A Douglas A-1 Skyraider bearing the nose art "The Proud American" looms in the foreground of this striking flight-line photograph, its four-bladed propeller framed against the sky. A second Skyraider taxis in the background across a perforated steel planking runway, a hallmark of forward airbases built during the Vietnam War. The A-1, a rugged propeller-driven attack aircraft, served with distinction in close air support and search-and-rescue escort roles throughout the conflict. Project: 218978