| Name: Tom
Constantine Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Cape Cod, Mass. Time: 1998-10-22 07:51:10 Comments: Cousin of BGen Bill Constantine USAF (retired) SPAD pilot 68-69 RVN. I was a door gunner, UH-1E's, USMC at Quang Tri Combat Base 68-69. We both share strong feelings about our individual experiences during our individual tours and the friends we lost. |
| Name: Robert
Hanes Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Houston,Tx. I live in Weston,Fl. Time: 1998-10-19 17:08:24 Comments: I have a number of color slides that I took in Vietnam and a number that were given to me over the years. I am now working with old friend Gaston Bernal (Mr. Aero Master) to do some VNAF Airforce Skyraider Markings in 1/48" scale. I also do alot of research for Willy and Jeff (KMC) Products. I was a crewchief on F-102A Delta Daggers, I now work for American Air Lines in Miami, Fl. Great stuff-Bob Hanes |
| Name: Don
Sams Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: California Time: 1998-10-14 21:53:25 Comments: Flew the AD while on active duty with VA-196 in '56-'59. |
| Name: Joe
Reeves Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Capalaba Australia Time: 1998-10-09 04:43:41 Comments: Keep the rubber down and the bubble up. |
| Name: John
Yang Website: ־> Referred by: Yahoo! From: PRC. China Time: 1998-10-08 18:08:32 Comments: The son of sky ! |
| Name: Hukee,Russell
E Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Grand Rapids, Michigan Time: 1998-10-08 16:59:54 Comments: Couldn't find my email address. My home address is 883 Diane St., SE Kentwood, MI, 49508. Hope you are doing well. Great website! Will track down email address at a later date. |
| Name: Charles
Ingalls Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: 129RQS, CAANG Time: 1998-10-08 09:13:51 Comments: Hello, I've always had a fondness for any Sandy platform, and I really enjoyed the Flight Journal article. If any Sandy guys have advice, lessons, or stories for current Jolly, King, and PJ operators (the 129th Rescue has all three) and we'd love to hear them. We always appreciate the words of our protectors, the Sandys! Charlie Ingalls |
| Name: jorge
alvarez Website: Referred by: Yahoo! From: caracas, Venezuela Time: 1998-10-07 04:13:07 Comments: Hola, desde venezuela... Muy buen material, de verdad!!! Very good information. I am a retired Cnel. from the Venezuelan Army (24 years in the Service, 468 jumps from any kind of airplanes, including C-47 and C-141 this last one in Ft. BRAGG). I hope I could see more of this kind of materiel in the WEB. (There is one for the MIG-21 FISHPOT and it is also very good)... JORGE... |
| Name: Don
Rae Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Scotland Time: 1998-10-03 13:53:08 Comments: As a European who has never been called upon to go and fight for their country,I can only make a poor guess of what it must have been like for those of you (who must be of a similar age as myself )to produce the goods and go and do what was required at the time,again and again.I applaud all of these people and would consider it a priviledge to make contact with anyone who wants to share their experiences of flying,fighting or keeping them flying, or just being there. regards, Don |
| Name: Dooug
Bowen Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Saint Petersburg Florida Time: 1998-10-02 20:09:28 Comments: I am very impresed with this site My father was in Vietnam serving the Air Force during '68-'69 He was the flight engineer on a C-7 Caribou. He is truely my hero for his accomplishments during this time. Let me pass on some info to you about my hero. It was on August 27, 1968 when his plane was schuled to to make a drop at a Green Beret Special forces base. He said at the time they landed the base was under morter fire and one exploded about 200 yards off the left wing tip. During this they recieved a message to wait for one of the Green Berets because he was supposed to be discharged as the soldier raced for the plane another mortar landed about 100 yards off the right wing tip. Schrapnel from the explosion hit the soldier in the neck causing him to drop. My father my hero, jumped over the load of ammo explosives onboard his plane ran to the injured soldier picked him up carried him to the plane tossed him over the drop load to safety.The plane immeadiatly started moving for take-off and dropped the load as planned, he says the plane barely got off the ground and a mortar hit the ammo supply and caused it to explode. for his actions he recieved a metal I cant recall its name but he has it. The next day August 28,1968 they were enroue to a special forces camp near Ha Thanh. Our men were nearly out of ammo and desperatly needed supplies. This was my fathers first and only night mission.He recalls there being two Spooky gun ships flying circles around the base discharging ammo with tracers.They had four chopper gun ships shooting rounds and droping flares to keep the base lite up so the attacking V.C. would be visible.The plane my father was on flew in and dropped the load within ten feet of our bunker.He recieved a Distinguished Flying Cross.He provided outstanding accuracy during hostile gunfire.Due to this drop our men were able to keep uor base from being overrun by the V.C.. That night his plane took about twenty rounds in it's belly. he recorded 1,048 huors flying time during combat missions. my Heroes name is Brian M. Bowen Sr. I am his second son and my name is Douglas Paul Bowen and I pray that someday I am half the man he is.Our hearts go out to all the men that served in Nam, especially the ones who never came home.We want you to know the MIA POW's will not be forgotten. |
| Name: AT1
Patrick J. Cawley Website: Referred by: Net Search From: VFA-122 Time: 1998-10-02 14:28:36 Comments: We are standing up VFA-122 and were looking for any SPAD info and any former SPAD Pilots |
| Name: Tony
Boyle Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Warner Robins GA Time: 1998-10-02 09:40:45 Comments: Very interesting site. I flew as a radar controller aboard USAF EC-121D Super Connies out of Saigon, Ubon, Udorn and Korat from 1966 through 1970. We provided radar control , flight following services and Mig warnings to aircraft operating over North Vietnam and Laos. At times we filled in as the Airborne Rescue Coordination Center if a C130 Rescue bird was not available. I am glad to hear somebody took Bandit Calls seriously I hope they possibly saved some lives. We had on orbit over the Plain of Jars at about 8000 ft and two out in the Gulf one at 50 to 500 ft and one at about 8000ft. I flew 225 of these mission in SEA each one being about 12 hours Long. I remember working night missions along the trail supporting A-1s, A-26s and Flareships. The A-1 is one of my favorite aircraft.I retired as Major in 1984 my last commander was A-1 pilot Col Roy Boone. Again nice site brings back a lot of memories. |
| Name: Bruce
Greiner Website: Referred by: AOL From: Minnesota Time: 1998-09-24 21:02:10 Comments: Really enjoyed your fine site, was at nkp 70 and 71 with Igloo White program, would be nice to hear from any one who was on that sensor program... |
| Name: Chad
Vienna Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: California Time: 1998-09-20 14:57:29 Comments: Found your "Spad" site off the River Rats link. Having been too young to really remember alot about Vietnam (born in '62), I've found your personal accounts to be very interesting reading. Thank You for sharing your experiences. Chad |
| Name: Daniel
J. Shoop Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Toledo, OH, now living in Dhahran, KSA Time: 1998-09-20 04:22:24 Comments: I've got a lot of Spad photos from my tour of RVN in '67-'68. I was with the 1st Marine Air Wing (MAW) headquartered in DaNang. My fanny, however, was stationed out on Hill 724, 20 clicks north of DaNang off HyVan Pass, where I tended the Hawk Missile PAR (pulse acquisition radar) as a SGT. E-5 tech. I remember watching Spads fly over and also several close air support missions on the hill next to ours, Hill 1192. I think Charlie had a boot camp over there. |
| Name: Tony
Fairbridge Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Emerald, Victoria, Australia Time: 1998-09-16 20:11:36 Comments: I've always had an interest in military aviation since serving with the R.A.F. in the 50's and 60's. I found this to be a fascinating read, with the authenticity of someone who has been there. Thanks. |
| Name: Herb
Wild Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Elmira New York Time: 1998-09-15 14:37:25 Comments: Was directed to this web-site by robdebi@dutlbcz.lr.tudelft.nl (Rob de Bie) I will be spending a lot of time here reliving old times. I remember a lot of the names mentioned and was at NKP during the time frames mentioned. I was the Ops NCO and relieved Msgt Jones. This should be a memorable trip and a time to reflect on the good times and the bad times. I have quite a few Photos from my tour and would be glad to share them with you. Thanks for the memories I ran into Jim Hardings brother while serving with the" Boys from Syracuse" from 1975 til 1985. I retired from the Air Force Reserves in 1993 after a 34 year career which included 16 years Active duty , 10 years in the NY Air Guard and 7 years at Griffiss AFB with the Active Duty Forces. My time with the 1st SOS was most memorable. God Bless " Tex Mex" Maj Zeke Encinas and others who served their country with their lives. Again, I'll be spending a lot of time here. |
| Name: Pat
Glass Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Westminster, MD Time: 1998-09-14 11:35:33 Comments: Great site, actually found out about it from Flight Journal Magazine. I'm also a half colonel retired who's spending his time teaching at a terminal. Did my year in '70 in III Corps. Flew Chinooks for the First Cavalry Division. Is the book available on paper? |
| Name: Capt
Dale Faler USNR ret Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Independence, Kansas Time: 1998-09-11 10:02:50 Comments: Actually I heard about your site from an article in Wings of Gold! (Winter of 1997) Good Site - Very Interesting! |
| Name: Murray
Bamber Website: Compu-Photo Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Finch, Ontario, Canada Time: 1998-09-09 21:15:57 Comments: Great site with terrific pictures. I'll have to get the book! |
| Name: Ronny
van Velthuysen Website: Referred by: Yahoo! From: San Jose,California Time: 1998-09-08 13:10:21 Comments: I was stationed in NKP 1967-1968. Worked on A1 ,B26,Jolly Green and Bronco as a Pneudraulics Technician. This Web page brought back a lot of memories. Never forget the hell hole of the A1 and Brake master cylinder. I was the only one in my crew that could fit in these tight spaces. |
| Name: Joachim
Jacob Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Berlin/Germany Time: 1998-09-03 14:06:48 Comments: I found the Official A-1 Skyraider Site as top search result by Magellan. And, i was really surprised. Lots of information and pictures. It¥s great! Since months, i looked in some books to get details of Air Force "Spads". As freelance author, i¥am very interested on this special topic. My project: a german spoken report of USAF Skyraiders during Vietnam War, including a data base of all aircraft with serial numbers, tailcodes, nicknames, squadrons and bases. Is such a list already existent? If not, who can help me? |
| Name: Stephen
Weber Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Alabama, USA Time: 1998-08-30 17:43:19 Comments: 56th SOS NKP October 71'-72' crew cheif |
| Name: Tex
Brown Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: USAF AD in the Pentagon Time: 1998-08-26 09:41:04 Comments: Hook - Great work on the Journal!! The accounts are fantastic and sure bring back some fond memories. Thanks for all the work you have done on this and the A-1 home page, it is truly an act of LOVE!!! Great pics in addition to true and accurate accounts. Remember, when in trouble on the radio, GO TEXAS. Tex |
| Name: Jason
Spaulding Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Torrance California Time: 1998-08-24 20:27:16 Comments: Hey Byron, Just wanted to tell you that I enjoyed reading ur journal entries along with the mission-by-mission account u included in ur combat journal. U do well in honoring all pilots who flew and fought in Vietnam. |
| Name: Mr.NIKHIL
SANTHI Website: UNDER CONSTRUCTION Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: CHENNAI (FORMERLY MADRAS), INDIA Time: 1998-08-23 19:51:24 Comments: DEAR SIR, I AM A FREELANCE AVIATION HISTORY RESEARCHER. AT THIS MOMENT I AM WRITING A RSCH ARTICLE ON THE C-130(ITS ORIGINS AND MISSIONS). I AM SERIOUSLY CONSIDERING APPLYING TO THE GRADUATE PROGRAM IN MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY AT TX-TEXH UNIV WHICH ALSO HOUSES THE VIETNAM ARCHIVE RSCH CENTER, WHOSE DIR IS AN EX-VET WHO SERVED AS ADVISOR TO THE RIVER PATROL UNIT IN VIETNAM. I WISH TO KNOW IF I COULD USE THE INFO FROM YOUR VALUABLE SITE TO WRITE SHORT ESSAYS/ ARTICLES ON AVIATION HISTORY. I PROMISE TO E-MAIL/STAMP-MAIL A COPY OF EACH AS & WHEN I COMPLETE MY ARTICLES. YOUR KIND PERMISSION TO THE ABOVE REQUEST WILL GREATLY ENABLE ME TO INCREASE MY KNOWLEDGE IN MILITARY AVIATION HISTORY AND SPREAD THE GREATNESS OF AIRCRAFT TO OTHERS IN MY OWN DESCRIPTIVE WAY. I AM EAGERLY LOOKING FORWARD TO YOUR COMMUNIQUE, THANKING YOU, WITH REGARDS, NIKHIL |
| Name: Mike
