In Memory of ........ Capt. Robert Donald Beutel.
*** There was no burial and no headstone, as the family has never received any evidence that he was found or died. Per his sister.
*** August 1978-Presumptive Finding of Death Without Evidence.
*** He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal.
*** Captain Beutel was a member of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Airfield, Thailand. On November 26, 1971, he was the bombardier/navigator of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom II Fighter (F-4D) on a mission out of Thailand. As the aircraft crossed the Laotian border into Savannakhet Province, radio contact was lost. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
ROBERT DONALD BEUTEL - Air Force - CAPT - O3
Age: 25
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 6, 1946
From: TREMONT, IL
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Single - Father: Donald Robert Beutel birth:16 September 1919, Tremont, Illinois - death:6 September 1995, Tremont, Illinois. burial: Mount Hope Cemetery, Tremont, Illinois. Mother: Elda L. Getz Beutel, Born 1922.
***** Robert grew up and attended schools in the local area of Peoria and after graduation, Robert became a reporter for the Peoria Journal Star Newspaper. Upon notification of being drafted into the Army, Robert entered the United States Air Force. After two years of training, Robert was commissioned to the Officer Rank of Lieutenant and was assigned as a navigator on F-4D Phantom Jet Fighters. In May 1971, he was assigned to Ubon Air Force Base in Thailand during the Vietnam Conflict. On November 26, 1971, the last mission prior to his authorized leave to Australia for Rest and Relaxation, his aircraft was reported missing over Laos in Savannakhet Province with his pilot, Officer James E. Steadman. They was never heard from again and the aircraft was never found. In August 1978, the United States Government classified him P.F.O.D. (Presumptive Finding of Death Without Evidence). He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal.
***** Bob Beutel flew backseater for Jim Steadman on an F4D Phantom jet. In late November 1971, the two were flying a mission out of Thailand and over Laos. Just inside Laos, in Savannakhet Province, the ir plane disappeared. No one knew for sure if it was hit, or had mechanical trouble - it just vanished. No remains or wreckage of the plane was ever found. Bob Beutel was packed for R & R in Australia after being overseas for 6 months. He was on his last flight before his departure. Jim Steadman, a young officer from the Air Force Academy left a wife of only a short duration to wonder what happened to him.
***** Tremont Veterans Memorial - A memorial in Tremont Park to honor veterans. Robert D. Beutel, Air Force, 1968-MIA 11/1971 Row 14, Stone 8
***** There was no burial and no headstone, as the family has never received any evidence that he was found or died. The government is still searching and Robert's name is on the Vietnam memorial wall as MIA. Please look into the source of this info and make this correction until evidence surfaces of his death.
I am Capt Robert Beutel's Sister, and I thank you very much for providing this site and for all the work and encouragement you have provided !! You are amazing!
Caryl Harrer
**** College (Los Angeles, California) - 1968
Casualty was on Nov. 26, 1971
In LZ, LAOS
Body was not recovered
Panel 02W - Line 73
Other Personnel In Incident: James E. Steadman (missing)
On 26 November 1971, Capt. James E. "Jim" Steadman, pilot, and 1st Lt. Robert D. "Bob" Beutel, co-pilot, comprised the crew of an F4D, call sign "Owl 08," conducting a night Forward Air Controller (FAC) mission. Captain Beutel was a member of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Airfield, Thailand.
On November 26, 1971, he was the bombardier/navigator of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom II Fighter (F-4D) on a mission out of Thailand.
As the aircraft crossed the Laotian border into Savannakhet Province, radio contact was lost.
His remains were not recovered.
Both men were listed Missing in Action.
*****************************************
December 31, 1998
Thanks for sharing whatever you could to help me get a better idea of the whereabouts of my MIA nephew, Robert D. (Bob) Beutel.
I'm sending along a report of the highlights of what I learned in 1998, which, in short, is:
1. a denial by the National Security Agency of my FOIA request for relevant documents which remain classified SECRET and
2. JTF-FA Field Investigators were turned away by the Lao Ministry of Defense from getting to a cave where Bob may have been held.
Overview of Search Effort Results During 1998
1. Joint Task Force - Full Accounting (JTF-FA) issued an Additional Information Report dated 21 July 1998 declaring exclusive correlation of crash site UC3018, previously thought likely to correlate to 1781, to Case 1455-0-1, James William Grace. Sharing information about this with the Grace family may be of mutual value. Help in facilitating contact with the Grace family would be appreciated.
