F-4C MiG Killers, Thailand, 1967 [Silent, Unedited]

[@billybob36761]

I had the great fortune to fly with these guys bask in 1967. This video causes my throat to get lumpy. I was a GIB in the 433rd TFS.....Satans Angels. Robin Olds and Bill Kirk were the only two guys I ever idolized. Robin later became a "one star" and Bill became a "4 star" and commander of all AF's in EUROPE.

[@alexvillalva1832]

+William E. Coker Jr. Mr. Coker, you are a legend in having flown and served in the 433rd TFS with COL Olds, and having lived what this film captured. As I have studied Olds for many years, and in reading your words, only reinforces that Olds is one of those very rare military men who was a gifted, compassionate, and inspiring leader, and who earned the deepest respect from his men. I terrifically wish there were more like him in today's military, but I follow and emulate his example in my service as a senior NCO today. Thanks for your service in SEA, and for building the legacy and heritage that we follow and honor today.

[@cindylefton1534]

+William E. Coker Jr. Did you know my father, Maj. Herman Knapp? He was in the 433rd, and was shot down in April 1967.

[@catherinecurra7412]

William E. Coker Jr., if you happen to read this, I think I recognize your name. My Dad was an F-4 pilot, at the time he was Major James R. (Jim) Burnett and we lived next to you in London while you were at Ruislip. I remember your family, even though I was around 7 or 8 then. Kitty Burnett Curra

[@jimr7154]

My Cousin Richard Oliveira as a GIB flew out of Ubon during that time. If anybody has any video or photos I'd love to see them . I idolized all of you who flew. Thank god for all of you, and for your service. God Bless

[@legalfictionnaturalfact3969]

if your throat is lumpy, see a physician. better yet, stop swallowing every time.

[@joevanseeters2873]

Even though silent, you can just see the camaraderie between all the men in the unit. And when Robin Olds comes out to personally congratulate the aviators on the mission, that was a great moment. The signs of a great commander is to do things like that. Olds is an absolute LEGEND in the Air Force and one of the greatest aviator command officers they ever had in the Air Force and a "Triple Ace" combat pilot in three separate wars/conflicts (WWII, Korea, and Vietnam). These men deserve great recognition and thanks for protecting our freedoms.

[@Laser-warriorjf9ny]

Olds never made it to Korea. His wife had some high powered Hollywood connections who were friends with the Secretary of the Air Force that got him blocked from going for her own reasons!

[@jafo766]

The man is a LEGEND to any little boy who ever seen him climb into an F-4 Phantom !

[@backinthedayhippie609]

Brings a tear to my eye and love in my heart. I am an F-4C crew chief and I can hear the screaming and thunderous whine of those good'ole J79's. I love the F-4, it is an airplane that I had the distinct pleasure of working on. It wasn't an easy plane to maintain, but man could it deliver a punch. It was more than a MIG killer, it was also a ground troop savior. Many a time did the F-4 drop munitions on enemy troops to save our boys from getting overrun and killed. The pilots who flew the F-4 are the best in the world, and the maintainers made it all happen. What's that old saying, that you can tell an F-4 crew chief by his bad knees and stooped over posture from spending too much time underneath the wings. Well, I'm still kicking and my knees aren't that bad.

[@bradclark8106]

Thank you Thank YOU "Back in the Day Hippie" My Dad flew an F-4C and spoke so highly of the support and ground maintenance.

[@PacificAirwave144]

What wonderful film quality. Look at the smiles, the energy, the accomplishment... Robin Olds the proud Papa congratulating his graduates... I admire their guts and desire to achieve!!

[@АлександрКоновцев-д7ъ]

Согласен, доблесть и честь должны присутствовать в каждом воине который защищает свою землю. Но если он встал хоть одной ногой на чужую, о нем даже памяти не останется. Напоминание вам ИСТИННЫМ ВОИНАМ от простых Русских людей. I agree, valor and honor should be present in every warrior who defends his land. But if he stood at least one foot on someone else’s, even memory will not remain about him. A reminder to you of the TRUE WARRIORS from ordinary Russian people.

