Lost in Laos: The Untold Story of LCDR Bart Creed USN

Deep in the heart of Southeast Asia lies a country that has seen centuries of turmoil and transformation. A land blessed with breathtaking landscapes, rich cultural heritage, and a history fraught with war and conflict – Laos. Among the many tales of bravery and sacrifice, there is one remarkable story that remains shrouded in mystery – the story of LCDR Bart Creed USN.

The Beginning

In the early 1970s, during the height of the Vietnam War, LCDR Bart Creed, a highly skilled and decorated naval aviator, found himself on a secret mission that would forever change his fate. Tasked with a covert operation in Laos, Creed was at the pinnacle of his career, hailed as one of the most courageous officers in the US Navy's history.

Laos, known as the "Land of a Million Elephants," was a strategic location for the US during the war. It served as a critical supply route, and its jungles and rugged terrain provided an ideal environment for guerilla warfare. Creed's mission was to gather intelligence on the North Vietnamese troops' activities in the region and disrupt their supply lines.

Lost in Laos - The Story of LCDR Bart Creed, USN

by Bob Aldrich(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	18 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

The Mysterious Disappearance

On a fateful day in 1972, Creed embarked on what would be his last mission. Flying solo in his A-6 Intruder aircraft, he ventured deep into Laotian territory, far beyond enemy lines. His mission was to gather photographic evidence of a hidden enemy base believed to house significant weaponry.

However, as Creed entered the target area, disaster struck. His plane was hit by enemy fire, causing severe damage to its hydraulic system. Struggling to keep control, Creed attempted a daring landing in a remote Laotian jungle. The aircraft crashed into the thick foliage, leaving Creed stranded and injured.

A Desperate Struggle for Survival

In the dense jungles of Laos, Creed fought against not only the harsh environment but also the constant threat of enemy soldiers patrolling the area. His injuries exacerbated his already dire situation. With little access to food, water, or medical supplies, Creed's chances of survival seemed slim.

Days turned into weeks, and weeks turned into months. Creed's determination and resilience were tested to their limits as he scavenged for food, evaded capture, and navigated his way through the unforgiving wilderness. It was a battle not only against the elements but against time itself.

The Search and Rescue Mission

Back in the United States, word of Creed's disappearance had spread. His family, friends, and fellow servicemen refused to give up hope. The US military launched a search and rescue mission, determined to find and bring Creed back home.

Despite their relentless efforts, the dense jungles of Laos proved to be an impenetrable barrier, hiding Creed's location and making the search mission an uphill battle. Weeks turned into months, and hope started to dwindle. Would Bart Creed ever be found?

The Miraculous Discovery

Over a year had passed since Creed's disappearance when a small group of Laotian villagers stumbled upon a heavily bearded and emaciated foreigner in the heart of their remote village. It was LCDR Bart Creed, alive against all odds.

The Laotians, known for their remarkable sense of hospitality, tended to Creed's injuries and provided him with the necessary nourishment. It was a testament to the human spirit and the kindness that transcends borders.

The Homecoming

News of Creed's stunning survival spread across the globe, capturing the imaginations of people far and wide. After months of captivity in a foreign land, he was finally reunited with his family and comrades.

Celebrations erupted, and Creed's story became an inspiration to millions, immortalizing him as a symbol of bravery and resilience. Awards and honors followed, recognizing the extraordinary achievements of a man who defied all odds.

An Enduring Legacy

Today, LCDR Bart Creed's story lives on as a testament to the indomitable human spirit and the sacrifices made by countless servicemen and women who have fought bravely in the name of freedom. His story reminds us that heroes exist in the most extraordinary of circumstances, and their determination can move mountains.

As we recall the incredible journey of LCDR Bart Creed through the jungles of Laos, we honor his courage, his resilience, and his unwavering dedication to a cause greater than himself.

Lost in Laos - The Story of LCDR Bart Creed, USN

by Bob Aldrich(Kindle Edition)

4.6 out of 5

Language	:	English
File size	:	952 KB
Text-to-Speech	:	Enabled
Enhanced typesetting	:	Enabled
Word Wise	:	Enabled
Print length	:	18 pages
Lending	:	Enabled
Screen Reader	:	Supported

FREE

On March 13, 1971, LT Bart Creed, USN launched from the deck of the USS Ranger in support of Operation Lam Son 719, the ill-fated invasion of Laos by ARVN forces. Shot down while strafing an enemy truck on the Ho Chi Minh Trail, LT Creed lay injured and surrounded by enemy forces. Despite heroic attempts to rescue him, the 25 year-old husband, and father of two young children was never recovered. To this day, his fate remains a mystery. This short story based on accounts from the Creed family, and archived historical documents, recounts one of the many tragic mysteries faced by thousands of MIA families from the Vietnam War.