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.

Georg Stockli: Ship radio operator adds new insight to rescue

Posted on June 13, 2013 by Fred Caruso

M/S Celerina rescues 48 survivors of airplane catastrophe “SOS from Valentia radio = following from Shannon Airport . . . at 2220 GMT the Super Constellation Flying Tiger N6923C began with preparations for ditching at 54 North 24 West at … Continue reading →

Posted in flight crew, Other Gems, passengers, rescue teams, Uncategorized | Tagged , , , | 2 Comments

Flying Tiger 923 story continues

Posted on June 8, 2013 by Fred Caruso

by Fred Caruso (aka Irish O’Caruso) September 23, 2012 marked the 50th anniversary of the crash of Flying Tiger Flight 923, when the Army-chartered aircraft was forced to ditch in the North Atlantic in the dark of night during a raging … Continue reading →

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , | 14 Comments

Viewers Come From all Over the Globe

Posted on April 17, 2013 by Fred Caruso

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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Joseph Lewis and Michael Burnett: Like finding a needle in a hay stack

Posted on September 25, 2012 by Fred Caruso

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 commemorate fifty years

Posted on September 10, 2012 by Fred Caruso

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 that makes “Old Soldier” proud

Posted on September 1, 2012 by Fred Caruso

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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Alfred Bodung: First Sergeant tells a dramatic story . . .

Posted on August 28, 2012 by Fred Caruso

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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John Toole: Sitting in the right seat at the right time?

Posted on August 19, 2012 by Fred Caruso

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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George Brown: Oshkosh trooper safe on Canadian air craft carrier

Posted on August 14, 2012 by Fred Caruso

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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Melvin Baney: Just trying to do the right thing…

Posted on August 7, 2012 by Fred Caruso

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 →

Posted in passengers | Tagged , , , | 6 Comments