Fed: Fallen soldier's remains to return from Vietnam 36 years on

AAP General News (Australia)
12-18-2007
Fed: Fallen soldier's remains to return from Vietnam 36 years on

The remains of a fallen soldier have begun the journey home to Australia from Vietnam
.. after more than 36 years.

Lance Corporal JOHN GILLESPIE .. an army medic .. died in April 1971 when an RAAF helicopter
crashed and burst into flames in southern Vietnam.

It was believed at the time that all human remains had been consumed in the blaze ..

but a recent excavation of the site has discovered Lance Corporal GILLESPIE's remains.

His widow CARMEL HENDRIE and daughter FIONA PIKE were at Hanoi International Airport
yesterday .. to watch soldiers carry his casket to a waiting RAAF Hercules aircraft.

Lance Corporal GILLESPIE's remains will be returned to Melbourne for a formal ceremony tomorrow.

AAP RTV jrd/tm/jec/psm/

KEYWORD: GILLESPIE (MELBOURNE)

2007 AAP Information Services Pty Limited (AAP) or its Licensors.