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Lee-Jackson Militaria
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20th and Up
Special Operations
Air Commando
Special Activities
Units
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for Selective Searches click on Links
56th ACW (later 56th SOW) 129th Air Commando Group 310th Air Commando Squadron 582nd Air Resupply Squadron
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Special Operations, Air Commando & Special Activities Units: 1st - 19th 20th & Up
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For Ordering information contact: Jack@LJMilitaria.com
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20th Helicopter Squadron
20th Special Operations Squadron
  20th Helicopter Squadron, scrapbook residue on back, callsign "Pony", known as the "Pony Express", UnUsed........inquire
partial History
Callsign changed to "Green Hornets" in 1967
Unit operated as an Air Commando Unit in Thailand and Vietnam
one Pilot was awarded the MOH
Redesignated 20th SOS in 1968
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20th Special Operations Squadron
Supported MACV/SOG Operations
 20th SOS, RFU, Thailand made by Maharajah of Udorn, Used.....(sold)
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  20th Special Operations Squadron, Thai made...(Sold)
20th SOS "GREEN HORNETS", cheesecloth backing, UnUsed.......inquire
(their latest patch has 4 stars below the Hornet, this maybe an older design??)
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 20th Special Operations Squadron Coffee Cup......(sold)
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21st Special Operations Squadron
  3509L - Large (14") wooden Plaque for the Rescue/Recovery of the SS Mayaguez and crew on May 15, 1975 from Cambodian (Khmer Rouge) control. The 16th SOS, 21th SOS, 23rd TASS, & 40th ARRS plus other USAF Units participated in the Rescue. (This operation was carried-out by: Air Force, Navy and Marine Units against Khmer Rouge forces) The 21st SOS (Callsign KNIFE) lost several personnel & helicopters on this Mission. Six of seven 40th ARRS (Jolly Green) Helicopters suffered battle damage.
Marines Rifle Units suffered many casualties. The most tragic day of the operation occurred on the 13th when "Knife 13" (of the 21st SOS) was lost and all 23 Air Force personnel of the 21st SOS and 56th Security Police Squadron perished. A RARE United States Air Force item from the Operation that earned more decorations (4 x Air Force Crosses, 22 x Silver Stars, and numerous: Air Medals, Bronze Stars, and Purple Hearts) than any other single Air Force operation in it's History. Plaque made by Bito's in Angeles City, Philippines, a few scratches, 2-3 chips from the side-paint, Used.....inquire
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  21st SP OP SQ (21st SOS of the 56th SOW) Thai made patch with the callsign "Knife" ( most have the "DUSTDEVILS" bottom arc ), this Unit did 3 x well-known Operations in 1975: Eagle Pull, Frequent Wind ( our Vietnam Embassy extraction ), and the SS Mayaquez Rescue, minor stain on bottom-right, UnUsed......inquire
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21st SOS Eagle Pull
  21st Special Operations Squadron "CONSECUTIVE MONTHS OF QUICK REACTION ALERT" "EAGLE PULL" "21ST SP OPS SQDN", 5.25" patch, Asian made, Operattion Eagle Pull was the extraction of U. S. Personnel from our Embassy in Phnom Penh, Cambodia on April 11-13, 1975, Unused.........inquire
( for another Eagle Pull patch see the 16th SOS )
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"Easy" Flight, 21st TAS
Flew Special Operations Missions in SEA, circa 1960s - 1975
 click on picture for details
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24th Composite Wing
24th Special Operations Wing
  24th SOW, circa 1968 - 1972, UnUsed......inquire
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24th Composite Wing
 24th Composite WG, RFU, Used...........inquire
foreigh made (Canal Zone?), RFU, Used......inquire
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partial History
Established as 24th Composite Wing (Special) 19 Nov 1942; Activated 25 Dec 1942; Disestablished 15 Jun 1944
Reestablished as 24th Composite Wing 5 Aug 1946; Activated 25 Aug 1946; Inactivated 28 Jul 1948
Activated 30 Oct 1967; Organized 8 Nov 1967 in the Canal Zone replacing the 5700th Air Base Wing
Redesignated 24th Air Commando Wing 15 Mar 1968
Redesignated 24th Special Operations Wing 15 Jul 1968
Redesignated 24th Special Operations Group 30 Jun 1972
Redesignated 24th Composite Group 15 Nov 1973
Redesignated 24th Composite Wing 1 Jan 1976; Inactivated 31 Jan 1987
Activated 1 Jan 1989; Inactivated 15 Feb 1991
Redesignated 24th Wing 1 Feb 1992; Activated 11 Feb 1992; Inactivated 31 October 1999
Operations
Organized in November 1967 in the Canal Zone, replacing the 5700th Air Base Wing
Wing assumed operation and maintenance responsibilities for Howard and Albrook Air Force Bases and a Special Operations mission that included: air transport, paramilitary operations, exercise participation, civic actions in Central and South America, search and rescue missions, humanitarian operations, mercy missions, aeromedical evacuation, support of Army Special Forces, US military assistance units, and training of Latin American air forces.
