259: When the Call Comes, You Go. w/ South Vietnamese Kingbee Pilot, Capt Nguyen Quy An
Dec 9, 2020
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Captain Nguyen Quy An, a heroic South Vietnamese Air Force pilot and recipient of the Silver Star, shares gripping tales from the Vietnam War alongside John Stryker Meyer, a seasoned Special Forces member. They discuss the high-stakes bravery involved in rescue missions, contrasting the King Bee and Huey helicopters, and recount their intense personal experiences under fire. Capt An also reveals his harrowing journey from military injuries to life as a refugee, emphasizing resilience and the indomitable spirit of those who serve in war.
Captain Ahn's daring rescue mission exemplified extraordinary bravery under fire, showcasing the strong bonds among soldiers and pilots.
The escalating tension faced by the extraction team highlighted the relentless dangers of combat and the necessity for swift action.
The unwavering commitment to one another during the operation illustrated the profound honor and responsibility shared by those in combat.
Deep dives
Immediate Combat Challenges
The team encountered immediate danger when incoming mortar fire struck just as extraction choppers were called. Godwin swiftly calculated the mortar's coordinates, allowing A1Es to respond effectively, launching deadly napalm to slow the advancing NVA. Despite this effort, the NVA continued their assault, forcing the team to remain vigilant as they awaited extraction. The tension mounted as Covey reported heavy enemy movement toward the landing zone, emphasizing the need for the team to act quickly to survive.
The Fight for Survival
As the team hunkered down, they faced relentless attacks from the NVA, who crept closer through the elephant grass. Covey provided air support, directing air strikes that inflicted significant damage on the opposing forces. Despite taking casualties, the gunships continued to engage, demonstrating incredible bravery under fire. The team understood that their position was precarious, with dwindling ammunition and no cover against the massing enemy troops.
Allies in the Air
The Ray of hope for the team came when Covey informed them that the South Vietnamese Air Force's 219th Squadron was deploying a legendary King Bee to assist in their rescue. The anticipation for the King Bee's arrival filled the team with hope, knowing the reputation of its pilots for their daring missions. Escorted by Marine helicopter gunships known as Scarface, the operation intensified as they prepared to extract the team under fire. However, Covey cautioned that the extraction would be exceptionally risky, with the enemy still heavily engaged in the area.
A Last-Ditch Extraction Effort
As night approached, the team braced for a complicated extraction with a limited window for success. The atmosphere grew tense as Watkins communicated last-minute instructions to the team, ensuring they were ready for the helicopter's arrival. As the King Bee descended into the combat zone under heavy fire, everyone on the ground held their breath, knowing that any mistake could lead to disastrous consequences. Nevertheless, the King Bee's pilot, Captain Ahn, executed a flawless maneuver, hovering low to safely load the team amidst the chaos.
Heroism and Sacrifice Under Fire
While conducting the daring extraction, Captain Ahn displayed remarkable composure, even as bullets struck the helicopter. The surreal scene unfolded as members of RT Lyon boarded the King Bee, escaping the grasp of certain death together. The team's commitment to each other, seen through their preparations and brave actions, contrasted sharply with the horrors of the battlefield around them. This sight exemplified the dedication and heroism displayed by both the ground team and their aerial support, each risking their lives to save the other.
Reflections on Service and Legacy
Upon successful extraction, the members of RT Lyon reflected on their harrowing experience and the incredible bravery witnessed during the operation. Captain Ahn's willingness to fly solo into a deadly zone highlighted the exceptional character of pilots who risked everything to assist soldiers on the ground. Each story shared in the podcast underscored the strong bonds formed under fire and the sacrifices made by those committed to freedom. Overall, the narratives reveal the profound honor and responsibility carried by them all, leaving a lasting impression on their legacy and camaraderie.
