Description
Interview with Capt. Dan Pederson (USN ret.) Aka "Yank" and Darrell Gary aka "Condor" who along with sixteen other officers established the Top Gun program in 1968-1969. Capt. Pederson had extensive experience in air to air combat and was chosen to lead the team of dedicated F-4 fighter pilots and weapon system operators to develop fighter combat tactics during the Vietnam war. Their efforts developed fighter tactics in a program that led to massive improvements in effectiveness against any airborne enemy. The Top Gun school is still in existence and is instrumental in providing united states air superiority worldwide.
The interview was conducted by SDASM CEO Jim Kidrick and SDASN docent Ron Carrico in November of 2025.
From the archives of the San Diego Air and Space Museum http://www.sandiegoairandspace.org/research/ Please do not use for commercial purposes without permission.