First Lieutenant Joyce was the copilot of a C-47 transport stationed at Donaldson Air Force Base, South Carolina. On 3 January 1953, his aircraft was on a courier run from Newburgh, New York to Donaldson AFB via Pope AFB, Fayetteville, North Carolina. The aircraft developed an engine problem and the pilot tried to make an emergency landing at Crabtree Creek State Park near Raleigh, North Carolina. It ran into dense fog and rain and crashed killing three crew members.

Joyce was awarded the National Defense Service Medal.