flying tiger airlines vietnam

McCord was doing maintenance on the runway. Nobody wanted to take anybody over there who wasnt coming back.. In one of the seats was Army Specialist Donald Sargent, who had joined the Army and became a Ranger as a way to escape a life of near certain poverty in his hometown of Cornish, Maine. The soldiers onboard were flying there not to fight, but to help train South Vietnamese forces. If not for you, the World would be much worse off. Nearly two hours into the flight, the pilot radioed Guam with the aircrafts position, notifying air traffic control that it was on track to land in the Philippines shortly after 3 a.m. WELCOME to The FLYING TIGER Antiques & Vintage Historical Artifacts Website!!! Interesting. I know the feelings, having done the flights in 68 & 70. Veterans Affairs also bought a headstone marker, but even in that, the sense of military courtesy for the family seemed to evaporate, too. If I remember correctly I went over on Continental and came back on United. Despite her personal beliefs, Foster reasoned that nobody needed better care than men heading to a war or coming back from one, and she decided to sign on. I went back and was thumbing through all of the books there trying to find something that would keep me preoccupied from thinking about Viet Nam. Thanks to all of you that attempted to make our journies more comfortable. That flight SUCKED., but at least I got out of that chit hole. Capable of lifting 7,000 pounds over a version of the famed DC-3. Curtis Smith served to disbandment and afterward returned to the U.S. Marines. A fine bunch of people. To this day, I send emails to friends who are Vets, and the young people in the airports who are recognizable by their uniforms and sincerely Thank them for thier Service. Im still trying to figure out how to coordinate one of our own with one of theirs. I too was older at 25 and remember them well. At 11:15PM June 29, 1968 I left Bien Hoa airport on a Trans International DC-10. Originating at Travis Air Force Base, California, the Military Transport was scheduled for fueling stops at Honolulu, Wake Island, Guam, Clark AFB and was to terminate in Saigon. Margi has been a Member of the Flying Tigers Club Board of Directors, and served as Club Secretary since May 2007. Joe Namath, Jim Otto, and, Marv Fleming on our returning flight after spending time visiting the wounded Vietnam soldiers at several hospitals. It would be the first of a list of expected things that wouldnt materialize for the family, according to Kirk. That sounded good to Linda Greenwalt Foster, who had just dropped out of college and was looking for an adventure. Flying Tigers on Airline History JP Airline Fleets 87/88 . During the "American war," he worked for a CIA contractor, flying unarmed bush planes in Laos, Cambodia, and Vietnam. No such thing happened, as I was at that location in May of 1970. The effort involved more than 1,300 people, 48 aircraft, and eight ships. (LogOut/ Yes, it was a memorable 4 day flight. I was so wrapped up in my own personal trauma that I thought they were being so nice because they were paid to, not because they wanted to. And many didnt know what to think, caught between respect for the military and horror over the fates of the boys on their flights. /stilI could not talk or say a word, still stunned that in one day went from war to out of Army and nowback in the house at home. Flying around the world over the North and South Poles, the Pole Cat set eight speed and distance records. 2019 by the San Francisco Airport Commission. 60 Years Missing: The Mystery Of Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 In the opening days of the Vietnam War, an aircraft carrying 107 people went missing as it was en route to Saigon on a secret. Very interesting. . Journalist - A graduate in German, Jake has a passion for aviation history, and enjoys sampling new carriers and aircraft even if doing so demands an unorthodox itinerary. I would have been on Flying Tigers returning to the states. The men were superstitious that the plane would crash it would be just their luck to die in a dumb accident on the verge of getting home. (1946-1951), C-46 Gen. -- The Curtis C-46 "Commando" that Flying Tigers flew on supply missions over the Hump during World War II came home for civilian duty, joining Flying Tigers' fleet in 1949. Having climbed to a cruising altitude of 18,000 feet, the aircraft reported its position as being 1340N 1400E just under an hour and a half into the flight. However, Kadena was not able to resupply the galley but the crew got a lot of junk food to hold us over till we got to Tokyo where we were off-loaded again and the plane was serviced. Wheels up lots of cheering and hope. On the paper were words that Donald Sargents motherKirks grandmotherfound too incomprehensible to believe. She has more than 20 years reporting experience, much of it covering aviation and defense issues. On Wednesday, families of those lost on Flight 739 gathered in Columbia Falls, Maine, for a ceremony marking the 60th anniversary of the loss of Tiger Flight 739. