VN Spads

[Jack Cook]

A-1H 6th SOS "Playboys" Pleiku 1969

A-1E SPAD 1st Air Commandos & HH-3E Jolly Green

[tom d. friedman]

i love them best when they are dirty like that, it makes them look more bad assed!!

[Ken]

My friend was asked to be a charter member of the 6th when the were formed at England AFB, LA in (probably) late 67. I believe he said they were to be the first all-night qualified A-1 unit, although I don't think they flew exclusively at night. They used two tail codes: ET for the airplanes with the main squadron at Pleiku and 6T for airplanes detached to DaNang. In some early photos, the "6" appears to be a hastily modified "E" and has odd geometry. (Is there any other instance where a USAF tail code used a number instead of two letters??) Of all the Skyraider units whose photos are circulated, the 6th seems underwhelmingly represented - it was nice to see these. Some more original photos can be seen at:

http://skyraider.org/skyassn/otherpics/ ... ludwig.htm

Ken

if i recall a SOS unit was equipped with Skyraiders using night vision pods attached to the inner pylons.

i will find out more from my book shortly.

They used them to attack trucks on The trail at Night i think.

[viking73]

Anyone interested in the Spad in Vietnam needs to pick up a copy of the book "The A-1 Skyraider in Vietnam" by Wayne Mutza. Lots of great photos and stories, worth every penny.

Here's a shot I took of A-1G 132598 / 51-598 at Hurlburt Field in September 2004.

[Hal B]

Great photos Jack. Thanks!

[EDowning]

Read Richard Drury's book, My Secret War. As you may have guessed I've read most of the Skyraider books and I like it by far the best.

[rwdfresno]

How come there are no polka dots?