Episode 073 - Terrence Courtney's Ultimate Sacrifice

On May 2nd, 1972, Captain Terrence Courtney piloted an AC-130 gunship, also known as an AC-119 Stinger, during a daytime mission in Vietnam, where it was the only one of its kind ever shot down [recap]. While at approximately 4,000 feet, the aircraft was catastrophically struck by 23mm anti-aircraft fire, disabling both right-side engines and causing a large fire [recap]. Despite the severe damage and knowing the aircraft was in an uncontrollable descent, Captain Courtney, demonstrating immense self-sacrifice, remained at his post with his co-pilot, struggling to keep the plane level by applying full left yoke and rudder [recap]. He ordered his crew to bail out, explicitly telling his co-pilot, “I’ve got this I can hold it long enough you go I order you to go,” understanding that releasing the controls would make escape impossible for anyone else [recap]. Out of 10 crew members, seven successfully bailed out, but Captain Courtney and two others perished [recap]. His heroic actions, which were considered “Medal of Honor work,” earned him the Air Force Cross posthumously [recap]. This incident highlighted the predictable dangers of assigning an AC-119 gunship to a daytime mission in such a heavily contested area

People: Courtney Terrence, Smith Lamar

Aircraft: A-1 Skyraider, AC-119 "Flying Box Car"

Units: 1st SOS

Topics: CSAR - Combat Search And Rescue, SAR - Search and Rescue

More information on Episode 073 – Terrence Courtney’s Ultimate Sacrifice

Valor Above An Loc: Episode 73 of Military Tales Recounts a Heroic Vietnam Rescue

Here at Military Tales, our mission is to document and share the personal experiences of those who served, providing a unique perspective on history and highlighting the challenges and incredible feats achieved. Episode 73 brings listeners a powerful account of courage and sacrifice during the intense fighting around An Loc in May 1972.

The episode centers on the story of Stinger 41, an AC-119 gunship flying a dangerous daytime mission in a heavily contested area. The sources indicate that the decision to assign this aircraft to a daytime role in such an environment, against effective anti-aircraft artillery, was poorly understood by headquarters and tragically predictable. When Stinger 41 was hit, its pilot, Captain Terrence Courtney, made the ultimate sacrifice. He stayed at the controls of the damaged aircraft, an act of immense self-sacrificial courage, specifically to allow his crew to bail out. For this heroic action, Captain Courtney was posthumously awarded the Air Force Cross.

Adding another layer to this gripping narrative is the perspective of A-1 Skyraider pilot Lamar Smith. Flying as a Sandy pilot (the call sign for A-1s on Search and Rescue missions), Smith recounts his role in the vital search and rescue effort that followed. Working in coordination with Jolly Green helicopters, the team successfully rescued seven of the downed crew members just as the sun was setting. Lamar Smith reflects on how this early experience deeply impacted him, solidifying his lifelong commitment to search and rescue and the principle of serving others. A poignant detail shared in the episode is how Lamar Smith later gave a scarf he wore on the mission to one of the rescued crew members, who now treasures it as a significant piece of memorabilia.

This episode, like many featured on Military Tales, underscores the valor and dedication of those who served. By sharing these voices, we continue to preserve history, one story at a time. Tune in to Episode 73 for the full, moving account of Captain Terrence Courtney’s sacrifice and the daring rescue effort that saved his crew.