50th Anniversary of Operation Homecoming at Travis AFB

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Col. Richard “Dog” Brenneman, pilot and Vietnam POW, shares his experience of being captured, kept prisoner and released from the Hanoi Hilton.

Retired U.S. Air Force Lt. Gen. John F. Gonge, commander and pilot, shares how the 22d Air Force executed Operation Homecoming in 1973.

Kathy Freeberg, daughter of retired U.S. Air Force Col. Alan Leslie Brunstrom, pilot and Vietnam POW, shares stories of her father and his return.

Operation Homecoming went from Feb. 12, 1973 to April 4, 1973 and saw to the repatriation of 600 POWs from Hanoi, Vietnam.

[USAFmuseum]

Great video, thanks you for honoring our service members! We were happy to share footage to help tell the story!

[MamaofaWrestler]

I remember my oldest sisters watching TV waiting to see the soldier on their metal bracelet. My sister saw her's and she cried and cheered❤🎉

[chevynova]

I waited all night for this to happen. I was in labor with my daughter at the time.

[ecouture]

I was there for their homecoming, i was 9, I only remember bits and pieces. God bless all those men who suffered so much for our country so we can live in freedom!

[jamescarlson]

Most of my life today (2023) makes me sad because I believe I was happier in Vietnam in 69-70 with much strong friendship bonds than current friends. There we were mostly alike and today as veterans my civilian friends are very hard to be around. My military viewpoints still represent me mostly currently.

[michaelcunninghamherrera]

When the plane took off, there was clapping and cheering. I am quite sure that minutes later the pilot got on the intercom to inform everyone that they had just left Vietnamese air space where once again there was clapping and cheering. At least that’s what happened with us when we left Long Binh, South Vietnam.

[alletaedging]

I was at Clark as all the POWs came there. I met every plane as they were coming home

[d.c.]

As a kid, I remember hearing all the buzz about the homecoming of all the POWs having lived just outside of Travis AFB then...

[michaeldabney]

I hate to say but My Dad refused to pick Me up at the airport. I waited for this most thought about moment My hole tour. I waited for 10 hours. He never came.

[bajofry]

Last week, Saturday, 27 Feb., we said "farewell" to Col. Cliff Walker, USAF, ret. A man who spent 5 1/2yrs in the Hanoi Hilton. He was a great American and outstanding person. I was fortunate to have got to know him and his beloved son who cared for him at the very end of his amazing life.