Le Ber Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Uxbridge Ontario, Canada Time: 1998-08-23 15:07:06 Comments: Saw the article in FLIGHT Journal |
| Name: Mark
Erickson Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Delafield, WI Time: 1998-08-16 17:37:36 Comments: Stationed at NKP 1971 - 1973, 456MMS (ammo -EOD) |
| Name: Mick
Stewart Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Australia Time: 1998-08-15 02:07:36 Comments: Great site.Love Skyraiders. |
| Name: Bruce
R. Havens Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Mesa, Arizona Time: 1998-08-11 12:20:56 Comments: Is it possible to purchase a copy of the book by Byron Hukee? |
| Name: Mike
McCorkle Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Colorado Springs Time: 1998-08-11 10:33:55 Comments: Flew Jollies out of DaNang and NKP in '72. Was there when Sandies began transition to OV-10s and did not like that a bit!! I was always begging a ride with the A-1s and was about to get one with a guy who was lost over Laos. He was called "Tex Mex" and I hope you can send me his real name and call sign. The A-1E and H will always be my favorite big radial. I will try to find your book and an ISBN # would be helpful. Hope it's still in print. Thanks for the good memories, Cork |
| Name: Mike
Franklin Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Bellingham,WA Time: 1998-08-10 21:43:13 Comments: Really a top notch web effort, In fact the best I've ever seen. |
| Name: DAVE
RICHARDSON Website: Referred by: Net Search From: TYLER TEXAS Time: 1998-08-07 11:58:03 Comments: LO0KING FOR BUDDIES WHO SERVED AND WITH FLEW WITH VMA212 1955-1957. THIS IS CANDY, HOME PHONE NUMBER IS 903-894-8289. DUTY STATIONS...HAWAII...IWAKUNI JAPAN...OKINAWA. WILL HELP WITH WEB SITE INFORMATION DETAILS FOR MODEL TYPE AD4B AND AD6. |
| Name: Ed
Samuel Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: orlando fl Time: 1998-08-07 10:48:27 Comments: found the article in Flight Journal - excellent reading |
| Name: Sal
Marinello Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: New York Time: 1998-08-06 06:44:47 Comments: Great Site and great stories. Your article in Flight Journel was excellent. Thanks for telling us how it was. Lets not forget! |
| Name: Joseph
T. Boehler Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: St. Louis Time: 1998-08-06 04:24:24 Comments: I saw your address in 'Flight Journal'. I started reading at the beginning of the book. I'll read more as time allows, as I also have access from jboehler@stlnet.com, but transfer is much slower. The A-1 is a unique ship and I'm glad to see this site. Regards, Joe Boehler |
| Name: sandra
boozer Website: Referred by: Net Search From: smithville, ms. 38870 Time: 1998-08-05 14:08:15 Comments: LOVE YOUR WEB PAGE! I WANT TO SAY WELCOME HOME TO ALL! A FRIEND WHO CARES, SANDRA |
| Name: Tom
Lyon Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Yorktown, VA Time: 1998-08-05 13:52:20 Comments: I flew the with the 602 SOS and 1 SOS (as a Firefly and Sandy One) from April 70 to April 71 and then went back to Hurlburt as an Instructor until we gave all the Stateside Spads to the VNAF in the fall of 71. The site is a great piece of work and my compliments to all who have made it possible. |
| Name: Tom
May Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Andover, MN Time: 1998-08-03 19:09:49 Comments: Your site was mentioned in "Flight Journal" October 1998. Very good layout of site. Nice PIX |
| Name: John
McHorse Website: Referred by: Yahoo! From: Sandpoint Idaho Time: 1998-08-01 16:11:52 Comments: I was stationed in VA-95 during the laste 50's and early 60's My skipper was R.R.Renaldy(sp) I would like to build a model of the sky raider (AD7). If anyone knows of a company that mokes a model, Would prefer a large scale one. Please let me know. Great site. Braught back a lot of memories. John |
| Name: Charles
D. Whitley Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Time: 1998-07-27 16:11:10 Comments: Site is "Very Well" done! MY compliments......... This site keep's your interest in the aircraft. The crews who must have been very dedicated to the pilot's and aircraft during the age of the "jet". I've seen lately the A1 come back in the hands of private personnel, it's long overdue! Again, WELL DONE |
| Name: Rodger
A. Klenovich Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Greenville, Pennsylvania Time: 1998-07-23 18:41:55 Comments: I have a pretty good hunch that I would not be signing this guestbook if it were not for some really good Skyraider drivers. Served at Udorn, NKP and DaNang as a PJ in 1967 and1968. Watching an A-1 streak by, laying down his ordinance, from the window of a Jolly Green has to be one of the most reassuring sights ever witnessed by man. You guys used to put goose bumps on top of our adrenaline. I thank you. My son thanks you. My grandson thanks you. |
| Name: Aaron
L. Swinger Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Columbus, Ohio Time: 1998-07-21 08:09:41 Comments: This is great stuff!! I wish that I could have flown the A-1 but I was in elementary school when you were flying combat missions. I recently saw a flyable A-1 at a small air show near Columbus. It was in dark blue (Korean War) Navy colors, however, not the beautiful camouflage that you had on your Spads. |
| Name: Wilfred
Wright Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Elizabethtown, KY Time: 1998-07-19 15:04:53 Comments: Was Security Police at NKP Nov 70-Nov 71. Pulled off of in processing to work flight line close in sentry the night the A-1s took off to help at Son Tay. Thanks for the memories. |
| Name: Bill
Prescott Website: Referred by: From a Friend From: Niceville, Florida Time: 1998-07-18 14:31:31 Comments: Actually, I just got on the 'net' and my son had already found you. I'm a current member of the A-1 Skyraider Assn. Flew the Spad from Nov '65 to Jan '70. 602nd at Udorn/NKP 1966 and Hurlburt as IP Jan '67-Jan'70. |
| Name: William
W. McKinley Website: Orthodoc's Orthodontic Sailing Page Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Hattiesburg, MS Time: 1998-07-12 13:40:42 Comments: Got your address from the Rev. Bill Buice, director of the Wings of Angels. He sent me an e-mail copy of an editorial about Peter Arnett that you had written. I passed your website address on to a Skyraider aviator friend of mind for benefit. God bless you! WW McKinley |
| Name: Almon
Byam Website: Referred by: SimpleNet From: San Antonio, Texas Time: 1998-07-12 06:07:07 Comments: This info, brings back memories when I was a flight chief in the Hobo Squadron, 1st SOS, Oct 71-Oct 72. Thanks again for all the memories. Ret SMSgt Al Byam |
| Name: Karl
Volz Website: Referred by: Net Search From: St Louis Missouri Time: 1998-07-08 01:52:42 Comments: As a Vietnam Vet myself I am attempting to find other links or pages with combat patches from the Vietnam Era. I came across your page during a search for combat patches. If you have any links or other pages which might contain other combat patch pictures I would appreciate a reply if possible. Great pages keep up the good work and remember "They Are Still Not Forgotten" Thanks for any help Sgt Karl H Volz RVN RA68028282 US ARMY Nov 1969 - Nov 1970 18th Engr Bde, 937th GP, 84th Engr BN, CO A - CO B I'm Shouting it wherever I can "WELCOME HOME" |
| Name: Nguyen,
Qui Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Honolulu, HI Time: 1998-07-02 04:58:34 Comments: Excellent pages for the " Viet Nam Work Horses ", and also the " Last Real Fighters ". Former Phoenix of 514th FSQ and Batman of Mac-V-Sog. VNAF. |
| Name: edward
j. witt jr Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Washington State Time: 1998-06-25 19:08:41 Comments: started reading, liked what I read. I was too was stationed at NKP with navy squadron VO67, 1967-68 as enlisted aircrew member flying OP2E. Sandies helped to rescue part of one of our aircrews. A little bit of my background: started with ADs,(A1 to you new guys), first plane went to school on, at NAS Atlantic city 1957. Retired from navy after 30 years, will send some more e-mail later if you want to hear more. |
| Name: Al
McBrayer Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: SANTA CRUZ, CA 95060 Time: 1998-06-24 19:57:47 Comments: Very interesting. I was at NKP July '70 to July '71. RADAR Air Traffic Controller. |
| Name: Bob
Wade Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: 6A1 Time: 1998-06-23 20:53:30 Comments: Sorry I missed the action. I went into the Corps in December of '69, just in time for the RIF of '70. I did get to strafe and bomb but it turned out to be in the war against bugs, fungus, and pests. My hat is off to you guys. Thanks for all you did! |
| Name: Dale
P. Townsend Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Park City, Ut Time: 1998-06-18 18:54:49 Comments: I was a Hobo from Aug 69 to Jul 70. Loved the spad as everyone has who flew her. I remember sitting in the dearm area one morning after a first light SAR.The guns were jammed so I had to shutdown. I walked around this living aircraft and relived what the two of us had just returned from. I'll never forgot the emotions I felt then. We risked our lives. She nearly always brought us home. |
| Name: Don
Plagge Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: MN native, now SoCA (Pasadena worksite) Time: 1998-06-17 13:23:56 Comments: One of the best web sites I have visited! Udorn RTAFB Nov.68-69 A-1 maint. training at Hurlbert, Oct. 68. No A-1s at Udorn when I arrived, so I ended up working on the "Halfmoon" RC-47s at Udorn. |
| Name: Sam
Flowers Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Great Falls. Mt. Time: 1998-06-16 12:05:08 Comments: Hello to all A1 drivers around the world. |
| Name: Charlie
Joseph Website: Annie and Charlie's Site Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Maryland Time: 1998-06-14 18:52:43 Comments: Just read your Skyraider Facts page and after reading the first item about a Skyraider carrying a larger bombload than the B-17, I gotta' tell this story. I didn't live it, I read it in Approach Magazine, the Navy's Aviation Safety magazine many (many - like about 30 or more) years ago. The Navy often gave shows aboard Aircraft Carriers for visiting Congressmen ('scuse me - Congresspersons), Senators and other dignitaries. The narrator was speaking to the gathered VIPs over the 5MC. For those who don't know the 5MC is a POWERFUL PA system that can be heard anywhere on the flight deck OVER the roar of the aircraft engines. It is clear and LOUD. I don't know which carrier or even if the Approach article mentioned it, but here's how it went: An AD (A-1) was being launched off the catapault as the narrator was giving his spiel. He was saying, "The AD carries a greater bombload than the old WWII B-17, but of course, not as far". Unfortunately, there was an engine failure and just as he finished saying, "not as far", the AD went 'SPLASH' into the ocean, right in front of the ship! The story is true and in itself is funny. I don't recall the fate of the pilot. I hope he survived so we can continue to chuckle at the story. You have my permission to repeat what I just told, but not being a copyright expert, you may need Approach Magazine's OK too. Also I can help on some of your Navy info. VAW-12 flew AD-5Ws (became EA-1E in Jan 62) until July-Aug 1961, the after Spad aircraft was the WF-2 Tracer (became E-1B in 1962). The E-2C now does the early warning job. Tailcode for VAW-12 was GE. In Aug 61 when VAW-12 divested themselves of their AD-5Ws, they gave them to VAW-33 who flew them until the late 1960's. VAW-33 was also flying AD-5Q's (became EA-1F) at the time and did so until about 1972, even after redesignating the squadron to VAQ-33. We also had a few AD-5Ns. The after Spad for the AD-5Q (EA-1F) was a quick unsucessful attempt with the TF-1Q (S2F airframe), a little longer run with EA-3 Skywarrior (affectionately called the Whale) and finally settled on the EA-6B which is still in use today. VAW-33's tailcode was GD. You can see these birds and find some more data on my pages dedicated to these aircraft, the Squadrons VAW-12 and VAW-33 and the ships I sreved aboard with them. USS Wasp (CVS-18) and USS Lake Champlain (CVS-39) The URLs are: http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/5922/fi04005.htm http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/5922/fi04006.htm http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/5922/fi04007.htm http://www.geocities.com/Heartland/Meadows/5922/fi04018.htm Or you can go to the site address above and follow the link through A Naval Career. |
| Name: THUY
TIEN NGUYEN Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: DALLAS, TX Time: 1998-06-11 08:10:25 Comments: I flew A1-E and A1-H in Pleiku, 530th squadron VNAF from 1970-1975. We inherited a lot of planes from NKP. One of your pictures showed the 026 A1-H in formation, I wonder if it is the same plane that we had in Pleiku.Thanks for bringing back memories. Thuy. |
| Name: Brian
Rose Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Fresno California Time: 1998-06-08 21:14:31 Comments: I was a Navy air traffic controller until discharged in Feb. 1966. The first AD (A1) I saw was doing a go-around at Navy Norfolk (NGU) Virginia. The pilot gave it too much power and almost turned it upside down. Very impressive power..... |
| Name: Michael
W. (Mike) Smith Website: Referred by: From LinkExchange From: Henderson, Nevada Time: 1998-06-04 23:18:15 Comments: A-1 driver in the 1st SOS, Sep 1970-Nov 1971. |
| Name: andrew
