Marine Pilot Steals Helicopter - Instant Regret!

Lt Colonel Charles "Chuck" Pitman probably didn't regret stealing a helicopter, but the sniper that he helped take out regretted Chuck was in town. Chuck probably also never expected the military would want to court-martial him! This is not your typical pilot debrief talking about an aviation mishap because 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!
Thanks to Generations Broadcasting for allowing me to use part of their interview with Chuck Pitman. You can see the full interview here: generationsbro...
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[@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!

[@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."

[@mikeh.7499]

yep,me too.learned it growing up in church,of all places...😮​@@lollycopter

[@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.

[@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.

[@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 🫡🇺🇸🇮🇱🇬🇧

[@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

[@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.?

[@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.

[@beanotraffini681]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!?

[@cmdrriotz5283]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@genedandy]

Never heard this story before. Thank you for posting!

[@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.

[@jamesb.armstrong5433]

Definition of a hero.

[@livelyupmyself1]

With a little mix of Chad.

[@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!

[@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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@46miles]

Thanx to All Veterans, past, present, and future!

[@davidp2888]

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

[@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~!

[@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.

[@realkenpriest]

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

[@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?

[@flyyhighhr]

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

[@mikekennedy4572]

A true hero, amazing initiative.

[@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

[@aimandjulian3195]

Great story and a great pilot

[@meanmax9663]

As a United States Marine myself, all I can say is Semper Fidelis! It's an unwritten Marine Corps mantra that "It's better to act now and ask for forgiveness later, than it is to ask first and be told, NO!"

[@kg-Whatthehelliseventhat]

Dont f*ck with Chuck!!!

[@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.

[@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!!!!

[@blakejames9952]

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

[@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

[@13699111]

Thank you Marine !!!

[@thomasbarrett3175]

Great story about a real hero. Thanks for sharing.

[@dR00Ck]

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

[@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.

[@podfuk]

What a guy, hats o to you sir!

[@RNP69]

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

[@rogerrees9845]

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

[@pilot-debrief]

Absolutely!

[@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 ❤

[@Brian-----]

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

[@bittnerbs]

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

[@riverwildcat1]

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

[@jaws848]

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

[@Mrsournotes2]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@oneblach]

Never heard of it. Thank you for sharing.

[@Tobias_Kevorkazito]

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

[@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.

[@Shogun459]

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

[@johnrenoveillon3841]

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

[@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 ,

[@hobartw9770]

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

[@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!

[@muhammadsteinberg]

I always tell my Marine and Navy coworkers that the saltwater did something to their brains...lol...(USAF in the house). I'll never tell them how great I really think they are. Lol The federal government hierarchy can be stupid. We had two guys put out a fire before it reached 30k gallons of fuel. Local managers ( fed job) started processing paperwork to fire them, claiming they were not fire fighters and endangered themselves and the facility. As the paperwork went up the chain ONE high powered decision maker said "What in the hell are you people doing, these guys should be getting awards". Thankfully that brought the nonsense to a close and they were recognized for their bravery and saving the place from becoming a crater. This is a 1st hand account. 1 has since retired and the other now a manager himself. The Marine chopper pilot in this story is AWESOME! I was 10yrs old when this happened and don't recall any of this. Thank you very much for bringing this story to light.

[@jabomiles6947]

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

[@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!

[@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. 🇺🇸

[@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. 👍

[@charlescz1974]

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

[@lokiva8540]

Lest anyone forget or youngsters not know, the Coasts Guard is a military branch alongside any civil roles, just like Army Corps of Engineers. They also had units in Nam, and some who were POWs in countries near there where if the US ever had Air Farce missions for which medals were awarded with letters of award missing 3 usual mission, location, and time details, might have been war crimes, some of those VC tortured CG unit members with long term PTSD after, were also war criminals. But, as Married to the FBI notes, we're us, and they're them. As such, citing bad weather, or imposing civil aviation avoidance of combat, doesn't cut it if CG pilots aren't prepared to be shot at. OTOH, someone else has already spelled out the Posse Commitatus violations of Marines joining local cops on an armed combat domestic mission. On top of that, defining good and bad guys gets even messier. The majority of major city police departments have been under US DoJ Consent Decrees for systemic patterns of civil rights violations, some criminal by cops and departments, since the Civil Rights Act of 1964, still in relative infancy back then. A lawyer friend who's done civil rights cases in that region and Kentucky and around it, uses the term "NRP" for de facto policy and practices of corrupt cops and PD's, a term which Google bots would censor if spelled out (that implies racial ganglance murder as a norm by cops and cop shops). When "soap, ballot, and jury" "boxes" fail, ConLaw has one last box, with no viable adjudication process, and which recognizes officials and institutions normally entrusted to uphold law, can be the enemy of it. Noting Kentucky had segregated schools still until 1974, among scofflaw states and cities, it's not unrealistic to view someone using force against a corrupt state to be less mentally ill than many "normal" officials, in a no win struggle once one recognizes some JFK truisms, like "justice delayed, is justice denied".

[@JFirn86Q]

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

[@zingwilder9989]

I wouldn't say that Lt. Col. Pitman actually "stole" the helicopter, but he didn't go through the proper channels to take it on the mission. If something had gone wrong, it would have ended his career; but it didn't, so it ultimately earned him his stars.

[@Zacl-l]

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

[@xOWARx]

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

[@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.

[@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.

[@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!

[@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!

[@randywl8925]

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

[@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.

[@SpiritualWealthMinistry]

This is pure gold.

[@dennisfield109]

During the Pearl Harbor attack 2 pilots took off in P40s and shot down 7 Japanese planes. They were put up for the Congressional (?) Medal of Honor. That was denied, because they didn’t have permission to take off from a superior officer.

[@kevinthegerbil2708]

Says it all ! Not much changes for those who do the correct deed. Those who make the rules are always behind the soldiers in battle, usually about 200 miles behind.

[@charlesburgoyne-probyn6044]

Just goes to show

[@lucasmurphy-cj7ti]

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

[@MyTube4Utoo]

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

[@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!

[@jimmyhiggins8928]

That's the sad thing about the government. You do something heroic that breaks "there" rules and they want to punish you regardless of what you did

[@robcohen7678]

The military is not supposed to be involved in civilian crime fighting. It's a HUGE no no, they couldn't just not do anything about it even if this was a crazy circumstance and the right thing to do.

[@elboboalgrammari6520]

'There' locational. 'Their' possessive

[@margaretgustafson2095]

I was a medical student at nearby Charity Hospital at the time this happened, and I have never forgotten it. We could not leave the hospital due to the situation. I remember seeing people being shot in the plaza across from the Howard Johnsons, and having a difficult time to process that this was real. Bullets were hitting the hospital ambulance ramp. I remember the helicopter, and the tracer bullets against the night sky. I remember the distinctive sound of Essex’s rifle. Thank you for giving me the background information on the helicopter.

[@kelperbelcher]

Content keeps getting better!

[@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.

[@danielscarbrough4363]

Dude didn't "steal" anything...although he is the definition of excellence.