2. JTF-FA issued a Report, dated 30 July 1998, relating to a 19 May through 21 June 1998 JTF-FA Field Investigation of Uncorrelated Incident 3030. This incident is based on a CIA rallier report in which a source reported the Pathet Lao allegedly displayed two Americans in mid-December 1971 at the Savannakhet Provincial Military Headquarters to Villagers from Ban Dongbang and Ban Nammeng Savannakhet Province.
Refno 1781 is the prime possibility for correlation. The report indicates a Lao Ministry of National Defense (MND)
Official halted the investigation when a witness was found who was willing to lead them to a cave where Americans may have been held during the war. The MND also told the team they could not ask detailed questions when the team found witnesses with information on captured Americans.
Additionally, although the team coordinated to interview Vilabouli District Officials, the MND Official refused to allow the team to interview the Vilabouli Police Chief, claiming the interview of that specific Official was not previously coordinated.
Finally, the MND Official told the team that it would never be permitted to visit the cave, which was the Provincial Military, Headquarters where Americans may have been held.
JTF-FA recommends continued investigation.
3. In a letter, written under date of 1 1 December 1998 (received 18 December 1998) The National Security Agency denied access to two SECRET classified NSA-originated documents responsive to a 21 November 1997 FOIA request. An appeal is possible, if initiated within 60 days. Guidance by anyone familiar with the appeal process would be appreciated. Although unconfirmed, the implication seems
to be that these documents relate to UC3030.
4. An archivist at DPMO indicates he has access to a CIA database and has offered to search for keywords apt to be in documents relating to case 1781. Suggestions of apt words for search would be welcome.
If you know of anything new, I will again be grateful if you share it.
Elmer Getz
(Uncle and Designated Primary Next of Kin)
************************************
ROBERT DONALD BEUTEL
Captain; 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force
Born 6 April 1946 – MIA / UNACCOUNTED FOR since 26 Nov 1971
Robert Beutel was born in Peoria, Illinois to Donald Robert Beutel and Elda L. (Getz) Beutel. He graduated from Tremont (Illinois) High School where he competed in football, wrestling, and track. A member of T Club, Pep Club, yearbook staff, band, and Latin Club, Bob was selected for National Honor Society.
Bob entered Knox College in fall 1964. A member of Phi Delta Theta and Young Republicans, Bob later transferred to Occidental College in Los Angeles. A Knox pledge brother remembers him “as a wonderful guy who was always great to be around. He could be very funny but he was also very observant and insightful; philosophical with a puckish sparkle in his eye.” An English major, Bob graduated from Occidental in 1968.
Assigned to Lackland AFB for Officer Training School and then to Mather AFB for navigator training, Bob went to Vietnam to serve as a weapons system officer. From Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA): “On 26 November 1971, an F-4 Phantom II (tail number 66-7752, call sign ‘Owl 08’) conducted a forward air control mission over a heavily wooded, mountainous jungle area in eastern Laos. Last radio contact with the aircraft occurred as it was enroute to the target area in Savannakhet Province in the vicinity of (GC) VD 964 056.
Weather conditions were extremely poor with rain, clouds and low visibility. When controllers could not reestablish radio contact with the crew of the Phantom, a seven day search and rescue effort began. Continuing bad weather and rugged terrain hampered visual and photographic searches, and radio and electronic contact could not be established.
The search was unsuccessful and the crew were declared missing. … Beutel was weapons systems operator aboard the Phantom when it disappeared, and his remains were not recovered. Subsequent to the incident, and while carried in the status of missing in action (MIA), the US Air Force promoted 1st Lt Beutel to the rank of Captain. Based on all information available, DPAA assessed the individual’s case to be in the category of Active Pursuit.”
Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Memorial marker at Courts of the Missing, Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
Vietnam Veterans Memorial – panel 2W / line 73
Family members included Bob’s parents, sister Caryl, brothers William and Keith, and uncle Elmer Getz who has continued to search for information on his MIA nephew.
ONE QUESTION REMAINS: IS BOB BEUTEL STILL A PRISONER OF WAR IN LAOS?
Contributor: wjsd (49963191)
.
*** There was no burial and no headstone, as the family has never received any evidence that he was found or died. Per his sister.
