Discovery of remains causes family feud

ELIZABETH, N.J., Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The discovery of the remains of a New Jersey man, killed more than half a century ago flying for the CIA in Vietnam, is causing a family feud.

James McGovern Jr., who grew up in Elizabeth, may have been the first U.S. casualty in Vietnam. He was shot down May 6, 1954, while carrying supplies to the French forces at Dien Bien Phu.

McGovern's nephew and namesake wants the remains -- discovered earlier this year in Vietnam -- to be interred in Somerset Hills next to his brother John, the Star-Ledger of Newark reported. But four nieces, the younger James McGovern's sisters, and surviving comrades from the Civil Air Transport say he wanted to be buried at Arlington National Cemetery.

The nephew says he does not believe his uncle is eligible for burial at Arlington because he was not killed on active military duty during the war. McGovern flew for Claire Chennault's Flying Tigers in China during World War II and then for a Chennault company that was acquired by the CIA.

Until a judge resolves the issue, McGovern's mortal remains are being kept in Hawaii at the military morgue.