Episode 035 - Lee "Mazz" Mazzarella - 1st Special Operations Squadron - Full Interview

Episode 035 – Lee “Mazz” Mazzarella – 1st Special Operations Squadron – Full Interview

In Military Tales Episode 35, retired Air Force Colonel Lee “Mazz” Mazzarella recounts his experiences flying the iconic A-1 Skyraider, or “Spad”, in 1972 with the 1st Special Operations Squadron based at Nakhon Phanom, Thailand. Mazz, who flew various aircraft including F-4s and transports before volunteering for the A-1, shares vivid details of flying combat missions primarily over Laos. He describes the challenges of locating and bombing targets hidden beneath dense jungle canopy, looking for secondary explosions, and the intensity of flying close air support for “Troops in Contact”, including one mission where he dropped ordnance within 50 meters of friendly positions. Mazz also shares gripping accounts of his Sandy missions supporting Combat Search and Rescue efforts, notably a perilous rescue near Danang where his aircraft and his wingman’s took multiple hits from small arms fire, and they narrowly avoided a shoulder-mounted missile. He touches on navigation using visual “Delta Points” and reveals the story behind his unique sterling silver escape and evasion bracelet. Mazz’s interview offers an insightful look into the demanding missions of the A-1 Skyraider pilots in Vietnam, highlighting their bravery and dedication to their comrades.

More information on Episode 035 – Lee “Mazz” Mazzarella – 1st Special Operations Squadron – Full Interview

## Flying the “Spad” and Facing Down Missiles: Tales from the A-1 Skyraider with Lee “Mazz” Mazzarella (Military Tales Episode 35)

In Episode 35 of the “Military Tales” podcast, we hear from **Lee “Mazz” Mazzarella**, a retired Air Force pilot whose career spanned multiple iconic aircraft, but who spent a crucial period in 1972 flying the venerable **A-1 Skyraider** – affectionately known as the “Spad” – with the **1st Special Operations Squadron** based at Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand. Mazz, known by his callsign “Mazz” in the Air Force, shares gripping stories from his time flying combat missions in Southeast Asia.

Mazz’s path to the A-1 was varied, including flying in the back seat of the F-4 Phantom, then upgrading to the front seat with the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (Robin Olds’ “Wolf Pack”) at Ubon, Thailand. He also flew C-141 transports for a couple of years before volunteering for Vietnam and getting assigned to the A-1. After his A-1 tour, he would go on to fly the A-7, A-10, and the F-16, finishing his career as a Colonel.

Operating out of NKP, Mazz primarily flew missions in Laos. Unlike bombing targets in North Vietnam like railway yards or bridges that were often visible, targets in Laos were typically suspected truck parks or supply depots hidden beneath the dense, high triple canopy jungle. In these situations, pilots would target areas based on coordinates and look for **secondary explosions** to confirm a hit.

One particularly memorable mission involved supporting **”Troops in Contact”** at Kilometer 21, near the border of Cambodia, Laos, and Thailand. This was one of the few times Mazz had direct confirmation of enemy troops engaging friendly forces. The enemy was located just 50 meters from the friendly position, hidden in the tree line around a clear 50-meter brush-cleared area surrounding a triangle-shaped base. Despite the typical rule of not dropping ordnance within 200 meters of friendlies to avoid accidental casualties, the ground troops urgently needed support. When asked how close he was cleared to fire, Mazz responded, “Well about 50 meters,” and delivered the ordnance as requested, highlighting the A-1’s precision capabilities at low altitude and close range.

Mazz also flew **”Sandy” missions**, providing support for **Combat Search and Rescue (CSAR)** operations. On one SAR mission to North Vietnam near the Black River, he was a flight lead, but they couldn’t establish contact with the survivor, so they did not go into the area. Navigation in Laos often relied on **”Delta Points”**, which were recognizable large geographical formations like the Fish’s Mouth or McGea Pass. Having memorized these points from his earlier F-4 tour, Mazz could navigate visually using known headings and distances between them. He also mentions the **Plain of Jars**, noting that bombing was restricted there due to it being a significant burial site.

A unique aspect of Mazz’s readiness was his **sterling silver bracelet with gold inlay**, which served as a personal escape and evasion (E&E) plan. The idea was that it could be used to bribe someone if he was shot down. However, a darker thought emerged during a discussion at the bar: what if someone simply shot him and stole the bracelet?. This led to a darkly humorous inscription he had engraved on the back of the bracelet: **”If I am laying cold and dead and you are stealing this from my body fuck you”**. He figured anyone taking it would “figure it out” regardless of the language.

One of his most satisfying missions was a rescue effort near Danang with his friend Tex Brown. An Army helicopter had been shot down with wounded personnel, but the situation was complicated by unclear front lines and Navy ships firing in the area. Despite being asked to hold their position and not fire back initially due to concerns about hitting friendlies and the ongoing Navy barrage, Mazz and Brown remained overhead, taking hits from small arms fire for about three hours. Air Force helicopters eventually arrived and were cleared to return fire if engaged, allowing them to attempt the pickup. During this tense period, a **shoulder-mounted missile** was fired at them, narrowly passing between Mazz and Tex after Mazz called for a sharp “break” maneuver. The successful rescue of the six Army personnel, despite taking hits (Tex took 9, Mazz took 4), earned them an unexpected award – the citation had been written and submitted by the very soldiers they rescued. Mazz reflects on the intensity of spending five hours airborne, taking fire, having a missile go between them, and the difficulty of the situation.

Mazz’s interview provides a vivid look into the demanding world of the A-1 Skyraider pilot in 1972, highlighting the challenges of close air support in dense jungle, the risks of search and rescue, and the bravery required to operate under fire to save lives. He speaks with affection for the “Spad” and the missions he flew.