B-52 Bomber’s 4 Best Moments In Combat

(By Christian D. Orr, Former Air Force Security Officer) 

A few months ago, we marked the 50th anniversary of Operation Linebacker II, the air campaign that damn near won the Vietnam War for the United States. Aircraft such as F-4 Phantoms and F-111 Aardvarks contributed to the mission’s success.

But the leading role no doubt went to the B-52 Stratofortress, the heavy bomber known affectionately as “The BUFF” (“Big Ugly Fat F***er.)

The BUFF is still kicking butt and taking names after 71 years of service. Let’s take a look back at the top moments in the BUFF’s illustrious combat history.

Best of the B-52 BUFF Part I: Operation Linebacker II

As retired U.S. Air Force Col. and former National Air and Space Museum director Walter J. Boyne wrote, “All previous air campaigns, including the initial Linebacker carried out in May-­October 1972, were ‘limited,’ designed to interdict the overland routes by which the North resupplied its regular units and Viet Cong forces operating in South Vietnam. Linebacker II was to be different. The intent was to destroy all major target complexes in the Hanoi and Haiphong areas.”

Linebacker II commenced on Dec. 18, 1972 and concluded on Dec. 29. Notwithstanding the “Christmas bombing” sobriquet attached to the operation, there was actually a one-day stand-down on Christmas Day. The targets consisted of rail yards and marshaling areas, petroleum storage facilities, missile storage sites, docks, and warehouses.

Video Above: Colonel Michael Stefanovic, Director of the Strategic Studies Institute for the Air Force sits down for an exclusive interview with Kris Osborn