Marine Pilot Steals Helicopter - Instant Regret!

[@pilot-debrief]

Chuck probably never regretted his decision, but the sniper he took out certainly regretted Chuck was at work that day! This is not your typical pilot debrief talking about an aviation mishap. I felt it was time to share a story about a pilot that broke all the rules and actually saved lives and I hope you enjoy the video! If you'd like to see more aviation stories where a pilot saves lives, let me know!

[@jaws848]

Yes please hoover

[@Jimmer-Space88]

Remarkable story, even more remarkable storyteller

[@aprilfisher8030]

Yes Hoover. Great story and well done.

[@ak2nda695]

That is an awesome story. What a true hero he was.

[@robynperdieu3434]

​@@jaws848I 2nd that motion! 🇺🇲🦅⚔️⚖️

[@murraystewartj]

Great problem solving! This determined Marine did everything in the correct order: aviate, navigate, apologize for stealing the aircraft.

[@kevinthegerbil2708]

🤣😂True.

[@kimberlywoodbury1739]

Aviate, navigate, complete the mission, apologize for stealing the aircraft.

[@empireoflizards]

Good one!

[@MothaLuva]

I don’t get this „apologize for stealing the aircraft“ part. He didnt steal anything. He borrowed an airplane, at best.

[@spvillano]

Well, bad enough to steal the bird, but he did one thing that frequently puts officers in prison, violated the Posse Comitatus Act. Military are prohibited by law from acting in any form of law enforcement capacity without direct and specific orders from local, state and federal officials after a state of emergency that disables local governmental functions is declared. That's a direct response to Reconstruction. That all said, prosecution is up to both civilian and military authorities and frankly, in his commander's shoes, I'd have not saw anything, as I forgot my hearing aids that day.

[@Melanie-Shea]

“Leave my boy alone!” Was absolutely the best and funniest part of the whole thing. 😂

[@RKDriver]

Translated: "Or you'll be manning a radar tower in north Alaska by the end of the day."

[@577buttfan]

Chuck pretty much knew they where gunna back him anyway lol :)

[@maxnjax7294]

gave me a chuckle too

[@razorfett147]

The amazing part is that even IF the court martial had gone forward, Chuck wouldve gladly accepted his punishment without an ounce of regret. The guy was just built different

[@420noscopesonlylol6]

A man understands his actions have consequences even if you are morally justified. It is not a hard choice. The hard part is having the skills to back up your decision.

[@trith72]

Yeah but it was never going forward. The optics for the military would have shut down recruiting for the next 30 years....

[@Dime_time333]

The textbook definition of that is conviction.

[@RussJAlan]

A court marshall is what they call a trial in a military courtroom. The accused has a military defense attorney from the base legal office. Court marshall does not mean thrown out of the military with a dishonorable discharge, but if convicted in the court marshall, the judge will sentence the convicted, which still does not mean a discharge.

[@ozman6602]

No not built different just a man doing what he had to do he's a freaking marine not like today it's almost a crime to be a man toxic masculinity bullshit if you're a straight male you're the outsider that's what our government is about now pander to the LGBT transgender this country this world is going to shit.

[@spykewyn8395]

I think it's safe to say Chuck was a certified badass.

[@isabellind1292]

I don't think Chuck had any "instant regret" about it.

[@peterbellwood5412]

Is.

[@zakelwe]

Chuck, a very appropriate name ....

[@anniioakley9765]

The standard! You want in the bad ass club? Match this…

[@floodruckus]

Amen!

[@FaithInHisBloodOrg]

I was an infantry combat soldier in the mountain jungles of the the A-Shau Valley in Vietnam. I have many stories of Army Vietnam helicopter pilots. Here, I will simply say, their bravery and flying skills still amaze me to this very day. I am very grateful to them for what they did for the common soldier and for the countless lives they saved.

[@ak2nda695]

Thank you for your service. I'm sorry you had to go through that hell. I have a friend who was a door gunner in Vietnam. My son interviewed him for a school project two years ago. He shared a lot of stories and had a lot of pictures. He talked about it like it was yesterday. He didn't break down. It was all I could do to hold back tears. I know without doubt, at almost 80, he would do anything he could to defend our country. Merry Christmas soldier, you rock!!

