The crew of Stinger 41 launched from Bien Hoa Air Base, Vietnam, on what would become one of the most daring AC-119K gunship missions of the war. Conducted in daylight over the most heavily defended city in South Vietnam, the mission was exceptionally dangerous for the black-painted gunship, designed for low, slow, nighttime operations.

Fully aware of the risks, the ten-man crew volunteered to destroy a critically mis-dropped pallet of ammunition. Upon entering the target area, they faced intense 37mm anti-aircraft fire. Repeated attempts to engage the target were met with withering ground fire. On their final pass, the aircraft took direct hits to its right wing, destroying both engines. The right landing gear deployed involuntarily; fire trailed the aircraft. With limited control, the pilots fought to keep it airborne while the rear crew prepared to bail out.

The pilot gave the order to abandon ship. Seven crew members parachuted into enemy jungle. Thirty seconds before impact, at just 300 feet, the pilot told the copilot to evacuate. The copilot jumped, sustained injuries requiring 50 stitches, and survived. The aircraft then rolled and crashed—killing three. Seven survived.

With four hours of daylight remaining and deep in hostile territory, the crew’s ordeal continued. Drawing on survival training and supported by two forward air controllers and a combat search and rescue team, the survivors were rescued at dusk in what is believed to be one of the largest such operations of the war.

Within days, the pilot was posthumously recommended for the Medal of Honor and awarded the Air Force Cross—the service’s second-highest decoration—on May 22, 1972. Award recommendations for the surviving crew were submitted but lost amidst the squadron’s deactivation and the drawdown of U.S. air operations in Vietnam. Their commanders expected approval. Had the original awards not been lost, the heroism displayed would almost certainly have been recognized.