United States Air Force Academy in El Paso County, Colorado — The American Mountains (Southwest)

B-52D Stratofortress

"Diamond Lil"

— 1957 - 1983 —

B-52 D Stratofortress Marker image. Click for full size.

Photographed By Robert L Weber, July 14, 2006

1. B-52 D Stratofortress Marker

Inscription. Dedicated to the men and women of the Strategic Air Command who flew and maintained the B-52D throughout its 26-year history in the command. Aircraft 55-083, with over 15,000 flying hours, is one of two B-52Ds credited with a confirmed MIG kill during the Vietnam Conflict.

Flying out of U-Tapao Royal Thai Naval Airfield in Southern Thailand, the crew of “Diamond Lil” shot down a MIG northeast of Hanoi during “Linebacker II” action on Christmas Eve, 1972.

Erected 1984 by General Bennie L. Davis, CINSAC.

Topics. This historical marker is listed in these topic lists: Air & Space • War, Cold • War, Vietnam. A significant historical year for this entry is 1972.

Location. 39° 1.279′ N, 104° 51.035′ W. Marker is in United States Air Force Academy, Colorado, in El Paso County. Marker is at the intersection of North Gate Boulevard and Stadium Boulevard, on the left when traveling west on North Gate Boulevard. Touch for map. Marker is in this post office area: USAF Academy CO 80840, United States of America. Touch for directions.

Other nearby markers. At least 8 other markers are within walking distance of this marker. "That Others May Live" 1943 — 1975 (about 300 feet away, measured in a direct line); Foundations of Air Power (about 400 feet away); World War I (about 400 feet away); "That Others May Live" 1976 — 2000

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