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Raining cannon fire and dropping bombs from overhead, two
Marine F4 "Phantom" jets rolled out of an overcast sky when an A-502 unit came under
fire from a small hilltop at the base of the Dong Bo Mountains. A-502 units responded quickly when VC and NVA units attacked the main railway connecting Nha Trang and Cam Ranh Bay. The enemy unit set off a large charge of explosives beneath the train as it passed by on its way around the northern edge of the mountain complex. The train's cargo of munitions were scattered all around the site of the attack. When A-502 units arrived, the situation with the munitions was dangerous enough, but then the enemy unit began sniping at friendly troops from a small hilltop on thier escape route back into the mountains. When artillery was unable to hit the hilltop because of its location, the FDC (Fire Direction Center) in Nha Trang offered an alternative. The senior A-502 advisor was told that a flight of two Marine F4 Phantoms was available. Quickly accepting the offer of assistance, the two jets were directed to the location. When they dropped out of the sky and burst through the clouds, the flight of jets checked in with the A-502 advisor. "This is Red Dog Leader, Red Dog Leader . . . how can we be of assistance? Over." Without delay, the pair of Phantoms were given directions to the enemy's hilltop location. Because the mountains towered above the very low hilltop, each of the two jets had to pull up steeply after each pass to avoid hitting the mountaintops beyond. To those observing the attack on the hilltop, there was little doubt that the pilots were placing themselves in great peril as they attempted to defend the unit on the ground. After making several passes, firing their twenty millimeter cannons and dropping bombs, enemy gunfire was silenced and much of the hilltop was gone. Not only had the Marine pilots helped A-502 advisors and their South Vietnamese unit out of a dangerous situation, but they also put on an amazing demonstration of flying skills. How do you thank men who may have saved your life? Realistically, the only way we can. Thank you . . . we appreciate your assistance and salute both your skill and your courage. |
Click on the pair of Phantoms at the top of the page to visit an F4 website.
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Special Forces - The Silent Professionals |
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United States Army Special Forces
Detachment A-502.
