Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Best Friends
Chief Mac Jerry Broyles Niel Masturd All the Airmen, pilots and navs that worked on or flew the best tactical recon platform in the world THE RF-4C. Always ALONE UNARMED AND HAULING ASS.
Best Moment
Putting on MSGT.
The Thanksgiving and Christmas diners that were held at our house on Okinawa. We always had plenty of people in attendance and it was always an unforgettable meal. The meal would be traditional American with a bit of TexMex, Thai, Phillapno, Japanese, and anything else that we could find.
At the Christmas dinner in 1983 we had a bunch of GIs from Osan because the aircrews wanted to be home for Christmas. We told the powers to be that if they wanted to do that they would have to send additional Crew Dogs, which they did. Anyway we had a tent set up in the back yard, but true to the spirit it rained and turned cold. So we had 30 to 40 people in our four bedroom house trying to each Christmas dinner. It was fun and a trick walking between you seat and the dinning room table.
Worst Moment
Stuck at HQ PACAF trying to get a flight to Oki so the family and I can spend the Christmas Holidays with my cousin in the PI.
Other Memories
Diving with Chief Mac off Bolo Point in the middle of a typhoon.
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Best Friends
Maj Woodrow was out Wing Nav and we spent quite a bit of time together as we were starting to get the Modified RF-4s with the DMAS system installed. The day I was to reenlist was an incentive flight day, but by the time we got to it the incentive flight day had changed. While we were decussing what to do Maj Woodrow walked into the Ops Building and said he was flying the next day as Col Latic's backseater and he did not see any reason I could not perfor the mission in his place. It was the first time we were to fly the mission using the DTM to upload the target info into the DMAS.
Best Moment
Reenlisting while airborne in the back seat of an RF-4C on a photo mission in West Texas.
Worst Moment
All the time I spent on the weekends because I was the TAC expert on the RF-4C and the DMAS system and was very quickly becoming very knowledgeable on the APQ-99 and the upgrades that were coming down the line.
Criteria The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospital... The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and medical centers (whether or not they are numbered) for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. Heroism may be involved, but is not essential. MoreHide
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Criteria The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a... The Meritorious Service Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces who distinguish themselves by outstanding noncombat achievement or by meritorious service to the United States, but not of a degree that would warrant the award of the Legion of Merit. MoreHide
Criteria The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospital... The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and medical centers (whether or not they are numbered) for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. Heroism may be involved, but is not essential. MoreHide
Best Friends
MSG William E. (Bill) Epley was our INS man. We rode to work together most of the time and in the return trips it was a six pack from Duke Field to our residents on Eglin Main.
Best Moment
My second reenlistment was done while assigned to DET AHOO 1st Special Operations Wing, which was the unit we were assigned to while at Duke Field. This reenlistment was done while airborne in a AC-130A on a training mission with a 919th Reserve Crew, one of the Active Navigators performed the oath just outside the booth at the back of the aircraft. On these aircraft the FCO, EWO and sensor operators set in the booth and the Navigator was on the flight deck. During this mission we flew along I10 and targeted the trucks as they traveled down the interstate unaware that they had just been hit with 40mm from the two L/60 Bofors Cannons on the aircraft. Some were hit with the 20mm from the Gatling guns and/or the 7.62mm Gatling guns.
Worst Moment
Getting an assignment to the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, Bergstrom AFB, TX. I was not ready to leave the area and wanted to stay in special operations, but the Commander of TAC at that time was doing all he could to dump the special operations on someone else. It rather ironic that special operations gets the biggest part of the pie now. He must of had a defected crystal ball. As it turned out the assignment to Bergstrom turned into a good assignment and we had finally found where we wanted to live after we retired.
Other Memories
While I was assigned to Hurlburt Field (1st Special Operations Wing) I was selected to be on the cadre that was assigned to Duke Field to train the 919th Reserve Group to work on the AC-130A Aircraft. We had a Litton Tech Rep because the IMU on these aircraft were a Litton Commercial Product. It was the same IMU that was installed on many of the airliner at that time. We also had a ITT tech rep to help on the Loran Receiver in the ARN-92 Loran System on that aircraft.
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Best Friends
John Little - We called him Littlejohn, him and I were at Hurlburt waiting for family housing and spent time in the local bars. Littlejohn would get into arguments with the local bar persons and run and stand behind me when they wanted to kick his A... .
