Gold Star Son Waits 21 Years to Learn of Father’s Death in Vietnam

Heroes Behind Headlines

In 1968, SSgt. Richard Fitts Sr. was a member of the legendary MACV-SOG team based in Vietnam, fighting in the ‘secret war’ in Laos, when the helicopter he was flying in crashed in the jungle in a ball of flames. Richard was declared Missing in Action while his wife and 3-year-old son back home in Massachusetts were given no other information.
For the next 21 years, Richard Fiits Jr. grew up without a father; not knowing if he would ever return. It wasn’t until 1990, when his father’s remains were finally found and buried with military honors, that Richard Fitts Jr. finally began to learn the truth of his father’s heroic career.
Now a musician, Richard Fitts Jr. talks about growing up with only one memory of his dad, and the journey he took to solve the mystery of who his father was and discover himself along the way. As the 20+-year secrecy oath binding living SOG veterans expired, Richard was able to make some surprising discoveries which resulted in his making a documentary, “21 Years—A Folded Flag,” to honor his father’s legacy, and to also help the children of other Gold Star families.

Heroes Behind Headlines
Executive Producer Ralph Pezzullo
Produced & Engineered by Mike Dawson
Music provided by ExtremeMusic.com

Chapter

1. Gold Star Son Waits 21 Years to Learn of Father’s Death in Vietnam (00:00:00)

2. [Ad] What It's Like To Be... (00:16:13)

3. (Cont.) Gold Star Son Waits 21 Years to Learn Truth of Father’s Death in Vietnam (00:16:51)