Clyde L. Falls, Jr.

F-105 History
18-May-67 232

In the 23 TFW, the tenth F-105 RTU class graduated at McConnell AFB KS. Class 67HRM started
on 28 Nov 66 with 21 pilots. It was named "The Spartans" and consisted of 8 Majs, 8 Capts, and 5
1Lts. However, two students washed back one class, two students were eliminated, and one was
gained from Seymour Johnson AFB when the 4 TFW closed their F-105 RTU course. Nineteen
students graduated.

The class began flying on 4 Jan 1967 and deployed 20 F-105 aircraft for conventional weapons
delivery training to George AFB CA between 23 Mar - 7 Apr 67 with the 562 TFS. The squadron
commander was Lt Col James A. Young. The class was originally scheduled to graduate on 20 April
1967, however, on 29 March 1967, while the class was at George, Hq TAC extended RTU courses for
an additional 15 sorties.

The students were:

Maj Franklin A. Billingsley Capt John E. Nolan

Maj James L. Davis Capt Russell Edwin Temperley
Maj Richard C. Fontaine 1Lt Jeffery Thomas Ellis
Maj Earl M. Freeman 1Lt Vernon D. Ellis
Maj Jack W. Hart Maj Alan R. Iverson
Maj Robert R. Huntley Maj Harold J. "Jim" Steinke, Jr.
Maj Myron L. Savage Capt Lawrence P. Gould
Capt Clyde L. Falls, Jr. Capt Jacob C. "Jake" Shuler
Capt David A. Holland Capt Herbert W. Moore
Capt Irving E. LeVine

Maj James L. Davis won the Top Gun award and Maj Robert R. Huntley won the Outstanding Pilot
plaque. Huntley's previous assignment had been at Aviano AB, Italy, where he ran the command
post in the 7227 Combat Support Group. In this job, he scheduled rotational F-100 units to the
Maniago air-to-ground bombing range. Previously he had flown F-89s, F-94Bs and F-102s in ADC
units.

Both Davis and Huntley left the class early since they were selected to train as Wild Weasel pilots.
Huntley recalled, "My instructor pilot, Bob Pielin, told me that I needed to volunteer since I was going
to Weasel school whether I volunteered or not." They attended Wild Weasel Class 67WWIII-12 that
started on 9 May 1967 at Nellis AFB, NV. Both men were then assigned to the 354 TFS at Takhli.
(Bob Huntley telephone interview 20 May 2010)

Capt Clyde L. Falls came from Laredo AFB, TX where he was an Academic Instructor in the 3641
Student Squadron (ATC). After F-105 training, he arrived at Korat on 6 July 1967 and was assigned
to the 34 TFS.

Capt LeVine had come from assignments flying B-47s and B-52s in SAC and C-130s in MAC. After
his F-105 training, he went to jungle survival school in the Phillipines; "... short course ... no Escape
and Evasion." He also was assigned to the 34 TFS at Korat, where he arrived on 14 June 1967.

Capt Jeffrey T. Ellis was a T-37 IP at Laughlin AFB, Texas. He set an academic record for the RTU
program with his 99.7% average for the Top Academic Award. After his F-105 training, he was
assigned to the 469 TFS.

Capt Ellis and Capt Jacob C. "Jake" Shuler, another T-37 IP from the 3645 Pilot Training Squadron at

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 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
Laughlin, had initially received orders to RTU Class 67-CRS at Seymour Johnson. (Shuler, then a 1st
Lt, received 3646 PTW PCS Order A-1286 dated 27 Sept 1966. Ellis' order # was A-1287.) This
class would have been the third F-105 RTU at Seymour. However, the class was cancelled when the
4 TFW was notified in September 1966 that their F-105s were to be replaced by F-4Ds. On 5
October 1966, Shuler's and Ellis' orders were amended (by HQ 3646 Plt Tng Wg SO A-1314) to send
them to McConnell's RTU Class 67-GRM. They ended up joining the next class at McConnell 67-
HRM.

Capt Shuler had received his wings in December 1963 in UPT Class 64-D at Webb AFB, Big Spring
TX. He attended Pilot Instructor Training (PIT) at, Williams AFB AZ, , then served as a T-37
Instructor Pilot in the 3645 Pilot Training Squadron at Laughlin AFB, Del Rio, TX, from May 1964 until
receiving his F-105 assignment in September 1966. After marrying on June 18th, he moved his wife
into a duplex in Del Rio then to on-base housing in August. Upon receipt of his F-105 assignment, he
moved his wife to St. Matthews, SC while he attend survival training at Fairchild AFB, WA, then to
Wichita, KS for F-105 training at McConnell in December 1966.

While at McConnell, between 6 December 1966 and 17 April 1967, he flew 50 F-105 training sorties.
After completing his F-105 upgrade, his assignment to SEA was deferred pending the birth of their
child and he returned to Laughlin as a T-37 IP. Their son was born on 13 July 67 and, after moving
his wife for the 6th time in 13 months, he reported to McConnell on 25 August for F-105 Category IV
refresher training. This time he flew an additional seven F-105 sorties between 25 August and 7
September 1967. With 90.8 hours in the F-105, he then departed for his combat assignment to the
34 TFS.

En route to Korat, between 22 - 27 September 1967, he completed the PACAF Jungle Survival
School at Clark AB, Phillipines.
23 TFW History, Jul - Dec 67, USAF microfilm MO554 & Clyde Falls AF Form 11 & Irv LeVine, letter received 16
Apr 10 & Jake Shuler, biographical sketch, via e-mail 19 May 2010, and F-105 mission spreadsheet, and e-mail 5
Jul 2010 forwarding PCS orders.
31-Jul-67 3824

The 34 TFS history for July 1967 did not describe specific combat missions for the month but did
acknowledge that "... medium altitude run-in techniqes were utilized in conjunction with QRC-160
ECM pod formation. ... Limited use was being made of the AGM-12 missile against point targets."
During the month, the squadron flew 345 combat missions, 342 into North Vietnam and 3 in Laos. "A
slight decrease in the intensity of enemy AAA fire was noted during the month and no MiG
encounters were reported."

"Combat pilot strength stood at 21 line pilots [up from 19 pilots reported in June's history].

"During the month of July, six squadron pilots completed their tour of 100 missions over North
Vietnam. Those completing were: Majors Raymond F. Jauregui, Earl Johnston, James N.
McClelland, John R. Whaley, and Captains Donald O. Austin and Jackie R. Youngblood. [Not listed
in the unit history for completing 100 missions this month was Maj Charles E. Irwin who left Korat in
early August 1967.] No losses were suffered during this month and six replacements were received
during this period of time."

His 100th mission was the last flight in the F-105 for Maj Jauregui. Since starting his RTU class at
McConnell in June 1966, he accumulated 351 hours in the airplane.

Maj McClelland's 100th mission on 22 July was also his last in the F-105. He had accumulated 340.6
hours in the airplane.

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 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History

His 100th mission on 25 July was the last F-105 flight for Maj Whaley. He had accumulated 333.8
hours in the airplane. (F-105 Pilot Flying Hour report dated 18 Nov 85 provided by the USAF Safety
Center to Bauke Jan Douma.)

The incoming PCS pilots in July were: Maj Robert T. Campbell, Capt Irving E. LeVine, and Maj Clyde
L. Falls, Jr.

Capt Lawrence G. Hoppe, Capt Rodney A. Skoglund and 1Lt Morris R. Schulmister arrived prior to 12
July 1967 on TDY from the 18 TFW at Kadena. By the end of July 1967, Capt Hoppe had flown 9
combat missions with the 34 TFS bringing his total counters to 31. (Larry Hoppe, AF Form 5.)

