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Victoria's Story

November 11, 2021
I was born in 1952 and grew up in the "West end" of Tacoma, WA in an area called "Narrowmoor"  Its name comes from its location in the city.....mostly because it overlooks the waters of Puget Sound know as the "The Narrows".  When one looks to the immediate North, he will see the two Narrow Bridges and the Island of Vashon just beyond.  Directly to the West, across " the Narrows" sits the runway of the Tacoma Narrows Airport in the Southernmost areas of unincorporated Gig Harbor.  Turn to the South and you will see McNeil Island and beyond, the distance, the Nisqually Flats.  It is beautiful and growing up in the njeighborhood was about as "Norman Rockwell" as it gets.  Beautiful views, nice homes.....some with swimming pools...lots of families with cool kids to play with.  I was one of, if not the luckiest girls in Narrowmoor.  I grew up next door to the most handsome boy in Narrowmoor, or in the entire West End......maybe even in all of Tacoma or the whole of Pierce County!  All of the girls, from 6 to 60, had a "secret" crush of one kind or another on him.

Captain Douglas D. Ferguson was born to fly.  As far back as I can remember, on Saturday mornings, I awoke to the distinct "hum" of a remote-controlled airplane engine and no matter how much I had planned or wanted to sleep in, it was time to get up...because the hum of that engine meant only one thing.  That was that Dough, or as my Mother would tell me many years later, I referred to him from the time I could speak as "my boy".  He was up and there was no time to waste.  I could watch him fly his planes from both of my bedroom windows.

Years passed, we all grew up.  Some of our Narromoor "gang" were now in High School.  Some had gone on to college, others had full time jobs.  I was in high school and in the 5th year of what would go on to become an extremely successful, 32 year long career, which took me all over North America, showing horses, mostly hunters and jumpers. My career would end, exactly as planned, at the 1992 Good will Games with a Silver Medal.

Now it wasn't just the girls in Narromoor that talked about Doug.  All the guys joined in too.....for a very different reason than his good looks and charm.  Doug had been accepted in the United States Air Force Academy and was now flying the coolest jets and doing it with the same incredible skill that he had shown our entire neighborhood years earlier when he commanded his remote-controlled planes.  We all moved into that stage in our young lives where anything was possible.  So many big things were happening in our world.  Time seemed to be flying by.  One day an invitation cam in the mail.. Doug was getting married.  And though I had a big crush on Doug, the one thing that stands out the most in my memory upon receipt  of the invitation, was that I was profoundly and simply overjoyed for his happiness.  And, upon seeing him (yes, through my tears), how happy he was and how his eyes lit up as he looked at his bride (and how she looked at him), it was obvious to everyone they were in love.  The one thing , on the day of Doug's wedding that i will never forget about was that just as I reached Doug in the reception line how he smiled so broadly, turned to his new bride, introduced me as his next door neighbor and gave me the biggest, warmest, the most wonderful hug that , next to one of my Dad's hugs, was the best I had ever had!  At seemingly odd times that very hug would sneak, unannounced into my thoughts over the next few months.  I always wondered why, but usually I just giggled, sighed and shrugged it off to a youthful "crush".  How was I to know that that hug would be the very last time I would ever see "my Doug", "my boy".

On December 30, 1969, Doug was a member of the ;555th Tactical Fighter Squadron flying crew with Fielding Featherston III aboard an F4-D aircraft.  One of 5 on a mission over the Plain of Jars region of Laos when they were hit by enemy fire and their ship exploded into a fireball.  No parachutes were seen.  No emergency radio "beeper" signals were heard.  However the very next day the crash site was photographed and 2 empty parachutes were visible, hanging in nearby trees.  The area was too heavily defended for a ground search to be possible.  As I write this today.....September 25, 2010. there is still no answer to "the question."

