Operation KINGPIN Son Tay Raider, Air Element 1970 Gaggle

On 21 Nov 1970, a joint United States Air Force and United States Army force landed 56 U.S. Army Special Forces soldiers by helicopter at the Sơn Tây prisoner-of-war camp, which was located 23 miles (37 km) west of Hanoi, North Vietnam. The objective of the operation was the recovery of 61 American prisoners of war thought to be held at the camp. It was found during the raid that the camp contained no prisoners as they had previously been moved to another camp. 57 USAF aircraft participated, with one F-105G being lost.

Represents the call signs of mission aircraft used in direct support of the Son Tay Raid: Cherry 1-2, C-130 Hercules; Apple 1-5, HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant; Lime 1, HC-130P King; Banana, HH-3 Jolly Green Giant (with Blue Boy assault team aboard); & Peach 1-5, A-1 Skyraider. Thai made.