On October 22, 1966, an F-4B Phantom II (bureau number 151009, call sign "Rock River 214") with a crew of two launched from the aircraft carrier USS Constellation (CVA 64) on an air defense suppression mission over North Vietnam. The aircraft was hit by enemy anti-aircraft fire shortly after reaching the coastline, and turned back towards the sea. Another aircraft from the flight joined "Rock River 214" as an escort, and saw flames coming from the aircraft's fuselage. The pilot of the escorting aircraft directed the crew of "Rock River 214" to eject immediately, and one crew member did so, but the pilot was still on board when the aircraft exploded in mid-air. The crew member who ejected was rescued but the pilot was never found. 

Lieutenant Commander Earl Paul McBride, who joined the U.S. Navy from Pennsylvania, served with Fighter Squadron 161 aboard the Constellation. He was the pilot of this Phantom at the time of its loss, and his remains were not recovered. Today, Lieutenant Commander McBride 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.