Broughton, Jackson

Young years, education and family

Jack Broughton was born in Utica , New York , into the episcopal family of a drapery seller. ^[4] In 1942 he graduated from Brighton High School in in Rochester ^[1] . As a child, he was fascinated by the tales of the courage of military pilots ^[5] , and on July 15, 1942, Broughton entered the US Military Academy at West Point ^[3] and was transferred to the 38th constituency of New York on a three-year wartime curriculum ^[6] . He became the 839th in total merit among 852 members of the 1945 class and underwent flight training at the bases of Garner Field ( Texas ) and Stuart Field (New York). June 5, 1945 Broughton entered the service in the Air Force of the US Army . On December 25, 1951, Broughton married Alice Jay Owen, who gave birth to his son Markham ( 1952 ) and three daughters: Sheila ( 1960 ), Maureen ( 1961 ) and Kathleen ( 1965 ) ^[7] .

Military Service

World War II ended before Broughton could begin to participate in sorties ^[4] . He trained as a pilot of the North American B-25 Mitchell medium bomber on the Air Force base in Inida , Oklahoma, and the Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress , based on Hendricks ( Florida ), when in December 1945 he was appointed to Europe as a fighter pilot ^[8] .

His first operational appointment in March 1946 was the position of the pilot of the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt in the 389th fighter squadron 366th Fighter Group at the airbase in Fritzlar ( Germany ), and then in June 1947, in the 525th fighter squadron 86th fighter group at the Neubiberg airbase in Munich , where he was until September 1947 , when the Air Force became a separate service from the Army ^[9] . In 1948, Broughton returned to the United States, and after two short assignments from the instructor, described by him as “unattractive,” he joined the newly created Fighter Squadron at the Las Vegas Air Base ( Nevada ) ^[10] .

Between January and November 1951, Broughton completed two combat raids on the Korean War on the Lockheed F-80 Shooting Star as part of the 8th fighter squadron 49th operational group from Daegu air base , and also was the leader of flights for Project Swatrock for the combat test of an anti-tank missile manufactured by the Swiss company Oerlikon using the Republic F-84 Thunderjet as a test bench ^[11] . After the war, Broughton became part of the Air Force Training Crew (CREWTAF) at the Del Rio airbase ( Texas ), training on the F-84s. In 1953, he switched to Luke airbase (State of Arizona ), and one of the first to become a squadron commander from the Republic F-84F Thunderstreak , who won the Bendix Trophy Race " Of 1954 ^[3] .

From October 1954 to February 1957, Broughton commanded the US Air Force Demonstration Squadron Petrels ^[12] , passing the transition from the direct wing of the F-84G to the swept F-84F to become the world's first supersonic acrobatic team on the North American F-100 Super Saber " ^[13] . After assignments at the Vincent Airbase (state of Arizona ) and Tyndall ( Florida ), commanding a fighter squadron, Broughton spent a year in Ankara ( Turkey ) as a member of the military assistance group ^[14] . This trip was interrupted by an emergency case involving his son, and in 1961, Broughton was transferred to the headquarters of the 78th air wing on the basis of "Hamilton" (state of California ) ^[15] .

From September 1962 to June 1964, while Broughton was promoted to colonel, he commanded the 5th fighter-interceptor squadron Aerospace Defense Command with Convair F-106 Delta Dart at Minot Airbase ( North Dakota ), playing an important role in the replacement of aircraft. At the same time, Broughton graduated from two professional military schools: in 1958, the command and staff college of the Air Force ^[16] , and in 1965, the National Military College ^[17] . After that, he was appointed deputy operations commander of the 6441st tactical fighter wing at the Yokota airbase in Japan . In 1964, the Wing was used to control the nuclear mission and the implementation of the combat missions of the three Republic F-105 Thunderchief squadrons in Thailand ^[18] .

