The US President Mr George W Bush said he and First Lady Mrs Laura Bush were "deeply saddened" by a helicopter crash in Vietnam that killed 16 people, including seven US military personnel.
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The aircraft, which went down in the north-central province of Quang Binh, was on "an important mission to find and recover the remains of servicemen missing from the Vietnam War," Mr Bush said in a statement.
"Today's loss is a terrible one for our nation. Although not lost in a hostile act, like those for whom they search, they too have lived lives of great consequence, answering a calling of service to their fellow citizens.
"As we enter a period of religious holidays across America, may we remember their sacrifice and keep them, and their families, in our thoughts and prayers."
There were no survivors from the crash 400 kilometres (250 miles) south of Hanoi, Vietnamese authorities told the US embassy there.
The helicopter was on a mission to prepare for the recovery of Americans missing in action from the Vietnam War.
"The accident is currently under investigation," the command said from its headquarters in Hawaii. "American and Vietnamese officials are taking appropriate actions to recover and identify those aboard, and notify next of kin."
AFP