The United States Air Force community mourns the loss of Lieutenant Colonel Bob Pardo, a decorated veteran of the Vietnam War and the Cold War, who passed away on December 5 at the age of 89.
Pardo is remembered for his daring and unconventional maneuver, known as "Pardo's Push," which saved the lives of his fellow airmen during a perilous mission over enemy territory.
On March 10, 1967, Pardo and his First Weapons officer were conducting a bombing run north of Hanoi in their F-4C Phantom when a companion aircraft was hit and began leaking fuel. Recognizing the imminent danger, Pardo made a split-second decision that would etch his name in the annals of military history.
"I knew if I didn't do anything, they would have to eject over North Vietnam into enemy territory, and that would have resulted in their capture for sure," Pardo recalled in a 2015 interview for the Air Force Veterans in Blue program. "At that time, if you were captured by civilians, you were probably going to be murdered on the spot."
In a daring move, Pardo used the nose of his aircraft to push the damaged plane, leveraging the tailhook, a retractable hook on the underside of the plane used for arrested landings. This audacious maneuver slowed the descent of the damaged jet by 1,500 feet per minute, allowing both aircrews to eject safely over the Laotian border and be rescued by friendly forces.
In an ironic twist, Pardo initially faced reprimand from the Air Force for further damaging his aircraft and was threatened with court-martial. It was not until two decades later that his actions were recognized for their valor, and he was awarded the Silver Star.
"I'm just like any other fighter pilot," Pardo humbly stated years later. "I just got lucky for a day and did something that hadn't been done."
Pardo's Push is now considered "the most famous maneuver in US Air Force history, that will live on in military lore." The event inspired a 1986 painting that graces many Air Force offices and continues to motivate a new generation of air warriors.
"For us as fighter pilots now, Lt. Col. Pardo stands as a sterling example of exactly what we should aspire to," said Maj. John Powers, 310th Fighter Squadron weapons officer. "Throughout his career, and especially in combat, his ingenuity, his dedication to his comrades, and his dedication to his job and service to this country are things we aspire to every day."
Born in 1934 in Herne, Texas, Pardo began his Air Force career in 1954 at age 19. He served for 20 years, from 1954-1974, flying the Phantom during the Vietnam War and logging 132 flying missions. In addition to the Silver Star, his awards include the Distinguished Flying Cross with Oak Leaf Cluster, Purple Heart, Air Medal with twelve Oak Leaf Clusters, and the Meritorious Service Medal.
Pardo is survived by his wife, Kathryn, whom he married on March 7, 1992, five children, and ten grandchildren. While Pardo may have passed, his legendary feat and the legacy he leaves behind will continue to inspire future generations of air warriors. His story, in his own words, serves as a testament to his heroism.
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