Major Curtis Abbot Eaton entered the U.S. Air Force from Rhode Island and served in the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron. On August 14, 1966, he piloted a single-seat F-105D Thunderchief (tail number 591763) as the number four aircraft in a flight of four on a strike mission against enemy targets in North Vietnam. Shortly after the flight pulled off their target, Maj Eaton radioed that his aircraft had been hit and he was going to eject. The number three aircraft radioed back to ask for his position, however, Maj Eaton did not respond, and was not heard from again. Shortly after he said he would eject, an F-105D was seen near the flight descending in a gradual right hand turn towards the ground. Attempts to locate Maj Eaton after his disappearance were unsuccessful. Following the incident, the Air Force promoted Maj Eaton to the rank of Colonel (Col). Today, Colonel Eaton 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.