Rescue of Bat 21 Bravo

1030: 517: 1756:, Chapman, Call, Avery, Prater, Pearson and Alley, were returned to the United States on 1 October 1997. The six were honored on 19 November 1997 in a full military funeral at Arlington National Cemetery and a headstone commemorating all six airmen was placed at the site. Hambleton was unable to attend due to poor health, but a letter from him was read. He wrote, "They deserve all the accolades that we, the living, can bestow upon them. Again, I thank them, I honor them, and I will always hold great faith in my heart with them." Clark was present. He told the families of the downed fliers that "Each of you played a distinct role and forming the character of these men who so willingly paid a very dear price to help me get out of the jungles of Vietnam. You have my deepest sympathy—you and these six brave men." Advancements in DNA testing allowed the 1290: 268: 187: 955: 847: 1499:

of the commandos declined to advance further, saying they "refused to follow an American just to rescue an American". Norris convinced them to stay by persuading them that the only way they would get back to safety was to stay with the team. They cautiously searched the river shore for two more hours without success and reluctantly returned to their forward operating base to rest and hope they would be more successful the next night. Icke fixed Hambleton's position during the day so Norris could find him that night.

755: 1169:). He reminded Hambleton that people had died while attempting to rescue him and it’d be a waste if he stood up and was taken prisoner. Hambleton decided, "Hell, I'm going to get out of this, regardless." He camouflaged his hole, hiding there for seven nights and six days. He left the hole twice to scavenge for food and was almost caught the second time when he was spotted by a boy and his dog. PAVN soldiers searching for him passed within 20 feet (6.1 m) of his hole twice. 386:. The newer EB-66E was tasked with jamming SAM radar guidance systems so their missiles could not accurately target the aircraft. The EB-66's mission was to trawl for missiles, let them lock on to their aircraft, and then execute a SAM break, a violent turn and dive designed to throw off the pursuing missile. The SA-2 was the size of a telephone pole and carried a proximity fused warhead that was lethal within about 150 feet (46 m). Their guidance systems failed at about 2 1450: 86: 505: 678: 1491:

away, slightly above him, and he was too weak to climb up to it. Icke and the pilots of two A-1 Skyraiders were shocked to see Hambleton come out his hiding place and stand in the open on a sandbar in the river, waving a white flag at them above. Icke knew Hambleton's mental and physical health were precarious. Unknown to him, Hambleton was considerably weakened, having lost 40 pounds (18 kg) in the 10 days since his jet had been shot down.

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artillery, naval gunfire, or aircraft from engaging any target within the designated area without JSARC approval. The no-fire zone encompassed nearly the entire combat zone of the ARVN 3rd Division including the crucial Cam Lo Bridge. As a result, the ARVN in the area was severely hampered in its efforts to stem the PAVN offensive against Dong Ha and Quang Tri City. During this six-hour period, thousands of PAVN troops pushed into the region.

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the door gunner, who had been wounded. He tried but was unable to extract other hurt crew members. Paschall was pinned in the wreckage. Frink, who was seriously wounded, urged Astorga to get out and away from the aircraft. A few moments later advancing PAVN soldiers fired on the wreckage with automatic weapons and the aircraft's fuel tank exploded with the remainder of the crew inside. Astorga was captured, but pilots 1st Lt. Byron Kulland and

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Hambleton's weak transmissions, but knew he would have to go to him. North Vietnamese tanks were spotted at the Cam Lo bridge, and air strikes were carried out to destroy them before the team launched their second rescue mission. The PAVN fixed the location of the outpost and poured mortar and artillery fire on the forward ARVN outpost, killing two of the five remaining ARVN Seals. The wounded were evacuated the next morning.

1297: 1313: 1329: 658:, Thailand. He was familiar with targeting both SAC missiles and SAC airplanes, was one of the most knowledgeable missile and electronic counter-measures experts in Vietnam, and it is likely that his situation was quickly reported to U.S. intelligence services. Very few Americans remained on the ground in Vietnam, and the PAVN made it a point to track particularly valuable personnel, even in Thailand. 36: 1289: 1554:

tracking him and the next morning the FAC saw PAVN very near Walker's position. Walker radioed the FAC that rescue should not be attempted because PAVN forces were closing in and he was under fire. Bilk 36, an OV-10A reported that Walker was surrounded by more than 20 PAVN soldiers and shortly afterward saw his body lying in the grass. Walker's body was never recovered.

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damaged, two severely. The damage significantly affected the availability of the Skyraiders. At dusk, Major Jimmy D. Kempton flying F-4D 66-0265 with the 390th TFS and a wingman entered from the coast under a descending 500 feet (150 m) ceiling and dropped BLU 52 SAR ordnance on four sides of Hambleton's location, the last of SAR ordnance on 4 April.

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they were asleep. Traveling upriver in the sampan, they broke out of the heavy fog and found themselves about 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) from their starting point, under the Cam Lo bridge. They had passed Hambleton's position more than 30 minutes ago. Turning around, they worked their way south before putting ashore and began to search for Hambleton.

1176:, called the rescue off for the time being because it was too dangerous. The remaining aircraft exited to the south across the Mieu Giang River. Hambleton and Clark would have to spend another night behind the front lines. The North Vietnamese, alerted by the American's intense efforts to find the navigator, increased their efforts to find Hambleton. 1046:

immediately struck by a wall of North Vietnamese gunfire. Their rounds tore through the aircraft, destroying the instrument panel. Crowe struggled to get the aircraft out of the fire zone, and with his instruments shot up, he had to rely on external visual cues to fly the aircraft. He nursed the helicopter south and was able to get to the Phu Bai.

669:, who had given the Soviets a radio cipher card and other high-value intelligence. Hambleton's capture would be a terrific blow to American airpower around the world and a huge prize for the North Vietnamese and indirectly, the Soviets. Hambleton said after the war that he felt sure if he were captured that he would never have been taken to Hanoi. 1948: 595:, blew up the key Highway QL-1 bridge over the Cua Viet River, east of Hambleton's position, at Đông Hà. The PAVN re-routed thousands of troops, dozens of tanks and other equipment west along TL-88, immediately in front of Hambleton's position, to the Cam Lo River bridge 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) to the west. 1637:

As a direct result of the rescue operation, five aircraft were lost, 11 people were killed, and two were captured. Additional aircraft were seriously damaged. Hambleton wrote from an Air Force hospital after he was rescued, "I had to stand by and watch six young men die trying to save my life. It was

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News reporters were very aware of the intense rescue efforts to bring Hambleton home. When the rescue team and Hambleton arrived at Dong Ha, a reporter commented to Norris, "It must have been tough out there. I bet you wouldn't do that again." Norris replied, "An American was down in enemy territory.

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After pinpointing Hambleton's location, the Air Force bombarded the area around him for the next three days. On 4 April, a flight of ten A-1 Skyraiders, half the total available in all of South Vietnam, attempted to pave the way for a SAR team, and it was badly shot up. Eight of the ten aircraft were

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Henderson obtained LORAN fixes on Hambleton's position. Coast Guard Lt. Commander Jay Crowe, an exchange pilot on assignment to the 37th ARRS at Da Nang, was piloting Jolly Green 65. The helicopter broke through the clouds and rapidly dropped into the area where Hambleton was hidden. The aircraft was

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The PAVN had a listening post in the area and overheard the American radio traffic. They were very familiar with American SAR tactics and on the second day they began to use the downed flyer as bait. They positioned a number of anti-aircraft gun and SAMs in the area near Hambleton. One pilot reported

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The Joint Search and Rescue Command (JSARC) was under the direction of the director of aerospace rescue, Colonel Cecil Muirhead, who could restrict airspace activity for the use of search and rescue forces. He also commanded all the dedicated assets needed to assist with SAR. Muirhead ordered 24-hour

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a day were called in to suppress North Vietnamese forces around Hambleton. In contrast, prior to the Easter Offensive, the number of daily sorties was about 10, and during the action, peaked at about 300. During the multi-day effort to rescue the men, the Americans hit the North Vietnamese with over

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I had to decide whether we should risk the loss of maybe a dozen airplanes and crews just to get one man out. Finally I said to myself, Goddamn it, the one thing that keeps our boys motivated is the certain belief that if they go down, we will do absolutely everything we can to get them out. If that

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Norris began to plan for the rescue of Walker, still more than a kilometer behind front lines. Walker managed to evade capture for almost 11 days when on the night of 18 April, without FAC coverage, he moved on his own accord and ran into a local villager who alerted the North Vietnamese. They began