The last post for Broughton was the post of deputy commander of the 355th tactical fighter wing at the Thai airbase "Takhli" , and from September 1966 to June 1967 took part in 102 sorties on flights in North Vietnam . On June 2, 1967, one of Broughton's pilot pilots, Ted Tolman, told him that he could accidentally get into the ship at the port of Camphy , attacking nearby anti-aircraft guns. The next day, representatives of the USSR stated that one of the merchant ships of the Far Eastern Shipping Company , Turkestan , was attacked in the same place, as a result of which they resolutely protested to the US leadership ^[19] . Assuming that his pilots would be punished for violation, Broughton ordered the destruction of the photographic machine gun films on which the ship was shot at the sight of the lead pilot ^[20] . During an investigation launched because of fears that the USSR or the PRC might intervene in the conflict, he admitted to destroying the only evidence of an obvious attack on a Soviet ship ^[21] , and therefore the military tribunal acquitted Broughton and two of his pilots on charges of conspiracy in order to break the rule prohibiting the bombing of harbors, and found him guilty of destroying state property - seven rolls of film, fined $ 600. After that, Broughton was transferred to an administrative post in Washington . In July 1968, the US Air Force Review Board Agency removed the materials of the military tribunal from their records, deciding that Broughton should instead have been subjected to minor extrajudicial punishment ^[4] , and thus the sentence was quashed ^[5] . A month later - on August 31 - Broughton resigned from military service ^[13] with the rank of colonel ^[1] . In October of that year, the news service “ Copley "Published data from an unknown source, suggesting that the Soviet ship probably did not suffer from the actions of the Air Force, but most likely from the fact that anti-aircraft gunners of North Vietnam tried to shoot down a low-flying US military aircraft ^[4] .

Retirement and Writing

Following his retirement from the Air Force in 1968 , Broughton worked as a pilot in Fajardo in Puerto Rico , as well as in the Mobil air supply management staff on the North Slope of Alaska , and, as the test program manager and technical planning adviser for the construction of the Endeavor shuttle for Rockwell International ^[5] . In addition, he created a corporation for the development of hovercraft ^[22] .

In retirement, Broughton became the author of two books: Thud Ridge (1968) and Going Downtown: The War Against Hanoi and Washington (1988), in which he talked about his feelings and the history of the air war over Southeast Asia . The last book was based mainly on his attack on a Soviet ship and the subsequent military tribunal (known as the Turkestan incident) ^[13] . In 2007, he published an autobiography of a career in the US Air Force - “Rupert Red Two: A Fighter Pilot's Life from Thunderbolts to Thunderchiefs”, in which he expressed his anger at US President Lyndon Johnson and Secretary of Defense Robert McNamaru for limitations and mismanagement in the Air Force ^[23] , which he believed destroyed all chances to win the war in Vietnam ^[4] . In the first book, Broughton spoke very critically about the U.S. command of the air operations against North Vietnam, largely due to the fact that this work was published as a result of a military tribunal over Broughton and his two pilots on charges of conspiracy to violate the rules for the use of armed force in relation to US Air Force operations. Although he was acquitted on the most serious charge, Broughton was subsequently transferred to an obscure post at the Pentagon (possibly to implement the Leader project to develop vertical and / or short take-off and landing technology in for the Advanced Defense Agency research and development of the United States ), allegedly by blood feud, because his punishment was so insignificant. The requirements included working in the protocol department only two or three days a month, and he used his free time to write a book, while he was waiting for consideration of the appeal to the Agency of the US Air Force review board in ^[24] . After his sentence was canceled and excluded from his record due to "improper command influence", Broughton left the Air Force in August 1968 , and described all the events in his memoirs ^[24] .

In 2009, Broughton was awarded the Eagles award by the Gathering of Eagles Foundation " ^[1] . Until his last days, he continued to be an active commentator on radio and television, a consultant and writer ^[1] , whose first article, Pain and Gain in the Century Series, was published in September 2012 by Air Force Magazine ^[25] . In recent years, Broughton has lived in Lake Forest in California .

Death and funeral

Jackson Broughton died on October 24, 2014 at the age of 89 at the Saddleback Memorial Medical Center in Laguna Hills in California after a short illness ^{[4] [26] [27] [28]} . He left behind his daughters Katherine Schaefer, Sheila Broughton, Maureen Murra, son of Markham, nine grandchildren ^[4] and brother Robert Napples - a retired Air Force colonel ^[29] . The funeral was held at Fort Rosencrans National Cemetery in San Diego ^[26] .

Above, from left to right ^[3] : Badge "Commander-pilot" .

