Vietnam era,WWII combat aircraft

frenchie wrote:

Vietnam era,WWII combat aircraft

The Korean war had some interesting aircraft as well. The ground war was mostly WWII leftovers, but the air war was a whole new ballgame mid to late war.

I served in Vietnam late 1971 until the end of the war and I saw quite a few different types of aircraft in action over there. My memories of the war aren't so great, but the memories of the aircraft and the men that crewed them will stay with me for as long as I will live. At the moment, I'm building one aircraft from each of the squadrons that were part of Carrier Air Wing Three(CVW-3) onboard the USS Saratoga CV-60. My only problem is that I can't remember our A-7 squadrons or our helo squadron. Isn't that shameful? Is there anyone out there that could possibly help me out? It would be greatly appreciated.

 This page indicated that Lieutenant Jim Lloyd of VA-105 was flying an A-7 Corsair when he was shot down, and then rescued.

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/USS_Saratoga_(CV-60)#1970s

This page shows that VA-37 flew A-7s off of Sara in 1972

http://www.whileyouweredeployed.com/squadron_histories_vfa_37.php 

 This page indicates that Lt. William D. Young recieved the Navy Cross for his actions on Aug. 6th and 7th, 1972 while serving in Helicopter Combat Support Squadron Seven, Detachment 110, embarked on USS SARATOGA (CVA-60)  (among others from that squadron performing heroic acts).

http://www.hc7seadevils.org/NewCitations.htm 

 That should get you started... 

Thanks for the welcome. I hope to be talking to you and others soon and often.

To my way of thinking, the Air Force came up with the most unique aircraft. The F-82, B-50 were just two good examples. The Navy, of course had the F-9F Panther, the Corsair, and naturally, the Skyraider. It's hard to believe that one airplane could carry almost twice the bomb-load of a WWII B-17.

I hope to be talking(?) to you again.

Hiya Frenchie, and to the forums!

Always glad to see aircraft guys come on board!

frenchie wrote:

To my way of thinking, the Air Force came up with the most unique aircraft. The F-82, B-50 were just two good examples. The Navy, of course had the F-9F Panther, the Corsair, and naturally, the Skyraider. It's hard to believe that one airplane could carry almost twice the bomb-load of a WWII B-17. I hope to be talking(?) to you again.

 The Skyraider sure was a winner. Served a long and successful career in both branches too.

 After the war, the Navy got some very unique aircraft. The FJ-3 and FJ-4 Fury - basically a Navy version of the F-86 Sabre, then there is the F7U Cutlass - a very cool looking aircraft that unfortunately didn't perform as good as it looked, and then the F4D (nickname Ford) Skyray - a beautiful supersonic aircraft that did perform as good as it looked.