*** August 1978-Presumptive Finding of Death Without Evidence.
*** He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal.
*** Captain Beutel was a member of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Airfield, Thailand. On November 26, 1971, he was the bombardier/navigator of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom II Fighter (F-4D) on a mission out of Thailand. As the aircraft crossed the Laotian border into Savannakhet Province, radio contact was lost. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
ROBERT DONALD BEUTEL - Air Force - CAPT - O3
Age: 25
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 6, 1946
From: TREMONT, IL
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Single - Father: Donald Robert Beutel birth:16 September 1919, Tremont, Illinois - death:6 September 1995, Tremont, Illinois. burial: Mount Hope Cemetery, Tremont, Illinois. Mother: Elda L. Getz Beutel, Born 1922.
***** Robert grew up and attended schools in the local area of Peoria and after graduation, Robert became a reporter for the Peoria Journal Star Newspaper. Upon notification of being drafted into the Army, Robert entered the United States Air Force. After two years of training, Robert was commissioned to the Officer Rank of Lieutenant and was assigned as a navigator on F-4D Phantom Jet Fighters. In May 1971, he was assigned to Ubon Air Force Base in Thailand during the Vietnam Conflict. On November 26, 1971, the last mission prior to his authorized leave to Australia for Rest and Relaxation, his aircraft was reported missing over Laos in Savannakhet Province with his pilot, Officer James E. Steadman. They was never heard from again and the aircraft was never found. In August 1978, the United States Government classified him P.F.O.D. (Presumptive Finding of Death Without Evidence). He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal.
***** Bob Beutel flew backseater for Jim Steadman on an F4D Phantom jet. In late November 1971, the two were flying a mission out of Thailand and over Laos. Just inside Laos, in Savannakhet Province, the ir plane disappeared. No one knew for sure if it was hit, or had mechanical trouble - it just vanished. No remains or wreckage of the plane was ever found. Bob Beutel was packed for R & R in Australia after being overseas for 6 months. He was on his last flight before his departure. Jim Steadman, a young officer from the Air Force Academy left a wife of only a short duration to wonder what happened to him.
***** Tremont Veterans Memorial - A memorial in Tremont Park to honor veterans. Robert D. Beutel, Air Force, 1968-MIA 11/1971 Row 14, Stone 8
***** There was no burial and no headstone, as the family has never received any evidence that he was found or died. The government is still searching and Robert's name is on the Vietnam memorial wall as MIA. Please look into the source of this info and make this correction until evidence surfaces of his death.
I am Capt Robert Beutel's Sister, and I thank you very much for providing this site and for all the work and encouragement you have provided !! You are amazing!
Caryl Harrer
**** College (Los Angeles, California) - 1968
Casualty was on Nov. 26, 1971
In LZ, LAOS
Body was not recovered
Panel 02W - Line 73
Other Personnel In Incident: James E. Steadman (missing)
On 26 November 1971, Capt. James E. "Jim" Steadman, pilot, and 1st Lt. Robert D. "Bob" Beutel, co-pilot, comprised the crew of an F4D, call sign "Owl 08," conducting a night Forward Air Controller (FAC) mission. Captain Beutel was a member of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Airfield, Thailand.
On November 26, 1971, he was the bombardier/navigator of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom II Fighter (F-4D) on a mission out of Thailand.
As the aircraft crossed the Laotian border into Savannakhet Province, radio contact was lost.
His remains were not recovered.
Both men were listed Missing in Action.
*****************************************
December 31, 1998
Thanks for sharing whatever you could to help me get a better idea of the whereabouts of my MIA nephew, Robert D. (Bob) Beutel.
I'm sending along a report of the highlights of what I learned in 1998, which, in short, is:
1. a denial by the National Security Agency of my FOIA request for relevant documents which remain classified SECRET and
2. JTF-FA Field Investigators were turned away by the Lao Ministry of Defense from getting to a cave where Bob may have been held.
Overview of Search Effort Results During 1998
1. Joint Task Force - Full Accounting (JTF-FA) issued an Additional Information Report dated 21 July 1998 declaring exclusive correlation of crash site UC3018, previously thought likely to correlate to 1781, to Case 1455-0-1, James William Grace. Sharing information about this with the Grace family may be of mutual value. Help in facilitating contact with the Grace family would be appreciated.
