Don’t ask permission, ask forgiveness: The USMC pilot who “borrowed” a helo to end a sniper situation has died

[GURPS]

That was the thought process of then, Lieutenant Colonel Pitman. On Jan. 7, 1973, Pitman was the commander of the Marine Air Reserve Training in Louisiana. Pitman had turned on the television to see a horrible scene unfolding. A gunman had taken position on top of a hotel and was shooting and killing police officers. The sniper had a full view of all on comers, and any attempt to enter the hotel was met with murderous gunfire.

Pitman didn't even think twice about asking permission to help. He grabbed another pilot and two crew members and jumped in a CH-46 Sea Knight helicopter and headed toward New Orleans.

Don’t ask permission, ask forgiveness: The USMC pilot who “borrowed” a helo to end a sniper situation has died

Lt. General Charles "Chuck" Pitman passed away this past Thursday at age 84. His career spanned over 40 years, including three combat tours in Vietnam. He

www.wearethemighty.com

 

[Grumpy]

Saw that earlier today and was gonna post it but my computer shuts down at 4pm. Good stuff, vaguely remember it from the pre-internet days.

 

[stgislander]

That's some badassery for sure.

 

[Dogman1947]

That was rare courage. I wonder if this adventure is the reason he wasn't made the Commandant. Maybe he was denied the ultimate promotion because of this act of heroism? I cant imagine anything topping what he did, especially considering it was in a civilian location with casualties mounting. RIP Sir.

 

[Monello]

Dude got the job done.

 

[littlelady]

 

[littlelady]

And, something I have, always forgotten to say in discussions about the Vietnam War is that it was political, and soldiers died for nothing. Not to mention the Draft was still in place. I will post again about one of the most important people in my life. His name is James Jerson.

https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/25856/JAMES-R-JERSON/

 

[KingFish]

And, something I have, always forgotten to say in discussions about the Vietnam War is that it was political, and soldiers died for nothing. Not to mention the Draft was still in place. I will post again about one of the most important people in my life. His name is James Jerson.

https://www.vvmf.org/Wall-of-Faces/25856/JAMES-R-JERSON/

Politicians hide themselves away
They only started the war
Why should they go out to fight?
They leave that role for the poor, yeah

 

[GURPS]

WTF happened to the dudes pants ? did they hit him with a hand grenade

 

[Monello]

WTF happened to the dudes pants ? did they hit him with a hand grenade

200 rounds will do that to a pair of dockers.