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 Air Rescue Service & Air Refueling Units


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Air Rescue Service

The ARS was Established under the Air Transport Command in 1946

The  ARS  was Redesignated  ARRS  (Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service) January 1, 1966



- WANTED -


If you have an extra AAF or USAF Crash Boat Pin email:   Jack@LJMilitaria.com



 3509EF - Emergency Rescue Boat Squadrons' PIN

2.5" Air Rescue Boat Pin by L. G. Balfour, Attleboro of Massachusetts

scanned at 300dpi

marked with an "S" on the back ( may mean Sterling? ), several "Crash Boat Squadrons" operated in WWII, Used.....(sold)

( also on:  USAAF patch page )
- - - -
partial History
USAAF Emergency Rescue Boat Squadrons(ERBS): 8th, 10th, 12th, 13th, 14th, and 15th  operated in WWII and Deactivated in March of 1946
The 22nd Crash Rescue Boat Squadron operated during the Korean War
Air Rescue Service

"That Others May Live"

The ARS top-scroll was used until January 1, 1966, then switched to the ARRS Title
- - - -
Older patch

 

Air Rescue Service,  large patch, 2 small stains in the lower-left in the blue area, UnUsed......inquire
- - - -

ARS, 4 3/8", UnUsed....(sold)
- - - -
 

4 1/4", RFU, Used......inquire
- - - -
2 variations of the pre-1966 ARS Insignia


4 1/4", Unused....inquire

4 1/2" right-facing "Angel" with offset red robe, UnUsed......inquire
64th Air Rescue Squadron

 

64th ARS, 4 7/8", cheesecloth backing with scrapbook residue, UnUsed......(sold)

( old UI#243 )
- - - -
possible partial History
64th Air Rescue Squadron, Norton AFB, California, flying SA-16s & SC-47Ds circa l958
 ( SC-47D redesignated HC-47D in 1962 under the DOD's change-of-name/number for aircraft )
pre-1966 Air Rescue Service

 stationed at Hamilton AFB, had 22 Detachments

 

Western Air Rescue Center, 4.25", scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed......inquire
Air Rescue Service "USAF PARARESCUE"

Vietnam Era - Japan Made

"THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE"

 

Large 5.75", I believe this is the largest Pararescue patch I have seen, UnUsed.........(sold)
3509GR - A History of the Air Rescue Service, dated 1959

scanned at 300dpi

6" x 9" format with 191 pages, published by the USAF Air Rescue Service Command, many pictures, has list of personnel deaths from 1950 - 1958, Good Condition, Used.....inquire  
 
Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service

The ARS  was Redesignated  ARRS (Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service) January 1, 1966
Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service

 "That Others May Live"


Issue patch circa 1967, worn in SEA, RFU OG Shirt, Used.......inquire

ARRS, made in Japan or Taiwan are the best guesses I have, circa late-1960s, RFU, Used.......inquire
PARA RESCUE Arc, made in Thailand

 

UnUsed......inquire
ARRS Aerial Recovery

probably the Fulton Recovery System "SKYHOOK" on C-130s

 

HC-130H SKYHOOK system(?), scrapbook residue on back, Unused.......inquire
3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group

"50 Combat Missions"

callsign "PEDRO" ( circa 1966 to the end )

Kaman H-43 Huskie, designator changed to HH-43, circa '62 - '63

Large, 5.25" across Arc


3rd ARRGp USAF Rescue Service in Southeast Asia ("S.E.A."), made in Vietnam, RFU ( only marks are a thin stitch line in the Black-Border ), Used.....inquire
Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service

"THAT OTHERS MAY LIVE"

"King" callsign patch

 

made in Japan, RFU, harness abrasion on right side, Used......inquire
ARRS Pilot's Grouping from NKP

Thai made: "JOLLY GREEN", USAF Command Pilot's Badge and Thai Pilot's Wings

( Not sure which squadron he was assigned; see below for possible unit )  


Major Washington's Grouping, RFU, Used......(sold)

removed from a local made OG Jungle Shirt by Royal Tailors of Nakhon Phanom, Thailand
- - - -
ARRS Units stationed at NKP
DET 1, 37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (later DET 1, 40th ARRS) flying HH-3Es
A DET from the 38th ARRS flying H-43 and HH-53E Helicopters
33rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

"PARATUS BELLARE"

Stationed on Okinawa, Japan
Squadron flew missions in support of the Vietnam War from 1965 – 1967

 

33rd ARRS, (probably made on Okinawa), UnUsed......inquire
- - - -
partial History
33d Air Rescue Squadron (1952–1965); 33rd Air Recovery Squadron (1965–1966); 33d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (1966–1989)
33d Air Rescue Squadron (1989–1993); 33d Rescue Squadron (1993 – present)
Assignments
2d Air Rescue Group (1952–1955) (Attached 12th Air Force (14 November 1952 – 1 March 1955))
3d Air Rescue Group (1955–1957)
2d Air Rescue Group (1957–1958)
Air Rescue Service (1958–1960)
Attached: Pacific Air Forces (24 January 1958 – 17 March 1959)
Attached: Detachment 2, Air Rescue Service (Pacific Recovery Operations Center) (18 March 1959 – 18 March 1960)
 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service (1961–1967)
Attached: Detachment 1, Air Rescue Service (Pacific Recovery Operations Center) (18 June – 8 October 1961)
Attached: Pacific Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Center (8 October 1961 – 31 March 1967)
41st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing (1967–1970)
41st Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance Wing (1971–1989)
Air Rescue Service (1989–1993)
18th Wing (1993 – present)
 Stationed
Kadena Air Base, Okinawa (1952–1955)
Naha Air Base, Okinawa (1955–1960, 1961–1970)
Kadena Air Base, Okinawa (1971 – present)
Aircraft
SA-16 Albatross (1952–1960)
SH-19 Chickasaw (1952–1960)
SC-47 Skytrain (1952–1956)
HU-16 Albatross (1961–1968)
HH-19 Chickasaw (1961–1964)
HH-43 Huskie (1964–1966, 1971–1972)  
C-54 Skymaster (1966)
HH-3 (1968 – 1970, 1971 – 1975, 1982 – )
HC-130 Hercules (1972–1989)
HH-53 Super Jolly Green Giant (1975–1982)
CH-3 (1982 – )
HH-60 Pave Hawk ( – present)
37th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron (1966 - 1972)

