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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.