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34th Tactical Group
Controlled the 1st and 602nd Air Commando Squadrons at Bien Hoa
  34th Tactical Group "VIGILANTES", 4.25", Vietnamese Hand-Embroidered, Bien Hoa A-1E unit, UnUsed.....inquire
34th TAC GP, from 1965, made at Bien Hoa, RVN, Used.......inquire
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3378AH - 34th TAC GP Bush Hat
 click on picture
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56th Air Commando Wing
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pre-August 1968 - 56th ACW Gas-Lighter
 56th ACW "NCO OPEN MESS", stamped on bottom: "IN Corona" "Ballade", New-in-Box......101.00
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3509DY - 56th ACW Officer's Open Mess Brass drinking Cup
 3509DY - 4.5"high mug inscribed "56th Air Commando Wing, 1968, Nakhon Phanom RTAFB OOM”, with wooden-sided-handle, Used....inquire
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56th Special Operations Wing
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  56th SOW, Thai made, RFU, never washed-minor wear, Used...........inquire
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56th SOW Insignia made in Nakhon Phanom
 56th Combar Support Group, Thai made, scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed....(sold)
Participant Southeast Asia War Games, 4.75" Thai made, scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed.....(sold)
 ( see 56th Security Police Squadron patches on this link )
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56th SOW Novelty patches
 4-Nation Flag, Thai made, UnUsed......inquire
"Piss-Test" Participant Southeast Asia Goldenflow, Thai made, Urine test for drugs, UnUsed...(sold)
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56th SOW Insignia made at NKP RTAFB, Thailand
 U. S. Flag, made in NKP, Thailand, scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed......inquire
KILL "That Others May Live", Thai made, scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed.....inquire
Thailand Flag, Thai made, scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed......inquire
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56th SOW - "The Dog" drinking to anything!!
 Very-Large 56th SOW "I'LL DRINK TO THAT! (I'LL DRINK TO ANYTHING!!)", Thai made Novelty Patch, removed from Sawaddee Suit, Used.......(sold)
("The Dog" drinking a mixed drink in front of a Beer Keg?)
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56th SOW Novelty Patch
  Ski Mu Gia Pass, NVN 5300 (feet) Elevation, 3 7/8", Thai made, from a 56th Special Operations Wing Pilot, EC......inquire
( made in the same style as many Air America patches, same shop(?) )
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56th SOW/TFA Information Officer's Insignia
found with a Grouping from a 56th SOW Veteran, circa 1969
( This patch was designed by a veteran of the 56th SOW when he was with Task Force Alpha (Igloo White) )
Only a few Originals were ever made
  "OVER 100 STORY KILLS IN SOUTH EAST ASIA" "LAST TO KNOW FIRST TO GO", Thai made at NKP, UnUsed......inquire
( found with a Grouping from a 56th SOW Veteran )
Information on this patch from the designer
"The design depicts a typewriter superimposed over a crossed pen and quill, flanked by two martini glasses on a green field. These are the working tools of an IO. The white cloud above is supposed to be a Kotex with the word "information" written on it in blood. The purple shield contained the phrase "Over 100 story Kills in Southeast Asia", echoing all the 100 this and that's that were major markers in a SEA tour. Below is a scroll with the IO's motto, "Last to know, first to go." This is because, historically, the IO is the first person fired when there is a public flap and the last person to know that the flap is on in the first place. The purple and green colors allude to the fact that I see a purple and green checkerboard pattern when I get a hard knock on the head. The 56th and TFA (Task Force Alpha) were both highly classified units. It became a joke that I would write up stories and 7th AF in Saigon would reject them because of the sensitivity of the mission. No matter how hard I camouflaged things, they rarely let anything out, even the most innocuous home town stuff.
I had to have something to put on my party suit so I ginned up the patch. One of the local shops in NKP made the patch with much confusion on their part as to what I wanted. As I recall, I had about a dozen made, put one on my party suit, kept a couple, and gave the rest to info specialists in the 56th and TFA offices. It was probably designed and made while I was with TFA since my party suit has captain's bars on it and I was only an O-3 for my last six months in SEA.
Only wore the suit a few times but got some laughs for the patch, so it served it's purpose."
( I have modified the above )
Task Force Alpha(TFA)
This operation monitored sensors planted along the Ho Chi Minh Trail
The nerve center for Igloo White(TFA) was located at NKP in eastern Thailand, across the Mekong River from Laos.
The TFA Infiltration Surveillance Center was the biggest building in Southeast Asia.
The project broke ground in July 1967 and was in operation before the end of the year.
It had several names, to include: “Dutch Mill” & "Operating Location No. 1”; the most popular was Task Force Alpha
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Detachment One, 56th SOW
DET One stationed at Udorn RTAFB
 DET-1, 56th SPEC OPNS WG "EVERY MAN A TIGER", 4.25" Thai made, UnUsed..(sold)
( from same NKP RTAFB collection as: 606th SOS FAC & 609th SOS NIMROD )
(all 3 patches have the similar Blue glue deposit on the back)
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Royal Laotian Air Force
Lao Tactical Air Command worked with DET-1, 56th SOW
1 of 60 patches made in Japan
  Japan made for the Lao Pilots in the Waterpump Project at Udorn RTAFB, UnUsed.....inquire
( also on the RVN/Lao/Khmer page )
partial History from the Designer/maker:
"Of the sixty patches that I purchased in 1968 I gave 5 of them to non-Lao Pilots. I know where all but one of those 5 are. That one (meaning the above patch) may have been the one I gave to the Air Force "Sergeant" at Udorn Thailand who helped design the patch and order it for me. ....... As for the Lao Pilots (Patch recipients) I know most were either captured or KIA."
