John Diacsuk in Operation Eagle Claw |
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John Diacsuk with VOF Greg Pass |
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This month’s veteran spotlight is on Navy veteran, John Diacsuk. John flew helicopters, specifically the RH-53D Sea Stallion. He is a participant of Operation Eagle Claw.
On 14 February 1979, militant Iranian students stormed into the United States embassy in Tehran and took 63 Americans hostage with an additional 3 Americans being seized at the Foreign Ministry. Although 10 of the hostages were freed by the militants, the rest remained for over a year. On 16 April 1980, President Jimmy Carter, after all diplomatic means had failed, approved a military rescue mission. The mission would be code named, Operation Eagle Claw and began on 24 April 1980.
John Diacsuk aka “John Boy,” a native of New York City, was part of Task Force 179 and had just returned from a deployment to Halifax, Nova Scotia where they were conducting mine sweeping operations. Shortly after returning, eight pilots were sought to deploy to Cherry Point, NC to conduct air refueling training. Unbeknownst to them, they would begin their training for Operation Eagle Claw.
The operation would utilize C-130’s along with RH-53D helicopters. The aircraft were to rendezvous in the Iranian desert some 200 miles southeast of Tehran. From there the choppers would take on fuel from the C-130’s and pick up combat troops who would be, via the RH-53D’s, transported to a mountain location where the rescue mission would be launched. John was at the helm of helicopter # 5, call sign Hotel 27.
Eight helicopters departed from the USS Nimitz, however, two were forced to abort due to mechanical issues. Because of a dust storm, the choppers were 90 minutes late arriving at the rendezvous location code named Desert One. Once on the ground, one of the six RH-53D’s was deemed to be unfit to continue the mission due to hydraulic problems leaving five helicopters. Because six were necessary to complete the mission, the rescue attempt had to be aborted. As the aircraft were leaving, one of the helicopters collided with one of the C-130’s. Both were destroyed resulting in the death of five Air Force personnel and three Marines. Everybody else was able to safely depart the location leaving behind the wreckage, gear, weapons and the dead.
After the failure of the mission, an investigation determined that in part, it had failed because of a lack of cooperation between the individual branches of the military.
We thank John for his dedicated service to the United States, and his willingness to sit down with us to share his story. If you’d like to share yours, or host the Voices of Freedom mobile recording studio, contact Dennis at dgill@AmericansinWartime.org.
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The Voices of Freedom Project Podcast |
The Voices of Freedom podcast showcases those stories that tell of the service and sacrifice of ordinary, everyday Americans whose service and experiences were anything but ordinary. These stories are told in their own words from their perspective. Nothing is edited or sugarcoated. It’s a raw and unfiltered look at history from those who were eyewitnesses to it. Recent podcasts include our interviews with WWII Fighter Ace, Philip Adair, Korean War Veteran Alfred Smith, and Vietnam Veteran, and former Delta Force original member, Lewis “Bucky” Burruss. |
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By including Americans In Wartime Experience in your estate plan — as a bequest in a will or trust, a beneficiary of life insurance or retirement assets, or through a gift of real estate or other personal property—you can ensure that those who served, and will serve, are honored now and for generations to come. |
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Flying into Summertime with VOF |
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The summer event season is upon us. On June 3, 4, and 5, the Voices of Freedom will be heading to Reading, PA for the 31st annual World War II Weekend. The event is one of the largest of its kind and features vintage warbirds including a P51, FG-1D, B17 and a B29, WWII reenactments, period themed entertainment and a chance to meet World War II veterans. We have been attending the event since 2015 and have had the opportunity to conduct interviews with several veterans, many of whom are veterans of WWII. If you are a fan of our open house, you should do yourself a favor and consider attending this event in Reading. You will not be disappointed. |
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VOF Studio Set Up at WWII Weekend in Reading, PA |
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On June 11th, we will head to the American Military Heritage Museum in Stephens City. While WWII Weekend in Reading is a huge event, this one is on the small, more intimate side, but worth the visit just the same. In 2021, the event hosted 10 World War II veterans. Not only will the Voices of Freedom be there, but one of our tanks will also be in attendance along with some of our volunteers. |
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In July we will be participating in the Dale City Independence Day Parade on the 4th. Last year our newly wrapped truck and trailer won best decorated vehicle. And on a date to be determined, we will be heading up to the Delaware Aviation Museum in Georgetown, Delaware for a private event where we anticipate being able to conduct interviews with World War II Veterans.
We will be adding more events as the weather turns from warm to hot, so stayed tuned for more information. If you haven’t already done so, please like us on Facebook so you never miss any announcements. If you’d like to have us at your event, send Dennis an email at dgill@AmericansinWartime.org.
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If you would like to be interviewed or know of someone whose story should be told, or if your organization would like to host our mobile recording studio for your event or organization, please reach out to Dennis Gill at dgill@AmericansinWartime.org.
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EDUCATE | HONOR | INSPIRE
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