The Douglas A-1 Skyraider, affectionately nicknamed the 'Spad,' served as the backbone of American close air support and search-and-rescue operations throughout the Vietnam War. Prized for its heavy ordnance capacity, long endurance, and survivability against ground fire, the Skyraider flew countless missions escorting rescue helicopters and supporting MACV-SOG reconnaissance teams in Laos and Cambodia. This preserved example, marked 'Lieutenant America,' is shown on display at a veterans' reunion event, its wing folded in the classic Skyraider storage position. Project: 218866