The squadron commander was Maj George G. Clausen. Maj Roderick G. Giffin was the Operations
Officer.
388 TFW history, Apr Dec 67, Vol II, 34 TFS history, July 67, microfilm NO584, frame 0078 & 34 TFS web site on
2 April 2007 at http://s88204154.onlinehome.us.34tfs/scarf.htm & Chuck Irwin e-mail 6 Apr 10.
21-Sep-67 6563

In a published order, Maj George G. Clausen, 34 TFS commander, designated 29 squadron pilots as
Combat Ready in the F-105. The same pilots were listed in a separate order as qualified to be
Flight/Element Leaders in F-105s. The pilots were:

Maj Almer L. Barner, Jr. Capt Douglas A. Beyer

Maj Charles E. Bishop Capt Robert M. Crane
Maj William M. Blakeslee Capt Hugh W. Davis
Maj George G. Clausen Capt Nicholas J. Donelson
Maj James E. Daniel, Jr. Capt Robert M. Elliot
Maj David C. Dickson, Jr. Capt George W. Hamlin IV
Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. Capt Lawrence G. Hoppe
Maj Roderick G. Giffin Capt Lawrence R. Klinestiver
Maj David D. Igelman Capt Irving R. LeVine
Maj William J. L. King Capt Robert L. Martin
Maj Kenneth W. Mays Capt Robert B. Middleton
Maj Donald E. Odell Capt Sam P. Morgan
Maj Dwight E. Sullivan Capt Harry G. Paddon III
Maj James L. Taylor 1Lt Lee E. Hollingsworth
Maj Raymond W. Vissotzky
34 TFS Special Orders 45 and 46 dated 21 September 1967 provided by Larry Hoppe, May 2010.
24-Oct-67 342

After President Johnson had approved it as a target on 18 October 1967, coordinated Air Force and
Navy strikes against Phuc Yen MiG airfield (JCS 6) commenced on the afternoon of 24 October
followed by combined re-strikes on 25 October. The airfield was hit by bombs and CBUs. Post-strike
photos showed that 5 MiG-21s and 5 MiG-17s parked in Area H were either damaged or destroyed,
and that two MiG-17s in Area G were destroyed. (Rolling Thunder Status and Analysis Report to
CINCPAC for the period 16 - 31 October 1967)

On Tuesday afternoon and Wednesday, 24 and 25 October, F-105s from the 388 TFW from Korat
and the 355 TFW from Takhli struck Phuc Yen for the first time. The airfield (BE 616-8520) was
located 18 miles northwest of Haiphong at coordinates 21-13-15N and 105-48-32E in RP-6A, North
Vietnam. The US launched a total of 64 sorties against the airfield.

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 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
" ... USAF bombs made several craters in the airfield runway and taxi areas. Also during the strike, a
MiG-17 was downed by an F-4 crew assigned to the 8 TFW." (Chronology)

The Air Force Times newspaper gave an overview of the Phuc Yen airfield strike. "For the first time
in the airwar over North Vietnam, F-4 crews and F-105 pilots recently attacked Phuc Yen airfield, 18
miles northwest of Hanoi.

"The tactical fighter-bomber pilots thundered in through SAMs, heavy flak and MiGs to bomb the
9170-foot runway and parking revetments on the east and west end of the main runway. Another 31
revetted hardstands three miles north of the airfield and the taxiway joining them to the air strip were
also hit.

"The strike pilots from the 8 TFW, 355 TFW and 388 TFW reported all bombs on target and the
mission highly successful as they rendered the sprawling MiG interceptor base unserviceable and
downed a MiG-21 in the process.

"Thunderchief pilots from the 355th TFW led the massive armada in on the installation.

" 'A new target is a great feeling, especially since I was in the first flight in and put the first holes in
the MiG haven,' said Capt James G. Thomas, one of the 355th pilots [from the 333 TFS].

"Capt Cal W. Tax [also from the 333 TFS] reported, 'I wanted to make sure so I went in low. In fact, I
was so low I heard and felt my bombs exploding -- it was just beautiful.'

"Another 355th F-105 pilot commenting on the mission was Capt James L. Aldrich [333 TFS], who
said, 'It was a sensational mission. We hit an untouched target and turned it into a mural of huge
fireballs and towering smoke.'

"The F-4 crews from the 8 TFW were the second wave of AF fighters to hit the airfield.

" 'Strings of bombs impacted in trail straight down the eastern third of the runway, causing multiple
craters' reported Maj Arley W. McRae who led one of the F-4 flights in. Another string of bombs
cratered the middle third of the runway.

"Leading the 8 TFW strike force was Maj Carl F. Funk, who said, 'We rolled in inverted and dove to
the target. We completely demolished it.'

" 'From my position, it looked like all our bombs were right on the money', said Capt Paul W.
Showalter, one of the Wolf Pack pilots. 'Phuc Yen airfield is now out of commission,' he concluded.

"While Phantom crews were unloading their ordnance over the target, other 8th TFW crews were
keeping enemy MiGs busy.

" 'It was absolutely great, ' said a smiling, elated Maj William L. Kirk, a Phantom aircraft commander
and now a double-MiG killer, as he described his latest MiG-21 kill.

"Flying combat air patrol (MIG-CAP) for strike fighter pilots, Kirk caught the enemy aircraft as it
attacked the bomb-laden aircraft.

" 'They came at us from behind and I turned my flight around and had a good old knock-down, drag-
out rat-race with him for almost 10 minutes. I ran him down and got him with the gun,' said the
veteran of more than 30 missions into the heavily-defended Hanoi area.

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 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History

"Kirk's weapon was the 20-mm cannon, a pod-mounted Gatling gun, which hangs under the belly of
the F-4.

" 'This kill wasn't quite the same as my first one last May 13,' said Kirk. 'That one was a MiG-17 and
there was only one pass. I got him with my air-to-air missile. This time it was a good, old-fashioned
dog-fight and we fought him for a long time.'

"The rear seat pilot in Kirk's F-4 was 1Lt Theodore R. Bongartz. 'It was my 91st mission,' said the
excited Lieutenant. 'I've been waiting since my first flight to get a MiG and it was quite a thrill.'

"Bongartz exclaimed, 'After we shot him down, we made a pass around him and saw the MiG pilot
under the canopy of his parachute. We waggled our wings at him and came on home.'

"As the Phantom crews completed their runs on the military installation, Thunderchief pilots from the
388 TFW took their turn at hitting the target.

" 'There were a lot of MiGs up there preceding our strikes,' said Maj Clyde Falls, Jr., a 388th TFW
pilot [from the 34 TFS]. 'However, by the time we got there they were all gone. I suppose most of
them were low on fuel and were probably looking for a place to land. It's a cinch they couldn't land at
Phuc Yen.'

"Maj Donald W. Windrath [from the 13 TFS] estimated that his flight destroyed or damaged three
SAM sites which threatened the strike force.

"The aerial reconnaissance following the strike revealed four MiG-21s, four MkG-17s and one MiG-15
were destroyed or damaged by the fighter-bomber pilots. The runway was damaged beyond use and
fireballs 280 feet in diameter erupted near the west parking ramp while another huge secondary
explosion engulfed the entire western half of the northeast revetments." (Air Force Times newspaper
article, Nov 15, 1967, pg 22)

"This highly successful raid left smoking ruins of much of the airfield support complex and large
craters in the runway. 354 TFS pilots [from Takhli] were present in the flak-filled skys over Phuc Yen
on both ... days." Pilots from the 357 TFS also flew this mission. (355 TFW history, Microfilm
NO463, frame 1565).

Four flights of 355 TFW F-105Ds attacked Phuc Yen. "Scotch" and "Wildcat" flights began their
attack at 0815Z, followed by "Marlin" and "Wolf" at 0816Z, and "Bison" at 0817Z.

The flights encountered AAA from the east tip of the runway, and two sites 1,100 feet southeast of the
runway's center crossover. The AAA sites were firing 85-mm in rings. All flights experienced light to
moderate, increasingly accurate, barrages of 37/57-mm AAA bursting between 6,000 to 8,000 feet.
The last strike flights also reported moderate, inaccurate, 85-mm bursting between 8,000 and 12,000
feet.

The six M-118s and six M-117s dropped by "Wildcat'" flight impacted directly on aircraft revetments,
providing a huge secondary explosion that engulfed the entire western half of the revetted area and
leaving the eastern half in flames belching black smoke up to 4,000 feet. While coming off the target
at 0817Z, when the flight was at 3,000 feet, "Wildcat" flight saw a SAM detonate at 9,000 feet.
Approximately 30 seconds later, the flight saw a second missile detonating at 20,000 feet at
coordinates 21-26N and 105-43E. The flight was then at 2,000 feet. At approximately 0819Z, the
flight saw a third SAM detonating at 8,000 feet, at 21-35N and 105-43E. The flight was at 7,000 feet

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 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
at 21-35N and 105-35E. Pilots couldn't determine the sites that launched the missiles. All SAM
detonations were orange in color.

"Marlin" left their target area covered with smoke and estimated their twenty-four MK-117s hit directly
on the target.

