Arkansas Flags Ordered to Half-Staff for Lieutenant who Disappeared 77 Years Ago

Monday, September 13, 2021 at 1:57 PM

By Coleman Smith

Through DNA analysis, Lt. Mitchell was identified and, after 77 years, will be brought home to rest.

United States Air Force Pilot, Lieutenant Henry Donald Mitchell of Harmon, Arkansas, disappeared on July 8, 1944, while on a fighter sweep in Vienna, Austria. Lt. Mitchell was flying in the No. 2 position as the flight was engaged by enemy aircraft. Lt. Donald E. Wimmer, flight leader of Green Flight, observed enemy aircraft attacking from the rear and noticed Lt. Mitchell's P-38 aircraft had disappeared.

Lt. Mitchell's last known words were "Green Two, okay."

Through DNA analysis, Lt. Mitchell was identified and, after 77 years, will be brought home to rest.

In tribute to the memory of Lt. Henry Donald Mitchell, and as an expression of public sorrow, Governor Asa Hutchinson has directed the United States flag and the state flag of Arkansas to fly at half-staff from sunrise September 13, 2021, to sunset on September 14, 2021.

The State of Arkansas is honored to bring home Lt. Mitchell and to remember his life and service to this Nation.

Governor Hutchinson's proclamation for Henry Donald Mitchell Memorial Day in Arkansas can be viewed below:

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