Charles Frederick Klusmann (September 7, 1933 – October 3, 2024) was an American military United States Navy combat pilot who was shot down over Laos during the Vietnam War and later escaped captivity.
Klusmann was a navy lieutenant (O-3) when he was shot down over the Plain of Jars, Laos (19°28′00″N 103°15′00″E / 19.46667°N 103.25000°E / 19.46667; 103.25000) on June 6, 1964, flying an RF-8A Crusader aircraft from the VFP-63, USS Kitty Hawk.
[5] His Distinguished Flying Cross citation reads:[6] For extraordinary heroism and achievement while participating in aerial flight during May and June 1964.
Lieutenant Klusmann, attached to and serving with Light Photographic Squadron SIXTY-THREE, Detachment C, aboard USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63) has been engaged in unarmed reconnaissance flights over Laos in the Plaines des Jarres area.
Lieutenant Klusmann's unswerving devotion to duty, professional skill, and courage were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Service.Klusmann retired from the U.S. Navy as a captain in 1980.