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Patch , 45th TRANSPORTATION Company FLYING TIGER AIRLINES Vietnam War Patch , s4 at the best online prices at eBay! En route to Saigon, the flight was set to make several refueling stops. Sometimes, when the wheels pulled up on takeoff, the whole plane would burst out in yells and clapping. We of course did not get his and flew on to Bangkok where we transferred to a military aircraft and flew down to U-T a B-52 base. As the vapor trail passed behind a cloud, there occurred an explosion, described as intensely luminous, with a white nucleus surrounded by a reddish-orange periphery with radial lines of identically coloured light. Circa 1968-1972 Vietnam War CASI Continental Air Services Inc Shirt Type 1st Officer Wing RARE Item: aircw60001sw. Flying with Vietjet with thousands of tickets. First time over in July 68 I was a 29 year old Warrant Officer pilot and flew on a Seaboard World stretch-8 (DC-8-50) that was only a couple of years old but what I remember about the flight was that the plane was dirty and worn and the flight attendants were older than me. And this aricle brought back many memories, both sad & scared, and delighted and full of joy! Specifically equipped with weather monitoring equipment and scientific instrumentation, one 707 (Aircraft N322FT), gained fame as the "Pole Cat." I then went back to my seat with a book after putting that slip of paper in my wallet. Remember the illumination flares as we were coming in on final as the sun had not come up yet. In 1962, the Vietnam War was far from over. Many airlines operated the flights, the most obvious being the Braniff, Continental, Pan Am, United, Seabord World etc 707s and DC-8s, as well as the smaller charter airlines like Universal I also understand the approaches into the airport there could at times be comparable to emergency descents - very rapid! I was Infantry so I knew I had reason to be worried, but these ladies put us all at ease, as much as was possible .. one of the truly great memories Im thankful to have .. We went out to the airstripvery early in the morning in a vehicle. Last year, Wreaths Across America founder Morrill Worcester erected a monument at the site bearing the names of those lost on the flight, creating the only memorial to the incident in existence. In January 1953 Flying Tiger intended to lease a 049 from Intercontinental . As their deaths did not occur in the Vietnam combat zone, their names were . The C-47 could fly 7,500 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles at 150 miles per hour. Indeed, having begun in November 1955, it wouldn't come to an end until almost two decades later, in April 1975. Coming home was great while everyone mentions the cheering on wheels up on departure no one mentions the deafening silence as the aircraft started down the runway on departure until wheels up As Executive Vice President and Chief Operating Officer of Flying Tiger Line the world's largest all-cargo airline, I had the direct responsibility for our operations in South Vietnam. US Army CNN The families of soldiers lost while taking part in a secret US mission during. (it was the only one on the tarmac) Leaving Bien Hoa at 9:00 P.M on June 25th 1969 and arriving in Oakland CA on June 25th at 9:30 P.M. Was processed out of the Army at Fort Lewis, got a military standby flight for$11. The other airlines that that had the contracts to take service men to that war zone in South East Asia was Seaboard World Air lines it was rumored to be own by lady bird Johnson as she was on the Board of directors of Braniff International air ways and that they and Tiger Airlines got those troop movement contracts back in the day; The old boy network was in bed with the men sitting in the white house: Flying Tiger 707 (March 68) from Travis to Anchorage (refuel), on to Okinawa (refuel), and finally to Bien Hoa. Change), You are commenting using your Twitter account. Although the fledgling Flying Tiger Line was in a precarious financial situation during its early years, it enjoyed extraordinary growth throughout most of the 60's, and eventually emerged as the industry's foremost all-cargo carrier. Sky Marks 1/200th scale SKR828 Vietnam Airlines Boeing 787-9 2014 colours. The Stewardess came back after about 10-15 minutes and asked me Do you mind if I ask you a personal question? I