( I have edited the above )
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58th SOW
1550th Aircrew Training & Test Wing
became part of the 58th SOW Training Mission Heritage
 click on picture for details
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3509BP - 71st Air Commando Squadron
Rare Patch
 3509BP - 71st ACS, ME with cheesecloth backing, I believe this insignia was authorized for wear for 3 Weeks in 1968!
Air Medal named to a Pilot who flew AC-119s out of Phan Rang, Vietnam in 1969.
Senior Pilot's Badge is marked "Sterling 12-C".
Grouping is in Good Condition......inquire
( Redesignated 71st ACS June 15, 1968; 3 weeks later Redesignated 71st SOS July 8 1968 )
 ( Patch in Special OPs box, other parts in 3509 boxes )
( also on USAF Gear page )
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71st Special Operations Squadron
 71st SOS, UnUsed.......(sold)
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partial History
Redesignated 71st Tactical Airlift Squadron 1 Jul 1967;
Redesignated 71st Air Commando Squadron 15 June 1968
Redesignated 71st Special Operations Squadron 8 July 1968
Relieved from active service June 18, 1969; Inactivated October 1, 1973
Activated in the Reserve October 1, 1987
Inactivated 1 Oct 1993; Activated 20 May 2005
Assignments
930th Troop Carrier Group 11 Feb 1963
1st Air Commando Wing 1 Jun 1968
14th Special Operations Wing 20 Dec 1968
930 Special Operations Group, 10 June 1969 - 1 October 1973
Stations
Lockbourne AFB, OH 17 June - circa 20 Dec 1968
Nha Trang AB, South Vietnam 20 December 1968 - 1 June 1969
Bakalar AFB, IN 10 June 1969
Grissom AFB, IN 15 January 1970 - 1 October 1973
Aircraft
AC-119 1968-1969; C-119 1970; A-37 1971-1973
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129th Air Commando Group (SP OPS GP)
( extremely nice Bullion insignia )
 129th Air Commando (Special Operations) GP, scrapbook residue on back, Used..(sold)
( ID'd in Mr. Polder's Book 2, page 225 as the 129th SOS )
( Both patches from the same Veteran's Estate )
129th Special Operations (Air Commando) GP, Bullion thread, extremely-thick bullion (almost a 3-D patch),
Looks something like a British made black-backing patch, New-in-Plastic Bag.....inquire
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129th Special Operations Group
  129th SOGp, residue on back, UnUsed.....inquire
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partial History
129th Air Resupply Group was activated in the California Air National Guard April 3 1955 at Hayward Airport, California
( at least some of the "Air Resupply" units were Spook units )
Flying C-46 Air Commando aircraft they moved Personnel and Materials for the U.S. Continental Air Command;
129th was then transferred to the Tactical Air Command; Mission remained the same
Redesignated 129th Troop Carrier Group; Mission remained the same
In 1956 the Group received Black-Painted Amphibious SA-16 (re-designated HU-16) Albatross aircraft
Redesignated 129th Air Commando Group
129th Air Commando Redesignated 129th Troop Carrier Squadron (Medium) November 1958
The C-46's were phased-out by 1962 leaving the Squadron flying HU-16s
The 129th regained "Group" status again in 1962
The HU-16 "Albatross" was replaced with C-119 "Flying Boxcars" July 1963
Redesignated 129th Air Commando Group; mission remained the same
Also flew: U-10s, U-6s and U-3s during this period
Redesignated 129th Special Operations Group
Ran a U-6 "Beaver" training mission for the USAF called "Lucky Tiger" for RVN bound personnel
In April 1975 the Unit was given a New: mission, designation, and Air Force Command.
Redesignated 129th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group (ARRG) under the Military Airlift Command (MAC).
Mission changed to Combat and Civilian Rescue flying HC-130 Hercules & HH-3E Jolly Green Giant Helicopters.
Unit moved to Moffett Field, California in 1984.
In October 1989 the 129 ARGG was Redesignated 129th Air Rescue Group (ARG).
