A downed F-105 pilot is air rescued from the Vietnamese jungle 1969 - Restored Color

[@Bucentaure44]

As a PJ who served with the 37th ARRS at Danang AB. RVN. That brought back a flood of memories. Nothing feels better than to pluck a downed pilot out of the jungles of Vietnam.

[@wkat950]

Lt Devoss was still around as of 2016; I saw a Michigan TV news story from that year where he finally met the guy who went down to save him. I'm proud of those guys who served in Vietnam. I have sisters and cousins who are as old as some of those guys.

[@apettit7]

here is a link with a picture of Lt DeVoss meeting one of his PJ's in 2001: www.daily-times.com/story/news/nation-now/2016/05/27/vietnam-war-battered-broken-behind-enemy-lines/84986342/

[@Thistledove]

My father served with the Jolly Green Giants out of Danang from ~April 1966 to December 1967. Proud of his service. His unit received the Presidential Citation.

[@willammcyoung9433]

mine too.

[@johnamie7889]

I was assigned to the 37th ARRS in DaNang from Apr 1966 to Apr 1967. Other than being a husband and father, it was the most rewarding work I have done in my 76 years. Proud to have served with such heroes.

[@greasyflight6609]

Our debt to all of these Vets is immense. Thank you.

[@chrisambrose8838]

I know this HERO! Jim is no sucker and definitely not a loser! He is one of the nicest guys I know! And he does speak kindly of all the people who rescued him! Burro bro!

[@jimfreeman6725]

I was at Takhli when this happened. Worked in CBPO Office Assignments and do remember remember his name. There many from Takhli that did not make it home. May they RIP.

[@williambernard9626]

I gave pint of blood for a PJ who lost his leg on a mission at Udorn 1969

[@Desertrat-uj4xk]

@Cindy KlenkI met a guy when I was a kid who flew A-4s over there with my cousin. I can't remember his name now, but everyone referred to him as "lucky". He broke both arms and a leg when he left his aircraft. But the Jollys got him out

[@TheLeadSled]

I served and fought in another war many years later (Gulf) and I always had and have the utmost respect for the Vietnam Veterans. Going to DC and seeing the memorial with the 58,000 plus names on it angers me, our Government (LBJ Mcnamara) sent our men in to fight with both hands tied behind their backs. It took Nixon unleashing our awesome airpower in Operation Linebacker 1 & 2 to bring them back to the peace table, that should've been done in '65-'66.

[@lindathrall5133]

THANK YOU SO MUCH FOR THIS STORY THIS BRINGS TEARS TO MY EYES IN LOVING MEMORY OF MY DAD HE SERVED PROUDLY IN THE UNITED STATES AIR FORCE KEEP THESE COMING

[@bruceschulze7487]

Truly, a lot of men with a ton of courage . Thanks for your service .

[@ZenosWarbirds]

Well said

[@wrh61]

My uncle flew the 'King' bird (C-130) during his tour. They were also being used as air refueling for the Sandies and the Jolly Greens' while doing a recovery. Hand flying the Herk' at 90kt. while the birds were on the boom he always said "That Others May Live' is so fitting for all theses men and what we put on his headstone.....RIP

[@SuperJolly96]

missedinfo Thank You so much I was a mechanic on the Jolly’s!!! May Your Uncle Rest In Piece!!!

[@ThanhTran-fg1ox]

cản34434

[@td7shelton]

I have Nothing but the greatest of Respect and Gratitude for all these men.

[@InGratiaDei]

There were three strikes against us at the outbreak of the war: Johnson, McNamara, and Giap who could operate without hindrance. Thank you Lieutenant DeVoss for doing your duty even when our leadership failed to do theirs.

[@InGratiaDei]

@katie rae A fairly capable Vietnamese general who could fight us without artificial restrictions being placed on him. He commanded the successful assault on Dien Bien Phu that broke the French will to continue their war effort before we arrived.

[@dirtydave2691]

Had a few PJ's in my Ranger School Class. Also got to train with them at Osan AFB about twenty years ago. They are absolutely awesome at what they do.