[@FaithInHisBloodOrg]

@@ak2nda695 Thank you! One quick story... One rainy dark night we had several badly wounded soldiers close to death. The weather was to bad for helicopters to fly, yet, a medivac crew volunteered to try. The helicopter found us in the mountain jungles, and got those wounded men out. Absolutely amazing! Vietnam combat helicopter pilots are my heroes!

[@DebbieOnTheSpot]

For you suckers that didnt go, like me.. Read " The Price of Exit " by vietnam war pilot Tom Marshall.

[@craigpennington1251]

My draft # was 36. But I will still read it.@@DebbieOnTheSpot

[@twocyclediesel1280]

Thank you for what you did over there Sir. Yes, those pilots were amazing. I love listening to their stories, not that they ever talk much about themselves. It’s always what the other guy did. Average age of an Army Huey pilot was like 20. Amazing. Glad you made it back and welcome home!

[@bingbruce4865]

I was actually a kid living there in New Orleans when this happened. I remember watching it on TV. Great story and Chuck is a real hero. He was willing to sacrifice his life and future to save people from harm. I also understand the military's position. There was a incredible liability on them for chucks actions, but I am glad it ended the way it did.

[@spvillano]

It's more than a liability, Congress passed the Posse Comitatus Act, ending Reconstruction. That prohibits the military from acting in any form of police capacity, save under some highly specific conditions and well, a sniper on a hotel roof isn't government disabling. That said, we also expect prosecutors and commanding officers to exercise discretion. Otherwise, we might as well just appoint robots to replace them.

[@john-ic5pz]

Boston Dynamics is working on the robots. 😣

[@TheCatLady65]

The stone cold killer was a hero? Jesus, get your morals right!

[@bingbruce4865]

@@TheCatLady65 Jesus, get your story right. Chuck was the pilot. Didn't you watch the video? Go feed your cats you freak.

[@timbeach2409]

I lived on the navel support activity next to the river then. My dad flew c130's at the marine base. I new his son Chuck pitman Jr. We would swim at the pool on base.

[@markwood9755]

“Sometimes it’s more effective to ask for forgiveness, than to ask for permission” This was certainly one of those occasions.

[@lollycopter]

I know that phrase as: "It's easier to beg for forgiveness than to ask for permission."

[@Mcgregor854]

Nicely done, instead of you telling the story, you let the story come to life on it's own. Great channel!

[@MasteringSilence]

Welcome home sir.

[@daveyjoseph6058]

@@MasteringSilence home is where the debrief is

[@FatRescueSwimmer04]

I got to meet Chuck a few years back at GE's Veterans Events (we had Heroes like Chuck come and speak every year) and man what a guy!!!

[@Zacl-l]

Very cool

[@TheCatLady65]

How is a murderer of women and children a "hero"?

[@JT0007]

Semper Fi 🫡🇺🇸🦅

[@JT0007]

@@TheCatLady65from the river to the sea, 🇮🇱 is the only flag you’ll see 🫡🇺🇸🇮🇱🇬🇧

[@tacubs]

Listening to Charles tell his story brought tears to my eyes. A very humble, brave human being. Thank you Hoover for sharing this story.

[@H3liosphan]

Amazing story, I've never heard it before, Chuck was a one of a kind hero, all due respect. Unfortunately he died in 2020. I was still young when this happened. Any more stories like this would be great!

[@TheCatLady65]

A murderer of women and children, a stone-cold killer, is a "hero"?

[@legionx4046]

@@TheCatLady65the fuck are you on.?

[@jupite1888]

As an Australian who has been in the Military it would have been such a honour to Salute him, That is a Hero

[@davidhanak2767]

What have we got in australia. Not much

[@williammrdeza9445]

Great account, Hoover! I think Lt. Colonel Pitman made the right call, at tremendous personal risk. I am so glad reason prevailed over regulations and he was recognized for his selfless act of bravery and community service.

