He had been at the deepest part of the channel and in the swiftest part of the stream. Another team member was able to pull him to the surface twice, but was unable to control his struggling. Two other men attempted to assist, but Roberson was swept under and away again. Witnesses never saw him surface again. The following day, an additional search was made of the river on both sides for 600 meters, but no trace of Roberson was found.
War is hell.
Men are killed by other men whom they call their enemy. At 22 years of age, John Will Roberson had just begun to live. Because no trace of Roberson's remains were found, his name is maintained among those who are missing and captured in Southeast Asia. Experts believe that hundreds of these Americans are still alive, captive, and want to come home. One can imagine that John Roberson would gladly serve on one more patrol to help bring them home.