The Defense Department has identified the remains of two airmen—Lt. Col. James H. Ayres of Pampa, Tex., and Lt. Col. Charles W. Stratton of Dallas—missing in action from the Vietnam War. On Jan. 3, 1971, Ayres and Stratton flew their F-4E from Korat AB, Thailand on a nighttime mission to strike enemy targets in Laos. Other aircraft on the mission saw an explosion shortly after pilot Ayres began his target run; the other aircrews lost communication with the aircraft and did not see parachutes. Enemy activity in the area prevented search and rescue attempts. Interviews in 2001 of citizens in the Laos province led to a crash site.
Air Force Gen. Alexus G. Grynkewich assumed command of U.S. European Command on July 1, taking over the key assignment as the U.S. and its allies contend with a resurgent Russia and a grinding war in Ukraine.
