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Vietnam War History: U.S. and Vietnamese Pilots Reunite in Hanoi
At My Way Travel, we believe travel is about more than just destinations – it’s about discovering powerful stories and human connections. For travelers interested in Vietnam War History, one recent event in Hanoi offers an unforgettable perspective.
Vietnam War pilots reunion in Hanoi
In April, a remarkable reunion took place between two former fighter pilots – one American, one Vietnamese – who once battled in the skies over Hanoi during the Vietnam War. Over 50 years later, they met again, not as enemies, but as friends.
Colonel Lê Thanh Đạo, a former MiG-21 pilot and Hero of the Vietnamese People’s Armed Forces, and Wade Hubbard, a former U.S. Air Force F-4 pilot, once engaged in a 27-minute aerial dogfight on May 26, 1972. Both men had long wondered what really happened that day – and this reunion gave them the answers they had waited decades for.
This emotional meeting was part of a gathering in Hanoi between Vietnamese veterans and former U.S. pilots and crew members. It marked their fifth reunion since 2016, all focused on reflection, reconciliation, and peace. It’s moments like these that make Vietnam tours deeply meaningful for visitors who want to connect with the country’s layered past.
Wade shared his long-standing question – had he hit the MiG-21? Colonel Đạo smiled and confirmed: both planes returned safely that day. “So, you didn’t hit us,” he said warmly. The exchange brought clarity, closure, and a sense of healing.
The reunion also featured American B-52 crew member Kim Morey, who asked about Vietnam’s missile tactics during the war. Former Vietnamese officers answered with openness, helping bridge history and understanding.
Among the guests was American artist and historian John Mollison, who shared why he sketches aircraft from both sides of the war: to preserve history and inspire the next generation to understand the sacrifices made. “What I draw isn’t just planes – it’s the past, captured for the future,” he said.
For those planning a trip and exploring Vietnam War history, stories like this one add meaning to visits to Hanoi, the Cu Chi Tunnels, the DMZ, or former battlefields like Khe Sanh.
Whether you’re visiting for history, culture, or connection, Vietnam tours offer a unique way to engage with both the past and present.
If you’d like to book a custom trip to Vietnam, please feel free to email us or call at +1 315 998 1998 – we’d be happy to help plan your journey.
