Note: The Korean War Honor Roll ( http://www.abmc.gov) indicates that Capt. Van Fleet received the following medals/awards not reflected on the right panel: "The Combat Infantryman's Badge, Iran OC with Five Clasps, and Meritorious Service Medal with Nine Clasps..." It appears Capt. Van Fleet served for a time in the U.S. Army and further research is required to determine the years and units of his Army service.
The Comprehensive Report of the U.S. of the U.S. -Russia Joint Commission on POW/MIAS, June 17, 1996, is confusing regarding the fate of Capt. Van Fleet. The intelligence from Russian informants ranged from the entire crew perishing to a pilot who was the son of a four star general being captured and imprisoned. The conclusion was that "There is insufficient evidence at this point to come to any firm conclusion about the fate of (Blanked out), LT. Van Fleet or any other member of the crew." Source: http://www.dtic.mil