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of Sout... The Republic of Vietnam Meritorious Unit Citation (Gallantry Cross Colors) was authorized to be worn by units individually cited for service in military operations in support of the government of South Vietnam. The actions cited are for the same services that would have resulted in the award of a Valorous Unit Citation by the Army or a Navy Unit Citation. MoreHide
Worst Moment
I was at Ubon RTAFB when the 49th TFW deployed to Tahkli RTAFB, Thailand. I rotated to the states went to Mississippi and picked the family up and headed to New Mexico (they do not have an Embassy and you do not need a Visa to get there). When I arrived at Holloman the unit was still gone and we did not have any aircraft, time to paint the rocks and sand. The next thing I know I got orders and we are still living in the motel in wonderful and beautiful downtown Alamogordo, New Mexico (and it was not the best hotel in town). There was not much to the Alamogordo in those days. There were three bars in town, one for the Mexicans, one for the cowboys and one for all others. I went to the Orderly Room and asked when I was leaving and I was told next Friday, that was seven days away. I told the airman no way and about that time the 1st Shirt came out and wanted to know what was going on and I told him, my family is in a motel, I do not have a house and until I got my family in a house I would not go. Monday I was assigned a house and signed for it Tuesday, got my household Wednesday help the wife unpack, packed my bags and left Friday headed for Tahkli.
Other Memories
TDYs to England AFB and then to MacDill AFB and then back to Holloman. The trip back to Holloman from MacDill was fun. The C-130 aircrew was late getting to the aircraft. They had missed the chow hall people that brought out the box lunches (yum yum yum), anyway they asked me if I would accept them for the aircrew and I agreed. When we got airborne I told one of the loadmasters that I their lunches and the AC invited me up into the cockpit. It was a beautiful day, we had a very easy flight all the way back. When we approached Holloman the AC told the loadmaster to make sure everyone in the cargo hole was strapped in good. We approached high and when we were over the middle of the runway we banked to about 70degrees and started down. We make a combat approach into Holloman. Now that was exciting, but some of the guys in the back unstrapped needless to say they had fun, luckily nobody was hurt. During the air show in 1973 when the Thunderbirds took off #3 ran into #1 Vertical Stab (because of run-a-way trim) it broke the radome so the pilot pulled power, needless the F-4 Stalled and fell out of the sky. We go to see the ejection seat work and the pilot was OK, the aircraft was not.
Criteria The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospital... The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and medical centers (whether or not they are numbered) for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. Heroism may be involved, but is not essential. MoreHide
Criteria The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospital... The Outstanding Unit Award may be awarded by the Secretary of the Air Force to numbered units such as Air Forces, Air Divisions, Wings, Groups, and Squadrons and to Medical Facilities such as hospitals, clinics, and medical centers (whether or not they are numbered) for exceptionally meritorious service or exceptionally outstanding achievement that clearly sets the unit above and apart from similar units. Heroism may be involved, but is not essential. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to United States Military Advisory Group ln Indo-China with the following citation: "During the months of August and September 1954, the ... The Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to United States Military Advisory Group ln Indo-China with the following citation: "During the months of August and September 1954, the members of the Military Assistance Advisory Group assisted to freedom from the terrors of Communist rule in their home territory of North and Centraal Viet-Nam, hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children. Thanks to the efficient and humanitarian assistance of the members of the Military Assistance Advisory Group these refugees have been given an opportunity to start their lives anew in the free terriotires of Viet-Nam. The free people of Viet-Nam express their heartfelt gratitude for this unselfish manifestation of friendshp and support." MoreHide
Criteria This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical l... This medal is awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who: 1. Served for 6 months in South Vietnam during the period 1 Mar 61 and 28 Mar 73; or 2. Served outside the geographical limits of South Vietnam and contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces for an aggregate of six months. Only members of the Armed Forces of the United States who meet the criteria established for the AFEM (Vietnam) or Vietnam Service Medal during the period of service required are considered to have contributed direct combat support to the RVN Armed Forces; or 3. Did not complete the length of service required in item (1) or (2) above, but who, during wartime, were: a. Wounded by the enemy (in a military action); b. Captured by the enemy during action or in the line of duty, but later rescued or released; or c. Killed in action or in the line of duty; or 4. Were assigned in Vietnam on 28 Jan 73, and who served a minimum of 60 calendar days in Vietnam during the period 29 Jan 73 to 28 Mar 73. MoreHide
Description Operation Linebacker was the title of a U.S. Seventh Air Force and U.S. Navy Task Force 77 air interdiction campaign conducted against the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) from 9 May to Operation Linebacker was the title of a U.S. Seventh Air Force and U.S. Navy Task Force 77 air interdiction campaign conducted against the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) from 9 May to 23 October 1972, during the Vietnam War.