"Wolf 2" had AC power failure on ingress 20 nautical miles short of the target and, accompanied by
"Wolf 3", diverted to Udorn. "Wolf Lead" and "Wolf 4" expended twelve M-117s that resulted in
explosions across the central portion of the airfield.

"Bison flight's two MK-118s hit directly on the runway at the junction of the western taxiway
crossover. Their eighteen M-117s cratered adjacent sections of the western center of the runway.
On egress, at approximately 0819Z, "Bison" flight saw a SAM launch from the vicinity of missile site
VN 120. The missile appeared to go straight up and detonate at approximately 25,000 feet. This
missile also detonated with an orange cloud. (355 TFW JOPREP JIFFY DOI ???? OPREP-4/??? in
USAF microfilm NO463, frames 1389 and 1585.)

Capt Malcolm D. Winter of the 354 TFS from Takhli led "Bison" flight. He flew F-105D 59-1731 on
his 56th combat mission. Other members of this flight were Capt Edward P. Larson, and Capt Gary
S. Olin. "Big one today - Phuc Yen. We went Green Anchor. 1430 launch for my flight. ... Fergie
(Maj Alonzo L. Ferguson) was lead, Larson, Me, Olin. But, Fergie crumped so I took the flight. We
had a good roll in & out (with) bombs on target - the NW end, last taxiway exit. The F-4's shot down
a MiG-21 inbound while our Iron Hands - Bruce Stocks, Moyer - got a SAM site. I saw the missile's
orange cloud about 2 miles off my left wing on egress. It went to 25 miles or so & exploded."
(Combat mission log of Mal Winter transcribed by his son, Mike Winter.)

"On October 24, two MiG-21s had taken off against the first wave of attackers -- Air Force F-105s and
F-4s from Thailand. As the MiGs were attempting to get behind the attacking force, an F-4 escort
used a twenty-millimeter cannon to shoot one down." ("To Hanoi and Back", pg 90). The F-4D from
the 433 TFS, 8 TFW, at Ubon was flown by Maj William L. Kirk and his WSO 1Lt Theodore R.
Bongartz.

Maj James D. Gormley from the 333 TFS at Takhli was one of the 355 TFW pilots on the mission.
"Phuc Yen airfield had been off limits ever since the bombing began. Whenever we flew a mission
near Hanoi, we would go right over Phuc Yen. We could look down at 'MiG Haven' and see the
planes coming at us. It gave us a futile feeling not to be able to bomb them in their sanctuary. ...
(When the strike was approved), ... every pilot in the wing wanted to go, ... and I was proud to be one
who got a chance. Everything went as we had been briefed. We rolled in through heavy defenses
but destroyed the target and got every bird back home safely." (Takhli Times, 29 Mar 68, reporting
Maj Gormley's comments after his 100th mission.)

" ... A wing of F-4s from Ubon held third place in the attack stream (to be followed later by Navy
attackers), second place being taken by the F-105s from the 388th Wing ... and our 355th TFW
leading the parade. Our 333rd TFS led our wing ... " (Frank Moyer, letter to Ron Thurlow, 21 Sept.
2001).

"The Iron Hand flight estimated it destroyed three SAM sites which had threatened the force."
Leading the Iron Hand flight from Takhli was 354 TFS pilot Maj Bruce D. Stocks with EWO Maj Frank
N. Moyer from the 333 TFS. Also flying an Iron Hand mission from Korat, were Maj James
Mirehouse with EWO Capt Albert L. Michael from the 44 TFS.

It was Maj Moyer's 45th combat mission as an F-105F EWO. In his diary entry for the day he wrote,

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 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
"THE BIG ONE! After all our waiting and frustration, the 355 TFW led forces of F-4s from Ubon and
F-105s from Korat against the Phuc Yen MiG airfield, and our 333 TFS had the Force Commander +
3 of the five strike flights + Iron Hand flight - which Bruce and I led! How about them potatoes!

"Perfect weather except for clouds on Thud Ridge. Our Weaseling was good, too, despite AC power
problems that left our Doppler nav system inoperative. Practically perfect bombing put 18 bomb
craters in the runway, destroyed or damaged several parked MiGs, and wiped out four flak sites. Had
two valid SAM launches, but our warning call kept all planes out of missile range. Bruce saw blast
smoke from one launch, so we went into the flat country and bombed the site, thus earning our SAM
Slayer patches. Score for the day: 1 runway, 5 SAM sites, and the F-4s got a MiG-21. What a day!"
Maj Moyer and Maj Stocks were awarded the Silver Star for the mission. (Combat diary of Frank N.
Moyer.)

F-105s from the 388 TFW were third in the attack stream. They dropped their bombs on the MiG
parking revetments.

"Olympia" flight from the 34 TFS was the first from Korat to attack the airfield. Take Off: 1405.
Mission Length: 3+10. The flight lineup was:

#1 - Maj Dalton L. Leftwich who was also Korat's Mission Commander

#2 - Capt Hugh W. Davis
#3 - Maj Floyd E. Henzig
#4 - Maj Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong flying F-105D 61-0124.

It was Maj Armstrong's 11th combat mission into North Vietnam. "Today was the big one, Phuc Yen!
This airfield is the major airfield in NVN and had previously been off limits. Today our wing, Takhli,
the F-4s from Ubon, and I think the Navy all zeroed in on Phuc Yen Airfield. We went in of course
the land route. Lefty was also mission commander so that meant our flight was the first of 20 F-105s
to bomb the field. The F-4 MiGCAP drew about 8 SAMs as they preceded us in to the target. There
was quite a bit of 85-mm flak as we rolled in and as we pulled off plus some 37/57-mm. At least 2
aircraft got hit though they didn't know it until they got home. We dropped CBUs and as I pulled off, I
could see a number of secondary explosions. We picked up several more volleys of 85-mm flak as
we came too close to Yen Bay going out. (Maj Sam Armstrong's 100 mission combat log, pg 4.)

Armstrong commented further on this mission in his memoir. "This was their primary MiG-21 base
just Northwest of Hanoi. Up to this point it had been off limits for attack. We never did strike the civil
airfield (Gia Lam) outside Hanoi although it was widely known that MiGs sometimes used it. LBJ and
McNamara had this dumb idea that we would gradually increase the targets we were willing to strike
and this was the way to get the North Vietnamese to sue for peace. Our wing came in first using the
land route and dropped CBUs along the flight line to hit the MiGs in their revetments. Takhli rolled in
just behind us with 3,000# bombs to destroy the runway. The F-4Cs followed them with bombs and
maybe even the Navy got in on this historic attack. I think we surprised them and did some
considerable damage. There were no U.S. losses. No SA-2s were fired and the 85-mm flak was
spotty. I was written up for a Silver Star on this mission but it was downgraded to a Distinguished
Flying Cross. This was the first of three Silver Star downgrades -- so I never got one although most
Thud pilots did." (Lt Gen Sam Armstrong, chapter in unpublished manuscript titled, "Southeast Asia
October 1967 - May 1968", pg 11.)

"The 388 TFW pilots were fragged against the revetted aircraft parking areas. They encountered
heavy AAA, SAMs and MiGs. Force commander, Maj Dalton L. Leftwich, 34 TFS, said, 'we caused
secondary explosions in the target area.' A flight leader, Lt Col Harry W. Schurr, 469 TFS
commander, saw many secondaries. He described them as 'the type you would expect from

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 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
aircraft.' Later ... BDA from the raid gave three MiGs destroyed and four damaged, and extensive
damage to the runway." Maj Leftwich received the First Oak Leaf Cluster to the Silver Star for his
actions during the mission. (388 TFW History, Apr - Dec 67, USAF microfilm NO583, frame 1577.)

Two pilots in the flak suppression flights from Korat, both from the 34 TFS, were Lt Col Robert W.
Smith, flying F-105D 61-0068, and Maj Floyd E. Henzig ["Olympia 3"] in F-105D 61-0152. They
dropped CBUs on the airfield at coordinates 21-13-07N 105-48-22E. Also from the 34 TFS was Capt
Douglas A. Beyer in F-105D 62-4356. (NARA Record NWDNM(m)-342-USAF-42649B, "Air Strike
Films, Vietnam")

Maj Kenneth W. Mays, also from the 34 TFS, flew in this raid. "I was most pleased to be a flight lead
on the first attack on Phuc Yen. As expected we received a lot of fireworks. Without exception every
pilot put good bombs on the target and numerous MiGs were destroyed on the ground (I have several
photos). I came back from this mission with 151 holes in my acft and have a collection of Russian
metal that the crew chief picked from my acft." (Col Ken Mays, USAF (Ret), unpublished memoir,
"Tour At Korat -- July 67 to Feb 68", dated 15 Dec 2003.)

