Flight to Freedom

echoes of valor Flight to Freedom logo 50 years.
Echoes of Valor: Flight to Freedom

A Historic Commemoration of the O-1 Bird Dog’s Courageous Landing on the USS Midway

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As part of our Echoes of Valor series, we invite you to join us for a very special event that celebrates an extraordinary moment in military history—the 50th anniversary of the remarkable O-1 Bird Dog landing on the USS Midway. This daring flight, an iconic symbol of bravery and skill, forever changed the course of military aviation. Witness history come alive as we honor the legacy of the pilot and captain behind this remarkable feat.

Event Details:

Date: Thursday, May 1, 2025
Ceremony Begins at: 10:00 AM
Location: Blue Angels Atrium, National Naval Aviation Museum
Performance by: The Blue Anchor Belles
Performance Begins at: 9:30 AM

Of all the aircraft on display in our museum, few have as inspiring a background as the O-1 Bird Dog. During the evacuation of Saigon in 1975, South Vietnamese Air Force Major Bung-Ly took off from Con Son Island in this very aircraft, with his wife and five children crammed into the small cabin. With only enough fuel to remain in the air for one more hour, Major Bung-Ly spotted the aircraft carrier USS Midway (CVA-41) on the horizon. In a daring act of courage, he dropped a note requesting permission to land.

In a remarkable display of military leadership, the ship’s commanding officer, RADM Lawrence Chambers, USN (ret.), ordered the deck to be cleared and brought a Vietnamese interpreter to communicate with Major Bung-Ly via radio. Despite having never seen an aircraft carrier before, let alone landed on one, the pilot executed a flawless landing—without the benefit of a tailhook or barrier.

The crew of the Midway, deeply moved by his bravery, not only assisted Major Bung-Ly and his family in landing safely but also adopted them as their own. They established a fund to help them settle in the United States, embodying the spirit of compassion and camaraderie that defines the best of military service.

This event will feature an incredible lineup of distinguished speakers who were part of this momentous occasion, offering their firsthand insights into the challenges and triumphs of that unforgettable day. We are proud to welcome:

Keynote Speaker RADM Lawrence Chambers, USN (ret.)
Featured Guests:
  1. Mr. Hill Goodspeed, Deputy Director, NNAM
  2. Mr. Bung Lee, South Vietnamese Air Force Major and pilot of the O-1 Bird Dog
  3. CAPT Tony McFarlane, USN (ret.)
  4. CAPT Ed Ellis, USN (ret.)

These incredible individuals will share their unique perspectives on the flight, the brave pilot who took the O-1 Bird Dog into history, and the courageous captain whose leadership guided them to success. Their reflections will offer a rare glimpse into a pivotal moment in military history, shedding light on the valor, strategy, and teamwork that were instrumental in making this flight to freedom possible.

We look forward to seeing you there as we celebrate the Flight to Freedom and the enduring spirit of valor that continues to inspire generations.

For more information, contact Dianna Hayden:
Email: dhayden@navalaviationmuseum.org