Its purpose was to halt or slow the transportation of supplies and materials for the Nguyen Hue Offensive (known in the West as the Easter Offensive), an invasion of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam), by forces of the People's Army of Vietnam (PAVN), that had been launched on 30 March. Linebacker was the first continuous bombing effort conducted against North Vietnam since the bombing halt instituted by President Lyndon B. Johnson in November 1968. ... More
People You Remember During both Linebacker 1&2 when the Loran equipped F-4 starting launching around midnight they would have trouble with the Loran locking-on because of a skywave that masked the master signal. We would station techs at a point along the taxiway and the crew would indicate if they had lock or not. If they did not we would climb on the F-4 and ride down the taxiway getting the Loran to locked on. You really had to trust the GIB (backseater for you USAF type and RSO for you Navy and Marine type). We wore a harness that they had to hold onto while we worked our magic. For you non-military type and military that are not familiar with aircraft GIB stands for Guy In Back.During both Linebacker 1&2 when the Loran equipped F-4 starting launching around midnight they would have trouble with the Loran locking-on because of a skywave that masked the master signal. We would station techs at a point along the taxiway and the crew would indicate if they had lock or not. If they did not we would climb on the F-4 and ride down the taxiway getting the Loran to locked on. You really had to trust the GIB (backseater for you USAF type and RSO for you Navy and Marine type). We wore a harness that they had to hold onto while we worked our magic. For you non-military type and military that are not familiar with aircraft GIB stands for Guy In Back.... More
Memories I had one GIB offer me a million dollars for my finger. We could tell when the system was locking oI had one GIB offer me a million dollars for my finger. We could tell when the system was locking on, so we would cover the LRN STL light with our finger rub it a little and then lift it off and the light would be out, therefore magic fingers. The LRN STL light indicated the Loran was not locked-on and they could not take off until it did lock-on.... More
Description Operation Linebacker II (18–29 December 1972) was a US Seventh Air Force and US Navy Task Force 77 aerial bombing campaign, conducted against targets in the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North VietnOperation Linebacker II (18–29 December 1972) was a US Seventh Air Force and US Navy Task Force 77 aerial bombing campaign, conducted against targets in the Democratic Republic of Vietnam (North Vietnam) during the final period of US involvement in the Vietnam War. The operation was conducted from 18–29 December 1972, leading to several of informal names such as "The December Raids" and "The Christmas Bombings".
Unlike the Operation Rolling Thunder and Operation Linebacker interdiction operations, Linebacker II, would be a "maximum effort" bombing campaign to "destroy major target complexes in the Hanoi and Haiphong areas which could only be accomplished by B-52s." It saw the largest heavy bomber strikes launched by the US Air Force since the end of World War II. Linebacker II was a modified extension of the Operation Linebacker bombings conducted from May to October, with the emphasis of the new campaign shifted to attacks by B-52 Stratofortress heavy bombers rather than smaller tactical fighter aircraft.... More
Best Friends
SMsgt Bert Ketchum was out expediter in AMS on Mid Shift and we both rented a bungalow from the same lady in town. I lived in the bungalow behind his bungalow. Him and I made a few trips into the jungles while we were there. Bert and I knew each other at Hurlburt Fld and England AFB while with the Air Commandos, needless to say when we went into the jungles we were prepared. We also went on boat rides that took us even deeper into the jungles.
Best Moment
Yes, it was all worth it! Written for all Maintenance Types by Robert F. Clinton The Letter: Dec 18 19:33:54 1996
Subject: From another Son of Satan's Angels
I don't know if you're called Bob or not. I do know that after having visited every single corner of your web page, I feel like I've known you for decades. I was an F-4 GIB in the 433rd TFS from September of '67 to May of '68. At some point, I must have taken a Phantom into battle which had your fingerprints on it. I have the deepest respect for every one of you marvelous men who sent us into combat with flying machines which, in my case at least, brought us back home all in one piece. I flew 125 missions, including 100 over North Vietnam, and 31 of those into Route Pack VI. It occurs to me that I - and a lot of other aviators like me -owe our lives to you. I want to express to you my profoundest gratitude and best wishes for God's richest blessings. You certainly deserve it. Again, thank you for a long career of devoted service to your country. I hope to hear from you in the near future. -- The Answer:
As I read this letter, the beleaguered events of three decades past flashed vividly through my mind. Then... the tears started to slide down my cheeks as the words slowly etched their way into my brain. I remembered those dark times, the terrible hard work, the endless hours on the flight line, the sacrifices we all made, ...for one thing, ...THE MISSION.
