A Douglas A-1 Skyraider on the flightline with its port outer wing torn open by battle damage, the leading edge ripped away, skin shredded and control cables severed - yet the aircraft is standing on its own landing gear, having been flown back and landed. The Skyraider's reputation among aircrews rested on exactly this: massive structure, redundant systems and an air-cooled radial engine that could absorb punishment. This photograph is from the collection of a pilot of Operating Location Alpha Alpha, the Da Nang Skyraider detachment of the 56th Special Operations Wing, which flew close air support, night interdiction and combat search and rescue escort, and supported MACV-SOG reconnaissance teams on nearly half its missions. Project: 219050