On June 5, 1952, a B-26C Invader (tail number 44-35760A) took off from Kunsan Air Base with three crew members aboard for a low-level night intrusion mission against the main supply route between Sinanju and Sinuiju, Korea. While over the target area, the aircraft sustained severe damage from a Soviet anti-aircraft artillery unit. The pilot tried to return to friendly lines, but his plane eventually caught fire. The flight's crew radioed they were flying east of the Korean peninsula where they intended to bail out, near the island of Sinmi-do. No further communication was heard from the crew and although an aerial search of the Invader's last known position was made. and it was possible that some or all of the crew bailed out while over the open water, no trace of the plane or its crew members were found.

Captain Archie Peyton Trantham entered the U.S Army from Missouri and was a member of the 13th Bombardment Squadron, 3rd Bombardment Group (Light). He was the pilot of this Invader when it was lost, and he went missing with the aircraft. While it appeared that a bail out may have occurred while over water, it could not be confirmed. No returning POWs mentioned having contact with Capt Trantham, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for following the incident. Today, Captain Trantham 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.