lapin Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: south africa Time: 1998-05-29 04:51:24 Comments: i"m doing a school assignment on the vietnam war in particular the helicopter aspect, sikowsky, and i really would appreciated any site that i could visit or info on this. i really liked your site and found it most interesting. regards, andrew |
| Name: Msgt
K W Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Stratford, South Dakota Time: 1998-05-28 22:46:57 Comments: I too served at NKP. I worked at Task Force Alfa in the Sentinal Lock shop on first tour. 56 SOW/IN on the second and caught a peice of the Joint Resolution and Recovery Center, NKP Chapter, as it was born. NKP was like OZ ! You got in to Thailand on a sleek jet at Bangkok. From there you hopped a "klong jumper" (C-130, if lucky) to OZ. As you dismounted the klong bird, you were transported back in time about 30 years. C-47's, C-119's, A-1E's ! What kind of place was this? OZ. One thing about this OZ, she could mean life or death; depending upon the draw of the card and the players at the table. She was a secret land in a secret war and she holds many of her secrets still. Thanks for the beautiful memories of those brave men and their beautiful, life saving machines! God Bless them and you, Byron. |
| Name: Gareth
Logue. Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Blackpool,Lancashire,United Kingdom Time: 1998-05-28 05:38:03 Comments: I am a university student at the University of York,England ;as well as a Royal Airforce reserve officer. I have a life long interest in military aviaition and that of US military operations in South East Asia in particular.My favorite aircraft of all time is without a doubt the Douglas A-1 Skyraider.It was quite simply the best multi-role piston engined fighter ever built;and was well suited to its role in SEA with its enormous range and armament capability.It withstood the test of time in an age were the jet was king-Prestwick airport in Scotland were using several A-1E 's as target tugs as late as 1988!Not much has been published about this remarkable aircraft and I commend the author on a highly informative,and interesting journal-both in personal and technical terms. |
| Name: Tom
hanton Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Falls Church, VA Time: 1998-05-27 05:23:04 Comments: Byron, Keep up the good work. This is sierra hotel. |
| Name: Jim
Matthews Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Battle Ground, Washington Time: 1998-05-26 23:00:33 Comments: Skyraider pilot, 602 SOS, NKP, June 69 - June 70 |
| Name: BLOCK
MARTTI Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: FINLAND Time: 1998-05-24 01:42:26 Comments: greetings to all aviation friends from cold Finland. |
| Name: Herb
Stone Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Ingram Tx. Time: 1998-05-23 14:46:24 Comments: NKP 70-71 |
| Name: Dick
Casterlin AAM Sep 62-Jun 74 Website: na Referred by: Net Search From: Metairie, LA Time: 1998-05-21 14:06:48 Comments: Interesting. Trying to tie in your missions with my times upcountry. Flew H34, Huey and S58T. DC |
| Name: Richard
R. Roehm Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Bozeman, Montana Time: 1998-05-19 19:02:13 Comments: I was a Capt. in the 1st ACS in Pleiku, 1965-66. Thanks for your web page. I would like to buy a copy of your book. Dick |
| Name: Gordon
Fornell Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Niceville, FL Time: 1998-05-16 10:54:30 Comments: A-1 pilot with Zorros from Aug68-Aug69 |
| Name: Edward Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Frankfort, KY Time: 1998-05-15 12:15:39 Comments: Happy Memorial Day. I remember you guys during this important weekend to recall our valorous and gallant airmen. God Bless all that you are today. Best personal regards, Sgt MadDog Harris, HMM-165, In country-1973, Combat Aircrew Wings from CH-53d and Ch-46e |
| Name: MAJ
F.W. LeBallister (Ret) Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Paso Robles, CA. Time: 1998-05-14 22:24:13 Comments: Bring them ALL home. NOW!!! |
| Name: Derek
Sigler Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Time: 1998-05-14 21:20:01 Comments: Interesting information and well laid out website |
| Name: Jerry
Wilson Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Time: 1998-05-14 13:09:15 Comments: I served at NKP from February 1969 to February 1970. I was an enlisted guy, and I built and stored all the weapons that the A-1 carried. I was always amazed at how much the Spad could carry under its wings. I still miss hearing the engines drone as they strained to get in the air on a SANDY mission. They would fly over our work area heading for the river and Laos. I felt a part of me was going on each rescue mission, because I always did my best to be sure every munition I put my hands on would work when the pilot needed it. Thanks to every Spad pilot for a job well done. |
| Name: Alan
Hitchcock Website: none Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Madison Wisconsin Time: 1998-05-08 19:27:01 Comments: I'm a Raider junky. I fly RC aircraft and have a Spad that I fly. Go to EAA and hang out with Naked Fanny. I'm interested in obtaining a Spad manual set (or anything). do you have any knowledge on where I can get my hands on copies? I'd be interested in learning more about this amazing aircraft. Great Website -- you made my day! |
| Name: JOHN
VAN ETTEN Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: INDIANA Time: 1998-04-24 17:07:33 Comments: GREAT PAGE..I WAS THE ROOMATE OF NAIL 31 AND WAS DIRECTLY INVOLVED IN HIS RESCUE. I DON'T REMEMBER THE SANDY'S NUMBER BUT HE WAS HIT BY A 37MM IN THE ENGINE WHILE I WAS ABOUT 200 FEET ABOVE HIM. HE WAS TROLLING FOR FIRE DURING THE NAIL 31 RESCUE. I VECTORED HIM OUT OF THAT HOT AREA WITH THE RADIO ONLY..HE WAS BLIND BECAUSE THE OIL WAS OVER HIS WINDSCREEN AND HE WAS AT TREE TOP LEVEL. I CALLED AN AIR AMERICA CHOPPER IN AND HE AND I WERE DRINKING BEER AT THE NAIL HOLE THAT NIGHT. I WAS ALSO THE ON SCENE COMMANDER DURING THE BAT 21 RESCUE. I WAS TO REPLACE BILL HENDERSON WHO WAS SHOT DOWN AND SPENT THE REMAINDER OF THE WAR IN PRISON |
| Name: Roy
Daigle Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: louisiana Time: 1998-04-19 12:33:16 Comments: Looking for any one in air force stationed in Plekiu, Vietnam during 1968 and 1969. 303 Special Operations Squadron. I think it was 303? |
| Name: Vic
Kindurys Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Time: 1998-04-15 11:18:26 Comments: Absolutely SH, look forward to reading the rest of your journal (Chap. 5 on - or is it there & my stone age skills can't find it?) . Thanks for all your SPAD E- mail traffic. If you make it to Ft Walton - holler, will roll you for a cool one. Cheers, Vic |
| Name: MrPoohbear Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Ft. Drum, N.Y. Time: 1998-04-15 07:52:13 Comments: I liked your page very much. |
| Name: mike
mcguire Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Time: 1998-04-14 13:24:02 Comments: cool page |
| Name: Sherman
D. Lile Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Auburn, WA Time: 1998-04-13 14:20:42 Comments: I only had time to read the first two chapters. Outstanding. Company workstation and all that. I'll finish at home. "Earthbound Aviator" brwstang@GTE.net |
| Name: John
M Grech Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Sarasota, Fl. Time: 1998-04-12 13:16:04 Comments: This page brought "shivers" to me! From '63 to '67 I was attached to VA-176 (Thunderbolts) stationed aboard (3) different carriers Carriers 1 Shangri-La, 2 Intrepid, 3SaratogaI didn't have much to do with the "Spads" themselves but just the Idea of watching them launch from the "cats" sent me into a different world There is no finer plane than the "skyraider" I was glad to hear that when I left the service in Nov '67 , the squadron had transitioned to A-6 Intruders. From single engine props to jet is something overwhelming. Long live the SKYRAIDER!!!!!!! Best damn plane the Navy ever had!!!! John Grech |
| Name: Tyler
Sanders Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Kent, WA Time: 1998-04-11 10:57:18 Comments: Sir, Thank you for coming to our Civil Air Patrol banquet and sharing about your experiences flying the A-1. I appreciate everything. I took a look at your web page and I thought it looked pretty good. I like the picture of the A-1 fading off into the sunset. I would also like to thank you again on behalf of the Green River Composite Squadron. Thank you for your time. |
| Name: Robert
V. Phillips Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Austin, Texas Time: 1998-04-11 02:47:50 Comments: Let us not forget those who have gone before use. We need to emphasize that the freedoms that we so cherised today is due to the brave men that have died to ensure we enjoy this way of life. Our military is not just a job, it is a professional organization that we should all be proud of, not only to support, but to serve. Thanks for all the good work. As a member of the boys in blue, I salute you all. |
| Name: paul
carr Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Hong Kong Time: 1998-04-10 23:10:59 Comments: I love it... see you. |
| Name: HM3(FMF)
Decatur Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Wilmington NC Time: 1998-04-10 19:58:44 Comments: I am currently building a 1/48 scale model of a skyraider. I haven't been able to get a straight answer for this question yet. I figured if I asked in the right place I could get a definate answer and y'all seem to be "the" source. Did the Marine Corps fly the Skyraider? If so do you have any pictures. I was in the hobby shop looking for decal sheets for USMC Skyraiders and had no luck. The catalogs don't list anything but Navy and Airforce. Why Marine Corps you ask. Well I serve with them, and I have always built Marine aircraft around the WWII period. I wanted to try something different. However I want to keep it all in the family. Thanks for any information you can give. Semper Fidelis, Doc Decatur |
| Name: Paul
David Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Vancouver, BC Time: 1998-04-08 23:11:52 Comments: You have an outstanding web site!! Please don't take anything away from it. I'm only 21, but I can still appreciate the courage and dedication of pilots like you. The first Skyraider I saw belonged to David Price at the Santa Monica Municipal Airport when I was a kid and I'm still fascinated by it to this day. Take care. |
| Name: Sten
and Ingela Lofgren Website: Stings Lhasa Apsos Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Sweden Time: 1998-04-07 14:52:37 Comments: Hi, you have an interesting homepage. We enjoyed our visit and will come back again. Welcome to visit us,and we will be happy if you sign our questbook! Sten and Ingela |
| Name: Bill
Ward Website: Referred by: From LinkExchange From: Georgia living in Stuttgart GE Time: 1998-04-03 03:44:10 Comments: Byron..I read every word from dedication through Chap 4!! Fantastic! I was a contract civilian working at NKP in '69 - '70 then back again in 72 - 74. It brought alot of memories...I used to sit on the veranda of my hooch in NKP village, on the banks of the river, and watch the traffic going back and forth across the Mekong. Used to see 'em trailing smoke sometimes on the way home. I remember alot of the Navy pilots flying P2V's there too! Spend many enjoyable nights at the club watching the Swabbies pull tables together long-ways and line the edges with candles and make running dives from the bar, showing the AF guys how to do carrier landings!! (Remember "Aroon", the almost 6' Thai waitress, everybody's favorite?) Days we will all never forget!! As Bob Hope says, "Thanks for the Memories!" |
| Name: john
p. stremming Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: land of wyoming. Time: 1998-03-31 18:53:52 Comments: good budy of mine turned me on to your site...spadman@ricochet.net aka sailor I'm enjoying the ride. thanks jstrem. |
| Name: Al
Martin Website: Referred by: From www.GuestWorld.com From: Lubbock,Tx Time: 1998-03-30 17:06:35 Comments: Hook, I just your comments and Ricks note.Rick and I used to fly together @ NKP,69-70. Al |
| Name: CAPT
Don Willson, USN(ret) Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Virginia Beach, VA Time: 1998-03-29 19:27:24 Comments: Navy Squadrons: VA-115(A-RABS) based on board USS KITTY HAWK (CVA-63), 1961/62; CO VA-152 for WestPac deployment based on board USS ORISKANY (CVA-34), 1967/68 |
| Name: Michael
Murphy Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Miami,Fl Time: 1998-03-26 14:53:29 Comments: It's good to see some new Skyraider info. |
| Name: Jeff
Reed Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: North Pole Alaska Time: 1998-03-22 21:21:39 Comments: Great book. |
| Name: Elizabeth
Hukee Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: St.Francis,Minnesota Time: 1998-03-22 09:08:03 Comments: What a fine job, Byron! I am so proud of you. Love, Mom |
| Name: BARRY
SMITH Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE Time: 1998-03-21 12:21:10 Comments: I AM A SERE INSTRUCTOR AT FAIRCHILD AIR FORCE BASE AND RECENTLY ATTENDED A SEMINAR GIVEN BY A CIVILIAN PILOT WHO FLEW IN SEA AND WAS ALSO A POW. HE MENTIONED THIS PAGE AS A SOURCE FOR MORE INFORMATION. |
| Name: John
Rouxel Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Omaha Beach, Normandy - France - Time: 1998-03-19 00:28:59 Comments: I will always remember the courage of those pilots as an example, even if I was born in 1974. |
| Name: Christian
