Go Bold #94: Colonel (Ret) Jim Cardoso on the Rescue of Vega 31 Behind Enemy Lines

Today's episode is all about the U.S. Air Force Special Operations mission to rescue Vega 31, a downed pilot of a F-117A Nighthawk stealth fighter that was shot down behind enemy lines.My guest is retired U.S. Air Force Colonel Jim Cardoso, who flew in the rescue package. At the time, Cardoso,was a young Air Force Captain flying the impressive MH-53 Pave Low helicopter with the 20th Special Operations Squadron.Cardoso led the rescue helicopter package on a daring night mission behind Serbian enemy lines to bring Vega 31 back — and they did it navigating through dangerous airspace, pushing the limits of both man and machine — and for his extraordinary actions, he was awarded the Silver Star.In this episode, you'll hear an inside perspective of Air Force Special Operations, Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR), and the raw courage it takes to fly into the unknown to bring a fellow warrior home.You'll hear how the mighty MH-53 Pave Low — a beast of a helicopter — was a key to that mission's success. But more importantly, you will hear all about the rescue from the man who was there, guiding his crew into harms way, and out again.This is the kind of story that defines Go Bold! We don't just talk history — we talk to the people who made it!As a special note, we are publishing this episode on March 27, exactly 26 years after the event you will hear.My thanks to Colonel Cardoso for his time and kindness in sharing this story of duty, professionalism and bravery. Strap in everyone, this is one episode of Go Bold you cannot miss!Go Bold!