So long ago, were those days, now tucked neatly in to a remote memory bank somewhere within my mind. In a flash, ...all returned, so far away, yet...so real! One can really never truly forget! Things back then moved at a never ending pace and most of us "maintenance troops" seemed lost in the everyday shuffle of the war. The challenge of just keeping up sometimes seemed an insurmountable task in its' self. The 12 plus hour shifts, the heat and sweat, bad food, no sleep, the no days off, the endless frag, day in day out, week in week out, month after month, through it all we just grinned, endured, and did our best to insure a Code1 jet with 100% weapons was ready for the drivers when they came to take charge of their gallant steeds and fly off to the fierce air battles then taking place over the north. We all had a quiet respect and affection for these courageous men and what emanate dangers they faced in the skies beyond. We never shared in their glory, nor did we ask to. Our glory went beyond all that, for we all knew how to tame the beast, cure it's ails, and have it ready to fight again in the next go. We patched her wounds, armed her guns and bombs, fixed that always unfixable radar, poured countless thousands of gallons of JP-4 in to her seemingly always empty tanks, and dripped our sweat upon her skin in the always too hot Asian sun. We didn't ask for medals, nor glory, just seeing the drivers safely step down from the cockpit , with a smile on his face after a successful mission, was enough for us. For then, we all knew we had done our job. I read the letter again and then knew this was not just written just to personally thank me, but to thank all those countless guys and gals that "tamed the beast," not just during the Vietnam war, but every day, and at every air force base through out the world. Ours always has seemed like an endless and thankless job, always has, probably always will be, but still it is our job. A most important job. Our reward, a successfully completed mission, the safe return of the pilots, and the safe return of our precious flying machine so generously loaned out for the days fray in the skies above.
Worst Moment
Copy the link below into your browser and it will take you to the 8th TFW's wall. The year I was there and 1969 were two of the deadliest years for the Wolf Pack. View the photos at the bottom of this assignment profile and see the names on the wall.
Copy this link in your browser The 8th TFW Wall http://www.8tfw.com/pages/thewall.htm
Chain of Command
Col Jim Young took command of the 8th TFW about halfway through my year there. He had been in a P-51 Accident and his face was in bad shape from the burns he received. One side had been reconstructed and the other had not, so when you had to go see him depending on which side he sat you on you knew weither you were gettin a Ata boy or an ass chewing. Once I got here to San Marcos and the CAF come to find out that one of our members had followed Col Young around in the Air Force and took over the command behind him. He told me some fairly good stories about Col Young.
Other Memories
Ubon was a real neat place to be stationed. It had the nickname of Eglin East. You talk about Buck Rogers systems we had Buck Rogers systems. All the magical systems they talk about in the gulf wars, well we had the grandfathers of those systems in the late 60s and early 70s at good old Ubon Ratchathani. Every F-4D, B-57s, AC-130A/E had some type of mod on it. MCAIR had a whole room full of Engineers and Techs, in addition to them we had close to 500 Civilian Tech Reps and Engineers from all the different companies that were testing the different systems at that time. In the Loran shop, part of the Nav shop we had Duwaye Stillwell from LSI (the company that designed and built the ARN-101 DMAS) in this case they built the Computer, and an Engineer from ITT who built the digital receiver in the ARN-92. If you had a problem on an aircraft that did not make any sense, you could go the MCAIR folks and in almost all cases they would come up with an answer or send you to someone that could give you an answer. Some of the systems we had were:The Westinghouse AN/ASQ-152(V)-2 Pave Spike, AN/AVQ-10 Pave Knife, AVQ-11 Pave Sword, AVQ-9 Pave Light, Pave Fire. The system I worked on was the ARN-92. AN/ARN-92 LORAN-D equipment was fitted to Pave Phantom F-4Ds. They could be identified by a rather prominent "towel-rail" antenna on the upper rear fuselage behind the rear cockpit. A total of 72 aircraft from blocks 32 and 33 were so equipped. In Vietnam, the primary mission of these Pave Phantom F-4Ds was the seeding of the Ho Chi Minh trail with sensors, which required the precise nighttime navigational capability provided by LORAN. The primary operators of the "towel-rail" F-4Ds were the 25th and 497th TFS of the 8th TFW and the 555th TFS of the 432nd TFW. Subsequently, these planes were passed along to the 457th TFS of the 301st TFW, the 23rd TFS of the 52nd TFW, and the 704th TFS of the 924th TFG.