1Lt Earl J. Henderson, 469 TFS, was another pilot from Korat on the first Phuc Yen strike. It was his
31st combat mission into North Vietnam.

"Target: Phuc Yen airfield.

"Armament: 4xCBU-24s 1 CBU-29

"First-time target. Went in with bad pod. Flak wasn't too bad but thought I got hit coming off target.
70 airplanes total hit target. Did really good work. Many big secondary explosions and fire. Several
MiGs destroyed. Waited long time for this!"

Lt Henderson received the Distinguished Flying Cross (3rd OLC) for this mission. "...Captain
Henderson was a member of a flight of four F-105 Thunderchiefs assigned to deliver ordnance
against the most heavily defended airfield in North Vietnam. Flying through almost continuous
surface-to-air missiles and some of the heaviest antiaircraft fire of the conflict, he delivered his
ordnance precisely on his assigned target causing extensive damage to the airfield complex. ..." (Earl
Henderson, combat diary and award citation.)

Maj Francis P. Walsh from the 44 TFS was another Korat pilot who dropped 750-pound bombs on the
nearby Lang Dang railroad complex at coordinates 21-38-03N 106-35-11E. He flew F-105D 61-
0219. (NARA Record NWDNM(m)-342-USAF-42649B, "Air Strike Films, Vietnam")
388 TFW History, Apr - Dec 1967, USAF microfilm NO583 frame 1577 & Chronology of Seventh Air Force 1 July
1967 - 30 June 1968, pg 5 & River Rats Album I, pgs 118 and 120.
30-Oct-67 3456

Ten F-105D pilots from the 388 TFW at Korat attacked the Dap Cau railroad bridge (JCS 16) at
coordinates 21-23-21N and 106-15-58E in RP-6A, North Vietnam.

The pilots from the 34 TFS were: Capt Irving E. LeVine flying 58-1157, Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying
61-0152, and Maj Almer L. "Buddy" Barner, Jr. flying 59-1759.

Pilots from the 44 TFS were: Capt Douglas G. Glime flying 61-0162, Capt Wayne Wright flying 59-
1760, and Capt Calvin H. Markwood flying 62-4270.

Pilots from the 469 TFS were: Lt Col William N. Reed flying 60-0464, Maj Robert F. Grubb flying 62-
4221, Maj William Calvin Diehl, Jr. 62-4359, and a pilot named Wilson flying 61-0208.

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 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History

"Waco" was a Wild Weasel flight supporting strikes in this area. Their target was SAM site VN780 at
location 21-17N and 106-17E. The flight took off at 05:50 and the mission lasted 3.9 hours. The
flight's lineup was:

#1 - Capt Rowland F. "Frank" Smith, Jr. and EWO 1Lt David H. Williams from the 44 TFS in F-105F
63-8302
#2 - Capt Fred R. Nelson and EWO Capt James T. Wallace from the 44 TFS in F-105F 63-8312
#3 - Maj Oscar Moise Dardeau, Jr. and EWO Capt Edward William "Tiny" Lehnhoff, Jr. from the 44
TFS in 63-8306
#4 - Capt Jacob C. Shuler from the 34 TFS flying F-105D 60-0445 on his 12th combat mission.
National Archives camera film archive control number NWDNM(m)-342-USAF-42649C & Jake Shuler combat
mission spreadsheet.
31-Oct-67 5843

"Vegas" flight from the 34 TFS launched at 07:40. The lineup for the 2.6-hour flight was:

#1 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying F-105D 61-0194

#2 - Capt Jacob C. Shuler flying 62-4361 on his 13th mission.
#3 - 1Lt David B. Waldrop III flying 61-0208
#4 - Capt Irving E. LeVine flying 62-4221
Spare - Maj Almer L. "Buddy" Barner, Jr. in 58-1159

"Flak 21-10N and 102-48E. Orbit 20-10N and 104-15E."

Also from the 34 TFS, Maj David C. Dickson, Jr., flew his 31st combat mission. His bombs closed a
cave and produced a secondary explosion.
Jake Shuler combat mission spreadsheet & Carolyn Dickson, 20 Apr 09 letter giving annotation on cigar band
dated 31 Oct 67.
04-Nov-67 4571

"On 4 November, a strike by eight F-105s on a troop concentration southwest of Ban Ban [in the
Barrel Roll region of northern Laos] resulted in one secondary explosion with smoke to 500 feet.
Strike photography also indicated approximately 200 KBA [Killed By Air]."

"Hatchet" flight from the 34 TFS took off at 06:55. The lineup was:

#1 - Maj Kenneth W. Mays flying F-105D 62-4387

#2 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying 60-0488
#3 - Maj Raymond Walter Vissotzky
#4 - Capt Jacob C. Shuler flying 62-4221 on his 15th combat mission.
Spare - Maj David D. Igelman

"Diverted by Cricket UG 31142134 Firefly 11, 12." 19-11N and 103-24E.

Maj David C. Dickson, Jr., also from the 34 TFS, flew his 33rd combat mission. He struck a target in
northeast Laos. "250+". Since this was a "counter" he must have crossed into North Vietnam.
7 Air Force Weekly Air Intelligence Summary (WAIS), 67-46 dated 11 Nov 67, for week of 3 - 9 Nov 1967, pg 7 &
Carolyn Dickson, 20 Apr 09 letter giving annotation on cigar band dated 4 Nov 67 & Jake Shuler combat mission
spreadsheet.

Compiled by: W. H. Plunkett, Albuquerque NM Date Printed: 25 Apr 2011 Page 9 of 20 Pages
 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
08-Nov-67 6570

The morning's flight lineup from Korat was:

"Waco" Iron Hand.
"Laredo"
"Hatchet"
"Vegas"
"Garage"

The four pilots in "Garage" flight were from the 34 TFS, 388 TFW. The flight took off at 06:30
against their secondary target at location 21-13N and 102-55E. The lineup was:

#1 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying F-105D 58-1157

#2 - Capt Carl William Lasiter flying 60-0458
#3 - Maj Almer L. "Buddy" Barner, Jr. flying 61-0068
#4 - Capt Jacob C. "Jake" Shuler flying 61-0208 on his 18th mission. He logged 1.9 hours.

Capt Shuler described this mission. "This was my seventh mission to RP-6. I am pretty sure that this
mission was weather aborted as we approached the target, the Hoi Thinh Railroad Yard (Northwest
RR), 21-17N and 105-31E. Upon egress from the target area, we were instructed to find and attack
targets of opportunity. Clyde (Falls) led Garage Flight to the southwest and Buddy (Barner) achieved
separation from the lead element by falling about a half a mile behind Clyde and Carl (Lasiter). I flew
a loose formation with Buddy on his right wing relying on him to find us a target. He called rolling in
for a road cut and I followed. As we were about half way down the chute, I saw what looked like a
SAM coming up towards Buddy from his left and called, 'Garage 3, SAM your 10 oclock, low'. He
acknowledged, but did not have to take evasive action as it was not tracking and went well above his
aircraft. During debriefing, I told the intel guy that it definitely was not an SA-2. It was much smaller.
Dont know if he believed me or not. Buddy saw it and thanked me for the call."

Also on this day Maj George G. Clausen, 34 TFS commander, nominated Capt Shuler to fill a
vacancy on the 7th Air Force Staff starting in February 1968. This action was in response to a 20
October 1967 letter from 7th Air Force (and subsequent letters down the chain of command) directing
specific nominations be forwarded to 7th AF.

For family reasons, Capt Shuler volunteered for this reassignment despite the fact that it would keep
him in South East Asia for a full year. Since June 1967, his older brother Capt E. G. "Buck" Shuler
had been assigned to the 68 TFS in the F-4C RTU at George AFB, CA, with a follow-on assignment
to SEA. Jake Shuler recalled that "... [since] it was evident that there would be a significant overlap
of our flying combat, Mom simply asked us if there was a way to avoid the situation. [Due to] the fact
that Buck was career and I was not, I told Buck that I would mention it to George Clausen, which I
did." (Jake Shuler, e-mail 12 May 2010.)

