"Scott Ferrin" wrote in message
...

I'm not talking about factoring in built-in air to ground capability,
I'm talking about strictly air to air and escort.

The F-104 was used in the Vietnam War. Fourteen were lost with 4 pilots
lost and 2 POW. Units included 436TFS of the 479TFW which arrived at Danang
on 20 April 1965. They proved too short range for their intended escort
role and were sometimes used for air-to-ground. The answer to your query in
the title line is no.

Tex Houston