On July 27, 1967, a RF-4C Phantom II (serial number 64-1042, call sign "Hipster 2") departed Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, on a night reconnaissance mission. While en route to its primary target, the aircraft was diverted to another target in Quang Binh Province. After a final radio transmission from the crew, radar contact was lost, and the aircraft was not seen or heard from again. Aerial searchers flew over the Phantom's flight path but were unable to locate a crash site.

Major Gilland Wales Corbitt, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Colorado, served with the 16th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. He was the aircraft commander aboard the Phantom when it disappeared, and his remains were not recovered. After the incident, the Air Force promoted Major Corbitt to the rank of Colonel (Col). Today, Colonel Corbitt 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.