Experiences of a Fighter Pilot in the Vietnam War

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The chapter follows the journey of a former Airforce fighter pilot from training in the 1960s to combat missions in Vietnam. It covers their transition from backseat to front seat flying in F4 Phantom planes, preparations before deploying to Southeast Asia, mission experiences including close air support, and challenges faced during combat with increased anti-aircraft artillery. The chapter also discusses the changes in fighter pilot assignments during the war and the political climate in America amidst war protests.

Leon F. "Lee" Ellis (born October 9, 1943) is a retired United States Air Force colonel, award-winning author, speaker, and consultant.^[1] Ellis gained notoriety when, as a fighter pilot in the Vietnam War, he was shot down, captured, and spent 5+1⁄2 years as a prisoner of war in Hanoi and surrounding areas with former presidential candidate and Senator John McCain (R-AZ) and others.^[2] His capture occurred on November 7, 1967, and he was released on March 14, 1973.^[3] He was one of the youngest, junior members in the camps.^[2] Ellis is an international speaker and consultant on the subjects of leadership and human performance.