F105 Thunderchief War Stories - Fighting Migs In Vietnam | Veteran Dave Waldrop

Interviews with Veteran Pilots and Republic F105 Thunderchief War Stories, such as fighting the Mikoyan-Gurevich MiG-17 In Vietnam.
Dave Waldrop grew up in Nashville, TN and graduated from the University of Tennessee in 1964 with a BS degree. From there he attended Air Force flight training at Laughlin AFB, TX. Upon graduation from flight training, Dave went to Nellis AFB Las Vegas Nevada where he checked out in the F-105 Thunderchief. On completion of his training, he was assigned to Yokota AFB, Japan. In May 1967 Dave volunteered for temporary duty in SE Asia and was sent to Takhli Air Base, Thailand. After flying 45 missions, Dave was released and was to return to Yokota, but instead, requested to be reassigned to Korat AFB, Thailand which needed experienced F-105 drivers due to having experienced some heavy losses. In December 1967, Dave completed his combat tour and returned to Yokota AFB, Japan with 105 combat missions in the F-105 including 49 over Hanoi.
Dave’s achievements while flying combat include:
3 Silver Stars
3 Distinguished Flying Crosses
12 Air Medals
1 Well Done for saving a sick F-105
1 Ejection in Southeast Asia from a F-105
1 Confirmed Mig-17 Gun Kill
1 Probable Mig-17 Gun Kill
One of these Silver Stars was for One Confirmed Mig-17 Gun Kill and another probable Mig-17 Gun Kill on August 23, 1967. Both Migs were on the tail of another F-105 with the lead Mig firing at the F-105. Dave was able to close on the Migs at a speed of over Mach 1.2 and prevented the other F-105 from being shot down.
On returning to Yokota AFB, Japan Dave checked out in the F-4 Phantom. He was reassigned to the states in September 1968 and was assigned to Kirtland AFB, NM as a Weapons Research and Development Test Pilot. While there Dave flew both the F-104 Starfighter and the F-4 Phantom. Dave also flew as a Maintenance Test Pilot in both the F-105 and F-4 during his service in the USAF.
Dave separated from the USAF in February 1970 and joined Delta Airlines. He flew with them for thirty-two years. During that time, he instructed on the Boeing 737 for six years. After joining Delta, Dave transferred to the Marine Corps Reserves at Dobbins AFB, GA and flew the F-8 Crusader for 4 years until they were retired from service. After leaving the reserve program, Dave built and flew a Pitts Special biplane. He then joined two other Pitts drivers and performed as a formation air show team.
Watch more aircraft, heroes, and their stories, and missions ➤ / @dronescapes
To support/join the channel ➤ www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes/...
IG ➤ / dronescapesvideos
FB ➤ / dronescapesvideos
X/Twitter ➤ dronescapes.video/2p89vedj
THREADS ➤ www.threads.net/@dronescapesv...
#f105 #aircraft #combat

[@Dronescapes]

➤➤ Watch more aircraft, heroes, and their stories, and missions: www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes ➤➤ Join the channel: www.youtube.com/@Dronescapes/join ➤ IG ➤ instagram.com/dronescapesvideos ➤ FB ➤ facebook.com/Dronescapesvideos ➤ X/Twitter ➤ dronescapes.video/2p89vedj ➤ THREADS ➤ www.threads.net/@dronescapesvideos

[@ual737ret]

The political leadership in power during the Vietnam war never was held accountable for their massive negligence. It was guys like Dave that paid the price and held things together. I thank all of them for their service.

[@harryblox760]

I'm British, but the US government seemed to avoid any accountability like you said and almost stood back avoiding any direct backlash letting the people like this chap get abuse as if it was all their idea. The fact that they came home after what they were put through and not knowing that they were going to get a different reception to what they were worthy of. Welcome home is all I can say.

[@truthboomertruthbomber5125]

@ual737… it was not negligence .

[@michaelmorrison687]

You're being too kind when referencing the way LBJ and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamara handled the Vietnam War. I can't help how criminally negligent they were... dereliction of duty to the servicemen who fought there and the American people. They murdered over 58,000 Americans.

[@KeshHarp]

Criminal negligence​@@truthboomertruthbomber5125

[@adanrodriguez3865]

So true and that’s why we lost in Vietnam.

