Texas Fighter Pilot Who Saved Wingman in Vietnam War Passes Away at 89

• Bob Pardo, a legendary Air Force pilot, passed away at 89, remembered for his daring maneuver, Pardo's Push, during the Vietnam War.
• In a critical situation, he saved his wingman by pushing the damaged plane 88 miles to safety.
• Despite the risks, Pardo and his wingman evaded capture and survived, though initially, they faced potential court-martial instead of recognition.

Air Force legend Bob Pardo, known for executing the most famous aerial maneuver in US Air Force history, "Pardo's Push," passed away at the age of 89.

This maneuver was crucial during the Vietnam War when Pardo saved his wingman, Earl Aman, whose plane was critically damaged on a bombing run. Faced with the prospect of enemy capture if Aman ejected, Pardo ingeniously used the tailhook of Aman's plane to push it 88 miles to safety.

Photo by@DVIDS/dailymail.co

The incident occurred on March 10, 1967, during an attack on a North Vietnamese steel mill heavily defended by anti-aircraft guns. Both pilots' planes were critically damaged, and with fuel running low, the situation was dire. Pardo's decision to use the tailhook of Aman's plane to push it to safety was unprecedented and extremely risky, but ultimately successful. They managed to reach Laos, where both crews ejected and were later rescued.

This act of bravery and ingenuity was initially met with skepticism by the Air Force hierarchy. Instead of immediate commendation, Pardo and his weapons officer, Steve Wayne, faced the threat of a court-martial for the loss of their aircraft. However, they were eventually recognized for their heroism, receiving Silver Stars in 1989.

Pardo, who joined the Air Force straight out of high school, was a natural pilot. After retiring from the Air Force in 1974, he continued his passion for flying as a corporate pilot. He is remembered not only for his daring feat but also for his dedication to his comrades, particularly in supporting Earl Aman during his battle with Lou Gehrig’s Disease later in life.

Bob Pardo leaves behind a legacy of courage, ingenuity, and unwavering loyalty to his fellow airmen, celebrated in military lore and commemorated in an iconic 1986 painting by aviation artist Steve Ferguson.

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