When my helicopter went down in 1972 and I was sitting in that bomb crater burned and bleeding, I thought my life was over. But God had a plan that went far beyond that jungle. You can try to fly away from your calling, but you can never outrun His grace He didn't just rescue my physical body that day, He was pursuing my soul."

Episode 54 of Military Tales features Sergeant Randolph Nagy, U.S. Air Force retired, who served as a Security Policeman and mortar Gunner at Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand, from July 1972 to August 1973. He recounts his immediate impression of the monstrous, muggy heat upon arrival and the Passenger Terminal sign welcoming him to "the end of the world". Nagy shares experiences working the base perimeter,... Read More

"When you're running recon across the fence in Laos, nobody is coming with tanks or artillery to bail you out. We were entirely on our own, running on pure adrenaline, specialized gear, and total trust in each other. One night, an enemy soldier walked so close to my position in the pitch dark he literally brushed against my boot—that was the fine line between surviving a mission and becoming a ghost.

Step back in history as veterans of the 6th Special Operations Squadron share firsthand accounts of flying the legendary A-1 Skyraider in Vietnam. These pilots and crew members reveal the intense reality of supporting MACV-SOG missions across the fence and the incredible bond formed between the air and the ground. This rare gathering brings together the men who flew the missions and the Special Forces teams who relied on them for survival. This video captures an intimate reunion where Skyraider... Read More

"Fifty years is a long time to hold a memory in your head, but looking across the table at the man who directed that sky full of aircraft while I was trapped on the ground it brings it all back in an instant. You realize your whole life, your family, your decades of service afterward, all existed because a Sandy lead refused to give up on a downed pilot."

"When MACV-SOG teams were pinned down in the jungle, they didn't care about bureaucratic unit designations or aircraft model numbers—they just wanted to hear radial engines overhead. Operating low in the weeds meant puttin' yourself right in the enemy's sights, but when a Prairie Fire call came in, you dropped down into the fire anyway. If we didn't document these missions now, those brave young lieutenants and the miracles they pulled off would simply fade into history."

"When you're flying low and slow in a propeller plane over the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the ground fire feels personal. But when a call comes in that a downed pilot is trapped on the ground, everything else fades. That was the mission of the Sandies: you didn't focus on the danger surrounding you, you're focused entirely on bringing that guy home."

"I was down in that bomb crater, severely burned, no radio, listening to the enemy closing the distance. Up above, there was a sky full of flak and SA-7s, but Byron and those Sandy pilots refused to turn around. When you're sitting in the dirt counting your final minutes, realizing that someone up there is risking everything just to give you a chance—that changes the rest of your life."

Deep in the Hornet's Nest: The Unbelievable True Story of Operation Tailwind

What happens when a "quick diversionary tactic" turns into one of the most successful, harrowing intelligence-gathering missions of the Vietnam War?

In September 1970, a failing, top-secret CIA operation in the jungles of Laos needed a miracle. The Military Assistance Command, Vietnam, Studies and Observations Group (MACV-SOG)... Read More

Steaks, Sappers, and Stolen Jeeps: A Frontline View of Pleiku Air Base

What was daily life really like for the boots on the ground during the Vietnam War? It was a surreal mix of high-stakes danger and sheer, brilliant resourcefulness.

In our latest oral history interview, Air Force veteran Stephen Patrick... Read More

Here is a gripping, high-impact blog excerpt tailored for your audience, highlighting the shadowy, high-stakes world of MACV-SOG through Colonel Smith's incredible insights.

"Across the Fence": The Shadows, Secret Casualties, and Uncommon Valor of MACV-SOG

In the history of unconventional warfare, few units carry the chilling mystique and sheer weight of... Read More

From Propellers to Phantoms: The Maverick Who Swapped the Air Force for the Marines to Stay in the Cockpit

Most military pilots find their niche, master their airframe, and stick to a single branch of service. Then there is Martin "Rip" Riopelle.

Rip’s extraordinary career is a masterclass in adaptability, survival, and a fierce, relentless passion for... Read More

Here is an engaging blog excerpt tailored to highlight Gary's unique transition, the technical grit of his role, and the deep emotional connection he holds for the Skyraider.

Keeping the "Camouflaged Jewel" Flying: Life as an A-1 Skyraider Crew Chief in Pleiku

For many young men growing up in the mid-20th century, the allure of the sky was irresistible.... Read More

The Tangible Hole: Two Sons, Three Decades of Silence, and the Search for Vietnam’s Missing Aviators

For more than fifty years, they carried a silence that only the child of a missing soldier can truly understand.

