Episode 53 of Military Tales features Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Swanson, U.S. Air Force retired, recounting his diverse flying career that culminated in flying the A-1 Skyraider in Vietnam, specifically his time commanding OLAA at Danang. Swanson shares his path from an Iowa farm and initial enlistment as an electronics specialist to earning his pilot wings, volunteering for Vietnam, and deploying first to Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand, where he flew against the Ho Chi Minh Trail and low-level Search and Rescue (SAR) missions as “Firefly”. A pivotal transfer to Danang saw him leading an integrated “fighting package” flying very low altitude missions in direct support of Special Forces teams on the ground. He shares intense personal accounts, including the loss of comrades, the incredible survival of a pilot after a fiery crash, and a challenging night rescue that highlighted the profound impact of saving a life. Swanson expresses deep affection for the rugged, durable A-1 Skyraider, noting its ability to “take a licking and keep right on ticking” and deliver ordnance on target for extended periods, while emphasizing the high morale, integrated teamwork, and sheer bravery required for these demanding missions.
Episode 53 of Military Tales brings us the remarkable journey of Lieutenant Colonel Melvin Swanson, U.S. Air Force retired, from growing up on a farm in Iowa to flying the rugged A-1 Skyraider in the thick of the Vietnam War. Swanson’s path to the cockpit was anything but direct, initially entering the Air Force in 1951 as an electronics specialist on B-36s during the Korean War. Driven by a desire to fly, he navigated changing criteria and lost applications before finally earning his wings in 1956. His diverse early career included stints as a jet instructor, a cancelled assignment to Saudi Arabia, flying the F-100 in England, and a significant period back in Air Training Command.
Despite his varied experience, Swanson volunteered for Vietnam, spending four and a half years on the list before securing an assignment to the legendary A-1 Skyraider in 1969. After training at Hurlburt Field, where he learned of his upcoming promotion to Lieutenant Colonel, he deployed to Nakhon Phanom (NKP), Thailand. At NKP, he flew daily and nightly missions against the Ho Chi Minh Trail, typically operating from altitude except during Search and Rescue (SAR) missions. In these SAR roles, his A-1 unit, known as “Firefly,” would descend to low altitudes as part of a package with Jolly Green helicopters to secure the area for recovery.
A significant turn came when Swanson was transferred to Danang, Vietnam, to command OLAA (Operating Location Alpha Alpha). This was a “totally different mission”. Instead of primarily high-altitude work, the Danang assignment involved flying “very low altitude stuff” as part of an integrated “fighting package”. This package was a coordinated effort involving:
Swanson describes the flying at Danang as both challenging and exhilarating, with crews operating “almost on the ground” while taking fire and being urged by ground troops to bring their ordnance even closer.
His time at Danang was marked by intense missions and profound personal experiences, including leading the unit through the loss of Major Otis Morgan shortly after his arrival. He recounts the miraculous survival of Will Van Dusen after his A-1 crashed and burned on takeoff; Van Dusen managed to escape the fiery cockpit and was back in the air within hours. Swanson also shares the challenging night rescue of Tony Cuello, coordinating fire support from a gunship after dark to protect the downed survivor until recovery was possible at first light. Rescuing a downed airman had a profound impact, making the entire tour “worthwhile”. He also recounts a difficult recovery mission in the Ashau Valley and a tense interaction with a territorial Army Colonel afterward.
Swanson expresses deep admiration for the A-1 Skyraider, calling it “better than a jet” and highlighting its incredible durability. He likens it to a Timex watch โ it could “take a licking and keep right on kicking”. He notes its ability to carry a large amount of ordnance on 12 mounting stations and stay on target for extended periods, unlike faster jets. Despite its ruggedness, the A-1 lacked modern comforts like air conditioning, and each cockpit was uniquely laid out, requiring pilots to adapt. The powerful 2,800 horsepower engine also demanded respect, particularly during takeoff.
He emphasizes the high morale and positive attitude of his unit at Danang, which he fostered. Training young, inexperienced pilots for the demanding low-altitude combat and teaching them to handle the A-1’s characteristics was a critical part of his job, requiring careful evaluation and counseling. He underscores that “the mission came first”, driven by the need to protect their comrades on the ground.
Swanson frequently highlights the integrated team effort involved in every mission, praising the bravery of the Forward Air Controllers, helicopter crews, and especially the ground troops. He mentions significant operations like Mission Tailwind, a major effort west of the Mekong in Laos supporting a CIA post and ground team against North Vietnamese regulars, which required maximum effort and coordination with assets from NKP. The unit’s success in such missions led to recognition, including receiving the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry.
Reflecting on his experiences, Swanson acknowledges the inevitability of losses in combat. He also touches on the difficult return home, sharing an encounter at the San Francisco airport with a disapproving civilian. Ultimately, he conveys a deep respect for the enemy and immense gratitude for the opportunity to serve alongside brave men, emphasizing that being able to talk about his experiences means they won. The core takeaway from his combat tours is the power of teamwork and the profound satisfaction of saving a life.