Author Archives: irishocaruso

About irishocaruso

Survivor of the crash of Flying Tiger 923. at night, at sea, 500 miles off the west coast of Ireland, with 28 deaths and 48 survivors, September 23, 1962.

Viewers Come From all Over the Globe

Posted on April 17, 2013

22,399 — That was the total number of viewings of the Flying Tiger Flight 923 memorial web site made by individuals from all over the globe. That was the total through the end of December 2012. The website statistical monitor … Continue reading →

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Like a needle in a hay stack

Posted on September 25, 2012

The Incredible Sighting of the Ditching Location Still safe in the cabin, not far above water,  frightened passengers and crew were waiting for the final signal. They were waiting in a darkened cabin, waiting for word from Captain Murray. Then … Continue reading →

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Events will commemorate fifty years

Posted on September 10, 2012

Three events in West Cork, Ireland commemorated the 50th Anniversary of Flying Tiger 923: ++*Friday, 21 September 2012, 8-9 p.m., at the Bantry Library “Culture Night 2012,” in Bantry. This was a book reading and public discussion in the library conference … Continue reading →

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Willie Smith tells story and makes “Old Soldier” proud

Posted on September 1, 2012

News reporters were gathered on the tarmac of the new Cork Airport, each one of them wanting to snatch a survivor for an interview before medical personnel could get to them. Two Royal Air Force helicopters were alternately landing with … Continue reading →

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First Sergeant Bodung tells a dramatic story . . .

Posted on August 28, 2012

Sergeant First Class Alfred Bodung was one of the 17 survivors airlifted to Cork hospitals by helicopter from the Celerina off Galley Head point. The Cork Examiner reported his story: “Sergeant First Class Alfred Bodung, 35, married, of Kenosha, Wisconsin, who … Continue reading →

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Sitting in the right seat at the right time?

Posted on August 19, 2012

It might have been a matter of luck, just sitting in the right seat at the right time. Private John Toole of Montgomery, Alabama, says he was very lucky and escaped from the crash of the Flying Tiger with no … Continue reading →

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Oshkosh trooper safe on Canadian air craft carrier

Posted on August 14, 2012

September 25, 1962 — Oshkosh, Wisconsin Daily Northwesterner news: “Oshkosh Man on Airliner is Safe” “A long and dreary day ended in joyous relief about 5 pm. Monday for Mr. And Mrs. George Brown when they got the news. Their … Continue reading →

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Just trying to do the right thing…

Posted on August 7, 2012

Sgt. Melvin Baney was headed for a new assignment in Europe. He had recently re-enlisted and was promoted with a new assignment. He was slowly moving up in ranks as a career military man. It could have been a happy … Continue reading →

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A photo of Super Connie #N6923C — RIP

Posted on August 2, 2012

Swiss Journalist Peter W. Frey has just sent us a photo of the actual Super Constellation – #N6923C – the one that met its fate  in September 1962, under the banner of Flying Tiger 923. Here is the photo and what he … Continue reading →

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Thank God I’m alive!

Posted on July 26, 2012

Some survivors wrote letters to describe the crash of Flying Tiger 923. One such letter was written the day following the disaster, September 24, 1962, while still at sea aboard the Swiss rescue ship, The  Celerina. Pvt. Fred Caruso, newly graduated … Continue reading →

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