2. JTF-FA issued a Report, dated 30 July 1998, relating to a 19 May through 21 June 1998 JTF-FA Field Investigation of Uncorrelated Incident 3030. This incident is based on a CIA rallier report in which a source reported the Pathet Lao allegedly displayed two Americans in mid-December 1971 at the Savannakhet Provincial Military Headquarters to Villagers from Ban Dongbang and Ban Nammeng Savannakhet Province.
Refno 1781 is the prime possibility for correlation. The report indicates a Lao Ministry of National Defense (MND)
Official halted the investigation when a witness was found who was willing to lead them to a cave where Americans may have been held during the war. The MND also told the team they could not ask detailed questions when the team found witnesses with information on captured Americans.
Additionally, although the team coordinated to interview Vilabouli District Officials, the MND Official refused to allow the team to interview the Vilabouli Police Chief, claiming the interview of that specific Official was not previously coordinated.
Finally, the MND Official told the team that it would never be permitted to visit the cave, which was the Provincial Military, Headquarters where Americans may have been held.
JTF-FA recommends continued investigation.
3. In a letter, written under date of 1 1 December 1998 (received 18 December 1998) The National Security Agency denied access to two SECRET classified NSA-originated documents responsive to a 21 November 1997 FOIA request. An appeal is possible, if initiated within 60 days. Guidance by anyone familiar with the appeal process would be appreciated. Although unconfirmed, the implication seems
to be that these documents relate to UC3030.
4. An archivist at DPMO indicates he has access to a CIA database and has offered to search for keywords apt to be in documents relating to case 1781. Suggestions of apt words for search would be welcome.
If you know of anything new, I will again be grateful if you share it.
Elmer Getz
(Uncle and Designated Primary Next of Kin)
************************************
ROBERT DONALD BEUTEL
Captain; 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force
Born 6 April 1946 – MIA / UNACCOUNTED FOR since 26 Nov 1971
Robert Beutel was born in Peoria, Illinois to Donald Robert Beutel and Elda L. (Getz) Beutel. He graduated from Tremont (Illinois) High School where he competed in football, wrestling, and track. A member of T Club, Pep Club, yearbook staff, band, and Latin Club, Bob was selected for National Honor Society.
Bob entered Knox College in fall 1964. A member of Phi Delta Theta and Young Republicans, Bob later transferred to Occidental College in Los Angeles. A Knox pledge brother remembers him “as a wonderful guy who was always great to be around. He could be very funny but he was also very observant and insightful; philosophical with a puckish sparkle in his eye.” An English major, Bob graduated from Occidental in 1968.
Assigned to Lackland AFB for Officer Training School and then to Mather AFB for navigator training, Bob went to Vietnam to serve as a weapons system officer. From Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA): “On 26 November 1971, an F-4 Phantom II (tail number 66-7752, call sign ‘Owl 08’) conducted a forward air control mission over a heavily wooded, mountainous jungle area in eastern Laos. Last radio contact with the aircraft occurred as it was enroute to the target area in Savannakhet Province in the vicinity of (GC) VD 964 056.
Weather conditions were extremely poor with rain, clouds and low visibility. When controllers could not reestablish radio contact with the crew of the Phantom, a seven day search and rescue effort began. Continuing bad weather and rugged terrain hampered visual and photographic searches, and radio and electronic contact could not be established.
The search was unsuccessful and the crew were declared missing. … Beutel was weapons systems operator aboard the Phantom when it disappeared, and his remains were not recovered. Subsequent to the incident, and while carried in the status of missing in action (MIA), the US Air Force promoted 1st Lt Beutel to the rank of Captain. Based on all information available, DPAA assessed the individual’s case to be in the category of Active Pursuit.”
Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Memorial marker at Courts of the Missing, Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
Vietnam Veterans Memorial – panel 2W / line 73
Family members included Bob’s parents, sister Caryl, brothers William and Keith, and uncle Elmer Getz who has continued to search for information on his MIA nephew.
ONE QUESTION REMAINS: IS BOB BEUTEL STILL A PRISONER OF WAR IN LAOS?
Contributor: wjsd (49963191)
.
In Memory of ........ Capt. Robert Donald Beutel.
*** There was no burial and no headstone, as the family has never received any evidence that he was found or died. Per his sister.