Upon news of this, my life....as I am sure so many others experienced.....changed FOREVER.  Period.  NOT ONE DAY has gone by with out, at the very least a moments thought about Doug.  I talk to him often.  I pry with him often.  My Father, until the day he died, refused to speak about the disappearance of Doug.  It was a subject that was off limits.  It was too painful.....even for my Father...who had overcome his share of hardships in his 85 year4s of life.

It was the same with my Mother until the first U.S. Prisoners were taken in the Iraq War.  My Mom called me at work that day and asked me to stop by her place on my way home.  Actually she basically ordered me to stop by.  Her mood was quite somber when I arrived.  She said, "Sit down Victoria, there is something we need to talk about."   In my heart I knew what it was about.  As I sat down, I looked her in the eye and asked "Doug"?  She nodded and we both burst into tears.  A long overdue discussion followed and through our tears and sadness, I think we were both relieved that it finally had occurred.  A few short weeks later, she passed away.

And I am left with "the Questions."  I have slowly and quite reluctantly, come to terms with the fact that I quite possibly, may never have "the answer."  With the hope that another family, or friend, who is haunted by the same "Questions (s), may someday have their "answer", I have put the Nam Comics up for auction.  All monies earned from their sale will go directly to the National League of POW/MIA Families with the hope of paying for at least a plane ticket for one member of the League organized Family Delegation one one of their trips to Southeast Asia to reach their goal of the return of all prisoners, the fullest possible accounting for those still missing and the repatriation of all recoverable remains of those who died in Southeast Asia while serving our nation during the Vietnam War.  Each member of the League-organized Family Delegation who travels to Southeast Asia funds their trip themselves at an average coast approximately $10,000 per person per trip.  My Mothers' purchase of 4 sets of "The Nam Comics"  baffled me.  The very thought of her even going into a "comic book" store, I must admit, was quite amusing!  When I asked her why she had purchased these comics, she replied", I don't know; I think it was Doug."

And now, 5 years after her death, I get it!

Victoria



Remembering You on the Second Anniversay of Your Return!

May 1, 2016

Two years ago today, we welcomed you home after more than 44 years!  Your Homecoming was magnificent and one of the greatest Blessings of my life!  The only thing better would have been you walking through the door !  Your spirit was everywhere and it was as if you were so ready to celebrate your Homecoming with us and be home close to family and friends. This year you are quiet so I know you are at peace!  God Bless You for your service and sacrifice!  You will always be my HERO!

Love you Always Dear Brother!   Sue

Happy Birthday Doug

April 26, 2016

I know in my heart you are rejoicing in Heaven with our Father.  Please know that we continue to pray for your family and those that still gone. We are grateful you are home - I included a picture of my visit to your grave to welcome you home and leave you my bracelet. God bless your family.

Remembering A Hero

November 11, 2015

Doug today you brought tears to my eyes. Thank you for your ultimate sacrifice. At times I think of your life and the courage you showed. Please know that my mother Robin McMillan and myself think of you often. We will continue to honor your name. Thank you everyone for sharing these wonderful memories of Doug. Forever grateful. 

Doug's Return One Year Later

May 1, 2015

 

It was been a year since Captain Douglas Ferguson, USAF, MIA December 30, 1969, was identified and made his Final Journey Home.  There is satisfaction and peace that Doug is home and at rest, and that Linda (his widow) has a place to visit Doug as do others.  One day I too will be able to visit and know in my heart that all has been done and that his marker reflects who he was and how he was cherished!

In this last year I have allowed myself to feel the pain of losing someone so dear.  I have listened and continue to listen to ‘50s Hits on XM that take me back to our youth and the sweet sorrow of knowing even on his 70th birthday he will never be older than the handsome Air Force pilot who I said goodbye to as he stepped aboard the plane at Lambert-St.Louis Airport in July, 1969.  Though he met our two oldest sons as infants, he never knew them as the wonderful, successful human beings they have become.  He never met our youngest son who was born three years after he was shot down over Laos.  He never met any of their wives or any of his great-nephews and nieces.  We never got to know his children that might have been.

