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Today in History: Hanoi Taxi completes final mission, brings POWs home

4/4/2026

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Summary

Story summary

On April 4, 1973, the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, known as the Hanoi Taxi, completed its final mission of Operation Homecoming. This operation marked the return of 591 American prisoners of war from North Vietnam, following the Paris Peace Accords that ended U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The aircraft had served the Air Force for 43 years.

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Story summary

On April 4, 1973, the Lockheed C-141 Starlifter, known as the Hanoi Taxi, completed its final mission of Operation Homecoming. This operation marked the return of 591 American prisoners of war from North Vietnam, following the Paris Peace Accords that ended U.S. involvement in the Vietnam War. The aircraft had served the Air Force for 43 years.