Voice Of The Army 47-03-26 (347) Jets To The Rescue

Summary

Summary of "Voice Of The Army 47-03-26 (347) Jets To The Rescue"

Introduction

In this gripping episode of Harold's Old Time Radio, titled "Voice Of The Army 47-03-26 (347) Jets To The Rescue," listeners are transported to the harsh, icebound expanses of northern Greenland. The story centers around a daring rescue mission orchestrated by the United States Army, highlighting the challenges of Arctic warfare and the valor of its servicemen.

Crisis in the Arctic

The episode opens with Vern and Russ, the radio operator and pilot respectively, grappling with a severe storm that has thrown their mission into disarray. With dwindling fuel and impending darkness, the duo faces the formidable unpredictability of Arctic weather.

• Russ: "Not much gas left, Vern." [01:21]
• Vern: "This storm's one of the worst I've ever seen." [01:22]

As the storm intensifies, their communication systems fail, leaving them stranded without the ability to contact their base or navigate using radar.

• Vern: "We must be pretty close to the magnetic pole. Can't get any results from radio or radar. You'll have to fly on celestial navigation only." [01:44]

Emergency Landing

After enduring eighteen grueling hours in the storm, Vern spots a potential landing area. Despite the precarious conditions and malfunctioning compass, they decide to attempt an emergency landing on a patch of clear ice.

• Vern: "I think I see an opening ahead, Russ. Yes, I'm sure I do. About time. Here we come out to the open again." [02:02]
• Russ: "We'll have to keep the wheels up, make a belly landing." [02:43]

The successful landing, though rough, ensures that all eleven crew members survive the ordeal. However, they are now stranded, isolated in the vast Arctic wilderness with limited supplies.

Stranded and Waiting

With their plane grounded and no immediate means of rescue, Vern and Russ assess their situation. They decide to set up a communication attempt to reach Ladd Field, hopeful that help is on the way.

• Russ: "Well, Vern, I'm going to give Sergeant Leader a hand with a radio. We've got to try and make contact with Ladd Field." [03:35]

Initiating the Rescue Mission

At Ladd Field, Colonel communicates the status of the stranded crew to Captain Bobby Joe Kavner, initiating a rescue operation. Plans are swiftly made to dispatch a rescue plane equipped with jet propulsion, enhancing their chances of a successful mission.

• Colonel: "We can at least try to locate them, can't we, sir?" [03:50]
• Captain: "I want you to get your planes off as soon as possible. The first one to spot the Kee bird can drop food and so on." [04:10]

Rescue Team's Journey

The rescue team, led by Lieutenant Bobby Joe Kavner, prepares for the challenging journey to Sandra Fjord. With the addition of jet propulsion, their aircraft is better equipped to handle the treacherous Arctic conditions.

• Russ: "With that extra power on the takeoff and a little luck, we'll get them." [06:15]
• Vern: "I'll bet my next boogie he's right." [09:16]

Final Landing and Rescue

As the rescue plane approaches the stranded Kee Bird, precise maneuvers and expert coordination ensure a safe landing despite the deep snow and icy terrain. The rescuers swiftly board the crew, successfully bringing all eleven men back to safety.

• Russ: "We're going in. Prepare for a landing." [09:57]
• Vern: "We're Going in. Prepare for a landing." [09:57]
• Russ: "We're Taking off." [05:38]

Conclusion

The successful rescue underscores the bravery and resilience of the Army Air Forces. Lieutenant Kavner and his team are celebrated for their heroic efforts, embodying the spirit of dedication and teamwork. The episode concludes with an inspiring message encouraging young men to join the regular Army, highlighting the myriad opportunities and the honor of serving the nation.

Notable Quotes

• Vern on the Storm's Severity: "This storm's one of the worst I've ever seen." [01:22]
• Russ Expressing Doubt: "We'll just have to wait until someone comes and gets us. If they can find us." [03:35]
• Colonel on the Rescue Plan: "I want you to get your planes off as soon as possible." [04:10]
• Russ on Jet Propulsion: "If anything can do the job, jet propulsion can." [06:15]
• Vern's Confidence in Rescue: "I'll bet my next boogie he's right." [09:16]
• Russ Before Landing: "We're going in. Prepare for a landing." [09:57]

Credits

The episode features the voices of William Calvert, Jim Bowles, Henry Norell, Gregory Morton, Robert Noel, and Whit Vernon. Written by Corporal J. Smolin and directed by Major Phil Lampkin, this installment of Voice of the Army exemplifies the storytelling and production quality reminiscent of the Golden Age of Radio.

Transcript

[Vern]

The Voice of the Army. The United States army brings you a story of a daring rescue in the icebound wastes of northern Greenland. The title, jet to the Rescue. This transcribed feature is another in the series of the Voice of the Army.

[Russ]

Not much gas left, Vern.

[Vern]

I know it, Russ. This storm's one of the worst I've ever seen.

[Russ]

Hit us so suddenly, too.

