"Weasel Sighted SAM--Killed Same": The First Kill

DAYTON, Ohio - In this photo: Map used by Capt. Lamb on the first kill mission. The SAM site he and Donovan destroyed was located at Phy Tho, northwest of Hanoi. The black line was the route that Donovan and Lamb took into North Vietnam. In the area on the map south of Hanoi, Lamb made drawings of the site's layout during debriefing. Gloves, dog tags, watch and F-100F checklist used by Lamb during his Wild Weasel I tour. Lamb and Donovan were each awarded a Distinguished Flying Cross for killing the first SAM site. On display is the DFC and citation awarded to Lamb. The F-105 pilots on the first SAM kill had this patch made for Lamb and Donovan for killing the first SAM site. This saber represents to F-100F Super Sabre and the missile cut in half represents to SA-2. Allen Lamb's Wild Weasel I patches. This crudely made patch became a universal graphic for all Wild Weasels. An original Cave Putorium (or "Beware the Weasel") patch. The fraternal "Society of Wild Weasels" was created in 1967, and Lamb was a charter member. On display are his Society of Wild Weasels key chain and card from 1967. Coffee cup with Wild Weasel I logo donated by Lt. Col. Arthur Oken, USAF (ret.), an EWO with the second group of F-100F Wild Weasels. Donovan was an EWO on B-52s before he volunteered for the Wild Weasels mission. He received this air medal for his actions in February 1965 when an aerial refueling malfunctions pumped nearly 3,000 pounds into the fuel into the crew compartment on his B-52. Wild Weasel mug, dog tag and Society of WIld Weasels keychain from Capt. John "Jack" Donovan, EWO on the first SAM kill. (U.S. Air Force photo)

Capts. Allen Lamb (pilot) and Jack Donovan (EWO) achieved the first Wild Weasel SAM kill on Dec. 22, 1965, while covering a strike force northwest of Hanoi, North Vietnam. Capt. Donovan began picking up radar signals and called out the coordinates. Capt. Lamb guided their F-100F to the site and spotted the camouflaged radar van. He attacked it with a salvo of 2.75-inch rockets and 20mm fire, destroying the van and a nearby SA-2. Four single-seat F-105s accompanying them finished off the SAM site with rockets. The cabled message to the Joint Chiefs of Staff read "Weasel sighted SAM--killed same."

Click here to return to First In, Last Out: Wild Weasels vs. SAMs.

Screening at Entrance
All visitors may be screened with a metal detector upon entry. In addition all bags are subject to search and may be placed through an X-Ray machine. Weapons are not permitted including pocket knives and firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons.
Prohibited Items
Prohibited Items:
- Firearms*
- Knives
- Box cutters
- Food and Soda Drinks
- Alcohol
- Coolers
- Backpacks

* Firearms, to include conceal carry and other dangerous weapons, are specifically prohibited in Federal facilities in accordance with 18 USC §930 (c)

Permitted Items:
- Water bottles (clear, sealed bottle, up to 20 oz.)
- Purses
- Camera bags
- Diaper bags
- Strollers
- Service animals

Please note the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is not responsible for items left in vehicles.
Click here for frequently asked questions regarding items permitted inside the museum.
Visitor Photography Notice
Notice: Visitors may be filmed, photographed or recorded by the U.S. Air Force for educational and promotional uses, including for posting on public websites and social media.
Individuals are permitted to take their own photographs or videos while touring the museum.