[@larryjones190]

Jim was my classmate in UPT, Randolph AFB 68 F First of the Finest. Our class was the first UPT class at Randolph AFB since WW2. Saw him at the 30th reunion and he was doing well. LJ

[@jamesmartin7282]

I was very surprised to see the pilot telling his story from Western Michigan University campus. Cool.

[@kaptainkaos1202]

My father, a very quiet and reserved man, was a SAR swimmer in the USN for 20 years. I until just recently never realized what a hero he is. Physically he’s not a big guy so I don’t know how he is able to walk with them big balls.. My dad is still my hero.

[@HGR693]

Great video !. Flew with a G.G. pilot while in the Air Force, (74-2010). He was shot down several times while piloting the G.Gs , while attempting to rescue a pilot. Brave bunch of souls !

[@royfordham8716]

A good buddy of mine survived a similar situation during the Korean War, thanks to the rescue crew he is still alive and well today, praise be to God, and the Helicopter Crew.

[@marioduque5558]

Thanks for your service , never forgotten

[@behindthespotlight7983]

Steve1989 here on youtube details a very interesting Vietnam Era prototype survival kit that was designed to be worn in low hip holster fashion by helo pilots. It never was released beyond a few dozen test kits. The total weight was over 4 pounds and caused significant pilot discomfort with potential for off balance mechanical injuries. It was sidelined in favor of the ubiquitous survival vests. Anyhow this video was excellent because it reminds us that pilots can be hurt, impaled on green bamboo shoots with ants invading lacerations. Too often we survival students forget that even comprehensive kits with over 100 assisting tools are backups. It’s rock solid comms and tons of training that you often need most. This pilot wasn’t thinking about wire saws or Chapsticks. He was thinking about morphine and a fast trip to ICU. OUTSTANDING video 👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼

[@kenk7252]

I enjoyed this presentation. It does a good job of what team work is all about. Thank you my brothers...

[@TheLeadSled]

I went to an air museum here at an ANG Base, they have a Vietnam era Thud parked for display. As I stood next to it you realize just how massive they are, they were huge, I always loved the wasp waist of the F-105.

[@advorsky1]

Thank God for all of these Men and Women that did this and still do this! May God bless you all!

[@Whitesp44]

72 NVA soldiers disliked this video. Incredible little movie/documentary! Brave and selfless, PJs, pilots and support crews.

[@dang25272549]

Thanks for serving the country sir.

[@leesenger3094]

Very exciting story about a rescue mission. Glad everyone made it back to base.

[@asepos]

This man is a real American hero. Thank you for your service.

[@tonygutierrez9295]

In 1983, I was part of Mast/Bucket & Rescue as a crew chief on CH-47 helicopters. I was too young for Vietnam but I might of been a SAR/ PJ. A year later I was promoted to Flight Engineer...... 1991-Desert Storm is a short war story for me because I didn't really see enemy action.

[@shimshonbendan8730]

My wife, who is Vietnamese, worked for the US Embassy until the Americans pulled out of Viet Nam. In fact, she saw the last helicopter leave the Embassy with the American personnel. Unfortunately, she got left behind in the melee at the Embassy in 1975. She spent 9 horrible years in Viet Nam including a "re-education" camp for trying to escape on a boat. My wife is forever grateful to the United States for confronting Communist aggression. She loves America and is the most patriotic person you will ever meet. Seeing this Thud pilot extracted with the brave men who pulled him out, makes me love this country more. Thank you all you Viet Nam vets who served our country during this war.

[@AdamG7]

PJs are legendary

[@badguy1481]

I had a friend at work who was a PJ in Vietnam. He was shot and spent time in the Philippines.

[@alanluscombe8a553]

I was picked up by pjs after a run in with an i.e.d. in iraq. Im very thankful for them lol

[@sylvesterstewart868]

Ninja paramedics

[@tombutcher5776]

A Cutlass at the end. We had virtually every AF fighter, choppers etc at our base. The only B-52's in SEA were Southwest of us. I was stationed 75 miles due West of N. Vietnam Nakhon Phanom better known as (NKP) in the far Eastern part of Thailand right on the border of Laos. We were busy!

[@rbeck3200tb40]

Were you at NKP in 1971 ?

[@badguy1481]

GREAT VIDEO! The best I've seen on this Jolly Green mission.

