18 JUN--This Day in US Military History

1SG Private RallyPoint Member — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 08:51:08 -0400

1965 – For the first time, 28 B-52s fly-bomb a Viet Cong concentration in a heavily forested area of Binh Duong Province northwest of Saigon.

Such flights, under the aegis of the Strategic Air Command (SAC), became known as Operation Arc Light. The B-52s that took part in the Arc Light missions had been deployed to Andersen Air Force Base in Guam and more bombers were later deployed to bases in Okinawa and U-Tapao, Thailand. In addition to supporting ground tactical operations, B-52s were used to interdict enemy supply lines in Vietnam, Cambodia, and Laos, and later to strike targets in North Vietnam.
Releasing their bombs from 30,000 feet, the B-52s could neither be seen nor heard from the ground as they inflicted awesome damage. B-52s were instrumental in breaking up enemy concentrations besieging Khe Sanh in 1968 and An Loc in 1972. Between June 1965 and August 1973, 126,615 B-52 sorties were flown over Southeast Asia. During those operations, the Air Force lost 29 B-52s: 17 from hostile fire over North Vietnam and 12 from operational causes.

https://thisdayinusmilhist.wordpress.com/2005/06/19/june-18/

June 18

18 June 1778 - After almost nine months of occupation, the 15,000 British troops under Sir Henry Clinton evacuate Philadelphia, the former U.S. capital. The British position in Philadelphia had bec...

Response by MSgt David Haupt made Jun 18 at 2015 12:18 PM

MSgt David Haupt — Thu, 18 Jun 2015 12:18:24 -0400

Go to Andersen AFB, Guam and take a walk down Arc light and see the B-52 on static display. Had the privilege of guarding these aircraft in Guam and Minot AFB, ND. Plus scuba dive one in Guam. Amazing Aircraft on the different types of weapons they carry.

Response by A1C Mike Smith made Jun 19 at 2015 4:07 PM

A1C Mike Smith — Fri, 19 Jun 2015 16:07:07 -0400

Back when SAC meant business.