It is with deep regret...the letter changing Carl Karst status from MIA to KIA
Feb 8, 1974
Here is the 1974 letter informing Mom that Dad’s status was changing. The letter also recounts all the intelligence about his flight, and one informer’s version of what happened to him after his plane was shot down. However, the Air Force never accepted the account as valid for the listed reasons.
I have only shallow memories of the visit by Air Force officers to share the news with us. I think Mom and all of us realized that Dad's status would soon be changing after the list of 591 prisoners held by North Vietnam was released in early 1973, and Carl Karst was not among the names.
So terribly tragic. So terribly sad. An Officer. A Gentleman. A Gentle ... Man. I spoke with him immediately before his flight. I briefed him. I provided the requisite documents and coding equipment. I established Air Ground radio contact as he lifted off. And then all communication was lost. I shall Never forget that fateful day. I shall never forget Colonel Karst. An Officer and a Gentleman. A Gentle ... Man.