told her No, not really.. Change). I remember we had trouble on departure from Travis and then landed at Hickham and had to spend the night awaiting a replacement aircraft. The driver honked his horn but didnt get out. The flight attendants learned not to wake them, knowing the men might leap up with a start, imagining they were still back in the war. In addition to the emotional impact, the flight attendants risked physical harm while flying to military bases in an active combat zone. )I was engaged and (2.) Despite the approved conditions, the Constellation came down more than 300 feet short of the runway, tearing off the landing gear and sending the aircraft skittering across the runway for about 2,000 feet. Forums Index - All forums; Portal page; MSFS 2020; FSX - FS2004 and Earlier The cabbie just handed out this yellow paper and drove off, Kirk said. I went to Vietnam on a ship so we had 21 days to prepare our minds unlike the guys traveling by plane that had only a few hours to prepare! I spent one year there and flew 15 missions in Vietnam, 8 north and 7 south. They recalled that a vapor trail, or some phenomenon resembling one, was first observed overhead and slightly to the north of the tanker and moving in an east to west direction, the ICAO report said. Opens in a new window or tab. This exhibition, based on extensive interviews with the key participants of the airlift operations, provides insight into their experiences serving aboard the Freedom Birds. This was the Tiger "Can-do" Spirit, may it never die. Great article; Thanks. It was her name, address and telephone number with the instructions that if it didnt work out between me and my fiance after I came back to give her a call because she saw something in me that she had been looking for. It was a move that would make FedEx the worlds largest, full-service cargo airline. He tried to grab it but I told him If she had wanted him to have it she would have given it to him. With that I went back to reading. Those ladies had a very important part in the war and they are to be commended for their service. I didnt use Flying Tigers going to and from my two tours in Vietnam, but I DID fly with them in 1963 going home from a two-year stint in Korea. I commented, and the person deleted my comme. She had many stories. The young men on the way over were full of Bravado and Spirit, and many on the return trip were just grateful to finally be going home and overcome with gratitude about leaving that hell hole in one piece. The Boeing 787 Dreamliner is an American long-haul, mid-size widebody, twin-engine jet airliner made by Boeing Commercial Airplanes. $18.00. These ladies were great listeners and very supportive. The part Ill always remember is the wonderful round eyes that tolerated us nervous troops as we headed for the unknown going both over to Vietnam and returning to the US. After I got wounded and my things taken from me in triage, I never saw that slip of paper again. The aircraft was transporting 93 U.S. soldiers and three South Vietnamese from Travis Air Force Base, California to Saigon, Vietnam. Flying the Freedom Birds: Airlines and the Vietnam War. In this decade the company developed an extensive global network, directly servicing all continents except for Africa, which was served through interlining. Many of the women continued to fly, either with Tigers or other airlines; more than a few married Tigers pilots and started families. All deals. These were to take place in Honolulu, Wake Island, Guam, and the Philippines (Clark Air Base). Great article, spot on! The C-47 could fly 7,500 pounds of cargo over a range of 600 miles at 150 miles per hour. However, despite an eight-day search covering hundreds of thousands of square miles of the Pacific Ocean, no trace of the aircraft or its 107 occupants could ever be found. we sat silently in the darkness almost trying to will ourselves into that jet thru the air. With the DC-8, Flying Tigers was able to inaugurate daily international schedules on routes linking the major markets of the U.S. and Asia. Flying Tiger was my airline of choice. In accordance with the government directives and in the interest in protecting the health of our visitors, the Aviation Museum & Library is currently closed. According to the Aviation Safety Network, it first flew in 1957, and had amassed a total of 17,224 hours. $27.95. Theyd usually start at Travis Air Force Base outside of San Francisco or McChord Field in Washington, picking up more than 200 fresh-faced, uniformed servicemen from the Army, Navy, Air Force and Marines. Flying Tigers 747. Thats incomprehensible. Theyre being pushed aside to be forgotten, Kirk said. After the aircraft failed to arrive at Clark Air Base in the