In a raw, deeply personal, and rare conversation, Brian Danielson and Read More

Mandy Robbins (Sister of SFC John Robert "Bob" Adams, MIA 1967):

"I've never walked a minute in your boots, but I've been an MIA sister since I was 11. And with all my heart, I love each and every one of you. I respect each and every one of you.

I want to thank you from the bottom of my heart for everything every minute that you spent in that awful war... Read More

"When did you switch from hope to mission-oriented? Because listening to you, you are very mission-oriented on finding him and bringing him home. Was there a point when you said, 'I accept this, and this is my next step'?"

Pam Cain: "Well, you have to define what 'this' is. If I had hope that he was still living... when the government came out with the 'last known alive' list and he... Read More

Accidental Discovery of a Viet Cong Tunnel

• Timestamp: 00:18:58 – 00:19:38

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"...I made one too many passes over there trying to pinpoint the location of one of the survivors, and I felt this thump. The next thing I know, I've got flames trailing out from underneath the airplane on both sides... Ed Sully says, 'Get out.' And I said, 'Roger.'

At that time I pulled the handle... when I pulled the... Read More

Capturing Infiltrators on the Perimeter

• Timestamp: 00:04:01 – 00:05:00

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Engine Failure Mid Pass Over the Plain of Jars

• Timestamp: 00:12:42 – 00:14:16

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Firefighting Under Fire in a Local Village

• Timestamp: 00:02:28 – 00:03:33

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The 1967 Arms Room Explosion at Pleiku

• Timestamp: 00:03:46 – 00:05:12

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The Shootdown of Stinger 41

• Timestamp: 00:10:12 – 00:11:35

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The Forced Landing at Dak To

• Timestamp: 00:57:48 – 01:04:30

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"How Do You Say Thank You?"

• Timestamp: 01:35:35 – 01:41:58

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The F105 Emergency Landing

• Timestamp: 00:05:18 – 00:06:12

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Experience Operation Tailwind: a groundbreaking, controversial Vietnam War mission. This video unveils the bravery of U.S. Green Berets, Montagnard soldiers, and aviators facing relentless fire in Laos, highlighting unsung heroes and the truth behind decades of secrecy, including the explosive 1998 CNN allegations.

Imagine flying through the pitch-black skies of Southeast Asia, navigating mountainous terrain with limited instruments, and dodging relentless anti-aircraft fire, all while carrying out critical missions. This was the daily reality for Tom Coleman, a Vietnam War pilot who flew the legendary A-1 Skyraider. In this captivating account, Tom shares the challenges, ingenuity, and triumphs of his night missions, offering a rare glimpse into one of the most perilous aspects of the Vietnam War.

In this episode of Military Tales, retired Captain Larry Zimmerman shares his firsthand experience at Task Force Alpha, a high-tech intelligence center in Thailand during the Vietnam War. From 1969–1970, Zimmerman led aerial photo intelligence, helping track enemy movements along the Ho Chi Minh Trail using cutting-edge technology—acoustic sensors, aerial photography, and early drones like the Pave Eagle. He describes the facility as something... Read More

Join us for a powerful story of resilience and survival. In this episode, hear a Vietnam veteran recount his experience from growing up in eastern North Carolina to joining the Air Force and serving as a helicopter crew chief. He describes being shot down over North Vietnam on September 20, 1965, and the subsequent 2,703 days spent in captivity. Learn about his time in the infamous Hanoi Hilton, communicating via the tap code, the challenges of... Read More

In Episode 70 of Military Tales, host Mike Thornton talks with Colonel James C. Harding, ranked among the most decorated military heroes in American history for his valor and achievement. Colonel Harding recounts his journey from a dairy farm to flying nearly 5,000 hours and an extraordinary 596 combat missions over Vietnam in propeller-driven aircraft. He shares his experiences starting as a Ground FAC,... Read More

In Episode 69 of Military Tales, host Mike Thornton sits down with James Michael "Jim" Hoover for a captivating journey through his 20-year career in the United States Air Force, beginning as an Airman Basic and culminating in his retirement as a Captain. Jim provides a candid look at his foundational year as an Airman First Class security policeman at Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Royal Thai Air Force... Read More

In Episode 68 of Military Tales, join host Mike Thornton and historian Monique Taylor, author of "Suicide Jockeys," as they delve into the fascinating and often-overlooked story of World War II glider pilots. Based on actual documentation, Monique shares the true experiences of these airmen who navigated incredible dangers with "no engines, no parachutes, no second chances", serving as the critical... Read More