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They rowed quietly up river, but even in the pitch dark and dense fog they could see large numbers of North Vietnamese soldiers and tanks on the shoreline. Stopping to check his map at one point, Norris suddenly realized that two PAVN soldiers were sitting about 10 metres (33 ft) away. However,

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volunteered to go with him. Norris bluntly told Nguyễn that he wasn't sure either one of them would return. They worked their way slowly upriver until they came upon an empty, destroyed village. They found clothing and an abandoned sampan. Nguyễn and Norris, who was slightly built, donned Vietnamese

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On 11 April, Hambleton was too weak to move any farther. Norris was well aware of the overwhelming North Vietnamese presence, but decided to proceed upriver again. Hambleton wasn't transmitting on schedule and his occasional radio calls were difficult to understand. Norris could only follow parts of

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Clark floated down the cold river and at about 02:00 to 03:00, Norris could hear his heavy breathing on the river. Norris was about to leave cover to pull Clark to shore when a six-man PAVN patrol walked between them. Norris remained hidden, hoping they wouldn't notice Clark's breathing, and knowing

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Clark was seriously weakened by five days hiding from PAVN forces with little to eat. Since he was closest to the team's position, Norris decided to rescue him first. The rescuer's initial plan was to swim upriver and meet Clark, but Norris tested the current and decided it was too strong. Clark was

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Hambleton initially replied, "What have you been smoking?" But he broke the code. "It took me a half-hour to figure out they were giving me distance and direction," Hambleton explained. "No. 1 at Tucson National is 408 yards running southeast. They wanted me to move southeast 400 yards. The 'course'

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was briefed on the high losses in the several failed attempts to rescue Hambleton and Clark. He ordered that no further air CSAR would be attempted, but that given Hambleton's Top Secret clearance and knowledge of missiles and counter-measure technology, that every effort should be made to bring him

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Two A-1 Skyraiders assisted, dropping both explosives and MK47 smoke bombs, providing a smokescreen. Returning to the river, the three men were soon able to receive support from South Vietnamese forces. Landing on the river bank, they were met by some ARVN soldiers. Hambleton was unable to walk and

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They found him sitting in a clump of bushes, alive but partly delirious and extremely weakened, having eaten only four small ears of corn in 12 days and having lost 45 pounds (20 kg) since his plane was shot down. He weighed only 128 pounds (58 kg). Sunrise was coming, and although Norris

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Norris was left with only three Vietnamese commandos. During their search for Hambleton on the night of 12 April, they headed upriver more than 4 kilometres (2.5 mi), slipping through a massive PAVN force. During the night, upon seeing the extremely large number of North Vietnamese forces, two

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that struck the team's position. Anderson, the senior American commander, and Lt. Tho Ngoc Vu, the senior Vietnamese commando, and all of the Vietnamese officers were hurt. The wounded Vietnamese troops had to be evacuated. One commando was killed. Norris was left with five Vietnamese commandos who

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Using the golf-course code, he was directed through the abandoned village that had concealed the guns that shot down his would-be rescuers. Although the village had been bombed, he was confronted by a North Vietnamese soldier. Hambleton killed him using a knife in hand-to-hand combat. At one point,

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Clark hid on the south side of the Mieu Giang River, while Walker was about 6 kilometres (3.7 mi) north of Hambleton, who was on the north side of the river about 2 kilometres (1.2 mi) from the town of Cam Lo. Clark evaded capture for a number of days and was in contact with SAR personnel

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radar took over FAC duties. The SAR efforts were suspended for the night and the U.S. and ARVN forces remained unaware of the true strength of the PAVN offensive. Advised by the FAC to remain in place, Hambleton moved to a safer spot in the jungle and dug a hole to hide in until morning. During the

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was a watershed event for the military and led them to find a new approach to high-threat search and rescue. They recognized that, if a SAR mission was predestined to fail, it should not be attempted, and other options, such as special operations, diversionary tactics and other creative approaches

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When it was seen that PAVN forces were pouring through the gap unimpeded, the no-fire zone was reduced at 22:00 that night, but not before the action generated considerable debate. One ranking adviser commented, "When viewed in relation to all the events of the day, a worse decision could not have

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began taking fire from all sides. As it approached Hambleton's position, they called for him to pop his smoke and reveal his position. The aircraft was pummeled with automatic weapons and anti-aircraft fire from all quarters. Hambleton hesitated, and the Jolly Green tried to pull away. Despite the

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tried to turn back south but only managed to crash-land his stricken aircraft, about 6.7 kilometres (4.2 mi) east of Hambleton and 0.9 miles (1.4 km) north of the river in an area full of PAVN. When the helicopter smashed into the ground, the only mobile crew member was SP5 Jose Astorga,

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He had shrapnel wounds from his aircraft exploding, a ripped finger, and four compressed vertebra from the force of the ejection. Hidden in a clump of trees in his hole, surrounded by North Vietnamese less than 100 metres (330 ft) away, Hambleton decided that with only nine months to go until

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incidents, the Americans imposed a standard no-fire zone within a 27 kilometres (17 mi) radius of Hambleton and diverted aircraft to aid in his rescue. In addition to the direct casualties caused by the rescue mission, it is likely that South Vietnamese soldiers indirectly died as a result of

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Maj. David A. Brookbank, a U.S. Air Force liaison with the ARVN 3rd Division, reported, "The operation cost the 3rd ARVN dearly." He concluded that the restriction gave the North Vietnamese "an opportunity unprecedented in the annals of warfare to advance at will." He stated, "It seems logical to

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On 9 April, Hambleton's eighth day of evading PAVN forces all around him, FAC Harold Icke on Bilk 11 kept in constant contact with Hambleton. Icke directed Sandy 01 to drop a Madden survival pack containing food, water, ammunition and extra radios to Hambleton, but it fell 50 metres (160 ft)

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Anderson, Norris and five Vietnamese commandos set up an overwatch position near the Mieu Giang River, which ran near the positions of both downed airmen. Anderson ordered Norris to take his team no more than 1 kilometre (0.62 mi) forward and wait for the survivors to come to them, but after

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Hambleton had a much more difficult task—to bypass North Vietnamese-occupied villages and gun emplacements. His rescuers learned that he was one of the best golfers in the Air Force and that he retained a detailed memory of the golf courses he had played. Improvising a code, they used a series of

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within observation range of the strategic Cam Lo Bridge. But Giai thought that the mission was insane and refused to take responsibility for the mission once they crossed the Mieu Giang River. Anderson, who spoke Vietnamese, obtained additional intelligence from the headquarters of the 1st Armor

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flew east at first, further into territory held by the North Vietnamese, before it turned southeast for a few kilometers, when a fire broke out in the left engine. Pieces of the tail rotor struck the main rotor, and the aircraft rolled and crashed on its left side, burning ferociously. No rescue

1066:, piloted by Henderson was hit by North Vietnamese fire and shot down. Henderson landed on the north side of the Mieu Giang River, about 500 metres (1,600 ft) from Hambleton. He hid in a bamboo patch until local villagers came looking for him and cut it down. He was taken north and became a 571:

As Jankowski observed Hambleton land, his aircraft came under heavy antiaircraft fire. He was astonished at the huge number of PAVN troops, equipment, and heavy weapons in the area. Hambleton found refuge in a group of bushes in the middle of the rice paddy. PAVN troops were less than 100 metres

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37th ARRS commander Lt. Col. Bill Harris was upset. He concluded that the air rescue could not be attempted at that time due to the heavy concentration of North Vietnamese forces in the immediate area around Clark and Hambleton. He called Muirhead and told him that they had to find another way.

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Hambleton coolly called in the coordinates of the North Vietnamese around him, watched the ordnance explode, and called in corrections to the FAC above, who relayed the information to the A-1s and the F-4 Phantom fighter-bombers. FAC pilots after the event were universally amazed at Hambleton's

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search and rescue (SAR) aircraft operating just south of Quảng Trị. Recovering Hambleton quickly was essential, as the odds of recovering downed airmen dropped below twenty percent if the aircrew member was on the ground after four hours. But their efforts would be severely hampered by the huge

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To protect the downed airmen and the search and rescue forces, Col. Cecil Muirhead ordered the 7th Air Force to establish a standard 27 kilometres (17 mi) no-fire zone around Hambleton shortly after he went down. It remained in effect until 22:00, and while in force it prohibited friendly

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The Air Force remained fully committed to finding and bringing back every downed air man, regardless of the cost. Air crew's morale depended on it. Search and rescue was based on the premise that it was necessary "to secure the safety of pilots as valuable military assets and to enhance their

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Their sampan was soon spotted by North Vietnamese troops, some of whom fired at them, but Norris and Nguyễn could not afford to return fire. They paddled furiously, using the current and dense foliage along the far side of the river to their advantage, and trying to out-distance the soldiers.

