The Vigilante

**RED** · 11-17-2023, 04:07

Wow! Notice the crews with pressure suits in a lot of the early videos.

That changed when the bomber became a recon task!

The photo recon missions were at low altitudes, no need for the pressure suits.

One of the most out-(fook)-standing stories about the A-5 in north Vietnam is incredible!

The second seat guy ejected after a SAM hit. He landed in a rice patty and was captured immediately. He inflated his yellow live vest and was searched and his .38 was taken from his survival vest.

He had a .22 Saturday Night special and pulled it! The .38 had only 4 rounds in it and the bad guy was shot.and... the second seat guy was rescued!!!

If I remember, his name was Pendergast.

The story of the RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance/attack navigator who became the only American aviator to escape after being captured in North Vietnam - The Aviation Geek Club

https://theaviationgeekclub.com/the-story-of-the-ra-5c-vigilante-reconnaissance-attack-navigator-who-became-the-only-american-aviator-to-escape-after-being-captured-in-north-vietnam/

The story of the RA-5C Vigilante reconnaissance/attack navigator who became the only American aviator to escape after being captured in North Vietnam

**Oyaji** · 11-17-2023, 06:57

Great story re Lieutenant (Junior Grade) Pendergast. Thanks for the link to his story, Red.

**Allen** · 11-18-2023, 07:17

All I know is you don't want to be in front of a running F-8 or A-7. At least the early Soviet migs had somewhat of a guard on the engine intakes.

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