This plane is similar to Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 that disappeared in flight over the Pacific Ocean, between Guam and Philippines. Submitted photo
COLUMBIA FALLS — 60 years ago on March 16, 1962, Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 (FTLF 739) was on a secret mission to fly to Vietnam. This secret Vietnam reconnaissance mission went missing at sea, in the Pacific Ocean between Guam and Philippines. No trace of the plane or its passengers have ever been found. Onboard were 93 United States Army soldiers and 11 civilian crew members.
Two of those on board the plane were from Maine: Sgt. Frank E Pelkey, foster son of Mrs. Paul O. Cyr, Farmington, and SP4 Leonard J. Wedge, Millinocket.
Sgt. Pelkey was married and left his wife Misao Pelkey, and two sons and a daughter. His wife died in California in 2010.
On Wed., March 16 at 12 p.m. Wreaths Across America will be streaming a live event to remember and commemorate the 60th anniversary of the disappearance of Flying Tiger Line Flight 739. The event will be streamed LIVE on WAA’s Official FB page and on Wreaths Across America Radio which can also be heard via the iHeart Radio app, or by downloading it at the App Store or on Google!
Very little is known about what happened to FTLF 739 and its crew and passengers, and due to the circumstance surrounding this mission, the names of those lost have not yet been added to the Vietnam Veterans Memorial in Washington D.C. However, today many families and loved ones of these heroes still fight to have their loved ones recognized for their contributions to our freedom and our shared history.
An even stranger twist to the story is the fact that two four engine Super Constellations from the same Flying Tiger airline took off from Travis Air Force Base in Texas, heading for Saigon, one taking troops by a mid Pacific route, the other carrying military cargo via a northern Pacific route. Flight 739 disappeared about two hours after the other crashed and burned in Alaska, killing one person. Both planes were 10 hours or so from Travis AFB when trouble hit. A wide ranging search for FTLF 739 failed to turn up any sign of the passenger plane.
Presently, the only monument that bears the names of these almost forgotten American heroes was erected by a private citizen, Wreaths Across America founder Morrill Worcester, on the tip land in Columbia Falls, where the 60th anniversary commemoration event is being held.
“When I first heard the story about this mission, I was shocked to learn that nothing has been done for these families,” said Morrill Worcester. “I said that day, that we would do something to make sure these people are honored and remembered, and to hopefully give some closure to these families.”
The inscription on the monument reads:
“Missing in action; Presumed dead. Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 went missing on March 16, 1962, with 93 U.S. Army soldiers on board. These men and their flight crew perished in what would become one of the biggest aviation mysteries out of the Vietnam War era.
THE NAMES OF THOSE WHO GAVE THEIR LIVES AND WHO REMAIN MISSING ARE INSCRIBED HERE SO THAT THEY WILL BE SAID ALOUD AND THEIR MEMORY WILL LIVE ON.”
Presently, this private memorial is the only recognition that the heroes of FTLF 739 have ever received for their shared sacrifice to our nation. However, that can change. Senator Gary Peters (MI) introduced Senate Bill 2571 which is supported by Senators Blackburn (TN), Stabenow (MI), and Shaheen (NH). This bill which is presently sitting in the committee for Energy and Natural Resources seeks to have these long-forgotten heroes added to the list of names on the Vietnam War Memorial in Washington D.C.
“As an Army Veteran who has had the privilege of serving alongside so many amazing patriots serving in our special operations and intelligence communities, I know we may never have the opportunity to share the full story of these men’s sacrifice,” said Joe Reagan, Director of Military and Veteran Outreach for Wreaths Across America. “This should not stop us from providing their families, and all Americans the opportunity to honor their service by saying their names in our nation’s Capital. Adding their names to the Vietnam wall alongside their 58,318 Brothers and sisters who made the ultimate sacrifice during the Vietnam War is a fitting tribute to these men and a reminder to all of us that our freedom is oftentimes secured by men and women who serve in silence.”
If you support our nation’s veterans and want to see American heroes recognized for their significant contributions to our freedom, please write your Senator and ask them to add the names associated with FTLF 739 to the Vietnam War Memorial.
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