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flown by Lt. Colonel Bill Harris followed, only to break through the low ceiling to face ten North Vietnamese tanks and a withering onslaught of ground fire. He fought the controls to bring his rescue helicopter within 100 yards (91 m) of Hambleton, his gunners firing the airship's three

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On 6 April 80 SAMs were launched by the PAVN in the area around Hambleton. It was estimated that Hambleton and Clark were in the midst of five or six PAVN battalions. The PAVN air defense seriously challenged American air superiority and blunted the success of close air support in the area.

440:, South Vietnam, just south of the DMZ. The airmen were surprised by the intensity of the anti-aircraft fire and SAM activity. The PAVN 365th Air Defense Division fired two volleys of SA-2 SAMs at the U.S. planes, but the EB-66s successfully thwarted the first volley. The PAVN pointed their 1625:

assume that many South Vietnamese troops died because air and artillery support were not available." He warned his superiors that the 3rd Division's officers resented the fact that the 7th Air Force would put thousands of South Vietnamese soldiers' lives at risk to rescue one of their own.

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The 3rd Aerospace Rescue Recovery Group used this mosaic reconnaissance photograph to plan Lt. Col. Hambleton and 1st Lt. Mark Clark's rescue. The Cam Lo Bridge is shown at the far left. On 7 April, Hambleton was about 1,000 yards (910 m) above the river and Clark was near the

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Lt.Thomas R. Norris and Petty Officer Third Class Nguyễn Văn Kiệt went more than 4 kilometres (2.5 mi) behind front lines disguised as fishermen in a sampan to rescue Hambleton. Norris was awarded the Medal of Honor and Nguyễn was recognized with the Navy Cross for their

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was shot down 3 miles (4.8 km) west of Highway 1 and 4 miles (6.4 km) north of Highway 9. Radio contact was established with both Potts and Walker, and both reported that they were uninjured, but each man was too close to North Vietnamese forces to attempt a rescue.

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on the riverbank. Norris had to persuade Clark to follow him and was finally able to re-link up with the rest of his team. Norris delivered Clark to Anderson at the forward operating base. Clark was transported to the last outpost on the Cua Viet River at Dong Ha by an ARVN

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Hambleton's and Clark's spirits sank when they realized that six men died while attempting to rescue them. Hambleton considered surrendering. The new on-scene commander in charge of the entire rescue mission, Capt. John Van Etten, was flying an F-4 out of Da Nang (call sign

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After five days and multiple attempts to rescue Hambleton, five aircraft had been shot down and another 16 seriously damaged, 10 service members had been killed or were missing in action, two were POWs and two were behind front lines also waiting to be rescued. On 8 April,

390:, while the EB-66 could achieve 5 Gs in its avoidance maneuver. The crew had successfully pulled a SAM break more than 100 times. The presence of North Vietnamese SAMs south of the DMZ had been tracked by Hambleton, but not everyone agreed they were present that far south. 941:

to establish a standard 27 kilometres (17 mi) no-fire zone around Hambleton. It prohibited friendly artillery, naval gunfire, or aircraft from engaging any target in the zone without JSARC approval. Three North Vietnamese divisions were attacking and the ARVN

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The added deaths, loss of aircraft, and length of the rescue operation led the USAF to change the way they planned and conducted search and rescue missions. As a result, they developed new techniques and equipment to improve their ability to rescue downed airmen.

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that using their weapons would expose the team's position to the hundreds of enemy troops around them. By the time the patrol passed by, Clark had floated on downstream. Norris radioed Clark and instructed him to get out of the river on the south bank.

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as Hambleton, was a dramatized depiction of Hambleton's rescue, based on some of the actual events; Anderson assisted in the screenwriting of the film. Tom Norris' role in the rescue was still secret, and his actions were not depicted in the film.

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However, when they rounded a bend in the river, the PAVN fired on them with a heavy caliber machine gun. They pulled the sampan to the bank and turned it over to provide some cover. Icke in Bilk 11 overhead called in air support and five U.S. Navy

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James Harold Alley (combat photographer). The fire consuming the helicopter was so hot it melted parts of the aircraft and continued to burn for three more days. The helicopter crashed about 300 yards (270 m) from where Hambleton was hiding.

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When he got over Hambleton's position, he was shocked at the amount of ground fire he received. It was more intense than anything he had seen in the war. Some pilots reported that the intensity of the antiaircraft fire was equal to that around

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called "Negative! Negative!", and the pilot flipped the plane over on its other wing. This time the pilot was unable to evade the missiles. The first missile exploded immediately beneath the aircraft striking it at 29,000 feet (8,800 m).

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Hambleton was told to sit tight while they worked up an alternative plan. Hambleton had two survival radios, a first aid kit, two kinds of flares, a knife and a .38 caliber revolver, a compass and a map, an empty water bottle, but no food.

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The North Vietnamese were probably supported by the Russians with decrypting American message traffic and they likely knew exactly who had parachuted into their midst. This ability was likely enabled by the then unknown American spy

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thought it best to wait until dark to return downriver, Hambleton needed to be evacuated immediately. Despite the risk, Norris and Nguyễn hid Hambleton in the bottom of the sampan, covered him with bamboo, and started downriver.

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relayed instructions by the FAC overhead to get in the water after dark and float downstream where Norris and his team would intercept him. The rescue team would have to insert along the riverbank, a much more hazardous route.

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When the aircraft crew spotted the missiles, the pilot assumed they had as usual been fired from north of the DMZ. He began a SAM break to the south, away from the direction he assumed the missiles had been fired. One of the

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American response to the PAVN operation virtually ground to a halt as air resources were diverted to support the recovery, and for a few days defense of the northern border area was second in priority to rescuing Hambleton.

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the next week. She received airplane tickets for her trip on the same day that her husband was shot down. Instead of going to the airport, she collapsed after seeing an Air Force officer and a chaplain walk up her sidewalk.

925:, an HC-130 stayed. They suddenly found themselves painted by Fan Song radar and narrowly missed getting shot down as well. At 53 years old, Hambleton was not a prime candidate to survive the cold, wet weather conditions. 464:, was the mission navigator and automatically set to be the first to eject in the event of an emergency. He was positioned immediately behind the pilot, who gave the signal for everyone to eject. Hambleton pulled the 1835:

in 2001. It was featured in "Mysteries at the Museum" in the 2015 episode "Golfer Behind Enemy Lines." The monoculars used by Hambleton are displayed at the Museum of the United States Air Force in a Dayton, Ohio.

1385:. He was waiting for orders when the call came in for a commando operation to get Hambleton out. Norris was immediately dispatched to lead an operation to rescue Hambleton. He recruited five Vietnamese Sea Commando 1070:. Clark parachuted to the ground safely on the south side of river and eluded capture. Later that same day, another UH-1H, unrelated to the rescue operation, was shot down in the same area carrying a crew of four. 563:

beeped, Jankowski responded, and was surprised to learn that Hambleton was above him descending in his parachute. Jankowski followed Hambleton down. Hambleton was concealed by a low fog bank as he landed in a dry

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The Air Force did not put limits on what it took to rescue a downed airman. The direct and indirect cost of rescuing Hambleton was enormous and became a watershed event in Air Force search and rescue. To prevent

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Hundreds of individuals from dozens of units from the Air Force, Army, Navy, Marines and Coast Guard assisted in Hambleton's rescue,and participants in the operation received a total of 234 individual medals.

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The U.S. rescuers knew that the North Vietnamese were monitoring radio communications and understood English. Clark and Hambleton were several miles apart. A FAC told Clark, who was from Idaho, to "Get to the

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near Da Nang, Kulland was in the area showing a photographer the developing battle. He had on board with him Capt. Thomas White, the Troop operations officer. After depositing the photographer and White at

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handles and made eye contact with the pilot as his seat rocketed out of the dying plane. A moment later, the aircraft was struck by a second SA-2 and exploded. The remainder of the aircraft's six-man crew—

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called in additional strikes on targets around Hambleton's position and re-checked the area. North Vietnamese response was limited. Aware that it could be a trap, he nonetheless gave the go-ahead.

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Hambleton and 1st Lt. Mark Clark, who was shot down during rescue operations, were recovered from behind the front lines on two different nights in covert, night-time rescues carried out by U.S.

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and the largest concentration of anti-aircraft weaponry of the entire war, including the advanced SA-2 SAM. Their main line of advance was along the axis of the north-south national highway

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Anderson now planned to rescue Hambleton and Clark. Norris and Anderson called in air strikes in an attempt to weaken the PAVN resistance, but the PAVN answered with mortar rounds and

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departing, Norris ignored the order and turned off his radio. Traveling twice that distance upriver, he passed through frequent North Vietnamese patrols, trucks and columns of tanks.