Activated at Danang AB in January 1966 flying borrowed HU-16s - Deactivated in 1972


circa 1966 - 1972, UnUsed......inquire

37th ARRS, Unused......inquire

- - - -
partial History
37th ARRS was activated at Danang AB January 8, 1966 flying 5 x HU-16s loaned to them by the 31st and 33rd  ARRSs
A Detachment operated out of Udorn RTAFB  flying Aircrew  Recovery Missions in SEA
Deactivated November 30, 1972
Assignment
3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group
  Stationed
Danang Air Base, South Vietnam (1966–1972)
Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand (1966–1968)
Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand
Aircraft
HU-16 (1966–1967)
HC-130 (1966–1967)
HH-3 (1966–1969)
HH-53B & C (1967–1972)
 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing

"DEDICATED TO LIFE"

( anyone know where this Wing was stationed? )

 

39th ARRW, stain in the "LI" area, has the "pebble" cloth backing(probably early 1970s?), UnUsed.......inquire  
- - - -
partial History (not much on this unit)
Established as the 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing 20 October 1969; Activated 1 January 1970; Redesignated 39th Special Operations Wing 1 March 1988
Units Assigned (this list may be incorrect or incomplete)
37th Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 July 1978 – 1 February 1987
38th Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 July 1978 – 8 January 1981
40th Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 July 1978 – 31 December 1987
41st Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 January 1970 – 1 September 1975
42d Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 January 1970 – 15 June 1973
43d Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 January 1970 – 1 June 1974
44th Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 January 1970 – 15 June 1973
48th Air Rescue and Recovery: 15 September 1972 – 1 January 1976; 1 October 1985-31 December 1987
54th Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 January 1970 – 15 July 1974
55th Air Rescue and Recovery (later, 55 Special Operations): 1 January 1970 – 18 April 1989
56th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery: 1 May 1988 – 1 April 1989
67th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery (later, 67th Special Operations): 17 May 1973–present
71st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery: 8 March 1970 – 1 July 1974
37th & 40th ARRS and 7th AF Pilot's Grouping

Patches came from the Maharajah Tailor Shop in Udorn, Thailand

I prefer to sell them together but for the correct price I will part them out.


Combination PEDRO and Jolly Green patch, RFU, never washed, Used......inquire

7th Air Force, RFU, never washed, Used......inquire



Footprint of the American Chicken, RFU, never washed, Used......inquire

Participant Southeast Asia War Games, RFU, never washed, Used......inquire



Laotian Highway Patrol, RFU, never washed, Used......inquire

Viet-Cong Hunting Club, RFU, never washed, Used......inquire

United States of America Flag, RFU, never washed, Used......inquire

Republic of Vietnam Flag, RFU, never washed, Used......inquire
 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

HC-130Ps Air Refueler/Command and Control Aircraft Insignia for the 39th ARRS

callsign = "CROWN"
( the callsign "Crown" was later changed to "King" for SAR missions = change-over date unknown )


39th ARRS, "TUY HOA VIETNAM", RFU, Used.......inquire

C-130P Air Refueling and C&C ship  patch, "39th Rescue Tuy Hoa RVN", RFU, Used.....inquire

- - - -
Detachment 15

I believe this is the 39th ARRS - a similar design is shown on the USAF.com site

 

DET 15, 39th ARRS "Jolly Green", Thailand made, UnUsed.....inquire

( yellow Jolly Green below found with this patch )
- - - -
ARRS "Jolly Green"

Found with the above DET-15 patch - different construction but made in Thailand

 

Thai made, Unused.......inquire
- - - -
partial History
( some dates are conflicting )
Constituted 39th Air Rescue Squadron on 17 Oct 1952; Activated on 14 Nov 1952; Inactivated on 24 Nov 1957
 Redesignated 39th  ARRS and Activated January 16, 1967 at Udorn RTAFB, Thailand absorbing the assets of DET-1, 37th ARRS(5 or 6 HC-130s)
Organized January 18, 1967
39th ARRS transferred to Tuy Hoa AB, Vietnam, RVN June 8, 1967
(Squadron had C-130P Command and Control/Air Refueling aircraft at Tuy Hoa)  
39th ARRS with 11 x HC-130P transferred to Cam Ranh AB September 16, 1970
  39th ARRS transferred to Korat RTAFB, Thailand in March 1972
39th ARRS inactivated and assets to Det 4, 3rd ARRG  April 1, 1972
 Inactivated April 30, 1972
Redesignated 39th Air Rescue Squadron October 10, 1990; Activated 1 Jan 1992
Redesignated 39th Rescue Squadron 1 Feb 1993; Inactivated 1 Aug 1994
Activated in the Reserve 15 Apr 1997
Assignments
3rd Air Rescue Group 14 Nov 1952
2nd Air Rescue Group 18 Jun - 24 Nov 1957
3rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group 18 Jan 1967 - 30 Apr 1972
Air Rescue Service 1 Jan 1992
432 Operations Group 1 Feb 1993 - 1 Aug 1994
920 Rescue Group 15 Apr 1997 -
Stations
Ashiya AB, Japan, 14 Nov 1952-24 Nov 1957
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand, 18 Jan 1967
Tuy Hoa AB, South Vietnam, 8 Jun 1967
Cam Ranh Bay AB, South Vietnam, 16 Sep 1970-30 Apr 1972
Misawa AB, Japan, 1 Jan 1992-1 Aug 1994. Patrick AFB, FL, 15 Apr 1997 -
Aircraft
SA-16, SC-47, and SH-19 1952 - 1957
HC-130P  1967-1972
Operations
Search, Rescue, and Recovery missions in SEA January 1967 - April 1972
missions included refueling rescue helicopters and performing airborne command, control, and communications functions during combat rescue operations.
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron
- - - -
40th ARRS "JOLLY GREEN"

Thai made "BUFF" patch

 

ID'd on back, scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed......inquire
- - - -
callsign JACK

 

"COMBAT RESCUE" made in Thailand, RFU, Used.......inquire

patial History
"JACK" was the callsign for the "sub-Rescue Command and Control Center at NKP. This activity assisted in the Son Tay Raid.
Active at Udorn RTAFB, Thailand 1968 - 1975
40th ARRS worked for the 3rd ARRGp
- - - -
 40th ARRS Grouping


Left  -  40th ARRS, cheesecloth backing material, Used...(Sold)

Center  -  JOLLY GREEN "BATTLE DAMAGE QUALIFIED", 3.5" Thai made, VERY RARE, Used.(Sold)

Right -  Viet Cong Hunting Club, plastic backing, (looks like a Taiwan made patch(?)), Used........inquire
 (demonstrates that most "experts" are wrong about the Vintage of Plastic Back patches!!!!)



