Col. John "JB" Stone, the pilot who devised Operation Bolo, flies with the Wolf Pack one more time

Col. John “JB” Stone, the pilot who devised Operation Bolo, flies with the Wolf Pack one more time

By Dario Leone
May 3 2018
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Over some cheap beers with Olds and critical thought of the resources available, Col. John “JB” Stone devised the plan that would later become a pivotal point in aviation history

Everyone knows the moment the Wolf Pack was born in 1967 under the leadership of Robin Olds, but some may not know where the idea to disguise F-4s as F-105s originated.

At the time, U.S. Air Force (USAF) Col. (Ret) John “JB” Stone was a captain and was posed the challenge of how the 8th Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW) would thwart the threat of the North Vietnamese MiG-21s. Over some cheap beers with Olds and critical thought of the resources available, he devised the plan that would later become a pivotal point in aviation history.

Col. John "JB" Stone, the pilot who devised Operation Bolo, flies with the Wolf Pack one more time
This print is available in multiple sizes from AircraftProfilePrints.com – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS.  Col. Robin Olds’ F-4C Phantom II FP/63-7680 and FG/64-0829 (SCAT XXVII) MiG Killers – 40″ x 16″ Premium Profile
Col. John "JB" Stone, the pilot who devised Operation Bolo, flies with the Wolf Pack one more time

On Jan. 2, 1967, 8th TFW F-4s entered North Vietnam from the west using the same route, altitude, and formation as an F-105 bomb strike. They also carried and operated electronic jamming pods used by F-105s. The North Vietnamese took the bait, and the MiGs came up to intercept what they thought was an F-105 strike. At the same time, 366th TFW F-4s came into North Vietnam from the east to block the MiGs’ escape to China and to orbit their bases, preventing the MiGs from landing.

Col. John "JB" Stone, the pilot who devised Operation Bolo, flies with the Wolf Pack one more time

Despite some problems caused by the overcast weather, Operation Bolo was triumphantly successful. During the 12-minute engagement 8th TFW F-4 aircrews shot down seven MiG-21s others – about half of Vietnam People’s Air Force (VPAF operational force) – with no USAF losses.

Col. John "JB" Stone, the pilot who devised Operation Bolo, flies with the Wolf Pack one more time

Four days later, another ruse, this time mimicking an F-4 reconnaissance flight, shot down two more MiG-21s. These crippling losses greatly reduced MiG activity for several months.

Col. John "JB" Stone, the pilot who devised Operation Bolo, flies with the Wolf Pack one more time

Fast forward 51 years, and the story of JB Stone comes full circle during his recent visit to Kunsan.

Col. John "JB" Stone, the pilot who devised Operation Bolo, flies with the Wolf Pack one more time

JB shared his story, knowledge, and experiences from Operation Bolo with the Airmen of the Wolf Pack in the Olds room here at Kunsan.

Col. John "JB" Stone, the pilot who devised Operation Bolo, flies with the Wolf Pack one more time

He also flew with the Pack one more time. The 80th Fighter Squadron “Juvats” hosted his flight, which is yet another example of the story come full circle since JB’s son flew with the Juvats in the late 90s.

Photo credit: USAF

Source: Kunsan Air Base, Republic of Korea Facebook page

Artwork courtesy of AircraftProfilePrints.com

Col. John "JB" Stone, the pilot who devised Operation Bolo, flies with the Wolf Pack one more time
This model is available in multiple sizes from AirModels – CLICK HERE TO GET YOURS.

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Dario Leone

Dario Leone

Dario Leone is an aviation, defense and military writer. He is the Founder and Editor of “The Aviation Geek Club” one of the world’s most read military aviation blogs. His writing has appeared in The National Interest and other news media. He has reported from Europe and flown Super Puma and Cougar helicopters with the Swiss Air Force.

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