[@aaaht3810]

Those SAR crews are true heroes. It must be good to know your countrymen go to any lengths to rescue you. I bet Devoss loved that taste of cold water.

[@airstation2030]

Deep regret, but I have learned of the loss Of the F105 pilot in this film Throughout it all, it was a man of courage and honor and exemplary As a young man, he faced a new challenge to his life, and he showed all how you could rise above courage, and honor

[@airstation2030]

Imagine waking up every day to be happy and feel blessed to be alive and thankful to all who came together to allow you to have a new life The exuberance of a man who was allowed a second chance to live and have time with family and grow old was not lost on the kid who did one more pass in his jetfighter to cover the exit of his B flight They could make a movie on how he considered himself the luckiest guy alive Thank you AFRCC and the rescue package guys who got him

[@rodrigodezubiria2007]

It was this film that got me in basic training. After they show us this film at a recruitment drive all I could see hear and say was PJ I did make it through. A few good peacetime stories and still alive to tell the tale. It was all worth it. I would do it again.

[@greasyflight6609]

Hey man...you showed up. You have my respect. I served in the Canadian Army Res years ago and am happy I did...fun times

[@rvnmedic1968]

Hotel Sierra! Much respect for that job! Cheers! CMSgt Powell, USAF(Ret), Vietnam 68-69

[@rodrigodezubiria2007]

My respect to you both. You served w pride We represented our countries well.

[@Sunshine-wx2nt]

Watching these makes me so sad for I am a child of that war and I have been searching for my biological father for 56 years . I don’t know nothing about the man you left me or why he left me not do I know my mother. These solders father thousand of kids and left . It is hurtful to the fullest to leave so many children for fun they had!!!!

[@Adair9800]

I put my edit at the beginning of my comments: RIP, Lt James DeVoss. Born 1944, Dies Sept 1, 2024 RIP. This was a great story, among many great stories of rescued airmen. I imagine that Lt Devoss had an interesting time while in Graduate school when other students asked him why he had a brace. Perhaps his story gave them motivation to excel in school. Knew a couple of F105 pilots when I was a young flyer in the 1980s. Both were shot down, but they were captured and spent years in captivity.

[@stevetemple8826]

Thank you for your service.

[@vanthai7358]

I would like to send my huge THANK YOU to ALL who served in the war zone of Southeast Asia from roughly 1954 to 1975. You ALL served a very, very noble cause to halt the Communism Expansion that gave the people of South Vietnam two decades of freedom and prosperity, to buy time for the division between the Soviet Union and Red China, to prove to Red China that either unconventional and conventional warfare could not help in the Communism expansionism, which led to the Communist division. This division in turn led to the collapse of the Soviet Union and the Eastern Communist Bloc. All these peaceful, historical events resulted in the end of the terrible threat of nuclear confrontation between the Free World and the Communist World and the liberation of half a billion people from Communism. Again thank you to ALL freedom fighters. Please stand tall and hold your heads high with the highest pride. And please also wear a symbol of your brave service during that war, so that I can come over to thank you ALL. From a former boat people from Vietnam in the 1980s and a proud American now. May God bless Our America.

[@MandenTV]

Van Thai Communism is evil

[@deanbrown5773]

Beautiful happy people now and economy booming. Vietnam government was evil at that time.

[@HuyTran-mi1rq]

Thua chạy như chó cả Mẽo lẫn chó săn 3///. Mẽo nó vứt bỏ Ngụy như vứt con chó săn vô dụng . Còn cảm ơn với tôn vinh Mẽo cái con kẹc . Mẽo chết toi hơn 100 nghàn vì covid 19 rồi kìa , trong số đó có cả chó 3/// cũng toi nữa đấy. Việt nam không có ai chết vì covid19 .

[@cavscout62]

This is the best statement regarding Vietnam I’ve ever encountered anywhere. Outstanding!

[@badguy1481]

Yeah...But...Joe Biden's win in 2020 DISPUTES everything you just said

[@ToyotaGuy1971]

I love that shot at the end with the helicopter refueling from the C-130; so cool!

