Veterans Museum to Hold Vietnam Era Veterans Remembrance Day

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The Veterans Memorial Museum in Chehalis has dedicated Aug. 1 as a time to remember those who served during the Vietnam War. 

During its 18th annual Vietnam War Era Veterans Remembrance Day, Larry B. Mason will speak about his experience flying the B-57 Cambera in Vietnam.

Mason has spoke at the museum before, and in an earlier interview with The Chronicle said he was flying the B-57 twin engine jet bomber when his two-man crew was hit by ground fire. 

The pilot said a shell went off in the cockpit, wounding his navigator, who sat 4 feet behind him. After two shells hit the airplane, the right engine caught fire.

“The left engine had an aircraft shell that exploded and put shrapnel into that engine, so we had to shut that engine down,” Mason said. “We came home on the one that was on fire.”

It took about 45 minutes for the plane to get to its final destination on one engine, but Mason was able to successfully steer it in the right direction, earning him the nation’s second highest award: the Air Force Cross. He was the second recipient of the award.



The citation for the reward said that wind coming through a large hole in the fuselage, scattered dirt and debris around the cockpit, blinding Mason temporarily. After regaining his sight, he realized there was no safe way to bail out of the airplane because of the navigator’s condition.

“With one engine shut down and the other on fire, and with approximately 30 square feet of surface missing from the right wing, Captain Mason, with complete disregard for his own personal safety, attempted the return flight to his home base,” stated the citation. “Flight conditions were further hampered by inoperative radios, no hydraulic pressure or oxygen, severe airframe vibration, and no indication of gear position or fuel level.” 

Along with Mason’s talk, the 133rd National Guard Army Band will provide special music for the event. Vietnam veterans who attend will be honored during a special portion of the remembrance event.

“This is one of the most important parts of the program where we honor each veteran for their service,” stated a press release. 

All veterans who served in Vietnam, and those who serve stateside and in other locations during this time in American history are encouraged to attend.