Thomet Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Ostermundigen by Berne, Switzerland Time: 1998-03-17 13:14:58 Comments: Nice pages. Locking for US aircraftspictures. Christian Thomet |
| Name: Richard
Tucker Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In From: Charleston, SC Time: 1998-03-16 14:01:54 Comments: I have always been a skyraider fan. Col Wiliam "Bill" Kieffer, USAF, my uncle, was lost in Loas while flying the A-1 in 1969 or 70 . He was declared "missing and presumed dead" or words such as that. (I think- I was 10 or 11 at the time) I have often thought of him over the years. Gone but never forgotten! Richard Tucker LCDR/USN(ret.) |
| Name: Tom
Timberlake Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Jax., Fl. now Boston Time: 1998-03-10 21:19:44 Comments: Nice pages! I signed the other guest book at the other site, but thought there were so many more people to make contact with here I'd sign this one, too. Flew ECM and enlisted navigator in EA1F's in VAQ-33 during the very late 60's. We had the last Spads in the U.S. armed forces (I think), certainly in the Navy. Keep up the good work and remember the "suck and blows" (jets) are for kids!! SPADS FOREVER. Tom |
| Name: Tom
Hegre Website: Referred by: From LinkExchange From: Carmichael, CA Time: 1998-03-10 00:00:38 Comments: Great site! I was at Pleiku with Det. 14, 600 Photo Squadron from July '68 to June '69. Had many photo assignments with the 6th S.O.S. and the "Spads." I remember two of the pilots who were great guys. Major William Constantine and also Captain Gene McGinnis who flew "Pappy Yocum's Country Store" a lot. I enjoyed your account of your tour in SEA very much. Tom Hegre |
| Name: Paul
Gregoire Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: California Time: 1998-03-09 14:36:21 Comments: Byron, I'm a former Air America helo pilot who flew in Laos from '70 to '73. I loved your pictures of Sam Thong and the Alternate. With all the time I spent there, you'd think I'd have a photo of the place but I didn't until now. Like anyone else who has been the recipient of support from the Sandies/Hobos, I've got nothing but good things to say about the plane and its pilots. Thanks for all the help when we needed it! I love the web site and plan on visiting again soon. BTW, were Vincent and Kaminicky flying the A-1 that took a 37mm hit in the wing root near the southern edge of the PDJ and unfortunately punched out while inverted? If so, I was part of the AAM crew that did the body recovery. A bad day all around but at least we were able to recover the bodies so the families wouldn't have to wonder if they were POW. |
| Name: Larry
Gordon Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: California Time: 1998-03-06 18:17:52 Comments: I love to see the old prop planes fly and this one is my favorite. I have a "Sandy One" litho hanging on the office wall. Great web site, thanks. |
| Name: Dahlquist,Victor
A. Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1998-03-06 13:42:05 Comments: A1 Fan Vietnan era Govt. Air Commando Assoc. Please donot sell address for sales. |
| Name: mike
curtis Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: glenburn, ND Time: 1998-03-05 21:35:40 Comments: Picked up your link from the pararescue page. I'm an ex-PJ who played the SEA wargames out of DaNang in 70-71. Just thought I'd drop in and extend an overdue thanx for your work. It was nice having you boys around when we stopped to pick up some pax needing a ride back to their crew chief. |
| Name: Earl
D. Powers Website: Referred by: From LinkExchange From: Kentucky Time: 1998-03-05 11:16:45 Comments: Just A Super Page Enjoyed working on the Navy's greatest prop driven aircraft in VA44 ( Rag outfit) VA45 and finally VA176 before retiring in 1967. I'll check in often as it brings back a lot of memories |
| Name: Khang
Trinh Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: San Jose, CA Time: 1998-03-02 17:36:55 Comments: Well done work. I was A-1 driver before class of 72-04 at Hurlburt field, then with 514th FS of VNAF. |
| Name: Doug
Spunaugle Website: ARINC Corporate Referred by: Net Search From: Norman, OK Time: 1998-03-02 14:30:06 Comments: Outstanding website! Easy to follow and very informative. |
| Name: Jon
Buchanan Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Nulato, Alaska Time: 1998-03-01 19:09:16 Comments: Hello Byron, If you'll remember I am the son of Buck Buchanan and your picture with the A-1 is how I remember you. I am a teacher in Bush Alaska and have been here for 6 years. I think what you have done is a great tribute to the Skyraiders and all others that served in Vietnam. I have shared several pics with some of my students and suddenly the war has a new meaning to them. Thank you and will continue to enjoy this site. Jon Buchanan |
| Name: Ron
Gott Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Angels Camp, CA Time: 1998-02-28 20:09:20 Comments: Parachute rigger for 633 Combat Support, Pleiku AFB, VN May '67 - Aug '69 Packed chutes for the A-1 |
| Name: Drazen
Pecnik Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Zagreb, CROATIA Time: 1998-02-28 11:20:36 Comments: Good pages, I like it because there is not much to read about this interesting plane and it`s pilots. |
| Name: Terry
Flahive Website: Referred by: Advertisment/Brochure From: Jax Florida Time: 1998-02-27 08:03:16 Comments: Very good, did not realize the A-1 was ejection seat equiped until read story on "Jello" |
| Name: Gregory
P. Dowd; Capt USN (Ret) Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: St. Louis now Washington DC Time: 1998-02-26 12:28:03 Comments: Very well done. Later, as a Navy Aircraft Maintenance Duty Officer I had lots of contact with the Spads of VA-85; (on the Forrestal), VA 25 (on the Midway) and the "Fat Spads" of VAW 33. Thanks, I'll be checking in regularly. Greg |
| Name: Cdr
Skip Yates, USN (ret) Website: Referred by: Advertisment/Brochure From: Missouri Time: 1998-02-22 09:44:46 Comments: Picked up your website from Jan/Feb issue of NavAirNews.Love that spad...flew rescue in Route Pack 6B,in 67, 68 & 69. Great many tears were shed when the Navy turned all its AD's over to the Air Force. The A-4 and A-7 just didn't match it for RESCAP. Its a strange feeling being a rescue pilot...flying in indian country, damned near in China....the migs are flying and your jet rescap have to leave you to tank...happened to me with A-4's..although the A-7's had much better legs, lthey would too often leave the scene just to turn around and get back on target.... Only used SAndy's once,...on a rescue attempt near Vinh, a little south of my normal operating area. On that mission, we were held off from making what should have been a pretty quick rescue...held off so long that the F-100 pilot was captured. Weeks later I found out that the desire to have Jollies from DaNang make the rescue rather than a Navy asset caused the delay....jes't loved it! The Sandy pilots were more pissed than I was... I wonder if the captured pilot ever lived thru it, or found out why he spent the year's in Hanoi. |
| Name: Douglas
M. Haines Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Alameda, CA Time: 1998-02-21 09:59:54 Comments: Flew SPADS advanced trng. cmd, Corpus Christi, 6/2/64, VA122, VA165 on Coral Sea,9mos '65, then Intrepid, 8 mos., '66, have a few tales to relate, but not time right now to do so. flew a4s, Roosevelt, 9 mos, Med, flew as A7 instructor, VA122, and took 122's last fat SPAD to the boneyard 3/5/69. Gave my son the elapsed time clock this past Christmas. Will check in later with more to add. |
| Name: Danny
Howser Website: Referred by: From Geocities From: Columbus, Ohio Time: 1998-02-16 06:43:31 Comments: Pleiku AB, RVN Class of '68 - '69 |
| Name: Tom
Exley Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Arroyo Grande, California Time: 1998-02-15 11:09:02 Comments: I'm an old Spad Driver from the '60 Oriskany Cruise. Served under Cdr. Scott Herrick, Cdr.Warren Ireland (Bless His Soul) and Cdr. Gene Berger (Bless his Soul). Great Skippers - great squadron - great aircraft. Not many of us left. Regards to all Spad Drivers. T. Exley |
| Name: Dick
Sheldon Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Colorado Time: 1998-02-15 09:33:19 Comments: Marvelous site for a marvelous bird. Stationed in Pleasantville, NJ with VA-33, (later VAA-33, then VAW-33) in '56 and '57 as enlisted crewman in AD-5N. Qual cruises on the Coral Sea and six months flying off the Bennington. Many thanks for the memories. Will come back often. |
| Name: Robert
Bartunek Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Time: 1998-02-14 20:08:38 Comments: Another "I recall" Back flying 130's in about 65' or 66', some A-1 guys from Plieku were in a push to get back from Saigon to Plieku so I crammed them into the cockpit because the back end was full of pax. Had them sit on the floor due to no room anywhere else. Two of their names were "Luke", and "Paco". Who were they? |
| Name: Steve
Whitton Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Time: 1998-02-14 15:22:08 Comments: Byron, Got you Email last night, however, unable to get through on your Email. I am helping David Wood, the son of Major Patrick Wood learn more about their dad's crash on 6-Feb-67. 2 HH-3's were sent to rescue "Luke" Heiskell in one of the most valiant rescues of the war. In fact, Col Jimmie Butler's book was partly inspired by the bravery of this rescue. Major Patrick Wood, Richard Kibbey and SSgt Hall and Duane D. Hackney made 3 attempts to rescue Lucious "Luke" Heiskell in the Mu Gui Pass. Hackney was dropped down and tracked the injured pilot. He could not yell out because "Uncle Ho's boys" were really close. After Duane D. Hackney, the most decorated Vet of the war, dusted off Heiskell into the HH-3, they took a direct hit by 37mm. Hackney put his parachute on Heiskell and then scrambled for a spare. Just then the HH-3 took another hit. Hachney was blown out of the HH-3 piloted by Major Wood. His chute deployed right above the tree. He halfed climbed down and fell down 3 canopies of trees. The 2nd HH-3, piloted by a WWII and Korean Vet, by Oliver O'Mara was hovering at 6,000 agl. Major Patrick Wood told O'Mara at the beginning to "stay up and out of range". "It was Pat's call", said O'Mara. O'Mara and Wood were close friends. O'Mara saw his friend take the hits and crash. O'Mara in turn rescued Hackney. I am sure under extreme fire. Oliver O'Mara lost his best friend that day. Ironically, when O'Mara's commander gave him leave time, he went to Hawaii and met his wife. The base that he went to would not let him stay in "combat quarters" because he was stationed in Thailand. He had to put himself up in a civilian hotel. Oliver O'Mara and Patrick Wood are the best. Oliver told me that he and Pat used to hang out at site 20 and base 37 and a school yard at Quang Tri near Hue waiting to dust off anybody who needed it. I have contacted a museum that houses Duane D. Hackney's uniform and medals. He passed away from a massive heart attack about 4 to 5 years ago. It is said that Duane D. Hackney rescued an uncounted number of people that went on to become fathers and grandfathers. http://www.michigansown.org/duane%20hackney.htm Col. Jimmie Butler said in a recent Email, "how deadly MuGia Pass was can help David Wood understand more about why more couldn't have been done to make a quick determination about what actually happened to the men on his father's helicopter. Also, I hope that will add to David's pride about how brave his father was to go twice that day into MuGia to try to rescue Captain Heiskell" Also, Jimmie said, "Often we paid the price with more airplanes and more men, just as happened on 6 February 1967. However, because there were men like Major Wood who came when called, the rest of us went out day after day to attack the Trail and perform other dangerous missions. In closing, I am trying to contact SSgt Hall's family and Richard Kibbley the copilot to provide the complete story that was never told to them. If you could help me get to the possible Sandys that were assisting in this 6-Feb-67 rescue that would be helpful. Your site is amoung one of the best aviation sites on the Web. Thank You. Steve Whitton Phormer Phantom Phixer Ubonized in '69 |
| Name: Tom
Norin Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Fairfax, Virginia Time: 1998-02-13 09:49:44 Comments: My father recently died after a long and distinguished career in the U.S. Navy. His name was Robert Arnold "Bob" Norin from Grand Rapids, Michigan. He died of lung cancer on January 10, 1998. Ironically, one of his favorite sayings was that an optimist is a fighter pilot who is afraid he will die of lung cancer. In the late 50's and early 60's he was a spad driver, and was Executive Officer of VA-115, then Commanding Officer of VA-145. I know he went to sea on the Lexington and Kitty Hawk in those days, but I don't know with which squadrons. Later, in 1963-64, he was the strike officer aboard Independence, and saw many of his shipmates pay the ultimate price in North Vietnam. Dad had many friends that will not hear of his passing, and wanted to pass the word "on the net" as well as through the more traditional means. Bob Norin was my father, but also became my close friend in my adulthood. I will miss him terribly, and would like to hear rememberances of him from any of you who come accross this and knew him. He was quite a character, and the known "Bob Norin" stories abound. Best regards to all of you. Tom Norin 02/13/98 |
