Douglas A-1 Skyraider in Flight, Southeast Asia, c. 1965-1972. Loaded with external fuel tanks and ordnance, a Skyraider cruises past a towering monsoon cloud. Designed at the end of World War II as a carrier-based attack bomber, the piston-engine 'Spad' was already considered obsolete when the Vietnam War began - yet its ability to carry a heavy bomb load, linger over a target for hours, and survive intense ground fire made it indispensable. Skyraider crews flew close air support for troops in contact and served as 'Sandy' escorts, shepherding rescue helicopters to downed airmen deep in hostile territory. From the personal collection of Bob Karre. Project: 219970