On September 18, 1965, an A-6A Intruder (bureau number 151588, call sign "Flying Ace 511") with two crew members launched from the aircraft carrier USS Independence (CVA 62) for a night bombing mission against enemy patrol boats in the Gulf of Tonkin. The Intruder was hit by anti-aircraft fire during the mission, and it crashed into the water and exploded. Extensive search and rescue efforts were mounted the next day, but failed to locate either crew member or any aircraft debris.

Lieutenant Robert Franklin Barber, who entered the U.S. Navy from Washington, served with Attack Squadron 75. He was the bombardier/navigator on this Intruder when it crashed on September 18, 1965, and he was lost with the aircraft. He remains unaccounted-for. Today, Lieutenant Barber 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.