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Lieutenant Commander Ted “T.R.” Swartz
Episode 3381 of the Vietnam Veteran News Podcast will feature a story about Ted Schwartz, the only Navy Pilot who shot down a Mig-17 with an A-4 Skyhawk. The featured story is titled; The only US Navy A-4 Skyhawk pilot to shoot down a MiG-17. It appeared on the Aviation Geek Club website and was submitted by Dario Leone.
Leone reported that During the Vietnam War, few American military stories demonstrate courage and determination better than the extraordinary combat experience of Lieutenant Commander Ted “T.R.” Swartz, a U.S. Navy Vietnam veteran who crossed from the fighter community into attack aviation because he wanted to be where the action was. His story is a powerful reminder of the greatness of all Vietnam Veterans who answered their nation’s call and faced extraordinary danger in combat.
Naval aviation during Vietnam was divided into specialized communities, including the F-8 Crusader, F-4 Phantom, A-1 Skyraider, and A-4 Skyhawk. Swartz transferred to attack aviation and joined VA-76 “Spirits”, part of Carrier Air Wing 21 aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard. Arriving in Southeast Asia in January 1967, these Navy aviators participated in increasingly intense strikes against targets in North Vietnam, including Hanoi and Haiphong.
On May 1, 1967, Swartz flew a dangerous combat mission against Kep Airfield, where his assignment was to suppress enemy anti-aircraft defenses. During the attack, two MiG-17 fighters appeared. With the strike group restricting his maneuvering options, Swartz engaged the MiGs while flying at approximately 425 knots.
In an extraordinary display of Vietnam War aerial combat, Swartz fired three Zuni rockets at the enemy aircraft. One struck a MiG-17, making him the only A-4 Skyhawk pilot credited with shooting down a MiG-17. He then used his 20mm cannon before breaking away from the dangerous engagement.
Although his decision to save some Zuni rockets was criticized by fellow aviators and nearly resulted in disciplinary action, Swartz’s combat achievement earned him the Silver Star.
The story of T.R. Swartz represents the skill, courage, sacrifice, and determination of Vietnam Veterans. From Navy pilots and Army soldiers to Marines, Air Force personnel, and Coast Guard members, these remarkable Americans served under fire and demonstrated the greatness of the Vietnam Veteran generation.
Listen to episode 3381 and discover more about Ted Schwartz, the only Navy Pilot who shot down a Mig-17 with an A-4 Skyhawk..