Conversion from the HH-3E Jolly Green Giant to the HH-60G Pavehawk Helicopter was completed in 1990
( later this Unit(s) was Redesignated 129th Air Rescue Squadron under the 129th Rescue Wing,
see patch Grouping on this link )
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193rd Special Operations Squadron
 193rd SOS "PHYCHO WARRIORS" "NEVER SEEN - ALWAYS HEARD", UnUsed........inquire
( for the Mission in Afghanistan from 2004 - 2005, per the note with the patch )
193rd SOS "AIRWAYS PIRATES OF THE CARIBBEAN" "1994 - VOODOO RADIO - 2004", UnUsed......inquire
( for the Operation in Honduras from 1994 to 2004, per the note with the patch )
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302nd Special Operations Squadron
302nd SOS active from 1974 - 1987
 302nd Special Operations Squadron, mid-1970s, RFU, Used....(sold)
302nd SOS "ANYWHERE ANYTIME", RFU, border damaged, pre-1987, Used.....inquire
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 4 1/8, 302nd SOS "ANYWHERE ANYTIME", pre-1987, UnUsed.....inquire
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302nd SOS Shirt
 click on picture
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partial History
Constituted 302 Fighter Squadron July 4 1942; Activated 13 Oct 1942
Redesignated 302 Fighter Squadron, Single Engine 21 Aug 1944; Inactivated on 6 Mar 1945
( now the Air Force gets tricky with the verbage )
Consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with the 302 Air Rescue Squadron, which was constituted on 1 Aug 1956
Activated in the Reserve on 8 Oct 1956
Redesignated 302 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 18 Jan 1966
Redesignated 302 Special Operations Squadron on 10 Apr 1974
Redesignated 302 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 Jul 1987
Redesignated 302 Fighter Squadron on 1 Feb 1992
Assigned:
Western Air Force Reserve Region, 31 Dec 1969
Tenth Air Force, 8 Oct 1976
Fourth Air Force, 1 Mar 1983
944 Tactical Fighter (later, 944 Fighter) Group, 1 Jul 1987
944 Operations Group, 1 Aug 1992 -
Stations:
Williams AFB, AZ, 8 Oct 1956; Luke AFB, AZ, 23 Oct 1960 -
Aircraft:
SA(later, HU)-16 1956-1971; HH-34 1971-1974; CH-3 1974-1987; HH-3 1985-1987; F-16, 1987 -
Performed SAR, in addition to some MEDEVAC missions, mainly in the Southwest from 1956-1974
In 1974 switched to a combat SAR role, while continuing to perform some search and rescue
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RARE
310th Air Commando Squadron's Styron's Stallions
( circa October 1964 to September 1965 )
  310th ACS of the 315th Air Commando Group, Vietnam made, Unused.......inquire
( named after the Squadron Commander...see his Bush Hat #3378AL listed below )
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3378AL - Air Commando Bush hat
The Best Air Commando Hat I have seen!
310th ACS Commanding Officer's Bush Hat
bringback by LTC Woodland "Woody" M. Styron - served in Vietnam during 1964-65
  Blue Band denotes Aircrew Status
  Very Rare "COUP-QUALIFIED" Arc
( see explanation below )
  ARVN Airborne Bullion beret badge "MAAG VIETNAM" Beercan Command Pilot's Wing
  MACV Finger Novelty patch "Sorry Bout That"(pinned-on) "Biere "33" Export"
  made by Luong Than - 64 Hai Ba Trung Saigon
  Vietnamese Airborne Beret Insignia 309th Air Commando Squadron "PRIMUM"
( he was stationed at TSN - an ARVN Airborne Center )
  2nd Air Division Military Advisory and Assistance Group Vietnam 310th Air Commando Squadron "Libertatum Sustentamus"
  310th ACS 309th ACS 311th ACS 19th ACS 8th Aerial Port SQ
  33rd Tac GP 315th TC GP "Viet-Nam" Arc & "Coup-Qualified" Tab 310th TCS
  Air Force Communication Service 33rd CAMRON Viet-nam Tigers & 34th Tactical Group Vigalantes
3378AL - LTC Styron's Bush Hat, CO of 310th Air Commando Squadron, October 13 1964 - September 9 1965;
"Coup Qualified" (see below for explanation); Excellent Condition.....inquire
( "Coup Qualified" Arc = in February 1965, General Nguyen Van Thieu joined forces with
Air Vice Marshall Nguyen Cao Ky in a coup d'etat against General Nguyen Khanh's Government )
( Colonel Styron's personal 310th ACS Styron's Stallions patch is listed above )
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see 311th Troop Carrier Squadron for the predecessor Patch of the 311th Air Commando Squadron
see the 311th Air Commando Squadron Beercan (#3378AL Bush Hat) - above
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311th Air Commando Squadron
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311th ACS
"'PRIOR SEMPER SINE TIMORE"
circa March 8, 1965 to July 31, 1968
  RFU K-2B, Used......inquire
( also on htm and NA pages )
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Mission VIETNAM
 64 page Booklet by the 7th Air Force, uncommon item, Used.......78.00
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VIETNAM - The Shadow War
 aproximately 60 pages, 1st edition dated 1967, edited by Al Kramer, published by N-F Photo, distributed by Kodansha of Palo Alto, CA, Used........68.00
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partial History
Constituted 311 Troop Carrier Squadron on 23 Oct 1943. Activated on 1 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 15 May 1946.
Redesignated 311 TCS (M) 10 May 1949. Activated in the Reserve on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered to active service on 1 Apr 1951. Inactivated 2 Apr 1951.
Redesignated 311 TCS(Assault) and activated 24 May 1963; Organized July 8, 1963;
Redesignated: 311 ACS(Troop Carrier) March 8, 1965; 311 ACS(Tactical Airlift) August 1, 1967; 311 SOS August 1, 1968; 311 TAS Jamuary 1, 1970.
