The Longest Craziest Most Brutal Mission of the Vietnam War

As night descended on April 12, 1972, Navy SEAL Lieutenant Thomas Norris and Petty Officer Third Class Nguyen Van Kiet were steeling themselves for their third rescue attempt. Their mission was clear: to extract Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Iceal "Gene" Hambleton, call sign BAT-21 Bravo, from behind enemy lines.

Hambleton, a 53-year-old experienced pilot with critical intelligence knowledge, had been evading capture for over a week. His condition was deteriorating rapidly, and Norris knew that they had to reach him that night, or it might be too late.

Disguised as local fishermen, Norris and Nguyen set out in their small boat, venturing deep into enemy territory. The cover of darkness provided some concealment, but the sounds of the surrounding enemy were ever-present - the chatter of soldiers, the growl of tank engines, and the ominous presence of a massive force of over 30,000 men.

As they silently paddled upriver, Norris and Nguyen were acutely aware that their disguises might not hold up under closer scrutiny. With Hambleton's life hanging in the balance, Norris and Nguyen were determined to press on, knowing that even if they succeeded in finding him, they would still have to navigate the perilous journey back through enemy territory, where their cover might be blown at any moment.


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