Top Left  -  Laotian, South Vietnam, Thailand, & Cambodian Flag Patch, 3.75" Thai made, Used..(sold)

Top Right -  U. S. Flag, Thai made, Used........inquire

Bottom Left  -  4" dog, Thai made, Used.......inquire

305th BW "Can Do" Hustle..(sold)

- - - -
partial History
40th ARRS active in Thailand from 1967 until January 31, 1976 when it was de-activated
Participated in the Embassy evacuations and the Rescue of the SS Mayaguez
- - - -
40th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

( See 21st SOS for SS Mayaguez Plaque for the 40th ARRS )
41st Air Rescue Service
( emblem approved 1954 )

 

41st ARS, 5.5"(to tip of wing), circa 1950s, has been folded, from the Burns Collection, UnUsed....inquire

( stored in gray cabinet )
- - - -
"100 MISSIONS" in a Jolly Green

 

worn in Vietnam, embroidered on cotton twill with gauze backing material, RFU, Used.......inquire
- - - -
41st ARRS Jolly Green


older patch-1970s(?), 3 7/8", UnUsed......inquire

41st ARRS "BUFF", UnUsed....inquire

( I have a RFU "used" condition "BUFF" patch from the late-1960s, ask )

- - - -
Flew in SEA in support of the War; very little documentation
( can any Veterans give some facts on when and where they were stationed in SEA ( DET #s, "from - to" dates, aircraft and mission, etc. ? )
- - - -
partial History
Activated on 14 Nov1952; Discontinued on 18 Mar 1960; ReActivated on 29 Dec 1961 and Organized on 8 Jan1962
Redesignated 41st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 8 Jan 1966
Assignments
4th Air Rescue Group, 14 Nov 1952; Air Rescue and Recovery Service, 8 Dec 1956-18 Mar 1960;
Military Air Transport Service, 29 Dec 1961; Air (later, Aerospace) Rescue and Recovery Service, 8 Jan 1962;
39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing, 1 Jan 1970;
Stationed: Hamilton AFB, CA, 14 Nov 1952-18 Mar 1960; Hamilton AFB, CA, 8 Jan 1962;
McClellan AFB, CA, 1 Aug 1973-30 Sep 1987
Aircraft
SB-17, 1952-c. 1953; C-82, 1952-1953; H-5, 1952-c. 1953; SA-16, 1953-c. 1960; SH-19, c. l953-c. 1960; SA/HU-16, 1962-1968; SH/HH-19, 1962-1963; HH-43, 1963; HC-130, 1966-1987; CH/HH-53, 1971-1973; HH-3, 1973-1976; HH-53, 1976-1987
Operations
Search and rescue: 1952-1960, 1962-1987, 1989- ?
Recovered high-altitude atmospheric-sampling devices 1962-1987
42th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

 

42nd ARRS, 4 1/8", UnUsed.....inquire
- - - -
partial History
Active in the 1960s and early-1970s, not much available on this unit
May have been Headquartered at Edwars(?); had several DETs in California, Arizona, and possibly New Mexico.
Flew H-21s and HH-43s
56th ARRS

The ‘K’ under the Crown = callsign "KING"

Worn by crews flying the C-130P(HC-130) C&C/Refueler fixed-wing aircraft

  

Thailand made, RFU shirt, never washed, still stiff, has a crease down the center from being folded when it was on the shirt(see picture), As-New.......inquire
- - - -
partial History
Lineage
Constituted 56th Air Rescue Squadron on 17 Oct 1952. Activated on 14 Nov 1952. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 18 Mar 1960.
Activated on 8 Jul 1972. Redesignated 56th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 10 Jul 1972. Inactivated on 15 Oct 1975.
Activated on 1 May 1988. Redesignated: 56th Air Rescue Squadron on 1 Jun 1989; 56th Rescue Squadron on 1 Feb 1993. 56TH RESCUE SQ
Assignments
7th Air Rescue Group, 14 Nov 1952 (attached for operational control to 5th Air Division, 14 Nov 1952-28 Feb 1953); 12th Air Rescue Group, 8 Dec 1956; Air Rescue Service, 18 Feb 1958-18 Mar 1960 (attached to Detachment 3, 8th Air Rescue Group [European Rescue Operations Center], 18 Feb 1958- 18 Mar 1959 and to Detachment 3, Air Rescue Service [European Recovery Operations Center], 18 Mar 1959-18 Mar 1960). 3d Aerospace rescue and Recovery Group, 8 Jul 1972; 41st Aerospace Rescue and Recovery (later, 41st Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance) Wing (attached to 3d Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group) 20 Aug 1972-15 Oct 1975. 39th Special Operations Wing, 1 May 1988; 41st Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance Wing, 1 Apr 1989; Air Rescue Service, 1 Aug 1989; Air Forces Iceland, 1 Feb 1993; 35th Operations Group, 31 May 1993; 85th Operations Group, 1 Oct 1994; 85th Group, 1 Jul 1995-.
Stations
Sidi Slimane, French Morocco, 14 Nov 1952-18 Mar 1960. Korat RTAFB, Thailand, 8 Jul 1972-15 Oct 1975. Keflavik, Iceland, 1 May 1988-.
Aircraft
H-5, 1952-1953; SA-16, 1952-1960; SC-47, 1953-1956; SH-19, 1953- 1960. HC-130, 1972-1975; HH-43, 1972-1975
Operations
Flew search and rescue, and medical evacuation, in North Africa and southern European area, Nov 1952-Mar 1960. Combat in Southeast Asia, 10 Jul 1972- 15 Aug 1973, to include search and rescue, airborne mission control, and aerial refueling; and local search and rescue until Feb 1975.
76th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

HC-130 "DUCKBUTTS" SAR Missions out of Hickam Air Base, HI

Green objects on the patch are the Hawaiian Islands

 

76th ARRS, made in Korat Thailand, RFU, Used.........inquire

DUCKBUTTS Missions = Prepositioning of SAR resources in case of future need
- - - -
partial History
Constituted 76 Air Rescue Squadron on 17 Oct 1952; Activated 14 Nov 1952
Redesignated 76 ARRS January 8, 1966; Inactivated August 1, 1975
Redesignated 76 Rescue Flight 1 Apr 1993; Activated 1 May 1993; Redesignated 76 Helicopter Flight 1 May 1998.
Assignments
11 Air Rescue Group, 14 Nov 1952 (attached to Pacific Division, Military Air Transport Service, 14 Nov 1952-); Air Rescue Service, 16 Feb 1954 (remained attached to Pacific Division, Military Air Transport Service, to 1 Jul 1955; attached to Far East Air Forces, 1 Jul 1955-); 2 Air Rescue Group, 20 Sep 1955 (remained attached to Far East Air Forces to c. 1 Jul 1957; attached to 326 Air Division, c. 1 Jul 1957-); Air Rescue (later, Aerospace Rescue and Recovery) Service, 24 Jun 1958 (remained attached to 326 Air Division to 8 May 1959; attached to 6486 Air Base Wing, 8 May 1959-unkn); Pacific Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Center (later, 41 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing), 1 Apr 1967-1 Aug 1975. 310 Operations Group, 1 May 1993; 30 Operations Group, 1 Jul 1993-.
Stations
Hickam AFB, HI, 14 Nov 1952-1 Aug 1975. Vandenberg AFB, CA, 1 May 1993-.
Aircraft
SB-29, unkn-1956. SA-16, unkn-1957, 1960-1961; SH-19, unkn-1960; SC-54, 1956-1964; C/HC/KC-97, 1964-1967; HC-130, 1966-1975; HH-53, 1972-1975. UH-1, 1993-.
Operations
Provided search, rescue, and recovery services in central and southern Pacific Ocean areas, 1952-1975. Supported space recovery operations for Discoverer, Gemini, Apollo, and Skylab programs. Maintained aircraft at Johnson Island during atomic bomb tests in the Pacific, 1955-1956, 1958. Search, rescue, recovery, and other missions in area of Vandenberg AFB, CA, especially during periods of missile launches, May 1993-.
102nd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

