| Notes |
- October 23, 1963
Eugene DeBruin of Kaukauna, whose plane was shot down by communist in Laos several weeks ago, has been reported by Air America to be alive but a prisoner.
DeBruin, 30, was a crew member of the Air America plane which was shot down by the Pathet Lao on September 5 in northern Laos. He was one of three Americans abroad the plane. The Pathet Lao mentioned Eugene's name last Saturday as the only survivor.
Senator Nelson (Dem) Wisconsin later contacted the DeBruin's and told them the state department was negotiating for the release of Eugene. No information was available as to whether he was injured.
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Eugene DeBruin Held Prisoner By Laos Communists
State Department Begins Negotiations For His Release
Eugene DeBruin, son of Mr. and Mrs. Joseph DeBruin, of route 3, Kaukauna whose plane was shot down by Comunists in Laos several weeks ago, has been reported by Air America, to be alive, but a prisoner.
DeBruin, about 30, was a cre member on the Air America plane which was shot down by the Pathet Lao on Sept. 5 in northern Laos. Air America is an air line operating primarily in freight service in the Orient.
DeBruin was one of three Americans aboard the plane. There were four Laotion crew members. Soon after the crash, American authorities were able to learn that there was at least one survivor, but DeBruin's name was first mentioned by the Pathet Lao on Saturday.
Senator Nelson (Dem., Wisconsn) later contacted the DeBruins and told them the state department was negotiating for the release of Eugene by the Pathet Lao. No information was available as to whether he was injured.
DeBruin was the only survivor of the plane crew of seven, the air line told Mr. and Mrs. DeBruin.
- My name is Eugene
I was left behind
When war was over in Vietnam
I love my family
I miss my friends
I wish I could go back home again
It was September of 63, we were flying over Laos
My job was kicking supplies out the plane
We had flown the same mission
A number of times, never a problem
We did our drop and were headed back
Then suddenly, I were knocked to the floor
Something hit the plane like a ton of bricks
In an instance we were going down
I went out the same opening I had just kicked supplies
The pilot, John didn't get out
I landed in trees close to the ground
I got out of the rigging and looked for a place to hide
I could hear people yelling
I just wanted to crawl in a hole and hide
I miss my Mom and my Dad
and the home town friends I had
I wish I could come home again
I miss the people in my town
miss working on the family farm
I wish I could come home again
Many years since that plane went down
I know now it won't be long
I will be home again
The USA says I'm to blame
For being captured from that plane
I only know I did my best
Now it's up to you to do the rest
Get me home, away from here
To the one's I love so dear
I'll always be an American
They can't take that away from me
Please don't forget me
I only want to be free
From me they see hope
From them I learned patience
I escape every night, return to the farm
and visit my family, way from all harm
As the day returns I'm back in my cell
wishing that I could get out of this man made hell
I will always had hope
Now I have patience
I miss my family
They think I'm dead
My name is Eugene
|
1933 - 1963 (29 years)
