On April 13, 1972, an EA-6A Intruder (bureau number 156979, call sign "RM 08") carrying two crew members took part in a two-plane electronic counter-measures mission over North Vietnam. While orbiting off the coast of North Vietnam, "RM 08" made a radio check-in, but was not heard from again. It failed to return from the mission, and searches for the missing aircraft and crew were unsuccessful. 

First Lieutenant John Michael Christensen, who joined the U.S. Marine Corps from Utah, was a member of Marine Composite Squadron 1, Marine Air Group 15, 1st Marine Air Wing. He was the electronic counter-measures officer aboard “RM 08” when it went missing, and was lost with the aircraft. His remains have not been recovered. After the incident, the U.S.M.C. promoted First Lieutenant Christensen to the rank of Captain.  Today, Captain Christensen 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.