Identified! Iraq - Gulf War Pilot Located and Identified - Capt. Scott Speicher

[Fairy1]

WASHINGTON – Navy pilot Capt. Michael "Scott" Speicher was shot down over the Iraq desert on the first night of the Gulf War in 1991 and it was there Bedouins apparently buried him, hidden in the sand from the world's mightiest military all these years.

In a sorrowful resolution to the nearly two-decade old question about his fate, the Pentagon disclosed Sunday it had received new information last month from an Iraqi citizen that led Marines to recover bones and skeletal fragments — enough for a positive identification.

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090802...Ec2VjA3luX3RvcF9zdG9yeQRzbGsDZnVsbG5ic3BzdG9y

 

[Kat]

My deepest condolences to the family and friends of CPT Speicher. I'm sure your prayers have finally been answered after 18 years and may he come home to you soon.

 

[Dark Knight]

WASHINGTON – Navy pilot Capt. Michael "Scott" Speicher was shot down over the Iraq desert on the first night of the Gulf War in 1991 and it was there Bedouins apparently buried him, hidden in the sand from the world's mightiest military all these years.


In a sorrowful resolution to the nearly two-decade old question about his fate, the Pentagon disclosed Sunday it had received new information last month from an Iraqi citizen that led Marines to recover bones and skeletal fragments — enough for a positive identification.


Shot down over west-central Iraq on a combat mission in his FA-18 Hornet on Jan. 17, 1991, Speicher was declared killed by the Pentagon hours later. Then-Defense Secretary Dick Cheney went on television and announced the U.S. had suffered its first casualty of the war.


Officials said Sunday that they got new information last month from an Iraqi citizen, prompting Marines stationed in the western province of Anbar to visit a location in the desert which was believed to be the crash site. The Iraqi said he knew of two other Iraqis who recalled an American jet crashing and the remains of the pilot being buried in the desert, the Pentagon said.


"One of these Iraqi citizens stated that they were present when Captain Speicher was found dead at the crash site by Bedouins and his remains buried," the Defense Department said in a statement.


The military recovered bones and multiple skeletal fragments and Speicher was positively identified by matching a jawbone and dental records, said Rear Adm.

Frank Thorp. He said the Iraqis told investigators that the Bedouins had buried Speicher. It was unclear whether the military had information on how soon Speicher died after the crash.


More at link:

http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20090802/ap_on_go_ca_st_pe/us_gulf_war_missing_pilot

This has always haunted me. Praise the Lord for some closure finally, after all of these years! May he RIP and may the Lord comfort his family, once again.

 

[Pandora]

As the family member of an MIA, there are no words to express how please I am that "Spike" is finally coming home. RIP Spike.

 

[lizzybeth]

I've been following this since he went missing. I'm glad he's coming home and his boys (men now) finally know the truth.

 

[LaLaw2000]

Thank God his remains have been located. GB his family and friends. He can now be put to rest in a dignified manner and his family can visit his grave.

 

[sleutherontheside]

I think his family FINALLY has peace. Just an aside......FSU honored him after he went missing by naming their tennis center after him.

 

[PFF]

TAPS For Captain Speicher :boohoo:

 

[sleutherontheside]

Here is a reason that I am proud to be an FSU grad. Speicher will be honored by a special ceremony just prior to kick off tomorrow night for FSU vs. Miami. See article.

http://www.tallahassee.com/article/20090906/BREAKINGNEWS/90905013/FSU+stages+pre-game+tribute+to+the+late+Scott+Speicher