How the USS Midway helped excute one of the deepest rescue missions in North Vietnam

USS Midway’s Role in Operation Linebacker

During the summer of 1972, a helicopter from USS Midway flew 20 miles into North Vietnam to rescue a downed pilot. This August 7 mission was the deepest rescue flight into North Vietnam since 1968.

The crew faced heavy enemy fire, flew through mountains in darkness, and pulled off a dangerous nighttime rescue. Their success showed the skill and bravery of Navy helicopter rescue teams during the Vietnam War.

When A Surface-To-Air Missile Downed An A-7 Corsair

Lieutenant James “Jim” Lloyd flew his A-7 Corsair from USS Saratoga on a night mission near Vinh, North Vietnam on August 6, 1972.

His radar warned of an enemy missile tracking him. Lloyd tried to dodge it, but his aircraft was hit at 3,500 feet.

His left wing broke apart as fire spread through the plane. The controls stopped working, and Lloyd ejected as the plane pitched down.

He landed 20 miles northwest of Vinh, deep in enemy territory.

The USS Midway’s HC-7 Helicopter Detachment

Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven started in September 1967 to rescue downed pilots in Vietnam.

HC-7 Det 110 worked from USS Midway during Operation Linebacker in 1972. Their helicopters were called “Big Mother” and carried machine guns for protection.

Each rescue team had two pilots and two crewmen. One crewman ran the rescue gear while the other often jumped into the water to help pilots.

By the end of 1972, HC-7 Det 110 had saved 48 pilots, with 35 rescues in combat.

The Urgency To Launch A Rescue Mission

The closest rescue helicopter had electrical problems and couldn’t fly. After several calls went unanswered, USS Midway ordered its own HC-7 team to try the rescue.

This mission was much riskier than normal. The pilots would need to fly 20 miles into North Vietnam, where many enemy guns and troops waited.

Flying at night made it even more dangerous because of the mountains and poor visibility.

Every minute Lloyd stayed on the ground raised his chances of being captured.

The Crew That Flew Into Enemy Territory

Lieutenants Craig Peterson and Bill Young flew the rescue helicopter from USS Midway. Young had recently learned to fly the larger H-3 helicopter.

Timothy McCarthy prepared the rescue gear while Allan Gaynor provided support. These men were part of Helicopter Combat Support Squadron 7.

Lieutenant Harry Zinser from USS Saratoga also helped plan the rescue. People from different ships worked together to make the mission possible.

The crew’s experience would be vital for the dangerous night ahead.

Flying Under Cover Of Darkness

The helicopter took off from USS Midway on August 7. The pilots flew low to hide from enemy radar.

Flying through darkness over mountains took great skill. They couldn’t use lights because enemy forces would spot them.

They flew south for about 200 miles. They lost radio contact for nearly an hour before reconnecting with USS Midway.

The entire mission lasted 11.2 hours, pushing the limits of both the crew and the helicopter.

Evading Enemy Troops In The Jungle

After ejecting, Lieutenant Lloyd faced immediate danger. North Vietnamese troops searched for him in the darkness.

Lloyd hid face-down in a muddy rice paddy when soldiers came near. He stayed still while they poked him with a rifle, pretending to be dead.

When they stepped away, Lloyd ran through the rice paddy as bullets flew past him.

For over three hours, he moved between hiding spots in enemy territory, waiting for rescue.

Coordinating The Nighttime Rescue

Aircraft from USS Midway and USS Saratoga worked together on the rescue. A-7 Corsairs flew above to protect the helicopter.

Rescue teams made radio contact with Lloyd but stayed away at first because enemy troops surrounded him. This gave Lloyd time to find a safer spot.

Everyone used the emergency radio channel, making the rescue attempt hearable worldwide.

Since Lloyd’s radio signal was weak, aircraft had to pass his messages between each other.

The Moment Of Rescue Under Enemy Fire

The pilots faced a tough choice near Lloyd’s position. To avoid hitting a mountain in the dark, they briefly turned on their landing lights.

This caused temporary blindness as their eyes adjusted back to darkness. They accidentally flew past Lloyd.

Spotters saw Lloyd waving from a rice paddy with enemy troops closing in. The helicopter turned around.

Under heavy fire from a 57mm gun, they lowered the rescue cable. Lloyd quickly attached himself to it.

Escaping Through A Barrage Of Anti-Aircraft Fire

As the helicopter lifted Lloyd, North Vietnamese forces fired heavily at them. Bullet tracers lit up the night sky around them.

The pilots landed briefly under enemy fire to get Lloyd safely inside. Though hit, the helicopter kept flying.

The crew stayed calm despite the danger, showing their professional training. Their experience helped them control the damaged aircraft.

With Lloyd safely aboard, they left North Vietnamese airspace, dodging more enemy fire through evasive moves.

Setting A Record For Deepest Rescue

This mission set a record for deepest helicopter rescue into North Vietnam since 1968. Flying 20 miles inland showed extraordinary courage.

Lieutenant Lloyd later said, “It’s fantastic what so many people will do to save one life.” His words captured the crew’s bravery.

The successful mission proved the skill of HC-7 helicopter crews. Their actions boosted pilot morale by showing the Navy would try rescues even in the most dangerous places.

This mission was one of 48 successful rescues by HC-7 Det 110 in 1972.

Visiting the USS Midway Museum

Find the USS Midway Museum at 910 N. Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego. You can explore the flight deck where HC-7 helicopters once launched and see an A-7 Corsair II similar to the one Lieutenant Lloyd flew.

Don’t miss the “Vietnam War” exhibit area featuring rescue helicopter operations and personal stories from pilots and crew. The audio tour includes firsthand accounts from actual Vietnam veterans.

Photography is permitted throughout the ship. Wear comfortable shoes as you’ll walk up and down steep ladders between decks.

Accessibility accommodations exist for visitors with mobility challenges.

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