[@pilot-debrief]

I agree 100%

[@spvillano]

In part regulations, the commander was also likely looking at a century old Act of Congress that ended Reconstruction, the Posse Comitatus Act. That said, I'd have rolled the dice myself, as civilian lives were under threat. I'm just surprised that it took a congresscritter raining on SecDef's parade to get them to exercise some frigging command discretion after a brief consultation with counsel. If the civilian government is then unhappy with that discretion, the federal prosecutor can file charges of Act violation and get the DoJ budget adjusted by Congress to $1.98 for the following year.

[@kevinthegerbil2708]

A Hero indeed, I salute that man. I was told that if you are foolish enough to upset a marine then he WILL find you at ANY cost, never give up, and then proceed to spoil your day. Absolute respect. Kevin UK.

[@suecobandito8954]

Then Col. Pittman was CO of the Marines at Pensacola when I arrived for flight training. I have his signature on a set of orders. So during Primary flying T-28B's at Whiting, we'd all blow off steam, Fridays, at McGuires Pub. The Col. was usually there. Anyway we became chums. One day in Advanced training later in TX, a knock on my BOQ door and there was now Brig. Gen. Chuck Pittman. I said congratulations, Sir. He said let's hit the O'Club for a drink. We caught up on things. He went to 4th MAW as CO, I believe. Great guy. Of course he was a legend and an iconoclast. Good video.

[@genedandy]

Never heard this story before. Thank you for posting!

[@RNP69]

Love the story of Chuck !!!!!!!! Seems like a GREAT guy !!!!!

[@cmdrriotz5283]

Brings home the saying, “Improvise, adapt, overcome." I'd say he did so very well.

[@beanotraffini681]

My dad was a U.S. Marine, who served with distinction in WW II, and the best of them never quit...

[@babygrrlpc5057]

This was AWESOME, Hoover. People uninvolved with resolving problems are rarely able to comprehend the character and tactics of those who are. This guy is a bona fide hero. A lot of people know only what the media has told them about Blackwater, but some of those guys are good friends of mine and I can tell you this, when there were Americans in trouble, they did whatever they had to do, and laid down their own lives when necessary, to save the butts of the diplomats and bosses who made poor decisions and got our people in Dutch. I’ve watched many prosecutions over the years of heroes persecuted (or worse) for succeeding where others failed. What a great guy. What a great story. I’m about to share this with all my crayon-eating friends 😁. Thanks again for an excellent production, and for sharing a story that should never be lost to history. If I don’t get another chance to say it - MERRY CHRISTMAS!!

[@wilsjane]

Here in he UK, it is not uncommon for the military to help immediately at times of national disaster, particularly in event of flooding where bridges have been washed away. They have not only rescued people from rooftops, but at the same time their highly trained medics have saved many lives. I have never heard of a case where they had to wait for orders from the government who only work office hours. In such situations, police and other emergency services welcome all the help they can get. Since we are not at war with anyone, it is good training for the military and that is how the government sees it. At sea, the British navy will go to the assistance of any ship when lives are at risk, regardless of its country of origin. Even Russian ships have been helped over the years and the sailors know that they will be returned home ASAP. Such incidents are not made public. As a country that believes in democracy, the US has some funny ways or seeing things. But at the end of the day it always seems to work out fine.

[@affordablevoices]

I agree with both you guys. What I do see clearly is men and women helping those who need help. I must add though that those diplomats mentioned get good men and women killed and think nothing about it.

[@gazzarafalemozzy4766]

in this situation the red tape prevented saving lives..

[@wilsjane]

@@gazzarafalemozzy4766 A good point, since no 2 rescue situations are ever the same. The UK police help situations where their is doubt, by telling officers that in an emergency they are accepted as on duty 24/7 anywhere in the country.

[@daminalspal]

Lmao

[@youview5023]

Great story Hoover, another great debrief. The epitome of a brave hero, after getting hit by a 50 cal., which is large, aprox. round the size of a quarter, yet he continues to fly. Anyone that was shot down 7 times in Nam means that they were sticking their neck out for the Marines on the ground, and, as a combat Marine, I can fully appreciate this sacrifice and risk he took two help others. Thank you to all service pilots, Semper Fi.

[@spvillano]

A bit over a quarter long, half inch across and entirely a day ruiner for anyone not named Superman. You're talking around 650 grains of pissed off copper jacketed lead or steel at the speed of sound, the helicopter not slowing the round down much at all.

