The documents in this collection were collected by Terri Francisco-Farrell, San’s sister. This collection records her efforts to have her brother’s remains returned to the United States. Air Force ROTC cadets, library students, and library faculty scanned the collection and it is presented here for continued education and awareness of the many men and women who remain missing from the Vietnam conflict.
San Dewayne Francisco was born in Buckland Missouri in 1944. His family soon moved to Burbank Washington, where he grew up. San attended Kennewick High School where he was three sport athlete He graduated from Kennewick High School in 1962. From 1962 to 1966 San attended Central Washington State College (now Central Washington University) in Ellensburg. While at Central, San played football and wrestled while working three jobs to support his wife and son.
After graduating from Central and completing his Air Force ROTC training, San was commissioned a 2nd Lieutenant in the United States Air Force in 1964. He then went to Laughlin Air Force Base in Texas to complete advanced pilot training.
He was a member of the 555 (triple nickel) Tactical Fighter Squadron and flew the F-4D Phantom fighter jet. In 1968 San was sent to Vietnam where he completed his required number of missions and was scheduled to meet his wife for R&R in December, but on November 25, 1968 another pilot was ill and San volunteered to fly one more mission. Major San Dewayne Francisco was shot down over North Vietnam on November 25,1968. He ejected and was captured by the North Vietnamese, but was later killed by shrapnel from American bombs. There are ongoing efforts to find his remains.
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Excavations 2019
San Dewayne Francisco
Photos of forensic archaeology in North Vietnam of excavation efforts to find the remains of San Dewayne Francisco.
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May through September 2018 Excavations
San Dewayne Francisco
Photos of forensic archaeology in North Vietnam of efforts to find the remains of San Dewayne Francisco.
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Passing the POW/MIA Bracelet
San Dewayne Francisco
Brief video of the Air Force ROTC Cadets at Central Washington University passing the San Dewayne Francisco Memorial bracelet in May 2019. Detachment 895 (Cascade Cowboys) is the Air Force unit at CWU.
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San D. Francisco Memories
San Dewayne Francisco
Friends and veterans share their memories of San Dewayne Francisco. These oral histories were recorded for an event held at Kelleher motors in Ellensburg Washington on October 18, 2014. Eight individuals share memories of San and how his story has impacted their lives and why it is important to remember our lost heroes.
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Video Interview of Terri Francisco Farrell
Terri Fracisco-Farrell
Terri Francisco Farrell talks about growing up up with her brother San Dewayne Francisco and the ongoing efforts to find his remains and bring him home.
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2018 National POW/MIA Recognition Day
San Dewayne Francisco
Report to National League of POW/MIA Families
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AFMES-AFDIL Capabilities, Assets and Resources
McMahon P. Timothy
Copy of Presentation at National League of Families from June 22, 2018
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Candelllight Ceremony Guide
San Dewayne Francisco
FromNational League of Families American Prisoners and Missing in Southeast Asia
