Two of the 12 bodies of Americans released last week to the United States by the government of Vietnam have been tentatively identified as being those of Laurence H. Goldberg of Cloquet, Minn. and Stephen W. Diamond of Roslyn Heights, N.Y.
Pentagon officials noted that the remains have been identified by Vietnamese authorities. A Pentagon official said that the bodies will be shipped probably to Travis Air Force Base in Oakland, Calif., where disposition will be determined by the next of kin. Pending identification by U.S. authorities, the Pentagon would not comment on the religious identity of the men who lost their lives during the Vietnam war.
Goldberg was an Air Force captain and was piloting an F-4 plane when he was shot down over North Vietnam Aug. 8, 1966. Diamond, an Air Force lieutenant, was shot down July 19, 1966 while piloting an F-105 aircraft over North Vietnam. Both officers received automatic promotions during the past 10 years while listed as missing in action. Goldberg was promoted to a full Air Force colonel and Diamond to a major.
Help ensure Jewish news remains accessible to all. Your donation to the Jewish Telegraphic Agency powers the trusted journalism that has connected Jewish communities worldwide for more than 100 years. With your help, JTA can continue to deliver vital news and insights. Donate today.
The Archive of the Jewish Telegraphic Agency includes articles published from 1923 to 2008. Archive stories reflect the journalistic standards and practices of the time they were published.