Reunion Over Hanoi
by
Philip West

In December 1972 President Nixon ordered the all out resumption of the American bombing campaign against North Vietnam in order to get peace negotiations back on track.  During this time, Linebacker II led to an almost complete destruction of the North Vietnamese infra-structure and forced them back to the Paris peace talks.  Bob Buckey was flying MIG Cap for B-52's that were attacking the rail yards around Hanoi.  After the 52's completed their mission, the F-4's were released from their escort duty to pursue "Targets of Opportunity".  Bob Buckey, along with his WSO Dan Tibbets, went down to make a high speed, low level pass over the infamous "Hanoi Hilton".  Bob knew that one of his college classmates had been downed over the north, and most likely was a prisoner in this most notorious of Hanoi's jails.  Bob used this dangerous maneuver as a way of saluting the POW's inside, and to have a spiritual reunion at least with his old chum.  After his release in January 1973, Ken Cordier went out of his way to find out who was the airman who risked his own life in order uplift the spirits of the POW's.  Six months later, at a college class re-union, Ken found out that this intrepid airman was his old classmate, Bob Buckey.

750 prints signed and numbered by the artist:
countersignatures:
Col. Ken Cordier (Pilot & Ex-POW),   Col. Mike Lane (WSO & Ex-POW)
LtC. Bob Buckey (Pilot who flew the mission)LtC. Dan Tibbets(WSO on the mission)

actual overall size: 23 1/2" X 32"
actual image size: 16" X 25"

Original Painting available,
please call for details 1-800-362-8567

Price: $165.00 [Order] [Checkout]

Copyright © 1997 Military Art Gallery