[@mnpd3]

You normally don't think of Air Force people being involved in ground ops, but the pararescue guys who picked up downed pilots were as good as they came. The Air Force had a great command-wide doctrine for recovery of downed air crews. The Navy, Marines and Army never did other than plans preferred by their local commanders. Consequently the Air Force did more than their share of recovering downed crews from other branches of service; they were often there while the other branches were still scratching their heads over what to do.

[@wrightflyer7855]

The Air Force did a fine job of rescuing downed pilots....and so did the CIA. Wright Flyer, USAF (1968-1972)

[@waynefletcher9884]

mnpd3 well I wasn’t old enough to go to war then being only 57?! But I had 2 older brothers who served one 1970-76 and yet another in country from 66-71 USMC, and finally me I served 11 years and heard enough crap to know when guys start feeding you crap and that’s exactly what you’re doing! You’re statement about Marine and Navy left scratching their heads as pure poppycock! 🤔

[@Bucentaure44]

I've been told the wash-out rate for Pararescue (PJ) is higher than Navy SEAL’s. If that's true, it says a lot. I know for me the training was not only hard, but challenging. We were trained to never give up and that saved my life a number of times in Vietnam.

[@willammcyoung9433]

my father was jolly green out of da dang. state side moody afb, Valdosta G.A.

[@rogerscottcathey]

Doc Holliday's home.

[@mikesaunders4694]

Hard core....Respect to all those brave guys.

[@AnthonyEvelyn]

Interesting camo pattern. Back in the 80's I always remember seeing them in Vietnam pics and thought how similar it looked to the current BDUs.

[@ironroad18]

The woodland and jungle BDUs of the late 70s through 90s were based off the South East Asia camp pattern. A lot aircraft and equipment painted for the theater in the early 70s stayed that way until the ghost grey and desert schemes became the norm in the 80s. Also most of the dumb munitions used in Operation Desert Storm were manufactured during the later-half of the Vietnam war era.

[@sanfranciscobay]

3:23 Shows the pattern called the ERDL Lowland. It's an interesting pattern and color. en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ERDL_pattern I'm selling some on ebay if you are interested.

[@noface4176]

@@sanfranciscobay What size and how much? I'm looking for medium pants

[@NPMCaptain]

I think It happened in 16 June 69 not 1967. Awesome story of brave men, great fighters.

[@northernlight696]

Great story !!!

[@777Outrigger]

According to a Rand study, these guys rescued 33% of pilots shot down in Vietnam. Incredible! Great job! Pilots loved 'ya.

[@NPMCaptain]

Brave men, salute!

[@KowboyUSA]

Our very best, the world's best.

[@youcangettherefromhere3833]

I was avionics 55th ARRS Eglin-the PJ's are bad ass as any special forces-and our pilots were the best!

[@kristov29]

A $200 million budget, and all of the computer graphic special effects that Hollywood could muster, could not have made that rescue/recovery sequence any more exciting.

[@greasyflight6609]

Way more exciting when you are getting shot at...

[@chargeload7969]

Great USAF.love from Khmer republic veteran

[@charlieninervn8231]

One thing that most people do not know, even other military branches, is that the US Air Force has ground troops that go outside the wire and do battle with our enemies. This was done in Vietnam and they are doing it now.

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Common knowledge in the early 70's and was done after the removal of DT's!

[@66Wilies]

Thanks Zenos

[@mattblerk4827]

Thanks thanos

[@peterfoster9855]

Even has a pj rejct from 71-4b i try to live by motto so others may live. My classmates of 7 only 2 made it

[@paulsuprono7225]

You're not alone. My loyalties were devided. Alao had interest towards attending the Air Force Academy. Unfortunately, although passing my initial test for PJ training . . . I continued through tech school, hoping for a spot through the Prep School. That, however . . . did not pan out. Completed my tour . . . as an administrator at an Air Rescue unit, at Minot AFB, ND.

[@Defender78]

Paul Suprono - Army here 96-00 - not everyone makes the all-star team, but if you were good enough to have been selected for Peej training, power to you.

[@danielfourie1360]

Peejay unwrapping gatling gun on a mission of mercy ! Respect!

