Bronco over Di An

“Sidewinder 23" is the callsign of OV-10s flown by then Flight Lieutenant Peter Condon of the Royal Australian Air Force, (RAAF). during his tour with American forces. In 1969 FLT. Condon was stationed north of Saigon in support of the 1st. US Infantry Division. The Big Red One. Australia was a strong US ally during the South-east Asian conflict. In addition to regular RAAF forces, Australian exchange pilots flew with the USAF. A red kangaroo was often stenciled on aircraft flown by the pilots seconded to the USAF. RAAF Canberra bombers flew combat sorties in support of allied ground forces such as the one from No 2 squadron shown in this painting.

Thanks to Mr. Peter Condon for his help in preparing this text.