| Name: John
Shoffner Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Knoxville, Tennessee Time: 1998-02-10 20:15:00 Comments: I enjoyed the site. In June, 1996 I traveled to Vietnam in search of Skyraiders to purchase. I found and photographed 12 in various decaying stages outside of Saigon. Gave up on doing a Skyraider and now fly a P-47. All the best, JPS |
| Name: Steven
L. Pennington Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Edmonds, WA Time: 1998-02-09 11:30:18 Comments: Served with 366th at Danang 71-72. Phu Cat before that with the 12th. This is a great site. |
| Name: Pete
Swanson Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: First Idaho;last Virginia Time: 1998-02-08 11:32:57 Comments: I am interested in the events surrounding CRD Clarence Stoddard's shoot down in Viet Nam. He was an A-1 squadron C.O. and an old squadronmate. Thanks, Pete Swanson |
| Name: Larry
Erwin Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Decatur, Al 35603 Time: 1998-02-07 18:30:26 Comments: The Spad has long been a favoriate of mine. Thanks for all the info! |
| Name: Joe
Guilmartin Website: Jolly Green Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Jolly Greens, 1965-66 & 1975 Time: 1998-02-02 09:59:59 Comments: Dynamite Home Page! As president of the Jolly Green Association, I totally approve. Let's stay in touch. I can be reached at the above e-mail address. |
| Name: Robert
Hill Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Lakeland, Florida Time: 1998-02-01 17:17:03 Comments: Excellent site! Served at NKP with the 56MMS between March 71 to Mar 72. I was a weapons mechanic that loaded A1's and met you guys at the end of the runway. |
| Name: Rob
Wyatt Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Jackson, Tn Time: 1998-02-01 07:53:01 Comments: Loved the webpage and the book. My father was an "AD" mechanic in the Navy. I spent many hours in the cockpit of the airplane as he instructed young seamen in the fine art of maintaining the hughe radial engine. The Skyraider was a glorious and reliable airframe. I'm glad you took time to write about it. Thanks, Rob |
| Name: John
Sweet Website: The TLC Brotherhood Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Seabrook, NH Time: 1998-01-31 07:58:54 Comments: I think you have the finest site concerning the A1 Skyrader on the web, and a lot of great improvements since my last visit. I work with an ol Marine Sandy driver who I sent this way and he loved your site as well. Hope that you will add The TLC Brotherhood to your link list. We have a link to you. Please keep in touch Hook. Great Job! |
| Name: Paul
Lee Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Fredericksburg, TX Time: 1998-01-28 20:16:19 Comments: Great site, it will take a couple visits to enjoy it all. I was an O-2 mech at NKP in 69 with the 23rd TASS. Always enjoyed watching the Spads going by. Say didn't know you are from WA, I'm originally from Wenatchee. Great job on the site. Hope you keep checking in with the TLC Brotherhood. |
| Name: Tino Website: Photino: Photography and Tino Referred by: From Geocities From: San Francisco East Bay Time: 1998-01-25 11:39:55 Comments: WOW! Hook, It's been a while since I've visited. Once again, I salute you. |
| Name: Rick
Gority Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Altoona, Pennsylvania Time: 1998-01-24 15:28:58 Comments: Great site. Served with VAW 13 in '67 & '68. Home was NAS Alameda, California. We had the A-1Es then got stuck with EKA3s late '68. Spad was a great plane, but the guys were the greatest. Thumbs up. Zappers forever. |
| Name: Tom
M. Sherman Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Sisseton sd Time: 1998-01-23 20:49:49 Comments: I was the Life Support NCOIC from Jun 1971 to Jun1972 Ihelpted Capt Madden with the Madden Kit |
| Name: Morris
Williams Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Tennessee Time: 1998-01-23 19:51:24 Comments: Just a followup on the A1-E downing of the MIG in 1965. I did find out that the pilots were Navy and were cycling through Udorn during multi-day SARs. This incident is in Bantam Books "Carrier Operations" So we are both right and I had a first hand experience with navy and didn't even know it until today! |
| Name: Jim Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Los Angeles Time: 1998-01-23 07:07:51 Comments: I"m a big fan of the A-1 Skyraider. Did the Army ever fly any of the skyraiders? I"ve always wondered if they bent the rules on that or not Jim |
| Name: Ron
Hagler Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Charlotte NC Time: 1998-01-20 13:15:09 Comments: I have not had time to checkout the full web site but I am sure we shared the same skies for awhile along with the same RAMP space at NKP and DaNang or Bien Hoa.. Thanks for keeping the Jollies out of the trees and weeds from another of the Jolly FE's (Mar 71-Mar 72 37 ARRS DaNang). |
| Name: Alex
Compton Website: Erols Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Chester, Va. 23831 Time: 1998-01-19 13:20:10 Comments: I sweated many pounds loading ordnance on these birds. This was in 1955-63. Just interested in your information. Brings back many memories. |
| Name: Larry
Andrews Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Bellevue, NE Time: 1998-01-19 11:21:48 Comments: I was stationed at Task Force Alpha from February 1972 thru November 22, 1972. I worked in the carto shop and used to hand out the maps that were used by Spad crews. Fondest memories are those of sucessful SARs. We used to monitor status of SAR efforts. Saddest moment was watching Jolly's do what appeared to be a missing man formation over the base in June or July. Would be interested in communicating with anyone who served in TFA or NKP during that time. |
| Name: Dat
tuan Huynh Website: Referred by: Net Search From: USA Time: 1998-01-18 15:42:02 Comments: As a Vietnamese American who was an army officer serving under the flag of Republic of Vietnam(South VN) and a prisoner serving in the VN communist re-educational camp, I would like to send my deep mourning and regret to those Vietnamese and American fighters who died or were missing in combat for freedom. Their braveness has never been forgotten. |
| Name: Gary
Livengood Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Faribanks, Alaska Time: 1998-01-17 15:07:56 Comments: I enjoy this web page. I was stationed at NKP from January 1970 to Januray 1971 as an engine mechanic. I spent November to early January of this time period at Bien Hoa with the two Spads that we had there. |
| Name: Roger
L. Youngblood Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Taylor, Texas Time: 1998-01-17 08:41:53 Comments: Good site, thanks much Hook. |
| Name: Jim
Gassman Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Hot Springs Village, Arkansas Time: 1998-01-16 12:58:58 Comments: Just a note to update my entry. I was with the 1st ACS, Pleiku 66-67. |
| Name: Craig
Handley Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Lufkin Texas Time: 1998-01-15 21:21:11 Comments: Airplane freek. Please send me some info on getting back P.O.W.'s Thanks |
| Name: Shari
Blissett Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: St. Petersburg, Florida Time: 1998-01-14 16:55:21 Comments: The whole site looks great - but what's really great is what you guys did when you assisted in the SAR of Col. Blissett on 18 December '71! Thanks, from all the Blissett's! Let me know if I can help with any of this...I owe ya! Best, Shari |
| Name: Steve
Partridge Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: England Time: 1998-01-14 08:42:16 Comments: From one military aviator to all of you Sandy's Fly safe |
| Name: Bob
Arnau Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Riverside, California Time: 1998-01-13 21:42:23 Comments: I learned of your site from the TLC Brotherhood web site. I flew Ch-3E's with the 21st SOS ("Knife") at NKP from Feb '69 - Feb'70. The "in-the-weeds" support that we received from the "Hobo's", "Zorro's" and "Fireflies" brought a lot of us home, particularly during "Prairie Fire" emergency exfils! Thanks guys! Bob Arnau |
| Name: Andrew
Emery Website: Emery Home Page Index Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Wales, United Kingdom Time: 1998-01-11 15:28:49 Comments: Congratulations on a very good site. Nice to see someone championing the big-singles. The slogan "Jets are for kids" says it all. Regards, Andrew Emery (one-time Commercial Pilot, New Zealand) |
| Name: Morris
Williams Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Tennessee Time: 1998-01-10 18:11:13 Comments: I have a great memory of the skyraider. I was stationed with the 3412th Civil Engr. Sq. at Udorn Thailand and spent the night at the airman's club with the two pilot's who shot down the MIG! They came to the Airman club that night and we had a great time! |
| Name: Patti
Gambier Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Rome, NY Time: 1998-01-09 18:37:31 Comments: I was fascinated when I found this web page. I find these sites for my husband who is awaiting acceptance into Navy OCS with the intention of becoming a Naval Flight Officer. |
| Name: WILLIAM
MYERS Website: Referred by: Net Search From: TRENTON, NJ Time: 1998-01-09 15:23:08 Comments: NKP, 56 FMS, APRIL 1970-1971 A-1 BUBBLE CHASER |
| Name: Gary
Zwonitzer Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Columbia, Mo Time: 1998-01-08 14:55:21 Comments: I flew as an enlisted crewman in the A-1E or as it was called in 1957 an AD5N and AD5Q. Possibly the A1E now on display at the Airforce museum in Ohio was one of the planes we had in my squadron, VA(AW)33 which was located at the Atlantic City, New Jersey Naval Air Station and later at Quonset Point, RI. I remember seeing a picture of the A-1E now at the Airforce museum. I do recall a picture of an A-1E in an aviation magazine just before it was being converted to Airforce markings so it could be displayed at an Airforce base outside of San Francisco. I thought it had a blue ring around the cowling and six stars on the tail. The blue ring would have represented a cruise north of the Arctic circle and the six stars Carrier Air Group six. I would be interested in the history of the AIE now on display in Ohio and also the one on display at the Airforce base in California if information is available.. From what I have been able to determine they may be the only AD5N's left any where. There is an AD5Q on display at the Naval Aviation Museum in Pensacola but I have not seen another AD5N. |
| Name: scott
beatty Website: N/A Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: tehachapi Time: 1998-01-06 10:00:27 Comments: this site was very helpful in writing my report on veitnam . if you found this site by accident read everything carefully. |
| Name: Phil
Andress Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Cherry Point, NC Time: 1998-01-06 09:00:15 Comments: Is this book something I can purchase. Is there more to it. I am a Close Air Support Pilot and would love to read about Mr Hukee's experiences in Southeast Asia. I called every book store I could think of and nothing, is Spad Guy Press Inc operational? pjandress@cconnect.net |
| Name: Bob
O'Brien Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Seattle Washington Time: 1997-12-31 16:23:19 Comments: I was a plane captain in U.S. Navy VA-196 and worked on the A1H and J aircraft. It was really a great aircraft. I would like to hear from ship mates from VA-196 during the years of 1963 - 1965. E-Mail me I would like to hear from you. Great page. |
| Name: Gene
Ponce Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Sacramento, CA Time: 1997-12-31 11:07:34 Comments: I was stationed at Ubon RTAB (1/71-1/72), I was assigned to the 8 FMS/16th SOS (Spectre) AC-130A/E Gunships. I can recall every morning (after a 12 hr. shift) about 9:00am the sound of (2) A1 Skyraiders cranking up those recip's. I would step out of the Prop shop and watch them taxi-by. They were always loaded to the gill with ordinance. I remember they were always parked near the tower between the fighter squadrons and the Gunships (next to a couple of OV-10's). I always admired the sound of the recip engines on take-off roll. Never new who they were assigned to. A very beautiful aircraft......Great Web Page ! |
| Name: BOB
RIVARD Website: Referred by: Net Search From: MICHIGAN Time: 1997-12-31 03:02:28 Comments: VERY INTERESTING. WAS STATIONED IN BITBURG, GERMANY FROM 1968 TILL JAN 1971. HOME OF THE 36TH TACTICAL FIGHTER WING. THE WONDEREFUL F4 PHANTOMS. GOOD JOB GUYS. |
| Name: Bohne,
Dennis R. Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Bozeman, MT, 59718 Time: 1997-12-28 20:00:02 Comments: Served with the 56th Security Police Sq at NKP June 1969 to June 70. Rank TSgt, worked flight duty, heavy (for the AF) weapons instructor, flew some night recce missions around NKP. Best year of my military career! |
| Name: Tom
Zangla Website: Referred by: From LinkExchange From: South Greensburg, Pennsylvania. USA Time: 1997-12-24 20:13:51 Comments: A-1 site, excuse the pun. I'll never forget that airship. I was driving back from Kontum to Pleiku in mid 1969 and I was driving a unmarked 3/4 ton truck with two vietnamese workers in the back. We were the only truck on the road and I had two A-1's buzz me from the back at rooftop level and scared the hell out of me. I could have swore I saw two wing tips on each side of the truck at window level. You really have a great web site. Take care and may God Bless. Tom Zangla |
| Name: Col.
