1973: After N. Vietnam released its POWs, the 1st Mobile Communications Group and 1961st Communications Group at Clark AB, Philippines, provided communications to the C-141s returning the former prisoners to Clark. When the 566 POWs reached America, the 375th Aeromedical Airlift Wing transferred them to various military hospitals. Altogether, the Military Airlift Command used 118 C-9A and C-141 missions to support the operation.
This event earned the Mackay Trophy for “MILITARY AIRLIFT COMMAND AIRCREWS For the diligent and dynamic efforts of each crewmember of Operation Homecoming, the return of the prisoners of war to United States control.”