Following six months of training, Private First Class (PFC) Don Klaumann was on an aircraft, headed toward Vietnam. On the journey, the plane accidentally strayed into Russian airspace. The chartered DC-8 was intercepted by three Russian Mig Jets. The commercial airliner, Seaboard, carrying over 200 soldiers and 17 civilian crew members, was forced to land on Iturup Island, just north of Japan. An isolated island that in 1968, was controlled by the Soviet Union. After three days, the State Department was able to convince the Soviets. The plane was allowed to leave (Lincoln Evening Journal, 1968).
Don laughed when remembering having to help the other 200+ soldiers pull, push, and drag the plane with a twine rope and many hands to get it far enough from the dilapidated Soviet airport buildings before starting the engine.
Today, Don is working to get his experience recognized for what it was; soldiers and civilians held as Prisoners of War. He has recently contacted local legislators in hopes to get the recognition he and the other 230 souls on that aircraft deserve.
Don now calls Manley home with his wife of 52 years, Pat. What do they love most about being here? The view and the laid-back people.
Thank you, Don, for service to something greater than yourself. We are indebted to you.
Did You Know?
21.2% of Manley residents are veterans? (US Census, 2021)
Manley News 
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