File:The A-1E "Skyraider" On Display At The Aerospace Museum Of California.jpg
Skyraiders were attack aircraft, but they also provided close air support for ground operations. They escorted helicopters like the museum’s CH-3 “Jolly Green Giant” during rescue missions. Major Bernard Fisher, a California native, flew an A-1E when he rescued a fellow pilot from behind enemy lines on March 10, 1966. He was the first U.S. Air Force recipient of the Medal of Honor during the Vietnam conflict.
Douglas built this A-1E at their plant in El Segundo, California in 1954. This Skyraider served aboard the U.S.S. Shangri-La, U.S.S. Franklin Roosevelt, U.S.S. Intrepid, and U.S.S. Enterprise aircraft carriers. This Skyraider came to the museum in October 1985. Museum staff restored it with markings for the 1st Special Operations Squadron, 14th Special Operations Wing.