On April 15th, in Hanoi, a remarkable reunion took place between former Vietnamese pilots and missile officers and former US pilots who fought in Vietnam over 50 years ago.
This was the fifth such reunion since 2016. Veterans from opposing sides, who had clashed over Hanoi skies more than five decades earlier, gathered with an open spirit, looking towards a peaceful future for generations to come.
Notably, among the former pilots from both Vietnam and the US, were former F-4 pilot Wade Hubbard and Colonel Lê Thanh Đạo, a Vietnam People’s Army Air Force hero, who had flown a MiG-21.
These two figures engaged in a 27-minute aerial confrontation over Hanoi on May 26, 1972.
Fifty-three years after the intense air battles of 1972 over Hanoi, these former pilots and missile officers met for the fifth time, the first reunion having taken place in Hanoi in 2016.
Lieutenant General Nguyễn Đức Soát, a People’s Army Air Force hero and former Commander of the Air Force, attended the gathering.
“This is one of the few, perhaps unique, reunions in the world between former pilots from opposing sides. We are here to clarify lingering doubts and questions from our past encounters. But more importantly, we want to convey a message of peace and a future where we are all friends, built on the spirit of harmony and reconciliation between our two nations,” emphasized Lieutenant General Nguyễn Đức Soát.
Lieutenant General Soát further shared, “The significance of this meeting transcends individual purposes; it aims to connect, develop communities, and inspire future generations.”
During the meeting, former F-4 pilot Wade Hubbard expressed his continued bewilderment regarding the unusual nature of the 1972 aerial combat between him and two Vietnamese MiG-21s.
Former pilot Wade Hubbard recounted, “On May 26, 1972, the US military launched an attack formation on Hanoi. I was tasked with piloting the F-4 to protect the bombing formation. At several thousand meters altitude, I spotted two MiG-21s attacking. A missile fired at my F-4 but missed. Subsequently, we retaliated, but the F-4’s heat-seeking missiles also failed to hit their targets. From the cockpit, I saw a MiG-21 at 5 o’clock and pursued it, but the MiG-21 unexpectedly descended, ceasing its maneuvers. The F-4’s guns fired continuously but missed. Afterwards, due to fuel problems, we had to return. What happened to that MiG-21? Was it hit?” he questioned.
Colonel Lê Thanh Đạo, the Vietnamese pilot who directly confronted Wade Hubbard during the 1972 summer air campaign, recounted the events.
Around 9:57 AM on May 26, 1972, Đạo and his wingman received a report of American aircraft. Three minutes later, the two MiG-21s took off towards Việt Trì–Hòa Bình. Soon after takeoff, they spotted two F-4s flying past. The Vietnamese fighters followed, but due to a large attack angle, Colonel Đạo decided to fire first. However, the heat-seeking missiles missed their targets. Two seconds later, I received a report that the F-4s were firing. I immediately took my plane to over 7,000 meters, and we engaged in a close-in dogfight. Seeing the unfavorable situation, I ordered my wingman to disengage and land at Noi Bai Airport at a 180-degree angle. Perhaps you were pursuing my wingman, so you saw the MiG-21 suddenly descend.” Colonel Lê Thanh Đạo explained to former pilot Wade Hubbard. He also confirmed both MiG-21s landed safely with no visible damage. “In that case, you definitely did not hit us,” added Colonel Đạo.
During the meeting, former B-52 gunner Kim Morey also asked about how Vietnamese anti-aircraft forces were able to penetrate jamming to attack B-52s, which was answered thoroughly by former Vietnamese missile officers.
Having found answers to questions that had lingered for over 50 years, the former pilots exchanged pleasantries and handshakes with excitement.
As one of the special guests at the meeting, artist and history researcher John Mollison (center) discussed his dedication to collecting and recreating fighter jets from both sides.
“I don’t just draw airplanes; I document history, preserving it for future generations. Through these images, young people will gain a deeper understanding of history. Although I am American, I deeply respect the individuals who served their country to protect their homeland,” stated Mr. Mollison.
Mr. Mollison highlighted the importance of preserving history through artwork and presented his paintings to the Vietnamese veterans.
At the end of the reunion, the former pilots exchanged souvenirs, including books on the Vietnamese Air Force and lapel pins.
The reunion concluded with a photo opportunity for the former Vietnamese and American pilots who had engaged in aerial combat over Hanoi in 1972.
