Takhli Tales - Billy Sparks Vietnam Fighter Pilot Memoir

By Billy R. Sparks

Lt. Col. Billy 'Sparky' Sparks flew 145 combat missions over North Vietnam from Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, first in the F-105 Thunderchief and later as a Wild Weasel instructor pilot in the F-105F.

Shot down on a mission north of Hanoi in November 1967, he was rescued by the Sandy and Jolly Green Giant crews he credited with saving his life. For his service he earned three Silver Stars, seven Distinguished Flying Crosses, and fifteen Air Medals — and fellow ace Robin Olds called him 'the bravest man he ever knew.'

Takhli Tales collects stories from a flying career that spanned the F-100, F-105, F-4, and F-104.