Model Description
Hobbymaster 1/72nd scale HC1101 Grumman A-7D Corsair II, #70-0970 354th TFW, Korat RTAFB, 1972. Buy online at Flying Tigers.
On November 16th, 1972, an F-105 Wild Weasel was hit by a surface-to-air missile (SAM) near Thanh Hoa, Vietnam, forcing the crew to eject and land near a ridge west of the city. Despite extremely poor weather, aircraft from the 354th attempted to locate the downed airmen the next day. A massive search and rescue (SAR) operation involving about 75 aircraft—including Wild Weasels, F-4s, A-7Ds, HC-130s, and H-53 Jolly Green helicopters—was rapidly organized for a dawn recovery. Major Colin A. “Arnie” Clarke, the operations officer of the 354th and a seasoned combat pilot, led the Sandy aircraft tasked with supporting the rescue.
Navigating through heavy overcast and dangerous terrain, Major Clarke made repeated attempts to find a viable route for the rescue helicopters, at great personal risk. He eventually located the survivors and coordinated with supporting aircraft, despite ongoing threats from anti-aircraft guns, SAMs, and nearby MiG fighters. The weather remained marginal, preventing full use of supporting firepower. Aware that delays could be fatal for the downed crew, Clarke decided to push forward, using his map display and radar to guide the Jolly Greens through tight mountain valleys while suppressing enemy gun positions with his wingmen and smoke from A-7 aircraft.
As the rescue unfolded, the danger intensified. Clarke discovered a gun position dangerously close to one survivor and suppressed it while the Jolly Green made a successful double pickup. During a protective low pass, Clarke’s aircraft was hit by enemy fire, disabling his systems. He managed to escape into the clouds, avoid a SAM lock-on, and link up with two A-7s to make an instrument landing at Da Nang. The entire mission lasted nine hours. Clarke’s aircraft was severely damaged by a .51 caliber round that detonated an empty fuel tank, underscoring the extreme risks taken during the operation—one that ultimately succeeded thanks to his determination and skill.
RRP £110.00