In Episode 67 of Military Tales, we feature Captain Richard E. Diller, an Air Force A-1 Skyraider pilot who served in Vietnam. Captain Diller recounts his experiences during the challenging, multi-day Boxer 22 rescue mission, detailing his flights including flying at low altitudes near the Ho Chi Minh Trail to keep the enemy busy and taking crucial photographs from 10,000 feet that would years later significantly aid the family... Read More

In Episode 66 of Military Tales, join us for a compelling conversation with Lt. Don Engebretsen, an Air Force A-1 Skyraider pilot who flew in Vietnam. Don shares his journey from unexpected assignment to the "Spad" to becoming a veteran of vital Search and Rescue (SAR) and MCV SOG support missions. He recounts the intense responsibility felt for the guys on the ground, flying low "in the weeds" amidst heavy... Read More

In Episode 65 of Military Tales, we feature Albert J. "Jax" Roberts, an Air Force A-1 Skyraider pilot who flew during the Vietnam War. Jax shares compelling stories from his time flying the "Spad," focusing on his critical role in supporting Army Special Forces teams during insertions and extractions, as well as Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. He recounts the intense feelings before dangerous missions, the close coordination... Read More

In Episode 64 of Military Tales, hear from a Forward Air Controller (FAC) with the 20th Tactical Air Support Squadron who provides a compelling account of supporting Operation Tailwind, the deepest United States military incursion into Laos. Serving as an "orchestra leader" from his O-2 Skymaster (Oscar Deuce), he directed air support for a company-sized "hatchet force" of 133 guys facing intense ground fire deep in enemy territory. The episode... Read More

Episode 63 of Military Tales features Lieutenant Colonel (Ret.) Thomas A. Dwelle, who flew close air support (CAS) missions in the Skyraider (A-1E) during the Vietnam War. Serving from February 1965 to February 1966, he completed 270 missions, often scrambled off night alert to support troops in contact facing dire situations where, as he puts it, they "were going to die" without immediate... Read More

Episode 62 of Military Tales brings you the extraordinary story of Gerald W., a 98-year-old WWII veteran who volunteered for the Army Air Force at age 18, eventually becoming a B-17 co-pilot stationed at Eye, England. He recounts the harrowing second mission where his B-17 chaff ship was shot down over Germany, leading to a terrifying moment when his parachute deployed inside the... Read More

Episode 61 of Military Tales features Brigadier General (Ret.) John Wilkinson, who served as a Military Intelligence officer at Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand, from October 1968 to October 1969. Wilkinson provides a unique intelligence perspective on his work supporting A-1 Skyraider missions over Laos, including Barrel Roll and Steel Tiger, and his critical role in briefing and providing... Read More

Above and Beyond: Don Feld's Heroic Missions in Vietnam Colonel Don Feld’s military journey is a testament to courage, resilience, and a commitment to the Air Force creed, “Leave no one behind.” Inspired by his father, a WWII bomber pilot, Don’s path led from Iowa State’s ROTC program to flying the A-1 Skyraider during some of the most daring rescue missions of the Vietnam War. Initially skeptical of the propeller-driven Skyraider, Don soon realized its unmatched capability for... Read More

Episode 59 of Military Tales features Steve Umland, a former Air Force photo interpreter who offers a rare look into the highly classified Task Force Alpha at Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand. Established to monitor and disrupt the enemy's intricate Ho Chi Minh Trail network in Laos, Task Force Alpha employed sophisticated acoustic and seismic sensors dropped by F-4 aircraft, collecting vital intelligence on enemy movement, which... Read More

Episode 58 of Military Tales features George Merritt, an A-1 Skyraider Sandy pilot, recounting a harrowing Search and Rescue (SAR) mission on March 10, 1969, in Laos, where a USAF F-4D Phantom was shot down near Chapone. Merritt's team successfully rescued the backseater, Al Routina, but the front seater, Colonel Carter Luna, remained missing. The episode then introduces Susan Crosby, a former law enforcement detective who, for... Read More

Episode 57 of Military Tales dives into the clandestine "secret war" waged against the Ho Chi Minh Trail in Laos, revealing the harrowing partnership between MACV-SOG Special Forces Green Berets and their dedicated Air Force support. Hear firsthand accounts from those who risked everything on Prairie Fire missions – dangerous intelligence-gathering operations deep behind enemy lines – and the pilots flying OV-10s,... Read More

