C-141 'Hanoi Taxi' now on display at museum

Post date: Dec 2, 2010 12:33:54 AM

8/23/2006 - DAYTON, Ohio (AFPN) -- The first aircraft to return Vietnam prisoners of war to the United States is now on public display at the National Museum of the United States Air Force.

The C-141 "Hanoi Taxi" was the first aircraft to arrive in Hanoi in February 1973 to pick up the POWs returning to the United States.

The "Hanoi Taxi" was one of several involved in repatriating more than 500 American POWs held by the North Vietnamese. The historic aircraft made its final landing at the museum May 6. A ceremony was held following the aircraft's arrival, and former Vietnam POWs and past crew members witnessed the event.

The aircraft joins seven other aircraft in the museum's outdoor Air Park. The museum is home to more than 300 aircraft and missiles.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force is located on Springfield Pike, six miles northeast of downtown Dayton. It is open 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. seven days a week (closed Thanksgiving, Christmas and New Year's Day). Admission and parking are free.