| Date: 16 July 1967 |
| Aircraft type: F-8E Crusader |
| Serial Number: 150925 |
| Military Unit: VF-162 |
| Service: USN |
| Home Base: USS Oriskany |
| Name(s): |
| Lt Cdr Demetrio Anthony Verich (Survived) |
| The Oriskany’s Air Wing was having a rough return to combat, losing its third aircraft in as many days. In fact before the month was over, the Oriskany would lose a total of 10 aircraft in combat and three in accidents. Lt Cdr Verich was leading the flak suppression element of three F-8s during a raid by A-4s on the Phu Ly railway yard, 30 miles south of Hanoi. As the formation approached the target it came under attack from a SAM site. Lt Cdr Verich started a split-S manoeuvre to evade two of the missiles but his aircraft (call sign Super Heat) was hit by a third SA-2 as the Crusader was diving through 5,000 feet. The aircraft began to disintegrate and Verich ejected immediately. Considering that his position was only about 16 miles south of Hanoi when he landed, Lt Cdr Verich was most fortunate to be rescued by a Navy SH-3 of HS-2 from the Hornet at first light on the 17th after 15 hours on the ground close to an AAA position. The helicopter pilot, Lt Neil Sparks, was awarded the Navy Cross for his courage and skill in rescuing the pilot. The helicopter had spent a total of two hours and 23 minutes over North Vietnam during the rescue, much of that time under fire. ‘Butch’ Verich had also been shot down on 18 August 1966 during the Oriskany’s second war cruise. |
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