Shot Down Over Hanoi - Episode 71

Retired Col. Thomas Kirk shares his story of surviving solitary confinement for two years as a prisoner of war at the “Hanoi Hilton."

In this episode, Host Rick Crandall talks with Tom, a fighter pilot, squadron commander, and Vietnam War POW. From one of the most intense air-combat battlefields in history to the harrowing story that followed, Kirk explores what it took to persevere through the unthinkable. There is a lot to learn!

🎧 What you’ll hear: 

• Inside Hanoi airspace: What it felt like flying through dense SAMs, AAA, and MiGs 
• October 28, 1967: Leading a major strike, getting hit, and making the call to finish the mission 
• Ejection and capture: The moment everything changed 
• Life inside the “Hanoi Hilton”: Torture, isolation, and survival 
• Two years alone: How routine, discipline, and mindset kept him going in solitary confinement 
• The tap code: Communication, connection, and resilience among POWs 
• Leadership under pressure: Commanding pilots in one of the most dangerous theaters of war 
• Coming home: The physical and emotional return after 5.5 years 
• Perspective: Faith, service, and “every day above ground is a great day.”

Key takeaway: 

Kirk’s story reframes resilience as endurance over years, built on discipline, belief, and connection to others. 

About the guest: 

Col. Thomas H. Kirk is a retired U.S. Air Force Colonel and combat veteran of both Korea and Vietnam. He commanded the 357th Fighter Squadron and flew missions over North Vietnam in the Republic F-105 Thunderchief. Shot down on his 67th mission, he spent more than five years as a prisoner of war. He was awarded the Air Force Cross, four Silver Stars, and multiple Distinguished Flying Crosses. After his release, he returned to active duty in leadership roles before retiring and later built a successful business career, continuing to speak on leadership and resilience. 

Learn More: 

• Read the full show notes on the Wings Over the Rockies website
• Donate to Wings Over the Rockies Air & Space Museum
• Subscribe and leave a review to support the show

This episode is supported in part by United Airlines.