Gary Lueders on KC-135 Missions in Vietnam

/

KC-135 Stories from the Vietnam War — Gary Lueders at the Air Commandos Luncheon

At this week’s AFA 134 Air Commandos Luncheon, retired airline pilot and military aviator Gary Lueders gave a compelling talk about his time flying the KC-135 Stratotanker during the Vietnam War. With a great turnout of 15 attendees filling the table at Roc’s Firehouse Grille in Palm Desert, Gary shared firsthand accounts of flying 123 combat air refueling missions, supporting aircraft under dangerous conditions across Southeast Asia.

His presentation covered both the personal and the historical—from the heroics of air-to-air refueling to the operational challenges and moments that defined the KC-135’s role in the war. He also brought original squadron patches from the Wild Weasels and the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, each with its own storied (and humorous) legacy, featuring mottos like “YGBSM” and “NKAWTG” that only aircrews truly appreciate.

A “Wild Weasel” flight patch shared by Gary Leuders during his presentation—complete with the classic and unofficial squadron motto “YGBSM,” whose meaning remains a bit of an inside joke among aircrew.

A patch from the 909th Air Refueling Squadron, part of Gary Leuders’ time flying KC-135s. The letters “NKAWTG” stand for “Nobody Kicks Ass Without Tanker Gas”—a proud, unofficial motto among air refueling crews.

From growing up next to Alexandria Air Force Base to a 31-year career with American Airlines and volunteer work at the Palm Springs Air Museum, Gary’s lifelong connection to aviation came through with insight and enthusiasm.

A great lunch, a strong showing, and another memorable session of shared history and community.

📍 Roc’s Firehouse Grille
📅 April 30, 2025

Leave a Reply