Shot Down Over Hanoi - Episode 71

About this episode

Retired Col. Thomas Kirk shares his harrowing experience as a POW in Vietnam and the lessons of resilience he learned during his confinement.

Retired Col. Thomas Kirk shares his story of surviving solitary confinement for two years as a prisoner of war at the “Hanoi Hilton." In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with Tom, a fighter pilot, squadron commander, and Vietnam War POW. From one of the most intense air-combat battlefields in history to the harrowing story that followed, Kirk explores what it took to persevere through the unthinkable. There is a lot to learn! 🎧 What you’ll hear: Inside Hanoi airspace: What it felt like flying through dense SAMs, AAA, and MiGs October 28, 1967: Leading a major strike, getting hit, and making the call to finish the mission Ejection and capture: The moment everything changed Life inside the “Hanoi Hilton”: Torture, isolation, and survival Two years alone: How routine, discipline, and mindset kept him going in solitary confinement The tap code: Communication, connection, and resilience among POWs Leadership under pressure: Commanding pilots in one of the most dangerous theaters of war Coming home: The physical and emotional return after 5.5 years Perspective: Faith, service, and “every day above ground is a great day.” Key takeaway: Kirk’s story reframes resilience as…

People in this episode

Host: Rick Crandall

Guests: Col. Thomas Kirk, Col. Thomas H. Kirk

Topics covered

• prisoner of war
• Vietnam War
• resilience
• military leadership
• survival
• fighter pilot experiences

Keywords

• solitary confinement
• Hanoi Hilton
• torture
• survival
• military history
• air combat
• discipline
• leadership
• Vietnam War POW
• endurance

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: U.S. Air Force

Products: Republic F-105 Thunderchief

Places: Hanoi, Hanoi Hilton

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