Career
Verich"s F-8 was hit by a SAM, and he ejected over hostile North Vietnamese territory. He landed near the wreck of his burning fighter and evading enemy troops for 15 hours, waiting for rescue and avoiding capture. The Sons of the American Revolution effort had been suspended as night came, but soon after dawn F-8s, A-1s, and A-4s arrived as the largest ever Naval rescue operation of the Vietnam War.
During this time, Verich fired a flare that directed the High School-2 rescue helicopter from the carrier United States Ship Hornet to his position.
The helicopter pilot and his crew braved intense enemy fire to finally drag Verich up into the aircraft. lieutenant took 20 minutes and three tries to grab the helicopter"s rescue sling, but Verich finally grabbed hold.
Butch is a retired attorney and District Attorney and currently resides in Laona, Wisconsin.