Military Tales Episode 56 features retired Colonel John Joseph "Hoss" Mulligan, U.S. Air Force, sharing his extraordinary Vietnam War story. He takes listeners inside the cockpit of his F-4 Phantom during a legendary 15-minute dogfight on May 20, 1967, flying alongside Colonel Robin Olds against overwhelming odds of 32 MiG-17s, a battle believed to be the longest in jet aviation history. Shot down and severely... Read More

Episode 55 of Military Tales features retired Major William John Mackey, U.S. Air Force, sharing his journey through a diverse military career. Starting as a maintenance officer, his path led him to the then-classified Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand, from 1970 to 1971, where he maintained various aircraft for operations like the C-123 Candlestick flare drops and Project Alpha's QU-22Bs, even dealing with Agent Orange... Read More

Captain Terrence Courtney’s Sacrifice on Stinger 41

Lamar Smith: "...The pilot in command, a gentleman named Terrence Courtney—a senior captain, a hero—was at his post with his co-pilot, and the two of them were having to hold the yoke actually all the way over to the left side and all the rudder they could put in to just maintain level... Read More

Episode 53 of Military Tales features Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Swanson, U.S. Air Force retired, recounting his diverse flying career that culminated in flying the A-1 Skyraider in Vietnam, specifically his time commanding OLAA at Danang. Swanson shares his path from an Iowa farm and initial enlistment as an electronics specialist to earning his pilot wings, volunteering for Vietnam, and deploying first to Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand, where he flew against... Read More

Drawing from our conversation and the provided transcript excerpts, Episode 52 of Military Tales offers an in-depth look at the USAF Search and Rescue (SAR) Task Force in Southeast Asia, focusing specifically on the aircraft and the firsthand experiences of the crews who flew them. This installment delves into the vital roles of the iconic A-1 Skyraider ("Sandy"), detailing its use from the early days under a pretense of pilot training to... Read More

Get ready for a deep dive into the harrowing world of air rescue in Southeast Asia with Episode 51 of Military Tales. This episode steps beyond dry history to bring you the personal, firsthand accounts of those who lived the missions, including Sandy pilots, Jolly Green drivers, those who were rescued, and Raven Forward Air Controllers. Hear how SAR forces in Southeast Asia achieved the astounding feat of pulling over 4,000 people out... Read More

Military Tales Episode 50 takes you behind the flight line at Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand in 1974-75, offering a ground-level perspective from jet engine mechanic Fred McClary. Experience the intensity of prepping helicopters for the secretive Mayaguez incident and the chilling return of aircraft carrying "body bags," including what were tragically described as "little body bags". Fred recounts the brutal environmental conditions –... Read More

Here is a short podcast description for Episode 49: In Episode 49 of Military Tales, we hear from Jack Pollard about his experiences in the U.S. Air Force as a jet engine mechanic during the Vietnam War era, serving at Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand, from 1970 to 1971. Jack details his arrival at NKP, his work maintaining a diverse fleet of aircraft including helicopters and gunships in the 56th Equipment Maintenance... Read More

Step behind the lines in Military Tales Episode 48 as we explore the incredible Son Tay Prison Raid, or Operation Ivory Coast. Featuring a veteran raider, this episode recounts an all-volunteer mission where the odds were stark: a "50 50 chance of not making it back" and the likelihood of "pretty much sudden death" if captured. Though the POWs had been moved from Son Tay, hear how this operation, born from the resolve of "no man left... Read More

This episode of Military Tales dives into the unique world of Nakhon Phanom, Thailand (NKP), during the Vietnam War, featuring C-123K Crew Chief Dan Pierce and Loadmaster/Flare Kicker Mike Seitz. They share their experiences serving at the remote, top-secret, and highly compartmentalized base from 1970 to 1971, detailing the perilous "Candlestick" missions flying C-123K aircraft at night over... Read More

This episode of Military Tales, "Inside EC-47 Missions: The Secret Vietnam War Flights," features veteran pilot Doug Davis who served in the Vietnam War flying the EC-47, affectionately known as the "Gooney Bird". Davis reveals the nature of these at-the-time highly classified electronic intelligence missions out of Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand, where they flew Air Force Security Service personnel over Laos to... Read More

