On the eve of Vietnam Veterans Day, the Minister for Defence Science and Personnel, the Hon. Warren Snowdon MP, has announced that an investigation team may be one step closer to solving the mystery of Australia’s last missing soldier from the Vietnam War. Private David Fisher of the Special Air Services Regiment (SASR) fell from a rope beneath a Royal Australian Air Force helicopter during a “hot extraction” of his patrol in 1969. He fell into thick jungle and despite an extensive search of the area by an SASR patrol and infantry units, no trace of him was ever found.

Extensive research work, including interviews with locals and Vietnamese Veterans earlier this year has assisted the Australian investigation team in pinpointing a possible location, where an initial survey has discovered a small quantity of human remains. “This week a Defence Forensic Anthropologist, an Archaeologist and several Army historians, will conduct a full archaeological dig in the location where Private Fisher is believed to have fallen. I am very proud of the Australian Army’s commitment to this investigation,” Mr Snowdon said.

“Private Fisher was a brave soldier who lost his life in service of his country, and it is our duty to make every effort to locate and appropriately honour him. The Australian team will work closely with Vietnamese officials. They know what they are looking for and now have a good indication of where to search. We are hopeful of providing Private Fisher’s family with some long awaited answers, and ask on their behalf that the media respect their privacy at this sensitive time.

“In addition the team is undertaking a preliminary examination of records relating to the two Royal Australian Air Force personnel also missing in Vietnam.” Flying Office Herbert and Pilot Officer Carver disappeared without a trace in Canberra aircraft A84-231 on 3 November 1970 during a bombing mission. “The Australian Government is doing everything it can to account for these brave men and we are extremely appreciative of the support provided by the Vietnamese Government and its people.