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The U.S. command in Saigon ordered special high-altitude B-52 bombing raids on nearby targets to divert the Vietnamese from searching for the two men, who were several miles apart.

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specific golf-course holes to guide him through the mine fields and get him to the Mieu Giang River. They radioed him, "You're going to play 18 holes and you're going to get in the

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that "SAM calls were driving us into the small arms threat. Ground fire was accurate and well disciplined ... The were very definitely monitoring and jamming our communications."

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number of troops and large quantity of anti-aircraft fire in the area, some of it supporting the PAVN's efforts to capture and protect the Cam Lo Bridge near Hambleton's position.

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On 3 April, air search and rescue forces attempted a first light rescue, which can successfully achieve surprise with minimal force. A search and rescue crew took off from the

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to identify individual remains and release them to their families for burial. Prater's remains were reburied on 19 June 2010. Avery's remains were reburied on 6 April 2012.

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From Dong Ha, Hambleton was transported via US Army 571st Dustoff helicopter to the 95th Evacuation Hospital, Da Nang. He was shortly afterward evacuated to the hospital at

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but was able to safely exit the area and landed his severely damaged helicopter. His aircraft was totaled. He and Gunner Warrant Officer Charles Gorski were picked up by a

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crossed the Mieu Giang River they were met by an immediate curtain of North Vietnamese fire from every direction, hurled against them with a strong intensity. Rosebeary in

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There were also political overtones to Hambleton's rescue. "U.S. personnel held as prisoners of war constituted a serious political liability to the U.S. government."

375:(42 TEWS) was tapped for assistance. The draw down of US forces had left the unit shorthanded and Hambleton was the senior officer among a group of senior navigators. 520:

A Lockheed HC-130P Hercules recovery aircraft refueling a Sikorsky HH-3E Jolly Green Giant helicopter, accompanied by four Douglas A-1E and A-1H/J Skyraider from the

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tailored to the situation, had to be considered. Recognizing the need for an aircraft that could deliver better close air support, the Air Force accepted the Navy's

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for his part in this rescue. Jimmy D Kempton received the Distinguished Flying Cross for his BLU-52 suppression mission flown on 4 April, Hambleton received the

1502:

On the night of 13 April, Norris didn't dare take the two soldiers who had faltered the night before. He was prepared to go alone when Petty Officer Third Class

299:(ARVN) and U.S. military on Friday, 30 March 1972. It was their largest attack of the war and was timed to take full advantage of the bad weather typical during 607:

as a radio operator during World War II, though not in combat. After World War II, he was recalled to active service by the USAF in the early 1950s. During the

1478:

On his own initiative, Norris left his team and swam downstream several hours looking for Clark. Near dawn, he saw some motion and found Clark hiding behind a

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for his actions during this mission. For their heroic actions in rescuing Hambleton behind front lines, Thomas R. Norris was recommended for and received the

1539:

they carried him back to their bunker. There, an M113 armored personnel carrier carried Hambleton, Norris and Nguyen back to Brigade Headquarters in Dong Ha.

1596:

is ever in doubt, morale would tumble. That was my major consideration. So I took it on myself. I didn't ask anybody for permission. I just said, "Go do it!"

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on a bombing mission when he got SAM warnings. He saw four SA-2 missiles emerge from the clouds about 2 miles (3.2 km) ahead of him and saw one strike

214:. The PAVN may have possessed information about his presence in Vietnam and his capture would have meant a huge intelligence bonanza for the Soviet Union. 3176: 2857: 1434:

he was given directions to a "refreshment stand" where he would have to "tap his own keg". Physically exhausted, hungry and dehydrated, Hambleton found a

448:, only turning on the guidance and radar system after the missiles were launched, which delayed the targeted aircraft's ability to detect and avoid them. 3801: 1621:

been made." Hambleton commented after the war, "If the taxpayers and my neighbors knew what it cost to pull me out of there, they'd probably shoot me."

1152:

beepers were heard. The entire crew was listed as MIA and presumed killed: Capt. Peter Hayden Chapman II (pilot), Capt. John Henry Call III (co-pilot),

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radar at the B-52s, targeting them unsuccessfully with radar guided anti-aircraft fire. When those missed, the PAVN fired two more SAMs optically at

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broke off engaging the North Vietnamese and returned to Da Nang. Both Sandys were found to be so damaged they would take several days to repair.

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first got the call, he thought that, because the aircraft had gone down in South Vietnam, the SAR effort could be accomplished fairly quickly.

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Navy investigators reviewed the action, interviewed participants, and recommended Norris for the Medal of Honor. He received it from President

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examined war artifacts in the Hanoi military museum and found Potts' ID card. The disposition and location of Walker's remains are unknown.

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joined them on the scene. The area was covered in a solid overcast, preventing visual control of air strikes by the on-scene OV-10A FAC,

971: 2364:"U.S. Unaccounted-For from the Vietnam War (Sorted by Name) Prisoners of War, Missing in Action and Killed in Action/Body not Recovered" 2157: 1223:

On the morning of 7 April, 1st Lt. Bruce C. Walker accompanied by naval artillery spotter Marine Lt. Larry F. Potts were flying OV-10A (

3713: 1677: 2895: 1689: 2472:(3) (Reprint of 1976 edition originally issued by the Air University ed.). Washington, D.C.: Office of Air Force History: 113. 480:

Anthony R. Giannangeli, Lieutenant Colonel Charles A. Levis and Major Henry M. Serex—were unable to eject and they remain listed as

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1st Lt. Richard Abbot, flying a FAC O-2, had been shot down offshore shortly before Hambleton. When Abbot was picked up by the

559:

Hambleton parachuted into the middle of more than 30,000 troops pouring across the border into South Vietnam. When Hambleton's

2282: 2096: 3747: 3472: 3389: 3156: 3097: 3041: 2764: 2691: 2648: 2601: 2477: 1942: 1438:

plantation where he could tap the tree for drinking water. He got lost briefly, and then fell off a cliff, breaking his arm.

2607: 2483: 2122: 2062: 1104:) from the 37th ARRS. During the day American fighters flew 52 sorties and four B-52 bombers bombed the area around Cam Lo. 3198: 2562: 1034: 909: 781: 354: 3278: 797:, White directed Kulland to proceed north and contact the FAC (Jankowski) for information on arrival. White also sent two 179:(SAM) and Hambleton was the only survivor, parachuting behind the front lines into a battlefield filled with thousands of 54: 46: 2006: 1876:

As noted in Kempton's flight log book and in his citation for the Distinguished Flying Cross he was awarded for that day.

343: 3413: 3235: 2800: 2341: 2056: 1228: 1201: 1019: 975: 3251: 1381:, one of just three SEAL officers and nine enlisted men remaining in Vietnam, had just completed an assignment in the 1212:. Most surprising to the Americans were the large presence of SA-2 SAMs, and for the first time the use of the Soviet 267: 186: 3658: 2228: 934:

FAC coverage around Hambleton's position to watch over him and soften up the North Vietnamese positions around him.

72: 2957: 3333: 1275: 686: 592: 533: 521: 195: 2363: 3511: 3493: 1608:

800 air strikes in direct support of the rescue. Search and rescue took priority over almost all strike targets.

1370: 1096:) prepared the area around the survivors with extensive bombing and strafing. They were assisted by two HH-53Cs ( 819:

proceeded across the Mieu Giang River 50 feet (15 m) above the ground towards Hambleton's position with the

728: 655: 529: 296: 2252: 731:

remained in Hambleton's vicinity. The Sandys immediately scrambled to cover Hambleton's position. When Morse in

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During the Vietnam War, search and rescue forces saved 3,883 lives at the cost of 71 rescuers and 45 aircraft.

1484: 372: 1640: 758: 312: 3008: 1591:

and had eluded capture while covering 19 kilometres (12 mi) in North Vietnamese territory for 23 days.

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attacks a target with a 5 inches (130 mm) "Zuni" rocket in the Mekong Delta, South Vietnam, c. 1969/70.

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had been shot down only 64 kilometres (40 mi) from Hanoi. When he was picked up by a HH-53 from the

651: 180: 165: 3629: 3607: 3558: 3536: 2429: 1312: 1006:

which nevertheless coordinated the work of several F-4s who were directed to drop CBU-42 anti-personnel

1934:

Beyond Hell and Back: How America's Special Operations Forces Became the World's Greatest Fighting Unit

1704: 1405: 1362: 1080:

On 6 April at 15:15, a third attempt was made to pick Hambleton and now Clark up. Four A-1 Skyraiders (

453: 437: 362: 347: 237: 149: 1802:

by Darrel D. Whitcomb was published in 1999 after considerable classified information was released, .