This episode of Military Tales takes you inside the cockpit of the iconic F-4 Phantom with Colonel John Mollison, a highly decorated Vietnam War veteran and proud alumnus of Boys Town, as his story is featured in the film "Who's the Guy in Back." Colonel Mollison shares how his time at Boys Town provided the foundation that shaped his life and military career, including his pivotal role as a Weapons Systems Officer (WSO) or "guy in back". He... Read More

This episode of Military Tales features George Marrett, a former test pilot who, initially disappointed by his Vietnam assignment to the propeller-driven A-1 Skyraider, discovered the profound importance of his role. Recounting his journey from strike missions out of Udorn Royal Thai Air Base to critical Search and Rescue (SAR) operations from the austere Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Marrett shares a gripping account of his harrowing... Read More

This episode of Military Tales, recorded during "Jim Wold Day 2015," is a tribute to Lt. Col. Jim Wold and the extraordinary "secret" unit he commanded, featuring personal stories from veterans and his family. Operating the A-1 Skyraider ("tail Dragon Beast") out of a "secret door" in Laos and Cambodia, this unit supported highly classified MACV-SOG teams and was sworn to the same strict secrecy standards. Veterans share vivid... Read More

This episode of Military Tales features a conversation with Lt. Col. Lucky Lowman (Wallace), a veteran pilot whose extensive career began in 1943 during World War II and spanned over 30 years including reserve time. Lucky, who is now 98 years old, recounts his experiences flying iconic aircraft like the P-51 Mustang in Europe, where he flew 52 missions escorting B-17s and B-24s and witnessed the loss of... Read More

This episode of Military Tales delves into the experiences of three ground crew veterans, Paul Etterling, Ernie Harmon, and Barry Roland, who served as weapons loaders (462s) at the remote Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Royal Thai Air Base, described as a "secret" place "carved out of nothing" and "the end of the world". They recount their demanding jobs, working 12-hour shifts, often seven days a week, loading and maintaining a variety... Read More

This episode of Military Tales, titled "The Men Who Flew And Fought For the South Vietnam Airforce," features a moving conversation with three veterans of the South Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF): Song, Thai (Ty), and Chow . They recount joining the VNAF around 1963, training in the US at bases like Lakeland and Randolph, and flying a variety of aircraft including the T28, A1 Skyraider, A37, U6, and extensively the F5, accumulating thousands of combat hours. Ty... Read More

Episode 39 of "Military Tales" delves into the extraordinary and often unconventional careers of veteran pilots Jack Drummond and Roger Youngblood during the Vietnam era. Listen as Jack shares his journey from a West Texas cotton farm to unexpected assignments, including flying C-130s and hunting trucks over Laos, while Roger recounts his determined path to flying the A-1 Skyraider, the "last recip fighter". The episode... Read More

Episode 38 of "Military Tales" features Warren "Doc" Blanchard, an A-1 Skyraider pilot during the Vietnam War. Doc details his experience with the 6th Special Operations Squadron and the unique, short-lived Operating Location Alpha (OLA) at Da Nang. Learn how OLA's eight A-1s were established by Pentagon directive to provide critical close air support for highly secretive Army Studies and Observations Group (SOG) teams... Read More

In "Military Tales" Episode 37, meet Stan Nelson, a retired Air Force Senior Master Sergeant and HH-53 "Super Jolly" helicopter flight engineer. Stan recounts his incredible journey from balloon recovery to harrowing combat search and rescue missions with the 40th Aerospace Rescue Recovery Squadron in Southeast Asia. Based in Thailand, he flew crucial support for Studies and Observations Group (SOG) teams and... Read More

In "Military Tales" Episode 36, we hear from retired Air Force Lieutenant Colonel Mike Steger, who shares his diverse aviation career, from flying T-6s and F-84s to teaching math at the Air Force Academy. Steger volunteered for Vietnam, expecting T-28s but transitioning to the A-1 Skyraider, ultimately serving as an advisor and instructor pilot with the 520th VNAF Squadron at Tuy Hoa. He details building the... Read More

In Military Tales Episode 35, retired Air Force Colonel Lee "Mazz" Mazzarella recounts his experiences flying the iconic A-1 Skyraider, or "Spad", in 1972 with the 1st Special Operations Squadron based at Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. Mazz, who flew various aircraft including F-4s and transports before volunteering for the A-1, shares vivid details of flying combat missions primarily over Laos. He describes the challenges of locating and bombing... Read More