He never had to see the pain of our father’s broken heart at the loss of his son of whom he was so proud or the dementia that ravished our mother’s mind when she could no longer stand the pain of not knowing the fate of her beloved son.  One of the last things I said to her as she passed from this earth was, “Now you are going to be with Doug!”  She seemed at peace!  Or maybe he did know!  It would have been one of his biggest regrets that he might have been the cause.

Even bigger than the pain his plight caused our parents would have been the pain his loss brought to the love of his life, Linda and the years of being together of which they were robbed. 

We cannot dwell in the “House of What If’s”, but we do need to know that we can travel through our grief and find the precious memories that will sustain us the rest of our lives.  Though this has not been the journey I would have chosen, I am proud to say I have kept the commitment, I made in early February, 1970, and that was to bring Doug home.  On that journey I have done things and gone places beyond my wildest dreams.  It was an opportunity to rise from a devastating loss and make a life far “richer” than I ever could have imagined.  Now a year since Doug’s return, I know my journey is not yet complete because too many with whom I have travelled, do not yet have answers, including Captain Wes Featherstone, USAF, the front seater in Doug’s F-4D aircraft..  It is because I know the joy and peace that can be the Final Gift, I still have work to do……to help sustain others so they can continue their search, their quest for the return of their loved ones…..to fulfill the Promise our country made to their loved ones when they left family and friends to serve and to possibly make the ultimate sacrifice for our Freedom.

What great gifts I have been given!  Why me?  I don’t know for sure, but this is what I believe.  God has great gifts for each of us!  Our job is to be open to his abundance!  That in itself is a life time journey to learn to trust God for all things!  To know that though I may choose my own way, it is not always God’s way. I may not be ready at a given moment in time, to accept God’s gifts…….think of Moses and his people wandering in the wilderness for 40 years.  They didn’t seem to be ready to hear God’s Word.  I know I am not always ready to hear and trust in God’s messages either, but for Doug, I am grateful that I was able to listen, trust and therefore find enormous peace.

God Bless You Doug!  And, God Bless each One of You!

I wore Lt. Ferguson's bracelet also

November 10, 2014

Dear Sue and the family of Doug Ferguson:
I grew up in Washington, DC, attended Woodrow Wilson HS in DC (not the one in Tacoma Wash but of the same name!) and wore your brother's bracelet for many years after receiving it in 1971.  I wanted to write to express my sincere sympathy to all of you and to let you know that although I never met him, I will never forget him.   My parents met in WWII, my mom was a nurse, my dad a B-26 pilot. Dad died at 93 on July 4, 2013 and his remains will join mom's in Arlington on January 26, 2015. I cannot begin to imagine how you feel, but I hope that having Doug home with you brings you comfort and peace.  

Sue, I read about the wonderful work you did on behalf of POW/MIAs and know that your leadership was instrumental in this effort.  Please let me know if you would like his bracelet (I know probably hundreds of us wore his!), or if someone in your family would like it.  If not, I will keep it safe, cherish the memory of a great American pilot, and be ever thankful for his service.

Sincerely,
Jane Marshall
Greenwood, South Carolina

 

Thankful for his return

July 7, 2014

For 28 years I have had Douglas D. Fergusons bracelet. I have prayed for him, prayed for peace to the family for a long time.  I was in tears when I checked on him (having done so many,many times) and saw he was home.  I will take my bracelet to him and leave it there. Welcome home. May God be with his family.

May 5, 2014
Sue,
 
I hope you and your family all returned home safely and are getting some well-deserved rest.  I just want to thank you again for including Beth and me in the celebration of Doug's Homecoming.  What an awesome three days!  The sights, sounds and emotions will be with us for the rest of our lives!
 
I promised to send you Doug's page from our pilot training yearbook and please find them attached.
 
It was a true pleasure meeting you, your family and Doug's friends.  Thank you again!
 