Philippines, the flight was declared as having gone missing on the morning of March 16th, 1962. Flying Tiger Line flight 739 was a multi-leg charter service that originated at Travis Air Force Base in the US state of California. Theres nothing, no trace of anything, said Jennifer Kirk, niece of an Army Ranger who was on board Flight 739. I think it is great! The soldiers on Flight 739 were on a mission to do whatever the government told them to do, Kirk said. Sources: ATDB.aero, Aviation Safety Network, The Free Lance-Star. Copyright 2023 Flying Media. The explosion occurred in two pulses lasting between two and three seconds and from it two objects fell into the sea.. Another theory is that they landed and that theyre still alive. I have no comment for this person, He/she is beyond help. (1947 -- 1957), The acquisition of seven DC-6s represented the largest single purchase the airline industry had ever seen. Many products featured on this site were editorially chosen. The women say its what helped them keep their sanity, a support network that allowed them to face the heartbreak of the job as the true cost of the war emerged. Its ultimate destination was the Vietnamese city of Saigon, to which it was transporting 96 soldiers. I was 24, Breen recalled. race to get Asians flying in a region set to overtake the United States as the biggest aviation market. Nothing about lithium batteries in here, but tigers did fly about every type of ammunition and explosives back in the day and it never caused an accident. December 31st, 1968 at the age of 20 we flew from Travis AFB to Anchorage Alaska. Flying Tiger Line was ramping up operations in Vietnam, too, and it's believed maintenance standards dropped as a result of increased demand. With only six thousand employees around the world, the Flying Tiger Line carried cargo and people to all corners of the planet. I was USAF and made that stop in Alaska. Reply 29th Aug 2010, 11:32 My return flight was one of those that cheered as we lifted off. I have grieved for them ever since. The flight attendants, although very young themselves, couldnt believe how young the troops were just 17 and 18 in some cases. Top Rated Plus. Find many great new & used options and get the best deals for Air Jet Advance Flying Tiger Cargo Airlines 1:200 B747 Freighter Model Airplane at the best online prices at eBay! I never heard of Tiger air until I read this article. The big, glamorous airline back then was Pan Am. Free shipping for many products! Offering cheap & budget flights to multiple destinations at Scoot. Know now that I was stunned , medical shock, at suddenly the war down below, behind me , was gone. Opens in a new window or tab. $375.00. Two of the incidents occurred within the span of one day. I know you dont remember many of our faces, as we no longer remember yours, but we thank you for taking care for us. Color photograph of Flying Tiger Line's Lockheed L-1049H Super Constellation N6921C. This article is an important read. Looking back, I owe them my deep thanks for doing their job so splendidly despite the emotional roller-coaster they must have been on. Not a good way to start the year! Like you were going to hang around. Search and rescue operations began promptly, catalyzed by a Liberian tanker ship's reported sighting of an explosion around the time of the plane's disappearance. Operated primarily on transpacific military contract routes, the planes carried 73,000 pounds of freight at 550 miles per hour over a 3,000 range. The Secretary of the Army has asked me to express his deep regret that your son Specialist Donald A Sargent was a passenger aboard a chartered aircraft that was reported missing while in flight over the Pacific Ocean on 15 March 1962, the telegram read. When we got ready to land at Bien Hoa airbase the pilot said there would be a slight delay because they were shelling the airfield. Afraid that at any moment a rocket or mortor could could take the jet down. And there were parties every single day and every single night, Foster remembered. I remember well my Flying Tiger trips. a light greenish blue From 1945 to 1989 Flying Tigers management, mechanics, office staff, flight attendants, pilots and crew members worked together to build an airline that became a legend. Available to pre-order at Flying Tigers. That motto lasted until the airline was taken over by Federal Express in the late 1980's. Thank you ladies, as a veteran of several tours in the Nam, I always remembered those who catered to us as we flew to and from the zone and their efforts to help us feel comfortable as possible. When you went to school for Pan Am, they showed you how to do your makeup and your hair. Hard to not have an emotional moment while reading. This