August 25, 1972 dawned hot and muggy in Vietnam. Pilots of Fighter Squadron 161, stationed aboard USS Midway (CV 41), readied their aircraft and went over the day’s flight plan. Their mission was an early evening MiG combat air patrol over North Vietnam. Lt. John “Jack” Ensch would serve as a radar intercept officer in an F-4B Phantom.

Artist and Musician – (Walt Eckes)
“If it doesn’t touch me, it won’t happen.” Walt Eckes is no stranger to hardship; nor is he a stranger to happiness. Walt, simply put, is a realist. We recently had the pleasure of a wonderful visit with Walt and his lovely wife of 44 years, Dolores, in their comfortable