• First row: Air Force Cross .
• Second row: Medal " Silver Star " with oak leaves ; Legion of Honor Order of the Legionnaire degree; Cross of Merit with letter “V” and three oak leaves; Air medal with four oak leaves.
• Third Row: Air Force Commendation Medal ; Army Commendation Medal ; ; Award to the outstanding Air Force unit (twice).
• Fourth row: Medal For the American Campaign ; Victory Medal in World War II ; Army Medal of Occupation ; National Defense Service Medal with one star service .
• Fifth row: Medal "For Service in Korea" with three campaign stars; Medal "For Service in Vietnam" with two campaign stars; Long Life Award in the Air Force with five oak leaves; Thanks from the President of the Republic of Korea .
• Sixth row: Cross “For courage” (with thanks to the union); UN Medal Korea ; Vietnam Campaign Medal ; Military Service Medal in Korea .

Air Force Cross

The President of the United States of America, on the basis of Title 10 of Section 8742 of the Code of Laws of the United States, is proud to represent Colonel Jackson M. Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), US Air Force, for the extremely exceptional heroism in connection with military operations against the enemy’s armed forces Southeast Asia, as a pilot of the F-105 Thunderchief of the 355th tactical fighter wing of the Thai Air Force Royal Thai Air Force Base in a battle over North Vietnam on February 5, 1967. On this day, Colonel Broughton was the commander of the mission of flying two strike forces F-105 Thunderchief, attacking a heavily defended target in North Vietnam. Despite the plane’s serious malfunctions, extreme weather, and severe damage caused to his aircraft by an air-to-air rocket explosion, he aimed his weapon directly at the target, scattering fire and debris, and illuminating the target for the light impact of the following strike forces. Ignoring the crippled condition of his plane, which minimized his chances of recovery in friendly territory, Colonel Broughton deliberately acted as a decoy to distract enemy aircraft approaching strike forces. Thanks to his extraordinary heroism, excellent flying prowess and courage in the face of the enemy, Colonel Broughton reflected a deep loyalty to himself and the US Air Force.

Original text

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Title 10, Section 8742, United States Code, takes pleasure in presenting the Air Force Cross to Colonel Jacksel M. Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, for extraordinary heroism in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force in Southeast Asia while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action over North Vietnam on February 5, 1967. On that date , Colonel Broughton was Mission Commander of a flight of a two wing F-105 Thunderchief strike force which attacked a heavily defended target in North Vietnam. Despite serious aircraft malfunctions, marginal weather, and grave damage to his aircraft from an exploding surface-to-air missile, he placed his armament directly on target, scattering fire and debris which illuminated the target for easy acquisition by the following strike force. Disregarding the crippled condition of his aircraft, which minimized his chances for recovery to friendly territory, Colonel Broughton then willfully acted as a decoy to divert hostile aircraft approaching the strike force. Through his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship, and aggressiveness in the face of the enemy, Colonel Broughton reflected the highest credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. ^[13]

Silver Star Medal

First time

The President of the United States of America, on the basis of the Congress Act of July 9, 1918 (as amended by the Act of July 25, 1963), is proud to announce the presentation to Colonel Jackson Markham Broughton of the Silver Star (AFSN: 0-17035), US Air Force, for courage in connection with the military operations against the enemy armed forces in Southeast Asia, as a pilot of the F-105 Thunderchief of the 355th tactical fighter wing of the Thai Air Force Royal Thai Air Force Base in a battle in Southeast Asia on December 4, 1966. On this day, Colonel Broughton was the leader of the main wing and the deputy commander of the strike force against the oil product storage area, which is the main source of supplies to the airfield, thanks to which large enemy intercept forces operated. Despite the extremely marginal weather conditions on the route and in the target area, threats from anti-aircraft missile systems and hostile interceptors, intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire, Colonel Broughton completed the attack, which destroyed a significant part of the defense targets, making a great contribution to the success of the mission. With his courage and devotion to duty, Colonel Broughton reflected great loyalty to himself and the US Air Force.

