John Richard McDonough was born in Newark, NJ, on May 10, 1939. His home of record is South Orange, NJ. He enlisted in the US Navy where he attained the rank of a Lieutenant (LT). He was eventually assigned to Vietnam where he was a pilot. McDonough served on the Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron, Thirteen Detachment 1, onboard the USS John Hancock (CVA 19).

McDonough was listed as missing in action on June 20, 1966, when his aircraft sunk.

Synopsis (from the POW Network) as to the circumstances behind being listed as MIA:
On June 20, 1966, LT McDonough was on a night catapult launch. During the launch, the bridle, which connected the aircraft to the catapult, broke. The aircraft launched off the bow of the carrier with insufficient airspeed for flight. The aircraft ditched and sunk immediately. According to records, LT McDonough did not attempt an ejection from the aircraft. Neither McDonough nor the aircraft were recovered.

McDonough was listed as missing in action because his remains were not found. He was placed on a casualty status of Deceased/Body Not Recovered.

Sources: POW Network and NJVVMF.
12/17/2024