[@MrsLiederlover]

Those very courageous rescue helicopter pilots were the only hope for so many. Imagine flying far slower than a tactical jet, then slowing to a stop in a helicopter, while being under enemy fire, to carefully rescue a crewmember who might be injured, as was the case for Devoss. Many of the military and US civilian pilots (i.e. Bird Air, CAT, Evergreen, Air America etc) shot down in Laos were never heard from again--terrible place. As for so many military pilots, similar to the situation of many others, Lou Shattuck, a 105 'Thud' pilot who was in my father's pilot tng. class (in TX), was too far north into North Viet Nam to be rescued. But he survived years of starving, sometimes tortured captivity in solitary in a so-called "Hanoi Hilton", former French prison.

[@greasyflight6609]

Iron Balls

[@steaton165]

They are not called "Super birds" for nothing. I was a 53 Crew Chief w/ HMM 165 in 72/73 in RVN & RNVN. Flew off 4 LPH's supportin RVN Marines mostly. SCE.

[@sanfranciscobay]

About 20 years ago, 3-4 Marine Corp Super Stallion H53's flew over my house a few hundred feet off the ground because I lived near a Navy Base and they must have been getting ready to land there. It sounded like the end of the world. Felt like the whole house was shaking and rattling. At the moment, I did not know what was going on until I looked out the door. An experience I will remember forever. They were not supposed to be that low or in that area. They are supposed to fly over the water, but as you know, people make mistakes and it was probably follow the leader flying. If you had fine glass ware on a mantle, it probably would have vibrated off. You hear it 2-3 minutes in advance before it arrives, but if you don't know what's arriving, it's a mystery.

[@Don_ECHOguy]

When I saw this, I instantly thought of John McCain. RIP!

[@greasyflight6609]

He had a front row seat in a bamboo cage

[@ptyao7431]

This is the kind of war we will never win. What fight for. Only sacrifice our best soldiers and pilots.

[@burtthebeast4239]

Thank you all..

[@paulsuprono7225]

So others may live . . .

[@robbrady4649]

I'm currently reading the book Cheating Death by George Marrett, a Skyraider pilot. Great account of missions like this.

[@greasyflight6609]

Good book. read "Bury Us Upside Down" Misty Flights over the Trail.

[@realweareallamericans1685]

To us, they are the most courageous pilots. We heard that they are not heroes because they were captured. We don't know who is the idiot who said they are not heroes.

[@markjfox866]

👏👏👏👏👌🎖🎖🎖heros allll of u.welcome hme.thanks for your service

[@rustybracewell4424]

The only thing that should be questioned in the movie, is the back ground where this 105 driver is telling the story. The background is the USAF Academy. Surprised no one mentioned it.

[@samuelsara9299]

its western michigan university. i spent just a bit of time at usafa....and thats not where he is. also sangren hall seen in background is at wmu. sorry.

[@sanfranciscobay]

14:44 and later shows the rotary machine gun. Extreme fire power for putting a lot of small bullets everywhere in a short period of time.

[@avoidingtrees560]

Jesus, I have no balls compared to those guys.mine look like raisins. Cheers from the French alps America.you always amaze me.

[@speedracer2336]

My neighbor, a chopper pilot was shot down in the dense jungle of Vn. He was rescued by a Jolly Green PJ. No way the Army could have gotten him out.

[@danielfourie1360]

Sir I hope you are cool and all my love to you!

[@Steve_1999]

The narrator sounds really good in this video... or these Airpods make it sound good.

[@jamesbarca7229]

20:29...Still using the M1 Carbine.

[@bosnmatecaddie]

Nice Catch!

[@mikerussick4444]

Far superior weapon to the M-16. It was our better version of an AK as far as rugged dependability, drop it in the mud, pick it up and fire. But it shit straight and true. If you do some research you'll see Delta and seal operators continued to use the M-14 all the way to the current day, but now it's more of a style choice with the improvement of the AR family. I have a cheapo Panther DPRS AR-10 .308 with a 24 inch barrel and a improved rail system and a Leupold 7x scope and even for a cheap version of the AR it's good for 1000 yards. Weapon technology has come along way and thankfully so, without the equipment and support available to our troops today we could be looking at another Vietnam over there in the middle East. Yes, our current conflict has lasted nearly twice as long as Vietnam but our casualty count is far less.