[@davidp2888]

I like how you laid the foundation for the story and let him tell it.

[@Jerry-Jardorc69]

1,200 COMBAT missions! Shouldn’t be possible to court Marshall that man, he’s paid any current or future dues

[@jimmyjames_yt]

Government don’t care about cannon fodder

[@terrylandess6072]

They have (had) a saying in the military, but I'll just go with the civilian version: 'It takes many good deeds to build a good reputation, and only one bad one to lose it.' If that one bad deed affect you personally - you wouldn't give a shit about all the good ones.

[@alisterbuhler1544]

Respect to Lt General Pittman ...clearly a person who could focus on the mission, and get it done, regardless of the challenges he faced.

[@mikefougere]

"Leave my boy alone" . When common cense overrules office heroes.

[@TheHaratashi]

Actually it's sense not cense.

[@pamelaremel7477]

@@TheHaratashi OOPS!!! Spelling Police on duty! WHY would you call someone out for this on a public forum!?

[@daveyjoseph6058]

@@pamelaremel7477 WHY WOULD SOMEONE SAY "COMMON CENSE" ON A PUBLIC FORM!?

[@ShannonPost1]

A remarkable story told by an excellent story teller. Hoover is a talented writer who really knows how to weave a story together, making it clear and compelling.

[@jamesb.armstrong5433]

Definition of a hero.

[@livelyupmyself1]

With a little mix of Chad.

[@tangojuli209]

A very interesting departure from accident autopsy. Only wish it was longer. Thanks for this.

[@YahWay.]

There's lots on KZbin about this guy, he's not hiding in neither is his story

[@davidpawson7393]

In 1982 a US Park Police pilot used the helicopter he was assigned to during a blizzard with an extremely low cloud base to save Air Florida flight 90 survivors after the passenger jet slammed into the 14th St Bridge and subsequently disappearing in the ice covered Potomac River. He too used rivers, Anacostia and Potomac, rivers along with interstate 395 to navigate to the crash site just North of National Airport's main runway. My father had boarded that flight but complications from a recent, first of 42 years worth, cancer related surgery and not wanting to inconvenience other passengers caused him to exit and catch a later flight but chose to come home.

[@safeinmyheart1]

Amazing. Thank you so much for sharing! 💜

[@chris2790]

I was 8 years old when that plane crash happened. Dr Liddel, my pediatrician, was on that flight and tragically lost his life. Very nice guy, I was sad to know he was dead and I'd never see him again.

[@DamplyDoo]

Great story. No good deed goes unpunished. Especially when government is involved

[@richardkatz8713]

The secretary of Defense is a part of the government. The government did the right thing in the end. I'm sure a prior authorization from an non-government insurance company would have been worse.

[@spvillano]

@@richardkatz8713 it isn't insurance, it's the clear violation of the Posse Comitatus Act. And SecDef reminded that command that commanders exist for the purpose of the exercise of discretion and oh, please don't piss off the people who write our budget for next year, goddammitalltohell.

[@jtdavis62]

I was a 10-year-old kid in New Orleans in 1973, and I vividly remember this event. Thanks for an excellent history.

[@realkenpriest]

Change the damn title! "Marine Pilot Steals Helicopter - NO Regrets!"

[@billjobes1851]

What a Great yarn, so masterfully told, Hoover ! After all Chuck Pitman did, risking his life to save others, there just had to be some pencil-pushing knucklehead deep in the military bureaucracy who just had to try and dethrone the hero. But justice prevailed and Chuck went on to earn some stars for his shoulders. Yes, please keep telling stories where pilots save lives.

[@BamaCyn]

Exactly what I was thinking. You stated it perfectly. I remember this event and story. Definition of a hero.

[@dR00Ck]

Thanks for sharing this story, Chuck is a true American hero!

[@bittnerbs]

Semper Fi. I had heard this story before, but not in this detail, and not in Chuck’s words.

[@Mrsournotes2]

I hadn’t heard this. Kudos to Marine Chuck and everyone. Thanks so much for posting this video!

[@riverwildcat1]

Fantastic story of selfless heroism . Patriots with exceptional courage and integrity! 🇺🇸✝️🦁God bless you and yours, too.

