SSgt David Mangan

Air Force | Aircraft Mechanic

Dates of Service: Sep 1968 - Sep 1972

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Oct 69

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Bio

I am a Vietnam veteran and currently the Veteran Service Officer for the town of Wakefield Massachusetts for 5 years. I served in Thailand on F-105 Thunderchiefs a nuclear strike bomber that we had strategically located in Thailand in the event the Chinese sent a million man army into South Vietnam. I am a grandfather and Husband to a wonderful Nurse. I retired from Boston College 7 years ago.

Military Experiences

Dec 1969 - Nov 1970

Crew Chief F-105's

333rd combat support group | Takhli Royal Thai AFB, Thailand

Worked the 12 hour night shift on F-105's servicing and repairing the beast for battle over North Vietnam. The revetments were confined with just enough room to maneuver the aircraft in and out. From the aft section to the cockpit, merve rack to Bombay we repaired the weapon for destruction. Our squadron the 333rd was part of the 355 combat support group. I had egress training as an E-5 at 20 years old, I had the luxury of flying in one. I am still waiting for my soul to catch up to me. Capt. DeJong took me for the ride of my life first time up. We performed TCTO on the aircraft and kept the birds together with whatever it took. Parts were scarce.

Deployments

(1 year)

Dec 1969 - Nov 1970

Takhli Thailand

Vietnam war and we did over 2,000 missions over the North and along the Ho Chi Min trail. Every plane came back needing repair. Like old used cars we kept them flying with duct tape and glue....kidding.