KERR, MICHAEL SCOTT

RIP 08/10/19

Source: Compiled by Homecoming II Project with the assistance of one or more
of the following: raw data from U.S. Government agency sources,
correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews: 01
January 1990. Updated by the P.O.W. NETWORK 2021 with information
from Mrs. Darlene Kerr.  2023

REMARKS: 730304 RELSD BY DRV

SYNOPSIS: On January 16, 1967, an unarmed Air Force RF4C Phantom aircraft
flown by Capt. Robert J. Welch departed Udorn Airfield, Thailand for a photo
reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam near Hanoi. Welch's navigator that
day was 1Lt. Michael S. Kerr.

Welch and Kerr's aircraft was shot down about 35 miles northwest of Hanoi.
They were perhaps making an inspection run over targets hit the day before
as part of a 37-plane mission to destroy railroads, highways, bridges and
SAM (surface-to-air missile) sites 15 miles from Hanoi.

Welch and Kerr were career Air Force officers. Their families were friends,
the two trained together on the photographic version of the Phantom jet,
went to Vietnam together in 1966, flew together and were shot down together.
Their families moved to Washington State to wait. Welch and Kerr didn't
return home together; Kerr was released in 1973, Welch was not.

They had flown out of Udorn, Thailand, on a bright, clear day for the
low-altitude photographic mission around Hanoi. A SAM was fired at the
plane, but did not make a direct hit. The plane pitched up and Kerr blacked
out. When he recovered, he reached for the ejection-seat handle over his
head, but the force was too strong. He grabbed the other one between his
legs and got out.

Kerr did not see Welch bail out, but observed the plane impact and explode
on the side of a hill. Early information noted Kerr was uninjured, but in actuality
Kerr's back was broken in 3 places when he ejected (which is common for that
seat, according to his widow Darlene.)

Before he was taken to Hanoi, a young boy showed him a piece of the tail of
his plane. Kerr wondered if he also found Welch or brought out dog tags,
if Welch had died. Throughout his captivity, Kerr never saw Robert Welch,
but he never stopped looking.

After he returned, Kerr and his wife were divorced. Mrs. Kerr and Mrs. Welch
are still friends, and very much involved in the effort to achieve the
release of men like Robert Welch whom they strongly believe are alive today.
Nearly 2500 Americans did not return from the war in Vietnam. Thousands of
reports have been received indicating that some hundreds remain alive in
captivity. Whether Welch is alive or dead is not known. What is certain,
however, is that Vietnam and her communist allies can tell us what happened
to most of our men...including Robert Welch.

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Mike Kerr resided in Nevada with his wife Darlene until his passing.

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08/11/19

 Lt Col Michael Scott Kerr, USAF (Ret) slipped the surly bonds of
earth and flew West last night.  It was a peaceful takeoff at 9 PM, August
10th, 2019.  Mike served a little over six years in the Hanoi Hilton making
many friends along the way.  He was flying his 29th combat mission over
NVN with the 11 TRS, 432 TRW out of Udorn, Thailand when shot down.
His front seater, Capt Robert J. Welch was KIA when hit by a SA-2 35 miles
northwest of Hanoi January 16, 1967.  Tom Storey and Ron Mastin of the
same squadron were lost that day, as well.  All three were released together
on March 4th, 1973.

Details of Arlington:  

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05/20/2021

Yesterday, with fitting military honors, including a flyover (courtesy of
Sen. Ted Cruz), our brother Mike Kerr joined the growing ranks of departed
NAMPOWS now eternally resting at Arlington National Cemetery (ANC)...
 

You were a good man and a fantastic friend, Mike Kerr, who made a difference
in the lives of so many - rest in peace, in the memories of your loving
family and friends!


Hand Salute!


Al Carpenter

Lt Col Michael S. Kerr, USAF - Tribute