"The aircraft exploded and the cockpit filled with fire" - Korean skies to the brutal Vietnam War (404)

Cold War Conversations Podcast

Ian Sanders

Society & Culture, Documentary, History

4.8 • 758 Ratings

🗓️ 23 May 2025

⏱️ 85 minutes

🔗️ Recording | iTunes | RSS

🧾️ Download transcript

Summary

Colonel Robert J. Graham, USAF (Ret.), was more than a fighter pilot—he was a leader, a warrior, and a witness to one of the most complex conflicts in modern history. From the chaotic early days of guerrilla warfare in Vietnam to the bureaucratic maze that engulfed the later years, Colonel Graham's four combat tours reveal the triumphs and tragedies of a war that reshaped his world and his nation. Buy Col Graham’s book here ⁠"One of the Few: A True Account of Courage and Stepping into the Fight" and support the podcast. With vivid detail, he takes you into the cockpit of supersonic jets, the gritty realities of jungle warfare, and the tense moments of life-or-death decision-making. From earning the prestigious Silver Star to commanding the 4th Tactical Fighter Squadron through the final stages of U.S. involvement, Graham's stories balance fearless heroism with unflinching honesty. Feel the adrenaline of battle. Experience the camaraderie of brothers-in-arms. Witness the sacrifices—and the cost—of duty. Through his eyes, discover not just the war, but the humanity within it. Buy Col Graham’s book here ⁠"One of the Few: A True Account of Courage and Stepping into the Fight" and support the podcast. Episode extras ⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/episode404/⁠⁠ The fight to preserve Cold War history continues and via a simple monthly donation, you will give me the ammunition to continue to preserve Cold War history. You’ll become part of our community, get ad-free episodes, and get a sought-after CWC coaster as a thank you and you’ll bask in the warm glow of knowing you are helping to preserve Cold War history. Just go to ⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/donate/⁠⁠ If a monthly contribution is not your cup of tea, we welcome one-off donations via the same link. Find the ideal gift for the Cold War enthusiast in your life! Just go to ⁠⁠https://coldwarconversations.com/store/⁠⁠ Follow us on BlueSky ⁠⁠https://bsky.app/profile/coldwarpod.bsky.social⁠⁠ Follow us on Threads ⁠⁠https://www.threads.net/@coldwarconversations⁠⁠ Follow us on Twitter ⁠⁠https://twitter.com/ColdWarPod⁠⁠ Facebook ⁠⁠https://www.facebook.com/groups/coldwarpod/⁠⁠ Instagram ⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/coldwarconversations/⁠⁠ Youtube ⁠⁠https://youtube.com/@ColdWarConversations⁠⁠ Love history? Join Intohistory ⁠⁠https://intohistory.com/coldwarpod⁠ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit podcastchoices.com/adchoices

Transcript

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0:00.0	Welcome to Cold War Conversations, the home of real stories of the Cold War.
0:06.3	Every runner knows the moment when everything clicks.
0:10.0	When your legs lock into a rhythm, the aches float away and doubts fade.
0:14.4	Replaced by a feeling of euphoria.
0:18.3	It's why you lace up at dawn.
0:25.8	Why little rain doesn't stop you, why one run turns into a habit.
0:30.1	So next time you go for a run, chase that runs high.
0:33.9	Learn more about running and go wild at puma.com.
0:39.4	The aircraft exploded and a coppenter fell with fire.
0:44.3	And so you're sitting in fire and you're trying to figure out what just happened.
0:45.9	It's a weird experience.
0:51.3	First of all, you're almost punching because, you know, all this has happened to you in probably 20 or 30 seconds and it takes a bit to get your wits about you.
0:56.8	But the other thing is, it's like sitting in the center of a bomb fire.
1:01.5	You're literally sitting in a fire.
1:04.8	Any skin exposed is burning.
1:09.9	This is Cold War Conversations.
1:13.6	If you're new here, you've come to the right place to listen to first-hand Cold War
1:18.1	history accounts.
1:19.1	Do make sure you follow us in your podcast app so you don't miss future episodes.
1:24.5	Colonel Robert J. Graham was more than a fighter pilot.
1:27.4	He was a leader, a warrior, and a witness to one of the most complex conflicts in modern history.
1:32.3	From the chaotic early days of guerrilla warfare in Vietnam to the final bombing mission,
	...

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