Late in the afternoon on December 6, 1950, a B-26 Invader (tail number 44-34222) departed Iwakuni Air Base, Japan, with a crew of three. The briefed mission was a night intruder operation north of Seoul, Korea. Due to a solid cloud cover over most of Korea, they were forced to drop their payload based on an estimated time of arrival and began searching for targets of opportunity. Unable to see any terrain features, the pilot decided to return to base by way of Seoul and Teagu. Inclement weather interfered with navigation and radio equipment throughout the flight, making it difficult to stay on course. When the fuel was almost exhausted, the pilot was able to contact two ground stations in Japan, which provided a course to Japan. Unfortunately, before the Invader could reach land, the engines cut out and it became necessary to bail out. The next day, the navigator was rescued. Rescuers were unable to locate the pilot or the gunner, and both men remain unaccounted-for.

Lieutenant Colonel Meech Tahsequah, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Oklahoma, was assigned to the 3rd Maintenance Squadron, 2nd Maintenance Supply Group. He was the pilot of a B-26 Invader from the 8th Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bombardment Group, when it went lost. The surviving aviator from this loss, reported Lt Col Tahsequah should have been able to bail out before the Invader crashed into the water. As this loss was close to west coast of Japan, it is highly unlikely that Lt Col Tahsequah ever in enemy hands or seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for. Today, Lieutenant Colonel Tahsequah 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 Non-recoverable.

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.