[@jollygreen4662]

Dave, thank you for your service, sacrifice, and loyalty

[@thedolt9215]

This gentleman is a Sierra hotel fighter pilot… A master storyteller… I could listen to him all day!

[@theflyer4916]

What a great video. David Waldrop is a true American hero. Thank you sir!

[@thecollegedean]

So grateful for this man's honesty. Our nation's leaders had no intention of winning the war in Vietnam. It's well past-time to call this out and demand an accounting.

[@JeffreyWilliams-dr7qe]

From who?

[@tanviet76]

*Hello Mr. Waldron sir. I’m a southerner Vietnamese. Thank you for your serviced and I really enjoyed your storytelling. Once again thank you*

[@bryangibson2788]

That war was totally mishandled. And the soldiers, sailors, airmen and Marines are not to blame.

[@tanviet76]

@@bryangibson2788 *_"That war was totally mishandled."_* ........ _I absolutely agree. From the outset, when the OSS, alongside the 'Deer Team,' parachuted into the Ho Chi Minh quarter near the Vietnam-China border in 1945, it's evident that the Kennedy administration did not treat Vietnamese leaders, particularly the Ngo Dinh Diem regime, as equals. This reflects a certain mentality of superiority that lead to him and his brother murder in 1963._

[@richarddumont5389]

Thank you for allowing us to hear 1st Lt Waldrop, I did a plastic model of his thud when I was a kid and I now discover how humble straightforward and sensitive this man is.

[@stefanschutz5166]

I too had a Thud model, made by Monogram. Best wishes from Amsterdam.

[@charlesmauro5905]

That's the first time I ever heard a war story straight from the person that lived it. It's with the deepest respect that I would like to thank you for sharing the story of your experiences while serving this country. You had me glued to my chair the whole time. I had an uncle that I believe was a tail Gunner in a b-29 in world war II. But I only heard bits and pieces of his story through others. But to hear these stories that brave men like you lived through, is something you don't get to hear that often. And it's quite humbling to know that any day could be your last. But you went out and did it anyway. Thank you for your service! If it wasn't for brave men like you, God only knows what life would be like in this country. Thank you

[@mikenovick4827]

Thanks Dave for sharing your flying experience and your dedication to becoming a premier Thud Driver, the true American dream coming true. If one has the passion and drive you can become anything you want, thanks again and all the best . Mike

[@givingisbetterthantaking..829]

Great story. Thanks for your service,( BTW some of the ground troops were volunteers, like my brother 101st KIA Aug 8 ,1968) again thanks.

[@geoffreymee7671]

I'm very impressed with you, Shark, Dave Waldron. Your story is so full of honesty and at times chilling fact. It is the best Vietnam aerial combat story I have ever heard. Thank you from an Aussie.

[@jeffreybray4473]

Dave, thank you so much for your service and for telling us your amazing story. I started watching and just couldn’t stop listening. I am so glad I stumbled upon your story. I was grinning ear to ear listening as you told of your remarkable experiences. It was like I was there with you in the cockpit. Regards, JB

[@charlesmoss8119]

What a wonderful raconteur, thank you so much for brining this to me!

[@oO-_-_-_-Oo]

Outstanding! Thank you so much for allowing this humble American fighter pilot to tell his story. Long live freedom, dammit!

[@MADMAX353]

Right on the money!!! Great interview and Dave Waldrop hit the nail on the head! The policies that Johnson and McNamara forced on our military in Vietnam killed more of our troops than the enemy. And he is absolutely right about the JCS not stepping up and confronting Johnson about his interference dictating TACTICS to our pilots!

[@richwalling6694]

Very interesting. Now I know who is reponcible for the 2 red stars on that 105 when I saw it taxi. I was a weapons mechanic in the 40th TAC fighter squadron that replaced 105's in the 469TFS. We got there in November of 1968 . I loaded 5 million pounds of ordnance on F-4E's the year I was there during the Halt over the north.

[@philsco47]

Thank you to all the people that made this video happen. My father completed his one hundred missions flying the thud out of Korat with the 34th TFS just months before Mr. Waldrop arrived at Korat. Their stories need to be told . And thank you for your service Mr. Waldrop!

