John Robert Painter

Vietnam War
UnitTactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130
RankLieutenant U.S. Navy
Entered Service FromVinetard Haven Massachusetts
Date of DeathJune 18 1971
StatusMissing In Action
Memorialized
Courts of the Missing
Court
B
Notes
Lieutenant Painter, U.S. Naval Reserve, was a member of Detachment 3, Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 130, Carrier Air Wing 19 aboard the aircraft carrier USS ORISKANY (CVA-34). On June 18, 1971, he was the pilot of a Special Electronic Tanker (EKA-3B) on an operational flight over North Vietnam. After launch the aircraft suffered mechanical failure and crashed into the Gulf of Tonkin. His remains were not recovered. His name is inscribed on the Courts of the Missing at the Honolulu Memorial.