DeBruin, Eugene Henry

Other Events:

• URL: Aft 1933; Link to Wikipedia
• 1940 Census: 1940, Buchanan, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA
• Education - High School: 1951, Kaukauna, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA
• Education - High School: 1951, Kaukauna, Outagamie, Wisconsin, USA
• Military Service: Between 1952 and 1956; US Air Force
• Occupation: Bef 1963
• News Mention: 13 Sep 1963; Kaukauna Times
• News Mention: 23 Oct 1963; Kaukauna Times
• News Mention: 20 May 1964; Kaukauna Times
• Media: 2007

Notes:

1940 Census:
Joseph De Bruin26
Margaret De Bruin25
Gerald De Bruin8
Eugene De Bruin7
Donald De Bruin5
Marie De Bruin3
Joseph De Bruin2
John Dompe27

Education - High School:
Kaukauna High School Class of 1951

Education - High School:
Kaukauna High School Class of 1951

Occupation:
Parachute Delivery Officer. Air America. Became a POW when he parachuted to safety from a C-46 that had been shot down over Laos.
He is known to have been a POW at a Pathet Lao prison camp in Laos. He and other prisoners attempted to escape twice from the camp. He was recaptured on his 1st escape attempt and he is listed as MIA as a result of his second escape attempt in 1966.
Served in USAF as an Aviation Mechanic from 1952-1956.
Served in Bureau of Land Management as a Smoke Jumper for 3 years in Alaska and Montana.
Eugene DeBruin was portrayed by Jeremy Davies in Werner Herzog's 2007 film Rescue Dawn.

News Mention:
In September of 1963, Eugene DeBruin of Kaukauna was shot down and taken prisoner in Laos. At the end of the Vietnam War no negotiations were made for the prisoners held in Laos. Over the past 50 years our government has never made a formal request for him of any of the other estimated 600 people that were left behind in that country. Please say a prayer for these poor people that were left behind.

News Mention:
Eugene DeBruin of Kaukauna, whose plane was shot down by communist in Laos several weeks ago, has been reported by Air America to be alive but a prisoner.
DeBruin, 30, was a crew member of the Air America plane which was shot down by the Pathet Lao on September 5 in northern Laos. He was one of three Americans abroad the plane. The Pathet Lao mentioned Eugene's name last Saturday as the only survivor. Senator Nelson (Dem) Wisconsin later contacted the DeBruin's and told them the state department was negotiating for the release of Eugene. No information was available as to whether he was injured.

News Mention:
Mr. and Mrs. Joseph DeBruin received word that their son, Eugene DeBruin, 30, presently a prisoner of the pro-communist Pathet Lao troops, will be released soon. DeBruin's plane was shot down over Laos on Sept 5 while dropping supplies. He was one of five that survived the crash. The announcement was made by Prince Souphanouvong, Pathet Lao leader, according to AP press dispatches. Information received stated he was being treated well by his captures. Air America, the concern which DeBruin was affiliated, has suspended its operations in Laos.
Update January 2010 - Information released through the U.S. freedom of information act confirms that Air America was operated by the C.I.A. during the Vietnam War. The U.S. would not negotiate with Laos for the release of POW's. Eugene and over 300 other prisoners were never released.


Media:
Portrayed by Jeremy Davies in the film Rescue Dawn

Parachute Delivery Officer. Air America. Became a POW when he parachuted to safety from a C-46 that had been shot down over Laos.
He is known to have been a POW at a Pathet Lao prison camp in Laos. He and other prisoners attempted to escape twice from the camp. He was recaptured on his 1st escape attempt and he is listed as MIA as a result of his second escape attempt in 1966.
Served in USAF as an Aviation Mechanic from 1952-1956.
Served in Bureau of Land Management as a Smoke Jumper for 3 years in Alaska and Montana.
Eugene DeBruin was portrayed by Jeremy Davies in Werner Herzog's 2007 film Rescue Dawn.