Flying the F-105 Thunderchief in Vietnam with Maj Gen Russ Violett

Maj Gen Russ Violett (Rtd) had a 30-year career with the USAF, flying multiple types, including the North American F-100 Super Sabre (in which he had a 2-minute flight before punching out!) and the fantastic Republic F-105 Thunderchief, the Thud. The Thud always brought Russ home in 126 missions over Laos and Vietnam. Our discussion covers the tactics of attacking missile sites, the drawback of major operations half a world away and much more.

★You can learn more about The Friday Pilots, of whom Russ is a member, who meet for lunch each Friday and put the world to rights here: https://fridaypilots.com/
★ The collection of their tales is The Friday Pilots book is available here: https://fridaypilots.com/the-book/

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Cover Image: DoD 342-C-KE-36175
Footage: Vietnam War: F-105 Pilots Story - Takhli Air Base, Thailand (1967)
Full description at: https://catalog.archives.gov/id/70472

Local Identifier: 342-USAF-42816A
Department of Defense. Department of the Air Force. Moving Images Relating to Military Aviation Activities, 1947 - 1984
Record Group 342: Records of U.S. Air Force Commands, Activities, and Organizations, 1900 - 2003
This item av documents the time period:4/28/1967 - 6/7/1967

Footage of F-105s at the Pima Air and Space Museum © The Damcasters 2023

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