Original text

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting the Silver Star to Colonel Jacksel Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action in Southeast Asia, on 4 December 1966 On that date, Colonel Broughton was element leader in the lead flight and Deputy Mission Commander of the strike force executed against a petroleum products storage area that is the principle source of supply for the airfield from which a large force of hostile interceptor operate. Despite extremely marginal weather conditions en route and in the target area, the threat of surface-to-air missiles and hostile interceptors and intense and accurate anti-aircraft artillery fire, Colonel Broughton completed an attack that destroyed a significant portion of the target defenses and greatly contributed to the success of the mission. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Broughton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. ^[13]

Second time

The President of the United States of America, on the basis of the Congress Act of July 9, 1918 (as amended by the Act of July 25, 1963), is proud to announce the submission to the Bronze Oak Leaf of Colonel Jackel Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), US Air Force courage in connection with hostilities in Southeast Asia as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot of the 355th tactical fighter wing of the Thai Air Force Royal Thai Air Force Base in a battle in Southeast Asia on May 13, 1967. On this day, Colonel Broughton was the commander of the mission forces to destroy the key railway junction and the unloading yard. It was Colonel Broughton who led the forces to the goal, despite adverse weather conditions, heavy anti-aircraft barriers and attacks using anti-aircraft guided missiles. He silenced several anti-aircraft guns completely in the immediate vicinity of the target, and thus significantly helped the remainder of the forces very effectively hit the target. Leading his flight from the target area, he saw attacks by MiG interceptors on another strike force in this area, and with complete disregard for his personal well-being, took up the enemy’s aircraft. Although he had little fuel, Colonel Broughton continued his attack until his flight was damaged by two interceptors, managing to disperse them from other forces. With his courage and devotion to duty, Colonel Broughton reflected great loyalty to himself and the US Air Force.

Original text

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress July 9, 1918 (amended by an act of July 25, 1963), takes pleasure in presenting a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Silver Star to Colonel Jacksel Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, for gallantry in connection with military operations against an opposing armed force while serving as Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, Takhli Royal Thai Air Base, in action in Southeast Asia, on 13 May 1967. On that date, Colonel Broughton was the Force Commander of a mission assigned to destroy a key rail junction and classification yard. Colonel Broughton led the forces precisely to the target in spite of adverse weather conditions, heavy flak barrages and surface-to-air missile attack. He completely silenced several anti-aircraft artillery sites in the immediate proximity of the target thereby greatly enabling the remainder of the forces to strike the target very effectively. As he led his flight from the target area, he observed a flight of MiG interceptors attacking another strike force in the area and with complete disregard for his personal welfare engaged the hostile aircraft. Even though he was below bingo fuel, Colonel Broughton continued his attack until his flight had damaged two of the interceptors and driven them from the other forces. By his gallantry and devotion to duty, Colonel Broughton has reflected great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. ^[13]

Legion of Honor Order

The President of the United States of America, on the basis of the Congress Act of July 20, 1942, proudly announces the submission to the Legion of Honor of Major Jackson Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), the US Air Force, for particularly commendable conduct of outstanding service to the United States Government from October 1, 1954 March 4, 1957 as leader and commander of the 359th Air Demonstration Wing (Petrels). During this period, Major Broughton successfully led his squad with a series of three different aircraft. Replacing the F-84G with the F-84F and finally moving on to the F-100C, he made the Petrels the world's first supersonic airborne demonstration team, which testifies to his outstanding leadership abilities. As Commander of the Petrels, Major Broughton set an enviable record, never canceling performances for others other than the causes of inclement weather. As a leader and commander, he led the Petrels through one hundred and sixty-two air demonstrations, witnessed by more than four and a half million viewers. Outstanding leadership, successful management and dedication, Major Broughton reflected great confidence in himself and the US Air Force.

Original text

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 20, 1942, takes pleasure in presenting the Legion of Merit to Major Jacksel Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, for exceptionally meritorious conduct in the performance of outstanding services to the Government of the United States from October 1, 1954 through March 4, 1957 as Leader and Commander of the 359th Air Demonstration Flight (Thunderbirds). During this period, Major Broughton successfully guided his unit through a series of three different aircraft. The changes from F-84G to F-84F and finally to the F-100C aircraft, and establishing the Thunderbirds as the world's First Supersonic Air Demonstration Team, attests to his outstanding leadership ability. As Commander of the Thunderbirds, Major Broughton established an enviable record of never canceling a performance for reasons other than inclement weather. As leader and Commander, he led the Thunderbirds through one hundred and sixty-two aerial demonstrations witnessed by more than four and a half million spectators. The outstanding leadership, management ability and devotion to duty displayed by Major Broughton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. ^[13]

Cross of Merit of Merit

First time

Major Jackson Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), US Air Force, is awarded the Cross of Merit for outstanding achievements during his participation in an air flight in Korea.