[@TEXCAP]

Same. My dad flew with the 34th TFS. Completed his 100th in Sept 1966. Returned in 73 and came home in 74 as a the Commander of the Wild Weasel.

[@RandallSoong-pp7ih]

Awesome video. Thank you Mr.Waldrop. Love to hear the stories and experiences straight from the people who lived these incredible lives

[@robertbartelmes7623]

Excellent Video ... Hearing Dave describe Thuds "Goin' Downtown Doin' God's Work" warms the Cockles of My Heart ... During 1972 in flight school at Columbus AFB I flew T-38s with an IP named Captain Crooks ... he'd flown Thuds 'Downtown' outta Korat ... He was a Bad Ass MoFo Pilot who always remained as Cool as a Cucumber,,, Bart, Columbus AFB Class 73-06

[@94Whiskey]

What an amazing story of a warrior....laughter, tears & heart break...not a boring moment. The 105 .....truly a sexxxy bird! The story of the legendary Robin Olds..... the legend giving you such acolades!!! The moments of sadness, pain and heart break, we feel it sir. As a service member myself with Marine infantry, i am grateful for all that focus on their commitment to press on with the mission and saving another service members life. Thank you for your story sir1 I am so grateful to serve this country because of warriors like you sir!

[@jamesmterrell]

I would stay up to watch High Flight sign off in San Antonio, Texas. It stirs my soul.

[@user-fi2ix7mr6i]

When Waldrop described his hunting experience with land owners getting permission and today's attitude was a major connection for me in this outstanding interview. Brings back good memories of a time well missed.

[@TheBanjoFlyBoy]

Dave I can relate. Your story is similar to mine. Grew up in southern middle Tennessee hunting and fishing at an early age. Graduated from Tennessee Tech in 1969 and graduated from UPT 6/‘71. No Thuds for my class so my 21 year Air Force career was KC135s, T37s and E3s. Would love to meet you. Enjoyed your video!

[@redrum707monkey]

great interview 👍💯

[@douglasmcmillion]

Best interview I've seen on the Tube. 35th TAC Ftr Sqrn 8th TAC Wing 73-79.

[@Dronescapes]

Wow, thank you

[@newdefsys]

Awesome interview. Listened to the whole thing.

[@jyellowhammer]

Damn right!

[@SOLAscriptura-]

Outstanding interview. These are so valuable for not only ours, but future generations as well.

[@2-Hands]

I am currently building some models for a local Museum of General "Chappie" James here in Pensacola, Florida and one for the models that I will doing is an F-105D in the markings of Lt. Waldrop on the day he got his MIG Kill in Hanoi Special. "Thank You" for my FREEDOM, Lt. Waldrop...

[@michaeltownsend4644]

That emotion @20:57 after all the years. Beautiful to watch

[@Robertmacmedia]

What a great story thank you for serving our country 🇺🇸🙏

[@worthymartin4008]

what a fine gentleman. truly an outstanding video. i am grateful for this

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@cassidy109]

I have so much respect for the pilots, aviators and aircrew who flew combat over Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War. These men kept the faith and conducted themselves with honor and professionalism in a war that was not only increasingly unpopular, but criminally mismanaged. Nevertheless, these day after day strapped themselves into their aircraft and flung themselves against some of the heaviest defenses in the history of aerial warfare.

[@NashMax]

What a great video history of an amazing man who also grew up in Nashville, even attending the same high school as my parents.

[@grovepeate3316]

What a joy to hear your story.Did you ever come through Eglin,AFB? I was a physiological Training Spec.Which was Alitude Chamber training.I also taught survival at our school.I loved all the pilots we trained from Tac.Thankyou for your brave service.

[@82lowe36id]

My dad served in the Vietnam war in the Air Force as aircraft weapons and was also stationed at Takhli I think! He talks about this plane a lot and calls it the Thunder Thud.

[@hangie65]

Excellent interview, thanks for posting. The common theme for Vietnam era fighter pilots is how much the leadership stateside not only let them down, but made an already risky and dangerous job even more so by hampering them and imposing rules of engagement that all but ensured that they could not do their job effectively.

[@davidglasgow5322]

true Hero,thank you for your service

[@wayneschenk5512]

Great interview he didn’t hold back.

