SAN DIEGO — Honor Flight San Diego is planning an elite mission.
CBS 8 has gone aboard when the non-profit sent World War II, Korean and Vietnam war veterans to Washington DC to visit their memorials.
Last year, they dedicated one of their flights to the US Navy Hal-3 Seawolves who served during Vietnam.
In April, Honor Flight is inviting 90-100 U.S. Navy Special Warfare Operators who served during Vietnam, Korea and WWII.
The U.S. Navy Seals who served in Vietnam helped pave the way for Seals serving today.
In December 1966, Donald Crawford was drafted to the U.S. Army, but he opted to join the U.S Navy. After he graduated from boot camp, the 20-year-old reported to UDT known as the Underwater Demolition Team Replacement Activity class of 42 and assigned to Seal Team 1.
“What is Seal Team One? And then they call my name. I put my hands up, ‘hey, what's the Seal stuff? I want to be a frogman,” said Crawford.
Frogmen proceeded Seals during World War II. Crawford served three tours in Vietnam and conducted covert missions behind enemy lines and liberated a POW camp.
Crawford known as "Crawdad" earned several medals including a Purple Heart after being wounded in an attack by B-40 rockets.
“Ther was no victory at the end. So, there was no real homecoming,” said Crawford.
Crawford went on to graduate from the University of San Diego. During his 30 plus years of service he became a Seal Commander and led elite missions and served three tours in Desert Storm.
“My dad told me, ‘You get one thing free in life. You were born in America.’ That's it. ‘Everything else you got to learn on your own,’” said Crawford.
That honor during an unpopular war has not been forgotten.
“I can't even imagine what the Vietnam veterans went through. I mean, they did with their country asked of them he did with their government asked of them, they were in country in Vietnam in combat, and they come home to an ungrateful nation.
Fifty years later, Honor Flight San Diego is helping to put honor back into their service.
“We're going to be taking between 90 and 100. US Navy special operators,” said Holly Shaffner, Honor Flight San Diego, Vice Chairman.
On April 26, Honor Flight will take off from San Diego International Airport carrying Special Warfare veterans from WWII, the Korean and Vietnam wars.
The Seals, Frogmen and UDT veterans will visit their memorials in Washington DC including the Vietnam Veterans wall with the names inscribed of the 48 Seals killed in action.
“I'm hoping that that it helps to heal some of the wounds 50 years later,” said Shaffner.
Some of the greatest healing happens when they come back to more than a thousand people lining up at the airport for the homecoming they always deserved.
“It’s not about the individuals. I don't care if somebody says, hey, you did a good job or not. I know I did a good job.
For Crawford, he says his service was more than a job, it was an honor to serve his country.
“You're representing the United States, doesn't get much better than that,” said Crawford.
Honor Flight San Diego is driven by donations and this flight will cost $300,000. To learn about how to donate or volunteer visit their website.
Honor Flight is also planning to have active-duty Special Warfare Operators escort the veterans on the flight.
The veterans will return on April 28. The public is invited to attend the unforgettable homecoming. Follow CBS 8 for details on arrival time and terminal.
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