MADISON, Wis. (AP) — Federal officials have identified the remains of a U.S. Air Force pilot from Wisconsin who went missing during the Vietnam War nearly 60 years ago. The Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency announced Tuesday that its scientists in December positively identified the remains of U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Donald W. Downing of Columbus.

Lt. Col. Donald Downing was piloting an F-4C Phantom II aircraft during a night mission when his plane disappeared in a fireball.

(WLUK) -- The remains of a Wisconsin pilot who was killed during the Vietnam War have been identified. U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Donald W. Downing, 33, of Columbus, was accounted for Dec. 20, 2024.