Douglas was assigned to Charlie Troop. Douglas became an MIA on October 18, 1970. When the recovery team landed the day after the crash they found WM Cahill’s and Sgt Bailey’s bodies . Both of their flight helmets were destroyed. One helmet was found in perfect condition. Weapons were found and a GI Boot print was found amongst a lot of enemy soldiers foot prints. It was assumed that Douglas had survived the crash and was taken as a Prisoner of War (POW). Douglas was declared as Killed in Action on November 17, 1975. His body was never recovered. Douglas was awarded the Purple Heart, Air Medal, National Defense Service Medal, Vietnam Campaign Medal, and the Vietnam Service Medal. Douglas was an Observer on an OH-6A observation helicopter. Since the end of the war, Presidents have quietly denied that fact that there were MIA’s still in Vietnam , Cambodia or Laos. 2500 men are unaccounted for. Douglas is one of them.
If any family or friends read this blog, please contact me as I am looking for personal stories about this brave man.
Charlie Troop 1st Squadron 9th Cavalry Regiment 
Nigel Robson
June 27, 2015
Hello. FYI there are some details about Douglas Strait and a first hand account of the crash in a book called SNAKE PILOT by RANDY ZAHN. The details are in Chapter 17.
I am English and too young to remember the conflict in Vietnam. I have read several books about it, which is how I came across the details regarding Douglas Strait. My sincere condolences to his friends and family. My respect to all those who served in Vietnam.
patrickbieneman
July 8, 2015
Nigel,
I received a lot of information from the Blues who were on the ground that day and from the other Pilots and Crew Chiefs who were in the air.
Kevin Perrier
January 23, 2016
Patrick, did you talk to anyone who tracked the NVA after the aviator boot prints were discovered?
patrickbieneman
January 24, 2016
Kevin,
I’m sorry but I haven’t. I have talked to some who have said the boot prints along with sandal prints show they were walking away from the site. I don’t know who may have been there to follow the foot/boot prints. Did you know Douglas?
Rick LaGrave
August 29, 2016
Doug was my mom’s brother. I’d be interested in any information. I have all his papers that have been handed down to me, from my grandfather and mom.
patrickbieneman
August 30, 2016
Rick, I am going to send a private email to your address.
Kevin Perrier
February 19, 2017
I have some daily reports for the day his bird was shot down. I have also talked to the company commander of the unit they were doing the VR for.
patrickbieneman
February 19, 2017
If you would be kind enough, could you copy those daily reports and send them to pcbnamin@verizon.net? I sure would like to have a copy to post on here in in my Charlie Troop Book. How did you know Douglas?