F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War

By Peter Davies

The F-105 was a supersonic fighter-bomber used by the USAF to great extent during the Vietnam War (1955-1975). Despite pilots' initial apprehensions about the aircraft and a variety of problems with early designs, these planes ultimately became the primary strike bomber over North Vietnam in the early stages of the Vietnam War.

This book explores the crucial importance of the Thunderchief, deemed the "Thud" by many of its crews, in the Rolling Thunder campaign; it explains the pioneering suppression of enemy air defences (SEAD) methods developed by the F-105 'Wild Weasel' crews. Using first-hand narratives wherever possible, the text captures the essence of flying the "Thud" against heavy AAA, SAM and MiG defences in conditions where constricting Rules of Engagement made the pilots' task virtually impossible at times. The book also documents the other demanding missions flown over Laos and South Vietnam. The author also gives an extensive overview of the aircraft's strengths and difficulties, the development of wartime tactics and the heroic accomplishments of a selection of its aircrew.

• Language: English
• Publisher: Random House Publishing Group
• Release date: Nov 20, 2012
• ISBN: 9781782006985

Peter Davies

The author, Peter (Pete) Davies has lived and worked mostly in the UK. After taking on an apprenticeship and becoming a plumber, he tried other types of employment and enjoyed all of them. Having become tired of the hum-drum of the everyday sameness, he emigrated to, and spent Many years in Australia where he studied at various institutions. After years of hard work and study he gained his full qualifications and became a horticulturist and Botanist. He has worked voluntarily in Australia within the boundaries of the National Parks and Wildlife service whilst studying. He has a great interest in nature and natural life systems and now retired, continues to observe and photograph plants and wildlife. Hobbies include Cactus culture, gardening, model engineering, crown green bowling just to mention a few. He values his true friends very highly but does not easily suffer false ‘friends’. If you are a true friend of Pete, you will quickly find him to be generous and caring.

Reviews for F-105 Thunderchief Units of the Vietnam War

[shrike58 · Rating: 4 out of 5 stars]

If you've already read the memoirs of Jack Broughton and Ed Rasimus this work might not be that fresh to you, still, this booklet does capture well the flavor of the "graduated response" campaign these pilots were subjected too. As always, the lesson of America's adventure in Vietnam remains that if you are going to go to war, go to war, or don't.