Skyhawk Down! – The Day Glen York Earned His Distinguished Flying Cross

Thomas Smith’s painting Almost Home depicts the A-4E Skyhawk piloted by Lt. Cmdr. John S. McCain III as it returns to USS Oriskany.

176

It was our fifth day on Yankee Station, July 18, 1967, and the day started peacefully for my flight leader, Lt. Cmdr. Richard Hartman, and me. We met early in the formal and quiet wardroom aboard USS Oriskany (CVA-34), the ship with the radio call sign “Childplay.” We spoke briefly about the Alpha Strike we were to fly that morning in our A-4Es, but any thought we might both be shot down a couple hours...

PARDON THE INTERRUPTION

You need to be a Flight Journal Digital Member to see the full article
Already a Member?

Purchase Options

membership

All the stories featured in Flight Journal are as unique and varied as the airplanes and warriors who flew them. From popular warbirds like the P-51 Mustang and Me 109 to the Lockheed SR-71 and futuristic hypersonic fighters, we cover the whole spectrum of aviation. We’ve heard from countless readers over the years about how much they enjoy the compelling stories and beautiful photography.