The USS Midway pilots who made history with America’s first MiG kills over Vietnam

The Navy’s Powerful F-4B Phantom II Fighter

The F-4B Phantom II measured 63 feet long with a 38-foot wingspan. This 19-ton fighter needed both a pilot and a radar operator working together in separate cockpits.

Each Phantom carried three radar-guided Sparrow missiles and two heat-seeking Sidewinder missiles.

Twin engines pushed these fighters past 1,400 mph, faster than most enemy planes.

VF-21’s Phantoms stayed ready to launch quickly against any threat to the carrier or to protect strike aircraft hitting targets.

The North Vietnamese MiG-17 Threat

North Vietnamese pilots flew the MiG-17 “Fresco,” a small Soviet fighter developed from the Korean War-era MiG-15.

These lighter, more nimble fighters could turn tighter than the heavier Phantoms in close combat.

MiG-17s mainly relied on cannons – one 37mm and two 23mm guns – rather than missiles. They flew from bases near Hanoi to intercept American planes attacking important targets.

Their excellent turning ability made MiG-17s dangerous in dogfights, forcing Phantom crews to use their advantages in speed and missile range.

The Morning Mission Briefing on June 17, 1965

On June 17, 1965, VF-21 pilots gathered for their morning briefing aboard USS Midway.

Their mission: protect bombers attacking the Thanh Hoa Bridge, an important supply route.

Commander Louis Page and Lieutenant John Smith would fly F-4B Phantom NE101. Lieutenant Dave Batson and Lieutenant Commander Robert Doremus would fly alongside them in F-4B NE102.

Their job was MiGCAP – MiG Combat Air Patrol – keeping enemy fighters away from the bombers. Both crews studied maps, reviewed their tactics, and prepared for possible enemy contact.

Launch and Flight to North Vietnam

At 9:00 AM, both Phantoms rocketed off Midway’s deck, launched by steam catapults. They climbed into formation with the other attack planes.

After refueling from a flying tanker aircraft, both F-4s headed north toward enemy territory. The fighters set up patrol at 10,000 feet altitude, flying at 300 knots to save fuel.

From this position, they watched over the bombing raid below while their radar operators scanned for enemy planes. They needed to be ready to respond quickly if MiGs appeared.

First Contact with Enemy MiGs

As American bombs hit their targets, radar screens showed contacts near Hanoi, about 50 miles away.

These blips signaled possible enemy fighters taking off.

By 10:30 AM, both Phantom crews were 40 miles south of Hanoi when four North Vietnamese MiG-17s appeared.

The MiGs were moving to attack American bombers. This moment would mark the first direct battle between Navy jets and North Vietnamese fighters.

Both Phantom crews readied their weapons systems and prepared to engage.

Page and Smith Score the First Kill

Commander Page positioned his F-4 while Lieutenant Smith locked their radar onto a MiG-17. Their targeting system tracked the enemy plane through clouds.

Page fired an AIM-7D Sparrow missile. The radar-guided weapon accelerated toward the target, traveling several miles in seconds.

The missile struck the MiG-17, destroying it in mid-air. This became the first confirmed kill of a North Vietnamese aircraft in the war.

By chance, the Secretary of the Navy was visiting Midway that day, making the victory even more special.

Batson and Doremus Follow with a Second Kill

Almost immediately after the first kill, Batson and Doremus engaged another MiG-17. From the back seat, Doremus guided Batson into firing position.

“Pull up! Fly the dot. Push over, go down!” Doremus called, helping Batson follow the radar cue for the best launch position.

Batson fired their Sparrow missile, which tracked straight to the target. The missile hit the second MiG-17, giving VF-21 its second kill within minutes.

Both victories proved that American missiles could defeat enemy fighters without needing to get close enough for a gunfight.

Return to USS Midway as Heroes

Both F-4B crews landed safely on Midway’s deck after their successful mission.

News of their victories spread quickly throughout the ship. In the squadron ready room, pilots celebrated with scotch.

The two crews received congratulations from everyone aboard.

Their success lifted spirits across the carrier, showing that American fighters could win against North Vietnamese MiGs.

The news soon reached the public back home, turning the crews into instant heroes.

Aftermath and Recognition

The June 17 victories marked a historic first in the air war over Vietnam.

Mechanics painted a MiG silhouette on NE101’s air intake to show its achievement.

When Commander Page later became squadron leader after Bill Franke was shot down, his and Smith’s names replaced Franke’s on aircraft NE101.

Reporters contacted family members of both crews in the United States.

This created problems for some pilots who hadn’t told their families they were flying combat missions to prevent worry.

Later Fate of the MiG Killers

The famous aircraft that scored the first kill, F-4B number 150646, was lost just weeks later on July 28, 1965.

It suffered engine and electrical failure, but both crewmen ejected safely and were rescued.

Tragedy struck on August 24, 1965, when Lieutenant Commander Doremus was shot down with Squadron Commander Bill Franke.

At first listed as killed, they were later found to be prisoners of war. Both men spent 7½ years in North Vietnamese prison camps before release in 1973.

After these early losses, North Vietnamese leaders pulled their MiGs back.

Visiting F-4 Phantom Display, USS Midway Museum

USS Midway Museum welcomes visitors at 910 N. Harbor Drive in downtown San Diego. Open daily from 10 AM to 5 PM, with last entry at 4 PM.

Adult tickets cost $29, seniors $25, and children (6-12) $18. Your admission includes a self-guided audio tour through more than 60 exhibits across the ship.

The flight deck displays 30 restored aircraft, including an F-4 Phantom II painted with MiG kill markings.

The “Battle of Midway Theater” shows a short film about the carrier’s history. Flight simulators require separate tickets.

The museum hosts special events throughout the year, including veterans’ reunions and educational programs.

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