Clausen remembered "... his mentioning his mother's wishes. I asked him what he wanted to do. Our
manning was such that we could let him go. He decided to take the assignment so I approved it. To
me it was in the best interest of all concerned." (George Clausen, e-mail 21 May 2010.)

Jake Shuler described his mother's concerns. "... Mom had endured 26 months alone with two small
sons while Dad was in the Pacific with the 100th Sea Bee Battalion during World War II and was not
too keen on having both sons in harm's way at the same time." (Jake Shuler, e-mail 17 May 2010.)

In March 1968, Buck Shuler was assigned to the 558 TFS, Cam Ranh Bay AB, South Vietnam, as an
F-4C aircraft commander. (USAF Biography, Lt Gen E.G. "Buck" Shuler, Jr.)

Compiled by: W. H. Plunkett, Albuquerque NM Date Printed: 25 Apr 2011 Page 10 of 20 Pages
 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
Jake Shuler combat log spreadsheet, mission card, and mission description via e-mail 11 Jan 2011 & letters,
"Rotation of Rated Officers" from Hq 7 AF dated 20 Oct 67; 388 TFW/DP, dated 23 Oct 67; & 388 TFW/DO,
dated 27 Oct 67.
09-Nov-67 4836

Two days after returning from his first R&R in Japan, Maj Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong from the 34
TFS flew his 17th combat mission over North Vietnam.

His flight's call sign was "Fresno" that took off at 0645. The mission length was 2+00. Their lineup
was:
#1 - Maj Larry R. Klinestiver
#2 - Maj Armstrong flying F-105D 60-0445
#3 - Capt Robert M. Crane
#4 - Maj William J. King

"We went to our 2nd alternate target over in Pack I for some reason. The weather in Pack VI was
forecast to be fairly good. We refueled, went directly east and got a CSS from Bravo to the target.
The target was a truck park 5 miles inland from Ron Ferry. The target was in the clear but we took a
Sky Spot drop and surprisingly enough, covered the target completely. Afterwards, we flew around
over there and made a strafing pass on what looked like a truck just off a main road."

Capt Jacob C. Shuler, also from the 34th, flew his 19th mission this day. His mission card shows his
flight's call sign was also "Fresno". The takeoff time was 0755 and TOT was 0900. This flight's
lineup was:
#1 - Capt Erving E. LeVine flying F-105D 62-4387
#2 - Capt Jacob C. Shuler flying 60-0435
#3 - Capt Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying 61-0161
#4 - Capt Carl William Lasiter flying 61-0124

"I do not recall any specific details of this mission. The target coordinates, 17-38N and 106-31E,
suggests a recce mission in RP-1 near Dong Hoi."
Maj Sam Armstrong's 100 mission combat log, pg 7 & Jake Shuler's mission card and narrative via e-mail 11 Jan
2011.
23-Nov-67 6166

1Lt Earl J. Henderson, 469 TFS, 388 TFW, flew his 44th combat mission into Laos.

"Target: POL storage area in Laos.

"Armament: 6x750#.

"Led flight on pretty good mission. I had real good bombs but no real results. Came back low level
again. We just missed a radio tower. Happy Thanksgiving. R&R to Hawaii tomorrow!"

Pilots from the 34 TFS attacked a target in Route Pack I, North Vietnam. Take off time for "Simmer"
flight was 07:10 for a TOT of 09:00. The flight lineup was:

#1 - Capt Hugh W. Davis flying F-105D 62-4270

#2 - Maj James L. Taylor flying 62-4361
#3 - Maj Donald W. Hodge flying 61-0132
#4 - Capt Jacob C. Shuler flying 61-0161 his 21st mission.
Spare - Capt Clyde L. Falls, Jr.

Jake Shuler recalled, "Although I do not recall any specific details of this mission, it was apparently a

Compiled by: W. H. Plunkett, Albuquerque NM Date Printed: 25 Apr 2011 Page 11 of 20 Pages
 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
secondary target about 10 miles northwest of Dong Hoi in RP-1. The notation 'Mis 11' on the Mission
Data Card indicates we joined up with Misty 11, Captain Paul T. Magill, and he led us to the target.
Working with the Misty FACs was enjoyable in that the performance of the F-100F was similar to the
F-105 and these guys were experienced fighter pilots and knew target areas well."

Lt Col Rufus Dye, Jr., also from the 34 TFS, flew his 15th mission as "Gator 04" against the Ban
Laboy ford in southern Laos. "Combat Sky Spot - no BDA weather."
Earl Henderson, combat diary & Jake Shuler, 23 Nov 67 mission card and e-mail 11 Jan 2011 & Rufus Dye
Mission History log.
29-Nov-67 4845

"Hatchet" flight from the 34 TFS took off at 07:55. They refueled with Tan 23 going to the target and
post-strike refueled with Tan 66. Their lineup was:

#1 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying F-105D 59-1759

#2 - Capt Jacob C. Shuler flying 61-0072 on his 25th combat mission.
#3 - Capt Carl William Lasiter flying 62-4359
#4 - Capt Irving E. LeVine flying 61-0132

The flight worked with the FAC "Nail 70" against a target at location 21-36N and 106-32E. "75%
coverage. 100% on target." Their mission lasted 4.3 hours.

At 14:10, four pilots from the 34 TFS comprising "Scuba" flight took off from Korat on a mission to
Laos. The mission lasted 2 hours 50 minutes. The flight line up was:

#1 - Maj Donald W. Hodge

#2 - Lt Col Nevin G. Christensen
#3 - Maj Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong flying F-105D 60-0445.
#4 - Capt Hugh W. Davis

It was Maj Armstrong's 28th combat mission. "The regular afternoon strike was cancelled and we
were fortunate to get an add-on flight of four. We went up into Laos just above the Thailand border
where we worked with an O-1E FAC. The clouds were thick all about but we were able to roll in on a
shallow pass and drop. All of our bombs were on target and the FAC said we destroyed 12 buildings
and an area where 200 enemy troops had been reported. After that, we swung into North Vietnam for
a road check and counter. It was the first time that my tape recorder worked properly and I was really
pleased."
Jake Shuler's mission log spreadsheet & Maj Sam Armstrong's 100 mission combat log, pg 12.
01-Dec-67 1193

On 1 December, during mission RT56A-212, nine F-105D pilots from the 469 TFS, Korat RTAFB,
Thailand, struck a target 6 NM SSW of Sam Neua, Laos, at coordinates 20-19N 104-00E. The pilots
and the tail numbers of their planes were:

Maj Eugene D. Main - 60-0428

Lt Col Dwight E. Mason - 60-0458
Maj Francis J. Byrne, - 61-0220
Capt John H. Schaub - 61-0055
Maj James D. Murray - 62-4387
Capt Dennis W. Jarvi - 62-4361
Maj Thomas W. C. Birge - 61-0219
Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. - 59-1759 (34 TFS pilot flying with the 469 TFS?)

Compiled by: W. H. Plunkett, Albuquerque NM Date Printed: 25 Apr 2011 Page 12 of 20 Pages
 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
Capt Ralph J. Hornaday, Jr. - 60-0464.

Also on this day, pilots from the 357 TFS, 355 TFW, struck Yen Bai airfield in RP-5 through an
undercast using Commando Club radar bombing. "Three separate strike flights from the 355 TFW at
Takhli hit the Yen Bai Airfield. Seventy-two 750-pound bombs were reported on target, with no BDA
noted."

Under Commando Club, "Another 355 TFW flight struck the Kim Lang Army Barracks delivering 24 M-
117s. No BDA was claimed." (7 AF WAIS 67-50 for period 1 Dec - 12 Dec 67, pg 3)

The history of the 354 TFS from Takhli RTAFB recorded their accomplishments during December
1967 that offered an overview of Rolling Thunder operations for the month. "December saw
increasing weather over North Vietnam that frequently prevented visual bombing missions.
Emphasis was shifted to radar controlled 'Commando Club' missions, to keep the pressure on
selected North Vietnamese targets. These strikes were launched against large storage areas, troop
barracks, rail yards and airfields. On the few times when it was possible to get visual BDA, our pilots
reported these strikes as very accurate and successful. Other 354th flights were busy in Laos where
the weather was generally good, by working with the airborne FACs who marked the hidden targets
with smoke. Our pilots were able to bomb with a high degree of accuracy. These targets were
usually storage areas, truck parks and vulnerable road segments."

