Major Henry Albert Tipping entered the U.S. Air Force from Pennsylvania and served with the 6th Air Commando Squadron. On July 2nd, 1968, he piloted a single-seat A-1H Skyraider (tail number 52-137601) as the on-scene commander of a rescue operation in Quang Tri Province, South Vietnam. After ground fire drove off the rescue helicopter, Maj Tipping stayed in the area and engaged an enemy position. As he pulled out of his attack run, his aircraft was observed trailing smoke. He radioed that his aircraft had lost oil pressure and he was going to head for the coast; however, his aircraft crashed before he reached the water. He was not recovered following the crash. After the incident, the Air Force promoted Maj Tipping to the rank of Colonel. Today, Colonel Tipping 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.