*** August 1978-Presumptive Finding of Death Without Evidence.
*** He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal.
*** Captain Beutel was a member of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Airfield, Thailand. On November 26, 1971, he was the bombardier/navigator of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom II Fighter (F-4D) on a mission out of Thailand. As the aircraft crossed the Laotian border into Savannakhet Province, radio contact was lost. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
ROBERT DONALD BEUTEL - Air Force - CAPT - O3
Age: 25
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 6, 1946
From: TREMONT, IL
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Single - Father: Donald Robert Beutel birth:16 September 1919, Tremont, Illinois - death:6 September 1995, Tremont, Illinois. burial: Mount Hope Cemetery, Tremont, Illinois. Mother: Elda L. Getz Beutel, Born 1922.
***** Robert grew up and attended schools in the local area of Peoria and after graduation, Robert became a reporter for the Peoria Journal Star Newspaper. Upon notification of being drafted into the Army, Robert entered the United States Air Force. After two years of training, Robert was commissioned to the Officer Rank of Lieutenant and was assigned as a navigator on F-4D Phantom Jet Fighters. In May 1971, he was assigned to Ubon Air Force Base in Thailand during the Vietnam Conflict. On November 26, 1971, the last mission prior to his authorized leave to Australia for Rest and Relaxation, his aircraft was reported missing over Laos in Savannakhet Province with his pilot, Officer James E. Steadman. They was never heard from again and the aircraft was never found. In August 1978, the United States Government classified him P.F.O.D. (Presumptive Finding of Death Without Evidence). He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal.
***** Bob Beutel flew backseater for Jim Steadman on an F4D Phantom jet. In late November 1971, the two were flying a mission out of Thailand and over Laos. Just inside Laos, in Savannakhet Province, the ir plane disappeared. No one knew for sure if it was hit, or had mechanical trouble - it just vanished. No remains or wreckage of the plane was ever found. Bob Beutel was packed for R & R in Australia after being overseas for 6 months. He was on his last flight before his departure. Jim Steadman, a young officer from the Air Force Academy left a wife of only a short duration to wonder what happened to him.
***** Tremont Veterans Memorial - A memorial in Tremont Park to honor veterans. Robert D. Beutel, Air Force, 1968-MIA 11/1971 Row 14, Stone 8
***** There was no burial and no headstone, as the family has never received any evidence that he was found or died. The government is still searching and Robert's name is on the Vietnam memorial wall as MIA. Please look into the source of this info and make this correction until evidence surfaces of his death.
I am Capt Robert Beutel's Sister, and I thank you very much for providing this site and for all the work and encouragement you have provided !! You are amazing!
Caryl Harrer
**** College (Los Angeles, California) - 1968
Casualty was on Nov. 26, 1971
In LZ, LAOS
Body was not recovered
Panel 02W - Line 73
Other Personnel In Incident: James E. Steadman (missing)
On 26 November 1971, Capt. James E. "Jim" Steadman, pilot, and 1st Lt. Robert D. "Bob" Beutel, co-pilot, comprised the crew of an F4D, call sign "Owl 08," conducting a night Forward Air Controller (FAC) mission. Captain Beutel was a member of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Airfield, Thailand.
On November 26, 1971, he was the bombardier/navigator of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom II Fighter (F-4D) on a mission out of Thailand.
As the aircraft crossed the Laotian border into Savannakhet Province, radio contact was lost.
His remains were not recovered.
Both men were listed Missing in Action.
*****************************************
December 31, 1998
Thanks for sharing whatever you could to help me get a better idea of the whereabouts of my MIA nephew, Robert D. (Bob) Beutel.
I'm sending along a report of the highlights of what I learned in 1998, which, in short, is:
1. a denial by the National Security Agency of my FOIA request for relevant documents which remain classified SECRET and
2. JTF-FA Field Investigators were turned away by the Lao Ministry of Defense from getting to a cave where Bob may have been held.
Overview of Search Effort Results During 1998
1. Joint Task Force - Full Accounting (JTF-FA) issued an Additional Information Report dated 21 July 1998 declaring exclusive correlation of crash site UC3018, previously thought likely to correlate to 1781, to Case 1455-0-1, James William Grace. Sharing information about this with the Grace family may be of mutual value. Help in facilitating contact with the Grace family would be appreciated.
2. JTF-FA issued a Report, dated 30 July 1998, relating to a 19 May through 21 June 1998 JTF-FA Field Investigation of Uncorrelated Incident 3030. This incident is based on a CIA rallier report in which a source reported the Pathet Lao allegedly displayed two Americans in mid-December 1971 at the Savannakhet Provincial Military Headquarters to Villagers from Ban Dongbang and Ban Nammeng Savannakhet Province.