Tom Griesser
Monument, CO

Greetings from First Congregational Church

April 27, 2014
Greetings, Sue....you may or may not remember me from First
Congregaitonal Church...especially as I am now.  You were a part of us for
some time, and  your Mom...Geraldine...was a long time member and friend of
my Mom, Brownie Davies and Dad... Sam Evan Davies.  I kept the article about
finding Doug and was so pleased to know that finally came about.  You've
been a "warrior" on your own trying to find the answers to find your
brother.  Glad that it was finally accomplished, and that you will have a
special service of celebration and remembrance.  We'll be gone during that
time, but wanted you to know that I've kept you in my thoughts for sometime
but didn't know how to contact you.


Joanie Davies Rapp 

Remembering a Classmate

April 26, 2014
My attendance at Doug's memorial service:
 
  Bart,  thanks for the informative update.  I heard about Doug's disappearance while I was still on active duty,  but,  my family did not know any of the details.   
For this class and our community,  at least we have some closure on this  tragedy  that happened to our classmate and friend in a war in which many of us had some role.
  As a related detail,  there is a similiar aircraft on display in the Museum of Flight at Boeing Field together with a video of a Air Force pilot who flew these missions in S/E Asia.   He explains the functions of the First Pilot and the back seat "WIZO" on combat ground attach missions. 
 I would guess Doug was what the Air Force would refer to as a "WIZO".  The spelling is my phonetic recall.  It was explained in the video  at the museum,  that the Air Force F4 did in fact have controls in the backseat for the backseat pilot to use in cooperation with the front seat pilot. 
 The static F4 on display is a F4C, it is a slightly earlier version than the F4D Doug was flying.   Neverless, it is technically  and physically a advanced and imposing piece of flying "hardware".
    I would surmise at this point,  knowing what we have learned and also scoping out the features of the F4C on display,  that it was a somewhat improbable hit that brought down Doug and his front seat pilot. 
   
 
  Regarding Doug,  I did write a tribute to him, at  the suggestion of Courtney Tucker,   which may have appeared on facebook and our local newspaper.    As  I  am working at a full time job,   please extend my regrets to his sister, his widow, and our classmates: 
 
Ron Morrison
Wilson Class of 63

My Sister's Date with DEADEYE

April 17, 2014

I don’t remember how I learned that my classmate and squadron mate, “Deadeye” Doug Ferguson didn’t have a date for our Graduation Ball, but he was a very close friend and I trusted him enough to ask him if he would consider escorting my 21 year old sister to the dance. He trusted me enough to say yes. My sister’s memories of her blind date with Doug follow in her words.                       Daniel E “Stump” Sowada, Col USAF (Ret)

“Within the perspective of time, there are those singular moments where human paths cross for only a brief occasion, but somehow imprint a special memory to remain forever a part of one's life.  I was a college junior in 1967, and I remember the unique excitement of anticipating the trip to my older brother Danny's graduation from the Air Force Academy, with all its accompanying spectacles and grandeur of parades and other ceremonial activities.  My elation was magnified even more when I learned my brother arranged a date for me with his cadet friend Doug Ferguson to attend the graduation ball.

Although several decades have clouded many details of my memory of that special evening, I recall that Doug was a respectful, polite, and honorable young man who made me feel special and relaxed in an environment that I never expected to experience.  I still envision the moment of his arrival at the hotel in his sporty Cougar to drive to the dance.  I recall he was somewhat quiet and reserved, yet playful and witty, too.  Even though we didn't know each other at all, he made me feel at ease and comfortable amid the pomp and splendor of the occasion.  I was thoroughly in awe of the circumstances I found myself in that night.  I remember having a glorious time that I would enjoy mentally reliving and sharing with others.

