Captain Robert Emmett Sheehan, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Washington, served with the 154th Fighter Bomber Squadron, 136th Fighter Bomber Group. On January 23, 1952, piloting an F-84 Thunderjet (tail number 50-1217A) nicknamed "Hot to Trot," he departed Taegu Air Base as the third aircraft in a flight of four on a rail cutting mission between Sonchon and Kwasksan. After his second pass over the target, he radioed that he had developed engine trouble, and another pilot in the flight saw puffs of white smoke coming out of the aircraft's exhaust. Captain Sheehan decided to ditch his aircraft near Oejang-do Island off the coast of North Korea. He made a successful water landing and was seen by other pilots to climb on top of the aircraft to await rescue. Rescue aircraft were unable to land due to ice floes in the water around the downed plane. When rescuers returned slightly over an hour later, he had disappeared. The North Koreans controlled Oejang-do, so it is possible that he was taken prisoner; however, no returning POWs mentioned having contact with Capt Sheehan, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for. Today, Captain Sheehan is memorialized on the Courts of the Missing at the National Memorial Cemetery of the Pacific.

Based on all information available, DPAA assessed the individual's case to be in the analytical category of Deferred.

If you are a family member of this serviceman, DPAA can provide you with additional information and analysis of your case. Please contact your casualty office representative.