[@legalfictionnaturalfact3969]

it's just learning to fly a plane. anyone can do that. then they murder people who haven't earned death. not everyone is scum enough to do that. :)

[@SteveBonomolo]

Brings back memories, worked on many an F4 Phantom @ Ubon airbase, 1968 thru 1969 those of which that made it back from their night missions (Sorties). Much respect to the men that flew those bad boys and those that served. God Bless America.

[@marionalvarez8763]

I was there at the same time.. AEMS.

[@legalfictionnaturalfact3969]

"steve's" channel doesn't have any content and never has. he's on linkedin, though. should i send him this vid link? lol.

[@JC-ye7pj]

Steve, dad became a Mig Killer Jan 3, 1968, based out of Ubon with the 433rd. I have been searching for anyone who would recognize his ground crew in my Profile Pic. And he would thank you for keeping them flying!

[@phillipvick6352]

I was there as crew chief in 497th f4 tail# 823 video bring back memories

[@romeokilo6507]

What an emotional video to watch. Puts tears in my eyes looking at the legendary fighter pilot Robin Olds. I read the book the (Fighter Pilot) all of the main characters are in the video.

[@legalfictionnaturalfact3969]

lol. ok, dude.

[@TravelRN910]

555 TFS known as Tripel Nickel was at Udorn RTAFB IN 1971 AND 1972 while I was the Crew Chief of F4D 650784. Major Robert Lodge and Captain Roger Locher flew my plane and killed 3 MIG 21's in 1972.

[@earlyprimate]

Just finished Robin Olds Fighter Pilot, great read and this video was great to watch.

[@miguelangelmatos9755]

What a find!!! Thanks for the upload! My father-in-law was Maj. Gen., Fred A. Haeffner, one of the pilots. (at the time of this video/film he was a Lt. Col. He is at time code 6:57 thru 7:48. He is the one holding the small milk bottle instead of Champagne since he didn't drink. In more detail in more detail at 13:21 thru 15:23) Very proud and lucky to have this to remember and honor his achievements.

[@TheChrisrods77]

Awesome video, Just finished reading Robin Olds book "Fighter Pilot"... This video just put everything into perspective. I'm in the Air Force now; I wish we still had that kind of camaraderie Robin Olds was always so proud of his men... Thats the kind of commanders we need today...

[@Sue-vb1nc]

TY for sharing this, Our Dad was there, ChiefMasterSarge R. C. Sicher ...he kept those planes flying right..."the first GD time!" He spoke of Robin Olds.

[@jackriley5974]

I was in the first AF unit to receive the F-4C at MacDill. (62 ? ) Having worked on, and very familiar with, the 100s for 2 years I didn't care for the new Com/Nav systems. I had to fight to get reassigned back to Japan and the Huns again. Speaking of Triple Nickel, at Itazuke we had a Hum with that tail number.

[@larrysmith1568]

Ubon RTAFB. I was there.

[@jonothantaylor4201]

1972-73: BG Olds was my commander at the Air Force Inspection & Safety Center, Norton AFB, CA. Am reading Christina Olds memoirs of her dad, FIGHTER PILOT. This video ties together his leadership and commanding presence. R.I.P. sir ! 🇺🇸⚓️🏝

[@jafo766]

The man is an ICON !

[@vivek27789]

@@jafo766 True... Very True

[@jerrybrownlee1753]

I spent 32 years as an aircraft technician with FEDEX, but I think my most exciting year was the one I spent in Ubon, Thailand in 1967-68 time frame. I was an engine mech. on the F-4 and it was one fine machine. Had one occasion when I was on a crew that pulled both engines out of the plane because it had flown through some trees. LIMBS were still in the compressor inlets when we removed them. Talk about tough. It was an amazing time and amazing machine. JB

[@RonLinthicum]

Thank you for your service and YES Robin OLDS yea...

[@jafo766]

Robin Olds was likely knocking Charlie out of the tree's with that one.

