Flying the F-105 Thunderchief in Vietnam with Maj Gen Russ Violett

Maj Gen Russ Violett (Rtd) had a 30-year career with the USAF, flying multiple types, including the North American F-100 Super Sabre (in which he had a 2-minute flight before punching out!) and the fantastic Republic F-105 Thunderchief, the Thud. The Thud always brought Russ home in 126 missions over Laos and Vietnam. Our discussion covers the tactics of attacking missile sites, the drawback of major operations half a world away and much more.
★You can learn more about The Friday Pilots, of whom Russ is a member, who meet for lunch each Friday and put the world to rights here: fridaypilots.com/
★ The collection of their tales is The Friday Pilots book is available here: fridaypilots.com/the-book/
Please check out the latest from our sponsor, the Pima Air and Space Museum, through the links below:
★Visit the Pima Air and Space Museum’s website here: pimaair.org/★Learn more about the Titan Missle Museum here: titanmissilemuseum.org/
★Find out who is in the Arizona Aviation Hall of Fame here: pimaair.org/about-us/arizona-...
★Want to know how the Tucson Military Vehicle Museum is progressing? Find out more here: www.tucsonmilitaryvehicle.org/
★Fancy becoming a Damcasteer? Join the fun on Patreon! Join from just £3+VAT a month to get ad-free episodes, chat with Matt and grab some merch. Click here below for more info: / thedamcasters
Cover Image: DoD 342-C-KE-36175
Footage: Vietnam War: F-105 Pilots Story - Takhli Air Base, Thailand (1967)
Full description at: catalog.archives.gov/id/70472
Local Identifier: 342-USAF-42816A
Department of Defense. Department of the Air Force. Moving Images Relating to Military Aviation Activities, 1947 - 1984
Record Group 342: Records of U.S. Air Force Commands, Activities, and Organizations, 1900 - 2003
This item av documents the time period:4/28/1967 - 6/7/1967
Footage of F-105s at the Pima Air and Space Museum © The Damcasters 2023
The Damcasters © 2022 by Matt Bone is licensed under Attribution-ShareAlike 4.0 International

[@aBRUSHforCONFUCIUS]

Excellent interview. I love these Thud polits. They really are a cut above the rest.

[@JerryZielinsky-mt8ti]

The f-105 is my favorite military airplane. It just looks awesome!

[@damcasterspod]

Agreed! Was hoping to do a further video with the General on my last visit walking around one of the Thuds at Pima, but it didn't come together unfortunetly.

[@davidca96]

my favorite military aircraft of all time.