United States Army Criminal Investigation Division, U.S. Government
End of Watch: Monday, January 11, 1971
Age: 26
Tour of Duty: Not available
Badge Number: Not available
Cause of Death: Gunfire
Date of Incident: January 11, 1971
Weapon Used: Rifle; M-16
Suspect Info: Not available
Special Agent James Abbott was shot and killed in the Thua Thien province of Vietnam while attempting to disarm a soldier who had taken a hostage in an observation tower at Camp Evans.
The soldier had threatened his commanding officer and first sergeant before climbing into the observation tower with his M-16 rifle.
Agent Abbott was called to the location and attempted to talk the soldier into releasing the hostage. He was able to gain access to the tower and while talking with the subject attempted to disarm him. During the struggle, Agent Abbott was shot and killed.
Agent Abbott was posthumously awarded the Soldier's Medal. Agent Abbott was also awarded the Bronze Medal for his heroic actions. Additionally, the U.S. Army named the CIS Building at Fort Knox, Ky. after him.