The ashes of Commander Jimmy L. Buckley were returned by the Chinese in December 1975. When American involvement in the Vietnam war ended by means of peace accords signed in 1973, Americans held in countries other than Vietnam were not negotiated for. Consequently, almost all of these men remain missing. During the Nixon Administration and following administrations, relations with China have eased, but the U.S. seems reluctant to address the years-old problem of the fate of her men in China. Since the war ended, nearly 10,000 reports have been received relating to Americans missing in Southeast Asia.
Many authorities believe there are hundreds who are still alive, held captive.
Whether Trembley and Scott could be among them is not known. What seems certain, however, is that they have been abandoned for political expediency.