Vietnam War
| Unit | Attack Squadron 93 |
|---|---|
| Rank | Commander U.S. Navy |
| Entered Service From | Matteson Illinois |
| Date of Death | September 8 1972 |
| Status | Missing In Action |
| Memorialized |
Courts of the Missing
Court
B
Honolulu Memorial |
Notes
Commander Gerstel was a member of Attack Squadron 93, Carrier Air Wing 5 aboard the Aircraft Carrier USS MIDWAY (CVA-41). On September 8, 1972, he was the pilot of a Vought Attack Aircraft Corsair II (A-7B) on a reconnaissance mission over Hon Nieu, North Vietnam when the aircraft was struck by lightning and he became lost. He crashed midway between Hon Nieu and Hon Matt about 18 mile east of Phu Diem Chau, Nghe An Province. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.