JAMES, CHARLIE NEGUS JR.

RIP 12/24/2014

Name: Charlie Negus James, Jr.
Rank/Branch: O5/US Navy
Unit: Reconnaissance/Attack Squadron 11, USS KITTY HAWK (CVA 63)
Date of Birth: 29 October 1929
Home City of Record: Glendale CA
Date of Loss: 18 May 1968
Country of Loss: North Vietnam
Loss Coordinates: 185800N 1051800E (WF316970)
Status (in 1973): Released POW
Category:
Aircraft/Vehicle/Ground: RA5C

Other Personnel in Incident: Vincent D. Monroe (remains returned)

Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project 15 April 1990 from one or more of the
following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources, correspondence with
POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews. Updated by the P.O.W.
NETWORK 2023.

REMARKS: 730314 RELSD BY DRV

SYNOPSIS: Commander Charlie N. James, Jr. was a pilot assigned to
Reconnaissance Attack Squadron 11 onboard the USS KITTY HAWK. On May 18,
1968, he launched in his RA5C Vigilante on a multi-aircraft reconnaissance
mission over North Vietnam. His Radar/Navigator that day was Lt.Cdr. Vincent
D. Monroe.

The Vigilante commenced its run and crossed the North Vietnam coastline as
planned, proceeding toward Vinh Son, which was the primary target. James'
and Monroe's aircraft was hit by anti-aircraft fire and started to spout
flames burning uncontrollably. The pilot of one of the other aircraft on the
mission transmitted to Monroe that his aircraft was hit, and he responded
with, "I know." This was the last transmission received from James and
Monroe.

The aircraft decelerated rapidly and plunged toward the ground. Other pilots
momentarily lost sight of the crippled craft, and when again observed,
approximately 10 seconds later, it impacted the ground. Intensive automatic
weapons fire was in the area from many sites. Two parachutes were observed
and emergency radio beepers heard. Search and rescue efforts were initiated.
However, failure to establish voice contact with either flight member and
the intensity of the anti-aircraft fire in the area necessitated termination
of the effort. Electronic surveillance continued, but to no avail.

Radio Hanoi broadcast the capture of two American pilots on May 18, 1968 in
the general area of the loss of James and Monroe. Both men were classified
Prisoner of War.

In 1973, 591 lucky American POWs were released from Vietnam. James was among
them; Monroe was not. Military officials at the time were shocked that
hundreds of servicemen suspected or known to be prisoners of war were not
released.

Since American involvement in Southeast Asia ended, thousands of reports
have been received by the U.S. relating to Americans still prisoner,
missing, or otherwise unaccounted for from the Vietnam War. Many authorities
believe there are hundreds still alive, waiting for their country to come
for them.

Vincent D. Monroe was maintained in Prisoner of War status until January 10,
1978, at which time his status was changed to Presumed Killed in Action.
Later that year, a delegation led by Congressman "Sonny" Montgomery visited
Hanoi and was given the remains of Vincent D. Monroe. Monroe was buried with
full military honors at Arlington National Cemetery.

During the period they were maintained as Prisoner of War, Charlie N. James
and Vincent D. Monroe were promoted to the rank of Captain.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Charlie James retired from the United States Navy as a Captain. He resided
in Florida.

 
Woman's mission to find POW completed at last
Ozaukee Press                                                        09/14/2014
In 1968, Morreen Mersberger, then a college student, bought a prisoner of war bracelet for $2 engraved with the name Charlie James Jr. and the date ...

 

01/04/2015
Captain Charlie Negus James, Jr.,  USN (Ret)  passed away peacefully December 24th, 2014. 
Charlie had terminal cancer.  He is survived by his son-Michael Andrew James, daughter-
Suzanne James Skipper and 3 grandchildren: William Jackson Skipper, Charlotte Suzanne Skipper
and Jason Artman James and his close friend, Mimi (20 years).  No service will be held.  His
ashes will be spread at a later date at Arlington or at Barrancas (Pensacola).  His obituary
was published in the Daytona Beach Journal, dated 1-1-15.  Charlie flew 55 missions in
North Korea 1952-53.  He was captured on his 64th mission over NVN.  He was a captive
for almost five years (5-18-68 to 3-14-73).  He fought throat cancer for over 20 years.  He
was active in golf and other activities until this past Spring.  The cancer spread to other
organs. MM
 

February 1, 2015
 
A heroic connection
PLYMOUTH – It took her 44 years, but Morreen O'Reilly-Mersberger finally tracked down the prisoner of war whose name was on a bracelet that she ...
 
 

 

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