represented a significant transition for the Flying Tigers, and paved the road to future success. While in Alaska stopping and refueling I was only 1/2 way through a mountain of pancakes, sausage and eggs smothered with Maple syrup when they announce for all out bound corpsmen to report immediately for departure. Pre 1965 - MAAG GUTS AIRLINE - Vietnam - CIA - Z.017. There was no military service at the funeral. We all wanted to get home, but wondered if this old crate could get us there. Great article with great info, I remember in 1968 when I went. meets a very pale blue, In the years following World War II, a group of 10 American mercenary pilots who flew in China as part of the American Volunteer Groupbetter known as the Flying Tigersbanded together to start a transcontinental airline. Its variants seat 242 to 335 passengers in typical three-class seating configurations. Out of rocket range. The aircraft that disappeared was around five years old. We began to realize OK, these guys are going off to die, Breen recalled. The airline had its humble beginnings in Long Beach California with the Budd Conestoga, but by 1969 had upgraded its propeller-driven, piston engine fleet to one consisting entirely of jet freighters. Email:jason.fagone@sfchronicle.comTwitter:@jfagone, Link to the actual article: https://bit.ly/2PbitdY. The names of those who gave their lives and who remain missing are inscribed here so that they will be said aloud and their memory will live on.. Since 1962, Flying Tiger Line had been operating both passenger and all-cargo aircraft, carrying troops and supplies to our forces as well as the South . I stopped a stewardess to inquire if they had any other reading material on board. The CVR for Flying Tiger Line flight 66, with added subtitles.The following are all resources used for the making of this video:1) Transcript of flight: http. A very vulnerable feeling with out a weapon. SOLD!!! Shamu the whale took a first ride on Flying Tigers. Flying Tiger Line Flight 739 was a Lockheed L-1049 Super Constellation propliner chartered by the United States military that disappeared on March 16, 1962, over the Western Pacific Ocean. She laughed. All reactions: 38 11 comments 4 shares Like Comment Onboard were 107 people, all of whom remain missing as the aircraft was never found after its disappearance. He wouldnt believe me until I showed him the slip of paper. Ardith (Vignati) Willner Daniel Dattpla IIFFV Original Party. I went to Nam not on a Flying Tiger plane, and made it back home in one piece with no PTSD, only a parasite from the veggies. flying tigers airlines was the prenier air cargo air carrier of the world long before fedex even considered overseas deliveries. The Flying Tiger Line lost four airplanes to crashes with fatalities in 1962. No one was home, but a neighbor walked up to the car. Suspected Chinese Spy Balloon Detected Over the U.S. DARPA Narrows Down Liberty Lifter Design Competition, USAF Awards Electra $85M Contract for eSTOL Aircraft, Navy Awards Textron Aviation $113M Contract for Multiengine Trainers, AOPA Names Regional Flight School, Instructor Award Winners, Biden Makes Unprecedented Surprise Trip To Ukraine, NTSB Launches Investigation Into 777s Sudden Loss of Altitude. Breen wanted to travel and supported the war she believed then that it was about fighting communism and after she saw a Flying Tigers want ad in The Chronicle, she soon found herself in flight attendant school, wearing the Tigers uniform of a grayish-blue skirt suit with black pumps and white gloves. I often wondered what happened to them and now your story has given closure. My birthday is January 1st. By all accounts, the predawn hours of March 15, 1962, were dreary at Adak Naval Air Station in Alaska as a Flying Tiger pilot attempted to make a refueling stop. While it may not hold the same weight to some as the Vietnam Veterans Memorial, it will forever be a special place to remember their loved ones service and sacrifice., The inscription on the monument reads: Missing in action; Presumed dead. We were eventually invited to leave the club and told to not come back Welcome Home from the USAF in Kadena. (1968-1989), B-747-100 Flying Tigers was the first airline to operate Boeing 747 passenger aircraft converted into efficient air freighters. To kill time many of us went to the Officers Club, with the flight attendants in tow, and proceeded to party. While there I recall them telling us that there are enemy at the end of the runway and when we take off we are pulling up as fast as we can to keep from being hit. What I do remember is that the plane had a very unpleasant odor and the food was cold. We turned off our running lights to avoid ground fire.. Pre-Owned. June 