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The Wild Weasel program and missions at Takhli RTAFB were flown by the two-seat version of the F-105.  The EWO (Electronic Warfare Officer), or "Bear" as they were affectionately known as, sat behind the pilot and operated the electronic sensors and countermeasures.  The degree of trust and confidence required between these two men cannot be overstated.  Their lives truly depended on each other's abilities and communications skills.  

The purpose of the Wild Weasel missions in Air Force terms was to detect and destroy or suppress enemy radar sites that fired and controlled missiles against our strike force, which closely followed the Weasels into the target area.  In simpler terms, it was for the Weasels to make themselves the target, and when the enemy locked on them with their radars, to try to fire back before the enemy pulled the trigger.  Sort of like a cowboy shootout at high noon, but letting the opponent draw and aim first.

The earliest missions results were nothing short of tragic, with brave men risking their lives against unthinkable odds.  As better equipment evolved and techniques were refined, the missions became merely impossible.  The degree to which this is true is reflected in the Discovery Channel TV series "Suicide Missions" which has an excellent episode dedicated solely to these death-defying efforts.  Here then, are some reminders of these men doing their duty in spite of all the difficulties.....