"ANG'S OLDEST UNIT"

 

102nd ARRS, been in 2 x scrapbooks, UnUsed.......inquire
- - - -
partial History
Designated 102nd ARRS in 1975
Assigned to the 106th ARRGp flying HH-3E Sea Kings
129th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service

 129th Rescue Squadron
- - - -
129th ARRS, 4 Patches from one Veteran


ARRS, RFU, Used.......inquire

129th ARRS, RFU, Used.....inquire


129th ARRS "JOLLY GREEN"


129th ARRS "JOLLY GREEN", RFU, Harness rub, with names, Used.....inquire

With Pigtail, RFU, Harness rub, Used.......inquire

- - - -
129th Rescue Squadron


Post-1992 129th ARS & 129th ARW Group, VELCRO backing, Used....(4 patch Grouping)......inquire

( see 129th Air Commando Group  patch )
 150th Air Rescue Squadron

Civil Air Patrol

 

150th ARS (CAP), made in Okinawa, UnUsed.....inquire
301st Air Rescue Squadron

"GUARDIAN WINGS"

 

early-to-mid 1960s, RFU, border torn at 1800, Used......inquire
- - - -
partial History
Lineage
Constituted 301 Air Rescue Squadron on 9 Mar 1956; Activated in the Reserve on 18 Aug 1956
Redesignated: 301st ARRS 18 Jan 1966; 301 ARS 1 Apr 1990; 301 Rescue SQ 1 Feb 1992
Assignments
2585 Air Reserve Flying Training Center, 18 Aug 1956; 2586 Air Reserve Flying Training Center, 2 Jun 1958; Fourteenth Air Force, 25 Jun 1960; Third Air Force Reserve Region, 15 Jul 1960; Eastern Air Force Reserve Region, 31 Dec 1969; Western Air Force Reserve Region, 1 Jan 1972; 403 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery (later, 403 Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance) Wing, 15 Mar 1976; 939 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group (later, 939 Air Rescue Wing; 939 Rescue Wing), 1 Oct 1987; 939 Operations Group, 1 Aug 1992; 920 Rescue Group, 15 Apr 1997-.
Stations
Miami Intl Aprt, FL, 18 Aug 1956; Homestead AFB, FL, 1 Aug 1960 (operated out of Tamiami Aprt and Patrick AFB, FL, Aug-Dec 1992); Patrick AFB, FL, Jan 1993-.
Aircraft
SA(later, HU)-16, 1956-1973; HH-34, 1971-1974, 1975; HH-1, 1973-1979; HH-3, 1974-1991; HC-130, 1979-1997; CH-3, 1987-1991; HH-60, 1991-.
Operations
Trained for combat search and rescue capability. Performed search and rescue (SAR) and medical evacuation missions primarily over land areas of and water areas off Florida. Between 1979 and 1997, had helicopter air refueling capability. Provided rescue coverage for space shuttle launches, 1981-, and launch support at the Eastern Test Range, 1993-. Deployed crews to provide SAR coverage worldwide, including to Keflavik, Iceland, during and after the Gulf War, and to the Gulf War area, 1993-.
Emblem: Approved December 2, 1963
303rd Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron

"SERVIENS UT SERVET"

Japan made - probably by ACE Novelty


303rd ARRSQ, 3 5/8", made in Japan, UnUsed.......inquire

303rd ARRS, Japan made, UnUsed......inquire

- - - -
partial History
Constituted 303 ARS ;  August 1956; Activated in the Reserve 8 Oct 1956
Redesignated: 303 ARRS 18 Jan 1966; 303 Tactical Airlift Squadron 1 Apr 1985; 303 Airlift Squadron 1 Feb 1992
Inactivated 30 Jun 1993
Redesignated 303 Rescue Squadron 1 Apr 1997; Activated in the Reserve 15 Apr 1997
304th Air Rescue Service (ARS)

per the Rotor Heads web site this is an  "Early Version of the patch designed by LT. BRADFORD RIORDAN"

 

304th ARS, older gauze backing, ME has the long-overlap, I cannot ID the era but I think this is early(?),reside on back from scrapbook, minor storage staining,  UnUsed.....Inquire
- - - -
partial History
Constituted 304 Air Rescue Squadron on 24 Oct 1957. Activated in the Reserve on 16 Nov 1957. Redesignated: 304 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron on 18 Jan 1966; 304 Air Rescue Squadron on 1 Apr 1990; 304 Rescue Squadron on 1 Feb 1992.
Assignments
2343 Air Reserve Flying Center, 16 Nov 1957; 2346 Air Reserve Flying Center, 1 Dec 1957; 2345 Air Reserve Flying Center, 8 Apr 1958; Fourth Air Force, 8 Apr 1960; Sixth Air Force Reserve Region, 1 Sep 1960; Western Air Force Reserve Region, 31 Dec 1969; 403 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery (later, 403 Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance) Wing, 15 Mar 1976; 939 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group (later, 939 Air Rescue Wing; 939 Rescue Wing), 8 Apr 1985; 939 Operations Group, 1 Aug 1992-.
Stations: Portland Intl Aprt (later, ANGB), OR, 16 Nov 1957-.
Aircraft
SA(later, HU)-16, 1958-1971; HH-34, 1971-1976; HH-1, 1976-1991; UH-1, 1979-1987; HC-130, 1985-1997; HH-3, 1986-1992; CH-3, 1987-1992; MH-60, 1991-1992; UH-60, 1991-1993; HH-60, 1992-.
Operations
Trained for combat search and rescue capability. Performed search, rescue, and medical evacuation missions primarily in the northwestern United States, including over 100 missions immediately following the Mt. St. Helens (Washington) volcanic eruption in May 1980. Maintained helicopter air refueling capability, 1985-1997. Deployed crews to provide SAR coverage worldwide, including to Kevlavik, Iceland, during and after the Gulf War and to the Gulf War area, 1993-. Occasionally provided support for space shuttle launches and to the USAF Fighter Weapons School.
305th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron

"Crew Five, Children of God "

probably circa 1970s - not a common patch

 

305th ARRS  Crew-5, scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed......inquire
- - - -
partial History
Constituted 305th ARS 16 Jan 1958; Activated in the Reserve 8 Feb 1958; Redesignated 305th ARRS 18 Jan 1966; Ordered to Active Service 26 Jan 1968; Relieved from Active Duty 19 Jun 1969 Redesignated; 305 Air Rescue Squadron on 1 Apr 1990; 305 Rescue Squadron on 1 Feb 1992
Inactivated 1 Sep 1992; Activated in the Reserves 1 Oct 1993
Assignments
2242 Air Reserve Flying Center, 8 Feb 1958; Tenth Air Force, 8 Apr 1958; 2467 Air Reserve Flying Center, 1 Jun 1958; Tenth Air Force, 20 May 1960; Fifth Air Force Reserve Region, 1 Sep 1960; Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service, 26 Jan 1968; Fifth Air Force Reserve Region, 19 Jun 1969; Central Air Force Reserve Region, 31 Dec 1969; Eastern Air Force Reserve Region, 1 Jul 1971; Western Air Force Reserve Region, 1 Jan 1972; 403 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery (later, 403 Aerospace Rescue and Weather Reconnaissance) Wing, 15 Mar 1976; 939 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Group (later, 939 Air Rescue Wing), 1 Oct 1987; 939 Operations Group, 1 Aug-1 Sep 1992. 939 Operations Group, 1 Oct 1993-.
Stations
Selfridge AFB (later ANGB), MI, 8 Feb 1958-1 Sep 1992. Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 1 Oct 1993-.
Aircraft
SA(later, HU)-16, 1958-1965; HC-97, 1965-1972; HC-130, 1972-1992;
CH-3, 1976-1980, 1987-1992; HH-3, 1976-1992. HH-60, 1993-.
Operations
Trained for and performed search and rescue operations primarily in the upper mid-western U.S, 1958-1992. Deployed personnel worldwide to support active duty forces, including to the Far East following the USS Pueblo incident, Jan 1968-Jun 1969, to Keflavik, Iceland, during and after the Gulf War. Maintained helicopter refueling capability, 1972-1992. Trained for combat search and rescue and performed SAR operations primarily in the southwestern U.S., 1993-. Provided support in counterdrug operations to U.S. civilian agencies, 1994-.
Decorations
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm for service 26 Jan 1968 - 18 Jun 1969

more History from Udo Fischer, a Retired Veteran of the unit
I was NCOIC PJ 305th ARS from 1959 into 1969; Unit Relieved from Active Duty June 19, 1969 after the Pueblo Crisis was over.
PJ J. D. Scott and myself stayed on active duty and subsequently went PCS to be with the Jolly Greens in SEA; I retired in 1983.
(Picfiles were sent by Udo Fischer)
First Patch design worn by the 305th in the late-1950s
305th flew 4 x HU-16s circa 1958 to 1967(+/-), unit then transitioned to the HC-97 ( "The Caddie of the Air")
In regards to the Army Parachutist's Badge on the caps..."Starting in the late 1940s, Parescuemen were officially authorized to wear the Army Airborne cap patch on their Class A uniform service cap (aka '.unt' cap) and blouse their boots with all uniforms.  
Replaced in mid-1960s with the Maroon Beret and USAF Pararescue Badge.
 

( I have changed/deleted/added/etc. to the above information from Udo )

Air Refueling Units
 
Aerial Refueler's Novelty Patch

One of the Best Novelty patches I have seen!

 

Thai made, UnUsed.....inquire
KC-10 "HEY BOOM!"
listed on Aircraft page
- - - -
KC-10 Aerial Tanker, "BOOMER"
What does the symbol mean that is between the "KC" and "10"?
Looks like the circle is broken with the wing tips and the vertical stabilizer???
 listed on aircraft page
- - - -
KC-10 AREFS Aircraft
listed on aircraft page

Go to Aircraft page for details
Pacific Tanker Task Force

 

RFU, puckered from washing(common to RVN era made items), Used......inquire
- - - -

modern patch, Unused.....inquire
What Unit is this - 157th ARW or an older USAF active duty AREF Unit?

 

Is this the NH ANG unit or an older active AF Refueler Unit based at Pease AFB, NH ?

(  send info to    Jack@LJMilitaria.com   )
 2nd Air Refueling Squadron (Medium)

1st design, approved 1952

 

2nd AREFS(M), 5" (horizontal), 1950s era, UnUsed.....(sold)
- - - -
partial History
Organized as 1st Company, 2d Aero Squadron, on 1 Dec 1915 (many designators used through WWII);
 Consolidated with 2d Air Refueling Squadron (Medium) which was constituted on 27 October 1948, Activated on 1 Jan 1949;
Discontinued & Inactivated on 1 April 1963
Assignments
2d Bombardment Group, 1 Jan 1949 (attached 2d Bombardment Wing, 10 Feb 1951–15 Jun 1952);
2d Bombardment Wing 16 June 1952–1 April 1963
Stations
Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 1 Jan 1949; Chatham AFB, GA, 16 Sep 1950; Hunter Field (later, AFB), GA, 28 Sep 1950–1 Apr 1963 (deployed at Lakenheath RAF Station, England, 4 May–30 Aug 1951 and 4 Sep–3 Dec 1952;
Benguerir AB, French Morocco, 12 Aug–20 Sep 1954; and Sidi Slimane AB, Morocco, 6 Jul–24 Aug 1956)
Aircraft
KB–29 1950–1953;  KC–97 1953–1963
2nd Air Refueling Squadron


2nd AREFS, modern, a little fuzzy on the border but it may be new(?), Used.........(sold)
7th Air Refueling Squadron

 

7th AREFS made in Japan, RFU (puckered from being washed), Used.......inquire
9th Air Refueling Squadron


"Universal", modern, Unused.....inquire
11th Air Refueling Squadron

 

RFU, Used......inquire
- - - -
 Detachment-Two, 11th Air Refueling Squadron
47th Flying Training Wing   

 

DET-2, 11th ARS, 47th FTW "ACE", scrapbook residue on back, UnUsed.......(sold)

( ACE = "Accelerated Co-Pilot Enrichment" Program during the early-1970s )

( early 1970s construction style from a company in the Carolinas(?) )
- - - -
partial History
"The 11th ARS was an orphan SAC squadron which flew KC-135s on global refueling missions out of Altus, OK from 1969 until 1992 when it transferred to AMC and then AETC to support the co-located 97th AMW which trained C-141 and C-5 crews.
Pretty sure this is from the SAC ACE period when detached T-37s from the 47th FTW were used for KC-135 crew training at several bases as an economy measure."
22nd Air Refueling Squadron (Heavy)

