One last F-8 - f8down.jpg (1/1) [77K]

[Netko]

I found this picture lurking in a dusty corner. I have no further
information about it.

--

[Enzo Matrix]

Netko wrote:
> I found this picture lurking in a dusty corner. I have no further
> information about it.

There is a similar photo in "F-8 Crusader Units of the Vietnam War" by Peter
Mersky, taken a second or so later as the seat drogue is deploying. The
photo caption states:

"Lt Jack Terhune of VF-154 ejects from his crippled F-8D (Bu No 147899)
after being hit on a raid on 11 October 1965 - Terhune was retrieved safely.
The "Black Knights" lost several aircraft during this cruise, including one
flown by the unit CO, Cdr W N Donnelly, who was also rescued."

Note that although the caption claims that this occurred on 11 October, the
book's narrative gives the date as 14 October.

The book also has an interesting explanation for the large number of
aircraft lost by VF-154 during this cruise.

<Quote>
During Coral Sea's 1965 Vietnam cruise, VF-154 lost five Crusaders to enemy
action, three of them in four days. Conversely, VF-211 had not lost any
aircraft to the intense ground fire, and duly offered to help VF-154. It was
the Checkmates' assessment that the Black Knights were using peacetime
delivery tactics - 80 per cent power, speedbrakes out, at 250 knots
indicated air speed. VF-211 told VF-154 to make their runs as fast as
possible, but the Black Knights ignored the advice.
</Quote>


--
Enzo

I wear the cheese. It does not wear me.