SHERMAN LEAD: Flying the F-4D Phantom II in Vietnam

1-219420

Written by a pilot who flew near-daily combat missions, this engrossing book is his story of flying the F-4 Phantom II during the Vietnam War. Operating out of Ubon Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand in 1968-69, Gaillard Peck and his squadronmates in the 433rd Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing were tasked with flying combat missions into North Vietnam and Laos as part of Operations Rolling Thunder and Steel Tiger.

The F-4 was heavily involved in the air-to-ground mission at this time, with targets being well defended by enemy anti-aircraft artillery and surface-to-air missiles. Gaillard Peck's arrival in-theater coincided with the beginning of electro-optical and laser guided 'smart' bomb combat operations. There were periods of fierce combat interspersed with lulls, and the fighting was intense and unforgettable to those who participated. Some men lived through it, and others died without a clear understanding of why.