670628- F4B to AAA, crew captured

On this date in 1967 USS Constellation suffered its first loss of the campaign against North Vietnam as an F4B Phantom flown by CDR W.P. Lawrence and LTJG J.W. Bailey of Fighting 143 "Pukin' Dogs" was shot down by antiaircraft artillery over North Vietnam. Both were captured and held as POWs but were eventually repatriated, after experiencing severe hardship and physical and mental torture. Lawrence rose to the rank of Vice Admiral following his release.