Bernard F.Fisher Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Kuna IDaho Time: 1997-12-22 21:04:28 Comments: Good looking Web Page. Great photographs of these airplanes. |
| Name: Don
Albert Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Sublimity, Oregon Time: 1997-12-20 22:53:35 Comments: I served in the 21 TASS at NaTrang working on FAC's, so sight of your page rather struck a cord. I was in country from Oct. 66 till May 68. We had birds asigned to all kinds of differant outfits. |
| Name: Dave
Kocol Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Milwaukee, WI Time: 1997-12-19 18:02:37 Comments: What a wonderful resource for those of us who love Skyraiders. I hope to use info here to help in constructing an Radio Controlled A-1. Thanks for the wonderful site. Dave |
| Name: David
W. Wolfkeil Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Niceville, FL Time: 1997-12-15 14:19:01 Comments: From the son of Maj. Wayne B. Wolfkeil, MIA. My father flew A-1's for the 6th SOS out of Pleiku in 68. Shot down over Laos on 9 August 1968. For obvious reasons the A-1, and those who flew it, will always be of interest to me. |
| Name: jim
yealy Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-12-14 13:32:12 Comments: HI! We are allways looking for short stories for our ACA newsletter[Air commando A ssoc.]Jim Yealy ,assist. editor. I,m an old A-1 driver and former SQ. CO. |
| Name: David
L. Brooks Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Glendale, CA Time: 1997-12-08 14:52:00 Comments: Flew AD-6 with VF54 from 11/54 to 05/56. Home base NAS Miramar with cruise of 6+ months on board USS Kearsarge CVA 33. |
| Name: BRUCE
SWANSON Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: MARYVILLE,TN Time: 1997-12-06 07:17:00 Comments: I WAS STATIONED WITH VA-145 ON USS RANGER IN 1966 AND USS INTREPID IN 1967 AS AN ORDNANCEMAN WE FLEW BOTH A1H & A1J A/C. |
| Name: David
Duke Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Patrick AFB Time: 1997-12-04 15:49:00 Comments: The book is awesome. As a rescue pilot I want to thank you and all A-1 drivers for keeping the Jolly's out of the weeds. |
| Name: gerald
dufresne Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: florida Time: 1997-12-03 12:17:00 Comments: Served "down the road" from you at Ubon 1968-69. Air Commando Assn. life member L-2528. Any Time-Any Place. |
| Name: Joel
J. Walworth Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Jacksonville alabama Time: 1997-12-03 11:33:00 Comments: excellent webpage... will tell others and return soon joel walworth |
| Name: Jimmy
W. "Jubilation T." Kilbourne Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: VA Time: 1997-12-01 20:11:00 Comments: Byron, I'd like to read your book. Would you tell me how to get a copy (ISBN#). I flew A1s out of Udorn in '67. I wrote several articles for AIRMAN magazine in the late-60s and early-70. Later collected some 17 stories, including A1 excapades (SANDY exploits) and published then in a book in 1973 "Escape & Evasion." Let me hear from you. Jimmy W. P.S. Published a poen in 1972 about POW/MIA titles "He is America." |
| Name: Kit
Carson Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-11-30 20:48:00 Comments: Good show. I flew 185 in the F-4 with the 390TFS out of Danang in '68&69. We were very glad the Sandys and Spadswere around. Can't believe it was 30 years ago. It is very difficult to explain the feeling of rolling down one of the roughest runways in the world with 18 500 pounders and a big fuel tank slung underneath and not breaking ground on a hot day until 190 kts plus. Then to face refueling and flak and needing to catch a mid-runway cable to keep from running off the runway when it was wet. Cheers! Kit Carson |
| Name: AFCM
Warren E. Crawford (ret.) Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Twin Falls, Idaho Time: 1997-11-26 21:28:00 Comments: Great plane: like working on a tinker toy, even with flak |
| Name: Daniel
C Horton Website: Referred by: From LinkExchange From: 33 Rescue Kadena AB JP Time: 1997-11-26 07:59:00 Comments: Great page I'm a PJ stationed on Okinawa Japan. Like to thank you for the tribute to Jolly 67 and all who gave thier all in the rescue of Bat 21. To the Sandy pilots out there I'd like to say thank you for keeping all my fellow rescue family safe, you set the standard that A-10 drivers have to live up too. Dan Horton |
| Name: Chuck
McGrath Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Virginia Beach Time: 1997-11-25 18:46:00 Comments: Great place to visit! Came on over via your note on pararescue.com. Some things one likes to hear, like the wonderful sound of a voice heard on a URC-64 during a little ground tour up north: "Sandy Lead coming in hot with 20 mike-mike and mini-gun". Your log book show anything interesting towards the end of June in '72? Looks like we shared the skies together! Chuck McGrath, PJ at NKP, 71-72. cmcgrat@exis.net |
| Name: Curtis
Stewart Website: Referred by: From LinkExchange From: Texas Time: 1997-11-24 17:46:00 Comments: Hi, I found your site through the Pararescue Homepage. I'm a Pararescueman who has heard many stories about you Sandy guys. A couple of PJs who were in Vietnam tell stories about Skyraider pilots saving their butts. Thanks for the great page...most of all, thanks for serving. "That Others May Live" Curt Stewart |
| Name: Bill
Biebel Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Green Bay, WI Time: 1997-11-19 18:05:00 Comments: Jolly Green pilot Udorn and NKP 1968-1969. |
| Name: Flg.Off.
Amorn Chomchoey Website: The Royal Thai Air Force Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Thailand Time: 1997-11-19 07:51:00 Comments: Hello from RTAF, This is a great website! |
| Name: Dick
Diller Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Belvidere, Illinois Time: 1997-11-18 17:10:00 Comments: A-1 Skyraider Association |
| Name: Jeff
Farmilo Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Brisbane, Australia Time: 1997-11-18 02:36:00 Comments: I am a commerical pilot (just passed my last exham) and have always thaught that the A-1 was almost an un-sung hero if you like. I hve not been able to locate much on the plane except a bit here and there in books dedicated too other parts of the Vietnam or Korean wars. Your page is a great wealth to a fan if you like. |
| Name: GI
Basel Website: Muds' Home Page Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Florida these days Time: 1997-11-16 22:58:00 Comments: Hook. Spent anhour at your page. Super. The Spad fired only 20mm or /and 7.62 mm? Did they have a model in Nam that fired 50mm? Good stories, will come back later to read more. GI |
| Name: Kurtis
Willoughby Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Medical Lake WA Time: 1997-11-13 16:01:00 Comments: I served With the 34 TAC groupe At Ben Hoa Air Base ALL OF 1965 I read some where that on may 16 1965 Ben Hoa Blew up. The cause was a navy F8 turbin seperation on start. |
| Name: Ron
Phillips Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: New Mexico Time: 1997-11-13 10:07:00 Comments: Flew T-28s out of Udorn. Always wished I had also had the chance for a tour or two in A-1s. |
| Name: John
Bowman Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Edgewood, MD Time: 1997-11-11 14:22:00 Comments: A Spad lover from waaaaaaaaaay back (63 to 65) in the old VA-85. Plane Capt. and avionics tech who can never find enough info on the spad and my now decommissioned outfit, the Black Falcons. Great start to showing how great Skyraiders, and their drivers, were. Keep it up and I look forward to more visits. |
| Name: Matt
Smart Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Australia Time: 1997-11-10 02:25:00 Comments: Thank you very much |
| Name: Jeffrey
R. Steinke,Sr. Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-11-09 18:25:00 Comments: Worked in '69 as a 43151a on 643 ,when it was known as " Iron Butterfly" Lost Capt. Flinn 2 July and the Wing Vice LtC Fallon 4 July. |
| Name: Jimmie
H. Butler Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Colorado Springs, CO Time: 1997-11-09 14:21:00 Comments: I was a Nail FAC (Nail 12 & 59) at NKP from Feb 67-Jan 68. I don't have a home page at this point though I may have on in the near future. After having two technothrillers published in New YOrk in the early 90s, I had to self publish my FAC novel, A Certain Brotherhood, because New York Editors didn't think there was a market for Vietnam novels. I have sold about a thousand copies and have had good comments especially from guys who were there. I was always a big fan of the A-1s, who were flying primarily as Sandies when I was at NKP. |
| Name: Mark
Hagedorn Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Avon Lake OH Time: 1997-11-09 11:53:00 Comments: USAF 1966-70 weapons mechanic on F-105 Thud. Stationed at Korat- Takhli A-1.. what a plane! M. Hagedorn Ssgt. |
| Name: Raymond
Hukee Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Regina Sask. Canada Time: 1997-11-09 08:18:00 Comments: Enjoyed viewing your site. Good work. |
| Name: Steve"BlackMagic"Mayers Website: 718th Tactical Fighter Wing Skyscrapers Referred by: NewsGroups From: NYC Time: 1997-11-08 17:22:00 Comments: Haven't linked to all yet. But I commend your dedication!! Great site! BlackMagic US Army 67-70 |
| Name: 1Lt.
