Vanderbilt Television News Archive

(Studio) Report introduced
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds

(NYC) Possibility that American MIAs, shot down over Laos, are still alive investigated; films shown. Importance of Ho Chi Minh Trail through Laos during Vietnam war recalled; number United States personnel remaining unaccounted for there listed on screen. [Representative G.V. MONTGOMERY - claims MIAs are all dead.] Evidence indicating POWs, include David Herlika and Eugene DeBruen, are still alive examined; Defense Intelligence Agency report acknowledging Pathet Lao's imprisonment of American POWs quoted on screen. Other reports of POWs noted verified. [Former Pathet Lao prisoner Rosemary CONWAY - recalls hearing Pathet Lao reading off prisoners' names.] Montgomery's dismissal of such information discussed; Vincent Donahue's efforts to locate missing son Morgan noted involving meeting with Pathet Lao leader [DONAHUE - recalls leader's admission that he was holding United States prisoners and Montgomery's response to info.] Refugee Boa Kua Phanavoung's imprisonment with US POWs cited. [ PHANAVOUNG - comments on experience; remarks transcribed on screen.] [MONTGOMERY - disputes importance of polygraph tests.] Pentagon's continued approach to MIA (missing in action) issue discussed; revelation of anti-Communist guerrilla leader that Laos is still holding American POWs outlined. [Guerrilla LDR. - claims prisoners are being kept as ransom; explain Remarks quoted on screen.] Remaining unanswered questions considered.
REPORTER: Ron Millers.

(Studio) Montgomery quoted with regard to Special Assignment series.
REPORTER: Frank Reynolds