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By: HISTORY.com Editors

1968

Air Force helicopter pilot rescues Special Forces team

HISTORY.com Editors

Published: November 16, 2009Last Updated: May 27, 2025

On November 26, 1968, while returning to base from another mission, Air Force 1st Lt. James P. Fleming and four other Bell UH-1F helicopter pilots get an urgent message from an Army Special Forces team pinned down by enemy fire. The helicopter rescue mission remains one of the most daring of the Vietnam War.

Although several of the other helicopters had to leave the area because of low fuel, Lieutenant Fleming and another pilot pressed on with the rescue effort. The first attempt failed because of intense ground fire, but refusing to abandon the Army Green Berets, Fleming managed to land and pick up the team.

When he safely arrived at his base near Duc Co, it was discovered that his aircraft was nearly out of fuel. Lieutenant Fleming was later awarded the Medal of Honor for his actions.

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Citation Information

Article Title: Air Force helicopter pilot rescues Special Forces team
Author: HISTORY.com Editors
Website Name: History
URL: https://www.history.com/this-day-in-history/november-26/air-force-helicopter-pilot-rescues-special-forces-team

Date Accessed: October 29, 2026
Publisher: A&E Television Networks
Last Updated: May 27, 2025
Original Published Date: November 16, 2009