I think I had something to do with that rescue effort, as well as this production, but I don't remember yet all the details. After I saw again a photo of that rescue helicopter, I remembered that I had thought of that event before and I didn't understand, and still do not, why I was thinking about it.
http://www.imdb.com/title/tt0087272/
Flight 90: Disaster on the Potomac (1984) (TV)
Release Date: 1 April 1984 (USA)
Plot Summary: Flight 90: Disaster on the Potomac is a true story based on the crash of Air Florida flight 90 on January 13, 1982 in Washington D.C.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Air_Florida_Flight_90
At approximately 4:20 p.m. EST, Eagle 1, a United States Park Police Bell 206L-1 Long Ranger helicopter, N2PP, based at the "Eagles Nest" at Anacostia Park in Washington, D.C. and manned by pilot Donald W. Usher and paramedic Melvin E. (Gene) Windsor arrived and began attempting to assist the survivors to shore. At great risk to themselves, the crew worked close to the river surface, at one time coming so close to the ice-clogged river that the helicopter's skids went beneath the surface of the water.
The helicopter crew lowered a line to survivors to tow them to shore. First to receive the line, Bert Hamilton, who was treading water about ten feet from the floating tail, took the single lifeline dangling beneath the chopper and passed it under his arms. The others watched while the helicopter carried him a hundred yards to the Virginia shore and returned. The helicopter pilot had to gently move the survivor across the ice, while avoiding the sides of the bridge and keeping an eye on the crowd.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982
January 13 - Shortly after takeoff, Air Florida Flight 90 crashes into Washington, D.C.'s 14th Street Bridge and falls into the Potomac River, killing 78. On the same day, a Washington Metro train derails to the north, killing 3 (the system's first, and worst, fatal accident).
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/1982
January 28 - U.S. Brigadier General James L. Dozier is rescued by Italian anti-terrorism forces after 42 days of captivity under the Red Brigades.
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=42376&st=&st1=
Statement on the Murder of Lt. Col. Charles R. Ray, Assistant Army Attaché in Paris
January 18th, 1982
Lieutenant Colonel Charles R. Ray, our Assistant Army Attaché in Paris, was a distinguished career officer. He gave his life in the line of duty as surely as if he had fallen in battle. Our hearts go out to his family in their bereavement, and the wanton act of his murderers reinforces our determination to stamp out international terrorism and prevent similar tragedies in the future.
http://www.presidency.ucsb.edu/ws/index.php?pid=42387&st=&st1=
Exchange With Reporters on Terrorism
January 18th, 1982
Q. What about the shooting, Mr. President? What about the killing of the American? Is there anything we can do about these outbreaks of terrorism, or are we just helpless?
The President. Well, I think terrorism is the hardest thing to curtail. As a matter of fact, I've said for many years that probably the only defense you have against terrorist attacks is really infiltration to try and find out in advance what their plans are. And in the last few years that's been made more difficult. We're doing our best to try and correct something like that.
Q. Why would anyone want to shoot an obscure lieutenant colonel? What's the advantage?
The President. Well, why would anyone want to just park a car with a bomb in a street where they don't even know the people that are going to be killed and blow them up? That's exactly why they have the word "terrorist." Their belief is—there isn't a motive in the individual that they're killing. The great, senseless cruelty and tragedy of it is simply to create terror by making people generally feel unsafe.
Q. Is there enough international cooperation on this issue of terrorism, Mr. President, between countries to try to stop it?
The President. I would say that there is. We've been having the greatest cooperation with Italy so far.
Q. Is General Dozier still alive, in your belief?.
Deputy Press Secretary Speakes. Thank you.
The President. What?
Q. General Dozier? Is he still alive?
The President. We don't know.
Note: The exchange began at approximately 1:15 p.m. as the President was beginning a meeting with Mike Mansfield, U.S. Ambassador to Japan, in the Oval Office at the White House.
http://www.dodmedia.osd.mil/Assets/Still/1983/Air_Force/DF-SC-83-06138.JPEG
ID: DF-SC-83-06138 Service Depicted: Army
The body of Army LCOL CHARLES RAY is being carried from a VC-137 Stratoliner aircraft upon arrival. RAY was killed by terrorists in Paris.
Location: ANDREWS AIR FORCE BASE, MARYLAND (MD) UNITED STATES OF AMERICA (USA)
Camera Operator: SGT TYLER Date Shot: 22 Jan 1982
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/James_L._Dozier
James Lee Dozier (born April 10, 1931) is a retired US Army general officer. In December 1981, he was kidnapped by the leftist Italian "Red Brigades" terrorist group. He was freed by Italian anti-terrorist forces after 42 days of captivity. General Dozier was the deputy Chief of Staff at NATO's Southern European land forces headquarters at Verona. At the time, Dozier had been the first American flag officer to be abducted by a terrorist group. The Red Brigade, in a statement to the press, stated the reason behind Dozier's kidnapping was that the Italian and US governments had enjoyed excellent diplomatic relations, and the fact he was an American soldier invited to work in Italy made him a fair target for their actions. [1]
Brigadier General James L. Dozier was kidnapped from his apartment in Verona, Italy at approximately 6:00PM on December 17, 1981, by 4 men posing as plumbers.
Dozier was later promoted to Major General and eventually retired from active military service. As a result of his kidnapping, US military personnel are often required to study his case in order to better assess their surroundings in an attempt to avoid a similar abduction happening to them. Dozier's levelheadness and courage under a dangerous situation is also pointed out as the example all American military members need to emulate if they are being held against their will.
