From Pleiku Skies: Episode 3 of Military Tales Unveils the High-Stakes World of the 6th SOS and MACV-SOG Support
The “Military Tales” YouTube channel continues to deliver fascinating insights into military history with its latest installment, “Episode 3 – Prairie Fire Missions.” While the title itself hints at operations in Laos (codenamed Prairie Fire), this episode primarily features a compelling presentation and discussion by veterans of the 6th Special Operations Squadron (SOS), the “Hobos,” who vividly recount their experiences flying the legendary A-1 Skyraider from Pleiku and their crucial role in supporting MACV-SOG missions.
The episode opens with a dedication to the volunteers and staff of the museum hosting the presentation, highlighting the ongoing effort to preserve this history. The presence of a flying A-1 and another being restored at the Cavanaugh Flight Museum in Texas underscores the tangible legacy of these aircraft. Notably, the presentation emphasizes that the featured A-1s were among the only ones to fly combat missions for the USAF, adding a layer of historical significance.
A central theme of the episode is the close relationship between the 6th SOS and MACV-SOG. The veterans repeatedly emphasize that the 6th SOS was fundamentally created to provide air support for these highly classified special operations teams operating in denied territories. As one veteran states, their “primary mission was SOG and sorrow was primary”. This symbiotic relationship meant that A-1 pilots frequently supported the same ground teams, fostering a unique understanding and camaraderie. Team leaders could even visit Pleiku for respite, highlighting the unusual level of interaction between air and ground personnel in this context.
The A-1 Skyraider emerges as a star of the show, with its remarkable capabilities repeatedly lauded. Veterans describe its capacity to carry a “lots of ordnance lots of different kinds of ordnance”. Its ability to communicate directly with ground troops via Fox Mike radio (unlike faster jets using UHF) was a significant advantage in providing effective close air support. One veteran passionately declared, the Skyraider was the “ideal airplane they could not have they could not have invented a better machine for the purposes that we put that machine to support you guys”.
The discussions are peppered with riveting anecdotes of missions flown in support of SOG teams. These stories vividly illustrate the dangers faced by both the aircrews and the ground operators:
- One pilot recounts being diverted from his original mission while carrying only heavy 500 and 750-pound bombs to assist a CCC (Command and Control Central) team in trouble. Despite not having ideal weaponry for close air support, he and his wingman devised a daring tactic of dropping bombs along the enemy’s path, creating bomb craters for the team to take cover in and eventually reach their extraction zone.
- Another veteran shares a harrowing experience of having to fly directly over friendly forces to deliver napalm on an imminent enemy threat, following the direct orders of the ground commander. The tension of that moment is palpable as he recounts the ground commander’s immediate, panicked radio call after the drop: “you got us now!”. Thankfully, the mission was ultimately successful.
- The episode also touches upon the dangers of ordnance. One enlisted veteran, an Ordnance weapons mechanic, shares his anxieties about handling napalm due to its thin skin and the instability of early fuses. He also recounts near-miss incidents with the M60 “many guns” and 20mm cannons, emphasizing the inherent risks involved in their work on the ground.
Beyond the intense combat narratives, the veterans also share lighter and more humorous memories, highlighting the human side of the conflict and the strong bonds forged within the squadron:
- A story about a raw egg toast gone awry at the officers’ club provides a moment of levity.
- Another anecdote recounts a series of escalating “disgusting” food challenges with Special Forces personnel in Guatemala, showcasing inter-service camaraderie and good-natured rivalry.
- Several pilots recount their less-than-perfect flying moments, including hitting trees with their A-1s, demonstrating both the hazards of low-level flying and their resilience.
The episode also sheds light on the logistics and operational aspects of the 6th SOS. The squadron’s formation at England Air Force Base, their deployment to Pleiku, and the eventual planned relocation to Thailand are all mentioned. The challenging living conditions at Pleiku, with single-story hooches offering minimal protection, are briefly described.
In a particularly poignant moment, a veteran discusses his involvement in a SAR (Search and Rescue) mission for Gary Bane, highlighting the dedication of A-1 pilots to rescuing downed airmen, including those involved in SOG operations. This underscores the inherent risks faced by all involved in the “secret war.”
“Episode 3 – Prairie Fire Missions” offers a valuable and personal glimpse into the critical role of the 6th SOS in supporting MACV-SOG during the Vietnam War. Through the vivid recollections of the veterans, viewers gain a deeper appreciation for the bravery, skill, and dedication of these airmen and the dangerous missions they undertook in the skies above Southeast Asia. The episode effectively conveys the unique bond between the A-1 pilots and the special operations forces they supported, making it a compelling watch for anyone interested in this often-overlooked aspect of the Vietnam War.