On the morning of March 10, 1953, a LT-6G Texan (serial number 49-3576A, call sign “Acme One”), also known as a “Mosquito,” carrying two crew members took off from Chunchon Air Base (K-47), South Korea, on a forward air control reconnaissance mission of enemy targets north of Hwachon, Korea. Shortly after “Acme One” acknowledged a routine weather report, a ground controller at Flash Outpost Two observed a single engine aircraft taking enemy machine gun fire, followed by the aircraft bursting into flames and crashing near Chombang-ni, North Korea. Flash Outpost Two reported this information to the 6148th Tactical Control Squadron Headquarters, followed by ground controllers attempting to contact the missing aircraft without success. Several LT-6s were diverted to the area; however, poor weather that day hampered search efforts. An aerial search the following day also failed to locate the missing aircraft and its crew. A ground search was not possible because the crash occurred several miles behind enemy lines.

First Lieutenant Peter Manuel Darakis, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Ohio, was assigned to the 6148th Tactical Control Squadron, 6147th Tactical Control Group. He was the pilot of this LT-6G when it was lost. No returning POWs mentioned contact with 1st Lt Darakis, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for. Today, First Lieutenant Darakis 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 Deferred.

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.