Carl Anthony Palen

Dubuque native Carl Anthony Palen was aboard a U-6A “Beaver” flying between Qui Nhon and Ban Me Thuot, South Vietnam on the night of January 3, 1971. The aircraft failed to reach its destination. The plane’s pilot unfortunately failed to submit a flight plan; it took several days to start a search for the missing men. Because of the heavy enemy presence in the area, it is believed Palen’s plane was shot down. Carl A. Palen’s remains have not been recovered from Vietnam. He was listed as missing in action and later changed presumed killed.