| Date: 31 October 1965 |
| Aircraft type: A-4E Skyhawk |
| Serial Number: 151173 |
| Military Unit: VA-164 |
| Service: USN |
| Home Base: USS Oriskany TDY to Korat |
| Name(s): |
| Lt Cdr Trent Richard Powers (KIA) |
| The SAM threat caused the Air Force and the Navy to cooperate to seek an effective solution. The Navy detached a number of Skyhawks to Korat to fly as pathfinders for the F-105 Iron Hand aircraft. On the last day of the month Lt Cdr Powers led eight Thunderchiefs on a mission to attack a SAM site five miles southeast of Kep during a combined Air Force-Navy 65-aircraft strike on a road bridge at Kep. A total of 27 SAMs were launched during this attack and another strike later in the day. None of the missiles caused any damage to US aircraft. Lt Cdr Powers was seen to commence a run at about 150 feet to release its Snakeye bombs and mark the site for the F-105s. During the run over the target the aircraft (call sign Magic Stone 466) was hit by AAA and burst into flames. The aircraft climbed but then banked suddenly and Lt Cdr Powers ejected at about 200 feet. His parachute was seen to develop and he was seen to wave to his wingman to indicate he was OK. His SAR beeper was heard briefly but he never responded to any of the radio calls made to him and a SAR mission was not possible due to the degree of enemy opposition in the area. Nothing more was heard about Trent Powers until May 1987 when his remains were identified in a package of bones and teeth returned by the North Vietnamese. Further remains were handed over in November 1987 which also proved to be those of Lt Cdr Powers. There was no indication as to the cause of death. His remains were buried at Chan Hassen, Minnesota on 15 April 1988. Trent Powers, who was the operations officer of VA-164, was posthumously awarded the Navy Cross for his sacrifice on his last mission. |
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