This Military Service Page was created/owned by
Kenny Chandler (Phixer), AME2
to remember
Olmstead, Stanley Edward, CDR.
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This Sailor has an (IMO) In Memory Of Headstone in Arlington National Cemetery, Arlington, VA
LCDR Olmstead was killed in action while flying a combat mission over North Vietnam on October 17, 1965, but he was officially listed as Missing in Action until declared dead on April 6, 1973, during which time he had been promoted to Commander. His remains have never been returned to the United States. Promoted while MIA to Commander.
LCDR Olmstead's aircraft was hit by hostile fire and crashed while on a bombing mission. No transmissions were heard, nor was there any sign of ejection by either crewmember. Other U.S. aircraft passed over the crash site and deterimed that there was no possibility of survival. However, it was later learned that Halyburton had survived, and was captured. Being the RIO, Halyburton would eject first. It was believed that Olmstead had probably died in the crash of the aircraft, but there was no proof of this theory. Olmstead was classified Missing in Action.
A RIO's Account
The RIO, Porter Halyburton, is a friend of mine. Here is his account of what happened that day: "When we were hit I called to Stan, but he didn't respond. His head was slumped down and he was unresponsive. As the ridgeline was coming up, I had to eject immediately and did so. Seconds later, the ircraft crashed into the ridgeline. There was a large explosion upon impact, as we had a full load of ordinance. I was able to observe the aircraft the entire time from when I ejected until it crashed. Stan did not eject."
The ridgeline Porter refers to was to be their turning point. Upon arrival at the ridgeline, they were to head due west to the target at Thai Nguyen.
While it is true that no one saw Porter eject, largely because no one was looking when they were hit, someone (Porter) DID watch the plane, and therefore Stan Olmstead, from the time it was hit until it crashed.
Porter said he had clear field of vision as he slowly drifted down to earth. He could clearly see, much to his dismay, that LCDR. Stanley Olmstead did not eject prior to impact. Porter Halyburton, while retired from the Navy, is currently an instructor at the Naval War College in Rhode Island.
Other Comments:
I will remember him always.
Stan was on of the finest men I have ever known and it was an honor to have served with him. I was with him when he died for his country, a brave warrier and a true patriot.
Posted by: Porter Halyburton
Relationship: VF-84, USS Independence
Sunday, October 21, 2001
A Sister's Love
A loyal son
A loving father
A devoted brother.
Always my hero,
Always in my heart.
From his sister,
Carolyn McClelland
Loyalty
Loyal to his country; loyal to his family. He is my dear brother.
Posted by: Carolyn O. McClelland
Relationship: He is my brother
Wednesday, November 7, 2001
FREEDOM IS NOT FREE
CDR. Olmstead was a loving father, husband, brother and son, who paid the ultimate price for our freedoms. We miss him so much.
Posted by: Mickey R. Olmstead
Relationship: He is my father
Sunday, October 21, 2001
My mother speaks so highly of you. She always talks about what a wonderful big brother you were to her. I wish we could have had an opportunity to meet. You will always be in our hearts. Posted by: Carrie Weigel Email: Relationship: He is my uncle. Tuesday, January 15, 2002 If you wish to edit or remove this remembrance, please contact VVMF. Please be sure to include your name, the reason for editing and the name of the servicemember for whom you wish these changes be made.