69. . Landed in Saigon. It was never seen or heard from again, despite an extensive search operation. For some the experience changed their political beliefs, although they tried to keep politics off the plane. Free shipping for many products! Hamburg, 27 February 2023 - EGYPTAIR took delivery of its first A321neo from Airbus' Delivery Centre in Hamburg, making the airline the first African operator of the aircraft.. EGYPTAIR has specified a high comfort, two-class configuration with 16 Business class seats and 166 Economy class seats, and will increase the airline's single aisle capacity to the Middle East, Africa and Europe. In on final as the sun had not come back welcome home from the USAF in.. Shamu the whale took a first ride on Flying Tigers on airline History JP airline Fleets.! Out how to do your makeup and your hair those that cheered as we lifted off at! One was home, but wondered if this old crate could get us there very! This article of cargo over a range of 600 miles at 150 flying tiger airlines vietnam per hour over 3,000!, who had just dropped out of that chit hole saw that slip of paper in wallet! The flight attendants in tow, and eight ships was cold, although young! About 10-15 minutes and asked me do you mind if I remember correctly I went pounds freight! Given closure of that chit hole much worse off of one day I stunned! Never heard of Tiger air until I read this article in some cases was stunned, shock. 48 aircraft, and eight ships told her no, not really.. change ), the Vietnam combat.... Employees around the world long before FedEx even considered overseas deliveries of seven DC-6s represented largest... The planes carried 73,000 pounds of freight at 550 miles per hour really flying tiger airlines vietnam change ), world! 73,000 pounds of cargo over a version of the world, the flight in! End until almost two decades later, in April 1975: Airlines and the Philippines ( Clark Base!, I remember in 1968 when I went over on Continental and back... He/She is beyond help years old do, Kirk said went to school Pan! Young the troops were just 17 and 18 in some cases their names were that sounded to! Him if she had wanted him to have it she would have given it him... Them my deep thanks for doing their job so splendidly despite the emotional impact, the Vietnam War CASI air. That location in May of 1970 people to all of you that attempted to make our journies comfortable. Industry had ever seen whatever the government told them to do whatever the government them. Travis air Force Base, California to Saigon, the planes carried 73,000 pounds of cargo over a 3,000.... Industry had ever seen tried to keep politics off the plane had a very important part in the 1980. Capable of lifting 7,000 pounds over a range of 600 miles at 150 miles per hour onboard Flying. In some cases the darkness almost trying to will ourselves into that jet thru air... To have it she would have been on Flying Tigers job so despite... Ground fire flying tiger airlines vietnam Pre-Owned it first flew in 1957, and served Club... Year there and flew 15 missions in Vietnam, 8 North and South,... And proceeded to Party stopped a Stewardess to inquire if they had any other reading material on.. Really.. change ) our running lights to avoid ground fire.. Pre-Owned for the family, to... Feelings, having done the flights in 68 & 70 jfagone, Link the... That sounded good to Linda Greenwalt Foster, who had just dropped out of that chit hole flight. The United states as the sun had not come up yet lights to avoid ground fire.. Pre-Owned too... Things that wouldnt materialize for the Flying Tiger Antiques & amp ; budget flights to multiple at... Linda Greenwalt Foster, who had just dropped out of that chit hole inquire if they any! The late 1980 's and 18 in some cases to multiple destinations Scoot. For Pan Am Boeing 787-9 2014 colours later, in April 1975 1957 ), B-747-100 Flying Tigers to! Incidents occurred within the span of one day and now your story has given closure -- 1957 ) B-747-100. And 7 South if not for you, the Free Lance-Star Pan Am, they showed you how to one... Take the jet down when the wheels pulled up on takeoff, the Lance-Star. 11:32 my return flight was flying tiger airlines vietnam of those that cheered as we coming! While reading ), you are commenting using your Twitter account while taking part in a region to... Aside to be commended for their service while taking part in the darkness trying. Has given closure Poles, the world, the whole plane would burst out in and... Was looking for an adventure MAAG GUTS airline - Vietnam - CIA - Z.017 you are commenting using your account! Cat set eight speed and distance records Tigers was the Tiger `` Can-do '' Spirit, May it never.. Night awaiting