On August 17, 1967, an RA-5C Vigilante (bureau number 149302, call sign "Speartip 122") launched from the USS Constellation (CVA 64) on a side-looking radar mission off the coast of North Vietnam. En route to the carrier following the mission, the aircraft's crew reported its position. Shortly thereafter, a mayday call was heard from "Speartip 122" followed by an "eject" transmission. Within moments, pilots from other aircraft flying in the area reported seeing a large splash and an oil slick, with a dye marker a short distance south of the slick. Search and rescue craft failed to locate the two crew members.

Lieutenant Junior Grade Charles David Hom entered the U.S. Navy from California and was a member of Reconnaissance Attack (Heavy) Squadron 12, embarked aboard the Constellation. He was the navigator aboard "Speartip 122" when it disappeared, and was lost with the aircraft. Today, Lieutenant Junior Grade Charles Hom 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.