Inactivated October 5, 1971
Assignments
7th AF 22 Jul 1945; U.S. Army Forces, Middle Pacific, 31 Jul 1945; VIII Air Force Service Command, 1 Sep 1945; 54 Troop Carrier Wing, 15 Feb-15 May 1946. 349 Troop Carrier Group, 27 Jun 1949-2 Apr 1951. 315 Troop Carrier (later, 315 Air Commando) Group, 8 Jul 1963; 315 Air Commando (later, 315 Special Operations; 315 Tactical Airlift) Wing, 8 Mar 1966 - October 5, 1971
Stations
Okinawa, 22 Aug 1945-15 May 1946. Hamilton AFB, CA, 27 Jun 1949-2 Apr 1951. Da Nang AB, RVN July 8, 1963; Phan Rang AB, South Vietnam, 21 Jul 1967-5 Oct 1971
Aircraft
C-47, 1943-1945; C-53, 1943-1944; C-46, 1945-1946. C-46, 1949-1951. C-123, 1963-1971. C-21A, 1997-.
Operations
In Aug 1945 it moved to Okinawa and continued its airlift mission until May 1946. The 311th trained in C-46 aircraft from Jun 1949-Apr 1951. In Vietnam, the 311th flew cargo and passengers in support of I and II Corps. In addition, the unit flew flare, communications cover, air evacuation and search missions for downed aircraft.
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 436th Airlift Wing "NIGHT RIDERS" "SPECIAL OPERATIONS C-5 GALAXY", Unused.......21.00
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437th MAW Special Operations
(Active as a MAW from 1965 - 1991)
(Flew: C-124/130/141/5 in the 1960s to 1973)
 437th MAW "SPECIAL OPERATIONS" "SPIRIT & STRENGTH ALWAYS",
this insignia is for C-141s flying in the "Special Operations Low-Level (SOLL) role, UnUsed.......41.00
(also shown on Troop Carrier Page )
( Associated with a Special Operations "Combat Control Team(s) circa 1981 - 1984 )
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582nd Air Resupply Squadron
"WE DELIVER"
successor to the WWII Air Commando Squadrons
  582nd ARS, early to mid-1950s era, been in 2 x scrapbooks with residue on back, UnUsed Condition.......inquire
( also on htm and squadrons pages )
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partial History
Assigned to the 582nd Air Resupply and Communications Service Wing , circa 1953 - 1956
Stationed at Mountain Home and in England
ARSs were the successors to the WWII Air Commando Squadrons and the fore-runners of the 1960s ACS/SOS units
a quote on one of their Association Web Sites states their job was to "Drop and Resupply Ranger type Units"
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602nd Fighter Squadron (Commando)
Early Vietnam era = pre-August 1966
  602nd FS(C), hand-embroidered in Vietnam, RFU, Used......inquire
( also listed on the Web as the 602nd Fighter Squadron (Composite) and other names )
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9553 - Detachment 2, 602nd Air Commando Squadron
Project Tropic Moon I Pilot's Suits
patches are for Display Purposes ONLY!
 suits are darker than the picfile depicts
9553C - chest = 39, inseam = 29, minor wear, DET-2, 602nd ACS Pilot’s Black K-2B, minor wear, Used.....inquire
9553D - chest = 39+, inseam = 29, minor wear, DET-2, 602nd ACS Pilot’s Black K-2B, minor wear, Used.....inquire
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602nd Special Operations Squadron
Flew A-1s out of Vietnam and Thailand
 602nd SOS Callsign "FIREFLY", Thai made, scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed....inquire
602nd SP OPs SQ, Thai made, scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed......inquire
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Take all entries with a grain of salt - very confusing history and designators
partial History
602nd Fighter Squadron Reactivated at Bien Hoa AB October 1964
( might have been active at Hurlburt with B-26s and A-1s? )
Redesignated 602nd Fighter Commando Squadron, date unknow
Redesignated 602nd Air Commando Squadron (in August 1966 it was an ACS)
Redesignated 602nd SOS on August 1, 1968
Deactivated December 31, 1970
Assigned
14th Air Commando Wing (Nha Trang)--Squadron based at Udorn RTAFB, Thailand
56th SOS
Aircraft
A-1E, G, H, & Js = circa 1964 - 1970
Stationed
Bien Hoa = 1964, 1965
Nha Trang
Pleiku
Udorn = August 1966
Moved to NKP in March 1968
Callsigns
Firefly and Sandy
Tailcode "TT"
Mission
Fly SAR and Strike Missions in SEA
Lost 80 aircraft during it's SEA service
( if you know the concise history, put it in an email and send to: Jack@LJMilitaria.com )
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602nd Squadron
I removed this patch from a K-2B Flight Suit
Unknown if this is a 602nd SOS, my research does not show C-123s in the 602nd SOS inventory; however, research did not list NC-123Ks as being assigned to the 16th SOS either, which proved to be wrong.....i.e., Project "Black Spot"
 "602 SQDN" "C-123K", Thai made, RFU K-2B, lost some Yellow thread above the plane from harness wear, Used....inquire
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604th Special Operations Squadron
 604th Special Operations Squadron (FTR), White Neck Bib, flew A-37s out of Bien Hoa.........(Sold)
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  UnUsed.....(sold)
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604th ACS - "Combat Dragon"
  604th ACS, unknow when this one was constructed - looks 1980s - 1990s(?), UnUsed.....inquire
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partial History
On 23 August 1966, the USAF directed the establishment of a program to evaluate the A-37 in a combat environment. The project was named "Combat Dragon" and was designed to test the effectiveness of the A-37 in Close Air Support, Counterinsurgency, and Escort missions in Vietnam. The Tactical Fighter Weapons Center directed the program and established a 350-man squadron with 25 A-37A's at England AFB, Louisiana in early-1967
