Strike at the Doumer Bridge: Lt. Col. James McInerney and Capt. Fred Shannon

Published May 19, 2015

DAYTON, Ohio - In the First In, Last Out: WIld Weasels vs. SAMs exhibit: 1) Capt. Fred Shannon's flight suit and "boonie hat" worn during his tour with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat in 1967. 2) The Air Force Cross awarded to Capt. Fred Shannon. 3) McInerney's K-2B flight suit and his custom-fitted Toptex 3BM helmet. Worn on the Aug. 11, 1967, mission, he continued to use the helmet until he retired in 1980. 4) Air Force Association award given to McInerney, who developed the very effective tactic of entering the target area 5-7 minutes ahead of the strike force to look for SAM sites. 5) Air Force Cross awarded to McInerney. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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DAYTON, Ohio - In the First In, Last Out: WIld Weasels vs. SAMs exhibit: 1) Capt. Fred Shannon's flight suit and "boonie hat" worn during his tour with the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron at Korat in 1967. 2) The Air Force Cross awarded to Capt. Fred Shannon. 3) McInerney's K-2B flight suit and his custom-fitted Toptex 3BM helmet. Worn on the Aug. 11, 1967, mission, he continued to use the helmet until he retired in 1980. 4) Air Force Association award given to McInerney, who developed the very effective tactic of entering the target area 5-7 minutes ahead of the strike force to look for SAM sites. 5) Air Force Cross awarded to McInerney. (U.S. Air Force photo)

On the way north during a mission in September 1967, McInerney (l) and Shannon (r) had an engine failure which forced them to eject. Shannon’s leg was broken, ending his tour.

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On the way north during a mission in September 1967, McInerney (l) and Shannon (r) had an engine failure which forced them to eject. Shannon’s leg was broken, ending his tour.

Paul Doumer bridge after the Aug. 12, 1967 strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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Paul Doumer bridge after the Aug. 12, 1967 strike. (U.S. Air Force photo)

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On Aug. 11, 1967, Lt. Col. James McInerney (pilot) and Capt. Fred Shannon (EWO) led the Wild Weasel flight covering the first airstrike against the very heavily-defended Paul Doumer Bridge in Hanoi, North Vietnam. Hanoi was the central hub of North Vietnam's railway network, and the mile-long Paul Doumer Bridge was a key link that carried one rail and two highway lines.

During the strike, McInerney and Shannon destroyed two SA-2 sites and suppressed four others. They flew through intense anti-aircraft artillery fire and dodged the three SA-2s launched at their flight. The strike force completely severed the Doumer Bridge, and as a direct result of McInerney and Shannon's action, not a single aircraft was lost.

For their heroism and skill, Lt. Col. McInerney and Capt. Shannon were awarded the Air Force Cross. McInerney, who commanded the 355th TFW's Wild Weasel squadron (the 13th TFS), later became a USAF major general.

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Strike at the Doumer Bridge: Lt. Col. James McInerney and Capt. Fred Shannon