Flew KC-135 Stratotankers

 

22nd AREFS(H), RFU, torn on right border (South America) while being removed from jacket, repaired, Used......inquire
- - - -
partial History
Constituted May 5, 1950; Activated June 15, 1950; Discontinued/Inactivated July 1, 1962
Redesignated/Activated 22d Air Refueling Squadron (Heavy) February 21, 1963; Organized July 1, 1963; Inctivated December 1, 1989
Redesignated 22d AREFS September 29, 1992; Activated October 1, 1992; Inactivated August 30, 2002
Redesignated 22d Expeditionary Air Refueling Squadron; Converted to Provisional status, January 22, 2003
Assignments
22d Bombardment Group June 16, 1950
Attached to 22d Bombardment Wing 10 February 1951 - 15 June 1952
22d Bombardment Wing 16 June 1952
92nd Bombardment (later, 92 Strategic Aerospace) Wing 15 June 1960-1 July 1962
Strategic Air Command 21 February 1963
22d Bombardment (later, 22 Air Refueling) Wing July 1, 1963 - December 1, 1989
366th Operations Group 1 October 1992-30 August 2002
Air Mobility Command to activate or inactivate at any time after 22 January 2003
Air Combat Command to activate or inactivate at any time after 19 March 2003
Attached to: 376th Expeditionary Operations Group (dates unknown)
Stationed
March AFB, California June 16, 1950
Deployed to:
RAF Mildenhall, England December 7, 1953 to March 5, 1954
Ernest Harmon AFB, Newfoundland March 3 to April 19, 1955
Elmendorf AFB, Alaska January 3 to May 2, 1956
McChord AFB, Washington June 15, 1960 to July 1, 1962
March AFB, California (dates unknown)
Andersen AFB, Guam (dates unknown)
Aircraft
KC-97 Stratotanker 1952-1960
KC-135 Stratotanker 1960-1962; 1963-1967; 1967-1989; 1992-2002
EC-135 1963-1970
22nd Air Refueling Wing (Heavy)
"DUCEMUS" = We Lead
Emblem is a Cougar's left paw

( see the 22nd AREF patches on the regular WING page )
 28th Air Refueling Squadron

Supported ARC LIGHT missions intermittently from 1966 to 1970

 

28th AREFS, 1960s era, 5 1/4" across scroll, UnUsed......inquire

- - - -
partial History
Assigned to the 28th BW(H) flying KC-135s from October 1, 1960 to September 1, 1991 at Ellsworth AFB, SD replacing the 928th AREFS
( detached circa: March 9 to September 9, 1966; January 15 to July 19, 1968; August 19, 1969 to March 23, 1970 )
( Personnel and Aircraft integrated into ARC LIGHT forces for combat in SEA during above detached periods )  
34th Air Refueling Squadron (1958 - 1976)

"WE SERVE BEST"

 

small 34th AREFS, RFU, Used.....inquire

partial History
Activated circa 1958
Provided air refueling to Strategic Air Command and other tactical aircraft using KC-97 (1958-1959; 1964), and operated the Strategic Air Command Airborne Command Post "LOOKING GLASS" from 1961 to 1966 and KC-135 Stratotankers (1966-1976) on a worldwide scale.
Inactivated at Pease AFB March 31, 1976
Redesignated/Activated 34th Strategic Squadron August 1, 1978 at Zaragoza AB, Spain supporting European Tanker Task Force under the 7th AD(Ramstein AB)
Assignments
340th Bombardment Wing, Whiteman AFB, Missouri, 1 Oct 1958-1 Oct 1959
4321st Strategic Wing, Offut AFB, Nebraska, 1 Oct 59 - 1 Jan 1964
385th Strategic Aerospace Wing, Offut AFB, Nebraska, 1 Jan - 15 Dec 1964
818th Strategic Aerospace Division, Lincoln AFB, Nebraska, 15 Dec 1964-25 Jun 1966
509th Bombardment Wing, Pease AFB, New Hampshire, 25 Jun 1966-31 Mar 1976
7th Air Division, Ramstein AB, Germany, 1 Aug 1978-1 Oct 1986
11th Strtategic Group, RAF Fairford, United Kingdom, 1 Oct 1986-7 Aug 1990
44th Air Refueling Squadron (Medium)

"Versatility and Dependability"

circa 1953 - 1960(?)
I found one patch on the web but it had a White-Border(?)

 

44th AREFS(M), RFU,scrapbook residue on back, Used.....inquire
- - - -
partial History
44th AREFS(M) flew KC-97E/F/Gs from Lake Charles (later Chennault) AFB, Louisiana, April 20 1953 - June 1 1960

The 44th Bombardment Wing (Medium) was discontinued in 1960

?may have flown KC-97F/Gs for the 4050th Air Refueling Wing out of Selfridge AFB, Michigan, 1960 - 1964?
46th Air Refueling Squadron (Heavy)

 

46th AREFS(H), 4 1/2" (vertical), RFU, Used.....inquire
- - - -
partial History
The 46th was a Transport Squadron in WWII and the 1950s
46th AREFS(H) was organized and gained: mission, personnel, & equipment of the 923rd AREFS(H) on April 1, 1961
Inactivation date unknown
Located at K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI
Supported: TAC, Cuban Missile Crisis, SEA combat missions for SAC, and other operations
 Flew: KC-97s, KC-135A Stratotankers
70th Air Refueling Squadron (Heavy)

 

70th AREFS(H), chesecloth backing, RFU, puckered from washing, damage at top, Used........inquire
- - - -
partial History
A Bomber Squadron in WWII
70th AREFS(M) constituted June 3, 1955; Activated August 1, 1955
Redesignated  70th AREFS(H) November 1, 1963; 70the AREFS September 1, 1991; Inactivated April 1, 1993
Activated in the Reserve 1 Sep 1994
Assignments
70th SRW August 1, 1955; 384 Bombardment Wing, 1 Aug 1961; 43rd BW September 1, 1964; 305th ARW Jan 1, 1970;
305 Operations Group, 1 Sep 1991-1 Apr 1993. 349 Operations Group, 1 Sep 1994-.
Stations
Little Rock AFB, AR, 1 Aug 1955 (deployed at Ernest Harmon AFB, Newfoundland, 26 Jun-15 Aug 1945 and 24 Jun-24 Sep 1957; Lajes Field [later, AB], Azores, 3 Sep 1958-12 Jan 1959, 5 Oct 1960-11 Jan 1961, and 31 Jul-28 Sep 1962); Grissom AFB, IN, 1 Jan 1970-1 Apr 1993. Travis AFB, CA, 1 Sep 1994-.
Aircraft
KC-97, 1955-1963; KC-135, 1964-1969, 1970-1993; EC-135, 1976-1993. KC-10, 1994-
71st Air Refueling Squadron