Tune in to "Military Tales" for a special evening with Brigadier General Jim McDivitt, one of America's greats, who shares captivating stories from his extraordinary career. Starting as a fighter pilot flying F-80s and F-86s during the Korean War, enduring the extreme cold and flying numerous combat missions, McDivitt later became a test pilot and then an astronaut. Hear firsthand accounts of commanding Gemini 4, including the... Read More

Tune in to "Military Tales" for a powerful episode, "Low Level History," featuring a rare discussion with three Vietnam War Aero Scouts: Gary Worthy, Bruce Huffman, and Hugh Mills. Hear their incredible, often-untold stories of flying dangerously low and slow in the OH-6 Loach helicopter to reconnoiter enemy forces and manage combat resources on the battlefield. Gary... Read More

Tune in to "Military Tales" for "Wives Tales," featuring a rare conversation with Pat Doolittle, Ann Kelly, and Lynn Roulston, who share their experiences as wives of A-1 Skyraider pilots. Discover the unique "sisterhood" they formed, built on shared history, common events, and mutual understanding that allowed them to pick up right where they left off even after years apart. Hear candid accounts of navigating constant moves,... Read More

Episode 31 of "Military Tales" delves into the extraordinary true account known as the Pardo Push, a remarkable feat performed on March 10, 1967, near Hanoi. Hear from pilot Bob Pardo as he describes the mission bombing a heavily defended steel mill and the moment a fellow F-4 Phantom was critically damaged by intense ground fire, leaving it with insufficient fuel to escape North Vietnam. Faced with his... Read More

Episode 30 of "Military Tales" takes listeners deep underground to explore the vital, often unseen, world of the missileers, featuring guest Major General Robert Parker, a two-star general, former head of the 20th Air Force, and an expert on the Soviet military. Delve into the realities of growing up during the Cold War, the concept of Mutual Assured Destruction (MAD) as a stabilizing factor, and the technical details of the... Read More

Join us for Episode 29 as we delve into the remarkable story of John C. Waldron, a Navy fighter pilot and combat aviator who was a pivotal figure in the TBD Devastator. A 41-year-old "old man" by combat aviation standards, Waldron was part Native American Lakota from South Dakota, embodying the Lakota virtue of being "generous with your life" and the concept of... Read More

In Episode 28 of American Warrior Radio's "Old Guys on the Airplanes" series, we feature Charlie Plumb, a Navy fighter pilot and Naval Academy graduate who became a Prisoner of War (POW) in Vietnam, held from 1967 to 1973. Shot down near Hanoi, known as the "most heavily defended city in the world," Charlie endured years of captivity where the Vietnamese did not adhere to the... Read More

Episode 27: "The Unchained Eagle" In this episode of American Warrior Radio, Vietnam veteran and former POW Colonel Robert Certain shares his harrowing experience as a B-52 navigator shot down during Operation Linebacker II, his time in the Hanoi Hilton, and his journey from war to healing. From surviving enemy fire to becoming an Episcopal priest, Colonel Certain offers powerful insights on trauma, resilience, and... Read More

Episode 26: The Gentleman Next Door – The John Wilkinson Story What if the quiet, kind man next door turned out to be a WWII fighter ace with a front-row seat to history? In this moving episode of American Warrior Radio, host Bruce Huffman introduces us to John Wilkinson, a man whose gentle demeanor masked a life of courage, combat, and witness to humanity’s darkest hours. A British pilot trained in America,... Read More

In this extraordinary episode of *American Warrior Radio*, we meet **Steve Pisanos**—a Greek-born immigrant whose passion for flight and unwavering determination made him a **highly decorated American ace**, a test pilot, and a global ambassador of freedom. Presented by **Bruce Huffman** of the Distinguished Flying Cross Society, Steve’s story begins in Athens, where a 13-year-old boy watched a biplane twist through the sky and decided he was born to fly. His journey would take him from... Read More

**Episode 24: Sweet Marlene and the Skyraider Spirit** In this compelling episode of *American Warrior Radio*, Vietnam War veteran **Richard “Rich” Hall** recounts his journey as an **A-1 Skyraider pilot**—and the bond he formed with his aircraft, “**Sweet Marlene**,” named after his wife. Through stories of daring rescue missions, air-to-ground combat, and intense psychological strain, Rich offers a raw, honest account of a war often misunderstood at home. Rich reflects on the... Read More

In this deeply moving episode of *American Warrior Radio*, we meet **Chris Morgan**, a World War II fighter pilot whose dream of flying quickly spiraled into a nightmare on his very first combat mission. Shot down over Burma, captured by the Japanese, and imprisoned for two grueling years, Chris shares a story not only of survival—but of transformation. Through jungle escapes, brutal treatment, and near-starvation, Chris reveals how a powerful shift from self-preservation to compassion... Read More

