Comments on: John Barker: Flying F-4 Phantoms Over Hanoi

By: Ted USAF SSGT

Ted USAF SSGT — Wed, 05 Oct 2022 02:34:52 +0000

In reply to Dennis SSGT USAF. I was an F-4 electrician at Udorn, Thailand in 72 and 73 with the 432nd FMS squadron. I worked on F-4s 12 hours a day. Col. Barker referred to peace talks in 72 & 73. Operation Linebacker II occurred in December 72. It was an all out bombing campaign to end the war. North Vietnam agreed to our terms and signed a peace agreement, effectively ending the war. Steve Richie became an Air Force Ace in 72 flying tail #463 which is on display at the USAF academy. I worked on that plane several times.

By: Beth Frame

Beth Frame — Wed, 08 Jun 2022 14:54:35 +0000

Thank you Lt. Col Barker for this excellent account of your flying missions for the USAF in 1967. My dad, Richard (Dick) Whittington was an F-4 pilot at Ubon with you. He was badly burned in a tragic accident on May 9, 1967. He survived, thrived, and we enjoyed him for nearly 50 years until he passed away from complications due to Alzheimer’s. Dad loved to fly, loved his career in the Air Force, loved his family, and loved our country. He was a remarkable man.

By: Beth (Whittington) Frame

Beth (Whittington) Frame — Tue, 07 Jun 2022 17:07:00 +0000

My dad, Richard (Dick) B. Whittington went to Ubon as an F-4 pilot in January of 1967! I am hoping you remember him. I really enjoyed your article. Thank you!

By: David L. Magner

David L. Magner — Wed, 25 Nov 2020 03:05:33 +0000

My brother: Steve “Maddog” Magner flew the F-4 in Vietnam and made it back home in one piece . . . thank God. What an amazing experience. His son is now protecting our nation in a B-2 bomber, so now you know how the legacy continues.

By: Leonard Tocci

Leonard Tocci — Tue, 25 Aug 2020 05:01:07 +0000

Lt Col John K Barker was my high school friend. He was Senior Class President of Fort Lauderdale High School, 1960. From the time I met him in sixth grade, you could tell that John was a leader and one who was destined for great things. He was and still is unassuming, but he had a presence and character that made him stand out. It is not surprising that he was a many decorated Air Force pilot who served his country during a horrific war and beyond. After 100 missions plus, I would have to say that God was his copilot. Thank you for your service and friendship. Keep in touch.

By: Michel Robertson

Michel Robertson — Sat, 27 Jun 2020 18:27:36 +0000

In reply to Dennis SSGT USAF. Thank you for your service, and for reading our veteran’s story! M. Robertson 51�� History Museum Board Member

By: Dennis SSGT USAF

Dennis SSGT USAF — Fri, 26 Jun 2020 20:57:39 +0000

Yes this was a fantastic aircraft. I trained at George Air force base also but as ground crew, Crew Chief f4c, f4d and in Vietnam F4E. I loved this aircraft, also known as THE FLYING BRICK. Ispent 6 mos in Cameron bay and then 6mos in DaN. o
ag. our pilots keep us safe so we could eventually get to go home in one piece. I feel lucky unlike others that didn’t. We all fought to keep this country of ours safe. LAND OF THE FREE CAUSE OF THE BRAVE.

By: Leonard Grigonis

Leonard Grigonis — Mon, 18 May 2020 02:30:23 +0000

Thank you to all Air Force pilots and Naval Aviators for the willpower, courage and dedication that embodies the American fighting spirit. You have always proved, at great risk, and often loss, exactly who you are and what you do do so well.
As the son of a WW II Army Air Corp pilot and nephew of an A4 Aviator, I hold these men and women in the highest regard. God bless you and the United States!

By: SCOTT DORRIS

SCOTT DORRIS — Wed, 08 Jan 2020 15:17:43 +0000

LT. COL ( AF Retired ) John Barker more than likely knew my father, COL ( AF Retired ) T.E. DORRIS, as he was also stationed in Ubon during the same time, flying the same missions. Even though my father passed away two years ago, I still find myself looking into his history during his time in Vietnam. I hold those that sacrificed their lives during this time in highest honor and am extremely proud to mention my father and the fact that he fought ( fighter pilot ) in Vietnam and Korea, where he accumulated over 140 missions during several tours.

By: Michael Johnson

Michael Johnson — Mon, 30 Dec 2019 20:21:54 +0000

Wow