Some of the most remarkable and valid data contradicting what the US government told us and the media about the circumstances of my father’s death came from former Air America personnel & the Air America archives. The last few days, I was at another Air America reunion in Dayton, Ohio, not to collect more data but to see these heroes of the war in SE Asia one more time. Their numbers are dwindling, and the In Memoriam page at the end of my investigative memoir to be published on Father’s Day 2025 is growing. So sad.
But what incredible stories I heard! I spent ten solid hours in the hotel’s hospitality suite on the first day of the reunion. Tony Coalson, one of the last Air America chopper pilots to leave Vietnam before it fell and a character in my memoir (2nd from left in back row), told me of his last day in Vietnam, saving several people by ferrying them at night to a darkened US aircraft carrier waiting offshore. I must record him telling his story and write a short story or essay documenting his exploits on just that one day.
At the USAF Museum in Dayton (a must-see), Air America was recognized for all the SAR (search & rescue) they engaged in SE Asia, rescuing downed airmen in enemy territory. Some of the rescued were there, thanking their rescuers again over a half-century later. It was very emotional for everyone there.
In my memoir, I write about how I feel attached to these heroes, in large part because it was their two brethren, pilot John Oyer and co-pilot Justin Mahony, who last spoke with and saw my father before they all died in the crash of 74Zulu, the C-45 Twin Beech, whose crash investigation report is still classified by the CIA.
James B. Wells 
4 replies on “2024 Air America Reunion”
Thanks, Jamie, and thank you to all the men for their faithful
service.
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I am anxious to learn more about the Air America “(cabin) wings” that I was gifted back in the 1980’s when I was a Flying Tiger (Line) Flight Attendant, flying government contract MAC charter flights. Is there anyone that might have information on the lapel wings, uniforms, flight/cabin crews, etc.?
Thank you for your time, Judy Keown
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Judy: I suspect there is. Here is the link to the Air America Association. From there you can start contacting. I will also pass your email address on to some former pilots I have become friends with. If I may ask, where do you live? There may be some former Air America personnel living near you.
https://www.air-america.org
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THANK YOU James for your reply. I found the list of departments on the Air America site, so that should help. I live in Bigfork, MT My husband (now deceased) was an F-4 Marine pilot in Vietnam, just for your info. I’m available for a chat with anyone that may have some insight on the wings; my cell no. is 406-260-0067.
Yours truly, Judy
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