In this unforgettable episode of American Warrior Radio, 98-year-old World War II veteran Colonel Richard Bouchong recounts the harrowing story of his last combat mission in a B-17 Flying Fortress over Nazi Germany. Facing devastating flak, engine failures, and frozen windshields, Bouchong managed to bring his crippled aircraft—and entire crew—safely home against impossible odds. Listeners will hear firsthand about the mission to bomb a Messerschmitt factory in Augsburg, the chaos of... Read More

In this gripping episode of *Military Tales*, we recount one of the most daring combat search and rescue (CSAR) missions of the Vietnam War — the "Silver Bar SAR." Named for the four A-1 Sandy pilots, all first lieutenants wearing the silver bars of their rank, this mission unfolded in the treacherous karst mountains of southern North Vietnam near Dong Hoi. The objective: rescue Captain Woody Clark, the backseater of a downed RF-4 reconnaissance jet, stranded for days in rugged, enemy-held... Read More

Join us on Military Tales Episode 20 as we hear from retired Captain **Donald W. Dunaway**, known as "Doc". Doc describes his year in Southeast Asia (1968-1969) focusing on **Combat Search and Rescue (SAR)**, calling it the **"epitome of military service"** and stating there is **"no higher calling"**. As part of the volunteer **602nd Sandys** at NKP, Thailand, Doc flew the **A-1 Skyraider**, supporting **Jolly Green helicopters** with the motto **"That others may live"**. Hear Doc's gripping... Read More

In a heartfelt first for *Military Tales*, Episode 19 features **Jim and Michelle**, the podcast’s first married couple, as they share their intertwined journey through love, war, and resilience. From meeting at Arizona State University to navigating 13 moves in nine years, they paint a vivid portrait of military life both in and out of uniform. Jim recounts flying the **A-1 Skyraider** on high-stakes missions over Southeast Asia—Search and Rescue, armed reconnaissance, night... Read More

In Episode 18 of *Military Tales*, we meet A-1 Skyraider pilot **Gordon “Gordy” Fornell**, whose year in Southeast Asia (1968–1969) saw him fly over 200 combat missions and log more than 800 hours over Laos and the Ho Chi Minh Trail. A test pilot turned combat aviator, Gordy reflects on his time with the **1st Special Operations Squadron (Hobos)** and as one of the original members of the **Zorros**, a small team tasked with supporting General Vang Pao’s fight in northern Laos. He... Read More

Episode 17 of *Military Tales* recounts a breathtaking two-day Search and Rescue (SAR) operation in June 1972, where two A-1 Skyraider pilots, Byron Hookey and Tim Brady, helped rescue not one but **two downed pilots** in the deadly A Shau Valley. The mission began with an attempt to recover Navy pilot Nickel 102 but quickly escalated when fellow Sandy pilot Captain Larry Highfill (Sandy 77) was shot down. What followed was a high-stakes, nonstop effort involving ground fire, AAA,... Read More

Episode 16 of *Military Tales* tackles a powerful and personal question: what defines true courage in combat? Prompted by the memoir *When Thunder Rolled*, this episode explores the contrasting experiences of pilots during the Vietnam War—those who felt fear but overcame it, and those who charged ahead seemingly without it. The host reflects on the spectrum of fear and fortitude he witnessed in fellow airmen, particularly within his own Special Operations “Sandy” unit. At the heart of the... Read More

In Episode 15 of *Military Tales*, we meet Don Campbell, a veteran F-100 Super Sabre pilot whose journey from flying lumbering tankers to sleek single-seat jet fighters captures the tenacity and spirit of Cold War-era airmen. Don shares his path from a teenage farm kid buzzing fields in Ohio to a combat-tested pilot flying Troops in Contact missions in Vietnam with the 510th Tactical Fighter Squadron—the “Buzzards.” Along the way, he recounts flying KC-97s and KC-135s during tense... Read More

Episode 14 plunges listeners into the deadly skies above Mu Gia Pass, one of the most heavily defended areas of the Vietnam War, through the eyes of A-1 Skyraider “Sandy” pilots who risked everything in daring search and rescue (SAR) missions. Centered on the intense three-day Boxer 22 Bravo rescue, this episode follows the pilots as they battle fierce terrain, hidden enemy guns, and overwhelming ground fire in a desperate effort to save a downed F-4 crew. Listeners will hear firsthand how... Read More