[Vern]

They always do up here in the Arctic. You can't predict them.

[Russ]

And we used to complain about the heavy dew back home in California. Wonder if we'll ever see that California sun again.

[Vern]

Oh, this. Can't predict.

[Russ]

I hope not. Pilot to radio operator.

[Vern]

Radio operator to pilot.

[Russ]

Pick up anything on the radio, Sergeant? Not a thing, Lieutenant.

[Vern]

We must be pretty close to the magnetic pole. Can't get any results from radio or radar. You'll have to fly on celestial navigation only.

[Russ]

Thanks. Keep trying, though.

[Vern]

Yes, sir.

[Russ]

Have to see some stars before you can navigate by them. These clouds go all the way up to 24,000ft.

[Vern]

I think I see an opening ahead, Russ. Yes, I'm sure I do. About time. Here we come out to the open again.

[Russ]

Where do you suppose we are? Compass has gone completely haywire. The radio's out and so is radar. Mister, we're just plain lost.

[Vern]

We're lucky the gas held out enough until we came through those clouds. We've been in the air 18 hours. We'll have to set this key bird down the first clear space we see.

[Russ]

There seems to be a bit of clear ice over at 9 o' clock. See it? Not exactly my idea of a perfect landing field, but it's as good as anything around here. Let's make for it.

[Vern]

Right.

[Russ]

Pilot, the crew. Pilot, the crew. Hang on, gang. We're going in.

[Vern]

Good luck.

[Russ]

Thanks. Keep your fingers crossed.

[Vern]

We'll have to keep the wheels up, make a belly landing. Okay, here we go. Watch that crosswind, huh? Good old Kee bird.

[Russ]

We made it all right. Hope nobody was hurt.

[Vern]

Here we are. But actually, where are we? We may be halfway across the top of the world since our last known position. And the Arctic's a pretty big place. That was swell, sir. Everybody's in good shape. Glad to hear it. That's fine.

[Russ]

We'll just have to wait until someone comes and gets us. If they can find us. We can't fly out, but we're not in too bad a fix. Got some food and there's enough motor oil to keep a fire going. Well, Vern, I'm going to give Sergeant Leader a hand with a radio. We've got to try and make contact with Ladd Field.

[Vern]

I hope they find us soon. You never can tell. You never can. You sent for me, Colonel? Yes, captain. I have just had good news. The Kee bird has been heard from. They made an emergency landing on the ice. That's great, sir. Everyone all right? Yes, all 11 men are safe. But they can't get off. They're downed? As near as we can tell. Somewhere in Washington. Land over on the northern tip of Greenland. I'm afraid we won't be able to do much here at Lad Field about getting them out. We can at least try to locate them, can't we, sir? Yes, that's just what I want you to do, captain. I want you to get your planes off as soon as possible. The first one to spot the key bird can drop food and so on. You know what to do. Yes, sir. I'll get on the phone to the Air Transport Command headquarters. General Tunnel will see that we get a rescue plane that can get those men out of there.

[Russ]

Well, take off as soon as they get here, Fred. Everything's all set, Bobby. This plane has been checked more times than my belief. Here they come now. Fred, help him get set back there, will you, please? The one on the left is Captain Dorsey, the medical officer. And the other is Captain Shaw, the expert on dog teams and Arctic rescue. Right, Bobby. Be back with Jiffy. Pilots A crew chief. Pilot the crew chief. We're taking off. Stand by.

[Vern]

All set, Bobby. Let's go.

[Russ]

We'll fly from here, right to Sandra Fjord. We'll stay there only long enough to pick up emergency supplies to drop to the Key.

[Vern]

Our crew.

[Russ]

In case anything goes wrong and we can't land and pick them up.

[Vern]

What do you think our chances are?

[Russ]

Well, if anything can do the job, jet propulsion can. The ground crews worked on this plane until 2 o' clock this morning, installing Jado. With that extra power on the takeoff and a little luck, we'll get them. Pilot to Captain Shaw and Darcy. Can you hear me?

[Vern]

Yes, we can hear you. Go ahead.

[Russ]

Good. It's a matter of 2,300 miles from Westover Field to Sandra Stump Fjord. So you both better try to get some rest.

[Vern]

Thanks. We'll do that. From the fjord, we'll head Puthula. They'll have all the latest weather reports waiting for us, won't they, Bobby?

[Russ]

Right, Fred. That's only about 200 miles south of where the plane's grounded on Washington land. We'll have to wait at Thule till the weather's right to attempt the Rescue. That northwest tip of Greenland is treacherous. We ought to be sighting them any minute now. Pilot's a radio operator. Radio operator to pilot. What does the key bird say?

[Vern]

They filled up a big fire with motor oil. They say you should see it from quite a distance. Sorry they don't have a welcome mat, but if they had, it'd be out lit up for us. I imagine they'd be glad to have visitors.

[Russ]

They say.

[Vern]

Wait a second. They say they think they can hear our plane now.

