What started out as just another routine day turned out to be the most unforgettable day in my life. It was in March 1973 and I was a Boeing 727 flight engineer flying out of Yokota AB, Japan.

We had a contract to fly passengers, cargo, and the Star and Stripes military newspaper, all over the Far East from Japan to Korea, Okinawa, the Philippines, Taiwan, Bangkok, and Viet Nam. We also flew the Boeing 707 from the States to the Far East. I spent over six years flying in and out of the Far East, so there are many stories I could tell. But this one tops them all.

That day we left Yokota to deliver the paper to Korea, and ended up at Clark AB. We were to return to Yokota to complete our day of flying. When we landed at Clark AB and went in to file our flight plan back to Yokota we were told the base was closed. It was early afternoon and we didn't understand the problem until we were told it was because of a VIP flight.

We were lounging outside around the terminal building when the buses carrying school children started to arrive. School was out and they were all waving American flags It was like the 4th of July. At this point we were told it was for the flight from Hanoi with our POW's aboard. We were the only aircraft on the ramp as I recall, and the C-141 taxied right up next to our plane. We had a ringside seat. There was no civilian press allowed and it was the most beautiful sight to see the guys coming off the plane. There were tears coming down my face and I really didn't care. I was just overwhelmed and it is a sight I carry with me always, the proudest day of my life. I didn't realize I was watching history being made, only that to me this was my day in the sun. I thank God I was in the right place at the right time.I have flown many VIPs, but this day was my day. I fly the flag every March 14th in honor of all these great Americans.

I am told by my buddy Bill Broomhall, a volunteer at the National Museum of the USAF, that the C-141 Hanoi Taxi is there. I hope people that go there know the history that plane made, and for me to know that I was standing next to it on that day in March is my reward. I am so proud to be an American.

USAF

The Hanoi Taxithe ultimate “freedom bird”

Return with Honor: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia. When the aircraft left the ground, the POWs knew they really were free.

Joe Ciavardone USAF

USAF