The unit was designated as the 604th ACS; Initial instructor pilot training began March 29 1967
Initial Operations and Combat orientation started on May 1 1967
Phase I "Combat Dragon" was done between June 19 to July 16 1967 at England AFB
The 604th ACS Relocated to Bien Hoa AB, RVN between July 17 - August 14 1967
Phase II "Combat Dragon" began August 15 to September 6 1967
Phase III "Combat Dragon" started September 7 until October 27 1967; Combat Ground Strike Missions were flown
Phase IV "Combat Dragon" was conducted between October 28th - 30th 1967
Phase V began on November 1 1967 and tested the ability of the aircraft to operate from a forward operating location
7 x aircraft were deployed to Pleiku AB and flew combat missions until December 2 1967
The remaining 18 x aircraft remained at Bien Hoa AB and flew normal (Phase III) combat strike missions
The 604th ACS flew about 5,000 training and combat sorties during the five phases of the "Combat Dragon" project
During Phase V, three new missions were flown: Forward Air Control (FAC), Armed Reconnaissance and Night interdiction
In addition to missions in South Vietnam, Phase V missions were flown in Southeast Laos in the Tigerhound areas
The operational test phases of "Combat Dragon" project were concluded in early December 1967
Production of the A-37B proceeded, based in part on the recommendations of the "Combat Dragon" team
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605th Air Commando Squadron
"CUALQUIER HORA CUALQUIE LUGAR"
Any Time, Any Place
  605th Air Commando Squadron, UnUsed.....inquire
partial History
active from 1964 - 1967 (probably more years but info is sparse)
assigned to 24th ACW (SOW) at Howard AFB, Canal Zone, Panama
Flew C-46s, B-26As, & etc.
( see 24th SOW insignia )
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606th Air Commando Squadron
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USO Worker's Tour Shirt with 606th patch
 click on picture for details
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Thailand made
  606th ACS, Thai word on reverse, UnUsed.....inquire
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circa 1967-68 "C-123-K-FAC"
callsign Candlestick
 606th Special Operations Squadron FAC (& Flare missions), 4 1/8" Thai made, UnUsed....(sold)
some History of the 606th SOS from a Veteran - circa 1967-68
This style patch was worn by UC-123K crews assigned to the 606th ACS of the 56th ACW, NKP
They flew Night FAC/Flare Missions over the "Barrel Roll" and "Steel Tiger" areas of Laos and North Vietnam
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"Truck Killer"
  Left - 606th SOS, "TRUCK KILLER C-123 FAC CANDLESTICK" Thai made 4 7/8" patch,
glue residue on back, unit flew C-123K Providers out of NKP, Thailand with many of their missions in Laos,
operated under the 56th SOW, excellent patch in UnUsed Condition.......inquire
Right - 606th SOS Thailand made patch....(sold)
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"Truck Killer"
Fully Embroidered
  606th Special Operations Squadron, Thailand made, RFU, Used....(sold)
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"500 Hours - NIGHT COMBAT"
( UnCommon Patch )
  606th SOS "C-123 FAC ON THE TRAIL", Thailand made, RFU, Used......inquire
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partial History
Originally Designated 606th Air Commando Squadron
ReDesignated 606th Special Operations Squadron August 1 1968
assigned to 56th ACW (later SOW) April 8 1967 – June 15 1971
Stationed at Nakhon Phanom (NKP) RTAFB, Thailand
probable aircraft flown 1967 - 69
A-26 Douglas Invaders
C-123 Flare ships callsign "Candlestick"
T-28 Trojans
U-10 Helio Courier callsign" Loudmouth" or "Litterbugs"
Mission
Assist in suppressing the Lao Communists (Pather Lao)
( possible 606th SOS patch shown on this link )
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Douglas A-26A Invader Squadron
(609th Special Operations Squadron flew out of Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Royal Thailand Air Force Base)
 609th SP OPS SQ Callsign "NIMROD", 4" Thailand made, under the 56th SOW, UnUsed.(sold)
partial History
Redesignated 609th SOS August 1 1968
assigned to 56th ACW (later SOW) September 15 1967 – December 1 1969
Stationed at Nakhon Phanom (NKP) RTAFB, Thailand
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609th Air Commando Squadron
flew Douglas A-26A Invaders
(flew out of Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Royal Thailand Air Force Base)
 609th ACS "A 26" "Fly by Knights", 4.5" Thai made, RFU, Used...(sold)
(probably pre-summer of 1968 era)
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711th Special Operations Squadron
  7th SOS "AFTER FIVE AND WEEKENDS", UnUsed....inquire
(assigned to the 919th SOW(or group) on July 1, 1975; flying AC-130A Gunships)
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Flew Missions in SEA for the CIA
"1045 DE & T GP" should read 1045 OE & T GP
 1045th Operation, Evaluation and Training Group Detachment 2 Headquarters Command, 3.5" Japan(Okinawa) made, Flew Missions into China for the CIA, UnUsed......inquire
1045th Operation, Evaluation and Training Group Detachment Two Headquarters Command, Thailand made, flew missions for the CIA, UnUsed......inquire
 ( check this link for Insignia http://www.american-buddha dot com/secretwar21.jpg )
( link for info on 2/1045th http://www.silent-warriors dot com/vfw_cold_war_in_asia.htm )
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Detachment 19, 1191st Special Activities Squadron (?)
