Originally Posted by
Often1
The US Consulate ought to issue temporary documents and, as others point out, as a USN, OP doesn't need a passport to return to the USA.
Theoretically a US citizen doesn't need a passport to come home, but will an airline let you board a plane headed to the US without a passport, and if you make it to the US, post 9/11, what will CBP put you through when you arrive?
For the temporary passport, see these links:
"In an emergency, embassies or consulates can issue limited validity passports. Contact them directly for more information."
http://travel.state.gov/passport/get...side_5462.html
http://traveltips.usatoday.com/tempo...ort-21214.html