The above photo was furnished by Keith Hittson, a former MP and now a retired California Highway Patrolman, and shows the wingtip of a passenger plane (probably Braniff Airlines) loaded with troops leaving Vietnam after a year in the combat zone.

The US Air Force F-100 fighter jet provided escort until the airliner was safely out at sea. One can imagine the silence of the troops as they held their breath while leaving Vietnam and then, when the fighter jet eventually peeled off to the right, the troops knew they had survived and were now safe.

There were shouts of joy,laughter,smiles,and perhaps a few tears.

This photo was taken by Keith in August 1967 on his way home.