[@alpinweiss]

It's kind of like a good thing there isn't an endless stream of crashes to debrief on and you can make this type of videos as well. I really appreciate your videos! Cheers from the Finnish air force

[@Brian-----]

🇺🇸 we are so lucky we have men of courage and initiative like him who serve - thank you Chuck

[@aimandjulian3195]

Great story and a great pilot

[@flyyhighhr]

This is one of those stories that make me proud to be an American

[@blakejames9952]

This guy was and is a hero, and this was a great video..

[@tomobrien3621]

Silver Star. Four Distinguished Flying Crosses. Bronze Star. Purple Heart. 65 Air Medals. General, none of us are worthy to be in your presence. Thank you for your distinguished service to this country. Speechless.

[@aquaprofile]

He’s not Jesus, relax.

[@tomobrien3621]

Nope. But he is a legend.

[@mikekennedy4572]

A true hero, amazing initiative.

[@scopex2749]

From a fellow vet OUTSTANDING SIR - THANK YOU for your service. Marines dont just stand by and watch - they grab the ball and RUN for a touchdown!

[@atreyuprincipalh4043]

Heroes like this lengends are so much needed at this time in our history,May God bless all our Military police and fire Rescue personnel ❤

[@valeriebumblebee7607]

How have I never heard of this story?!?

[@MarieAntoinetteandherlittlesis]

Exactly!! I’ve heard less important stories multiple times.

[@vincentdow5899]

Some bad optics. It’s not the kind of narrative *they* want.

[@thomasbarrett3175]

Great story about a real hero. Thanks for sharing.

[@thesmokydig]

a man's man when a marine always goes above and beyond for his fellow man wished we still had a country full of such real men with backbone of steel and granite

[@campushillchurch]

Chuck Pitman is a legend~!

[@abbefaria5518]

Charles "Chuck" Pittman you are a hero. God bless you for your bravery in saving lives. You are an inspiration to all true Americans. Semper fi. Not a surprise that the military wanted to reprimand you for saving innocent lives. Great story - thank you!

[@sonoftherepublic9792]

Hoover, what excellent storytelling and interesting insight into this event. You have a gift and have found a great new niche. Please do more like this. Best from Texas.

[@jeffnorred65]

I have a similar story. I was stationed at Camp Casey and it was a particularly bad monsoon season. The commanding general ordered all personnel to stay on base. My shop foreman had a girlfriend downtown and was worried about her. During the course of events, he left the compound and ended up saving 15 Korean nationals from drowning in a gully. The Army was in the process to Court Martial him when he was awarded South Korea's highest metal given to a civilian for bravery. My foreman wasn't aware of it at the time but he saved the life of the mayor's daughter and he was recognized for bravery on Korea's national television. So much for the court-martial. It is heartwarming to know there are good people that will break the rules to do the right thing. By the way, he never saw his girlfriend that day.

[@Shogun459]

Good Story. Nice break from watching people making often fatal mistakes.

[@rickybobby7986]

Thank you, Hoover! This was a story SO needed to be told! Lt-Gen. Pitman is a genuine hero! I'm an USAF vet from the mid '80's but I trained with Marines, and they are truly the Cream of the Crop! A Marine NEVER LEAVES A MAN BEHIND and a Marine Does Whatever is Needed to Accomplish the Mission! How could you not be in awe of that? It's interesting that his name is Chuck. He reminds me of another Chuck I grew up admiring immensely. One who was true to the uniform he wore but had the sense to bend (maybe even slightly break) the rules when it meant accomplishing the mission. Perhaps you've heard of him. His name is Gen. Chuck Yeager. Again, Thank you! I'm a huge fan and look forward to all of your videos!

[@chucktx5957]

Great story! What a hero! Thanks!!!!

[@jabomiles6947]

"leave my boy ALONE!!!! Awesome words and rightfully spoken. Semper Fi Chuck!