1503: 1328: 1271: 233: 2830: 1123:

joined the group with a full load of white phosphorus that could be used to lay down a smoke screen.

211: 3581: 3439: 3315: 2307: 3796: 2519: 2404: 1374: 879: 716: 304: 225: 218: 114: 1156:

William Roy Pearson, TSgt. Allen J. Avery (para-rescuemen), TSgt. Roy D. Prater (crew chief), and

3356: 1932: 1562:

There were no rules to apply to determine when a search and rescue was no longer cost effective.

959: 316: 133: 1059:!" Harris managed to get his badly damaged aircraft to gain altitude, then limp back to safety. 417:) were flying pathfinder escort for a cell of three B-52s, which were given assignments to bomb 890:), without incident. Rosebeary warned other aircraft against crossing the river. When Morse in 549: 379: 308: 203: 191: 176: 106: 3462: 3379: 3148:

The Greatest Search and Rescue Stories Ever Told: Twenty Gripping Tales of Heroism and Bravery

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suggested a covert, land-based rescue operation. and Lt. Col. Andy Anderson, Commander of the

954: 946:

could not reply for several hours with artillery or request tactical air strikes in the area.

303:, offering low clouds and poor visibility. About 30,000 heavily equipped PAVN troops from the 3709: 3302: 3225: 2638: 1769: 1703:

Norris readily supported the nomination of Petty Officer Third Class Nguyen Van Kiet for the

1588: 1232: 1209: 1184:

All of the SAR teams were experienced in conducting rescues into what they described as "hot

823:

Cobra gunship following about 3,000 feet (910 m) behind and 300 feet (91 m) above.

682: 663: 643: 207: 2150: 1664:. The military also improved the night capability of helicopters and area denial munitions. 23:

This article is about the actual rescue. For the movie based on these real-life events, see

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operation of the entire Vietnam War, was in its third day. An early morning flight of two

8: 3252:"April 9, 1972 WestPac: Operation – Vietnam, Shootdown & Rescue of Major Clyde Smith" 1719: 1575:, commander of the 7th Air Force, sent a huge task force of 119 aircraft to rescue Capt. 1529: 1525: 1239: 937:

To protect the downed airmen and the search and rescue forces, Muirhead also ordered the

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North Vietnamese personnel scramble to ready an SA-2 missile to engage American aircraft.

371:

missions without escort, but were experiencing significantly increased SAM activity. The

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responded with rockets and 40mm fire, but both helicopters were struck multiple times.

769: 761: 743:. Although the U.S. and ARVN forces did not know it yet, the offensive was the largest 698: 612: 588: 477: 3687: 3743: 3468: 3385: 3231: 3152: 3093: 3037: 2760: 2687: 2644: 2597: 2473: 2224: 2052: 1938: 1638:

a hell of a price to pay for one life. I'm very sorry." His rescue was, according to

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killed a number of North Vietnamese troops and provided cover for his final escape.

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It was Potts' 25th birthday. Potts was wounded and captured alive, but later died in

938: 868: 620: 616: 488: 481: 426: 3202: 3064: 2555: 2092: 846: 228:(RVNN) commandos. For their actions in rescuing the two men, Norris was awarded the 2286: 1708: 1423: 1393: 1378: 1355: 628: 473: 272: 262: 221: 125: 110: 2213: 1788:

William C. Anderson wrote an article about the rescue in the August 1981 issue of

1449: 1389:

from the Lien Doan Nguoi Nhai (LDNN), Naval Advisory Detachment (NAD) in Da Nang.

1119:

decided they would pick up Hambleton first and Clark immediately after. At 17:10,

3791: 3146: 3087: 2754: 2681: 2591: 2461: 2253:"Bat 21 Rescue – Gene Hambleton, 85, His Rescue Depicted in 'Bat-21' Books, Film" 2133: 2044: 1260: 1067: 963: 864: 580: 102: 3764: 3409: 631:. He had been the deputy chief of operations for the USAF Strategic Air Command 3255: 2683:

Winged Shield, Winged Sword 1950-1997: A History of the United States Air Force

1697: 1366: 1197: 851: 604: 560: 509: 422: 292: 240:. Nguyen was the only South Vietnamese sailor given that award during the war. 229: 173: 3651: 3775: 1772:

and invited all those directly involved. John Van Etten, whose call sign was

744: 465: 288: 284: 245: 161: 129: 3329: 2796: 2338: 754: 1820: 1693: 1576: 1382: 1185: 1115:, despite the fact that he was due to return home very soon. Capt. Boli in 1007: 693:

Hambleton had received water survival training at Turkey Run, Florida, and

603:

Hambleton had more than 20 years of military service. He had served in the

469: 540:. At a lower altitude, 1st Lt. Bill Jankowski and Capt. Lyle Wilson in an 2953: 2756:

Fighting to Leave: The Final Years of America's War in Vietnam, 1972-1973

2051:(January – February 1980). Washington, DC: Center for Air Force History. 1715: 1681: 1435: 1256: 1062:

Forced to fly in and out of cloud cover at perilously low altitudes, FAC

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Powerful and Brutal Weapons: Nixon, Kissinger, and the Easter Offensive

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ability to remain calm and call in accurate fire around his position.

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flown by Captain William J. Henderson and 1st Lieutenant Mark Clark.

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of the 40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron refueling from a

330:

Bridge, the PAVN were supported by two tank regiments of 150 Soviet

1722:, another Navy SEAL who had saved Norris' life on 31 October 1972. 1213: 1189: 1157: 492: 441: 339: 89:

Lt. Col. Iceal Hambleton, whose call sign was Bat 21 Bravo, c. 1973

1749:. The bodies of Potts and Walker have not been recovered to date. 1238:

against North Vietnamese tanks to protect Hambleton. At 11:05, an

311:

and three separate infantry regiments of the B5 Front crossed the

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towed guns, along with the self-propelled, radar-guided ZSU-57-2

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Stoffey, Col. Robert E.; Holloway III, Admiral James L. (2008).

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policy. The PAVN launched the Nguyen Hue Offensive against the

24: 2005:. Carlisle Barracks, PA: U.S. Army War College. Archived from 1587:, he was within 5 miles (8.0 km) of the heavily defended 1404:

tanks that they used to set up a forward operating base along

1251:

when he warned them away due to the proximity of PAVN forces.

319:

zone across the five northernmost provinces of South Vietnam.

3767:. ArlingtonCemetery.net. 2 March 2024. An unofficial website. 3512:"US Prisoners of War who returned alive from the Vietnam War" 3227:

US Navy and Marine Corps A-4 Skyhawk Units of the Vietnam War

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Fifteen years after the rescue, the USAF held a symposium at

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Morse called for emergency support, which was picked up by a

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learned of large PAVN movement south of the DMZ, a number of

335: 283:

s mission, American combat forces had been vastly reduced in

157: 3742:. Maxwell AFB, AL: U.S. Naval Institute Press. p. 196. 1571:

effectiveness by boosting morale." On 2 June 1972, General

587:

At about the same time that Hambleton was shot down, Capt.

2151:"Interdiction of Communist Infiltration Routes in Vietnam" 1729:

In 1975, Clark's and Hambleton's rescue was declassified.

1700:, although he initially declined to submit the paperwork. 978:, Thailand. It consisted of two HH-53 rescue helicopters, 2896:"Brave Jolly Green – Full Text: June '97 Vietnam Feature" 2858:"Nail32: John Van Etten part of Air Force's rich history" 1737:

Astorga and Henderson were released in March 1973 during

747:

attack conducted by the North Vietnamese during the war.

705:

his retirement, he was going to survive and return home.

575:

Kempton and Jankowski relayed Hambleton's coordinates to

2643:. Cambridge, MA: Harvard University Press. p. 415. 2590:

Jackson, Mike; Dixon-Engle, Tara; Borman, Frank (2010).

2589: 2123:"The Unsung Hero in the Amazing Rescue of Bat 21 Bravo" 1732: 1373:(JPRC, MACVSOG-80) ordered a ground rescue. In Saigon, 1231:. Potts was directing naval gunfire from the destroyer 3686:. Air Force Special Operations Command. Archived from 3436:"Michael Thornton—Academy of Achievement Photo Credit" 1718:

in a White House ceremony on 6 March 1976 attended by

1550:

in the Philippines, where he recuperated for a month.

