A U.S. Air Force airman poses beside the underwing ordnance of a Douglas A-1 Skyraider during the Vietnam War. Painted matte black for night and low-visibility operations, the rugged, propeller-driven A-1 served with distinction as a Sandy escort and close-support aircraft for Air Force Search and Rescue (SAR) missions, providing suppressive fire to protect downed airmen and rescue helicopters over hostile territory. Project: 219902