The only hijacker ever shot aboard a U.S. airliner was stopped on September 15, 1970, aboard Trans World Airlines (TWA) Flight 15, a Boeing 707. The flight, originating in Chicago and bound for San Francisco, had just completed a stopover in Los Angeles when Donald Irwin, a 27-year-old armed hijacker, seized control of the aircraft. Irwin, brandishing a firearm, threatened flight attendants in the aft galley and demanded the plane be diverted to North Korea.
Unbeknownst to Irwin, the aircraft was neither equipped nor capable of such a journey. His plan was doomed from the start. However, the actions of one courageous individual ensured the safety of everyone onboard.
A Captain’s Quick Thinking
The pilot, Captain J.K. Gilman, was quickly informed of the hijacking and remembered that Robert DeNisco, a plainclothes Brinks security guard, was aboard in First Class, tasked with escorting a shipment of money. Using the airplane’s intercom, Captain Gilman relayed a simple yet shocking message to a flight attendant: “Tell him I said to go back and shoot that bastard!”
DeNisco’s Heroic Actions
DeNisco, a Vietnam and Korea combat war hero, didn’t hesitate. Slowly and methodically, he moved toward the aft galley where Irwin was holding court. DeNisco changed seats multiple times, inching closer with each move. When the time was right, he sprang into action.
Instead of firing immediately, DeNisco decided to take control of the situation verbally. He stood up, pointed his revolver, and shouted, “Police officer, drop your weapon!” Though he wasn’t a police officer, the authoritative command startled Irwin, who turned toward DeNisco with his gun. DeNisco fired a single, precise shot, hitting Irwin in the abdomen. The hijacker collapsed, and DeNisco secured his weapon. Thanks to his bravery, the plane made a safe landing, and all lives were saved.
Aftermath and Recognition
Irwin, critically injured, survived thanks to emergency medical care. Robert DeNisco was hailed as a hero. His actions marked the end of the hijacking, but his story didn’t stop there.
The incident inspired the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) to create the Air Marshal program, a new layer of security for U.S. air travel. Recognizing DeNisco’s courage and expertise, the FAA recruited him to train the first generation of Air Marshals.
DeNisco’s heroics even caught the attention of President Richard Nixon, who personally called to congratulate him. Brinks, proud of their employee’s bravery, hosted an event in his honor at Chicago’s O’Hare Airport, where DeNisco was recognized by numerous officials and peers.
A Troubling Turn of Events
Despite his contributions, DeNisco’s later life took an unfortunate turn. FAA regulations eventually disarmed even sworn law enforcement officers, leaving only federal agents and hijackers armed on planes. DeNisco, the very man who had saved Flight 15, was later stripped of his right to carry firearms due to a technicality: a juvenile joyriding incident that resulted in a conviction. Though it had no bearing on his fitness as a Brinks guard or an Air Marshal trainer, it was enough under gun control act of 1968 to permanently disarm him.
The Legacy of September 15, 1970
DeNisco’s story is one of heroism overshadowed by bureaucratic missteps. His quick thinking and courage saved countless lives and reshaped aviation security forever. Yet, the same government that honored him later undermined his rights and contributions.
Today, we face ongoing challenges in aviation security. Since 9/11, the TSA has implemented sweeping changes but has yet to prevent a single terrorist attack. Instead, it has created a culture of inconvenience, humiliation, and inefficiency for travelers.
Ordinary citizens—not the TSA—stopped both the shoe bomber and the underwear bomber. Perhaps the lesson we should take from DeNisco’s story is this: heroes emerge when individuals are empowered, not hindered, by bureaucratic red tape.
As we remember September 15, 1970, let us honor Robert DeNisco and his legacy. His bravery serves as a reminder of what’s possible when individuals step up in the face of danger.
A sidenote: I wish to thank Robert DeNisco for granting me the interview long ago. Sadly, he passed away in 2013 at the age of 76.
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