The Don Englebreston Collection

USAF Cessna O-1 Bird Dog Forward Air Control Aircraft, Tail Number 0-12824, Vietnam War

USAF Cessna O-1 Bird Dog Forward Air Control Aircraft, Tail Number 0-12824, Vietnam War

A U.S. Air Force Cessna O-1 Bird Dog banks over the mountains of Vietnam, its underwing tubes loaded with white phosphorus marking rockets. Flown by Forward Air Controllers, the unassuming Bird Dog located enemy targets and marked them with smoke for incoming strike aircraft, playing a vital and often dangerous role in coordinating close air support throughout the war. Project: 219913