Features
For each issue of the Coalition of Families newsletter, the story of one POW/MIA is picked at random to run as a feature. When the
next issue is published with a new feature, the previous one is moved here for those who may have missed an issue or someone who
may wish to reflect on a previous feature. It is the goal of the Coalition to eliminate the need for this section through obtaining a full
accounting for American servicemen missing from the Korean and Cold Wars.
- Harold Downes
By: Richard Downes
Many long letters of love, extremely cold weather, and guidance from a husband and father
for a young wife and their children were sent home. His wife Lee was taking care of the
family alone ... their young son, and a little girl on the way.
- "IT IS WITH DEEPEST REGRET……"
By: Gerri Montgomery Prescott
The telegram arrived on March 3, 1952. My father, Lt. Col. Gerald Emerson Montgomery, age 29,
veteran of WWII, fighter pilot, and Deputy Operations Officer of the 136th Fighter Bomber Wing
of the 5th Air Force became missing in action on March 3, 1952.
- SGT. Philip V. Mandra
By: Irene Mandra
Phil landed in Korea January 1952 as part of D Company –2 Battalion-5 Regiment, First Marine Division. In July 1952, Phil was
involved in fierce fighting. He was hit in both his arms with shrapnel; yet he wrote home telling us not to worry.
- Corporal James B. Sanders - A Case Under Review
Featured profile of the March, 1999 Coalition Newsletter
On December 2, not three months after his arrival in Korea, and just 15 days before his 18th birthday, Jim fought as part of
the 32nd Infantry Regiment at the Chosin Reservoir in North Korea.
- A2/C James J. O’Meara...A Priority Case
Featured profile of the December, 1998 Coalition Newsletter
On January 29, 1953, James O’Meara was one of 14 men onboard a B-29 flying his final mission as ECM operator over
North Korea. The aircraft came under fire and the crew was forced to bail out over North Korea.
Other Special Features
While the stories about the missing American servicemen are special, so too are the families, the people working tirelessly to achieve a full
accounting, and the events that arise out of that effort. Look for those stories here, and also in the Coalition's newsletter.
- A Soldier’s Prayer
Submitted by Irene L. Mandra
- A Tennyson Poem
Submitted by Irene L. Mandra
- My Plea
By Joseph F. Shearer
Submitted by Irene L. Mandra
Not once have I forgotten
All the freedom I once had
- A Sister’s Love
Submitted by Irene Mandra
You ask why I embark on this,
This search that has no hope.
If you can’t feel, I can’t explain.
- Cold War Shoot Down #4
By Charlotte Busch Mitnik
The following article is copied from a guide booklet that was a hand out a an exhibit called COLD WARRIORS
which was displayed at NSA, in May of 1996.
- Finding the Open Door
by Gerri Montgomery Prescott
Featured case in the March, 1999 Coalition Newsletter
When we least expect it, another door opens, and a different way is revealed. This often happens when we help
others with their search for a loved one.
- A Family Member's Feelings
Featured case in the March, 1999 Coalition Newsletter
I am the sister of Major Samuel N. Busch. My brother's B-29 was shot down in the Sea of Japan on June 13, 1952.
For the past forty-six years my family has been looking for closure.
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