A harrowing story of bravery that highlights two Vietnam-era fighter pilots everlasting bond of brotherhood.  

Many members of the military are rightly branded with the tag “hero.”  This story goes beyond even that lofty status.

In short, a pilot and co-pilot put their lives on the line to perform a risky maneuver to rescue their squadron’s wounded plane from going down behind enemy lines.  The margin of error was miniscule, but the odds were beaten to escape the North Vietnamese.

Peril was not easily overcome outside the boundary of Victor Charlie.  The aircraft ended up ditched in Laos which also was in the midst of conflict.  All four men in the two aircraft were eventually rescued because of the story now classified as the “Pardo Push.”

This moniker gained more traction years later because of one of the survivor’s diagnosis of ALS.

See this incredible tale described by John Mollison and his interview with Bob Pardo who eventually received the Silver Star for his exploits.

See the full story at oldguysandtheirairplanes.com

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