Posted on Nov 26, 2017
Air Force helicopter pilot rescues Special Forces team - Nov 26, 1968 - HISTORY.com
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While returning to base from another mission, Air Force 1st Lt. James P. Fleming and four other Bell UH-1F helicopter pilots get an urgent message from an Army Special Forces team pinned down by enemy fire.
Although several of the other helicopters had to leave the area because of low fuel, Lieutenant Fleming and another pilot pressed on with the rescue effort. The first attempt failed because of intense ground fire, but refusing to abandon the Army green berets, Fleming managed to land and pick up the team. When he safely arrived at his base near Duc Co, it was discovered that his aircraft was nearly out of fuel. Lieutenant Fleming was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.
Although several of the other helicopters had to leave the area because of low fuel, Lieutenant Fleming and another pilot pressed on with the rescue effort. The first attempt failed because of intense ground fire, but refusing to abandon the Army green berets, Fleming managed to land and pick up the team. When he safely arrived at his base near Duc Co, it was discovered that his aircraft was nearly out of fuel. Lieutenant Fleming was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.
Air Force helicopter pilot rescues Special Forces team - Nov 26, 1968 - HISTORY.com
Posted from history.com
Vietnam War
American History
Military History
Posted 7 y ago
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Thanks SP5 Mark Kuzinski for reminding us my friend that on November 26, 1968 Air Force 1st Lt. James P. Fleming and four other Bell UH-1F helicopter pilots get an urgent message from an Army Special Forces team pinned down by enemy fire.The first attempt failed because of intense ground fire, but refusing to abandon the Army green berets, Fleming managed to land and pick up the team. When he safely arrived at his base near Duc Co, it was discovered that his aircraft was nearly out of fuel. Lieutenant Fleming was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.
Kudos to 1st Lt. James P. Fleming
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Wayne Brandon LTC Bill Koski Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown Maj Marty Hogan SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SPC Margaret Higgins MSgt Jason McClish AN Christopher Crayne SPC Tom DeSmet SGT Charles H. Hawes SGT (Join to see) SGT Michael Thorin SP5 Robert Ruck SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
Kudos to 1st Lt. James P. Fleming
FYI COL Mikel J. Burroughs LTC Stephen C. LTC Wayne Brandon LTC Bill Koski Capt Seid Waddell Capt Tom Brown Maj Marty Hogan SFC William Farrell SSgt Robert Marx PO1 William "Chip" Nagel SPC Margaret Higgins MSgt Jason McClish AN Christopher Crayne SPC Tom DeSmet SGT Charles H. Hawes SGT (Join to see) SGT Michael Thorin SP5 Robert Ruck SFC Joe S. Davis Jr., MSM, DSL
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I remember hearing about this years ago. I always thought it was a fantastic story of bravery and commitment. However, you don’t hear about it much compared to other stories about MOH winners from Vietnam. Thanks for posting it
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