(Not positive of the ID; there is very little listed about this unit)
( maybe a Detachment of the 4th ACS ? - They had a patch similar to this design )
  "USMACTHAI/TLD" AC-47 Gunship, 4" Thai made, possibly did training of Aircrews so the AC-47 Aircraft could be turned-over to the Cambodian, Thailand, or Lao governments(?), Det 19 was located at Udorn RTAFB, scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed......inquire
"USMACTHAI/TLD" ran the T-28 Program (callsigns: Trojan & Nomad) for Cambodia;
why this is an AC-47 aircraft is a mystery but it could have been a side-line for this Unit
anyone know a different ID for this patch?
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Spook Unit active from April 1965 - December 1972
(12 men from this Squadron are listed as participants in the Son Tay Prison Raid, see Benjamin F. Schmmer's book "The Raid", Appendix II, pages 257-58 )
  1198th Operation, Evaluation and Training Squadron, "Spook" unit that flew Black painted C-130E(I)s in Southeast Asia circa 1964 - 1972; were part of Project Thin Slice and Heavy Chain; the 1198th was demobilized in 1972 and most of the assets were turned-over to the Combat Talon Program. I got 2 x patches from a Veteran who said "they flew far North of the War in Vietnam", neatly removed from uniform(RFU), scrapbook residue on reverse, Used.....inquire
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following is a short article on the Unit
I think the word "TEST"(used in the article below) is wrong as I have a copy of the "Organization" orders from
Headquarters Command, dated 1 April 1965 that lists it as the "1198 Operation Evaluation and Training Squadron" not "TEST".
Buyer can have my Faxed copy of the Orders that I have from Hurlburt Field
( viewers have corroborated the word "Training" vice the incorrect term "Test" used below)
s
 I always assumed the Veteran meant they supported the Tibetan Rebels fighting the Chinese. I called 2 other Veterans of the 1198th and got very little information from them, some of their terse comments: "8 crews flew four Black painted" C-130E(I)s. "Planes modified at Lockheed Aircraft Service (LAS) at Ontario Airport, California", and "planes painted with "STEALTH" paint".
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Tail Numbers of the Squadron's C-130E(I) aircraft:
65-0506 (construction Number 3990)
65-0507 (construction Number 3991) reassigned Tail Number 63-7785
(more Tail Numbers later(?))
Aircraft were Electronic/ELINT modified and the "(I)" designation was added to the basic
C-130E designator under the Rivet Yard Program.
Special Thanks to Mark Sublette for Tail Numbers and additional information
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4400th Combat Crew Training Squadron
codename "Jungle Jim"
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"SWEENIE'S WEENIES"
apparently a play-on the last-name of General Sweeney, Commanding General of TAC
  hand-embroidered in Vietnam, circa 1961 - 1962, UnUsed....(sold)
( a Veteran from the early RVN era associates this patch with the "Farm Gate" Detachment in Vietnam;
the Commanding General of TAC was named "SWEENEY" )
partial History
In April 1961 Gen Curtis Lemay directed TAC to organize and equip a unit to:
train USAF personnel in WWII–type aircraft and equipment
ready WWII Era aircraft for transfer, as required, to friendly governments
provide to foreign air force personnel in the operation and maintenance of these planes
develop/improve: weapons, tactics, and techniques
TAC activated the 4400th CCTS ("Jungle Jim") at Hurlburt Field, Florida on April 14, 1961; assigned to 9th AF
On May 1, 1961 Colonel Benjamin H. King assumed command; aircraft included: C-47s, B-26s, and T-28s
In August 1961, DET-1 deployed to Mali (West Africa) (covername "Sandy Beach")
In November 1961, DET-2 (covername "Farm Gate") deployed to Bien Hoa AB, South Vietnam
and was placed under the command of the 2d Air Division
By December 1961, DET-2 aircraft were authorized to engage the VC if at least one crew member was VNAF
In November 1961, General Walter C. Sweeney, Jr. had been appointed TAC Commander
March 20, 1962, the 4400th CCTS was Redesignated the 4400th Combat Crew Training Group
In June 1963, the 4400th Combat Crew Training Group was Redesignated 1st Air Commando Wing
( also on: HTM & UI #123 pages )
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C-118, C-119, & C-123 Squadron
(Aerospace Defense Command)
  4650th Combat Support Squadron, scrapbook residue on back, Used........inquire
(I listed this unit in the SOS section due to their "stepping-stone" fast-track to ACS/SOS units in SEA.
Many experienced personnel flying: C-118As, C-119s, and C-123s went to Vietnam/Thailand
with ACS & SOS Units as it was a great training unit for flying Gunships in SEA.)
