On Tue, 26 Jul 2005 18:34:57 GMT, "Glenn Dowdy"
wrote:


"Ed Rasimus" wrote in message
.. .

Eric, I was teasing you. The airplane has been called "Thud" for a
long time. It was initially a derogatory term because of the poor
record in achieving initial operational status. It was not used by
those who flew it (with a couple of exceptions) until late '66.

Since then it has become a term of affection and respect for the
airplane. Most folks use it as an honorific not an insult.

Slight divergence - just outside of Omaha there is an F-105 on a pedestal
next to the interstate, tail numbers JJ 069. Is there a site where I can
find out the history of this a/c?

Glenn D.

I could only find one tail number with 069--It was F-105D 61-0069. The
aircraft has one MiG-17 kill on June 3, 1967, flown by Larry D.
Wiggins.

The excellent reference book, "Roll Call: Thud" says "she was once
known as 'Pussy Galore' and later 'Cherry Girl' while serving with the
355th TFW. She is preserved at the San Bernardino Air Museum"

The tail code JJ indicates the 34th TFS, which was part of the 388 TFW
at Korat. (The 355th was at Tahkli.)

So, the airplane must have been moved and a bit of artistic license
applied to the painting--or there was a period in which the airplane
was also in the 34th.

Does it have its red star on the side?


Ed Rasimus
Fighter Pilot (USAF-Ret)
"When Thunder Rolled"
www.thunderchief.org
www.thundertales.blogspot.com