1172:

The SAR task force mission leader, Capt. Fred Boli in

2593:

Naked in Da Nang: A Forward Air Controller in Vietnam

894:

learned that the quick-snatch had failed, he and his

827:

waited at the south side of the Mieu Giang River for

406:

On Easter Sunday, 2 April 1972, two six-seat EB-66s (

378:

Hambleton assigned himself as navigator on the older

1644:, "the biggest U.S. air rescue effort of the war." 1179: 1077:

On 5 April, bad weather prevented any SAR activity.

1010:

around Hambleton to help protect his position. When

2752: 1267:." In other words, get to the river and swim east. 322:In the 8 kilometres (5.0 mi) area between the 2212: 1758:Department of Defense POW/Missing Personnel Office 615:. He then worked during the 1960s on various USAF 148:. The two aircraft were escorting a cell of three 3787:Battles and operations of the Vietnam War in 1972 1507:clothing and disguised themselves as fishermen. 1426:. The round starts on No. 1 at Tucson National." 780:, piloted by 1st Lt. Byron Kulland from F Troop, 499: 3773: 3684:"Vietnam War pararescueman finally brought home" 3384:. Grapevine, TX: Nissi Publishing. p. 209. 2686:. University Press of the Pacific. p. 672. 2356: 2219:. Annapolis, MD: Naval Institute Press. p. 1931:Zimmerman, Dwight Jon; Gresham, John D. (2008). 1930: 1809:in Little Creek, Virginia was named for Norris. 764:during a combat mission in Southeast Asia, 1971. 491:, and his wife Gwen was planning to meet him in 2045:"Search and Rescue in Southeast Asia 1961–1975" 611:he flew 43 combat missions as a navigator in a 113:), was the "largest, longest, and most complex 3175:. Pritzker Military Library. 9 November 2006. 2923:"Lest We Forget: Larry Fletcher Potts; VF-126" 2829:. Fort Wayne, IN. 13 June 2010. Archived from 2283:"E/R/W/B-66 Production, Attrition and History" 2086: 2084: 2082: 2080: 1392:ARVN 3rd Division commander Brigadier General 1014:ran low on fuel, it was replaced by an OV-10 ( 3036:. Bloomington, IN: AuthorHouse. p. 424. 2889: 2887: 2885: 2883: 2823:"Downed pilot's return 'bittersweet' for son" 2759:(first ed.). Zenith Press. p. 336. 2206: 2204: 2202: 2200: 2198: 2196: 2194: 2192: 2190: 3573: 3377: 3033:Lightning from the Sky, Thunder from the Sea 2995: 2455: 2453: 2451: 2424: 2422: 2333: 2331: 2329: 2327: 2325: 2323: 2321: 2319: 2317: 2315: 2188: 2186: 2184: 2182: 2180: 2178: 2176: 2174: 2172: 2170: 1926: 1924: 1922: 1920: 1918: 1916: 1914: 1912: 164:anti-aircraft radar installations to enable 3582:"Mission to Dong Ha – Mission to Al Hammar" 3467:. New York: Ballantine Books. p. 352. 2993: 2991: 2989: 2987: 2985: 2983: 2981: 2979: 2977: 2975: 2748: 2746: 2744: 2742: 2740: 2738: 2736: 2734: 2732: 2730: 2629: 2627: 2625: 2077: 2042: 1910: 1908: 1906: 1904: 1902: 1900: 1898: 1896: 1894: 1892: 1585:40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron 854:during a rescue mission over Southeast Asia 719:Douglas A-1 Skyraiders (Capt. Don Morse in 701:Jungle Survival School in the Philippines. 109:aircraft shot down behind North Vietnamese 3802:United States Air Force in the Vietnam War 3363:. Washington, DC: Department of the Army. 3140: 3138: 3136: 3106: 2880: 2785: 2783: 2728: 2726: 2724: 2722: 2720: 2718: 2716: 2714: 2712: 2710: 2585: 2583: 2549: 2547: 2545: 2543: 2541: 2246: 2244: 2242: 2240: 1999:Busboom, Lt. Col. Stanley (2 April 1990). 1994: 1992: 1990: 1988: 1986: 1984: 1982: 1980: 1978: 1780:, I would recognize that voice anywhere!" 1752:The remains of the crew members of HH-53C 3782:20th-century aircraft shootdown incidents 3112: 3055: 3053: 2852: 2850: 2848: 2448: 2419: 2312: 2167: 2116: 2114: 2112: 2110: 2108: 2106: 2038: 2036: 2034: 2032: 2030: 2028: 2026: 2024: 1976: 1974: 1972: 1970: 1968: 1966: 1964: 1962: 1960: 1958: 1863:, while aircraft from Nakhon Phanom used 1741:. The remains of the rest of the crew of 1690:Meritorious Service Medal (United States) 1667: 1111:Capt. Peter Chapman volunteered to pilot 642:In April 1972 he was reassigned from the 373:42nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron 256: 73:Learn how and when to remove this message 3737: 3579: 3201:. Academy of Achievement. Archived from 3191: 3113:Zimmerman, Dwight Jon (27 August 2010). 3063:. Academy of Achievement. Archived from 2972: 2948: 2946: 2944: 2675: 2673: 2671: 2669: 2667: 2633: 2622: 2513: 2250: 2210: 2090: 1889: 1611: 1448: 1444: 1143:best efforts of the remaining aircraft, 1138:high and above guarding their approach, 1037:Bronco from light attack squadron VAL-4 1028: 953: 845: 753: 676: 515: 503: 397: 266: 249:their inability to obtain fire support. 185: 84: 3428: 3276: 3144: 3133: 2780: 2707: 2580: 2538: 2511: 2509: 2507: 2505: 2503: 2501: 2499: 2497: 2495: 2493: 2462:"Airpower and the 1972 Spring Invasion" 2460:LaValle, Major A.J.C. (December 1985). 2459: 2394: 2390: 2388: 2386: 2384: 2237: 2132:. HistoryNet.com: 45–51. Archived from 2120: 1998: 425:, the two primary access routes to the 3774: 3481:from the original on 16 November 2017. 3460: 3398:from the original on 16 November 2017. 3378:Holley, Charles; Slonik, Mike (1997). 3367:from the original on 16 December 2008. 3354: 3348: 3223: 3085: 3050: 2845: 2486:from the original on 16 November 2017. 2251:McLellan, Dennis (27 September 2004). 2163:from the original on 16 November 2017. 2103: 2021: 1955: 1951:from the original on 16 November 2017. 1684:, the Distinguished Flying Cross, the 1518: 672: 3491: 3089:Vietnam War: The New Legion, Volume 1 3029: 3011:from the original on 27 November 2012 2941: 2679: 2664: 2610:from the original on 16 November 2017 2568:from the original on 14 November 2011 2397:"Golf's role in a Vietnam War rescue" 2065:from the original on 16 November 2017 1805:The Lt. Thomas R. Norris building at 1783: 1304: Hambleton's position 949: 912:aircraft equipped with the Pave Nail 598: 476:Robin F. Gatwood, co-pilot; and EWOs 436:, EB-66C serial number 54-0466, over 393: 3179:from the original on 15 October 2009 3173:"Michael Thornton and Thomas Norris" 3115:"A Story of the Brotherhood of Arms" 3092:. Trafford Publishing. p. 596. 2914: 2893: 2868:from the original on 8 February 2023 2517: 2490: 2466:USAF Southeast Asia Monograph Series 2430:"Lieutenant-Colonel Iceal Hambleton" 2381: 2263:from the original on 12 January 2012 1852:FACs from Da Nang Air Base used the 1733:POW release and recovery of the dead 1579:, an F-4 weapons officer who during 1276:Joint Task Force for Full Accounting 697:training and survival basics at the 355:Military Assistance Command, Vietnam 342:, an artillery regiment of 47 towed 210:operations and was an expert in SAM 29: 3716:from the original on 5 October 2010 3632:. