As a kid I used to watch the Wings F-105 documentary endlessly. Anthony “Crusher” Cushenberry was interviewed in this documentary and explained the F-105 missions flown in combat over Vietnam. With his Georgia drawl and great comments he made such an impression on me, I never would have though to get into good contact with Crusher and spend many years corresponding about the hobby and flying fighters. An impressive and great guy.
Crusher flew his first combat tour in Southeast Asia, flying F-105s from Tahkhli RTAFB. He flew a total of 125 combat missions against heavily defended targets in North Vietnam and was awarded the Distinguished Flying Cross for his aerial skills and devotion to duty during combat as a flight leader. While assigned to Spangdahlem, Germany, he was the “Top Gun” in the F-100 and the F-105. In 1966, at Seymour Johnson Air Force Base, North Carolina, he transitioned to the F-4 Phantom and was again named “Top Gun.” Colonel Cushenberry served as an instructor pilot at MacDill Air Force Base, Florida, from 1968-1970, then at the Air Force Academy as Air Officer Commander. In the latter assignment, he worked as an instructor pilot with cadets in the Academy’s “Soaring Program,” logging over 1,100 flights. In 1973, Cushenberry volunteered for a second combat tour in Southeast Asia. In addition to the Distinguished Flying Cross, he holds the following decorations: Air Medal with Seven Oak Leaf Clusters, Meritorious Service Medal with One Oak Leaf Cluster, Air Force Commendation Medal, Presidential Unit Citation and the Legion of Merit
He returned to the University of Georgia in 1983 as Professor of Aerospace Studies and Commander of the Air Force ROTC program. Cushenberry’s detachment not only was chosen as the top unit among the 36 in the Southeastern United States, but ranked 2nd out of all 158 detachments in the nation for all three years. During his Air Force career he amassed over 4,600 hours flying time in fighters and was an instructor pilot in the F-100 and F-4. He commanded the 434th TFS and the 9th TFS and was Director of Operations for the 4th TFW and 13th Air Force. Cushenberry retired from military service in 1986. A True Legend!!
Anthony S. “Crusher” Cushenberry has flown west last week on November 29th, 2022
