F-105D Thunderchief

F-105D ThunderchiefOur F 105D Thunderchief tag is proudly handcrafted from the skin of an F 105D Thunderchief that saw significant combat during the Vietnam War. One of our most prized possessions is the F 105D Thunderchief Serial #59 1731 an aircraft steeped in rich combat history. This remarkable Thud is a prolific USAF veteran of the Vietnam War. Formerly bearing the callsign "The Frito Bandito," it was piloted by Major Jose Olvera and Crew Chiefed by Doug Harried

Our F-105D Thunderchief tag is proudly handcrafted from the skin of an F-105D Thunderchief that saw significant combat during the Vietnam War.

One of our most prized possessions is the F-105D Thunderchief - Serial #59-1731 - an aircraft steeped in rich combat history. This remarkable Thud is a prolific USAF veteran of the Vietnam War. Formerly bearing the callsign "The Frito Bandito," it was piloted by Major Jose Olvera and Crew Chiefed by Doug Harried during its tenure in the Vietnam War. One of its most notable missions involved the bombing of the Paul Doumer Bridge, now known as the Long Biên Bridge, which serves as a vital link between Hanoi and the port of Haiphong. 

Image provided by Crew Chief Doug Harried of him talking to Major Jose Olvera at The Royal Takhli Airbase before it went on the mission to bomb the Paul Doumer Bridge.

Doug Harried served as the crew chief for our F-105, affectionately named "The Frito Bandito," during the Vietnam War. Initially, Doug was the crew chief for a different F-105, which was tragically lost on a combat mission. After this incident, he was assigned to our aircraft S/N: 59-1731. His expertise and dedication were invaluable in maintaining the plane's readiness for combat missions. Doug's role was crucial in ensuring the success and safety of the operations involving "The Frito Bandito." Read his story here.

On arguably its most famous mission, “The Frito Bandito” sustained flak damage to its wing while diving on the Paul Doumer bridge during the bombing run. Frito Bandito also had encounters with North Vietnamese MiGs over the skies of Hanoi, even engaging in a dogfight. Throughout the Vietnam War,"The Frito Bandito" was a part of the 388th & 355th Tactical Fighter Wings, and was stationed at both Korat & Takhli Royal Thai Air Force bases in Thailand.

Image provided by Crew Chief Doug Harried who in 1970 provided his camera to another Thunderchief pilot to take the picture of “The Frito Bandito” during a strike mission.

Following its tenure in the Vietnam War, our F-105D was reassigned to the Virginia Air National Guard in 1971 and was shortly thereafter rechristened as "The Huns Hammer," and continued to serve until 1981. Following Virginia Air National Guard service, it was transported to AMARC in Tucson, AZ for storage in 1981. 

After about 15 years of retirement at AMARC, 59-1731 was put up for auction by the DRMO along with another F-105 we acquired, 60-0452, known as “Rebel Rider”. Shortly after winning the auction in the mid 1990s both aircraft were transported to St. Louis, Missouri for storage and restoration work.

We plan to complete a full static restoration of F-105D S/N 60-0452, known as 'The Rebel Rider,' as it appears in the image above, prior to restoration.

We have embarked on a restoration project for the whole aircraft of 60-0452, while portions of 59-1731 have been artfully upcycled for our TransportTags so you can own a piece of a legendary aircraft with epic combat history! However, we are not decimating the legendary “Frito Bandito” and are dedicated to preserving the cockpit. 

We plan on restoring the cockpit of 59-1731, formerly “The Frito Bandito”, as pictured above, and will use part of the proceeds from TransportTags to complete the restoration of both our F-105s.

Our aim is to ensure that future generations have the opportunity to appreciate these extraordinary pieces of history. The story of our F-105D Thunderchiefs is a testament to the monumental journeys that such warbirds can have, transitioning from active service during a large scale conflict to a life showcasing living history both via our TransportTags and the future display of our legendary Thuds.