[@Tobias_Kevorkazito]

I was in grade 3 when this happened and it blew my mind then. Great presentation man 🥊

[@markstone1619]

I remember this like it was yesterday. I was 19 at the time, living just on the other side of Lake Pontchartrain from New Orleans when this was ongoing. It played live all day on the TV, and myself and another relative (deputized in another parish) considered going down there to help out, as we both were very skilled at shooting at a range of 600-800 yards and had the rifles capable of doing so. We just kept shaking our heads at all the cops on the street firing 17 floors upward from ground level with 4" barrel 38's, but we smiled ear to ear when we saw (who we later discovered to be) LT Col Chuck Pitman arrive and engage in the incident in his CH46. Sadly, Chuck passed a few years ago. RIP soldier.

[@markstone1619]

@_PilotDebrief- No, pathetic imposter.

[@rvnmedic1968]

@@markstone1619 What? Who?

[@charlescz1974]

Thanks for this amazing story! Takes exceptional man with exceptional courage do the right thing; consequences or not!

[@jon-helgramite2478]

Following Operation Eagle Claw (attempted Iranian Hostage Rescue) where he lead the aviation element, the then Colonel Pitman was CO, MATSG Pensacola in 1981 when I was in flight school. A short 5 years later I flew with LtGen Pitman in A-6s a bunch when he was CG, 1st MAW in WestPac. Amazing pilot. Inspirational leader. Great American.

[@gregoryberg5806]

I met him at AI in 1990 when I was there for AI.

[@JFirn86Q]

What a great story I never knew about, thanks for sharing it here. What a guy.

[@wordcoffee101]

I’m from New Orleans and I’ve never heard this story. I just asked my grandma if she remembers this and she did as clear as day.

[@adrianalexandrov7730]

reminded how SAS rescued their 2 captured fellows in Basra in 2015. The London told them to stand down, but about 20 SAS operators, and 40 paratroopers from the Special Forces Support Group flew into Basra, took the police building, found out captives were moved, stormed the building they were moved to. And the SAS command stood for their people, threatening to resign if they'd be court martialed.

[@Robert-ck7nm]

A great story of an American hero! There's nothing more inspiring than seeing a gifted aviator harnessing his talent, courage, free will, and concern for others to stop an urban terrorist attacking his community. I salute you, Lt. Pitman!

[@mthirschberg]

The Coast Guard didn't/doesn't have authority or jurisdiction for a criminal sniper mission in a US city.

[@robertbarel896]

reading what you wrote shows me why we need people like Chuck around us . I guess the black guy would have been in the tower until this very day had we only have people like you handling things ,

[@randywl8925]

Ive heard of this, but no real details. Thank you for telling the detailed story. What a fantastic American.

[@pollylewis9611]

This is great Hoover, we need more "Chucks" to get the job done, yes, I enjoyed this type of story and also your other's too, thank you for your input!

[@NorwayT]

⭐⭐⭐⭐⭐ BRILLIANT Pilot Debrief! I would love to see these types of videos from time to time! What a guy! SALUTE to Lt Col "Chuck" Pitman!

[@johnrenoveillon3841]

I grew up in NOLA and remember that incident transpiring. Props to the Marine!

[@charlesschneiter]

"Sometimes you got to do what you got to do". That really says it all! Thanks Hoover for this debrief about an unsung hero!

[@rogerrees9845]

What a brave man.... Thank you for another interesting video..... Roger.... Pembrokeshire UK

[@pilot-debrief]

Absolutely!

[@Jimbo-in-Thailand]

I barely remember this sniper story from when I was a young 334th TFS F-4E crew chief deployed TDY to the 8th TFW at Ubon RTAFB under Pres. Nixon's Linebacker I aerial campaign. I didn't know the outcome so this is quite interesting. LOL I'm certainly not surprised that Lt. Col. Pitman's superiors wanted to 'reward' his heroic deed with a court martial, to cover their own butts of course! Oh well, those were the days. Merry Christmas from Thailand!

[@oneblach]

Never heard of it. Thank you for sharing.

[@alistairross4317]

This was a great video! A departure from the normal but definitely a story that needed to be told. What a legend. RIP Chuck.

[@MavHunter20XX]

Never expected? No, I think he knew there would be consequences. As a military leader and knowing your capabilities, having gone through war, somethings are worth getting court martialed for. Careers are worth less than lives, in my opinion. Some military/gov't leaders today may demonstrate otherwise.

