The Don Englebreston Collection

Ground Crewman and Pilot with Armed A-1 Skyraider on Wet Flight Line, Vietnam

Ground Crewman and Pilot with Armed A-1 Skyraider on Wet Flight Line, Vietnam

A ground crewman confers with the pilot of an armed A-1 Skyraider — affectionately nicknamed the 'SPAD' by its crews — on a rain-soaked flight line in Vietnam. Scenes like this were part of the daily rhythm of Air Commando squadrons, whose Skyraiders flew heavily loaded strike missions in support of ground forces throughout the war. Project: 218965