Carrier Pilots Who Earned the Medal of Honor

Ward profiles six carrier-based aviators who displayed conspicuous gallantry above and beyond the call of duty, which earned them the nation's highest military decoration: the Medal of Honor. These profiles span conflicts from World War II through Vietnam.

Profiled in this episode: Butch O'Hare, William Hall, John James Powers, David McCampbell, Thomas Hudner, and Michael Estocin.

[dave-]

I am a french citizen and the U.S was my home for 28 years. America tought me patriotism, friendship and honor. I had the priviledge of meeting vietnam vets, désert storm vets, pilots from the Air force, had the opportunity of flying with air force pilots and vietnam vets as i am a pilot as well, and frequently practiced PARs at NELLIS AFB. America has been good to me and i am ALWAYS greatful. After these many years i can only live the rest of my life with the american constitution and the souvenir of these great men and women that too often gave their lives for the rest of us, even they are the ones who deserve it most.... Thank you Ward, your stories are heartwarming. GOD bless you Sir.

[tomdchi]

The idea of trying to hack your friend out of a wreck and having to leave him in those circumstances is utterly heartbreaking.

[thereissomecoolstuff]

Ward, this episode was sorely needed. Your historical research and story explanation is what brings these incredible men to life. Thanks Ward.

[jimc]

I can listen to Ward narrate these well prepared and researched true hero stories all day!! Great insight and greater respect!! Jim C.

[bobotondo]

These aviators certainly put the "honor" in the Medal of Honor. Like your other videos (e.g., the crash videos), this one reminds us of the respect and gratitude our service personnel are due.

[jptucsonaz]

Six words sum up these six hero's....

"Where do we get such men?"

[kathyfoley]

Hey Ward was that an actual picture of my Dad's plane ? I'd love a copy of that. I do have a bone to pick with John Nichols because there are two different stories about what happened that day. I enjoyed your segment, Thank you, Kathy Estocin-Foley

[nonamesplease]

The amazing thing to me about these guys is that most of them will argue that they were just doing their jobs and the MOH citation was not really deserved.

[garyscoffield]

I was the other "Iron Hand" strike leader in VA-192. Mike & I would flip a coin in the evening before the days "Alpha" strikes to see who would take the morning or afternoon missions. Since the Commanding & I wrote & submitted the Squadrons awards, I was assigned to write Mikes Medal Of Honor citation & justification for the award combining the two separate missions. The Presentation of the posthumous award was delayed until 1977 because of questions concerning his death.

[buzzfreedom]

I had never heard LCDR Estocin's story. I only knew that it was an award given to squadrons for superior all around performance and that it was named after an aviator. Thanks!

[michaelkiehn]

We are honoured to have such dedicated people defending our freedoms.

[RCAvhstape]

That story about Brown & Hudner is heartbreaking. Leaving people behind is awful, even when there's no choice.

[corkymcgee]

Great story telling Ward, my wife has just walked by and asked why my eyes are weepy looking ? No doubt these true warriors were welcomed in Valhalla for eternity.

[bobandbally]

John Thach innovated the Thach weave an technique for combat that was well know to all navy pacific fighter pilots. John Thach became a 3 star Admiral. The story was highlighted in a TV show called Men of Anapolis.

[dangurley]

Loved the photo of Brown & Hudner playing Acey Deucy in the ready room!

[jimbodkin]

Not sure if any comments mentioned but I believe Hudner’s friend Jessie Brown was the first black carrier pilot. Hudner’s biography is a good read.

[matthewpeters]

I had the distinct honor and privilege to work on the U.S.S. Hudner at Bath Iron Works. Bath built is best built.

[robzilla]

Ward, I have watched all of your videos and read all of your Punk novels. Your words bring to me a sense of validation. I served in the Navy as a maintainer, 78-83, with VAQ-138 and VT-22 during my 5 year tenure with the Navy. I made the maiden Med deployment aboard Ike in 79, and 2 more aboard JFK during that time, the last one and a half cruises as Flight Deck Troubleshooter for the Powerplants Shop. Also did a 2 week Det aboard the Lady Lex in 83 to Carrier Qual a class of student pilots. Your writing and narration bring it all back to me. All the hardships and triumphs of deployment, all the sense of duty, all the fun on liberty. You bring about the side of the whole thing that was mostly hidden for me, the flight crew's point of view. As someone who lived it at sea and ashore, your writing brings it all flooding back. I remember all of it. The smell aboard ship of sweat and JP-5, the sometimes horrible chow in the mess deck, bug juice, the long hours on the flight deck in all kinda weather imaginable, the hope that your birds come home unbroken. The joy of getting a bird up right before launch. Thank you for this revisitation. This all happened many years ago, but the experiences I had will stay with me until death. The rare thank you from the maintenance Master Chief. The men I served with are Brothers to this day, and some of us are still in touch. Thanks again Sir.

[kcouche]

Knew the stories and needed to hear them again. While these sailors all received the Medal of Honor, this is a good time to remember our soldiers, sailors and marines in combat (read in Kabul, Afghanistan) who surely have been in harm's way doing brave work, conspicuous in its own right, saving the lives of others who need help. Thank you, Ward, for the stories and timing.

[dmutant]

I wish more folks could hear these stories.
You really are doing right by these men, Mr. Carroll.
Thanks.