Copy this link in your browser Ode to the F-4 http://www.8tfw.com/pages/ode.htm
Criteria The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or aft... The Presidential Unit Citation may be awarded to units of the Armed Forces of the United States and cobelligerent nations for extraordinary heroism in action against an armed enemy occurring on or after December 7, 1941. MoreHide
Criteria The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspa... The Vietnam Service Medal was awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States who served at any time between July 4, 1965, and March 28, 1973, in Vietnam or its contiguous waters or airspace; or, for any period of service during the same time period in Thailand, Laos, or Cambodia or the air spaces thereover and in direct support of operations in Vietnam. MoreHide
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Criteria The Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to United States Military Advisory Group ln Indo-China with the following citation: "During the months of August and September 1954, the ... The Republic of Vietnam Presidential Unit Citation was awarded to United States Military Advisory Group ln Indo-China with the following citation: "During the months of August and September 1954, the members of the Military Assistance Advisory Group assisted to freedom from the terrors of Communist rule in their home territory of North and Centraal Viet-Nam, hundreds of thousands of men, women, and children. Thanks to the efficient and humanitarian assistance of the members of the Military Assistance Advisory Group these refugees have been given an opportunity to start their lives anew in the free terriotires of Viet-Nam. The free people of Viet-Nam express their heartfelt gratitude for this unselfish manifestation of friendshp and support." MoreHide
Best Friends
Lewis, a fireman assigned to the base fire department. He lived just pass us out in the country, about 20 miles from the base. Mr and Mrs Johnny that owed the restaurant about 2 miles from the house.
Best Moment
Attending Technical Instructors School, we learned quickly how much we take for granted and expect everyone should know what we are talking about. Try explaining to someone how to tie a fish hook on a fishing line. Remember this person you are showing has never seen a fish hook or a fishing line, much less a fish.
Worst Moment
When Hurricane Camile hit both Cherie and I were at Howard Memorial Hospital just outside the gates of Keesler in Biloxi and on Back Bay very close to the water and about 10 feet above the high tide mark. Just before the storm surge (30 plus feet) came in we were able to convince the Hospital Administrator that we needed to move the children and families of the hospital workers to the ground floor and out of the basement/cafeteria which open towards Back Bay and the only wall was glass. We were able to move everyone out and as I started up the stairs the glass broke and the water rushed in and it was lapping at my heels as I was going up the steps. It stopped a few steps from the top and stayed there for a let while, then ran out almost as quick as it had came in. By the time this happened we had lost power and it was around midnight or a little after. It was hot humid and no air movement at all, we tried to open the door in the emergency room but because the wall that protected the door had been blown in we could not do it.
Other Memories
Going through Hurricane Camille in 1969. Cherie was working at Howard memorial Hospital. When you lean against the outside wall and you can feel it move, you worry. Myself and another of the Volunteers from our rescue group had to swim into the basement to recover the emergency bottles of oxygen (O2). The reason being the valves for the O2 tank in the back were underwater, and the purity of the O2 could not be verified. We both had tanks and we into the basement, I stayed at the bottom of the stairs and he went into the room where the O2 emergency tanks were. I was holding a rope so I could find him or he could find his way back out.
Criteria The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distingu... The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not of a sufficient nature to justify a higher award. MoreHide
Criteria It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Long... It is awarded to all service members of the U.S. Air Force who complete four years of honorable active or reserve military service with any branch of the United States Armed Forces. The Air Force Longevity Service Award is a ribbon that replaces the Federal Service Stripes previously worn on the uniform. MoreHide
Best Friends
Maj Frank J. Gorski. He was our maintenance officer and was a non-degreed left over from WWII and was the best maintenance officer I ever had. He made sure we had what we needed and stayed out of the way, until the aircrews started getting a little on the demanding side.
Best Moment
Working on the J-3 Cub that Maj Gorski was rebuilding at Summerville Field south of England AFB below Alexandra, LA. It was completely stripped down and refurbished. He had found a 4 Cylinder that had a generator and had me wire it for lights.
My best moment was when I was reenlisted by Col Crane our Squadron CO while on a gun, skip bomb and dive bomb mission on the ranges at Fort Pope. Each time I reenlisted it was done airborne on type aircraft that I was working on at that time.
Other Memories
We would deploy to Fort Bragg for exercises with the Rangers and New Green Berets. One time we got up there a few hours before a heavy thunder storm came though. The 7th Special Forces had set up 20 men squad tents for the exercise. They did not moot the tents and we were told to do it before we went to town. The aircraft guys were in one tent and the admin, cooks, and medics were in the other tent. We had been there and Vietnam. So we mooted our tent and they did not, needless to say they had mud in their tent for about a week. You always try to tell the new guys what to do to stay out of trouble, but they always know more until it happens.
