Image: Republic F-105D-6-RE (SN 58-1762) refueling probe detail 060901-F-1234S-006

Description: A U.S. Air Force Republic F-105D-6-RE Thunderchief (s/n 59-1762) refueling probe detail. The F-105D/F/G models had two types of in-flight refueling equipment: a probe (for the drogue) and a receptacle (for the boom). The F-105D 59-1762 was lost over Southeast Asia on 12 September 1968 while in service with the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 355th Tactical Fighter Wing. On 12 September 1968, Major Samuel C. Maxwell was the pilot of the lead aircraft (F-105D 59-1762), call sign "Wolf 03", in a flight of 4 that was conducting a late afternoon/early evening strike mission in the region of North Vietnam that bordered on the south by the Demilitarized Zone (DMZ), on the north by an imaginary line 30 miles north of the DMZ, on the east by the coastline and on the west by Laotian border. At 1731 hours, Wolf flight was directed to attack a line of small boats sailing on the Song Ron River 15 miles south of Mui Ron Ma. Major Maxwell initiated his strafing run on the boats and was seen firing at the target when his aircraft was hit by intense and accurate ground fire. Other flight members also saw the Thunderchief hit the ground and explode on impact (location 17 52 N 106 23 E), Major Maxwell was killed.
Title: Republic F-105D-6-RE (SN 58-1762) refueling probe detail 060901-F-1234S-006
Credit: Official USAF photo No. 060901-F-1234S-006 [1]
Author: USAF
Permission: Original work of the US Federal Government - public domain
Usage Terms: Public domain
License: Public domain
Attribution Required?: No