'Hanoi Taxi' to retire at National Museum of the Air Force

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WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio (AFPN) --  More than 120 former prisoners from the Vietnam War and their families will help the Air Force Reserve Command's 445th Airlift Wing retire the Air Force's last C-141 Starlifter, the "Hanoi Taxi," during festivities May 5 to 6.

The aircraft was the first one to arrive in Hanoi, Vietnam, in February 1973 to pick up POWs returning to the United States. The "Hanoi Taxi" was one of several aircraft involved in repatriating more than 500 American POWs held by the North Vietnamese.

POWs will participate on two flights at 10 a.m. and 12:30 p.m. on May 5, commemorating Operation Homecoming in 1973.

The Hanoi Taxi will depart the 445th Airlift Wing at 8:20 a.m. on May 6, make several passes above the National Museum of the United States Air Force, and make its final landing at 9:30 a.m. at the museum, located next to Wright-Patterson AFB. In case of rain, a ceremony will take place inside the museum and the Hanoi Taxi will be flown to the museum at a later date.

The film, "Return with Honor," will play at 1:30 p.m. May 6 in the museum's Carney Auditorium and a former POW will be available to answer questions after the film.

An exhibit, titled "Return with Honor: American Prisoners of War in Southeast Asia," will be open to the public May 5.