On November 8, 1952, a B-29 Superfortress (serial number 44-62073) departed Kadena Air Base with twelve crew members on a night bombing operation targeting the military staff at a school in Yongpung-ni, North Korea. While approaching the target, three MiG-15s fired on the B-29, causing a part of the aircraft to suddenly decompress and explode. Three crew members survived this incident but were captured by enemy forces, and were eventually returned to U.S. custody at the end of the war. The fate of other nine crew members was unknown, and their remains not recovered.

Captain Norman William Schneidt, who entered the U.S. Air Force from New York, was assigned to the 370th Bombardment Squadron, 307th Bombardment Group (Medium). He was the aircraft commander aboard this Superfortress when it was lost. No returning prisoner of war mentioned having contact with Capt Schneidt in captivity, nor was he seen at any known holding point, interrogation center, hospital, or permanent POW camp. He remains unaccounted-for. Today, Captain Schneidt 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.