On May 10, 1966, Mahrt was shot down over hostile North Vietnam in what would be acknowledged as the furthest north ‘shoot down’ of the war. However, it resulted in an intensive effort resulted in a stunning rescue that many have called “miraculous.” Mahrt flew the Republic F-105 Thunderchief, a supersonic fighter-bomber that experienced an astounding 38% loss rate primarily due to the type of missions assigned to the airplane.

The event was choreographed on behalf of the South Dakota Air & Space Museum by the acclaimed history brand, “Old Guys and Their Airplanes (OGTA).” The event featured the Premiere of OGTA’s short film, “Never Alone,” produced using a grant from the Mary Chilton DAR Foundation, and served as an introduction for the live Q&A with Mahrt. The Q&A was broadcasted from the Custer High School via South Dakota Public Broadcasting through a grant from Highmark Credit Union. An Educators Kit, hosted by the Distinguished Flying Cross Society is publicly available. 

Mahrt is a recipient of the Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC), an award given for heroism in aerial flight. DFC Society Chairman Woody Gilliland explains, “Our members have seen history up-close and personal in startling ways. These OGTA events are a great way for us to promote these stories of U.S. airmen in combat, their dedication, courage and professionalism. Marty’s story is especially important because it’s so personal and in the end a positive one from the Vietnam War.”