"Easy Ed Homan Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-11-06 22:36:00 Comments: Byron, I just started to look thru your website. I'll get the captions you need along with some other info you might need later today. Just got in from a trip and must turn in now. I sure like what I've seen so far. Check six, Easy Ed |
| Name: hyce
anderson Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-11-03 04:50:00 Comments: nice job Byron. |
| Name: dave
brown Website: The Perfect Model Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: thomasville,nc Time: 1997-11-02 08:05:00 Comments: great site,i'm building an A1-H for a contest we're having in March in Winston Salem.if you're ever in Greensboro stop in at The Perfect Model and say hello |
| Name: CW2
KENNETH D. JOHNSON Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: EL PASO, TEXAS Time: 1997-10-31 14:22:00 Comments: I am very impressed with your web pages on the A-1 Skyraider! I had to fight back the tears while viewing the iages of so many beautiful spads. I hope to visit the site regularly as I see you are really keeping it updated. Thanks to all of you who flew and maintained the Skyraider. I had several occasions to see them in action. What a beautiful site to see! Thanks for saving my butt! Welcome home! I'm enjoying retirement from the U. S. Army. |
| Name: Michael
Libanio Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Toronto Canada Time: 1997-10-31 10:06:00 Comments: Dear Sir, I would just like to drop you a quick line, thanking you for a fantastic web page on an airplane that never gets the notice it deserves. Thank you for ALL that you have done, and for keeping the memory and the faith alive. Sincerly Yours, Michael Libanio |
| Name: Stan
Lockley Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Niceville, Fl Time: 1997-10-31 06:57:00 Comments: Gene Deatrick, Comdr, 1st Commando Sq in mid-60s referred me to your URL. I am one of the "Kids" who flew F-105s is SEA (1964/65). As a Thud pilot, I have the highest respect for all Spad drivers, especially SANDYs. The A-1 pilots did make a difference. |
| Name: Gregory
Steiner Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Denver Colorado Time: 1997-10-31 05:46:00 Comments: Good to find you. I am a crew chief on AD-4NA 91945 based at Centennial Airport, Englewood, CO. This aircraft is now flying the airshow circuit under the ownership of Robert Heckendorf, 69th Battalion. SOG. We replicate a downd pilot recovery during the show, complete with simulated snake eys, 20MM, Nape. This aircraft is a thrill to be involved with. You may phone us at 303-649-1407. |
| Name: Jim
Treat, MSgt, USAF (Ret) Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Santa Claus, IN Time: 1997-10-30 18:43:00 Comments: My gear hung in the Hooch right behind the AFTN studios at NKP from Dec 69 to Nov 70 while I brought you the Dreded "Weekly Numbers" and other goodies. For those of your that were there during this time frame, you well remember the good times, as well as the bad. When a SAR was "ON" the whole base was envolved. You have to have been there to truly appreciale the memories. But Byron, you've done a hellava fantastic job of letting us relive those times, and maybe let those who were not have an insight as to how it really was. Sierra Hotel ! ! ! |
| Name: Dennis
Peltier Website: Referred by: From LinkExchange From: Spokane, WA Time: 1997-10-29 19:08:00 Comments: I don't have time to totally review your pages right now. But I will be back. I may have some SPAD info for you. Later!! |
| Name: Ken
Johnson Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Bremen, Indiana Time: 1997-10-26 16:55:00 Comments: My uncle, Lt. George Johnson,USNR, flew a Skyraider from the USS Antietam - Sept 1951 to March 1952. KIA over Hamhung, North Korea, March 2, 1952. Also flew TBM Avenger in WWII. Enjoyed your homepage. |
| Name: Chuck
Rouhier Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Kettering, Ohio Time: 1997-10-24 08:35:00 Comments: On October 28th at 1200 EST Speedvision will have a "Wing of Fame" program on about the Skyraider. Later, Chuck Jolly FE '71-'74 |
| Name: JANEL.Andre Website: Referred by: From LinkExchange From: FRANCE Time: 1997-10-23 21:46:00 Comments: many thanks for your page about Skyraider i have about 800 hours on AD4 in French air force 1966-1968 FAF on Madagascar Island 1978-1979 War Chad in Chad Air force (squadron leader) carrier: 15 years Jet fighter and 20 years crop pilot Andre |
| Name: David
R.Besso Website: Referred by: SimpleNet From: Shirley,NY Time: 1997-10-22 12:16:00 Comments: I saw service with Skyraiders starting in 1949 through Korea with Navy VC-35 aboard USS Valley Forge CV-45 and served with USAF Pilots that flew raiders in RVN 1967-68.A terrific aircraft |
| Name: Donald
W. Beach Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Cookeville, TN 38501 Time: 1997-10-22 11:57:00 Comments: I was in VC-35 from Oct 1953 to Oct 1954. Made one cruise to Japan with a detachment from San Diego, our home base, as an AD3 aviation machinist mate. You have put together a very good web site and have enjoyed looking and reading through it. Our squadron has a reunion every year and I have enjoyed meeting with my ol' shipmates to reminisce and tell war stories. I'll pass the web site address on. Thank you for the opportunity to view the web site. |
| Name: Gene
Deatrick Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Alexandria, VA Time: 1997-10-22 09:58:00 Comments: You are doing great one this Hook. Will follow along with photos for you as soon as I can. |
| Name: Bob
Russell Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Falls Church, VA Time: 1997-10-20 18:38:00 Comments: Ran across your home page address on the River Rats newsletter digest. You have a great start here and I'll follow your development with great interest. I was a Sandy/Firefly out of Udorn in '66 & '67. I'll be in touch again later. Bob R. |
| Name: Mel
Elliott (Skyraider) Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Glendale, Arizona Time: 1997-10-19 16:00:00 Comments: Right on Byron, I have some stuff I will send you when I get it together. Mel |
| Name: Emmanuel
PETIT Website: warbirds 1939/1945 Referred by: Net Search From: Britany (France) Time: 1997-10-18 09:22:00 Comments: French pilots used Skyraider for Algeria war 1954/1962 or 1963; several of them have 600/1000 war hours with skyraider. (excuse my poor english...) In memory of one of them... |
| Name: John
Clark ( j.c.) Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-10-17 14:06:00 Comments: spadguy great page crew chief on the proud american 738 feb 71 to mar 72 NKP / DANANG |
| Name: Buck
Buchanan Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Valier, MT Time: 1997-10-15 09:40:00 Comments: Good job on the site Hook. Also, it was a very good reunion with a more than expected turn-out. Hook and I arrived and left NKP exactly the same time . We shared a lot of good times and a few not so good along with a hooch. This site will add some glue to the Association. |
| Name: Jeff
Steinke Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: NJ Time: 1997-10-13 06:25:00 Comments: Served 1969 1st SOS Hobo's |
| Name: Tom
Madden AT-2 USN , '62-'66 Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: New York Time: 1997-10-09 15:57:00 Comments: What a great web site. I was an aircrewman with Carrier Airborne Early Warning Squadron 33 at NAS Quonset Point, Rhode Island from 1964 until my discharge in 1966. I completed some 335 hours as an ECM operator in the AD5Q/EA1F both from shore and various Atlantic Fleet Carriers. I had 37 traps and 34 cat's,(one old time pilot and I got 3 deck launches off the USS America which was unique). I have been in love with the SPAD ever since. I would love to hear from any Squadron shipmates from the '64/'66 period. Keep up this wondrus place. |
| Name: Eugene
P. Deatrick Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Alexandria, VA Time: 1997-10-09 05:57:00 Comments: Hook, it was great meeting you at the reunion. You have done a magnificant job in putting this all together. I promise to get some pictures to you in the near future. If I can be of any help, please call upon me. |
| Name: Jay
Velie Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Dallas, TX Time: 1997-10-07 16:15:00 Comments: I was lucky enough to fly the AD-4B and the AD-6, while serving in the Marine Corps in Japan. This was in 1956 shortly after the Korean war. I enlisted in the Navy in late 1952, during the Korean War, but again lucky for me, the war was called off while I was still in training. I was commissioned into the Marine Corps, spent time in jets in North Carolina, and was promoted to the AD in Japan in late 1955. I only got to enjoy the Able Dog for 170 hours of flight time (Truman was still trying to disband the Corps at that time so we were a little tight on gas.) My squadron was VMA-251 and our mission was SWDU (special weapons delivery unit). We spent about half of our of time slinging practice bombs with the "over the shoulder" delivery technique at a target north of Tokyo about 100 miles. During one of these practice missions I devleoped an engine fire and had to part company with my plane. I was unhurt, but the AD dug about a 30 foot hole in a Japanese farm. No body hurt on the ground and I had just a few burns on arms and chin. An ejection seat would have been nice (the only flaw in the AD.) My son Chris, found your fabulous web site and put me on to it. Keep up the great work, and I'm sure it is a lot of work. Jay Velie |
| Name: Hal
Pierce Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: O'Neill, NE Time: 1997-10-07 12:42:00 Comments: Thanks, Hook! This is the best idea since propellors. This is what we need to tie us together between reunions. |
| Name: Chris
Velie Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: League City, TX Time: 1997-10-06 21:25:00 Comments: My Dad flew AD's between the Korean and Vietnam wars. They have always been my favorites. The "Abel Dog" as my Dad calls them always in some form are my wallpaper. The site is very nice and I am very pleased with the new cache of images. Keep up the good work and best of luck with the site! By the way, my Dad was in the Marines. He flew many types including: Skyraiders, Banshees, Panthers, Cougars, Fury, Texans and even a Corsair once. He instilled a love of aircraft in me and he is my hero! |
| Name: Loren
D. Evenson Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Panama City, FL Time: 1997-10-07 04:34:00 Comments: Byron, appreciated meeting you in San Antonio this past weekend. Just wanted to check out your site. will be back on for longer time but we just got back from San Antonio, we drove so was a two day trip. Cheers, Loren |
| Name: Warren
(Doc) Blanchard Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: San Antonio, TX Time: 1997-10-07 01:03:00 Comments: This is the start of a new dimension in the A-1 Skyraider Association. I like it! |
| Name: Donald
H. Feld Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Clifton, Virginia Time: 1997-10-06 17:59:00 Comments: I think the site is fantastic. I hope we as the Skyraider Association can support it and make it grow. Hopefully it can become a repository for a lot of A-1 history. Hope you enjoyed the reunion as much as I did. Again, thanks for all the good work represented here. Don Feld |
| Name: Donald
L. Sandquist Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Henderson Nv Time: 1997-10-05 20:49:00 Comments: USNAR active duty VA115 1965, 66, 67 USS Hancock and USS Kittyhalk. Thank you for the look at the past. I didn't think anyone cared about a real piece of work like the A1. I will be watching for news of where I'll be able to see her again. I'll never forget the first time I was able to turn one up, when it backfired I thought I had really done it in for sure. I was just 20 and a plane cptn. Thank you again for the look see. |
| Name: Al
Martin Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Lubbock, Texas Time: 1997-10-05 18:06:00 Comments: Enjoyed reading the information and viewing the photos. See you in two years. Al |
| Name: Matt
Seferian Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Boston, MA (currently attending Georgia Tech) Time: 1997-10-04 16:31:00 Comments: SpadGuy, My name is Matt Seferian, I am a freshman studying Aerospace Engineering at Georgia Tech in Atlanta. I wanted to comment on this website. I have had a very strong interest in combat aircraft since World War II for some time now. Well, my favorite attack plane has always been the Spad. Since I first read about its use in SE Asia I haven't been able to read enough about it, and there's not much out there! I am impressed with the information and stories available at this site! I learned a lot about the Spad since I first dropped in. I have a few questions for you, if you have the time to send me an email I would be very happy. I have heard tales of the 20mm M-3's exploding every once in a while. Fact or fiction? Last year, when I was a senior in high school, my history teacher discussed napalm in a very one-sided way, claiming it was ineffective and too harsh to be used as a weapon of war. I disagreed, and pointed out that it probably saved a lot of downed American pilots. How often did Spad drivers use napalm, in what manner, and how effective was it? Was it better for eliminating AAA threats or just keeping enemy soldiers out of the way? Also: my favorite part about Spads in Vietnam, besides Sandy flights, was the fact that two MiG kills were attributed to the old plane! I know these were Navy jocks, and they were pretty early-on in the conflict, but do you know or have you heard any stories of these kills? (I hear the first one was after a pretty lengthy dogfight) Finally, I have built a model of one Special Ops A-1H (Bubbles n' Bust, Tailcode TT). I loaded it up pretty good; If I left off external fuel tanks, would this be accurate? I am planning to do a Navy AD-6 (one of the ones that shot down a MiG) soon. Thank you for your time, and most importantly, thank you for sharing information about such a great plane that hardly receives the attention it deserves! Keep up the GREAT work! Matt Seferian Georgia Institute of Technology I |