[@lanselithgow5865]

It Works when n where its needed! Ditto Sandys n current A10 Warthogs

[@Desertrat-uj4xk]

"Don't sweat it babe, were gonna get you out." Hell f'n yes!

[@greasyflight6609]

Stone cold warriors

[@greasyflight6609]

Look at him leaning on his left arm at 18:40 ...guy is lucky to be alive...so others may live...

[@rogerscottcathey]

Marvelous organisation and co-ordination. The Services systems analysts honed everything to a fine T. Too bad that efficiency and dedication has never entered the body politic that has abused the Services too many times.

[@ZenosWarbirds]

Like what you see? Your DVD purchases at our store make this channel possible. www.zenosflightshop.com Get this video & two more plus an 800 page F-105 Pilot's Manual on our "F-105 Thunderchiefs Go to War" DVD. bit.ly/1vGLA5e We need your support! Zeno

[@raymondyee2008]

If only it were that easy in rescuing Bat 21 five years later.

[@Defender78]

9:04 a control stick-mounted I-pad navigation device in 1967 !

[@greasyflight6609]

Your healthy life is thank you enough to those guys

[@altonw9145]

Come and get some of this

[@S62bhas]

God Bless Our Troops

[@Blastfence1]

Excellent!

[@fredsalfa]

He was lucky to survive and be rescued. Wonder what happened to him after doing his MBA

[@panzerken]

Alfa Won got married, had kids, and now divorced I bet.

[@fredsalfa]

Think I read up on him in google somewhere what happened to him - forget now what he did. Probably married and divorced or something as you say ...

[@davenewman4596]

What an unbelievable tale of incredibly selfless devotion to a comrade, I know there was an element of propaganda but who cares it was purely about all the men involved... bravo.

[@levelat350]

11:41 into the video. I see both of your arms present. Did you get a new arm?

[@Belenor]

"Hello, what did you do before school?" -"Well...."

[@alanluscombe8a553]

JOLLY GREENS!!!!!

[@manoelluizteixeira8073]

Excelente documentário, que ficaram, como de fato ficarão na memória de muitos americanos, de ontem e de hoje, e fazem parte da história dos EUA., maneco - Brasil.

[@networth8754]

Love those Skyraiders

[@crosbonit]

People wore flood pants back then.

[@phmwu7368]

12:49 Glycine Airman automatic GMT pilot watch

[@richardnorbertonieto9946]

Epico

[@Flapjackbatter]

King Arthur ... What is that? Anyone know?

[@victorsingh878]

My dad flew the Thud in the mid 60s

[@allgood6760]

Read a book called Cheating Death Combat Air Rescues in Vietnam and Laos by George J Marrett...

[@ogukuo97]

Don't know why... seeing the helicopter hover for so long over enemy territory made me nervous...

[@hundredcaws]

2:34 great portraits. great Visual.

[@iamrichrocker]

so many lads we left behind..and so proud of all of these Heroes...but the government..our leaders sold those POWs out..hope their dreams haunted them every day,..

[@andygarcia7845]

Nice car at the end, can anyone tell me what type it is?

[@EdCamVideo]

+Andy Garcia Looks like a Oldsmobile 442

[@rcdogmanduh4440]

Le Sabra?

[@daviddonaghy7568]

1968 Oldsmobile Cutlass.

[@chatopiloto]

My classmate was shot down in 1969.

[@replysoon3216]

The F-105 was suppose to be the F-35 for that generation of pilots.

[@LuvBorderCollies]

As was the F-111 which was supposed to do all kinds of jobs. It wasn't superior in any role compared to other aircraft so you don't hear as much about them unlike the F-4.

[@WALTERBROADDUS]

@@LuvBorderCollies The F-111was a great plane.

[@rbeck3200tb40]

If anyone is interested.Here is a news report on this pilot James Devoss made a few months ago Its interesting he said he dislocated both shoulders and both kneecaps He was in leg braces for years www.wzzm13.com/news/local/michigan-life/battered-and-broken-behind-enemy-lines/212282200

[@spamcannon5917]

rbeck3200tb40 Thanks. That was interesting.