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The Fighting Checkmates
RADM Paul Speer, USN (Ret)
On May 19, 1967, as Commander of VF-211, Paul led a mission to downtown Hanoi in which he downed a MiG-17 and earned the Navy Cross. Click HERE to watch the Military Channel's "Last of the Gunfighters" Dogfights episode featuring Paul's story
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CDR Paul Speer, CO VF-211
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The Fighting Checkmates pose aboard the USS Bon Homme Richard during the 1967 cruise.
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In the Ready Room. Sitting next to Paul is Executive Officer "Big Ralph" Rutherford. Behind Paul is Blue Angel Bill Rennie. Behind Bill is Air Force Exchange Pilot Ron Lord.
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Paul and Ltjg. Joe Shea after the May 19th mission (Photo courtesy of Rodney Conzales)
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Paul exits his plane after the mission
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Ralph Rutherford heads below deck
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Paul returns to the Ready Room
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A VF-211 F-8J photographed at Miramar in November 1975
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