Doug Ferguson was only a part of my life for a few hours, but it was only years later when I learned of his sacrifice in serving his country that I realized I truly owed him so much more than a grateful "Thank You” for the  fairy tale evening at the Air Force Academy.  I, along with so many more, owe Doug Ferguson our immeasurable gratitude for the price he paid in serving his country in face of such adversity.  His life was cut short in duty to his country, but I and countless others were free to continue our lives.  So, Doug, here's my belated and heartfelt "Thank You" for all you did for me, "Thank You" for all you did for all of us with your selfless and honorable devotion to this nation.  Because our paths had briefly intersected, I experienced the honor and privilege to encounter this true American hero, Doug Ferguson.”

Mary Jeanne Sowada Medlock as told to "Stump" Sowada

Hanging Out

April 14, 2014

I remember Douglas “Deadeye” Ferguson as one of the best friends I ever had.  My fondest memories are of simply “hanging out” with Doug at USAFA in the free time we enjoyed while at the “zoo.”  We would talk about our lives  – mainly our futures –  which we looked forward to, especially, the graduation and beyond.  I remember that we would be interrupted rather regularly by other cadets asking Doug for help with a question about an academic course – help which Doug was always able and willing to provide.  We would hang out at social events and sporting events – both as participants and as spectators and we all felt various emotions of pride, awkwardness and exhilaration as circumstances dictated.

Doug was, quite simply, an ideal cadet and a really nice guy.  I remember his willingness to help with anything at any time, and I remember his infectious smile and easy going manner permeating everything he did.  I am, quite frankly, surprised at how much I have thought about the good times that we enjoyed together and how “Deadeye” was always a favorite friend to all of us.  Over the years, we all remember him fondly, especially at every academy visit or reunion.  We all still think of him as being among us and part of 16th Cadet Squadron Class of ’67.

Doug and I followed a parallel course in our careers following graduation, and we ended flying the same type airplane – he, in the fighter version and I, in reconnaissance, with every bit of pride and professionalism that we could muster.

Doug made the ultimate sacrifice – defending our country and the freedoms we all enjoy and take almost for granted except for our thoughts of Doug and all of those who paid the ultimate price so that we can all continue to enjoy the freedoms they provided for us.

Thank God for our national policy of never stopping our search for our MIA/KIA heroes until they are found and returned home with honor that they so justly deserve.  Now, some 44 years after Doug was declared missing in action, he has returned home, and I, together with his family, all of our classmates of the 16th Squadron, the long blue line at the USAFA, United States Air Force community and a grateful nation can lay him to rest with the honor he deserves and we can gratefully thank a True American Hero.

Art "Taco" Tait 

Wedding

April 7, 2014

The third photo shows Doug with us.  That is Chaplain Mosley in the background.

I hope this helps some. 

Wedding

April 7, 2014

The second photo show Doug escorting Elaine (Lorraine's sister and Maid of Honor).  Did I mention that Doug was our Best Man?
 

Wedding

April 7, 2014

I am sending three pictures.  The first picture was "staged."  It shows Doug helping me to get ready.

 

April 5, 2014

 

I can only imagine the range of emotions that your are feeling now. Although, we have not met, Doug was a friend as well as class and squadron mate. Over the years Doug has come to mind whenever thoughts of that time in our lives comes to mind. I was also flying in unfriendly airspace in December 1969, albeit in special ops MC-130s (with the same terrain following radar as the RF-4). 
Although I was one of the fortunate ones to make it back, our class and the class of 1965 lost the most during the war.  I can't promise to be with you for Doug's homecoming. I'm having surgery to replace my right shoulder three weeks earlier and I don't know what my recovery will look like. Be assured, though that I will be saying a prayerful welcome home to Doug wherever I am. 
With my very greatest respect - 
Bill Kornemann '67 (11th Sq)

Sports

April 2, 2014

I remember Doug from grade school through high school, his sports of choice were baseball, basketball, badminton and flying model airplanes- if you could call that a sport, more like a recreational activity,

I remember playing HORSE in his driveway, parking area, he was good


I remember playing catch with him in his front yard, he was good at baseball also


a little badminton was played in the back yard


but his real passion was flying , small models in the beginning to the the real thing later       


