Biography

JS Flyer With Black Panthers at Phan Rang AB
U.S. Air Force Capt. Michael F. Connolly of Jersey Shore R.D. 1 (PA), recently took part in a successful strike mission southwest of Binh Thuy AB which resulted in the destruction of eight enemy fortifications and seven motorized sampans. Captain Connolly… volunteered for assignment in Vietnam and is enthusiastic about his role as an F-100 Super Sabre fighter pilot.
I really enjoy it”, he commented.
former B-52 bomber pilot, the captain is assigned to the “Black Panthers” of the 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron. “The members of the 615th are some of the best pilots I have seen in the Air Force”, he said.
Based at Phan Rang Air Base, Capt. Connolly has flown 14 combat missions. The captain, a graduate of Jersey Shore High School, attended Pennsylvania State University and earned his B.S. degree from the University of Omaha (Neb.) and his M.S. degree from George Washington University in Washington, D.C. A member of Alpha Chi Cigma, he received his commission through the aviation cadet program.
(source: “Happy Valley” Phan Rang AB, Vietnam (Source unknown, dated: Monday, January 15,
1968)

Units Assigned

• 3597th Combat Crew Training Squadron
• 1966 615th Tactical Fighter Squadron “Black Panthers”, Phan Rang AB, Vietnam (F-100)
• 4417th Combat Crew Training Squadron

Awards & Decorations

Flight Info

B-52
F-100

Military Education

• Aviation Cadets

Civilian Education

• HS Jersey Shore High School, PA
• Penn State University
• BS University of Omaha, NE
• MS George Washington University, DC