Refno 1781 is the prime possibility for correlation. The report indicates a Lao Ministry of National Defense (MND)
Official halted the investigation when a witness was found who was willing to lead them to a cave where Americans may have been held during the war. The MND also told the team they could not ask detailed questions when the team found witnesses with information on captured Americans.
Additionally, although the team coordinated to interview Vilabouli District Officials, the MND Official refused to allow the team to interview the Vilabouli Police Chief, claiming the interview of that specific Official was not previously coordinated.
Finally, the MND Official told the team that it would never be permitted to visit the cave, which was the Provincial Military, Headquarters where Americans may have been held.
JTF-FA recommends continued investigation.
3. In a letter, written under date of 1 1 December 1998 (received 18 December 1998) The National Security Agency denied access to two SECRET classified NSA-originated documents responsive to a 21 November 1997 FOIA request. An appeal is possible, if initiated within 60 days. Guidance by anyone familiar with the appeal process would be appreciated. Although unconfirmed, the implication seems
to be that these documents relate to UC3030.
4. An archivist at DPMO indicates he has access to a CIA database and has offered to search for keywords apt to be in documents relating to case 1781. Suggestions of apt words for search would be welcome.
If you know of anything new, I will again be grateful if you share it.
Elmer Getz
(Uncle and Designated Primary Next of Kin)
************************************
ROBERT DONALD BEUTEL
Captain; 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force
Born 6 April 1946 – MIA / UNACCOUNTED FOR since 26 Nov 1971
Robert Beutel was born in Peoria, Illinois to Donald Robert Beutel and Elda L. (Getz) Beutel. He graduated from Tremont (Illinois) High School where he competed in football, wrestling, and track. A member of T Club, Pep Club, yearbook staff, band, and Latin Club, Bob was selected for National Honor Society.
Bob entered Knox College in fall 1964. A member of Phi Delta Theta and Young Republicans, Bob later transferred to Occidental College in Los Angeles. A Knox pledge brother remembers him “as a wonderful guy who was always great to be around. He could be very funny but he was also very observant and insightful; philosophical with a puckish sparkle in his eye.” An English major, Bob graduated from Occidental in 1968.
Assigned to Lackland AFB for Officer Training School and then to Mather AFB for navigator training, Bob went to Vietnam to serve as a weapons system officer. From Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA): “On 26 November 1971, an F-4 Phantom II (tail number 66-7752, call sign ‘Owl 08’) conducted a forward air control mission over a heavily wooded, mountainous jungle area in eastern Laos. Last radio contact with the aircraft occurred as it was enroute to the target area in Savannakhet Province in the vicinity of (GC) VD 964 056.
Weather conditions were extremely poor with rain, clouds and low visibility. When controllers could not reestablish radio contact with the crew of the Phantom, a seven day search and rescue effort began. Continuing bad weather and rugged terrain hampered visual and photographic searches, and radio and electronic contact could not be established.
The search was unsuccessful and the crew were declared missing. … Beutel was weapons systems operator aboard the Phantom when it disappeared, and his remains were not recovered. Subsequent to the incident, and while carried in the status of missing in action (MIA), the US Air Force promoted 1st Lt Beutel to the rank of Captain. Based on all information available, DPAA assessed the individual’s case to be in the category of Active Pursuit.”
Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Memorial marker at Courts of the Missing, Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
Vietnam Veterans Memorial – panel 2W / line 73
Family members included Bob’s parents, sister Caryl, brothers William and Keith, and uncle Elmer Getz who has continued to search for information on his MIA nephew.
ONE QUESTION REMAINS: IS BOB BEUTEL STILL A PRISONER OF WAR IN LAOS?
Contributor: wjsd (49963191)
.
*** There was no burial and no headstone, as the family has never received any evidence that he was found or died. Per his sister.
*** August 1978-Presumptive Finding of Death Without Evidence.
*** He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal.
*** Captain Beutel was a member of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Airfield, Thailand. On November 26, 1971, he was the bombardier/navigator of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom II Fighter (F-4D) on a mission out of Thailand. As the aircraft crossed the Laotian border into Savannakhet Province, radio contact was lost. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.
