In this two-part oral history, Vietnam War veteran Jerry Coy is interviewed about his 40-year career in military and commercial aviation. In part one, he discusses his service in the United States Air Force from the 1960s to the 1980s. He describes his experiences as a forward air controller and McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II pilot during the Vietnam War and discusses his other assignments in the United States and abroad. Topics discussed include his personal background, his combat tours in Southeast Asia, an interception assignment in the Air Defense Identification Zone (ADIZ) in Alaska, his time with the Aggressor Squadron and 8th Fighter Squadron, and his staff tour at Riyadh (Saudi Arabia).

Table of Contents: Introduction and personal background -- Early interests and education -- Service with the U.S. Air Force -- Preparation for the Southeast Asia assignment -- Experiences in Southeast Asia -- Rescue of Green Berets -- Flight instructor assignment -- Thoughts on being a wingman and aerobatic maneuvers -- Experiences with the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II -- Crew and mission logistics -- Service overview -- Interception assignment in Air Defense Identification Zone (Alaska) -- Service with the 64th Aggressor Squadron -- Assignment in Saudi Arabia -- Service with the 8th Fighter Squadron