[@hckyplyr9285]

Thanks so much for the upload. This is the best Vietnam-era video I've seen since "There Is a Way" about the early Thud drivers at Korat RTAFB. I don't know which I respect more, these awesome Phantom drivers or the incredible bravery of the Thud pilots. I guess I'll have to respect them both the same - immensely. Thanks to all in the comments for your service. What a group of men! Men such as this are much more rare in today's USAF. Sadly. It is not at all the same. It's all about PC and social experimentation today.

[@kurts12gauge]

I saw Bill Kirk last week at his sisters funeral in Winnsboro, La. He is known as Uncle Buddy to us. He is still sharp as a tack & appeared to be in great shape, weighing less than 200 lbs, and about 6'3". For those who don't know, he is the man left of center above.

[@ricardocorbie6803]

General Chappie was a Big Hombre!! Wonder did they know they were making history and writing a page in the history of aviation?? Probably did!! ❤ Robin Olds was really in shape!! Looking like he worked out and could kick butt!!🔥🔥🔥

[@jackmorales5195]

This is epic video. The golden age of the USAF. These men were frickin giants. Col. Olds must have had the 8th at the absolute top of their game. Invincible!!! I've always hoped and prayed they'd make a movie about Operation Bolo.

[@pncombies]

Yes. I'm his son. One of the F-4's my dad flew is on static display at the Pima Outdoor Air Museum.

[@rickredmond9847]

Wow!

[@dontroutman8232]

Outstanding!

[@mikeoreilly7122]

My cousin Mark McGrath was flying with the Royal Australian Air Force in 1967 in Aussie re-built Sabres. Regrettably he died in January 68 when making a forced landing just outside the base and hit a family home, in which a young person too was killed. A very sad time then and today we still miss him. Great video thanks from an Auss

[@ManfromJapan12]

Was that here or in Malaysia

[@butchp568]

That's my frat brother, General Daniel "Chappie" James. also

[@tombutcher5776]

Wow.........Great footage! It was early in the war. Notice the pilots wearing rings, rank (stateside). Lots of flashy stuff that you don't want if you were shot down. I served at NKP (Nakhon Phanom) 75 miles due West of North Vietnam in the far North Eastern corner of Thailand. This clip sure brings back some old memories! RIP to those who are no longer with us.

[@billgoodman2348]

I was in 433 TFS 8th Tac Fighter Wing. Sgt. Wm. Goodman . Col. Olds was the best. My picture is in his book Fighter Pilot

[@dmiller9293]

Great video!!! Thanks for preserving this video for generations to come. Letting them see the heroics of the ground crews, flight crews, and leaders Olds, Chappie of the 8th TFW. My Father flew with the 497tfs "night owls" which I saw him standing on the flight line in this video, WOW!! what a suprise. Cheers, and FSH to all the best Wing!

[@Bluenose352]

I miss Robin. He was great to talk with. Great sense of humor.

[@normanwells1428]

This video was shot at Ubon Royal Thai Air Force base. It shows three 8th TFW crews returning and celebrating after MIG kills. The wing commander, Col Robin Olds, is shown frequently congratulating the crews. There are some duplicate shots in the video. 0:25: Return and celebration after Capt Dick Pascoe and Capt Norm Wells shot down a MIG-17 on 5 June 1967. They are initially greeted by Col Chappie James (8th TFW/CV) and LTC Jesse Allen (555th TFS/CC). 5:15: Maj Bill Kirk and Lt Steve Wayne celebrate after shooting down a MIG-17 on 13 May 1967 6:55: LTC Fred Haeffner and Lt Mike Bever celebrate after shooting down a MIG-17 on 13 May 1967. LTC Haeffner was assigned to the 390th TFS of the 366th TFW at DaNang, but was flying with the 433rd TFS of the 8th TFW at the time. 7:53: 8 June 1967 presentation of Phantom Club certificates for MIG kills by Col Olds. Left to right: Maj Tom Hirsch, Maj Ev Razzberry, Capt Frank Gullick, Col Robin Olds, Lt, Bill Laverer, Capt Dick Pascoe, Capt Norm Wells. 10:15: Maj Kirk and Lt Wayne’s celebration again. 13:15: LTC Haeffner and Lt Bever’s celebration again. 15:30: Maj Kirk and Lt Wayne paint star again

[@pncombies]

Indeed, Norman. This was from June '67. I was disappointed that the the producers of "Dogfights: Air Ambush" used some of this footage in that episode. It deceived the viewers into thinking these celebrations were those from the Bolo mission which took place 4 months earlier in January of '67.

