Say His Name to Remember: LT. J.G. Geoffery H. Osborn
His loss is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by service members, and his memory is honored as part of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. His sacrifice as part of his service in the U.S. Navy is remembered.
September 24, 2024
Lieutenant Junior Grade Geoffrey Holmes Osborn's tragic incident occurred on September 24, 1965, during the Vietnam War. As a member of Fighter Squadron 194 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard (CVA-31), he was piloting a single-seat F-8E Crusader when the aircraft lost altitude shortly after a night catapult launch and crashed into the South China Sea. The cause of the crash remains unknown, and despite search efforts, neither LTJG Osborn nor his remains were found.
Lieutenant Junior Grade Geoffrey Holmes Osborn's fate was classified as a non-hostile casualty. After his aircraft's crash into the South China Sea, little hope was held for his survival, and he was subsequently declared Killed in Action / Body Not Recovered (KIA/BNR). His loss is a poignant reminder of the dangers faced by service members, and his memory is honored as part of the sacrifices made during the Vietnam War. His sacrifice as part of his service in the U.S. Navy is remembered, though the circumstances of his death remain unresolved. 
Fighter pilots in Vietnam, like Lieutenant Junior Grade Geoffrey Holmes Osborn, faced immense risks every time they took to the skies. They flew in hazardous conditions, often under enemy fire, knowing full well the dangers of being wounded, killed, or captured. However, the idea of being abandoned by their country was likely unimaginable. These brave individuals carried out their duties with the belief that, should the worst occur, their country would exhaust every effort to recover them.