| Name: SMSgt
Chuck Youngblood Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Eatonton, Georgia Time: 1997-10-01 18:59:00 Comments: Thank you first of all for this site. On the page preceding this one, there was an interesting logo which said, "We'll bring him home." The interesting thing is that this is exactly what we are trying to do. I am assigned to the Joint Task Force - Full Accounting at Camp H.M. Smith, Hawaii. We are the ones who return to SEA to recover, return, and repatriate the remains of your fellow aviators. In that endeavor, we can use the expertise and experience your members possess. I would like to know that we can contact your members and ask both general and technical questions which assist us in perfoming the mission we are here to achieve: The Fullest Possible Accounting!! I would appreciate hearing from members of your group willing to assist us in this mission. I have provided my home and work e-mail address and would be interested in knowing what units and the time frame those members responding served.If there are questions about missing fellow aviators that I can answer, I will provide what I can. Yesterday (30 Sep), the remains of several missing American servicemen arrived back on American soil here in Hawaii as a result of our efforts. You too can be a part of this effort! |
| Name: Thatcher,
Steven Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Edina,Minnesota Time: 1997-10-01 16:20:00 Comments: jocelyn and I worked together |
| Name: Gene
Traczyk Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Homestead Florida Time: 1997-10-02 00:35:00 Comments: Was a former Crash Rescue Firefighter stationed with the Air Commandos (Jungle Jim) in Bien Hoa and Soc Trang Vietnam 1964 and 65. I rember the A1 returning from combat missions with so many holes and at times parts of wings missing you wondered what kept it flying. The A1 definitely made the firefighters job a lot easier when it came to firefighting and rescue. A beautiful bird. (Blue Skies) Gene |
| Name: Kenneth
D. Westfall Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: West Virginia Time: 1997-09-29 23:09:00 Comments: Have looked for a long type for picture of A1s and didn't find any till my father received a E-mail about you page. Are you interested in pictures of A1? Found an old polaroid of my father and his A1 before taking off and had digitzed for his windows wall paper. I could send it with his permission on to you if you are interesed. He will be attending the reuion this october. Thank you for helping keep the skyraider in the history book of the war in SEA. Most documentarys fail to tell the great roll that these airplanes served in SEA. We hear about the jets and helicopturs but not the A1s and it's suport of ground troupes. Once again thank you. Kenneth D. Westfall |
| Name: John
A. Reiners Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Hernando, Mississippi Time: 1997-09-29 20:51:00 Comments: I am currently researching for a 1/4 scale radio controlled skyraider which I plan to build next summer. I plan to have an extremely high level of detail, and plan on using this web site often. See you around. |
| Name: Calvin
E. Frazier Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Memphis Tennessee Time: 1997-09-28 22:37:00 Comments: Nice site! I have always love the spad. |
| Name: Jerry
Carrigan Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Wilson, North Carolina Time: 1997-09-27 17:57:00 Comments: Boy was I excited when I found this site as I too was there at NKP working on A-1's from 1971 till 1972. The memories came back to me as I swelled with pride. I crewchiefed 551 later to be know as Jello Liver. I remembered so well many faces that I saw here, and many sites. Thanks for the memories! |
| Name: Kevin
J. Stein Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Los Angeles, CA Time: 1997-09-26 23:35:00 Comments: Great page! I wish I had a scanner to send you some pictures of the beautiful A1 sitting on the ramp here at the Museum of Flying at Santa Monica Airport. I have reason to believe that it's one of 4 brought back from Thailand a few year ago, and meticusly restored. And they do fly in occasionallly! Keep up the great work! It's a big help to me, as an avid aircombat flight simmer, and mission builder for ATFGold and the new Fighters Anthology, which has added the SPAD. thanks again! Kevin J. Stein |
| Name: GI
Basel Website: Gene's home page Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Seattle Washington Time: 1997-09-24 21:22:00 Comments: Hey, Hook! Great Page. I might be prejudiced, four of those Spads saved my azzz one day in February '68. Yer plane is almost as big as a Thud! (Not quite) GI |
| Name: Lance
D. Shotwell Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Puyallup, WA Time: 1997-09-24 05:27:00 Comments: Byron, nice job with the WEB page, and a beautiful reproduction of all of the pictures. Takes me back for sure. Visiting an airport in Arlington, WA this weekend where they're restoring an AD-6. I'll let you know what shape its in. |
| Name: Tony
Skur Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: fort worth, texas Time: 1997-09-23 13:47:00 Comments: flew A-1 from june 1970 to june 1971 while at nkp as firefly and hobo...no better airplane no better aircrews no better crew chiefs or support troops. thanks hook for the reference to your page. |
| Name: Don
Logan Website: Aviation books/photos Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Wichita, Kansas Time: 1997-09-23 12:23:00 Comments: The SPAD is a great aircraft. Glad to see there is a home page for it! |
| Name: Alan
Price Young Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Buck Hill Falls, PA 18323 Time: 1997-09-19 18:26:00 Comments: Flew the A-1 from May 1970 to May 1971 out of NKP as a Hobo and a Sandy. Best to everyone. Sorry not to make the reunion in SAT this year. |
| Name: Thomas
Colthart Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: New Jersey Time: 1997-09-19 11:37:00 Comments: GREAT PAGE, I will be sure to tell around. Also thanks for all the information on the A-1 and the people whew flew them. Thanks Tom Colthart |
| Name: DONALD
C. DINEEN Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: FORT WALTON BEACH, FL Time: 1997-09-16 08:38:00 Comments: YOUR HOME PAGE WAS NOTED IN THE AIR COMMANDO NEWSLETTER. I WAS IN THE 6TH SOS, FEB 68-FEB 69. 325 MISSIONS-WHAT A GREAT AIRPLANE AND YOU HAVE A GREAT PAGE |
| Name: Tom
Nelson Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Greenville, DE Time: 1997-09-15 03:25:00 Comments: I flew the Skyraider 1957--1958. Approx 1,000 hrs and 100 traps. Roomate on the Ticonderoga was Ed Greathouse, who was leading the flight of four which shot down a Mig. Have lots of AD stories. |
| Name: Shawn
Johnson Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Brooks,Alberta, Canada Time: 1997-09-11 05:25:00 Comments: Great page!! lots of H/J photos. BITCHIN!!! |
| Name: Lisa
Sweeten Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Salt Lake City, Utah Time: 1997-09-10 14:15:00 Comments: Dear Folks, I contacted Mr. Rocco DeFelice recently about some AD-Skyraider photos that belonged to my father, Capt. Louis Burke USN ret. Dad died 12 years ago and left an incredible collection of official Navy photos which I am in the process of having copied. It will take a long time because there are so many. Among the many pictures is a set of photos taken in about 1951 in San Diego. They are AD-Skyraiders. Mr. DeFelice said that later when the Air Force began using these same planes which had been aquired from the Navy, they called them A1-Skyraiders. (I hope I have my facts correct here.) Anyway, I am having a set of the pictures, I think there are eight, copied right now and will send your association a set as soon as the shop finishes them. I realize the pictures are from 1951 and you folks seem to be mostly Vietnam era military guys as well as a different branch but you may still find them interesting and besides, I would love to hear anything you can tell me about the planes. The pictures are very good quality and I am having 8 by 10's made which is the size of the originals. I will send them to Mr. DeFelice before your October reunion. My dad was an SB2C Helldiver pilot during WWII and flew quite a few different planes after the war. But he flew Skyraiders for several years in the early 50's and I believe he was very fond of that plane. If you guys will tell me what you can about the pictures and planes I would be very grateful. I am trying to teach my ten year old son about the planes his grandfather flew as well as the life he led in the Navy and hearing from men who were familiar with these things makes it seem more real to him. Thanks, Lisa Sweeten |
| Name: Marvin
W. Howell, Col, USAF(Ret) Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Papillion, NE Time: 1997-09-10 02:11:00 Comments: Great Site. Looking for information on modeling the A-1 and this is it. Plus great history ! |
| Name: John
Beaumont Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Orlando, Florida Time: 1997-09-07 07:42:00 Comments: For Sgt. Clapper, USAF, MIA, North Vietnam |
| Name: Rudy
Preus Website: Stellar Images- Stained Glass Aircraft Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Comox, British Columbia, Canada Time: 1997-09-05 22:36:00 Comments: I really enjoyed your site. I am a retired Canadian Air Force pilot. I now work in Stained Glass and my Three Dimensional Stained Glass Aircraft may be of interest to you. |
| Name: Jon
Goldenbaumn Website: Polyfiber Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: California Time: 1997-09-04 05:59:00 Comments: Hook, My son found the web site. Alive and well in california, still flying. What are you up to ? |
| Name: Joseph
Formola Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Colonia, New Jersey, USA Time: 1997-09-01 20:07:00 Comments: I was a plane captain on the A4 Skyhawk. |
| Name: Mike
Metivier Website: Referred by: Net Search From: Savannah Ga. Time: 1997-09-01 05:33:00 Comments: Just located your site.Seems to have a great deal of info on the greatest and most versatile airplane ever made.You've done an excellent job. |
| Name: Robert
B. Andersen Website: Referred by: From LinkExchange From: Ct. Time: 1997-08-30 05:54:00 Comments: I was stationed at Udorn RTAFB and Korat RTAFB from 67-68. I was with Rivet Top (DET2TAWC) with one EC-121, top secret type, with special goodies on board. While at Udron we were parked right across from the Jolly Greens. I still remember the A-1's too. The A-1 is my 2nd most favorite bird, the Connie (EC-121) being the first of course. They both had the same nasty, greasy, oil leaking, knuckle scrapping 3350 in them. They were both GREAT planes and always will be 2 of the best to ever take to the air. If anybody wants to contact me with any Connie or A-1 info, feel free. I'm always looking. |
| Name: charles
Forrester Website: Referred by: NewsGroups From: Australia Time: 1997-08-30 14:55:00 Comments: Your ordnance section was very good with the interactive part. Good work! |
| Name: Kenneth
Arrowsmith Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Missouri Time: 1997-08-30 00:16:00 Comments: I went to school for the A1, but when I got to NKP they gave me to the A26s I was there 69-70 K.A. |
| Name: LTjg
Dick Farrington USN Ret. Website: Later Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Hackensack Minnesota Time: 1997-08-29 23:12:00 Comments: Would like to see a list of all Skyraider pilots that want to make contact with old flying buddies. She was one great bird.--SAVAGE |
| Name: William
M. 'Wedge' Salter Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: TEXAS Time: 1997-08-29 19:45:00 Comments: Great site! I have GOT to fly a Super Spad one of these days! Ex: Civil Air Patrol (1977-80), Texas Army National Guard, Co. G(Airborne/Ranger), 143d Infantry (1981-85) and US Air Force Reserve, 68 MAS & 433 OMS (1985-91). Licensed as aerial applicator in State of Texas, also glider-tow pilot (Bird Dog and Ag Wagon). |
| Name: Joe
Lee Burns Website: Referred by: Just Surfed On In! From: Time: 1997-08-28 15:28:00 Comments: From CasBar, silly. Good Site!! |
| Name: Roger
Post Website: Referred by: Word of Mouth From: Ridgefield, CT Time: 1997-08-28 06:50:00 Comments: Hi Byron, I visited your Skyraider website and found it to be a well-done, great tribute to those that flew the Spad. I work for Flight Journal and one of our editors is doing a piece on flying the AD-5 Skyraider. He would like to use some of the stuff you have on your web page, and needs your permission to do so. Could you contact me either through e-mail or phone, (203) 894-3668, and let me know if he can use some things. Thanks, Roger Post |