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency 3610:. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency 3561:. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency 3539:. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency 3517:. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency 3289:from the original on 15 August 2011 3279:"Valor: A Good Thought to Sleep On" 2929:from the original on 8 January 2013 2553: 2369:. Defense POW/MIA Accounting Agency 1937:. St. Martin's Press. p. 320. 1412: 1336: Cam Lo Bridge 13: 3731: 3500:from the original on 24 July 2011. 2920: 2121:Haseman, John B. (December 2008). 2099:from the original on 5 March 2016. 1422:and make like Esther Williams and 1400:platoon of about 20 men and three 1274:. In January 1992, members of the 1229:20th Tactical Air Support Squadron 1216:shoulder-fired, heat-seeking SAM. 1134:crossed the Mieu Giang River with 45:tone or style may not reflect the 14: 3813: 3757: 3664:from the original on 26 June 2010 3336:from the original on 21 June 2010 3121:from the original on 23 July 2011 2960:from the original on 1 April 2012 2803:from the original on 19 July 2011 2526:from the original on 23 July 2011 1831:episode of the television series 1320: Clark's position 1180:PAVN strength prevents air rescue 522:602nd Special Operations Squadron 382:, which was configured to gather 3588:from the original on 13 May 2011 3416:from the original on 26 May 2012 3151:. The Lyons Press. p. 304. 2344:from the original on 5 June 2011 1763: 1327: 1311: 1295: 1288: 1281: 1242:pilot observed a SAM launch and 55:guide to writing better articles 34: 3702: 3676: 3644: 3622: 3600: 3584:. Air and Space Power Journal. 3551: 3529: 3504: 3485: 3454: 3402: 3371: 3322: 3277:Frisbee, John L. (March 1992). 3270: 3244: 3217: 3165: 3079: 3023: 2815: 2789: 2301: 1870: 1846: 1827:The rescue was featured in the 1807:Naval Special Warfare Group Two 1565: 1371:Joint Personnel Recovery Center 928: 729:1st Special Operations Squadron 530:390th Tactical Fighter Squadron 528:Maj. Jimmy D. Kempton from the 460:Hambleton, whose call sign was 297:Army of the Republic of Vietnam 3630:"Capt Peter Hayden Chapman II" 3145:Cummins, Joseph Éamon (2004). 2395:Kindred, Dave (January 2001). 2275: 2143: 1557: 1485:M113 armored personnel carrier 568:, unseen by the PAVN troops. 500:Surrounded by North Vietnamese 273:Easter or Nguyen Hue Offensive 1: 3464:Vietnam Medal of Honor Heroes 2596:. Zenith Press. p. 304. 2518:Mack, Amy P. (26 July 2010). 2043:Tilford Jr., Earl H. (1992). 1883: 1632: 871:Ronald Paschall were killed. 532:was leading a flight of four 313:Vietnamese Demilitarized Zone 3738:Whitcomb, Darrel D. (1998). 3580:Whitcomb, Darrel D. (2004). 3381:Primer of the Helicopter War 3199:"Michael Thornton Biography" 3086:Truong, Truong Vinh (2010). 3061:"Michael Thornton Interview" 2211:Whitcomb, Darrel D. (1998). 1650: 1543:Of course I'd do it again." 966:over North Vietnam, 1969-70. 790:Marble Mountain Air Facility 633:390th Strategic Missile Wing 591:, adviser to the Vietnamese 7: 3608:"Capt Larry Fletcher Potts" 3357:"Mounted Combat in Vietnam" 3285:(3). AirforceMagazine.com. 2556:"Not Without My Lieutenant" 2049:Air and Space Power Journal 1747:Arlington National Cemetery 1487:and then flown to Da Nang. 652:388th Tactical Fighter Wing 487:Hambleton was due for some 10: 3818: 3461:Murphy, Edward F. (2005). 2680:Nalty, Bernard C. (2003). 1833:Navy Seals: Untold Stories 1678:Distinguished Flying Cross 986:, and two A-1 Skyraiders, 260: 136:EB-66 aircraft was led by 22: 2091:Whitcomb, Darrel (1997). 1430:would lead me to water." 156:was configured to gather 3559:"1Lt Byron Kent Kulland" 3355:Starry, Donn A. (1989). 2436:. London. 1 October 2004 1839: 1798:in 1985. A second book, 1147:was critically damaged. 874:Rosebeary, flying Cobra 831:to catch up. As soon as 236:was recognized with the 226:Republic of Vietnam Navy 192:Douglas EB-66E Destroyer 181:People's Army of Vietnam 160:, including identifying 3652:"Funeral Services 2010" 3537:"Maj Wayne Louis Bolte" 3492:Hicks (11 April 2008). 3030:Petri, Thomas. (2009). 2954:"Potts, Larry Fletcher" 2797:"POW-MIA Case Synopsis" 2339:"Bio, Walker, Bruce C." 908:, a new version of the 619:projects including the 472:Wayne L. Bolte, pilot; 357:(MACV) headquarters in 232:and RVNN Petty Officer 134:United States Air Force 117:" operation during the 105:(a navigator aboard an 3410:"Bruce Charles Walker" 3330:"Lodge, Robert Alfred" 3310:Cite journal requires 3224:Mersky, Peter (2007). 2520:"The Rescue of BAT-21" 1711:to receive the award. 1668:Awards and recognition 1598: 1463:spoke little English. 1455: 1409:Brigade near Dong Ha. 1042: 967: 867:John Frink along with 855: 765: 690: 650:and to the 42nd TEWS, 550:forward air controller 525: 513: 403: 340:anti-aircraft vehicles 276: 257:Operational background 199: 177:surface-to-air missile 103:Iceal "Gene" Hambleton 95:rescue of Bat 21 Bravo 90: 2894:Whitcomb, Darrell D. 2156:. CIA. 24 June 1965. 1794:followed by the book 1770:Nellis Air Force Base 1612:No-fire zone enforced 1593: 1452: 1445:Commandos cross lines 1032: 957: 849: 757: 680: 519: 507: 432:Hambleton was aboard 401: 270: 261:Further information: 208:Strategic Air Command 189: 124:On 2 April 1972, the 88: 3740:The Rescue of Bat 21 3007:. Vinh Biet Saigon. 2956:. Task Force Omega. 2862:Petoskey News-Review 2635:Randolph, Stephen P. 2561:. HomeOfHeroes.com. 2554:Sterner, Douglas C. 2308:The Rescue of BAT-21 2215:The Rescue of Bat 21 2002:Bat 21: A Case Study 1800:The Rescue of Bat 21 1739:Operation Homecoming 1581:Operation Linebacker 1548:Clark Air Force Base 1200:towed guns, but the 788:. Normally based at 593:3rd Marine Battalion 384:signals intelligence 172:was destroyed by an 158:signals intelligence 3205:on 13 December 2010 2902:on 21 December 2010 2407:on 30 November 2010 2289:on 4 September 2011 1519:Daylight evacuation 795:Phu Bai Combat Base 723:and his wingman in 699:Pacific Air Command 673:Air rescue attempts 667:John Anthony Walker 561:URC-64 rescue radio 552:(FAC) aircraft saw 3657:. P.O.W. Network. 3442:on 16 October 2011 3230:. Bloomsbury USA. 2921:Cutler, Thomas J. 2093:"Rescue of Bat 21" 1784:In popular culture 1456: 1043: 968: 950:More aircraft lost 856: 766: 695:escape and evasion 691: 599:Intelligence value 526: 514: 478:Lieutenant Colonel 438:Quảng Trị Province 404: 394:Aircraft shot down 338:tanks, 75 tracked 277: 200: 140:. Hambleton was a 91: 3749:978-0-440-61394-7 3474:978-0-345-47618-0 3391:978-0-944372-11-1 3158:978-1-59228-483-2 3099:978-1-4269-2666-2 3067:on 6 October 2011 3043:978-1-4389-4595-8 2766:978-0-7603-3310-5 2693:978-1-4102-0902-3 2650:978-0-674-02491-5 2603:978-0-7603-3916-9 2479:978-0-912799-27-8 2257:Los Angeles Times 2139:on 10 March 2012. 