Aircraft was on a daylight combat strike mission (weather clear, visibility 20 miles) when it was hit by suspected enemy ground fire. The aircraft was on its 8th run and was rolling in prior to dropping its last two MK-82 bombs. No flak or tracers were observed. No ejections were observed. Suspected Possible premature detonation of own bombs during a daylight Steel Tiger strike on a road just within Laos, about 15 miles southeast of the A Shau Valley MIA 4 years. Remains found and repatriated in 1972.

Courtesy of HonorStates.Org,

Courtesy of The Virtual Wall Vietnam Veterans Memorial,

LTJG Babcock received the Purple Heart for his service.

Unknown,