[@pncombies]

Norman Wells Thank you, Norman Wells, for the insight and for your service to your country. I knew Major Kirk's son, Eugene, when we were in 7th and 8th grade at Holloman AFB in '71-72.

[@Tahara-Aichi]

now that airbase its the actual airport in ubonratchatani

[@ronnichols884]

Look closely and you can also see Col Chappie James, who later became commander of U. S. Strike Com, Mc Dill AFB, Fla.

[@moniqueleal9464]

Excellent info

[@pncombies]

Olds was the Wing Commander at Ubon! Chappie James was there, too, as well as Bill Kirk, who is seen being congratulated by Olds! The 555th 'Triple Nickel' and the 433rd 'Satan's Angels' TFS's were based in Ubon.

[@pncombies]

Major Combies appears at the 7:34 mark of the video. They used video from this event in the last few minutes of 'Dogfights: Air Ambush'. It gave the viewer the impression that they were seeing actual footage of the pilots celebrating after returning from Bolo. But, Colonel Olds didn't have his mustache on the Bolo mission. Thanks for mentioning Rambler 4.

[@gilbertwhitten1330]

I was there working crash recovery operations at that time. I drove Big Bertha.

[@azzaob510]

Great video, doesn't really need any sound to convey its message. Thanks for the upload.

[@ชมภูโสมกูล-ค7ฟ]

ปี่ที่เกิดเวียดนามมีสงครามพอดี1965

[@ngamo52Nick]

It's sad watching this video as I guess many of the people filmed have probably passed away. I know General Robin Olds passed away 2 or 3 years ago. What a great leader and aviator he was.

[@oldbaldfatman2766]

Sept. 27, 2018----Thanks for the video. I build plastic models and did 10 (71-81) in the Air Force. Started taking slides of military & ex-military aircraft in the mid 70's, then trading them with people from around the world. Have half a dozen or so slides of F-4's with MiG kills painted on the intakes when the aircraft were stationed at Elmendorf AFB, Alaska and while visiting Homestead AFB, Florida with Homestead having F-4E's & C's/D's with Mig kills on their intakes along with the type and date of the kill. Wonder how many of the F-4's shown here, I later shot at these two bases?

[@stiletto10826]

This was at Udorn and I was there when these guys from the 555th shot down a couple of Migs. I believe it may have been the first MIG 21s shot down. I was with the 20th TRS and so much remember the huge party at both clubs that night.

[@gforgamingwforwar1177]

I was there Oct 66-Oct67 Watchb them take off in the morning and watched this film beining made. Yes there was a party at the NCO club and O club.I was in both club that night and the beer was flowing.

[@tailhookmd2546]

Incredible footage of legends like Olds and James and all of the Triple Nickel and the great 8th wing. Wow. These men were giants! I hope one day that I'll be watching TV and I'll see a preview for a movie about Operation Bolo. If properly done it would be epic with them carrying Col. Olds off the tarmac on their shoulders!!!

[@havedrill1]

Wow! What a great video. Those guys were larger than life. Love seeing Chappie. How could a guy that big ever fit into a plane:) Thank you for not breaking the silent by adding rock music.

[@無我-u3d]

555th tactical fighter squadron. love those cap .rare now

[@jeffdunn7474]

I met one of the guys in this video, it was JB Stone

[@Doogle927]

I concur OLDS was wing commander at UBON,RTAFB Operation Bolo was out of Ubon....anyone doubting that should look up the website called "The Phantom's Lair" for ALL the correct infomation

[@johnpatterson6205]

I was there 70 - 71, The MIG killers were gone by then but their legend was alive.

