During the Vietnam War, the US Air Force's 8th Air Force Tactical Fighter Wing deployed F-105 fighter bombers, nicknamed "Satan's Angels," to Thailand as part of Operation Rolling Thunder in North Vietnam. In 1967, F-4 fighters engaged in a successful battle against North Vietnamese MiG-21s in Operation Bolo. However, US forces also faced challenges from North Vietnamese surface-to-air missiles, which proved effective against outdated EF-100 Super Sabres and EF-105 Thunder Chiefs, also known as Wild Weasels, equipped with anti-radar missiles. The US Air Force suffered significant losses, with 50% of their aircraft being shot down.
100 Missions Surviving Vietnam 2020
The Vietnam War saw a tradition among US Air Force pilots: those who completed 100 combat missions could return home. As they braved each aerial mission, the pressure mounted, and the stakes were high.