"ULTIMUS SERVITIUM"

 

71st AREFS, cheesecloth backing, UnUsed.....inquire
78th Air Refueling Squadron

 

78th ARS "CAPTAIN SHREVE SQUADRON", UnUsed.....inquire
91st Air Refueling Squadron


91st AREFS, 1963-1987 era, UnUsed.....(sold)

4", Unused.......inquire

- - - -

91st AREFS, 3 3/4", Velcro on back, Used..........inquire

KC-135R (Stratotanker) "CFM56" (newer engines), Velcro on back, Used........inquire

"STANDARDIZATION", RFU, Used........inquire

"AIR MOBILITY RODEO  1998", Velcro on back, Used......inquire
93rd Air Refueling Squadron (Heavy)

 

RFU, Used.....inquire
- - - -
partial History
Constituted 493d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 19 Sep 1942. Activated on 25 Oct 1942. Redesignated 493d Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, on 6 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 6 Jan 1946. Consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with 93d Air Refueling Squadron, Medium, which was constituted on 2 Feb 1949. Activated on 1 Mar 1949.
Redesignated: 93d Air Refueling Squadron, Heavy, on 1 Feb 1955; 93d Air Refueling Squadron on 1 Sep 1991. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1995. Activated on 31 Mar 1995.
Assignments
7th Bombardment Group, 25 Oct 1942–6 Jan 1946. 93d Bombardment Group, 1 Mar 1949 (attached to 93d Bombardment Wing, 15 Jul 1950–30 Jan 1951 and 10 Feb 1951–15 Jun 1952); 93d Bombardment Wing, 16 Jun 1952; 93d Operations Group, 1 Sep 1991; 398th Operations Group, 1 Jun 1992–31 Mar 1995. 92d Operations Group, 31 Mar 1995–.
Stations
Karachi, India, 25 Oct 1942; Pandaveswar, India, 7 Jan 1943; Tezgaon, India, 17 Jun 1944; Pandaveswar, India, 5 Oct 1944 (detachment at Luliang, China, 17 Dec 1944–26 Jan 1945); Dudhkundi, India, 31 Oct 1945; Kanchrapara, India, 19 Nov 1945; Camp Angus (near Calcutta), India, 25 Nov–7 Dec 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 5–6 Jan 1946. Castle AFB, CA, 1 Mar 1949–31 Mar 1995 (operated from Upper Heyford RAF, England, 9 Dec 1951–6 Mar 1952; Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 1 Apr–15 May 1954; Ernest Harmon AFB, Newfoundland, 29 Jun–14 Aug 1954; Thule AB, Greenland, 19 Jan–c. 15 Mar 1955; Elmendorf AFB, AK, 2 Nov 1955–5 Jan 1956 and 27 Sep–c. 24 Dec 1956). Fairchild AFB, WA, 31 Mar 1995–
Aircraft: KB–29 1950–1953; KC–97 1953–1957; KC–135 1957 –
97th Aerial Refueling Squadron

"PRO PENTENTIA INTER ASTRA"

 made in Thailand

 

97th AREFS, Thai made, UnUsed......inquire


"TeePee" and "97th AREFS" found together -  Teepee may be a Novelty patch from 97th AREFS or the 1st CEVGp(?)


Operating Location-25, 1st Combat Evaluation Group

"TEEPEE" was the Callsign for OL-25 (DET-25) in Vietnam and Thailand

“Say Words” = “What are our orders”
"DELTA SIERRA" = (phonetics for Dog Shit) = bad, or a no go (the opposite of Sierra Hotel)

Link for 1st CEVGp site: http://1stcombatevaluationgroup.com/

(Combat) SkySpot Call Signs:
OL-21 Bien Hoa, RVN................MACON
OL-22 Pleiku, RVN.....................BONGO
OL-23 Udorn, Thailand......LID
OL-24 Dong Ha, Phu Bai Monkey Mountian, RVN.......MILKY
OL-25 Ubon RTAFB, Thailand....TEEPEE
OL-26 Binh Thuy, RVN........GAP
OL-27 NKP, Thailand.......................LID/BROMO

 

made in Thailand, UnUsed......(sold)
- - - -
partial History for 1st CEVGp
August 1, 1961 the USAF Activated the 1st Combat Evaluation Group Barksdale AFB, Louisiana integrating the 1st Radar Bomb Scoring Group and 3908th Strategic Evaluation Group with the missions of RADAR Bomb Scoring(RBS) and Standardization and Evaluation.
In 1965 SkySpot (later changed to Combat Proof in October 1965 and again renamed Combat Sky Spot in January 1967) was initiated to provide a Ground Directed Bombing System in the Republic of South Vietnam(RVN).  It also directed clearing landing sites with the C-130 "Bombers", Combat Search and Rescue missions(CSAR), Tactical Air Command Ground Support Missions, and assisted other aircraft navigating the SEA AO.
1st Combat Evaluation Group manned Ground RADAR at several sites in the RVN and a few sites in Thailand.
Combat Sky Spot was terminated August 15, 1973.
108th Air Refueling Squadron


97th Air Refueling Squadron "PRO POTENTIA INTER ASTRA", Blythville(Eaker) AFB, Arkansas, RFU, Used..(sold)

3 5/8" across disc, RFU, VELCRO on back, Used.......inquire
 116th Aerial Refueling Squadron

( insignia also used by the 141st AREF GP/W )


116th AREFS, RFU, Used.......inquire

 

( see predecessor unit 116th FIS patches )
126th Air Refueling Squadron

Wisconsin Air National Guard

 

126th AREFS, early 1970s looking plastic backing over cheescloth, UnUsed.....inquire

Redesignated 126th AREFS in 1961 and received KC-97s in 1962; received KC-135s in 1977

141st Air Refueling Group/Wing

( see Unit patch on  116th AREFS  above )
305th Air Refueling Wing

 

305th ARW, RFU, Used......inquire
305th Air Refueling Squadron (Medium)

 "WE WILL BE THERE"

design used mid-1950s to early-1960s

 

worn in the early 1960s at McGuire AFB, NJ while flying KC-97Gs, RFU, Used.......inquire

