On December 20, 1968, an F-4B Phantom II (bureau number 149411) with two crew members took part in a two-aircraft night combat mission against enemy targets in Laos. In the target area, this Phantom's pilot radioed that he was commencing his run over the target. His wingman and the crew of the forward air controller (FAC) aircraft observed the Phantom's ordnance impact the target, followed by a large secondary explosion on the ground nearby. There was no further radio contact with this Phantom. The wingman dropped his own ordnance on the target and attempted to re-establish contact, but was unsuccessful. The Phantom and its two crew members failed to return to base, and were not seen again.

Captain Robert Duane Kent, who entered the U.S. Marine Corps from Texas, served with Marine Fighter Attack Squadron 314, Marine Air Group 13, and was the pilot of this Phantom at the time of its loss. He remains unaccounted for. Today, Captain Kent 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.