The symbol on the RF-8 "AURICULA LUDEMUS" ("play it by ear") was painted by Don Jusko and refers to the fact that the VFP-62 detachment was the smallest on the carrier and consequently how decisions were made to the placement of the RF-8's on the deck.

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(9/27/14): Today, for some reason, I punched in the name Skip Staub, an old friend of mine from years past. I ended up on your site and seeing pictures of Skip made me cry.....I met Skip while attending the University of Florida in 1958..He had a pilots license and took me up for my first flight....He made me get my license while at the University..We got to be good friends and he also got me into Ham radio..Skip left school after two years and went into the navy where he ended up flying and made a name for himself....I had a small plane myself and when Skip was in the US I would visit him and we had some great times together...He retired, got married, and lived near me in Bradenton, Fla.

We spent many years flying over the country, had wonderful times with him and his wife Ann.....My daughters called him "Uncle Skip" and loved him dearly...Skip went through a rough time with the cancer, and when he died We all were crushed....I was unable to go with him to Arlington but I hope to someday....I talk with Ann from time to time and we go over for lunch now and then.....Ken I hope this gets to you..My very best.. Don Serdynski, Avon Park Fl.....

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Tom Pinkley (see Guest Log) provided this piece of information on LT Staub: "Perhaps in the mid 70's I read a book (from Indianapolis in the library) about an Air Force F100 squadron. Their training in the States and deployment to Vietman for close air support missions. On about page 3, as the author mentioned, the pilot was a LT "Skip" Staub USN exchange pilot." (Webmaster: See below.)

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"Mr. Staub and I were on Det. 60 USS Saratoga. He was a real fine gentleman and I know he is missed by all who knew him."
Al Kennedy(see Guest Log)

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Dear Webmaster,
I came upon your website while reminiscing about my uncle, Skip Staub. In case you are still seeking additional information for your site, my uncle was born on October 4, 1935 in Harrisburg, Pennsylvania. He passed away on November 2, 2005, after fighting cancer, and was laid to rest, with full military honors, at Arlington National Cemetery.

Skip's parents and sister moved from Harrisburg, Pennsylvania to Bradenton, Florida in 1944. After his high school graduation from Manatee County High School, he served in the U. S. Air Force, and afterward, attended the University of Florida.

Subsequently, he became a career Naval Aviator. While serving in a fighter pilot exchange program, with the U.S. Air Force, he flew F-100s in Viet Nam and was awarded the Silver Star Medal, the Air Force Commendation Medal and the Vietnamese Cross of Gallantry. The presentations were made during ceremonies at Fighter Squadron 124, U.S. Naval Air Station, Miramar, California. The Silver Star was awarded for gallantry in action while serving as an F-100 pilot over Vietnam.

His citation read in part:

"... Lieutenant Staub led a flight of F-100 (U.S. Air Force) aircraft to provide close air support in defense of the Tong Le Chon Special Forces Camp. Despite low fuel, dark unfavorable weather and extremely heavy hostile fire, he pressed the attack and delivered all ordnance [sic] precisely on target.

"The close air support provided by his flight was responsible for repulsing an unfriendly force's attack on the beleaguered camp and was instrumental in the saving of a number of American lives."

He was awarded the the Air Force Commendation Medal for his outstanding professional skill and initiative in identifying and solving numerous problems encountered in the accomplishment of his duties contributing to the success of the U.S. Air Force mission in Southeast Asia.

I am familiar with the book in which he was mentioned, however, I don't have the title. If I can gather that information, I will follow up with you.

I hope this information is helpful to you.
Cherie Baker

Webmaster's note: See other pictures on "Faces of VFP-62": Page 3, row 1, picture 3, Page 7, row 2, picture 3 and Page 12. Also a story related to him is found on "Sea Stories" Page 4

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Updated 3/9/18

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