[@lucasmurphy-cj7ti]

Can’t believe I hadn’t heard this story before. Thanks for sharing!!

[@gregdrmax]

This video has reduced me to tears. I am a veteran and feel overly humbled and emotional by this pilots actions. I would have done exactly the same thing. Thank you so much for sharing this history, sir. 🇺🇸

[@LeahMarie61]

This was one of your best stories so far! Proving, as the saying goes, that not all heroes wear capes! Thank you Chuck...and Hoover...for your service!

[@13699111]

Thank you Marine !!!

[@exrezcnm]

Bless you Hoover! Your sincerity in all of your videos is touching. But in this one, all I can say is bless you! Keep it up.

[@pilot-debrief]

Thank you, I will!

[@kcindc5539]

According to my mother, in 1973 when I was in the first grade we were supposed to go on vacation to New Orleans for a break from winter in Connecticut (an odd choice given I was accompanying them). I remember her really liking the new New Orleans themed restaurant in town and wanted to experience the real deal. The next thing I knew she said we’re going to a place called “Jamaica” instead. She then showed me the article from the newspaper with a picture of the HoJo hotel, the helicopter etc. Apparently we were booked to stay at that hotel the last week in January.

[@pilot-debrief]

Wow!

[@jaws848]

He found out what was happening and said "not on my watch"

[@kelperbelcher]

Content keeps getting better!

[@jcdock]

Thanks for sharing this amazing story. Lt Chuck should of been given an award for his heroism

[@hobartw9770]

It feels like the whole world is looking down at you and then paranoia and rage set in.

[@lisatowe778]

What a fantastic story and thank you for sharing it! Now let's face it, the coast guard is amazing on water but on land, you can't beat a marine. If they flew in Nam they don't come better than that. I have taken care of many veterans and the ones who flew in Nam had nerves of steel even many years later. I would follow a man like that anywhere. Thanks for this video

[@stargazer5784]

The Marine's are well trained and contributed much in Vietnam, but 90 percent of the casualties were Army. Far more of them made the ultimate sacrifice. US Army Air Cav played a much larger role as well. All branches fought and died together, and all are deserving of equal respect. 🤕

[@thefourmoodgroups2589]

I only recently found your channel and have been loving your content and going through your past videos. This video is probably my favorite. Such a great story of heroism and aviation mastery... absolutely gripping. I understand that most of your content is about commercial and small craft pilot error, and lessons learned, but this departure was wonderful. Keep up the great work, Hoover! We'll be here waiting for every video. 👍

[@h.v7461]

Wow. Never heard of this story. Thanks for the Debrief.

[@kg-Whatthehelliseventhat]

Dont f*ck with Chuck!!!

[@topcover7390]

What a great story. Being a former Marine myself it's surprise they were going to try and punish him for that act of heroism. Thank God somone with some power had some sense. Not always the case.

[@xOWARx]

How have I never heard of this? What a legend!

[@spookgriffith2892]

I'd heard the basics before but didn't know how his charges turned out . Thank you very much for the additional info. Sad that he was charged rather than rewarded but it worked out well , he has gone to his eternal reward and all is well . He did his time and doesn't have to go through what's on the way.

[@ZIGZAGBureauofInvestigation]

I dont remember this event ! Thanks for reshowing the past . I wonder if this was one the REASONs for the creation of SWAT Teams in the early 70s.

[@jeffsond]

Amazing!! I’m surprised I never heard of this story before. Thanks for Sharing

[@pilot-debrief]

My pleasure!

[@MyTube4Utoo]

On the 7th. day God rested, and the Chucks, Norris and Pitman, took over. 💪💪🚁

[@BruceLeigh-eu3wm]

Thanks for posting this account of the heroism of this great American. Such an incredible but humble individual.

[@harpothehealer]

Fantastic story Hoover one of the best .I was attached to USA from UK in 70s and I can tell you those American chopper pilots were brilliant and very very brave and saved many many lives and yes occasionally broke rules when they simply had to but they had the skill and discipline. Respect for this officer yes he should have been given a medal for his actions.

[@Zacl-l]

Great video! Thanks for the content Pitmen is an American hero!