Details

“A Story of Air Force F-105s” this is a 26 minute publicity film produced by Fairchild-Hiller / Republic Aviation, makers of the F-105 Thunderchief from 1967.

The film opens with US Secretary of Defence Robert McNamara explains that petroleum imports into 1966 increased between 50 and 70 percent over 1965, as a requirement to literally fuel their military aggression with the escalation of the Vietnam War from a quasi guerrilla operation to a full scale state military operation against South Vietnam. Which was the impetus for US involvement in an effort to stop the spread of a socialist influence to other countries within the Pacific region.

Once Robert McNamara set the stage, we are then introduced to the F-105 and the men that flew, strategized and maintained the aircraft during the conflict over the unfriendly skies of North Vietnam. The brave men who flew the F-105 Thuds down the famous Red River Valley “downtown” into Hanoi meeting resistance from North Vietnam Air Force MiGs, had a target to survive 100 missions.

This was dangerous and stressful duty with Sams and flack everywhere they flew, and many brave servicemen were not lucky enough to make it home. This films tells the story of all involved to preserve the memory of the sacrifices made by these US servicemen.

The film captures daily life of the F-105 pilots during their leisure time, as well as during strike operations under various operational scenarios.