All aircraf were sanitized as well as the nationality and individuality of those on board. They operated in a shroud of secrecy, no reports, no tail numbers due to MACV-SOG. Runways were often replaced by landing on very wide roads. The aircraft was rigged with pylons on it. The aircraft had no standard markings on it, but were painted with a unique camo pattern of low-reflectivity black, green and brown paint. One was not just assigned to this detachment, but rather interviewed for it at the Pentagon, so the work was extraordinary even applying Air Commando standards. The MACV-SOG personnel in this incident were commanded directly out of the Pentagon by JCS. The C123 also dispensed flares to illuminate targets for fighters or tactical bombers, and were dubbed “Candlestick” when they served in this capacity. Like other transports, the Provider proved its versatility during the Vietnam war. The Provider, particularly in camouflage paint with mottled topside and light bottomside, resembled an arched-back whale suspended from the bottom midpoint of huge dorsal wings. The C123B transports were soon joined by UC123Bs of the now-controversial Project Ranch Hand which sprayed pesticides and herbicides over Vietnam, including Agent Orange. The C123B, in the hands of a group of airmen who called themselves “The Mule Train” became the first transport to see Vietnam service. The airplane’s C123B prototype first flew on September 1, 1954. SYNOPSIS: The Fairchild C123 “Provider” was a night attack system/transport aircraft based on an all-metal glider designed by Chase Aircraft. NETWORK with material provided by Alan Jackson, Carl Jackson’s son, in 1998. Source: Compiled from one or more of the following: raw data from U.S.Government agency sources, correspondence with POW/MIA families, published sources, interviews. Roth, only other missing American –14 more were “Chinese Nationalists.” Missions: Accumulated 4200 hours of flying time throughout his career in the Air Force, prior to his shootdown. Loss Coordinates noted by the USG at time of loss: 101307N 1064405E (XT990095) Loss Coordinates suspected by JTF-FA in 1998: 48P YT 02830 04566, near the village of Xom Long DinhĪcft/Vehicle/Ground: C123 Status (in 1973): Killed In Action/Body Not Recovered Unit: 1st Flight Detachment, MACV-SOG 1131st Special Activities Squadron, 12th Det
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