Kustigian, Michael John
Navy gmgc

Michael John Kustigian from Worcester, Massachusetts, Worcester county.

Service era: Vietnam

Date of death: May 6, 1968
Death details:  Seaman Apprentice Michael John Kustigian, who joined the U.S. Navy from Massachusetts, served aboard the guided missile cruiser USS Long Beach (CGN 9). On May 6, 1968, SA Kustigian did not report to an assigned work detail aboard the Long Beach, which off the coast of North Vietnam at the time. A ship-wide search was initiated and it was learned that SA Kustigian was last seen the previous evening aboard the ship with a fellow crew member and close friend who was also discovered to be missing. When the men could not be located on the ship, an area-wide search was conducted that involved several other U.S. Navy vessels but was unsuccessful. Seaman Apprentice Kustigian was not seen again. After the incident, the Navy promoted SA Kustigian to the rank of Chief Gunner’s Mate (GMGC).

Based on all information available, DPAA assessed the individual’s case to be in the analytical category of Non-recoverable.

Source: National Archives, Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency