The Museum's Reflections gallery features a display case dedicated to First Lieutenant Richard Chorlins, who is considered missing in action from Vietnam. Missouri History Museum.

A co-worker emailed me a news story about National POW/MIA Day. The article featured a man who, for 39 years, has worn a bracelet bearing the name of a missing soldier from the Vietnam War, someone he had never met. It got me thinking about our own Vietnam display in the Reflections gallery of the Museum, specifically, the story of Richard D. Chorlins. His family has also been waiting more than 39 years for his return to St. Louis.

In 1970, United States Air Force First Lieutenant Richard Chorlins was piloting an A-1 Skyraider in an armed reconnaissance mission when his plane was hit by enemy fire and crashed into the side of a mountain. His remains were never recovered. I get sad every time I walk by the small display about him and see his uniform and pictures. I feel deeply for his family. If I linger too long I tear up. I also think about my own father who served in Vietnam. He was shot six times in a firefight, yet he was one of the lucky ones to survive and come home.

Chorlins is just one of more than 1,700 soldiers still missing in action from the Vietnam War. Several years ago, his family was notified that his remains might have been found, but that has yet to be confirmed. Like many, they are still waiting and hoping for his return.

—Shannon Berry, Senior Curator