[@stefanschutz5166]

Fascinating. What a man! Thank you so much from Amsterdam.

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@michaelcox1071]

That was a powerful interview. Thank you for posting this.

[@howardstotler616]

Outstanding video!

[@KenKlabon]

A very good interview with a fellow Tahkli vet His terms are what we understand as well with hand gestures I was a gun plumber in the 333rd I left for home in late January of 67

[@Dronescapes]

Thank you for your service, and welcome home Ken!

[@anselmdanker9519]

Thank you for your service. And for sharing your experiences.

[@sergioleone3583]

Outstanding! Everything about Lt. Waldrop's account here, from his early days to the conclusion was riveting, inspiring and relevant. God Bless him, and thanks so much for his service! I was born in 67, and know a little history. Just last Saturday in a conversation with my dad when my dad mentioned mcnamara and johnson, I said they were two people form the 1960s that I had the lowest opinion of. It was a bit chilling to hear Lt. Waldrop's description of them and his feelings for them so soon after that conversation.

[@anderspedersen6750]

Fantastic interview.

[@maxmccain8950]

I really like this guy. I’d fly with him anytime.

[@leewilborg7046]

Amazing interview! He is a true hero. Thanks for posting this.

[@Dronescapes]

Glad you enjoyed it!

[@OHW313]

Thank you Dave, I'm lucky to have heard your excellent story. 😊😊😊

[@richiephillips1541]

Awesome video. Thanks!

[@Dronescapes]

Our pleasure!

[@militarytales]

A brilliant interview!

[@DirkDiggler6903]

dave waldrop, thanks for your service.

[@nordogs]

With deep respect I would like to thank you - so impressive. 🙏🙏

[@Dronescapes]

Thanks for listening

[@leftypick4854]

Tech sgt Ray was there with you guys. Nakhon Phanom? Awe boy, that accent is the only one I understand. Thank you for posting this one.

[@leewood331]

great video

[@franciscopiresdamotafilho4298]

Excelente!!!!Muito boa postagem!!!!

[@k9hooch01]

Wonderful story straight from the heart. Dave Spoke the absolute truth at the end about Johnson Machamer and the joint chiefs!!

[@kevoman4980]

incredible story, thanks!

[@Dronescapes]

Our pleasure!

[@glennlarson9343]

Loved your story!

[@jollygreen4662]

These guys flew side by side with maverick's father back in the days

[@Bellquist11]

Fantastic video. Col. Robin Olds.....wow!!!!

[@rudeone4life]

Mad respect to all THUD pilots!

[@jagitmax]

I just finished watching and listening to you tell your story Lt. Waldrop , I would like to thank you for your service . Your the type of American we need to lead this country forward , if you ever decide to run for any political office , you got my vote.

[@VistaThaiGuy]

I was born near Takhli in early 1966 and ended growing up in Birmingham, AL in the mid 70's.😂

[@ultimatewarrior6743]

Enjoyed

[@jyellowhammer]

This interview is extremely special to me. Mr. Waldrop allows an ole boy like me into his world of which I could only dream of being apart of. Thank sir for relating your story.

[@PJHEATERMAN]

Out of all the century series fighters the F105 was the meanest looking bird. Big too.

[@kevinmccorkle7476]

BZ, and welcome home Sir!

[@fredc3543]

Wow, what a story. And, he's only one of many guys. Leaves me wishing for better leadership in our present day.

[@avioncitos55]

Brillante entrevista

[@46bovine]

Thank you for your great narrative about your service to our country. I was in Vietnam in 1970, I was an enlisted swab jockey on the USS America (CVA-66). Thank you again. Yes, indeed, Johnson and MacNamara were lousy leaders who never got their heads out of their a$$es!

[@grovepeate3316]

After listening to the whole podcast I totally agree with you.I hated LBJ and Macnamera for the utter stupidity of the prosecution of that air war.Erly 66 I had to give a class and I looked around and. saw those 100 and 200 mission patches and I was in awe of these brave pilots.I immediately asked has anyone punched out.When 3 hands came up,I let them take over the class.I got the highest rating on my critique then any senior instructor.I was spellbound listening to you,and again sir.. Thankyou.