(Flew from: Richards Gebaur AFB, MO; Stewart AFB, NY; Hamilton AFB, CA; & other bases(?);
I researched the unit back to 1959; DeActivated in 1972)
Unit Comanders:
Colonel Edwin P. Leonard (1968-71)
( If you have other/different info let me know Jack@LJMilitaria.com )
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Ground Group collecting HUMINT
(had aviation support for some of it's activites)
  Detachment 6, 6499th Special Activities Group, 4" Vietnamese Hand-embroidered (HE), HUMINT (Human Intelligence) DET working in Saigon, under the "thin-cover" of "Unilateral Collection Branch", HQS was at Hickam Field, Hawaii, the unit's activities was partially explained a few years ago in the ASMIC "Trading Post"; this Unit associated with most of the INTEL Units in SEA: ASA, AFSS, CAS, NSG, DODSPECREPs (DIRNSA's boys), Air America, Embassies, and etc. in SEA; also I have found on the Internet that this Unit (or a direct support Unit) lost a Chopper in Laos (not your normal HUMINT Activities(?)), UnUsed.......inquire
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SEA Era - Miscellaneous
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SOS Highway Patrol
 Laotian Highway Patrol, 3 5/8" Thai Hand Embroidered, UnUsed.........inquire
Cambodian Highway Patrol, 3 5/8" Thai Hand Embroidered, UnUsed.........inquire
Ho Chi Minh Highway Patrol, 3 5/8" Thai Hand Embroidered, UnUsed.........inquire
( patches found with a SOS/ACS Grouping )
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Laotian Truck Roundup
patches found with an SOS/ACS Grouping
 "Participant Laotian Truck Roundup on the Trail", Thai made, UnUsed........Inquire
variant "Participant Laotian "Truok" Roundup on the Trail", Thai made, UnUsed........inquire
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Fairchild AU-23A Gunship
Project Credible Chase modified 17 x Pilatus Turbo-Porter PC-6s for use by small nations
Fifteen were sold to Thailand for counter-insurgency missions
  Pilatus Porter "PEACEMAKER HAVE GUN WILL TRAVEL CAN DO EASY", Thai made, for the PC-6 (AU-23A) program, These were the Turbo-Prop planes similar to the ones Air America flew but these had Guns, UnUsed...inquire
Project Credible Chase also modified 17 x Helio Stallions and 15 went to the Khmer Air Force
( see above for 1191st SP Activity SQ which may be related to this PC-6 unit )
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AC-47 Spooky The Non-Stop Fighter
  I think the "eyes" are meant to mean "C" = AC-47, Thai made, UnUsed.....inquire
( still has the maker's pencil line under the "SPOOKY" )
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Miscellaneous
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Veterans Patch
  High-quality 4" Korean made insignia, possbily sold at re-unions(?), Unused......38.00
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 Headquarters Military Airlift Command Special Operations, pre-1992 insignia, 3.5", UnUsed......38.00
(see above for more Airlift Special Operations insignia)
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AC-130 SPECTRE GunShips
  AC-130H TEST TEAM SOFI, UnUsed.......(sold)
(SOFI = Special Operations Force Improvements, Lockheed Ontario (California) in the early 1990s)
MC-130H Combat Talon II Test Team, UnUsed.......45.00.
(pre-June 1991 insignia, probably late-1980s)
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Modern
 "Spectre AC-130H Gunship", Korean made, UnUsed.....29.00
"Spectre "NO PROBLEM", Korean made, UnUsed......34.00
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Spectre Gunship patches
Modern Patches
 Spectre Patience My Ass I'm Gonna Kill Something, UnUsed.......25.00
AC-130 Spectre Patience, My Ass I'm Gonna Kill Something, 3.5" ME, UnUsed.......25.00
Spectre Trail Blazer, 4" ME, UnUsed.......25.00
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AC-130U Gunship
Modern Patches
 Gray AC-130 Spectre Gunship, 4.5" wide ME, UnUsed......25.00
Sprectre AC-130 Gunship, UnUsed......35.00
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AC-130U Gunship
Modern Patches
 AC-130U Spectre Gunship, UnUsed.......(ALL Sold)
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Found with Special Operations Patch Collection
Modern Patches
 MH-60G Pave Hawk, UnUsed.....(sold)
MC-130E Lucky 7 Combat Talon 1, UnUsed.....(sold)
C-141 Special Operations Communications "VOCES" IN TO THE DARK, 3 7/8", has a Stinger (AC-119K), UnUsed....25.00
("NIGHT RIDERS 436 AW" (moved up on this page under "436th AW")
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Insignia Wanted
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Got an extra?
 If you have an extra, or unwanted, 1/4 Moon patch - send a Picture File of the Front and Back
Other pre-1976 Air Force and Army Aviation patches wanted
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Special Activities Units?
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Possible AC-130 SOS Unit?
28. "Silencium Vel Letum" (Silence or Death), found with SOS patches, Asian made, any ideas on the Unit?
(Could this be a 3rd Generation Gunship with the "III" in the eye-socket?)
  Listed on the Identify page
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606th SOS ?
UI#41. "Black Magic", Pellon backing, a note came with the patch with the ID of 660th Special Operations Group C-130 Light Ship
Callsign: "Black Magic", sounds good to me....any ideas?
or is it a 606th SOS C-123 FAC Candlestick patch?
 Listed on the Identify page
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Special Operations, Air Commando & Special Activities Units: 1st - 19th 20th & Up
Return To: Home Main Air Force OTHERS page
For Ordering information contact: Jack@LJMilitaria.com
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Viewers disregard this section:
3509CA - 71st SOS AC-119 Plaque
3509CA - 71st Special Operations Squadron Wooden Plaque, Used...
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