Programs

Historic Hercules Retired

Posted 18 August 2011
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Photo by Michelle Gigante

A C-130E Hercules that saw one of the greatest feats of airmanship during the Vietnam War was retired at the National Museum of the US Air Force at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, on 18 August 2011. During an ammunition delivery mission to An Loc, South Vietnam, on 15 April 1972, the aircraft (Air Force serial number 62-1787) was severely damaged by ground fire. The loadmaster, SSgt. Charlie Shaub, jettisoned the burning cargo and extinguished a fire. The pilot, Capt. William Caldwell, flew the aircraft and landed on two engines. Both crewmembers were awarded the Air Force Cross for their actions. The C-130 was last assigned to the 189th Airlift Wing, the Arkansas Air National Guard unit at Little Rock AFB.

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