In Memory of
SSgt. Wilburn "Fred" Vaught
Wilburn "Fred" Vaught was killed in an accidental explosion while working with the bomb build-up crew on May 13, 1968 at the Munitions Storage Area in Korat RTAFB. He had been assigned to the 388th MMS at Korat RTAFB for a little over four months before the accident. Would anyone who remembers working with him during those four months please contact his son, Robert Vaught at vaughtrob@yahoo.com.
My name is Robert Knetsch. I was assigned to the 388th MMS at Korat RTAFB and I worked at the bomb dump (MSA) during that time. I have been corresponding with Wilburn’s son Robert, about the accident and answering his questions to the best of my memory. I took some pictures the day after the accident. Please view these pictures that I have posted on this site and see if anything or anyone in the pictures helps you recall this event. There are pictures of some of the airmen that did work on the bomb build-up crew that someone may recognize. One of the airmen that I remember that survived the accident was an individual by the name of Gonzales from San Antonio, TX. A picture of him can be seen below.
Unfortunately, I did not remember Robert’s Dad. I worked the evening shift for months hauling munitions from the bomb dump to the holding area at the base during the time. If we did crossed paths out at the bomb dump, I just don’t remember them. I can be contacted at knetsch512@gmail.com.
Robert was only 5 years old when his Dad died in that accident. He is looking for anyone who might tell him something about his Dad before and up to the accident. Thanks.