[@BeselerSimRacing]

The absolute best in Sierra Hotel in this video

[@briangoldy8784]

Colonel Robin Olds.......World War II....Korea......Vietnam........Enemy Badass Status= Absolute Beast.......RIP...........Colonel Olds..........

[@i_9_power_allah321]

4:06 ChApPiE James, REST IN POWER

[@jerrybrownlee1753]

If any viewer is interested in more history about the Phantom and the 8th. Tactical Fighter Wing there is an excellent site named The Phantom's Lair. Really well done site.

[@michaellitvin3717]

Jerry by chance did you deploy with the triple nickel 555 from Eglin AFB? I deployed with the 555 from Eglin AFB, Hyd Mech

[@jerrybrownlee1753]

Michael Litvin Mike, I think you must have been ahead of me but I can't be sure of that. We deployed from Eglin AFB on 24July, 1967 as the 4th. TAC Ftr Sq. We had orders to go to Thailand verbally, but nothing was typed on the orders. It was left blank. I think squadron (equipment) was absorbed into other squadrons at Ubon once we got there. Then the 4th moved to Udorn in name only. About half way through my tour (early 1968) I think it was, Triple Nickel went to Udorn and stayed there until the Vietnam conflict ended.

[@michaellitvin3717]

Jerry you and I must have been on he same c 141 leaving Eglin AFB on that date cause that is the same date I left.

[@jerrybrownlee1753]

Michael Litvin Really close on that one. I volunteered to go on the en-route support team to recover and launch the Phantoms when they stopped in Hawaii. As luck would have it, they put us on an "A" Model C-130 and that was our transportation from Eglin to Ubon. We were the first airplane to leave and the last to get there. Laid over in Hawaii for about two days and when the Phantoms departed we followed almost immediately. Stopped in Guam and the Phillipines before we got to Ubon. I remember it well. As soon as we landed (about 1:00 a.m.) the loadmaster put the aft ramp down and I remember thinking how much heat was being generated by the engines and coming back on us. Little did I know that the temp outside was what I was feeling. LOL. JB

[@michaellitvin3717]

Jerry Brownlee Jerry by chance do you remember a SSGT Smith? He was a HYD Tech he also was on the same recover and launch flight. You talk about something you remember about going over to Ubon. We had landed in Saigon, while the plane was taxing to the terminal I looked out the window and saw the AP's in sand bunkers with guns and dogs. I thought to myself what in the world have I gotten myself into. Then to Ubon with barracks with the sides where nothing but screens and awnings. I also had to go outside to a latrine and shower. But I survived as everybody else did. Do you ever go to Ubon Vets Facebook page?

[@GreenRayStudio]

Oh Man put in the "My little F4 " sound track from the Seatbelts

[@fastone942]

B/G Robin Olds 12 kill ww2 4 kills in south east asia and a big part of the group that got F16 past the bomber guys in control at the time in DC and a great leader the facts talk for the man and i just saw a foto of my dad that i never knew was out there in this clip

[@Sshooter444]

4 "official" kills you mean

[@mehrdade_thechemist]

loved it

[@2-Hands]

"Get the Pictures, Protect the Fleet/Force, and KILL MIGS..." Looks like "Operation Bolo".

[@jeffjoseph]

I think I'ts Ubon. I was there 4/66 till 10/66 I left 4 Days after Col Olds got there. Never saw him too busy packing to go home . McDonnell Avionics Tech Rep

[@pncombies]

Additionally, Olds didn't have his moustache until after Bolo!

[@gmvisck]

The pilot made a Victory roll...before landing..

[@Connor_G21A]

There was an interview of Robin Olds after the Bolo mission on the flight line that had audio .There is a piece of it on the History Channel Dogfight episode would you know anything about that it ?

[@pncombies]

kzbin.info/www/bejne/n3LchH2NeLGJeq8

[@Hordalending]

Bet the ground crew in this film are sick of envy at the dashing fighter pilots and their awesome life

[@bradclark8106]

huh ? Ground Crew were held in high regard by those dashing fighter pilots. So what if they're not on film.

