RAW INTERVIEWS: DAVE WALDROP F-105 FIGHTER PILOT

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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.

Пікірлер: 21

@stefanredin854 Ай бұрын

What a guy! 👍🏻👊❤

@samueltomlin8418 7 ай бұрын

Perhaps the best interview I’ve ever seen!❤

@lawrencerose5558 Ай бұрын

Thanks Dave. I was a crew chief at Korat, 469th, before you got there. You guys were a great inspiration. I went to flight school on the GI bill and spent my life in the air always thinking of the great Thud drivers that I had met!

@DaveWaldrop-e7c Ай бұрын

You guys that kept this great bird going were fantastic, you loved her as much as we did. i I have a picture of two of the kids sending me off on a mission and the rain was coming down in buckets as it could at times. it is a very special picture to me and I salute you for making her fly. Dave "Shark" Waldrop

@lawrencerose5558 Ай бұрын

Well Dave ,small world. I was at Nellis from February to July 1967. I was pilot for United on the 747 making many visits to Narita in the 90s retiring in 2006 . Also it looks like you are a QB? I’m in the North Cascades hanger. Burrow! I hope old age or let’s call it “advanced middle age “ is treating you well. Thanks again.

@johnscott268 11 ай бұрын

This history is so valuable to record. Well done.

@donwilson1307 5 ай бұрын

Hats off to you Dave for you service to our country, and such loyal devotion to the Air Force. You lived my dream.

@furia5124 8 ай бұрын

Amazing story.!..loved every minute of it...THANK YOU for your service Dave...

@arthurmclinden6367 8 ай бұрын

Thank you so much for sharing your story you are a COURAGEOUS and BRAVE MAN

@manhleduy5168 2 ай бұрын

23.8.1967. Mr David Waldrop shoted down 1 Mig-17 ( pilot is Lê văn Phong, my grandfather). I spent my time to know what exactly happend at that day and who shoted down my grandfather. Thanks for youtube.