Mike Krebs Oral History

Item

Identifier: OHP 081

Staff Only

Scope and Contents

Mike Krebs served aboard Intrepid as an attack aviator in VA-34, flying A-4 Skyhawks during Intrepid’s second deployment to Vietnam in 1967. He began his interview by explaining that he grew up in Kenosha, Wisconsin, studied electrical engineering at Marquette University, and joined the NROTC. Krebs then continued, stating that after graduation he received orders to attend fight school at Saufley Field in Pensacola, Florida. While discussing his flight training, Krebs noted that he also flew jets in Meridian, Mississippi, went through Flight Indoctrination Programs, and practiced bombing and gunnery in the F9 at Kingsville, Texas. Krebs then stated that he was sent to VA-44, where he learned to fly the A-4, before being sent to Memphis, Tennessee, for Maintenance Officer School. The interview then shifted to VA-34, and Krebs explained that although he was sent to VA-34, he also spent some time with VA-174, flying A7s. He then discussed the crew and life on board Intrepid, as well as the missions that he flew. Krebs described his experiences during Alpha Strikes in North Vietnam, avoiding anti-aircraft fire and SAM missiles. He also discussed one instance when ground fire caused his plane to catch fire, which forced him to eject over water before being quickly recovered by a US destroyer. As the interview continued, Krebs shared his thoughts on POWs Ed Martin and Denny Key, and concluded his interview by discussing how he met his wife and his life after his service in Vietnam.