B-52 losses in Operation Linebacker II: conflicting accounts emerge

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B-52 losses in Operation Linebacker II: conflicting accounts emerge

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Simple Flying | Simple Flying

By Sky Industry News

Nov 19, 2024

Operation Linebacker II, a significant bombing campaign led by B-52 Stratofortresses, took place over North Vietnam at the end of 1972. This operation marked a notable moment in military aviation history, as it involved extensive air combat and strategic maneuvers.

The National Museum of the United States Air Force describes Operation Linebacker II as "a complex, multi-service operation over North Vietnam in December 1972." The museum highlights that the B-52 missions during this operation became well-known for their precision bombing efforts in the Southeast Asia War.

The campaign began on December 18th and concluded on December 29th, involving a large assembly of aircraft including 206 B-52s along with F-111 Aardvarks, F-4 Phantoms, and other supporting aircraft. Despite these efforts, flaws in the operational plan were evident. According to the US Air Force Museum, "Already knowing the B-52s' route, North Vietnamese fighters reported the bombers' altitude to the SAM crews," leading to significant losses for U.S. forces.

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Throughout Operation Linebacker II, U.S. forces lost 15 B-52s according to official records from the US Air Force Museum. However, there are discrepancies in reports regarding these losses. The number varies between 12 and 17 according to different sources within the U.S., while North Vietnamese claims suggest they shot down up to 34 B-52s.

In totality, after accounting for aircraft write-offs due to damage sustained during operations, some analyses suggest that between 22 and 27 B-52s may have been lost. The operation's immediate objective was achieved as it brought North Vietnam back to negotiations with South Vietnam and the United States.

Despite this short-term success in resuming talks leading to a cease-fire agreement signed on January 27th, 1973, long-term results saw North Vietnam ultimately achieving victory when Saigon fell just over two years later.

"On Jan. 15, 1973," states the US Air Force Museum report, "the U.S. announced an end to all mining, bombing and other offensive operations against North Vietnam," marking an official cessation of combat activities following the peace agreement.