Original text

Major Jacksel Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight in Korea. ^[13]

Second time

Major Jackson Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), US Air Force, is awarded the Bronze Oak Leaf for the second Cross Merit Award for excellence in flying.

Original text

Major Jacksel Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, was awarded a Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Second Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. ^[13]

Third time

The President of the United States of America, on the basis of the Congress Act of July 2, 1926, is proud to announce the submission to the Second Bronze Oak Leaf for the third Cross Merit Award with letter “V” of Colonel Jackson Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), US Air Force the heroism shown during participation in an air flight as a combat pilot of the Republic F-105 Thunderchief in Southeast Asia from September 26, 1966 to October 8, 1966. During this period, Colonel Broughton was the leader of the flight project aimed at reducing the destruction of fighter aircraft by enemy fire from the ground. In order to get the most positive results, Colonel Broughton repeatedly brought his plane to an extremely vulnerable position in order to enter the field of action of hostile anti-aircraft batteries and launch sites for anti-aircraft guided missiles. The Air Force mission, concluded in the mind of Colonel Broughton, with great risk to life, contributed to the immeasurable success of the project. Outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to the duty of Colonel Broughton reflected great confidence in himself and the US Air Force.

Original text

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Second Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Third Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross with Combat "V" to Colonel Jacksel Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0-17035), United States Air Force, for heroism while participating in aerial flight as a combat pilot of a Republic F-105 Thunderchief in Southeast Asia from September 26, 1966 to October 8, 1966. During this period, Colonel Broughton was a flight leader of a project designed to reduce fighter aircraft posses to hostile ground fire. In order to obtain the most positive results, Colonel Broughton repeatedly maneuvered his aircraft to an extremely vulnerable position to be within the effective range of the hostile anti-aircraft batteries and surface-to-air missile sites. With the mission of the Air Force foremost in his mind Colonel Broughton, with great risk of his life, contributed immeasurably to the success of the project. The outstanding heroism and selfless devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Broughton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. ^[13]

Fourth time

The President of the United States of America, on the basis of the Congress Act of July 2, 1926, is proud to announce the submission to the Third Bronze Oak Leaf for the Fourth Awarding of the Merit of the Cross by Colonel Jackel Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0 -17035), the United States Air Force, for exceptional and extraordinary achievements in participating in air flight as an F-105 Thunderchief pilot in Southeast Asia on April 10, 1967. On this day, Colonel Broughton courageously volunteered to carry out the evacuation of a downed pilot in the field of intense fire from the ground. Arriving at the location of the downed pilot, he assumed command of the rescue operation and sent rescue planes to the place of the downed aircraft crew. Then, Colonel Broughton blocked a vulnerable section of the road, which prevented the additional location of hostile ground troops in the specified zone. Arriving back at the place of the downed pilot, he led disoriented pilots when refueling a tanker. Then, Colonel Broughton showed himself full of rage in the defense of positions, so that his slave gained the opportunity to attack these positions. Colonel Broughton's professional competence, aerial craftsmanship, and dedication reflected a great deal of confidence in himself and the US Air Force.

Original text

The President of the United States of America, authorized by Act of Congress, July 2, 1926, takes pleasure in presenting a Third Bronze Oak Leaf Cluster in lieu of a Fourth Award of the Distinguished Flying Cross to Colonel Jacksel Markham Broughton (AFSN: 0 -17035), United States Air Force, for extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as a Pilot of an F-105 Thunderchief in Southeast Asia on 10 April 1967. On that date, Colonel Broughton courageously volunteered to perform RESCAP for a downed pilot in an area of ​​intense ground fire. Arriving over the area of ​​the downed pilot, he assumed command of the RESCAP operation and directed the rescue aircraft to the location of the downed aircrew. Colonel Broughton then interdicted a vulnerable road segment which prevented additional hostile ground forces from entering the area. Arriving back at the location of the downed pilot, he directed a disoriented pilot to a post strike refueling tanker. Colonel Broughton then exposed himself to the full fury of the defensive positions to allow his wingman the opportunity to acquire and attack these positions. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Colonel Broughton reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force. ^[13]

• Broughton, Jack (2007). Rupert Red Two: A Fighter Pilot's Life from Thunderbolts to Thunderchiefs , Zenith Press, ISBN 978-0-7603-3217-7