A Minnesota PBS Initiative
Attacks by Air
Lt. William (Bill) E. Mickelsen served in the Vietnam War as a Navy pilot. He piloted an A4 Skyhawk aboard the USS BON HOMME RICHARD.
The plane he piloted crashed on the flight deck following a night mission into North Vietnam. Following a fire on deck the plane fell into the water. His body has not been recovered. Bill had many friends in the Minneapolis area. His wife was expecting their first child at the time of his death. Rest in Peace, dear friend.
Story Themes: A4 Skyhawk, Death and Loss, Memorial, MIA, Missing In Action, USS Bon Homme Richard