Although small arms fire was reported in the target area, the cause of the accident was unknown. Search and rescue helicopters landed near the scene later that day, but crewmen were unable to locate the ejection seat or MacLaughlin. Search and rescue continued their search and the following day, located MacLaughlin's body. Enemy ground fire prevented them from recovering the body, however.MacLaughlin's name is listed among American personnel prisoner, missing and unaccounted for in Southeast Asia because his body was never recovered.

Death is all but certain for Donald C. MacLaughlin, Jr. Although he apparently ejected from his aircraft, he died in the effort or at some point after. For hundreds of others, however, simple answers are not possible. Adding to the torment of nearly 10,000 reports relating to Americans missing in Southeast Asia is the certain knowledge that some Americans who were known to be prisoners of war were not released at the end of the war. Others were suspected to be prisoners, and still others were in radio contact with would-be rescuers when last seen alive. Many were known to have survived their loss incidents, only to disappear without a trace.

The problem of Americans still missing torments not only the families of those who are missing, but the men who fought by their sides, and those in the general public who realize the full implication of leaving men unaccounted for at the end of a war.

Tragically, many authorities believe there are hundreds of Americans still alive in captivity in Southeast Asia today.  What must they be thinking of us? What will our next generation say if called to fight if we are unable to bring these men home from Southeast Asia?