Description In 1967 Operation Combat Dragon commenced in Vietnam which would be the baptism of fire for the Cessna A-37 Dragonfly. An attack version of the T-37 trainer, the intent of the Dragonfly was to provideIn 1967 Operation Combat Dragon commenced in Vietnam which would be the baptism of fire for the Cessna A-37 Dragonfly. An attack version of the T-37 trainer, the intent of the Dragonfly was to provide a low-cost yet capable close air support aircraft, a role that the faster jet fighter in the theater weren't exactly tailored to perform.
Conceived by Lt. Colonel Lou Weber, a veteran of the World War Two Flying Tigers, Operation Combat Dragon would introduce the Dragonfly into combat in a unique manner- whereas most combat aircraft had their weapons certification, weapons loading and maintenance procedures hammered out in operational testing in the United States before deploying to operational units, the Dragonfly would gain its combat certification by testing in actual combat.
Thirty pilots were selected for Operation Combat Dragon, all of whom had no more than 25 hours in the T-37. All came from all types of aircraft, from fighters to transports- Weber wanted to make sure that a pilot with any experience from any level could fly the A-37 in combat. Most deploying units to Vietnam had nine month training programs stateside before heading overseas- but with the A-37, the training was going to be done "on the job". Combat missions were to be flown in the III and IV Corps area of South Vietnam and forward air controllers favored the A-37- its slower speed allowed for pinpoint accuracy in delivering weapons on target.
The unit had the provisional designation 604th Air Commando Squadron and was based at Bien Hoa AB. In its first 3,000 sorties, not a single A-37 Dragonfly was lost in combat. Operation Combat Dragon ran from August 1967 to December 1967 and in that time frame, Lt. Col. Weber's strategy was soundly vindicated with 19,000 weapons drops and the combat experience led Cessna to develop an improved version, the A-37B. After nine months in combat, the unit had flown an astounding 10,000 sorties and reflected that it only took two men to maintain and turnaround the Dragonfly where as most jet fighters required 10 or more men per plane. On many missions a Dragonfly could be turned around for the next sortie in as little as 90 minutes. The unit would average twice the number of sorties as the more advanced and faster jets in Vietnam.... More
People You Remember
Worked the AT-37D while they were being prepped at England AFB for transport to SEA.
Puff the Magic Dragon, a bird of Cam Ranh bon Came to fly the evening skies In a land called Vietnam.
Puff the Magic Dragon, came across the sea, To write it's name in guns of flame In the heart of hostile SEA
When the grunts are in trouble And Charlie's all around The thoughts may pry into the sky Beneath the fires on the ground
The VC's mortal terror, starts when many cries And the Dragon's breath of sudden death Comes screaming from the sky.
Yes, Puff will still be flying, >From one corps down to four Till Charlie's gone and the evening comes It's like the year before.
But I'll remember always, the ground troops grateful cry, When fire is beamed and Charlie screamed At the Dragon in the sky.
Now Dragons live forever and the Puff is just the same, The Gooney Bird will still be heard when Grandpa is my name. It will have to roam the skies with friends ..not with me For I'm going home, no more to roam In a land across the sea.
Puff the Magic Dragon, a bird of Cam Ranh bon Came to fly the evening skies In a land called Vietnam.
Puff the Magic Dragon, came across the sea, To write it's name in guns of flame In the heart of hostile SEA
Best Friends
When I got to my first I was sent over to Eglin Main to borrow some equipment, and who did I run into. My buddy from Lackland and Keesler. He was a INS type and had been in school a little longer than I had.
Best Moment
I asked my future wife to marry me and she said yes. We would be married a year later after I had moved to England AFB, LA to the 1st ACW.
I did work on all the Loran Systems my instructor in sets said we would never see. The real kicker is that I worked Loran System for the 21 years I was in the Air Force. Seems I was always working on the newer systems starting with the AN/ARN-92 on the F-4Ds at Ubon RTAFB, Thailand and ending with the ARN-101 with the 418th AGS at Kedena AB, Japan.
Worst Moment
Getting caught with a firearm in the barracks on a shake down inspection.
Other Memories
When I got to Hurlburt Fld, FL which is Eglin Aux Fld #9 it was as if I had been transported back to WWII. All I could see were C-47, C-46, L-19, T-28, A-1E/H, C-123 and few other special aircraft that were only at Hurlburt and in SEA. I thought that was neat because of all the experience I had working on prop aircraft before I enlisted.
