Born in Grants Pass, Oregon, Capt Kinkade was apart or the Air Force ROTC program here at Oregon State University graduating in 1967 with bachelor’s of Science in Science. While serving with the Air Force’s 555th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 Sep 1968, Capt. Jack Wilson, aircraft commander and then 1st Lt. William L. 'Bill' Kinkade, pilot comprised the crew of an F4D, call sign 'Carter 02,' that departed Udorn Airbase as the #2 aircraft in a flight of two. The Carter flight was conducting a pre-dawn armed reconnaissance mission over the 'Judy Area' of southwestern North Vietnam, which included the rugged jungle covered mountains north of the Ban Karai Pass. As the lead aircraft made its pass on the target, it was struck by intense and accurate ground fire forcing the crew to eject.
Capt. Wilson and 1st Lt. Kinkade immediately reported the situation and started an electronic search for the crew of Carter 01. Within minutes Capt. Wilson had established voice contact with both downed crewmen. He told them the search and rescue (SAR) operation had been initiated and to 'expect Sandys (A1E) within an hour.' As part of the overall rescue operation, Carter 02 attacked NVA forces attempting to move into the area where the crew of lead aircraft was located. As they did so, Carter 02 sustained extensive battle damage from NVA ground fire. Jack Wilson notified the Airborne Command Post of their emergency prior to both he and Bill Kincade safely ejecting their crippled Phantom.
Capt. Wilson heard a garbled transmission from 1st Lt. Kincade just before ejecting as the aircraft disintegrated and exploded. The FAC established voice contact with Jack Wilson, but was unable to raise Bill Kinkade on his survival radio. The SAR aircraft arrived at first light. They were able to rescue Jack Wilson as well as the crew of Carter 01 shortly after arriving in the target area. As the search effort continued for Bill Kincade, the weather decreased to an overcast of clouds with their base at 6,000 feet. The search effort was terminated later that day due to hostile ground fire and no contact established with 1st Lt. Kinkade. At the time the visual and electronic search ended, Bill Kinkade was listed Missing in Action. He was finally labeled Killed in Action on 26 Nov 1973 with the date of death being backdated to the day he went missing. He was survived by his wife, son and daughter.
https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/28092/WILLIAM-L-KINKADE/
https://oregondigital.org/catalog/oregondigital:fx71cc63m#page/15/mode/1...(pg 15)
https://oregondigital.org/catalog/oregondigital:fx71bb52q#page/11/mode/1... (pg 11)