On February 24, 1965, an A-3B Skywarrior (bureau number 147664, call sign "Folder 604") launched from the USS Coral Sea (CVA 43) on a tanker mission off the coast of South Vietnam. During the mission, the aircraft experienced fuel system and electrical malfunctions, which caused the crew to bail out. A rescue helicopter observed four good parachutes descending to the water; however, one of these men became entangled in his parachute when he hit the water, causing him to sink in the vicinity of (GC) 49Q CT 560 750, east of Da Nang.

Chief Radioman Dwight Glenn Frakes entered the U.S. Navy from California and was a member of Heavy Attack Squadron 2, embarked aboard the Coral Sea. He was the crew member aboard this Skywarrior who became entangled in his parachute after bailing out. Search and recovery efforts for him were unsuccessful. He remains unaccounted-for. Today, Chief Radioman Frakes 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.