Criteria The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distingu... The Air Force Commendation Medal may be awarded to members of the Armed Forces of the United States below the grade of Brigadier General who, while serving in any capacity with the Air Force, distinguish themselves by heroism, outstanding achievement, or by meritorious service not of a sufficient nature to justify a higher award. MoreHide
Best Friends
Joseph E. Tedesco from Philly. Since I lived in Jackson, MS I would take Joe to the farm and that was an experience from a guy from Philly.
Best Moment
I was reintroduced to my wife. We had grown up together, but her father died when she was 12 and she went to Piqua, Ohio to live with an aunt and uncle. She came back to live with her grandmother when she was in the 11th grade. I am four years older than she is so I remember seeing her in the crib, when they brought her home. Her dad and my dad worked together and were hunting buddies.
I invited her to a fish fry while I was home one weekend and the rest is history, as they say.
Worst Moment
Being told I had to choose between ridding rodeo on the weekend or the Air Force. I had gone with one of the local guys that had just gotten out of the Army (he rode bulls) to a rodeo just across the border in Alabama. It seems that was the home town of my 1st Shirt and he happen to be home that weekend and had gone to the rodeo. You talk about the luck of the draw.
Other Memories
I told by one of the instructors in the sets portion of my school at Keesler that I did not have to worry about learning Loran because the Air Force was phasing it out. My first assignment was to Hurlburt Fld, FL. All the C-123B/K had either APN-9 or APN-70 installed and they were used. I went on to work the ARN-92, APN-151/152, ARN-101. I worked Loran systems all of my military career, so I would like to meet the instructor that told me I would not see it. They have made the decision to keep Loran and companies are already working on a Loran/GPS system. The articles I have read on the Loran/GPS system indicates that it will be the most accurate navigational system available.
Best Moment
Visiting the old Lone Star Brewery in San Antonio. We were awarded the Best Flight in the 3706 Training Squadron, and that gave us a little off time. Because of rain and hot weather we did not have to go through the obstacle course.
Instructors
SSgts Kuczala & Kiris
Other Memories
My uncle was NCOIC of the Marksmanship School (SMsgt Day) and when I went to qualify the other instructors gave me a hard time. Despite all their harassment I scored 294 out of 300 using the M1 and shooting the small bulls eye at 100.
After we had gotten our uniforms we marched over to the BX to get the items that we were short of. One of the guys was short his flight hat but it is known by other names. Anyway when we got into the BX he went up to one of the ladies and told her he needed a cunt cap. You have to really wonder where some these guys had been.
Criteria The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service... The National Defense Service Medal is awarded for honorable active service as a member of the Armed Forces during the Korean War, Vietnam War, the war against Iraq in the Persian Gulf, and for service during the current War on Terrorism. In addition, all members of the National Guard and Reserve who were part of the Selected Reserve in good standing between August 2, 1990, to November 30, 1995, are eligible for the National Defense Service Medal. In the case of Navy personnel, Midshipment attending the Naval Academy during the qualifying periods are eligible for this award, and Naval Reserve Officer Training Corps (NROTC) Midshipmen ae only eligible if they participated in a summer cruise that was in an area which qualified for a campaign medal. MoreHide
Criteria The United States Air Force awards a single ribbon, known as the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, for an expert qualification on either the M-16 rifle, M-4 carbine or the individuals AFSC's (dut... The United States Air Force awards a single ribbon, known as the Small Arms Expert Marksmanship Ribbon, for an expert qualification on either the M-16 rifle, M-4 carbine or the individuals AFSC's (duty) designated handgun weapon. The ribbon is issued in only one degree; however, a bronze service star may be worn on the ribbon for those who have qualified expert on both the service rifle and handgun. MoreHide
Description November 15, 1961-March 1, 1965 .
On November 15, 1961, the 2d Advanced Echelon (2d ADVON) was activated in Saigon, capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The 2d ADVON, administratively pNovember 15, 1961-March 1, 1965 .
On November 15, 1961, the 2d Advanced Echelon (2d ADVON) was activated in Saigon, capital of the Republic of Vietnam (South Vietnam). The 2d ADVON, administratively part of the Thirteenth Air Force, controlled USAF units operating in Vietnam and reported to the Military Assistance Advisory Group, Vietnam. The 4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron's FARM GATE detachment arrived on November 16. The FARM GATE, organization, although trained for counter insurgency combat, for about 2 months limited its mission to training Vietnamese aircrews and supporting with reconnaissance flights the operations of the Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF). Activation of the 2d ADVON and arrival of the FARM GATE detachment heralded the buildup of the United States Air Force presence in Vietnam.