[@pncombies]

Olds got a Mig on Bolo. Why would he be waiting on the ground for the returning aircraft when he was flying with them on Bolo?

[@JohnSmith-my2ut]

At Ubon 66-67, operation bolo and other kills. Olds and James the best leaders in the AF

[@tieng999]

John I was there just before Col. Olds left 67-68...did 2 Tours at Ubon and 1 at Udorn. Best of years.

[@pncombies]

The footage was shot in Ubon.

[@ManfromJapan12]

Better than keeping their heads for trophies

[@fredfungalspore]

Is this UTAPOA airforce base about one and half hour drive from Bangkok ??

[@dollarbill5859]

We were directed to abort so many missions with Haiphong steel mills targeted..Col Olds took his men up with radio silence so orders to RTB were not recieved..They raised hell with him then to avoid political issues..promoted him to one star..Great officer & good man..

[@cevatgursoy3261]

Chappie and Robin Olds!!

[@Jpriest13]

My goodness those early 4s were such smokers. You could follow tha exhaust all the way home.😉🇺🇸👍

[@ssgtsouth]

A bunch of American Warriors in this video!

[@benhudman9204]

I wish this had sound.

[@sblack48]

It must have taken some skill to shoot down a m21 with an F4. When the west finally got hold of one from Iran they found it was a much better dog fighter than the phantom. Tighter turn, better climb, more maneuverable.

[@sapiensrex5603]

Единственное место, где вечно орущие американские туристы стеснялись говорить по английски - Музей военных преступлений в Хошимине. Где наглядно показано как и с кем воевали эти милые, широко улыбающиеся мальчики. Видимо американцы видели в этом музее, насколько реальность разнится с тем что им рассказывают в их "честной и правдивой" стране. И их американские герои на самом деле маньяки-убийцы. Да, парни делают свою работу, сбивают вьетнамские миги. Что бы другие американцы с широкими и счастливыми улыбками могли и дальше убивать, пытать и насиловать... Нация садистов и убийц.

[@АлександрКоновцев-д7ъ]

Я уже видел аллею этих покойников от миг 21, это что меморинальное напоминание? Кому??? I already saw an alley of these deceased from the moment 21, is that a memorial reminder? To whom ???

[@laceykane]

Robin Olds

[@Flapjackbatter]

14:20 "... shooting your wristwatch.

[@Connor_G21A]

If only there was sound !

[@noppolkaewsoongnern]

น่าเสียดายที่ไทยเราไม่ได้เอฟ 4 เพราะโดนยึดหรือไม่ก็โดนทำลายจนหมด

[@Iowarail]

The star looks like it was painted on with a pine cone, oh well they were fighter pilots not painters.

[@tommypotatoes1]

Standing on that very ramp, reaching up and touching one of those stars back then was an honor. I've had that honor. Touching one again today, would be holy...

[@casspirmk6338]

Bloody smoke.

[@ProffersorKritzkrieg]

Robin olds!!

[@darrellborland119]

I served later in that era....what a waste of lives, and resources! thanks.

[@renecordova6349]

I believe the planes were F_4d...F_4C was used for recon... I worked On F_4E

[@ronnichols884]

F4c, F4D, F4E were fighters. RF4C was recon. RF4Cs and F4Ds were at Udorn RTAFB when I was there. We got Tripple Nickel from Ubon in mid 1968. The squadron arrived with 25 mig kills already under it's belt, adding many more while there. Then Capt. Richie got his ace while there.

[@cps2715]

it's really sad how we can celebrate the death of another human being with a red painted star. What have we become.

[@tailhookmd2546]

Dude this is 40 years ago. These men left their families to help stop the spread of communism. And great leaders like BG Olds encouraged the men to paint the stars, which was and still is military custom. What do you think the Vietnamese pilots held vigils and prayed and mourned the memories of the American pilots they shot down?

[@bradclark8106]

@@tailhookmd2546 I think the Plumber is high on something. I LOVE your first line, "Dude this......" Anyway the rest is also very well said Tailhook !

[@mikeframe5450]

Chappie James at 4:05.