[Russ]

George. Stay with them. Sergeant. You see anything of them, Fred?

[Vern]

Not yet. Wait. Yes. There they are, Bobby, at two o' clock.

[Russ]

I see them. Let's just circle round and see where we can land. That lake they're on looks pretty short to me. There seem to be lots of lots of larger ones around. Without arctic landing gear, this is going to be a tricky job at best.

[Vern]

Why don't we ask the experts?

[Russ]

Okay. Captain Shaw, are you there?

[Vern]

Yes, go ahead.

[Russ]

What's your opinion? If we land on that lake over to the left, that's about five miles at a rough guess. What would you say would be their chances of reaching us?

[Vern]

They could probably make it. But it'll be a lot safer to go back for dog teams first.

[Russ]

I'd hate to do that. How about you, Captain d' Arcy? How does it look from a medical point of view?

[Vern]

Well, the men all seem to be in good shape and they say they're fine. But they're almost surely suffering to some extent from shock and exposure at 30 degrees below zero. I wouldn't advise a 5 mile trip except as an absolute last resort.

[Russ]

Thanks. I'm inclined to agree with him. If only I was sure the ice would hold us, I wouldn't be too concerned about the size of the lake. Radio operator to pilot.

[Vern]

Lieutenant Arnett and a key bird. The ice is plenty thick to support your plane. He thinks you can make it.

[Russ]

Thanks.

[Vern]

I'll bet my next boogie he's right.

[Russ]

If we try to land, we'll be betting a good deal more than that. We'll be betting eight lives. All right, we'll land. Pilot the radio operator. Tell them we're coming in.

[Vern]

Radio operator to pilot. Will do. They've already told me.

[Russ]

If you're going down, they'll guide you in by posting themselves at 300 yard intervals on either side of the Runway. That'll help some, Fred, but the snow is almost a foot deep on the ice and I'm worried about our nose wheel. Oh, well, here goes. Pilots of crew chief.

[Vern]

Yes, sir.

[Russ]

We're Going in. Prepare for a landing.

[Vern]

Yes, sir.

[Russ]

I'm going to land without full flap. Want to keep air speed up to about 120. So we'll have enough speed to get off if anything goes wrong.

[Vern]

Sure hope that ice holds up. Lieutenant Arnett? Yes, right there. Just a minute. Here's Lieutenant Copper.

[Russ]

Hello, Lieutenant Arnett. It's good to see you.

[Vern]

It's good to see you.

[Russ]

You and your man better hurry aboard and stay out of the line of the propellers. At this temperature, you could freeze to death in the Prop 1.

[Vern]

Okay, hurry aboard, man.

[Russ]

It's a crew chief. Pilot to crew chief. Jettison every bit of equipment we don't actually need. Just toss out everything. With 11 extra men in the plane, we'll be overloaded as it is. And get those men as far back in the tail of the ship as possible to keep our nose wheel clear. We'll taxi up and down a couple of times. Fred. Maybe we can flatten the snow a little bit.

[Vern]

Captain Dorsey, what in the world is.

[Russ]

The matter with those men?

[Vern]

I had to spend a good many years in the Army. Secret. I've never seen a man's face turn black before. Bothered me at first, too, Captain Show. But it's nothing more than smoke from the motor oil fires. They've been burning. Oh, I see.

[Russ]

All right. All right, friends, this is it. Flaps down 10 degrees.

[Vern]

Jack, you think you can clear those. Those ice hummocks ahead, Bobby?

[Russ]

I hope so. When we hit 50 mile an hour, we'll touch off the jets. And that ought to give us enough for the clearance. Hold on, fred.

[Vern]

Westover Field, Massachusetts. The 11 members of the crew of the Kee Bird and their rescuers, piloted by youthful Lieutenant Bobby Joe Kavner, are expected to land here any moment. Lieutenant Kavner and the other members of the rescue party will later go on to Washington to be decorated by General Spots. Commanding General of the Army Air Forces. The rescue was a triumph of modern air travel. Gentlemen, if you are properly qualified, you may enlist directly into the Army Air Forces to perform essential work in radio and other fields, both in the air and on the ground. But that is just one of the countless opportunities open to you. If you can measure up to the high standards of the regular Army. To mention just one other. You are permitted on three year enlistments to join one of the famous ground forces divisions in Japan or Korea. If you're ambitious and looking ahead to your future, see your friendly local United States army recruiting sergeant and find out if you have the qualifications to join the regular Army. Thousands of young men like yourself are saying it's smart to join up. Yes. And it's smart to stay in your regular army. Serves the nation and mankind in war and peace. Choose this fine profession. Now. This program was brought to you by the United States army. And the featured roles were played by William Calvert, Jim Bowles, Henry Norell, Gregory Morton, Robert Noel and Whit Vernon. The story was written by Corporal J. Smolin and was directed by Major Phil Lampkin. This is Sidney Paul speaking. This transcribed feature has been another in the series of the Voice of the Army RA.