Operation Spring High
| Operation Spring High | |||||
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Part of Vietnam War | |||||
 A North Vietnamese SA-2 surface to air missile, the intended American target during Operation Spring High | |||||
| |||||
| Belligerents | |||||
 United States |
 North Vietnam | ||||
| Units involved | |||||
|
48 attack aircraft 58 supporting aircraft |
120 anti-aircraft guns Small arms | ||||
| Casualties and losses | |||||
|
6 F-105D Thunderchiefs destroyed 2 pilots POW 3 pilots KIA | No SAMs lost | ||||
Operation Spring High was a United States military airstrike on 27 July 1965 during Operation Rolling Thunder against two North Vietnamese surface to air (SAM) missile launchers during the Vietnam War. The attack was in retaliation for the first American aircraft lost to a SAM during the war. North Vietnamese officials were aware of the American plan due to a spy, and set a trap for American aircraft. The launchers were evacuated and the area was defended by more than 100 anti-aircraft guns. Six F-105 Thunderchiefs were destroyed during the operation, including a mid-air collision following the attack.