"... During December, 354th pilots and EWOs were nominated for the following awards and
decorations: 1 Air Force Cross, 5 Silver Stars, 26 Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 38 Air Medals."
National Archives Camera shot list, archive control number NWDNM(m)-342-USAF-42649C & 355 TFW history,
Oct 67 - Mar 68, USAF microfilm NO463, frames 1572 - 1573 and 1583.
05-Dec-67 5850

"Gator" flight from the 34 TFS, 388 TFW, took off from Korat at 13:45 for a mission into RP-1 and
Laos where they worked with FAC Nail 47. The lineup was:

#1 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying 58-1157

#2 - Capt Jacob C. Shuler flying 60-0449 on his 27th combat mission.
#3 - Maj David C. Dickson, Jr. flying 60-0530 on his 44th combat mission
#4 - Col James L. Stewart, 388 TFW Assistant DO, flying 60-0528.

They attacked trucks in Laos and returned home after 2.3 hours.
Jake Shuler combat mission spreadsheet and mission card via e-mail 11 Jan 2011& Carolyn Dickson, 20 Apr 09
letter giving annotation on cigar band dated 5 Dec 67.
19-Dec-67 3134

On Tuesday afternoon F-105s from the 355 TFW and 388 TFW and F-4s from Ubon and Udorn
struck targets in North Vietnam. "This afternoon sixty-four aircraft, in two forces, were fragged on
three targets in Route Package 6A. ... Only one of the three fragged targets was successfully struck.
Of sixty-four aircraft fragged as two forces, only one force, the one from Takhli, made it to the target.

"This afternoon's effort was supported by six EB-66 aircraft that provided ECM from orbits over the
Laos/NVN border and the Gulf of Tonkin, four and two aircraft respectively.

"ALPHA force, composed of four F-105D strike flights ... from Korat, two F-4D strike flights ... from
Ubon, an Iron Hand flight (... two F-105Ds and two F-105Fs) also from Korat, and two F-4D MIGCAP
flights [call signs "Nash" and "Calico"] from Ubon were fragged on the Viet Tri and Tien Cuong
Railroad Yards; they never made it to their targets. Call signs of Korat's strike flights were: "Scuba",

Compiled by: W. H. Plunkett, Albuquerque NM Date Printed: 25 Apr 2011 Page 13 of 20 Pages
 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
"Locust", "Blivet", and "Gator". (Jake Shuler's mission card)

"ALPHA force included four F-105D strike flights from Korat fragged to strike the Viet Tri Railroad
Yard (21-18N and 105-26E) and two F-4D strike flights from Ubon fragged to strike the Tien Cuong
Railroad Yard (21-22N and 105-18E); never made it to their targets. ALPHA force, in its entirety,
including an Iron Hand flight (two F-105Fs and two F-105Ds) also from Korat, and two F-4D MIGCAP
flights from Ubon, were attacked by six MiG-21s and four to eight MiG-17s.

"Gator" was the fourth 388 TFW F-105 strike flights fragged against Viet Tri. The pilots, all from the
34 TFS, were:

# 1 - Maj Donald W. Hodge flying F-105D 60-0462

#2 - Capt Jacob C. Shuler flying 61-0132 on his 30th combat mission
#3 - Maj David C. Dickson, Jr. flying 59-1743 on his 48th combat mission, his 27th into RP-6
#4 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying 61-0086

The flight took off 13:50 and refueled from Red Anchor 44 at 14:40 for a TOT of 15:33. Jake Shuler
recalled, "Aside from the chewing out we all received from Bob Smith upon return (for allowing a few
MIGs to cause the ALPHA Strike Force to jettison stores and abort the mission), the thing I
remember most is the departure of my two wing tanks. As we lined up on our final heading to the
target, MiG calls increased in number as did radio chatter causing confusion, at least for me, as to
the actual threat to the strike force. When the call came from the Strike Force Commander to abort
the mission, Don Hodge, Gator Lead, started accelerating, as did the other flights. By the time Don
called for us to jettison stores, we must have been doing close to 600 Kts. I punched the Jettison
External Stores button and in my peripheral vision saw the tanks nose dive about 20-degrees and
descend about 10' relative to my aircraft, then immediately nose up and do a 180-degree flip barely
skimming over the top of my wing tips. I made a mental note never to do that again." (Jake Shuler
combat mission card and "Mission #30 Narrative" via e-mails 28 July 2010 and 11 Jan 2011.)

"The force was intercepted by six MiG-21s and four to eight MiG-17s, probably vectored out of Phuc
Yen and Gia Lam Airfields, respectively. ...

"BRAVO force, composed of four F-105D strike flights from Takhli, [Wildcat, Bison, Kingfish, and
Marlin] ... an Iron Hand flight (... four F-105Fs) [Otter] also from Takhli, and two F-4D MIGCAP flights
... from Udorn fragged on the Dai Loi Railroad Bridge, followed behind ALPHA force. ... The Iron
Hand and MIGCAP flights with the BRAVO force engaged MiGs, as the BRAVO strike aircraft
continued to their target. ...

"The flights of ALPHA force, then BRAVO force at a later time, departed their respective bases and
headed north to the overland refueling tracks, rendezvoused with their tankers, and refueled. From
drop-off, ALPHA force set course to the northeast directly toward their targets; BRAVO force
continued north to Channel 97. Passing Channel 97, BRAVO force turned to 060 degrees, toward 21-
07N and 105-10E. In the 'elbow' of the Black River, south and west of these last coordinates, ALPHA
force, followed by elements of BRAVO force, were engaged by MiGs and, hence, egressed the
reverse of ingress. The BRAVO strike aircraft and their Iron Hand were the only ones to continue as
planned, subsequently egressing via Thud Ridge, Yen Bai, Channel 97, and after post-strike
refueling, home.

"The force was later attacked by an estimated six MiG-21s and four to eight MiG-17s. All of the
ALPHA strike flights jettisoned stores and, generally, commenced egress. Of ALPHA's many
engagements, only [Nash 01] ... met with success ... a one-half MiG-17 kill. Following ALPHA force,
elements of BRAVO force, which included [Otter] (Iron Hand) ... [and two of the MIGCAP] flights,

Compiled by: W. H. Plunkett, Albuquerque NM Date Printed: 25 Apr 2011 Page 14 of 20 Pages
 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
engaged the same MiGs." "Nash 01" was an F-4D from Ubon flown by Maj Joseph D. Moore and 1Lt
George H. McKinney, Jr. from the 435 TFS.

"As for BRAVO force, its Iron Hand flight (four F-105Fs from Takhli) and its two F-4D MIGCAP flights
from Udorn had MiG encounters. However, the four F-105D strike flights from Takhli made it to the
target, the Dai Loi Railroad Bridge (21-15N and 105-14E)" (Red Baron report)

The four strike flights of four F-105Ds from the 355 TFW, "Wildcat", "Bison", "Kingfish", and "Marlin",
dropped a total of 90 MK-117s and six MK-82s on the Dai Loi railroad bypass bridge (ART 1600) at
coordinates 21-15-33N and 105-41-35E in RP-6A, North Vietnam. It was their second alternate target
that had been previously struck on 8 and 18 October and on 8 November. Pilots from the 357 TFS
flew in all four strikes.

All ordnance impacted in the target area. Heavy haze made BDA difficult but flights estimated
moderate to heavy damage to the bridge. "Bison" flight saw a large secondary explosion resulting in
fragments trailing white smoke being thrown approximately 200 feet into the air. The last flight to
strike the target saw light automatic weapons fire in the target area.