You may be gone, no longer living on this earth; but you will live on - in the memories of your family and friends. There will always be a part of you living in those who knew you. You will live on because we remember you!
ROBERT DONALD BEUTEL - Air Force - CAPT - O3
Age: 25
Race: Caucasian
Date of Birth Apr 6, 1946
From: TREMONT, IL
Religion: PROTESTANT
Marital Status: Single - Father: Donald Robert Beutel birth:16 September 1919, Tremont, Illinois - death:6 September 1995, Tremont, Illinois. burial: Mount Hope Cemetery, Tremont, Illinois. Mother: Elda L. Getz Beutel, Born 1922.
***** Robert grew up and attended schools in the local area of Peoria and after graduation, Robert became a reporter for the Peoria Journal Star Newspaper. Upon notification of being drafted into the Army, Robert entered the United States Air Force. After two years of training, Robert was commissioned to the Officer Rank of Lieutenant and was assigned as a navigator on F-4D Phantom Jet Fighters. In May 1971, he was assigned to Ubon Air Force Base in Thailand during the Vietnam Conflict. On November 26, 1971, the last mission prior to his authorized leave to Australia for Rest and Relaxation, his aircraft was reported missing over Laos in Savannakhet Province with his pilot, Officer James E. Steadman. They was never heard from again and the aircraft was never found. In August 1978, the United States Government classified him P.F.O.D. (Presumptive Finding of Death Without Evidence). He was awarded the Purple Heart, the Distinguished Flying Cross, and the Air Medal.
***** Bob Beutel flew backseater for Jim Steadman on an F4D Phantom jet. In late November 1971, the two were flying a mission out of Thailand and over Laos. Just inside Laos, in Savannakhet Province, the ir plane disappeared. No one knew for sure if it was hit, or had mechanical trouble - it just vanished. No remains or wreckage of the plane was ever found. Bob Beutel was packed for R & R in Australia after being overseas for 6 months. He was on his last flight before his departure. Jim Steadman, a young officer from the Air Force Academy left a wife of only a short duration to wonder what happened to him.
***** Tremont Veterans Memorial - A memorial in Tremont Park to honor veterans. Robert D. Beutel, Air Force, 1968-MIA 11/1971 Row 14, Stone 8
***** There was no burial and no headstone, as the family has never received any evidence that he was found or died. The government is still searching and Robert's name is on the Vietnam memorial wall as MIA. Please look into the source of this info and make this correction until evidence surfaces of his death.
I am Capt Robert Beutel's Sister, and I thank you very much for providing this site and for all the work and encouragement you have provided !! You are amazing!
Caryl Harrer
**** College (Los Angeles, California) - 1968
Casualty was on Nov. 26, 1971
In LZ, LAOS
Body was not recovered
Panel 02W - Line 73
Other Personnel In Incident: James E. Steadman (missing)
On 26 November 1971, Capt. James E. "Jim" Steadman, pilot, and 1st Lt. Robert D. "Bob" Beutel, co-pilot, comprised the crew of an F4D, call sign "Owl 08," conducting a night Forward Air Controller (FAC) mission. Captain Beutel was a member of the 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Ubon Airfield, Thailand.
On November 26, 1971, he was the bombardier/navigator of a McDonnell Douglas Phantom II Fighter (F-4D) on a mission out of Thailand.
As the aircraft crossed the Laotian border into Savannakhet Province, radio contact was lost.
His remains were not recovered.
Both men were listed Missing in Action.
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December 31, 1998
Thanks for sharing whatever you could to help me get a better idea of the whereabouts of my MIA nephew, Robert D. (Bob) Beutel.
I'm sending along a report of the highlights of what I learned in 1998, which, in short, is:
1. a denial by the National Security Agency of my FOIA request for relevant documents which remain classified SECRET and
2. JTF-FA Field Investigators were turned away by the Lao Ministry of Defense from getting to a cave where Bob may have been held.
Overview of Search Effort Results During 1998
1. Joint Task Force - Full Accounting (JTF-FA) issued an Additional Information Report dated 21 July 1998 declaring exclusive correlation of crash site UC3018, previously thought likely to correlate to 1781, to Case 1455-0-1, James William Grace. Sharing information about this with the Grace family may be of mutual value. Help in facilitating contact with the Grace family would be appreciated.