[@NormanL-sj9ci]

Norman Schmidt was an air Force pilot early 60s shot down over hanoi sorry to say norm didn't make it. His wife Marie and daughter Karen from Boulder Creek Any info on Marie and Karen would be wonderful

[@fraucow]

Great, great video and a true hero of our country. Robin Olds' tells his side of the same story in his book. However, at 1:08:45 the auto CC dubs in a very bad translation that needs fixing before KZbin yanks it.

[@usethenoodle]

A top notch story of a top notch guy! A great story and wonderfully told. Thanks!!!!!

[@kristensorensen2219]

Entertaining! How anyone could be excited by Vietnam?

[@davesanford4798]

The problem with people now is they didn't learn all that stuff that makes kids decent adults hum 16 year Olds off by themselves with shot guns and there where no issues Makes you wonder This world needs a hard reset and people need to be forced back to reality

[@jamesnorwood4084]

That flyer ethos goes back to W.W.!.

[@KeshHarp]

Was at Yakota '64 - '68

[@MCB-JAPANxPeria10-MAIL]

20-mm Cannon is the best weapon of this F-105 where F4-Phantom II did not have in the first few years.

[@ronrothstein4175]

Once in your life time someone or something happens that make you Superman you my friend have had both the engagement and meeting robin olds

[@silverwings1843]

A one way trip to The Hanoi Hilton!!!!!!!!!!!!

[@jamesallen3799]

So correct about the leadership from the JCS to the White house.

[@jamesbarr3455]

That's an American, right there. The rest of us need to sit down and take notes....

[@flyingsword135]

The war served the exact purpose the leadership, both civilian and military, wanted it to. Never meant to be "won".

[@markjfox866]

👏🏼👏🏼👏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🙏🏼🎖🎖🎖🎖🎖

[@minhson5482]

Loại F-105 này cùng với F-4 bị bắn rơi nhiều nhất ở Bắc Việt Nam.

[@orionalexanderspartandagge931]

Me sorprende que el Vietnam del Norte nunca haya lanzado ataques a las bases de tierra o a los portaaviones, si seguro que no tenían suficiente autonomía tal vez pero eso se arreglaría con un reabastecedor (seguro que la URRS ya tenia)...que raro que nunca se intento al parecer.

[@yolamontalvan9502]

Are they in Social Networks to thnk them for their services?

[@billotto602]

The F-105 might have been called a "fighter" because of the "F" in front of the number but it was a bomber, pure & simple. And their nickname was "THUD" because of the noise they made when they got shot down, which they did in great numbers. He speaks highly of his plane, which every pilot does, but they really sucked. That aircraft was not built for a war like Nam. God bless the poor pilots who flew them. 🫡 🇺🇸

[@jdupons]

where are the F105 s ? almost no aircraft in this video .. this is very sad

[@Dronescapes]

There is a whole video for that: kzbin.info/www/bejne/d6jFdquLhdd9pbc

[@pedrojulio5889]

So much fricken trauma...this helps to..?? make it worth remembering. I am so Proud of those of my time, who's NORMAL was like hero's on a daily bases. Those memories are more real then this crap that exists today. WW2 flyers is my family tradition.

[@bryangibson2788]

If this man is still alive, he is likely HIGHLY discouraged and ashamed of our current clown car leadership. All he and my Uncle Robert Kennedy (F-105D pilot in Vietnam with 100 mission patch. Just passed away unfortunately. ) fought for is steadily being pissed away.

[@nozomuoh4148]

Good old American way of life!

[@waynefletcher9884]

We’ll Dave there were social issues but just not where you were? Like the Little Rock 5

[@geraldrembert2461]

The F-105 was a mini bomber. Not a fighter. Pilots who flew the plane were told not to engage the MiG in a dog fight. Guaranteed loss.

[@julioshaheen8386]

As bad as leadership was back then, Imagine the the corrupt ignorant cowards we up there today!!! It would be Afghanistan Times 1000!!!!

[@eliassolomou980]

America: rules for thee but not for me

[@XMAN4504]

Himmm

[@wpjones809]

His recounting of the halcyon days in Tennessee in the 1950s and 1960s ignores a lot of unfortunate experiences of others at the same time.