At 0838Z, while at 21-15N and 105-41E, "Marlin 3" saw two SAMs detonate 30 seconds apart
approximately 1/2 mile from the flight. The first detonation was behind and below the flight, while the
second was at the flight's altitude of 13,000 feet. The pilots couldn't determine the site that fired the
missile. At 0842Z, while at 21-25N and 105-30E, on a heading of 320 degrees, "Marlin 3" saw a third
SAM detonation approximately 4 nautical miles away at his 7 o'clock position. The SAM burst at
12,000 feet altitude but no aircraft appeared to be in the burst area. (355 TFW JOPREP)

The 355 TFW Wild Weasel "Otter" flight, led by Maj Robert R. Huntley and EWO Capt Ralph W.
Stearman from the 354 TFS with other flight members from the 333 TFS and 357 TFS, encountered
MiG-17s in supporting this strike. Takhli's Wild Weasels claimed three MiG kills. One kill was
credited to Capt Phillip M. Drew and EWO Maj William H. Wheeler, "Otter 03", from the 357 TFS.
Maj William M. Dalton and EWO Maj James M. Graham, "Otter 02" from the 333 TFS, 355 TFW,
received 1/2 credit for shooting down another MiG-17. This was the other half of the MiG kill credited
to the F-4D crew of "Nash 01". However, after two year's investigation, Seventh Air Force's Enemy
Aircraft Claims Evaluation Board disallowed the MiG-17 claimed by Huntley and Stearman, "Otter 01".
Red Baron II Event 79 (extracts) pp 266 - 300 & 355 TFW JOPREP JIFFY DOI 5802 OPREP-4/059 in USAF
microfilm NO463, frames 1420 and 1585 & 20 Apr 09 letter from Carolyn Dickson giving annotation on cigar band
dated 19 Dec 67.
20-Dec-67 6714

The four pilots of "Locust" flight from the 34 TFS left Korat at 14:20 for a TOT of 15:30. They
refueled from Red Anchor 43 going to and returning from the target. Their flight linup was:

#1 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying F-105D 59-1743

#2 - Capt Jacob C. Shuler flying 61-0072 on his 31st combat mission.
#3 - Maj William M. Blakeslee flying 60-0462
#4 - Capt Carl William Lasiter flying 60-0428

After studying his mission card many years later, Jake Shuler wrote, "This mission apparently was a
Commando Club strike on a target in northeast Laos in the Phou Louang area, 20- 22N and 104-18E.
Directions received from Lima Site 85, Channel 97."

Lt Col Rufus Dye, Jr., also from the 34 TFS, flew his 21st mission as "Bass 01" against a target in
northern Laos. It was a Commando Club mission against the Ban Hat Heng barracks. "100 % in

Compiled by: W. H. Plunkett, Albuquerque NM Date Printed: 25 Apr 2011 Page 15 of 20 Pages
 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
target area. Entered RP-3 on egress."
Jake Shuler 20 Dec 67 mission card and e-mail 11 Jan 2011 & Rufus Dye Mission History log.
25-Dec-67 2772

"Christmas day was celebrated with many 354 TFS flights [from the 355 TFW, Takhli] striking targets
in Laos. Laos was not included in the one-day truce that covered North and South Vietnam."

At the 388 TFW, Korat, the 44 TFS Wild Weasel crew of Capt Robert E. Dorrough, Jr. and his EWO
Maj Clarence S. "Bud" Summers flew a combat mission into Laos. "Monday - Merry Christmas to Ho
Chi. Hit his supply route in early A.M. in Laos. Our flight carried 24 x 750-pound bombs. Sure lit up
the sky. Unfortunately this was a non-counter."

Another pilot from Korat, Capt Earl J. Henderson, 469 TFS, also flew a non-counting mission into
Laos.

"Merry Christmas!

"Flew non-counter in far southern Laos. Took off at 3:00 AM. Still very dark when we landed.
Combat Skyspot mission. Bombs lit up sky."

"Pancho" flight from the 34 TFS at Korat launched at 10:05 on a two-hour non-counting mission
against a target at location 15-51N and 106-47E. Their lineup was:

#1 - Maj David C. Dickson, Jr. flying F-105D 59-1759

#2 - Capt Irving E. LeVine flying 60-0435
#3 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying 60-0425
#4 - Capt Jacob C. Shuler flying 61-0132 on his first non-counting combat mission. He had 35
counters to date.

"The reason this was a non-counter was that we were not allowed to bomb NVN on Christmas Day. I
believe this was my first and only time working with a Covey FAC, in this case Covey 239 flying an O-
2A .... Covey FACs with 2xx call signs flew primarily in Zone 2 of southern Laos designated
'Tigerhound'. We made contact on UHF frequency 338.8 after flying towards coordinates 15-50.5N
and 106-46E. After making visual contact, Dave (Dickson) started a counterclockwise orbit around
Covey 239 who was well below us. He explained that our target was a camouflaged 37MM gun
emplacement that had been giving him fits. He fired a white phosphorus rocket then called the
targets location relative to the white smoke. Dave dropped his bombs (I'm pretty sure we were
carrying 500 pounders) and Covey 239 called the target relative to the bomb impact. Successively,
Irv (LeVine) and Clyde (Falls) dropped their bombs and after each drop Covey 239 called the relative
location of the target to the bomb impact points. So, by the time I rolled in I had a pretty good idea of
where the target was, the advantage of being #4 in the formation. Well I was fortunate enough to get
a direct hit, probably the only reason I remember this mission in such detail. Im sure I would have
gotten a lot of ribbing if I hadnt come closer that the other three." (Jake Shuler's combat mission
spreadsheet & e-mail 11 Jan 2011)

The 34th also launched the five-ship "Gator" flight into Laos. The flight took off at 11:45 and returned
after flying for 2 hours 15 minutes. The flight line up was:

#1 - Maj Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong flying F-105D 62-4387

#2 - Maj Wintford L. Bazzell, 469 TFS
#3 - Capt Douglas A. Beyer
#4 - Capt Vernon D. Ellis

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 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
#5 - Capt Edward L. Jones

This was the first non-counting combat mission that Maj Armstrong had flown since his arrival at
Korat in October. "Christmas present. Even though there was a 24-hour truce in effect, we launched
a number of strikes against infiltration routes in Laos. We had a 5th man as he was originally in
another flight and had to change aircraft. Our target was in Laos, about the same latitude as Hue,
South Vietnam, and about 5 miles inside Laos. The weather was supposed to be overcast there so
we were set up for a Combat Sky Spot. We dropped via Sky Spot but as we released we looked
down and saw our bombs hit very close to the target." (Maj Sam Armstrong's 100-mission combat
log.)

Lt Col Rufus Dye, Jr., 34 TFS, flew as "Ozark 3" against a road segment in southern Laos. "100%.
Two road cuts. One possible secondary." It was his 25th combat mission.
355 TFW history, Oct 67 - Mar 68, USAF microfilm NO463, frame 1573 & Bob Dorrough's combat diary & Earl
Henderson, combat diary & Rufus Dye Mission History log.
29-Dec-67 5855

"Crossbow" flight from the 34 TFS, 388 TFW, at Korat launched at 07:30 on a two-hour mission
against a target at 19-36N and 103-40E, near Dong Hoi in RP-1. Their lineup was:

#1 - Maj David C. Dickson, Jr. flying F-105D 62-4361 on his 55th combat mission
#2 - Capt Jacob C. Shuler flying 60-0152 on his 38th combat mission.
#3 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying 60-0530
#4 - Capt Irving E. LeVine flying 61-0072

In reading his mission card many years later, Jake Shuler commented, "On this mission, according to
the Mission Data Card, our assigned target was just east of Ban Ban in northern Laos, coordinates 19-
36N and 103-40E. Other notations indicate that we may have been diverted to a target at
coordinates 16-53N and 106-01-30E, 113 degrees, 90 NM from Channel 89. This target is about 60
NM southwest of Dong Hoi in southern Laos."
Jake Shuler's combat mission card and e-mail 11 Jan 2011 & Carolyn Dickson, 20 Apr 09 letter giving annotation
on cigar band dated 29 Dec 67.
23-Jan-68 4870

On the day that North Korea captured the Navy intelligence ship USS Pueblo off the coast of North
Korea, "Pistol" flight from the 34 TFS flew a mission into North Vietnam directed by the Commando
Club radar. The flight took off at 0615. Its line up was:

#1 - Maj Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong flying F-105D 58-1152

#2 - Capt Harry Guy Paddon III
#3 - Maj James E. Daniel, Jr., 34 TFS Ops Officer
#4 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr.

It was Maj Armstrong's 60th combat mission. "This was a 1st alternate target execution. I was
Mission Commander and the primary and secondary targets were the same as they had been for
several days. Our first alternate target was an army barracks southeast of Phu Tho in a Commando
Club. The weather was marginal; several decks of clouds with the top one being at about 11,500
feet. There was one call of Blue Bandits (MiG-21s) being airborne from Phuc Yen but no contact.
We went ahead and dropped on schedule. On the way out, we got a call that we had some Red
Bandits (MiG-17s) at 3 miles that they were sleepers. Never saw them. Otherwise an uneventful
Pack V mission." Their mission lasted for 2 hours 45 minutes.

