Missing in Action

"Missing in Action" is a country music song written by Helen Kays and Arthur Q. Smith and popularized by singer Ernest Tubb. It was released in January 1952 on the Decca label with "Heartsick Soldier on Heartbreak Ridge" as the "B"-side. On its release, Billboard called it "particularly effective" in telling the story of a G.I. and predicted it could be a big seller. It peaked in February 1952 at No. 3 on the Billboard country and western best seller chart and remained on the chart for 11 weeks. At the end of the year, it was ranked No. 16 on the Billboard Top Country & Western Records of 1952.