On March 13, 1968, an A-1E Skyraider (tail number 52-133888, call sign "Hobo 11") with two crew members conducted a combat mission over enemy targets in Savannakhet Province, Laos. While attacking a ground target, it is believed that the aircraft was hit by automatic weapons fire. It crashed and burst into flames. No parachutes were observed before the plane hit the ground, and neither crew member was recovered following the crash.

Major Joseph Henry Byrne, who entered the U.S. Air Force from Illinois, served with the 1st Air Commando Squadron, 56th Air Commando Wing, and was the copilot of this Skyraider at the time of its loss. He remains unaccounted for. Today, Major Byrne 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.