Funeral held for pilot who went missing in Vietnam War

CRANSTON, R.I. (AP) - A Rhode Island U.S. Air Force pilot who was shot down over Vietnam more than half a century ago has finally been laid to rest.

The Providence Journal reports the funeral for Lt. Col. Fredric Moore Mellor was held Friday at Rhode Island Veterans Memorial Cemetery in Exeter.

Mellor, a Cranston native, was reported missing in 1965, when his plane was shot down during a reconnaissance mission. He ejected from the plane and tried to make radio contact, but rescuers were unable to find him.

Searchers found his remains in the area where his plane crashed this summer.

Mellor was buried with full military honors. His daughter says he represents all the troops still missing.

Air Force Master Sergeant Zack Simbre says, “we’re glad he’s back home.”