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 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
After flying his 60th combat mission since his first on 5 October 1967, Maj Armstrong met his wife in
Hawaii for R&R. He returned to Korat on 8 February 1968.

Under Combat Skyspot, Lt Col Rufus Dye, Jr., 34 TFS, flew as "Gator 2" against an interdiction point
in RP-1. It was his 33rd combat mission.
Maj Armstrong's 100-mission combat log, pp 24 - 25 & Rufus Dye Mission History log.
21-Feb-68 5873

"Gator" Flight from the 34 TFS flew a mission into Laos and North Vietnam. The lineup was:

#1 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr. flying F-105D 59-1760

#2 - Capt John S. Murphy flying 60-0436 on his 3rd combat mission
#3 - Maj Carl B. Light flying 61-0162
#4 - Capt David C. Dickson flying 60-0435 on his 88th combat mission
Spare - 60-5375

Each aircraft carried six 750-lb bombs, two AIM-9s on a dual-mount pylon on one outboard and an
ECM pod on the other outboard. Each of the 20-mm cannons had a full load of ammo.

The flight left Korat at 15:30 for a 16:30 TOT. Inbound to the target, they refueled at 16:00 from
White Anchor 44 at 16,000 feet, the same tanker they used for post-strike refueling. Their fragged
target was the Ban Van NE military complex in Laos but they ended up in North Vietnam strafing
trucks in RP-1 near Quang Khe.

John Murphy recalled the mission. "The target area was, as was most of Southeast Asia on that day,
completely obscured by clouds. We most likely dropped our ordnance via "COMBAT SKY SPOT"
(ground controlled/directed radar-guided release), straight and level above the cloud deck, all four
aircraft in route formation, and all at the same time. I am sure we did drop while over Laos.

"Following the drop, Lead asked the airborne command post for permission to enter N. Vietnam for
armed road recce. Permission was granted, though cloud cover might prevent access. Again, I don't
remember who came up on the same radio freq. though most likely it was a "Misty FAC" (F-100
Forward Air Controller), and he told us there were trucks on a road north of Dong Hoi. We continued
on in an easterly direction. Cloud cover prevented us from seeing anything below; the terrain was
completely blocked from view.

"Maj. Falls told the flight he was going to lead us down through the cloud deck and hopefully get
under the cloud cover while we were out over the South China Sea. We tucked our aircraft in tight
and flew on his wing in close fingertip formation, and started down through the clouds. We finally
broke-out, over the sea at ... an altitude of 2000 to 3000 feet above the water, perhaps lower. We
turned back to the west and proceeded to cross the NVN shore line. The cloud base was ragged,
varying in height above the ground. Lead found the trucks and we all started to take separation on
Lead in order to establish our individual gun runs. To me, it seemed as though we were in a very
tight opening, almost like being inside an enclosed football field, low clouds with very limited
horizontal visibility. The fact that we were traveling at 450 - 500 kts inside a 'mixing bowl' did not
help me to acquire the target(s). I was busy keeping Lead and the other flight members in sight, and
staying within the limits of the 'bowl'.

"I set up my first firing pass, trying to gain separation from Lead and pick out my target, but not very
successfully. I saw Lead get off his first firing pass while I was still fighting to get into a firing
position. At that point I made the decision to abandon my pass, stay out of the way of the flight
members behind me, and to join on Lead in a fighting wing position. I did not want to screw up this

Compiled by: W. H. Plunkett, Albuquerque NM Date Printed: 25 Apr 2011 Page 18 of 20 Pages
 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
opportunity for the flight, I did not want to get forced back up in to the cloud deck, I did not want to
become separated from the flight and become an issue for Lead, so I decided to jump on his wing
and hang on. And, to complicate matters, I really didn't know exactly where we were.

"Over the next few minutes, I was not able to look at anything but to keep my Lead's 'light in the star'
and say 'Two.' I don't remember how many passes the flight made on the trucks, but I would guess
two or three. We were flying in a very tight 'circle' and pulling lots of G's. Lead finally called it off
and we headed west, climbing back up through the clouds, and all joining up on top. We proceeded
back to the Tanker for a post-strike refuel and then on back to Korat. Maj. Falls complemented me
for staying out of the way."

Capt Joseph S. Sechler, also from the 34th, flew his fifth mission over North Vietnam. His flight
lineup was:

#1 - Lt Col Nevin G. Christensen

#2 - Capt Anthony F. Germann
#3 - Maj James Hardin Metz
#4 - Capt Joseph S. Sechler

Capt Sechler logged 3:05 flying hours.

John C. Murphy's mission card and narrative via e-mail 22 Jan 2011 & Carolyn Dickson, 20 Apr 09 letter giving
annotation on cigar band dated 21 Feb 68 & Joe Sechler flight log via e-mail 28 Apr 10.
23-Feb-68 4882

"Hatchet" flight from the 34 TFS bombed guns south of Mu Gia Pass in Laos. They took off at 0600.
Their line up was:

#1 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr.

#2 - Maj Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong flying F-105D 60-5381
#3 - Maj Melvin L. Irwin
#4 - Maj Ivor K. Goodrich

This was Maj Armstrong's 73rd combat mission. "I was the super spare today and was very lucky to
get airborne. The original #2 man had tank feeding troubles and I took his place. We went over to
Laos about 20 miles south of Mu Gia Pass and dropped on some V.C. gun positions. We got one
secondary fire started. After that we went over into Pack I looking for a hole in the clouds." They
flew for 2 hours 20 minutes.
Maj Armstrong's 100-mission combat log, pg 29.
08-Mar-68 4891

The four pilots in "Scuba" flight from the 34 TFS tried to destroy a crashed helicopter in Laos. They
took off at 1425 and returned after 3 hours 5 minutes. Their line up was:

#1 - Capt William A. Thomas, Jr.

#2 - Maj Spence M. "Sam" Armstrong flying F-105D 59-1771
#3 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
#4 - Maj Douglas A. Roysdon

This was Maj Armstrong's 82nd combat missions. "I swapped places with Bill Thomas when we were
executed 1st alt to give him some more leading practice. We were sent over to bomb one of our
helicopters that had crashed on a mountain in Laos, south of Mu Gia Pass. For some reason they
wanted it knocked out. Well there was a little puffy cloud right over the hill and we had to come in

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 Clyde L. Falls, Jr.
F-105 History
very shallow to hit it and consequently none of us got a direct hit on it. We then went over to Quang
Khe and found some boats in the river. We made two strafing passes apiece on these boats. Then
we came home out of Pack I."
Maj Armstrong's 100-mission combat log, pp 31 - 32.
31-Mar-68 5165

Five F-105 pilots assigned to the 34 TFS in the 388 TFW at Korat completed flying 100 missions
during March 1968. Since Capt Robert D. Pielin flew his 100th mission in July 1966, the first pilot in
the 34th to do so, these five were the 76th through the 80th pilots from the 34th to achieve this goal.

#76 - Maj Clyde L. Falls, Jr.

#77 - Capt Douglas A. Beyer - 12 March 1968
#78 - Maj David C. Dickson, Jr. - 17 March 1968
#79 - Maj William M. Blakeslee
# 80 - Maj Almer L. "Buddy" Barner, Jr.

After arriving home on 23 March 1968, Maj Dickson's assignment returned him to the Air Defense
Command this time to Tyndal AFB where he flew F-106s. He remained there until he retired as a
major in 1970.

Maj Falls was also assigned to the Air Defense Command as an F-106 pilot. He belonged to the 318
FIS, McChord AFB, WA. He died in the crash of F-106A 59-0148 on 22 April 1969 near Mt. Rainier,
WA.

Capt Beyer was reassigned to Wurtsmith AFB MI as a KC-135 aircraft commander. (Doug Beyer, e-
mail 27 Apr 10)
34 TFS web site accessed on 2 April 2007 at http://s88204154.onlinehome.us.34tfs/scarf.htm & Carolyn Dickson,
telephone interview, 23 Apr 09 & F-106 Delta Dart Forum at http://forum.f-106deltadart.com/

Compiled by: W. H. Plunkett, Albuquerque NM Date Printed: 25 Apr 2011 Page 20 of 20 Pages