had captured Lieutenant Klusmann. Lieutenant Klusmann's unswerving devotion to duty, professional skill, and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.
Personal life, retirement and death
Klusmann retired from the U.S. Navy as a captain in 1980. A father of two children and a grandfather of three, he retired to Pensacola, where he had undergone flight training in the Navy, in 1956.[2] He died on October 3, 2024, at the age of 91.[5]