In Episode 13 of *Military Tales*, we meet Jules Wilbon Bernard—a WWII veteran with a lifelong love of aviation and stories as rich as the skies he worked under. From building model planes as a child in Louisiana to serving as a crew chief on B-17s, B-25s, and more across Europe and North Africa, Jules shares unforgettable memories from a mechanic’s point of view. Nicknamed “Bathless Bernard” after enduring weeks without a bath in the desert, he recounts moments of grit, humor,... Read More

In Episode 12, a harrowing Vietnam War mission bridges decades and brings closure to a family long searching for answers. Special Operations team leader George Wilson Hunt recounts a dangerous MACV-SOG Bright Light mission to recover the remains of a downed A-1 Skyraider pilot. Facing enemy forces, rugged terrain, and uncertainty, George and his team risk everything to reach the crash site. Decades later, a chance discovery by the pilot’s nephew leads to an emotional reunion and a powerful... Read More

John Larrison recounts that early combat missions in the A-1 Skyraider involved a **"cover story"** where a Vietnamese airman who spoke no English was carried in the right seat. The purpose of this was that if the aircraft crashed, the headline would say that Larrison was training the Vietnamese pilot. Larrison notes that this practice was related to the government's decision to disregard the Geneva Conventions, which stated they would not introduce any modern weapons into Vietnam. They were... Read More

Speaking about the A-1 Skyraider, Roger Youngblood shared a concept from another pilot that stuck with him: **"let her dance."** This referred to making **evasive maneuvers** when coming in for an attack or landing approach to avoid ground fire. He explained, **"you and her are dancing together she's with you you're with her you take care of her and she'll take care of you,"** adding that the A-1 **"got me home many times"**.

Serving as a **Prairie Fire FAC**, the speaker was one of six Air Force FACs chosen by the MACV SOG teams to work directly with them. These **Special Forces recon teams**, made up of American forces and local personnel, were placed on the Ho Chi Minh Trail on the ground to verify intelligence and find out where the enemy was. Missions included **surveillance** or sometimes even **prisoner snatches**. Inserting these teams into hostile territory typically involved a **CH-53 helicopter always... Read More

Bob Carlsen, an A-1 Skyraider pilot, spent 17 months flying missions. While he found the aircraft itself **"extremely challenging to fly and a beautiful airplane,"** he stated that his **"favorite thing about the job was how rewarding the mission was"**. He specifically pointed to their **"primary mission of search and rescue for downed pilots or crew members"** as what was **"to me, what was the most rewarding part of the job"**. It was a mission that clearly had a profound impact on him, as... Read More

"I ended up flying 657 combat missions in two years in that airplane... and I'm just so lucky to be here." — Win DePoorter

In this episode, U.S. Air Force... Read More

Trapped underground in the Tactical Operations Center (TOC), five feet below ground with the generator and antennas destroyed, it was **pure black**. The NVA had blown a hole in the wall and were throwing in incendiary and white phosphorus grenades, as well as using a flamethrower. The inside was burning, filled with toxic smoke, making it hard to breathe. Facing this desperate situation, the speaker reflected, thinking, "**You people can stay down here and die like worms if you want to**". He... Read More

Episode 5, "Escape To U-Tapao," shares pilot Roger Youngblood's incredible firsthand account of the chaotic final days of April 1975 as South Vietnam and Cambodia fell. Amidst the "wild west show" of the "Escape to U-Tapao," where numerous aircraft and people flooded into Thailand, Youngblood and Jack Drummond were tasked by General Aderholt with a seemingly impossible mission: recover 11 dilapidated A-1 Skyraiders found... Read More

Episode 4 of Military Tales features MACV SOG medic Doc Padgett, who takes listeners deep into the secret war, sharing his path from volunteering for Special Forces to becoming a medic in the elite Studies and Observations Group. Padgett provides a raw account of his experiences, most notably during Operation Tailwind, a perilous mission involving the deepest penetration into the Laos Ho Chi Minh Trail area. As a chase medic, he recounts the intense danger of... Read More

Episode 3 of "Military Tales" explores the critical role of the 6th Special Operations Squadron (SOS) and the versatile A-1 Skyraider in supporting MACV SOG and Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. Operating primarily from Pleiku, Vietnam, these aircrews forged unique relationships with the ground teams they supported, often engaging in dangerous, close-air support with heavy ordnance. Featuring perspectives from... Read More