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Co. Jack Broughton

Discussion in 'Roll of Honor & Memories - All Other Conflicts' started by GRW, Nov 14, 2014.

  1. GRW

    GRW Pillboxologist WW2|ORG Editor

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    "Jack Broughton was a decorated US Air Force fighter pilot who flew more than 200 missions in Korea and Vietnam and later became an outspoken critic of the White House and the US’s military leaders.



    As a star pilot beginning in the 1940s, he was hailed for his bravery and tactical cunning, and seemed well on his way to becoming a general. But his career ended after a high-profile court-martial during the Vietnam War. In 1967 he was accused of covering up the strafing of a Soviet freighter in the North Vietnamese port of Cam Pha by a pilot under his command.
    Broughton and two of his pilots were court-martialled. All were acquitted of the most serious charges, conspiracy to violate Air Force rules of engagement that ruled certain targets off-limits. The court-martial was later expunged, but he retired, going on to criticise President Johnson and his Defence Secretary Robert McNamara for mismanagement of the military. He blasted the restrictions placed on bomber pilots out of fear that the Soviet Union or China could be drawn into the conflict."
    http://www.independent.co.uk/news/obituaries/colonel-jack-broughton-vietnam-flying-ace-who-was-cleared-at-a-court-martial-but-went-on-to-criticise-the-uss-handling-of-the-war-9862399.html
     
  2. mcoffee

    mcoffee Son-of-a-Gun(ner)

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    Chuck Yeager presided over Broughton's Court Martial.

    Broughton wrote two books:
    "Thud Ridge" and "Going Downtown: The War Against Hanoi and Washington". Missions into Hanoi were referred to as Going Downtown after the Petula Clark song. 'Everythings waiting for you - Downtown'

    Anyone who has an interest in the Vietnam air war should check out Broughton's books.
     

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