North American F-100 Super Sabre
Both Misty FAC aircrewmen were fully qualified fighter pilots. During a mission, the front-seater usually flew the aircraft while the back-seater navigated and observed. (U.S. Air Force photo)
U.S. Air Force forward air controllers (FACs) initially flew slow, propeller-driven aircraft to spot North Vietnamese personnel and supplies moving south along the "Ho Chi Minh Trail." As the communists reinforced their infiltration routes with anti-aircraft defenses, the loss rates for these slow FACs became unacceptable.
To resolve this problem, the U.S. Air Force decided to use two-seat, jet-propelled F-100F FACs over the most heavily defended areas under the code name "Commando Sabre." In June 1967, Detachment 1, 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron, commanded by Maj. George "Bud" Day, began operations. The all-volunteer aircrews of this unit quickly became known by their radio call sign "Misty."
In addition to being extremely hazardous, Misty FAC missions were very demanding on the aircrews. Typically remaining on station for four to six hours, they flew along the Ho Chi Minh Trail at relatively low altitude, constantly turning their aircraft to throw off the aim of enemy anti-aircraft gunners. Misty FACs located and marked targets for other aircraft to hit, and they occasionally used their 20mm cannon to attack targets themselves. Misty FACs also supported rescue forces to recover downed aircrew, and they were often the first aircraft on the scene. In spite of their skill, specialized tactics, and fast aircraft, they paid a high price for striking at the vital, well-defended lifeline of the communists -- enemy ground defenses shot down a quarter of the 155 Misty FACs.
Commando Sabre ended in May 1970, as F-4 Phantoms took over the role of "Fast FAC." Even so, the aircrews remained a select group in the following years -- their ranks include a Medal of Honor recipient (Col. George "Bud" Day), two USAF chiefs of staff (Gen. Merrill McPeak and Gen. Ronald Fogleman), two astronauts (Maj. Gen. Roy Bridges and Col. Charles "Clay" Veach), three other general officers (Maj. Gen. Donald Sheppard, Maj. Gen. John Dickey and Brig. Gen. Walter Bacon), and the chief pilot of the first around-the-world unrefueled flight (Col. Richard Rutan).
North American F-100F-10-NA Super Sabre
s/n 56-3865
309th Tactical Fighter Squadron
This aircraft was lost on August 16,1968 while on a mission over North Vietnam. The crew, Maj. John F. Overlock and Maj. Michael D. McElhanon were both listed as MIA until the mid-1970s, when they were both declared KIA even though no remains had been discovered.
North American F-100 Super Sabre
Both Misty FAC aircrewmen were fully qualified fighter pilots. During a mission, the front-seater usually flew the aircraft while the back-seater navigated and observed. (U.S. Air Force photo)
U.S. Air Force forward air controllers (FACs) initially flew slow, propeller-driven aircraft to spot North Vietnamese personnel and supplies moving south along the "Ho Chi Minh Trail." As the communists reinforced their infiltration routes with anti-aircraft defenses, the loss rates for these slow FACs became unacceptable.
To resolve this problem, the U.S. Air Force decided to use two-seat, jet-propelled F-100F FACs over the most heavily defended areas under the code name "Commando Sabre." In June 1967, Detachment 1, 416th Tactical Fighter Squadron, commanded by Maj. George "Bud" Day, began operations. The all-volunteer aircrews of this unit quickly became known by their radio call sign "Misty."
In addition to being extremely hazardous, Misty FAC missions were very demanding on the aircrews. Typically remaining on station for four to six hours, they flew along the Ho Chi Minh Trail at relatively low altitude, constantly turning their aircraft to throw off the aim of enemy anti-aircraft gunners. Misty FACs located and marked targets for other aircraft to hit, and they occasionally used their 20mm cannon to attack targets themselves. Misty FACs also supported rescue forces to recover downed aircrew, and they were often the first aircraft on the scene. In spite of their skill, specialized tactics, and fast aircraft, they paid a high price for striking at the vital, well-defended lifeline of the communists -- enemy ground defenses shot down a quarter of the 155 Misty FACs.
Commando Sabre ended in May 1970, as F-4 Phantoms took over the role of "Fast FAC." Even so, the aircrews remained a select group in the following years -- their ranks include a Medal of Honor recipient (Col. George "Bud" Day), two USAF chiefs of staff (Gen. Merrill McPeak and Gen. Ronald Fogleman), two astronauts (Maj. Gen. Roy Bridges and Col. Charles "Clay" Veach), three other general officers (Maj. Gen. Donald Sheppard, Maj. Gen. John Dickey and Brig. Gen. Walter Bacon), and the chief pilot of the first around-the-world unrefueled flight (Col. Richard Rutan).
North American F-100F-10-NA Super Sabre
s/n 56-3865
309th Tactical Fighter Squadron
This aircraft was lost on August 16,1968 while on a mission over North Vietnam. The crew, Maj. John F. Overlock and Maj. Michael D. McElhanon were both listed as MIA until the mid-1970s, when they were both declared KIA even though no remains had been discovered.