On July 26, 1967, an F-4C Phantom II (tail number 64-0848) with a crew of two took off from Ubon Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand as the number two aircraft in a flight of two on a nighttime armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. The F-4C reached the target area, released its ordnance, and was then seen to explode in mid-air by the flight leader. No parachutes were observed and no signals from rescue beepers were received. The flight leader circled the area and attempted to establish radio contact with the crew of the F-4C but was unsuccessful. The loss area was deep in enemy territory, so an immediate search for survivors could not be conducted. Later investigations of the crash site failed to recover the remains of the crew.  

Captain Richard Ames Claflin, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Kansas, served with the 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing. He was the aircraft commander aboard the F-4C when it crashed, and his remains were not recovered. Subsequent to the incident, and while carried in the status of MIA, the U.S. Air Force promoted Captain Claflin to the rank of Major. Today, Major Claflin 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 Active Pursuit.

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.