2. JTF-FA issued a Report, dated 30 July 1998, relating to a 19 May through 21 June 1998 JTF-FA Field Investigation of Uncorrelated Incident 3030. This incident is based on a CIA rallier report in which a source reported the Pathet Lao allegedly displayed two Americans in mid-December 1971 at the Savannakhet Provincial Military Headquarters to Villagers from Ban Dongbang and Ban Nammeng Savannakhet Province.
Refno 1781 is the prime possibility for correlation. The report indicates a Lao Ministry of National Defense (MND)
Official halted the investigation when a witness was found who was willing to lead them to a cave where Americans may have been held during the war. The MND also told the team they could not ask detailed questions when the team found witnesses with information on captured Americans.
Additionally, although the team coordinated to interview Vilabouli District Officials, the MND Official refused to allow the team to interview the Vilabouli Police Chief, claiming the interview of that specific Official was not previously coordinated.
Finally, the MND Official told the team that it would never be permitted to visit the cave, which was the Provincial Military, Headquarters where Americans may have been held.
JTF-FA recommends continued investigation.
3. In a letter, written under date of 1 1 December 1998 (received 18 December 1998) The National Security Agency denied access to two SECRET classified NSA-originated documents responsive to a 21 November 1997 FOIA request. An appeal is possible, if initiated within 60 days. Guidance by anyone familiar with the appeal process would be appreciated. Although unconfirmed, the implication seems
to be that these documents relate to UC3030.
4. An archivist at DPMO indicates he has access to a CIA database and has offered to search for keywords apt to be in documents relating to case 1781. Suggestions of apt words for search would be welcome.
If you know of anything new, I will again be grateful if you share it.
Elmer Getz
(Uncle and Designated Primary Next of Kin)
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ROBERT DONALD BEUTEL
Captain; 497th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 7th Air Force
Born 6 April 1946 – MIA / UNACCOUNTED FOR since 26 Nov 1971
Robert Beutel was born in Peoria, Illinois to Donald Robert Beutel and Elda L. (Getz) Beutel. He graduated from Tremont (Illinois) High School where he competed in football, wrestling, and track. A member of T Club, Pep Club, yearbook staff, band, and Latin Club, Bob was selected for National Honor Society.
Bob entered Knox College in fall 1964. A member of Phi Delta Theta and Young Republicans, Bob later transferred to Occidental College in Los Angeles. A Knox pledge brother remembers him “as a wonderful guy who was always great to be around. He could be very funny but he was also very observant and insightful; philosophical with a puckish sparkle in his eye.” An English major, Bob graduated from Occidental in 1968.
Assigned to Lackland AFB for Officer Training School and then to Mather AFB for navigator training, Bob went to Vietnam to serve as a weapons system officer. From Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency (DPAA): “On 26 November 1971, an F-4 Phantom II (tail number 66-7752, call sign ‘Owl 08’) conducted a forward air control mission over a heavily wooded, mountainous jungle area in eastern Laos. Last radio contact with the aircraft occurred as it was enroute to the target area in Savannakhet Province in the vicinity of (GC) VD 964 056.
Weather conditions were extremely poor with rain, clouds and low visibility. When controllers could not reestablish radio contact with the crew of the Phantom, a seven day search and rescue effort began. Continuing bad weather and rugged terrain hampered visual and photographic searches, and radio and electronic contact could not be established.
The search was unsuccessful and the crew were declared missing. … Beutel was weapons systems operator aboard the Phantom when it disappeared, and his remains were not recovered. Subsequent to the incident, and while carried in the status of missing in action (MIA), the US Air Force promoted 1st Lt Beutel to the rank of Captain. Based on all information available, DPAA assessed the individual’s case to be in the category of Active Pursuit.”
Awarded Distinguished Flying Cross, Purple Heart, Air Medal with 5 Oak Leaf Clusters, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Service Medal, Republic of Vietnam Campaign Medal.
Memorial marker at Courts of the Missing, Honolulu Memorial, Honolulu, Hawaii
Vietnam Veterans Memorial – panel 2W / line 73
Family members included Bob’s parents, sister Caryl, brothers William and Keith, and uncle Elmer Getz who has continued to search for information on his MIA nephew.
ONE QUESTION REMAINS: IS BOB BEUTEL STILL A PRISONER OF WAR IN LAOS?
Contributor: wjsd (49963191)
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Gravesite Details
There was no burial and no headstone, as the family has never received any evidence that he was found or died.
