American Hero of the skies falls in brutal air combat
Wednesday, June 27, 1973: A U.S. Air Force F-4C Phantom II, flown by Captain James M. Wilson, was flying at an altitude of 10,000 feet over the skies of North Vietnam, providing air support for a reconnaissance mission. The aircraft was not far from the Demilitarize Zone, the buffer zone between North and South Vietnam, when it was suddenly hit by a barrage of antiaircraft fire.
The F-4 was hit by an SA-7 surface-to-air missile, which struck the aircraft’s fuel tank, causing a massive fire and significant damage. Despite the intense flames, Captain Wilson managed to maintain control of the aircraft, turning back towards the aircraft carrier USS Kitty Hawk, his home base.
As Wilson descended towards the sea, he attempted to eject from the stricken aircraft, but was stuck to the ejection seat. A rescue team from the USS Kitty Hawk, under the command of Lieutenant Commander Robert F. Saunders, was scrambled to the scene. Saunders, himself a highly experienced pilot, navigated his A-4 Skyhawk through the treacherous skies, finding Captain Wilson’s plane in the water.
With precision and courage, Lt. Commander Saunders expertly guided his A-4 to the underwater pylon where Captain Wilson’s aircraft was listing sharply to port. At the last minute, Wilson managed to free himself and swam away from the sinking plane, battling severe burns and injuries. The rescue team, now including a medic, swiftly pulled Wilson to safety, where he would eventually succumb to his injuries.
Despite his fatal outcome, Captain Wilson’s bravery, flying skills, and sacrifice assured the successful recovery of his fellow pilot, forever etching his name in the annals of aviation history. This testament to his heroism will forever be remembered not only by the U.S. military but also by his fellow airmen who fought alongside him in the skies above Vietnam.