       


   
 

  

March 30, 2014

Having been friends with Doug since high school, the one story that stands out in my mind is our first snow skiing trip when we were 4th classmen at the Air Force Academy.  Doug was an experienced skier, having learned while growing up in Washington.  I was a beginner, having never skied on snow before.  The Academy bus took us to Loveland Ski Area. Doug, in his always easy going manner, assured me we could go up on a chairlift and ski down a beginner’s run even before I had my first lesson.  He promised to provide all of the necessary instructions and support I would need.  Although his directions were perfect, my execution was not nearly as perfect.  After getting off the lift, Doug proceeded to show me how to stop and do snow plow turns.  He carefully led me down the trail for my first run on snow skis.  I survived, only falling three times. Thus began our shared love of skiing.

 

Thanks for the ski lesson Doug.  Welcome home.

Dennis Hill 

March 29, 2014

In the summer of '65, when our field trip was cancelled, Bruce and I headed west with space-available flights, in the end circumnavigating the globe. In Bangkok we waited for almost a week for the "embassy run," and when it took off, Doug was also on the flight. We spent a night in New Delhi and flew the next day to Karachi, Pakistan. There was a two-hour break there, and everyone got off the plane. After we were strapped back in, the announcement was made that they needed to put on a duty passenger. Doug was listed last on the manifest, so he was bumped. That seemed like the middle of nowhere to be stuck, and we wondered if he would make it back to AFA in time. 

The next stop was in Dahran, Saudi Arabia, and Bruce and I got bumped there. We waited a couple of days for a milk run coming down from Turkey. There were no seats, but the Navy crew of the Hercules took us anyway. As I recall, we stood in the cockpit during takeoff. The crew told us they had just taken another of our classmates to Turkey from Teheran the day before. It was Doug, of course; he had gotten a flight from Karachi to Peshawar and from there to Teheran. We met him in Adana and continued on to Germany together.

With my memory such as it is, this may all sound to Don like total fantasy. 

Ray Pritz

March 29, 2014

"Wes" Featherston, Doug's A/C, was my roommate in the Triple Nickel.  I packed up his things and wrote a letter to his wife when I sent them home.  

The Tacoma paper's article is a pretty accurate description of the loss of Laredo Zero Three.  Doug and Wes were flying a Fast FAC mission up in Barrel Roll (northern Laos) and were strafing a POL dump.  The reconnaissance plane that is mentioned was the morning recce out of Udorn (call sign "Bullwhip") that the Laredo FACs often worked with.  

Ray's rendition of our encounter with Doug is more detailed than my memory (which makes it great reading).  There are several other stories to tell about our circumnavigation summer "field trip" - like walking into theKadena Bar with our hats on (we were very young) - but I think we should keep this thread dedicated to Doug and Wes.

Bruce Don

March 23, 2014


In 1963, the most direct flight from the Pacific Northwest was a United flight which originated in Seattle, then to Portland and Salt Lake City before arriving at Denver (Stapleton International). As I imagine was the case with almost all of our incoming class, my parents drove me to PDX, and I boarded the plane for my first commercial flight. Sitting directly across the aisle from me was a tall, skinny teenager from Tacoma also bound for Colorado Springs and the Academy -- one Douglas D. Ferguson. When we arrived at C-Springs, there wasn't all of the "meet and greet" hoopla that the arriving incoming classes now receive -- just a bunch of lost kids in the "big city." Doug and I shared a room at an airport hotel that night before an Academy bus picked us up the next day for the drive to the Academy. Parents weren't allowed. When we arrived at the Academy, we went through in-processing and were both assigned to 16th Flight (later into 16th Squadron) which we didn't think unusual since we were both from the Pacific Northwest and assumed that they organized units by geographic origins. As it turned out, it was highly unusual, and the start of four long and memorable years together -- from the very first day until the very last. 

Hope this journey down memory lane helps. 

Lex

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