More Memory Joggers From Jack Blair

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These photos reflect happier times at Takhli.  There were not enough of such occasions.  We see here first a typical celebration of a pilot's achieving 100 missions.  During most of the years at Takhli during the heaviest bombing of North Vietnam, this was also his ticket home, and reaching this mark was the end of his tour of duty.  All too many did not make this mark, but these photos are typical of the festivities for the ones who did.  A photo from the Bob Hope show of Dec '67 is also included, I couldn't resist.  Racquel was as beautiful in person as on the screen.  And I also couldn't resist including Jack's photo of Col Giraudo, our wing commander in his 'party suit' for his birthday party.   

  The first order of business upon return from his 100th mission was a hosedown for the pilot.  It was usually accomplished first on the flightline at the aircraft by fire trucks, and then often carried on by troops with water-filled fire extinguishers or whatever could be found as seen here.  (Ignore the safety violation, this was war....)  

Next the pilots would be driven around the flightline and some of the base, with whatever could be mustered as a celebration parade.  Smoke flares provided a little color for the occasion.

   

They have done it!  100 mission patches on their arms - the red, white and blue shield that says "I have survived".  They took the worst the enemy could throw at them, did their duty, and leave with honor - knowing there will be others to fill in their place.   Godspeed!!!

Just in case they were not soaked enough already, tradition usually included a trip to the pool.  They were expected to resist of course, and the more men it took to throw them in, the more successful they were.  Following the pool, they often would need some libation to avoid becoming totally waterlogged.

   

The Bob Hope show of Dec '67 was an unforgettable event.  To come halfway around the world at Christmas to cheer the troops for no pay will never be forgotten by those there.  Part of his cast that year included lovely Racquel Welch.  From where I sat I considered her very patriotic for coming along.  Not until I saw this photo of Jack's 30 years later did I realize she was even more patriotic than I thought!   I only saw white and blue, but this photo shows her as a red, white and blue trooper!!! 

And here we see Col Guirado in his "party suit" at an impromptu birthday party thrown for him.  Most of the pilots had an odd-colored flight suit that they wore only on special occasions.  One of my favorites during my tour was worn by "Gus" Gustafson and it was bright red.  I can recall him at Christmas '67 dancing in it upon the intelligence tables in TOC.  One could never fault these men for partying as if there was no tomorrow.

Coming soon - even more photos from Jack Blair

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