Author Archives: Fred Caruso

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About Fred Caruso

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.

Ed Apanel: Private from Palisades Park, NJ testifies

Posted on December 10, 2011 by Fred Caruso

Edward Apanel Jr., a 19-year old paratrooper from Palisades Park, New Jersey, was injured seriously enough to warrant surgery on his legs. He was evacuated from the Celerina by helicopter to Mercy Hospital in Ireland, and then to an Air … Continue reading →

Posted in new combat troopers | Tagged , , | 5 Comments

Going Down with FT923

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Fred Caruso

Few details were available in the first days following the crash. One of the first reliable stories was the list of those on the plane, passengers and crew, and those surviving, dead or missing at sea. The following is a list … Continue reading →

Posted in flight crew, new combat troopers, passengers | 18 Comments

John Murray: Fate of 76 lives in Captain’s hands

Posted on November 26, 2011 by Fred Caruso

Captain John D. Murray, 44, of Oyster Bay, Long Island, knew 76 lives were at stake as he slowly brought down the Super Constellation in preparation for ditching in the howling winds and raging waves of the cold north Atlantic. … Continue reading →

Posted in flight crew | Tagged , , , , | 9 Comments

Not your typical airplane crash

Posted on October 29, 2011 by Fred Caruso

The Flying Tiger crash was not your typical disaster in many ways, beginning with the fact that it was not simply a big bang crash, but was a disaster drawn out for many hours and even into days! The drama … Continue reading →

Posted in flight crew, new combat troopers, passengers, rescue teams | Tagged , , , | 5 Comments

Flight 923 — 50 Years On

Posted on October 28, 2011 by Fred Caruso

Nearly 50 years ago, a four-engine Lockheed Super Constellation, an L1049H aircraft, with a very distinctive arched tail accented by three vertical tail fins resembling predatory sharks swimming in close formation, launched from McGuire Air Force base in New Jersey, … Continue reading →

Posted in flight crew, passengers, Uncategorized | Tagged | 12 Comments