Responding to the Republic of Vietnam's appeal in December 1961 for increased military aid to counter Communist (Viet Cong) insurgents, the United States gradually increased its forces. From January 2 to 5, 1962, for example, the USAF moved a tactical air control system to South Vietnam and landed equipment and personnel at Tan Son Nhut Air Base (AB) in Saigon; Bien Hoa AB, I5 miles north of Saigon; Da Nang AB, 375 miles northeast of Saigon; Pleiku AB, in the Central Highlands 230 miles northeast of Saigon; and Nha Trang AB, on the coast, a little less than 200 miles northeast of Saigon. Shortly afterwards, on January 7, a flight of C-l23s equipped for aerial spray missions arrived at Tan Son Nhut. Code-named RANCH HAND, this USAF detachment 3 days later began defoliation operations that continued for 9 years.
To manage U.S. forces in Vietnam, the Commander in Chief, Pacific Command, at the direction of President John F. Kennedy and the Joint Chiefs of Staff, created Military Assistance Command, Vietnam (MACV) on February 8, 1962. Army Gen. Paul D. Harkins was named the first Commander of MACV. The 2d ADVON became the air component of the new command. A few months later, on October 8, the USAF activated the 2d Air Division, which replaced the 2d ADVON. In spite of increased U.S. aid, the Viet Cong insurgency grew, and the government of South Vietnam faced growing civil disorder. A year later, on November 1, 1963, a group of South Vietnamese military officers deposed President Ngo Dinh Diem in a coup détat, and not until June 1965 would the South Vietnamese establish a reasonably stable government. Meanwhile, on June 20, 1964, Anny Gen. William C. Westmoreland became Commander of MACV.
Communist insurgents also operated actively in Laos, and in May 1964 United States involvement in Southeast Asia expanded to include military aid to that country. On June 9, F-100s flying from Takhli Air Base, Thailand, about 110 miles north of Bangkok, made the first USAF strike in Laos. Air Force pilots bombed an antiaircraft installation at Xiangkhoang, on the Plain of Jars, about 100 miles northeast of Vientiane, the Laotian capital. In December 1964 the USAF launched an air interdiction campaign against the Ho Chi Minh Trail, a network of roads, trails, and waterways in the southern Laotian panhandle.
The nature of the conflict in Southeast Asia changed dramatically in late 1964. On August 2 and 4 torpedo boats from North Vietnam (Democratic Republic of Vietnam) attacked U.S. naval vessels in the Gulf of Tonkin- On the 5th, U.S. naval aircraft launched retaliatory air strikes against coastal targets in North Vietnam. That same day the USAF deployed B-57s to Bien Hoa AB and F-100s to Da Nang AB. Then in December 1964 the Viet Cong used conventional field rather than hit-and-run tactics to drive South Vietnamese forces temporarily from Binh Gia, near the coast, only 40 miles southeast of Saigon. For both North and South Vietnam governmental authorities this battle marked an escalation of the conflict. As the war rapidly intensified, on February 7, 1965, President Lyndon B. Johnson ordered American dependents evacuated from South Vietnam. The same day the Viet Cong shelled Pleiku Air Base. In retaliation, the USAF conducted its first raid against North Vietnam on the 8th,
hitting a target just north of the 17th parallel.... More
Chief Mac
Jerry Broyles
Niel Masturd
All the Airmen, pilots and navs that worked on or flew the best tactical recon platform in the world THE RF-4C. Always ALONE UNARMED AND HAULING ASS.
Putting on MSGT.
The Thanksgiving and Christmas diners that were held at our house on Okinawa. We always had plenty of people in attendance and it was always an unforgettable meal. The meal would be traditional American with a bit of TexMex, Thai, Phillapno, Japanese, and anything else that we could find.
At the Christmas dinner in 1983 we had a bunch of GIs from Osan because the aircrews wanted to be home for Christmas. We told the powers to be that if they wanted to do that they would have to send additional Crew Dogs, which they did. Anyway we had a tent set up in the back yard, but true to the spirit it rained and turned cold. So we had 30 to 40 people in our four bedroom house trying to each Christmas dinner. It was fun and a trick walking between you seat and the dinning room table.
Stuck at HQ PACAF trying to get a flight to Oki so the family and I can spend the Christmas Holidays with my cousin in the PI.
Diving with Chief Mac off Bolo Point in the middle of a typhoon.