Major Robert Earl Kline, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Pennsylvania, was a member of the 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron. On November 2, 1966, he piloted a single seat F-105D Thunderchief (tail number 600460, call sign "Cobalt 2") as the number two aircraft in a four-plane armed reconnaissance mission over North Vietnam. Major Kline and the lead aircraft on the mission were preparing to make an attack on the target area, when the pilot of the number four aircraft reported a fire aboard his plane. The flight leader left the target area to participate in the rescue of the number four pilot; this was the last time Maj Kline’s Thunderchief was seen. He is thought to have crashed; however, his remains have not been located or identified. After the incident, the U.S. Air Force promoted Maj Kline to the rank of Colonel (Col). Today, Colonel Kline 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 Active Pursuit.

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.