On August 27, 1968, an F-4 Phantom II (tail number 66-7532, call sign "Sample 01") with a crew of two experienced an in-flight malfunction over the South China Sea approximately 15 miles east of Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam. Both crew members ejected from the aircraft before it crashed into the sea. They inflated a life raft and awaited rescue. One crew member was safely rescued by helicopter, but as the second crew member was being lifted aboard, his legs became entangled in his parachute. In attempting to free himself, he slipped out of his harness and plunged into the water. He did not surface, and although the rescue team searched the area thoroughly, he was not seen again.

Major Donald William Pick, who joined the U.S. Air Force from Washington, served with the 480th Tactical Fighter Squadron. He was the pilot of this Phantom, and was the crew member lost when he became tangled during the rescue effort. His remains were not recovered. Today, Major Pick 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.