29 April 1949 – During WWII a need was discovered for a “parasite fighter” – a jet fighter to protect bombers from hostile intercept aircraft. Pilot fatigue from P-41 and P-51 pilots who were protecting Boeing B-17’s, B-24’s, and Boeing B-29’s was a real problem. Aerial refueling hadn’t been perfected and these interceptors couldn’t match
D.G. Stanford was assigned to the 352nd Tactical Fighter Squadron out of Phan Rang AB. On a mission over South Vietnam, Stanford’s F-100D was hit by small arms fire. He ejected and was rescued by a USN ship. He suffered minor injuries.
Photo by Gary Gulbransen USAF F100 Dart 56-3119
