Episode 20 of Military Tales introduces us to Donald W. Dunaway, a retired Captain known as “Doc,” whose year in Southeast Asia (1968-1969) was centered around what he describes as the most gratifying work of his 20-year Air Force career: Combat Search and Rescue (SAR).

The 602nd Sandys and the SAR Mission

Doc was assigned to the 602nd Fighter Squadron Commando, later designated a Special Operations Squadron, operating out of Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand. His unit’s primary mission was to support the helicopter Jolly Greens in their rescue work. The 602nd, known as the Sandys, would provide escort for the Jolly Greens to reach the rescue scene, suppress any enemy opposition, and fly a protective “daisy chain” pattern around the helicopters while they made the rescue.

Doc emphasized that the 602nd was a “holy volunteer unit,” a factor that significantly contributed to the high level of dedication and camaraderie. The Jolly Green crews were also volunteers. Their shared motto, “That others may live,” encapsulated their mission, which Doc likened to the principle of “leave no man behind”. He calls Combat Search and Rescue the “epitome of military service” and states there is “no higher calling”.

Flying the “Splendid Machine”: The A-1 Skyraider

Doc flew the A-1 Skyraider, affectionately known as the “Spad”. While an older aircraft design dating back to the end of World War II, Doc considered it an “honest airplane” that would reliably perform as asked. It was not fast, but its ability to fly very slow was perfectly suited for the SAR mission, allowing it to suppress resistance and provide support to ground troops. Despite flying many other aircraft types, including fighters and trainers, Doc described the A-1 as a “splendid machine to fly” and a “great airframe”. He noted the Air Force acquired them after the Navy phased them out.

A Rescue Gone Awry: The Pete Morris Story

Doc recounted a particularly challenging rescue mission in January 1969. His assistant ops officer, Pete Morris (referred to as “Sandy 2” during the rescue), was shot down and spent the night in the treetops. The next morning, Doc and his wingman went in to help extract him. They faced heavy fire, taking hits on every pass. Doc’s wingman was either shot down or ran out of fuel, and Doc himself was critically low on fuel, having to return to base. Escort Sandys took over the suppression.

As a rescue helicopter came in to pick up Pete Morris, it was hit by 37mm fire, tragically severing a PJ’s leg. The pilot managed a controlled crash nearby, and a backup helicopter immediately landed to pick up everyone from the downed bird – the full crew, the injured PJ, and the survivor, Pete Morris. Meanwhile, Doc made a tense landing back at NKP on fumes, with only 50 pounds of fuel indicated. After landing, the armament crew found nine small arms holes in his plane. His engine quit just as he was shutting it down. Doc later learned the rescue was successful while he was heading back. In a remarkable twist, Pete Morris was not only shot down on one day but shot down again the very next day when the rescue helicopter picking him up crashed. Doc mentioned a rule that getting shot down twice in combat meant you didn’t have to fly combat anymore.

Camaraderie and Celebrations

The interview highlighted the intense camaraderie at NKP. A unique tradition at the NKP Officers Club involved a doll representing the Jolly Green unit’s rescue count. After a successful rescue, if the survivor was able, all participating aircrews from both the Jolly Greens and fixed-wing units would be bodily thrown over the bar. The survivor would then update the rescue number on the doll’s slate. This lively, chaotic tradition was a way to celebrate success and bond, reflecting the shared experience of being in a combat zone. This tradition echoes the descriptions of camaraderie and using activities like party suits for coping and bonding mentioned in Episode 18 [Episode 18].

Doc remains proud of his time in the Air Force, particularly the SAR mission, despite the difficulties, including his wife still giving him a hard time for volunteering to go. He has been married for over 65 years.