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Dateline: Korat Royal Thai Air Base, Thailand – November, 1966
A visit with the USAF 421st Tactical Fighter Squadron

“There Is A Way” USAF F105 Vietnam Film From 1966. This film celebrates hundredth missions of F-105 pilots against the enemy of North Vietnamese.

The Republic F105D Thunderchief featured prominently as an attack bomber during the Vietnam War. This film produced by the Department of the US Air Force in 1967. As a PR film it show the life of servicemen and pilots their attachment to USAF F105 Thud squadron during Vietnam War.

“There Is A Way” USAF F105 Vietnam Film From 1966 filmed on location and the producers interviewed F105 pilots and associated ground personnel. They explain their trials and tribulations during the war. The film shows what life was like being deployed far away from home, and this is a great time capsule piece of American aviation history.

The late Ed Rasimus ‘ Raz’ is the youngest looking guy in this film (with the moustache .. in his mid 20s in 1966). He was one of the three pilots landing after finishing their 100th mission over N. Vietnam, and he interviewed extensively and jokes what it would be like to be remembered as a distinguished jet fighter ace. In later years Ed Rasimus wrote about his Vietnam flying experiences in a book titled “When Thunder Rolls”. In it, Rasimus described his fear and desire to quit before even flying his first bombing mission, which was a very personal and honest revelation, different than the typical Hollywood jet fighter persona of fighter pilot. This film also shows Ed Rasimus along side Spider Spelius, and the third pilot all with “middle fingers” extended on their Thuds.

F105 buffs will love the aircraft action in this film. Listen to the audio and watch the footage as the F105 goes into full afterburner. First they go full throttle, then into full afterburner, the tail feathers open up, then you get partial afterburner flames, then a loud bang as you get full afterburner. This film is an all around gem for aviation historians and war history buffs, and the human element makes this a very special archival find.

The film runs for 30 minutes and then ends without end credits or conclusions. So it is very possible that this was only part one of a two part film. At least we have this part to cherish.

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