In a daring display of bravery and ingenuity, Captain Bob Pardo of the US Air Force executed an extraordinary maneuver to save his wingman's life during the Vietnam War. Last Tuesday, at the age of 89, Pardo passed away, leaving behind a legacy that will forever be remembered in military lore.

On March 10, 1967, Pardo and his squadron of F-4 Phantom fighter-bombers embarked on a crucial bombing mission towards the Thai Nguyen steel mill, located just 53 miles north of Hanoi, North Vietnam. As they approached the heavily defended target, Captain Earl Aman's plane, nicknamed Cheetah 4, came under heavy fire and suffered severe damage, causing it to leak fuel uncontrollably.

Realizing that Cheetah 4 would not make it back to safety with its dwindling fuel, Pardo faced a difficult decision. Rather than abandoning his wingman to the mercy of the enemy, Pardo resolved to attempt a daring maneuver that would become known as Pardo's Push.

Pardo communicated with Aman, instructing him to lower the tailhook of his stricken jet. Pardo then carefully positioned his own aircraft, Cheetah 2, behind Cheetah 4, attempting to push it to safety. However, the initial attempts to nudge the damaged plane failed.

Undeterred, Pardo decided to try something even more audacious. He had Aman lower the hook further and cut his engine, while Pardo skillfully balanced Cheetah 4's tailhook on his own canopy, effectively pushing it along. The two aircraft commenced their perilous journey, spanning a distance of 88 miles through enemy territory to reach friendly-controlled Laos.

During the harrowing flight, Pardo and Aman encountered numerous challenges. Pardo's engine caught fire, forcing him to shut it off temporarily. Desperate to maintain altitude and reach safety, he courageously restarted the engine, despite the potential risk of further damage or explosion.

Miraculously, after enduring intense moments of uncertainty, both Pardo and Aman successfully ejected from their respective aircraft. The four airmen evaded the Viet Cong for several hours until they were rescued, with Pardo being the last to be picked up. Their heroic actions allowed them to escape capture and marked an extraordinary display of camaraderie and sacrifice.

Upon their return, despite widespread assumptions that Pardo and his weapons officer, Lieutenant Steve Wayne, would receive medals for their selfless act, the top brass, led by Lieutenant General William Wallace 'Spike' Momyer, disapproved of the risks taken and the loss of a valuable aircraft. Although court-martial proceedings were initially considered, Pardo and Wayne were ultimately not punished or recognized for their heroism.

Nevertheless, their remarkable feat was unofficially immortalized among generations of airmen. The tales of Pardo's Push spread throughout the Air Force, inspiring awe and respect. In 1986, aviation artist Steve Ferguson captured the moment in a renowned painting that now adorns many Air Force offices.

Pardo, who accumulated various medals including the Air Medal, Purple Heart, and two Distinguished Flying Crosses during his service in Vietnam, remained humble and focused on the well-being of his fellow airmen. His unwavering dedication to saving his wingman's life exemplifies the values of courage, solidarity, and unwavering commitment that define the military community.

Captain Bob Pardo's legacy extends beyond his valiant actions on that fateful day. He remained a beloved figure among his comrades and continued to support his fellow veterans even after his retirement from the Air Force. His passing leaves behind a profound void, but his heroism and the story of Pardo's Push will forever remind the world of the immense sacrifices made by those who serve.