1944:978-0-312-38467-8 1641:Stars and Stripes 1528:from the carrier 1272:Quang Binh prison 813:, a second UH-1. 809:, and then added 717:search and rescue 617:ballistic missile 482:missing in action 427:Ho Chi Minh Trail 365:had been sent on 183:(PAVN) soldiers. 115:search-and-rescue 83: 82: 75: 49:used on Knowledge 47:encyclopedic tone 18:Vietnam War event 3809: 3768: 3753: 3726: 3725: 3723: 3721: 3706: 3700: 3699: 3697: 3695: 3680: 3674: 3673: 3671: 3669: 3663: 3656: 3648: 3642: 3641: 3639: 3637: 3626: 3620: 3619: 3617: 3615: 3604: 3598: 3597: 3595: 3593: 3577: 3571: 3570: 3568: 3566: 3555: 3549: 3548: 3546: 3544: 3533: 3527: 3526: 3524: 3522: 3516: 3508: 3502: 3501: 3489: 3483: 3482: 3458: 3452: 3451: 3449: 3447: 3438:. 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Norris 162:North Vietnamese 126:Easter Offensive 78: 71: 67: 64: 58: 57:for suggestions. 53:See Knowledge's 38: 37: 30: 3817: 3816: 3812: 3811: 3810: 3808: 3807: 3806: 3797:Survival skills 3772: 3771: 3763: 3760: 3750: 3734: 3732:Further reading 3729: 3719: 3717: 3710:"Thomas Norris" 3708: 3707: 3703: 3693: 3691: 3682: 3681: 3677: 3667: 3665: 3661: 3654: 3650: 3649: 3645: 3635: 3633: 3628: 3627: 3623: 3613: 3611: 3606: 3605: 3601: 3591: 3589: 3578: 3574: 3564: 3562: 3557: 3556: 3552: 3542: 3540: 3535: 3534: 3530: 3520: 3518: 3514: 3510: 3509: 3505: 3490: 3486: 3475: 3459: 3455: 3445: 3443: 3434: 3433: 3429: 3419: 3417: 3408: 3407: 3403: 3392: 3376: 3372: 3353: 3349: 3339: 3337: 3328: 3327: 3323: 3311: 3309: 3300: 3299: 3292: 3290: 3275: 3271: 3261: 3259: 3250: 3249: 3245: 3238: 3222: 3218: 3208: 3206: 3197: 3196: 3192: 3182: 3180: 3171: 3170: 3166: 3159: 3143: 3134: 3124: 3122: 3111: 3107: 3100: 3084: 3080: 3070: 3068: 3059: 3058: 3051: 3044: 3028: 3024: 3014: 3012: 2999: 2998: 2973: 2963: 2961: 2952: 2951: 2942: 2932: 2930: 2919: 2915: 2905: 2903: 2892: 2881: 2871: 2869: 2856: 2855: 2846: 2836: 2834: 2827:Journal Gazette 2821: 2820: 2816: 2806: 2804: 2795: 2794: 2790: 2781: 2771: 2769: 2767: 2751: 2708: 2698: 2696: 2694: 2678: 2665: 2655: 2653: 2651: 2632: 2623: 2613: 2611: 2604: 2588: 2581: 2571: 2569: 2565: 2558: 2552: 2539: 2529: 2527: 2516: 2491: 2480: 2458: 2449: 2439: 2437: 2428: 2427: 2420: 2410: 2408: 2393: 2382: 2372: 2370: 2366: 2362: 2361: 2357: 2347: 2345: 2337: 2336: 2313: 2306: 2302: 2292: 2290: 2281: 2280: 2276: 2266: 2264: 2249: 2238: 2231: 2209: 2168: 2160: 2153: 2149: 2148: 2144: 2136: 2125: 2119: 2104: 2089: 2078: 2068: 2066: 2059: 2041: 2022: 2012: 2010: 1997: 1956: 1945: 1929: 1890: 1886: 1881: 1880: 1875: 1871: 1851: 1847: 1842: 1791:Reader's Digest 1786: 1766: 1735: 1676:) received the 1670: 1653: 1635: 1614: 1568: 1560: 1521: 1504:Nguyễn Văn Kiệt 1447: 1415: 1347: 1346: 1345: 1341: 1340: 1339: 1335: 1334: 1332: 1324: 1323: 1319: 1318: 1316: 1308: 1307: 1303: 1302: 1300: 1284: 1261:Esther Williams 1182: 952: 931: 858:Kulland flying 852:Sikorsky HH-53C 675: 601: 502: 396: 309:308th Divisions 279:At the time of 265: 259: 234:Nguyễn Văn Kiệt 212:countermeasures 79: 68: 62: 59: 52: 43:This article's 39: 35: 28: 19: 12: 11: 5: 3815: 3805: 3804: 3799: 3794: 3789: 3784: 3770: 3769: 3759: 3758:External links 3756: 3755: 3754: 3748: 3733: 3730: 3728: 3727: 3701: 3690:on 24 May 2012 3675: 3643: 3621: 3599: 3572: 3550: 3528: 3503: 3496:(in Spanish). 3484: 3473: 3453: 3427: 3401: 3390: 3370: 3347: 3332:. PowNetwork. 3321: 3312:|journal= 3269: 3243: 3237:978-1846031816 3236: 3216: 3190: 3164: 3157: 3132: 3105: 3098: 3078: 3049: 3042: 3022: 3005:Untold Stories 2971: 2940: 2913: 2879: 2844: 2814: 2788: 2779: 2765: 2706: 2692: 2663: 2649: 2621: 2602: 2579: 2537: 2489: 2478: 2447: 2418: 2380: 2355: 2311: 2300: 2274: 2236: 2229: 2166: 2142: 2102: 2076: 2058:978-1428992849 2057: 2020: 1954: 1943: 1887: 1885: 1882: 1879: 1878: 1869: 1844: 1843: 1841: 1838: 1785: 1782: 1765: 1762: 1754:Jolly Roger 67 1734: 1731: 1698:Medal of Honor 1669: 1666: 1655:The rescue of 1652: 1649: 1634: 1631: 1613: 1610: 1603:As many as 90 1567: 1564: 1559: 1556: 1520: 1517: 1446: 1443: 1414: 1411: 1342: 1333: 1326: 1325: 1317: 1310: 1309: 1301: 1294: 1293: 1287: 1286: 1285: 1283: 1280: 1181: 1178: 1149:Jolly Green 67 1145:Jolly Green 67 1140:Jolly Green 67 1136:Jolly Green 60 1132:Jolly Green 67 1113:Jolly Green 67 1102:Jolly Green 60 1098:Jolly Green 67 1058: 1048:Jolly Green 66 980:Jolly Green 65 951: 948: 930: 927: 888:Jolly Green 67 674: 671: 621:PGM-19 Jupiter 605:Army Air Force 600: 597: 510:O-2A Skymaster 501: 498: 474:1st Lieutenant 429:through Laos. 423:Ban Karai Pass 395: 392: 301:monsoon season 293:Vietnamization 258: 255: 230:Medal of Honor 202:Hambleton had 128:, the largest 81: 80: 42: 40: 33: 17: 9: 6: 4: 3: 2: 3814: 3803: 3800: 3798: 3795: 3793: 3790: 3788: 3785: 3783: 3780: 3779: 3777: 3766: 3762: 3761: 3751: 3745: 3741: 3736: 3735: 3715: 3711: 3705: 3689: 3685: 3679: 3660: 3653: 3647: 3631: 3625: 3609: 3603: 3587: 3583: 3576: 3560: 3554: 3538: 3532: 3513: 3507: 3499: 3495: 3488: 3480: 3476: 3470: 3466: 3465: 3457: 3441: 3437: 3431: 3415: 3411: 3405: 3397: 3393: 3387: 3383: 3382: 3374: 3366: 3362: 3361:CMH Pub 90-17 3358: 3351: 3335: 3331: 3325: 3317: 3304: 3288: 3284: 3280: 3273: 3257: 3253: 3247: 3239: 3233: 3229: 3228: 3220: 3204: 3200: 3194: 3178: 3174: 3168: 3160: 3154: 3150: 3149: 3141: 3139: 3137: 3120: 3116: 3109: 3101: 3095: 3091: 3090: 3082: 3066: 3062: 3056: 3054: 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893: 889: 885: 881: 877: 876:Blue Ghost 28 872: 870: 866: 861: 860:Blue Ghost 39 853: 848: 844: 842: 841:Blue Ghost 28 838: 834: 833:Blue Ghost 39 830: 829:Blue Ghost 30 826: 825:Blue Ghost 24 822: 821:Blue Ghost 28 818: 817:Blue Ghost 39 814: 812: 811:Blue Ghost 30 808: 804: 803:Blue Ghost 28 800: 796: 791: 787: 786:196th Brigade 783: 779: 775: 774:Blue Ghost 39 771: 763: 760: 756: 752: 748: 746: 745:combined arms 742: 736: 734: 730: 726: 722: 718: 714: 713: 706: 702: 700: 696: 688: 684: 679: 670: 668: 665: 659: 657: 653: 649: 645: 640: 638: 634: 630: 629:Titan II ICBM 626: 622: 618: 614: 610: 606: 596: 594: 590: 585: 582: 578: 573: 569: 567: 562: 557: 555: 551: 547: 543: 539: 535: 531: 523: 518: 511: 506: 497: 494: 490: 485: 483: 479: 475: 471: 467: 466:ejection seat 463: 458: 455: 449: 447: 443: 439: 435: 430: 428: 424: 420: 416: 412: 409: 400: 391: 389: 385: 381: 376: 374: 370: 369: 364: 360: 356: 351: 349: 345: 341: 337: 333: 329: 325: 320: 318: 314: 310: 306: 302: 298: 294: 290: 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