Crew of a U.S. Air Force Strategic Air Command (SAC) aerial refueling KC-135 tanker aircraft stand on a stage. They stand at attention as a Lieutenant Colonel at a podium reads the citation accompanying their award , in recognition of a unique refueling mission they performed during the Vietnam War. The crew members are Major John H. Casteel, Aircraft Commander; Captain Richard L. Trail, Pilot; Captain Dean L. Hoar, Navigator; and Master Sergeant Nathan C. Campbell, Boom Operator. During Operation "Daisy Chain," they performed the first ever three-level aerial refueling operation that saved six carrier-based U.S. Navy aircraft critically low on fuel, over the Gulf of Tonkin. Each crew member is awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross by SAC Commander in Chief. General Joseph J. Nazzaro. Closeup of the medal on Sergeant Campbell.
U.S. Air Force (Strategic Air Command) B-52 bombers land back in the U.S. after 6 months deployment in Southeast Asia, during the Vietnam War. United States 306th Bomb Wing planes and crews return back to McCoy Air Force Base in Florida, and those of the 91st Bomb Wing return to Glasgow Air Force Base, in Montana. Both units had been operating out of Andersen Air Force Base, in Guam. The commander of 306th, Colonel Earl L. Johnson steps from the last B-52 to return to McCoy AFB. He meets his daughter and wife. Men take pictures in the background. Officers stand in the a group. He shakes hand with local officials. Crewmen with their luggage. A KC-135 Stratotanker taxis as it brings home ground crews and other support personnel. Relatives of the crewmen wait to meet them. They step from the plane. A banner reads '306th Bomb Wing Reception Center Happy Day'. The airmen enter a hangar and go through customs. The airmen meet their relatives. The scene changes from Florida, to Montana, where the final U.S. Air Force B-52 Stratofortress of 91st Bomb wing arrives at Glasgow Air Force Base. "McNamara's Band," playing kazoos, pot, and other contrived instruments, greets the arrivals. Colonel George Phieffer Jr., Commander of 91st bomb Wing greets his wife and others. Ground crews and other support personnel also meet their families.
A U.S. bomber at U-Tapao Air Base in Thailand during the Vietnam War. The engines of a United States Air Force B-52D Stratofortress bomber start in a revetment. A man carries ammunition on a trailer.
U.S. bombers at U-Tapao Air Base in Thailand during the Vietnam War. United States Air Force B-52D Stratofortress bombers take off. The airplanes in flight. They release smoke trails while in flight.
U.S. bombers at U-Tapao Air Base in Thailand during the Vietnam War. United States Air Force B-52D Stratofortress bombers take off. The B-52Ds take off from the air base at night.
U.S. bombers at U-Tapao Air Base in Thailand during the Vietnam War. Bombardment on a field. Smoke due to bombing. United States Air Force B-52D Stratofortress bombers taxi on the air base. Camouflaged B-52D taxiing.