Scope and Contents

One compact disc entitled Fast and Low: Songs of the Air War Down South comprised of songs William F. 'Toby' Hughes wrote to document his service as an F-4C Aircraft Commander with the 557th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay from September 1967 to August 1968.

Biographical / Historical

William F. 'Toby' Hughes is a retired career Air Force pilot. He was an F-4C Aircraft Commander in the 557th Tactical Fighter Squadron, Cam Ranh Bay AB, RVN, from September 1967 through August 1968. He flew 204 combat missions, primarily in the close air support interdiction, and direct support roles. He flew in support of the battle of Dak To, the siege of Khe Sanh, and during the Tet offensive of early 1968. He flew the Ho Chi Minh Trail, the Mekong Delta, the southern reaches of North Vietnam in the Tally Ho area and elsewhere. A musician since childhood, Toby has written 20 songs about the USAF experience in Southeast Asia, 18 of which he has recorded commercially. His songs have also been recorded by other artists, including Dick Jonas and Oscar Brand. He has performed for veterans' groups, unit reunions, college campus audiences and the general public. He appeared on PBS's Austin City Limits special Veteran's Day production in November of 1992.