Texas Tech University

469th Tactical Fighter Squadron Oral History (Nov 1965 - May 1966) Reel 5

Audio Item Number: 1974AU4684
Media Type
Audio
Physical Location
Stacks D027.3C
Number of Media
1
Language(s)
English
Format
CD
Time - Hr:Min:Sec
01:12:09
Digitized in HD?
No
Dates
Existence: 15 November 1965 - 31 May 1966
General Note
This tape, the 5th in the series, has a complete interview detailing the bailout and rescue of one of the pilots.

Lt. Ken Thomas tells the complete story of being shot down by enemy 37mm shells, how the aircraft was hit (F-105 Thunderchief), and went out of control causing him to go out upside down. He lost his helmet and something hit him in the head. He tells of the importance of his survival kit (the radio was number one). Other items in order of importance were the tape type nylon rope, survival knife, water bottles, gloves, and flares. He discusses the wind that delayed his pickup for 24 hours, how they kept guard over him all night, and even pulled a fake pickup to fool the enemy.

Perma Link
https://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/virtualarchive/items.php?item=1974AU4684

Citation
469th Tactical Fighter Squadron Oral History (Nov 1965 - May 1966) Reel 5, 1974AU4684. No Date, W. Howard Plunkett Collection, Vietnam Center and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive, Texas Tech University, https://www.vietnam.ttu.edu/virtualarchive/items.php?item=1974AU4684, Accessed 25 Jan 2026.

Pub Credit Line
1974AU4684, W. Howard Plunkett Collection, Vietnam Center and Sam Johnson Vietnam Archive, Texas Tech University

Added: 15 Aug 2024 [Updated: 20 Jan 2026]