I’m reading this wonderful tribute in May of 2024. I just returned from a visit to family members in the Netherlands and took my grandsons, who are part American, to Margraten. It was my third visit there, but it still affected me very much.
This Navy pilot refused to eject and saved 700 Americans | We Are The Mighty
[…] We don't know for sure when Hickman saw them, but kids were actively playing outside the school. Hickman stayed in the cockpit and entered a controlled glide designed to maximize his distance. Navy investigators later decided that this likely prevented a catastrophic crash into the school or nearby houses. Even with Hickman carefully piloting the plane, he barely cleared the fence around the play area. […]
Sue,
It was given very little fanfare in his hometown. perhaps out of grief to the family. However, I can assure you that Ensign Hickman is still remembered and revered in San Diego. Some of those children that were in the play yard are now approaching seventy years of age, but only because Ensign Hickman sacrificed his life so that they coud live theirs.
Thank you for your comment,
Kevin
I’m reading this wonderful tribute in May of 2024. I just returned from a visit to family members in the Netherlands and took my grandsons, who are part American, to Margraten. It was my third visit there, but it still affected me very much.
[…] We don't know for sure when Hickman saw them, but kids were actively playing outside the school. Hickman stayed in the cockpit and entered a controlled glide designed to maximize his distance. Navy investigators later decided that this likely prevented a catastrophic crash into the school or nearby houses. Even with Hickman carefully piloting the plane, he barely cleared the fence around the play area. […]
Amado,
Check out this webpage.
Emblem and Brand Mark Use Request Form | The American Legion
Let me know if you need anything else. Take Care,
Rick Pushies
Webteam
805-925-9144
I would Like to get a LEGION LOGO with the WINGS as a HAT Device or PIN
Sue,
It was given very little fanfare in his hometown. perhaps out of grief to the family. However, I can assure you that Ensign Hickman is still remembered and revered in San Diego. Some of those children that were in the play yard are now approaching seventy years of age, but only because Ensign Hickman sacrificed his life so that they coud live theirs.
Thank you for your comment,
Kevin
Thank you for that information. I lived in Iowa & never heard his story.