[hawkonevoodoo]

Does anyone happen to know anything about this plane's pilot? VMA-324 "Devil Dogs" also known as "Vagabonds".
I have checked all the BuNo. 130056, 140056, 150056, 160056 and the number on the plane doesn't seem to exist. The pictures is too small to make the full number so I'm assuming it has to be a 130056, 140056, 150056 or 160056.

[admin]

Douglas A-4M Skyhawk SN:150056 DX/7 VMFA-324 U.S. Marines NAF Detroit 1971.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by admin

Douglas A-4M Skyhawk SN:150056 DX/7 VMFA-324 U.S. Marines NAF Detroit 1971.

Thanks, where did you locate this information?

[skysurfer808]

I'm not too sure about the identity of that Skyhawk's pilot, other then the fact that he would be a USMC Reserve aviator, and likely a Vietnam vet given the timeline.

As for that baseline Skyhawk model, however, I'd recommend going with a livery of Lt. Cmdr John Michael Estocin, who won a posthumous Medal of Honor in 1967. Mike Esctocin flew Skyhawks off the U.S.S. Ticonderoga and was known as a master Iron Hand SAM Supressor. One of his better known engagements involved taking out a SAM site, and being hit by a SAM during the engagement. With his plane heavily damaged and leaking fuel from numerous hits, Estocin plugged into a KA-3 Whale tanker, and flew it back to the boat, plugged in the whole time, and streaming excess fuel as the tanker's supply kept his airplane in the air. The pair flew that way until final, with Ectocin calmly radioing directions to the tanker pilot (ie. "you're a half a ball low..). When Ectocin landed, he calmly walked away without saying a word, as fellow Yankee Station aviator John Nichol's said "another day, another dollar."

A week later John Nichols was flying Estocin's wing when the SAMs won. Nichols watched in horror as the SAM impacted and Estocin's airplane sustained visible damage to its cockpit section. When he closed up to the Skyhawk, he could see Estocin slumped over, eventually the airplane rolled over and crashed. All this is chronicled in On Yankee Station, by Barrett Tillman and John Nichols, it is probably one of the best books ever written about the Naval Air War over Vietnam.

I'd definately buy Estocin's Skyhawk if HM or Corgi came up with it. It'd have to have Shrike missiles, and may or may not have the avionics hump, but I believe it is an E model from Attack Squadron 192. And if somebody came up with a Crusader, Nichols's would be a natural, and a perfect wingman for this one.

Skysurfer808

[admin]

I'll have to go back and find it. This specific livery & SN was also offered in 1/48th scale plastic by Monogram. It came in a kit that also contained Blue Angels decals. As soon as I find it I'll post.

I sent a emails to a couple of 324 guys to get you a pilots name.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by admin

I'll have to go back and find it. This specific livery & SN was also offered in 1/48th scale plastic by Monogram. It came in a kit that also contained Blue Angels decals. As soon as I find it I'll post.

I sent a emails to a couple of 324 guys to get you a pilots name.

Above and beyond the call of duty, thanks.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by skysurfer808

I'm not too sure about the identity of that Skyhawk's pilot, other then the fact that he would be a USMC Reserve aviator, and likely a Vietnam vet given the timeline.

As for that baseline Skyhawk model, however, I'd recommend going with a livery of Lt. Cmdr John Michael Estocin, who won a posthumous Medal of Honor in 1967. Mike Esctocin flew Skyhawks off the U.S.S. Ticonderoga and was known as a master Iron Hand SAM Supressor. One of his better known engagements involved taking out a SAM site, and being hit by a SAM during the engagement. With his plane heavily damaged and leaking fuel from numerous hits, Estocin plugged into a KA-3 Whale tanker, and flew it back to the boat, plugged in the whole time, and streaming excess fuel as the tanker's supply kept his airplane in the air. The pair flew that way until final, with Ectocin calmly radioing directions to the tanker pilot (ie. "you're a half a ball low..). When Ectocin landed, he calmly walked away without saying a word, as fellow Yankee Station aviator John Nichol's said "another day, another dollar."

A week later John Nichols was flying Estocin's wing when the SAMs won. Nichols watched in horror as the SAM impacted and Estocin's airplane sustained visible damage to its cockpit section. When he closed up to the Skyhawk, he could see Estocin slumped over, eventually the airplane rolled over and crashed. All this is chronicled in On Yankee Station, by Barrett Tillman and John Nichols, it is probably one of the best books ever written about the Naval Air War over Vietnam.

I'd definately buy Estocin's Skyhawk if HM or Corgi came up with it. It'd have to have Shrike missiles, and may or may not have the avionics hump, but I believe it is an E model from Attack Squadron 192. And if somebody came up with a Crusader, Nichols's would be a natural, and a perfect wingman for this one.

Skysurfer808

Great contribution, thanks for all the work. I don't know if Hobby Master are making this one, I just found it and like the paint scheme thought if I could locate enough information and pictures I would suggest it be made. Now for me to locate more pictures.

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by skysurfer808

I believe it is an E model from Attack Squadron 192. Skysurfer808

http://www.skyhawk.org/5e/g149959/html/150033.htm
A link to Estocin A-4

[SKUNKY]

How 'bout the A-4C of Everett Alvarez, the first aviator shot down in the Vietnam War. He was a guest at the Hanoi Hilton for 8 1/2 years..

[hawkonevoodoo]

Originally Posted by SKUNKY

How 'bout the A-4C of Everett Alvarez, the first aviator shot down in the Vietnam War. He was a guest at the Hanoi Hilton for 8 1/2 years..

An excellent choice if HM does a "C" version, I'll pass it on.