The National Museum of the United States Air Force has chosen Aviation Heritage Park (AHP) as the new caretaker of the F-105 F Thunderchief.
The venerable Republic F-105 F Thunderchief was a United States Air Force fighter/bomber capable of Mach 2 (1,480 mph). Known as the “Thud,” it was one of the primary aircraft used in high-speed, low-altitude missions in the Vietnam War. This version of the F-105, with additional modifications, became the F-105G. It included a second seat for the electronic warfare officer (EWO) and was used to suppress enemy air defenses. Nicknamed “Wild Weasel,” the F-105G’s primary mission was to find and destroy surface-to-air missile sites.
In keeping with AHP’s mission to showcase aviators from South Central Kentucky, two highly decorated pilots and their EWOs will be honored in the exhibit when this aircraft is restored.
General Joseph Ralston was born November 4, 1943, in Fairview, Ky. Ralston served as a fighter pilot with more than 2500 flying hours, including 147 combat missions over Laos and North Vietnam. Ralston went from the ROTC program to flying the THUD to serving as the fourth vice chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff (1996-2000) as well as Supreme Allied Commander for the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) in Europe (2000-2003). He is the highest-ranking airman that Kentucky has ever produced.
Lt Col Billy Sparks was born on December 7, 1934, in Hart County, KY. He flew over 145 combat sorties and logged 2,250 hours in a THUD. He and his EWO, Major Carlos Lombardo, were renowned for their proficiency and communication skills, flying 82 sorties together. During his 20 years of service, he received three Silver Stars, seven Distinguished Flying Crosses, and 15 Air Medals. Sparks was one of the prominent members of the Red River Valley Fighter Pilots Association (River Rats).
The “THUD” will be transported to Bowling Green through a joint operation between AHP, the F-105 Thunderchief Preservation Society, and the River Rats. The date of arrival will be announced.
