Back in Time Today
War is chaos—but some disappearances go beyond the fog of battle. Throughout history, soldiers have gone missing under mysterious circumstances, vanishing in enemy territory, behind friendly lines, or even mid-flight. These 12 cases remain unsolved, leaving behind rumors, conspiracy theories, and unanswered questions. From high-ranking officers to lone scouts, here are 12 soldiers who disappeared without a trace during wartime missions.
1. Richard Halliburton (Second Sino-Japanese War, 1939)
An adventurer at heart, Richard Halliburton’s disappearance during the Second Sino-Japanese War captivated many. Attempting to sail a junk boat across the Pacific, he aimed to aid the Chinese war effort. Known for his daring escapades, Halliburton was no stranger to risk. The U.S. Navy’s search efforts were in vain as the sea guarded its secrets tightly. Some believe he succumbed to the ocean’s wrath, while others think he vanished deliberately to start anew. His fate, shrouded in mystery, remains as elusive as the man himself, inspiring countless stories and speculations.
2. Ambrose Bierce (Mexican Revolution, 1913)
Ambrose Bierce, the celebrated Civil War veteran and writer, joined Pancho Villa’s army as an observer in 1913. Despite his advanced age, his adventurous spirit led him into the heart of the Mexican Revolution. Reports varied widely about his fate. Some tales suggest he was executed, while others whisper of a staged disappearance. Bierce, known for his wit and dark sense of humor, left a legacy of intrigue. Did he find his final story in Mexico’s dust, or did he escape into obscurity? His disappearance remains one of history’s enduring mysteries, capturing imaginations to this day.
3. Glenn Miller (World War II, 1944)
Glenn Miller, iconic bandleader turned Army major, vanished without a trace during World War II. On a fateful day in 1944, he took flight over the English Channel, heading to entertain troops in France. The skies swallowed him whole, leaving no wreckage or remains. Theories abound, from enemy fire to friendly-fire cover-up. His music, filled with swing and spirit, continues to echo through time. Miller’s disappearance adds a haunting note to his legacy, transforming him into a phantom of wartime skies and a legend in both military and musical chronicles.
4. Felix Moncla (Cold War, 1953)
In 1953, U.S. Air Force pilot Felix Moncla encountered the unknown over Lake Superior. Scrambled to intercept an unidentified object, his radar merged with the mysterious presence before vanishing entirely. Dubbed the “Kinross Incident,” this case fueled UFO theories. Moncla, a promising aviator, became an enigma in Cold War skies. Was it an extraterrestrial encounter, or a classified mishap? His family’s hope for closure remains unfulfilled. The incident, shrouded in secrecy, continues to mystify aviation enthusiasts and conspiracy theorists alike, keeping Moncla’s story alive in the annals of unsolved mysteries.
5. Charles Nungesser & François Coli (Post–WWI, 1927)
French war heroes Charles Nungesser and François Coli embarked on a daring transatlantic flight in 1927. Their goal: to cross the Atlantic before Lindbergh. In L’Oiseau Blanc, they lifted off from Paris, aiming for New York. The aircraft, however, vanished without a trace over the ocean. Some speculate they reached Canada; others claim a crash in Maine. Despite their disappearance, their pioneering spirit left a mark on aviation history. The mystery of their fate lingers, their story entwined with legends of the early days of flight, inspiring future generations of aviators.
6. Raoul Wallenberg (World War II, 1945)
Swedish diplomat Raoul Wallenberg, renowned for saving thousands of Hungarian Jews during World War II, vanished after Soviet arrest in 1945. His courageous acts in Budapest earned him global admiration. Yet, his fate remains obscured by Cold War politics. Russia claims he died in prison, but evidence is elusive. Wallenberg’s legacy as a humanitarian endures, and his disappearance is a poignant reminder of wartime’s often harsh justice. His absence left a void in history, sparking international calls for answers and his figurative rebirth as an enduring symbol of courage and moral fortitude.
7. Harold Holt (Vietnam Era, 1967)
Harold Holt, Australia’s Prime Minister and former WWII officer, vanished in 1967 while swimming at Cheviot Beach. Officially ruled a drowning, his disappearance sparked wild theories. Some speculate abduction or defection to China. His abrupt absence left a nation in shock, fueling conspiracy theories. Despite exhaustive searches, the ocean keeps its secrets. Holt’s story, both tragic and intriguing, remains a symbol of unresolved mysteries. His enigmatic departure from public life invites speculation and reflection on the fragility of human existence amidst political and natural chaos.
8. Jerry “Mad Dog” Shriver (Vietnam War, 1969)
Jerry “Mad Dog” Shriver, a legendary Green Beret, vanished during a covert raid in Laos. Known for his fierce reputation and fearless exploits, Shriver’s radio went silent mid-mission. His body was never found, sparking rumors of capture and survival. His daring spirit and enigmatic fate captured imaginations, adding layers of intrigue to the Vietnam War narrative. Shriver’s story, a blend of bravery and mystery, continues to resonate, reflecting the complexities and shadows of clandestine warfare. His legend, preserved by those who served with him, endures in military folklore.
9. William Schaffner (Cold War, 1970)
British pilot William Schaffner’s mysterious disappearance in 1970 adds to Cold War intrigue. Sent to intercept a UFO over the North Sea, his plane was found intact, yet he was gone. Official narratives shifted, fueling speculation and conspiracy theories. Schaffner, an experienced aviator, became a symbol of unexplained military enigmas. His case reflects the era’s blend of fear and fascination with the unknown. The unanswered questions surrounding his fate linger, inviting endless debate and keeping his story alive in the annals of unsolved aerial mysteries.
10. Antoine de Saint-Exupéry (World War II, 1944)
Author and pilot Antoine de Saint-Exupéry vanished during a 1944 reconnaissance mission over the Mediterranean. Best known for “The Little Prince,” his life was filled with adventure. His plane wasn’t found until 2000, without his body or answers. Saint-Exupéry’s disappearance, shrouded in mystery, adds a poignant chapter to his life story. His literary legacy and unexplained fate continue to captivate. The intertwining of his poetic imagination with real-life enigma ensures his place in both literary and aviation history, where fantasy and reality blur.
11. Captain Michael Scott Speicher (Gulf War, 1991)
Captain Michael Scott Speicher, a U.S. Navy F/A-18 pilot, was shot down over Iraq on the first night of the Gulf War. Initially listed as killed in action, his status was later changed to missing, sparking widespread intrigue.
For years, his fate remained unknown, and many hoped for his survival in captivity. It wasn’t until 2009 that his remains were located in the Iraqi desert, buried by Bedouins.
The mystery surrounding his disappearance highlights the uncertainties of war and the enduring hope for answers in the face of ambiguity.
12. Captain Paul Lorence (Operation El Dorado Canyon, 1986)
During Operation El Dorado Canyon in 1986, Captain Paul Lorence was aboard an F-111F jet shot down during the U.S. bombing of Libya. His pilot’s body was recovered, but Lorence’s remains were never located, leaving many questions unanswered.
His status remains classified as missing, a somber testament to the unpredictable nature of aerial warfare.
Lorence’s story serves as a stark reminder of the perils faced by airmen and the enduring hope for closure by their loved ones.