John Larrison’s path to flying the A-1 Skyraider in Vietnam was unexpected, receiving orders after Squadron Officer School for an aircraft he knew nothing about. He arrived in Vietnam in late 1964.

Initially, A-1s were used to train South Vietnamese students. For a “cover story,” a Vietnamese airman would be in the right seat, creating a narrative centered on training if a crash occurred. This was partly because the A-1, a Navy aircraft, was seen as not a “modern weapon” and was a two-seater, fitting a narrative related to the Geneva Conventions. This changed in mid-1965 when F-100s entered the war, the “observers” were no longer needed, and the conflict escalated.

Around mid-1965, A-1 pilots were assigned to fly low-altitude rescue missions, marking a shift towards Search and Rescue (SAR). TDY assignments to Udorn for SAR began, leading to the entire squadron eventually moving to Udorn and then NKP. It was during this period that the “Sandy” call sign for SAR missions was adopted, possibly originating from a successful mission and becoming associated with good luck. A notable SAR mission involved rescuing a Navy pilot for a photo op with Secretary McNamara. John also recounted a humorous attempt at skywriting over Bien Hoa with smoke tanks.

John expresses his deep affection for the A-1, noting that while some found its torque and rudder challenging, he didn’t. He emphasizes the crucial use of rudders in the A-1, a skill less common among jet pilots. He describes flying the A-1 as the “best job he ever had,” highlighting the immediate satisfaction of seeing the results of his missions. He flew 225 sorties before rotating home.

Today, John flies an RV-8 experimental taildragger, which he calls his “little A-1” because it flies at a similar speed. He remains actively involved with the A-1 Skyraider association, keeping rosters and connecting with fellow pilots. He offers advice to young people considering military service or search and rescue, emphasizing the profound job satisfaction of saving or attempting to save a life. He notes the Air Force is different now but still offers valuable experience and training, advising potential officers to get a degree. Military experience, like dealing with people, is valuable in civilian life.