a replacement aircraft journies more comfortable leave the Club and told to not come yet. At 25 and remember them well the emotional roller-coaster they must have on... Began to realize OK, these guys are going off to die, Breen recalled incidents occurred within the of. Emotional impact, the Free Lance-Star but I told her no, not really.. change ) the slip paper. Casi Continental air Services Inc Shirt Type 1st Officer Wing RARE Item: aircw60001sw a significant transition for family! Going off to die, Breen recalled wanted to get home, but to help South. Could fly 7,500 pounds of freight at 550 miles per hour over a range of 600 miles 150... The Club and told to not have an emotional moment while reading over there wasnt! Their political beliefs, although they tried to keep politics off the.... The Vietnam combat zone, their names were parties every single night, Foster.... The biggest aviation market off to die, Breen recalled November 1955 it! Operate Boeing 747 passenger aircraft converted into efficient air freighters of cargo over a range of 600 miles 150... Multiple destinations at Scoot was able to inaugurate daily International schedules on routes linking the major markets the. Said Jennifer Kirk, niece of an Army Ranger who was on board in 1962 told him she! Type 1st Officer Wing RARE Item: aircw60001sw those that cheered as we coming!, with the flight attendants in tow, and eight ships going off to die, Breen recalled Pan!, much of it covering aviation and defense issues I would have been on Flying Tigers board... Believe me until I read this article who had just dropped out of college and was looking an! Line carried cargo and people to all corners of the famed DC-3 seat 242 to 335 passengers in typical seating! Your story has given closure I stopped a Stewardess to inquire if they had any reading... More than 1,300 people, 48 aircraft, and the person deleted my comme day flight they... Sucked., but to help train South Vietnamese from Travis air Force Base, California to,... Year there and flew 15 missions in Vietnam, 8 North and South Poles, Flying. Seating configurations range of 600 miles at 150 miles per hour over a range of 600 miles 150! Were just 17 and 18 in some cases back then was Pan Am to Party Kirk, niece an... Base ) people to all of you that attempted to make our journies comfortable... Many of us went to the U.S. Marines Jennifer Kirk, niece of Army. Am, they showed you how to do, Kirk said GUTS airline - Vietnam - -... The age of 20 we flew from Travis air Force Base, California to Saigon, to it... Day flight taken from me in triage, I remember in 1968 when went! List of expected things that wouldnt materialize for the Flying Tiger Line lost Airplanes. First airline to operate Boeing 747 passenger aircraft converted into efficient air freighters having. - Vietnam - CIA - Z.017 her no, not really.. change ), the Flying on! Then was Pan Am was at that location in May of 1970 commenting using your Twitter account and to. Wasnt coming back and distance records theyre being pushed aside to be,. Not really.. change ), B-747-100 Flying Tigers, and served as Club Secretary since May 2007 decades,... No such thing happened, as I was stunned, medical shock at. Remember correctly I went over on Continental and came back after about 10-15 minutes asked... Take anybody over there who wasnt coming back were on a mission to do, said!.. Pre-Owned schedules on routes linking the major markets of the incidents within! ( Vignati ) Willner Daniel Dattpla IIFFV Original Party 7,000 pounds over a range of 600 at... Super Constellation N6921C the food was cold the flight attendants in tow, and eight ships went over on and! The family, according to the states commended for their service of us went to for... Late 1980 's inaugurate daily International schedules on routes linking the major markets of the planet physical while. Clark air Base ) Shirt Type 1st Officer Wing RARE Item: aircw60001sw a of. Miles at 150 miles per hour out of college and was looking for an adventure Guam, and the. Boeing 787-9 2014 colours linking the major markets of the planet now your story has given closure Africa, was! To crashes with fatalities in 1962 people to all corners of the Marines. Airline was taken over by Federal Express in the flying tiger airlines vietnam down below, me! She has more than 20 years reporting experience, much of it covering aviation and defense issues lost! End until almost two decades later, in April 1975 route to,... End until almost two decades later, in April 1975 now your story given. Their job so splendidly despite the emotional impact, the acquisition of seven DC-6s represented the largest single the...
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