Douglas A-1H Skyraider Restoration Feature 2022 NMUSAF

Interviews with the core restoration team from the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force. This video includes video and photos of the year and a half restoration of this aircraft which is now on display in the Southeast Asia War Gallery.

United States Air Force Skyraiders in Southeast Asia are often remembered for their support of search and rescue (SAR) missions. Operating under the call sign Sandy, the A-1's extended loiter time and massive firepower offered pilots the ability to protect downed Airmen for extended periods. Whereas jet aircraft often had to leave the battle area for refueling, the A-1s provided nearly continuous suppressing fire until helicopters extracted downed Airmen.

The aircraft on display represents Captain Ronald Smith’s A-1H The Proud American (Serial Number 52-139738) as it appeared during his SAR mission in June 1972 as part of the 1st Special Operations Squadron, Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand. Captain Smith was awarded the Air Force Cross for the rescue of a downed F-4 Phantom crewman near a North Vietnamese airfield.

The Proud American had a long and storied record in Southeast Asia. Although many pilots flew the plane, it is renowned for three separate episodes: Lt Col William Jones’ Medal of Honor mission in 1968, Capt Ronald Smith’s Air Force Cross mission in June 1972, and for being the last US Air Force A-1 lost in combat in Southeast Asia in September 1972.

This aircraft (US Navy BuNo 134600) was modified and painted by the Museum’s Restoration Division to represent Capt Smith’s Air Force Cross aircraft and placed on display in 2022. It was part of OPERATION FARM GATE and flown by the South Vietnamese Air Force from 1965 to 1975. The Air Force Museum Foundation funded the A-1H Restoration via a partnership with the A-1 Skyraider Association – the first time the Foundation partnered with a single organization to fund an aircraft restoration. Members and associates of the A-1 Skyraider Association provided all donations to the A-1H Restoration Fund.

[larrylewislarry]

There’s a whole lot of cunning and innovation in that project. Well done! All the best from New Zealand.

[aaaht]

Douglas A-1 Skyraider. One of the greats.

[paulhungerford]

Fabulous restoration! My father flew Skyraiders in Viet Nam. First Air Commando, 602nd, Bien Hoa!

[pata]

For me, it's that you took something that was pretty much scrap and parts. Through blood, sweat, and tears, you've transformed it her back to her glory. It's much more satisfying than taking a flying piece and giving it a new paint job.

[marthakrumboltz]

I can understand the level of authenticity when presenting the aircraft and what can be seen. What I never will comprehend is the insane, exacting attention to detail inside the airplane that no person will ever see or notice. Especially on a machine that will never fly. Time and resources that could be used elsewhere on flying examples.

[Mtlmshr]

Not only a very cool Aircraft but a top quality crew of restoration experts (true artists!) what a dream job to be able to have!

[Rzr]

Absolutely amazing. It's mesmerizing. Phenomenal dedication, ingenuity and skill. Thank God for the folks who restore warbirds. You preserve flying history, our heritage and you memorialize the dedication, commitment and sacrifice of our veterans. Thank you to all who participated in this restoration and made it possible.

[Cornography]

I could watch these long form videos for hours. Excellent work to the NMUSAF restoration team and to Ken for recording all of this. Hope all is well and looking forward to the next project!

[brittandthatsall]

Awesome to see a great plane coming back together from all the efforts of SO many! Love the A-1H !!!

[johnbergsing]

Another reason to make another trip up there! ❤

[triplex]

Fantastic job! Love the behind-the-scene details.

[robroy]

The Skyraider is one of my favorite aircraft, a lot people never realized how much they have done for the ground forces, how many life's they saved.

[Stoked]

Remarkable work. Really fun to see this! Nice work fellas.

[glennphoto]

Thank you for taking as much care and thought making the video as the restoration team did making the aircraft right.

[donwoolley]

Great job men, thank you all for your hard work & dedication! ARRS 71-73

[HankyInTheTanky]

I enjoyed this and the Memphis Belle please keep doing these when possible on any future restoration

[CaoimhinOMaol]

My initial T-38A Instructor Pilot when I attender USAF pilot training was “the only fully qualified pilot in this room”, Major Jim Maxam. His first assignment in the AF was flying these in SEA. A good man, I hope he is alive & well.

[CMFL]

Big props (pun most definitely intended) to the restoration crew and videographers! Both final products turned out great!

[Slaktrax]

Great job. Love the Skyraider, a real workhorse.

[QuezlySnipes]

NO WAYYY!!! WTF JOE SCHO!!!! THATS SICKKKK YOU GET TO RESTORE THESE WARBIRDS!!! Saw you got ur Private Pilot L's too!! Nice job n CONGRATS!! Cincy State Alumni!!🤘🤙👍💪