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After completing flight school in 1970, Colonel George Ferkes served as a forward air controller in Vietnam flying O-2A Observation Aircraft. Ferkes flew in support of Operation Lam Son 719, Dewey Canon II, and the Siege of Fire Support Base Fuller.
In 1978, Colonel George Ferkes was assigned to the 8th Special Operations Squadron, and, in April 1980, was tasked with co-piloting the lead MC-130 gunship in Operation “Eagle Claw,” Desert One, to rescue 53 American hostages in Iran. However, tragedy struck the operation when complications from a violent sandstorm caused two aircraft to crash, killing 8 servicemen.
Ferkes has gone on to serve with the Air Force Special Operations Command, Joint Special Operations Command, and United States Special Operations Command. He retired from the Air Force in 1999 with over 5,200 hours in 8 types of aircraft, including over 650 hours of combat hours.
Ferkes has been awarded, among other things, the Silver Star, the Defense Superior Service Medal, and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
Interview recorded on April 26, 2023
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