downing migs in Gulf of Tonkin

[scotty]

just found the orignal printed copy of the Temporary citation given to Capt Smith from Roy L Johnson. Have had this orginal backward file that had been done in error. For 40 some odd years the only way I could read it was hold it up to a looking glass. Now with the new scanner I have I did a Mirror flip scan and wa la a printable readable copy. Let me know what you think.Scotty

[DVinson]

The MIG story is in the body of the Citation that Commander Smith received in 1965. Scotty has the original, reversed image ditto master (rember the ditto machine?) Unfortunately, age and wear reduced the print image to such poor quality a simple scan cannot retrive it in a legible form. We are working on the restoration of the document and will hopefully have it available to add to the Web Page content when the full web site comes on line. In the meantime, I have reproduced a faithful fascimile of the original document for your reading enjoyment. YEP, WE WERE AT THE FOREFRONT OF THE DOWNING OF THE FIRST THREE MIGS IN THE VIETNAM AIR COMBAT THEATRE!

__________________________________________________ _______________________


UNITED STATES PACIFIC FLEET

HEADQUARTERS OF THE COMMANDER IN CHIEF

FPO SAN FRANCISCO, CA 96776









In the name of the President of the United States, the Commander in Chief U.S. Pacific Fleet takes pleasure in awarding the Bronze Star Medal to



Commander Meredith Allen Smith

United States Navy



For service set forth in the following:


CITATION










“For Meritorious achievement in connection with operations against the enemy while serving as Commanding Officer, USS ERNEST G. SMALL (DDR 838). During the periods 25 April to 13 May and 8 June to 5 July 1965, USS ERNEST G. SMALL was assigned to picket station in the Tonkin Gulf in direct support of U. S. combat air operations over North Vietnam. Commander SMITH’s professional competence and resourceful leadership in organizing, training, directing and motivating his ship and men provided the essential infusion of alert skill and pride which caused USS ERNEST G. SMALL to discharge this assignment not only with credit, but with such exceptional performance as to significantly advance naval combat effectiveness and to elicit praise from all echelons of command. During this period, U. S. Navy aircraft under the advisory control of the picket ships downed three MIG-17 fighters – the first enemy aircraft destroyed in aerial combat over North Vietnam – including one MIG destroyed by propeller-driven A1H aircraft. In this latter instance, the alert detection, rapid threat evaluation and prompt raid reporting by USS ERNEST G. SMALL were major factors in alerting the anti-air warfare commander to the hostile air threat and enabling him to initiate timely defensive measures. High material readiness, sure professional competence and imaginative improvisation of new doctrines and procedures repeatedly characterized USS ERNEST G. SMALL’s performance. The initiative, judgment and dedicated leadership displayed by Commander SMITH were in keeping with the highest traditions of the United States Naval Services.”


ROY L. JOHNSON
Admiral, U. S. Navy


TEMPORARY CITATION
__________________________________________________ ____________________________________

[DVinson]

From the Plan of the Day, 7 July 1965, Note 4:

PRAISE FOR ERNEST G. SMALL AND JOSEPH STRAUSS. The following message was received from Commander Task Group 77.7, praising E.G. SMALL and JOSEPH STRAUSS for their performance during the past month:

"IF OUR PILOTS WERE CALLING THE SHOTS, STRAUSS AND SMALL WOULD BE PERMANENTLY ASSIGNED TO SAR STATION IN THE TONKIN GULF. YOUR PERFORMANCE HAS BEEN SUPERB.."FLEET FOX" AND "TEXACO" ARE HELD IN THE VERY HIGHEST REGARD BY ALL TF 77 PILOTS. YOUR COMPLETE MASTERY OF THE AIR PICTURE OVER NORTH VIETNAM, YOUR HELPFUL AND READY ANSWERS TO ALL QUERIES, YOUR PRECISE INTERCEPT CONTROLLING--ALL HAVE BEEN INSPIRATIONAL. HATS OFF TO A REAL BAND OF PROS. WE'SS BE LOOKING FOR YOU BACK AFTER A WELL DESERVED REST.

WARM REGARDS. RADM REEDY

[scotty]

just found the orignal printed copy of the Temporary citation given to Capt Smith from Roy L Johnson. Have had this orginal backward file that had been done in error. For 40 some odd years the only way I could read it was hold it up to a looking glass. Now with the new scanner I have I did a Mirror flip scan and wa la a printable readable copy. Let me know what you think.Scotty a little more on the Mig-17 downing in the Gulf. There were three comfirmed kills in a period of May Thru
July in 1965. Will post the citation when Vince gets a better copy than I got
from my reversed one. Will say that out of the three The Uss Ernest G. Small
was in control of the A1 Skyraider that did in fact down one of the Mig-17s. If any one has some confirmation on this info please come forth. The Small along with the Turner Joy were the farthest two ships North of DeNang each
with electronic radar clocking devices on board. This was to make the targets a little more interesting. The one on the small made us appear as a light cruiser ( hopefully The Oaklahoma), on the turner Joy as a carrier ( hopefully a CVA) The Small was in control of Sea planes for Sea rescue and each had a A1 as Escort. The Mig-17's came out of China and attacked the one Sea Plane and A1. Small notifide the Imment Danger of attacking Mig-17s
Sea plane to low to water to be a target it went after the A1. The Pilot allowed the Mig to get just before lock on and did a Nose up drag allowing the mig to over shoot the A1 when pilot regained level flight and fired heat seeking missiles which to no surprise (after the Mig pilot tried to avoid them)
went right up the rear of the Mig and blew it to hell and back. This being noted in the citation the only known kill of a Mig by a propeller driven aircraft.
For this action Capt Smith received the Bronze Star and the three personal in CIC in control of the A1 and Sea plane received Sec Nav commendation ( Holmes RD2 Fay RD1 LTjg Bays CIC Officer). Again I request any additional info be forth coming Scotty