On January 30, 1973, an F-4J Phantom II (bureau number 158361) with two crew members took part in a two-plane combat air patrol mission over the Gulf of Tonkin. While returning to their aircraft carrier, the USS Ranger (CVA 61), the two aircraft collided in mid-air, causing both to crash into the water. The crew of the other aircraft managed to escape and were rescued from the water; however, the crew of this Phantom could not be recovered, despite a search which lasted throughout the night and into the next day.

Lieutenant James Allyn Duensing, who entered the U.S. Navy from California, served with Fighter Squadron 21 aboard the Ranger and was the pilot of this Phantom at the time of its loss. He remains unaccounted for. Today, Lieutenant Duensing 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.