Dies was last seen in San Diego, California on June 18, 1991. He was a petty officer, third class, on leave from the U.S. Navy at the time. He had been assigned to the U.S.S. Horne in San Diego and was supposed to report to duty at a naval station in Pensacola, Florida in thirty days. When he didn't show up by July 18, he was declared absent without authorization, and on September 19, he was reclassified as a deserter. He has never been heard from again. Although he remains classified as a deserter by the military authorities, his family believes he did intend to report for duty. His case remains unsolved. Dies's nickname is Bill, or he may go by his middle name, William. He may spell his last name "Diaz". He has previously fractured his left arm and right collarbone.