Category:Charles Richard Brownlee

English: Charles Richard Brownlee (1931-1968) was a fighter pilot in the United States Air Force. During Vietnam War, he was assigned to the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, flying F-105 Thunderchief. On 24 December 1968, while leading a four-plane strike mission targeting enemy positions in Laos, Major Brownlee’s aircraft was hit by ground fire after he attacked an enemy truck, forcing him to eject. The forward air controller (FAC) spotted Major Brownlee's parachute and observed his landing. However, radio contact could not be established after he ejected, and approaching nightfall delayed immediate search and rescue efforts. Despite later search operations, Major Brownlee was not found and remains unaccounted for. Following this incident, while still listed as missing in action (MIA), the U.S. Air Force posthumously promoted him to Colonel.