305th AREFS(M) "WE WILL BE THERE", 4 7/8", UnUsed...inquire

- - - -
partial History
Assigned 305th BG (M) 1951; reassigned to 306th BG (M) May 1, 1959; reassigned to 4050 AREFW January 15, 1960;
reassigned to 499th AREFW Jan 1, 1963; reassigned to 810th AD Mar 15, 1965; reassigned to 305th BW (M) Mar 25, 1965
Stations
MacDill, RAF Mildenhall, McGuire, & Bunker Hill
Aircraft
flew KC-97E/F/Gs circa 1951 - 1965
received KC-135s in 1965
308th Air Refueling Squadron

"EXTENDERE POTENTIA"

 

308th ARS, 4 1/2" (vertical), UnUsed.....inquire
336th Air Refueling Squadron


336th AREFS "THE FIRST AND THE FINEST", Unused.......inquire
349th Air Refueling Squadron

Flew KC-135Qs out of Beale for the 9th SRW

 

349th AREFS, "Desert Shield 1990" Beale Bandits in heat, ID'd on back, Unused.......(sold)
351st Air Refueling Squadron

(Formerly the 351st Bombardment Squadron (Medium))

 

351st AREFS "European Tanker Operations", 3 7/8", patch does not lay flat, Unused......(sold)

(On March 31 1992: Redesignated & Activated as the 351st Air Refueling Squadron,
Assigned to the 100th Air Refueling Wing, Stationed at RAF Mildenhall, England, & started flying KC-135s)
376th Air Refueling Squadron (Medium) (1953 - 1960)

 

376th AREFS (M), UnUsed........inquire
- - - -
partial History
The 376th Air Refueling Squadron was Activated circa 1953
Flew KC-97F Stratotankers (Also KC-97Gs) providing Aerial Refueling circa 1953 - 1960
376th Inactivated August 15, 1960 as part of the phaseout of KC-97s from SAC.
Stationed
Barksdale AFB, Louisiana
Assigned
4th Air Division June 1, 1951 to May 20, 1952 (Not manned or equipped)
376th Bombardment Wing 8 August 1953-1 December 1957
4th Air Division 1 December 1957-15 April 1958
4238th Strategic Wing 15 April 1958-15 August 1960
 380th Air Refueling Squadron (Medium)
- - - -
Larger insignia mid-1950s to early-1960s

 

380th AREFS(M), 4 3/4" patch, UnUsed......inquire
- - - -
"Spirit of the North Country"

First KC-135A assigned to the 380th AREFS

Fairchild Trophy winner in 1974

 

part of a Grouping from the 4258th SW,  made in Thailand, RFU, Used.....inquire

On September 18, 1964 the 380th Air Refueling Squadron (380th BW) received it's first KC-135A flown by Colonel Harold J. Whiteman and a four-man crew composed of Major Creston Fowler (A/C), Captain Robert J. Svoboda (co-pilot), Captain Robert D. Smith (navigator) and T/SGT Roy W. Rebstock (boom operator). The aircraft was christened the same day, "Spirit of the North Country" by Mrs Gladys Ellison (wife of SM/SGT Guin B. Ellison, Maintenance Supervisor of the Year for the 380th BW).

An FB-111A "Apple One" and "Spirit of the North Country" teamed to win the coveted Fairchild Trophy on November 14, 1974.
- - - -
partial History
Assigned to several Commands
Reassigned to the 380th BW at Plattsburg AFB, NY
Stationed: Lincoln, Sheppard, Plattsburgh
Aircraft: KC-97s (1954 – 1964) , KC-135s (1964 -  )
Operations: Rotated Aircraft and Crews to SEA for Missions in the 1960s to 1970s
384th Air Refueling Squadron (Heavy)


384th AREFS(H), active 1973 - 1991, UnUsed.........inquire

384th AREFS, RFU, Used........inquire
384th Air Refueling Wing (Heavy)


384th AREW(H), cheesecloth backing, activated 1972 at McConnell, UnUsed.......inquire
407th AREFS - Tanker-65
 
"Norm's Knaves - Hottest Band Going"

Supported SEA:  Arc Light & Young Tiger Operations


407th Air Refueling Squadron, 42nd Bombardment Wing(Heavy), Japan made Pilot's Name Tag and Crew Patch, RFU Jacket, never washed, Used........inquire

- - - -
partial History
Redesignated 407th ARS(H) and Activated 26 Jan 1962; Organized 1 Apr 1962; Inactivated 1 Oct 1990
Stationed: Homestead AFB, FL 1 Apr 1962; Loring AFB, Maine, 2 Jul 1968.
Flew KC-135s 1962 - 1990
Supported SEA:  Arc Light,  Young Tiger, Bullet Shot, and Linebacker II Operations until 1973
421st Air Refueling Squadron (Tactical), Detachment One

RARE!

Flew RB-29s and KB-50Js from 1953 - 1965

based in Yokota AFB, Japan - might have been assigned to the 4505th AREFW

Supported SEA (Thailand) Missions in the mid-60s

 

421st AREFS(TAC) DET-1 on Wake Island, Japan made, UnUsed.....inquire

( 421st AREFS (T) DET 1 = sparse history; if anyone knows the length of stay on Wake Island let me know )

More Information:
Det 1, 421AREFS(T) Assigned to Takhli AFB in 1965; a KB-50 crashed soon after SQDN arrived & all KB-50s were grounded for inspection; the 421st  was DeActivated.
-- None of the AREFS Association members has seen one of these = "damn rare!!!!"
- - - -
421st Air Refueling Squadron(Tactical)

pre-1965 Insignia

 

421st AREFS(TAC), RFU (never washed), minor stain on the Earth, Used.....inquire
- - - -
3509CP - 421st AREFS Neck Bib for KB-50J era

Notice the colors - same as the patch above


3509CP - Light Blue Neck Bib for the 421st Air Refueling Squadron flying KB-50Js out of Yokota AFB, Japan, circa 1964-65, the insignia is for the 421st AREFS(TAC) (see patch above), made in Japan, direct embroidery, 8 ¾” x  16 ½” double-layers of material, snaps marked “*500”, light-brownish stains (see picture), Used....inquire
- - - -
421st Air Refueling Squadron (Tactical), Flight Examiner

Both patches made in Japan


421st AREFS(T) Hummingbird sipping fuel, made in Japan, RFU, Used.....inquire

421st AREFS(T) "KB-50 Flight Examiner", made in Japan, RFU, Used.....inquire

- - - -
partial History
Established/Activated as Detachment 2, 98th Bombardment Wing, Japan July 1, 1953;
Redesignated 421st Air Refueling Squadron (Tactical) July 8, 1953; Inactivated January 15, 1965
Assignments
98th Bombardment Wing Jiuly 6, 1953
49th Fighter-Bomber Group January 15, 1954
67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing July 1, 1957
3d Bombardment Wing July 1, 1960
41st Air Division November 20, 1960 to January 15, 1965
Stations
Yokota Air Base, Japan, July 6, 1953 to January 15, 1965
Aircraft
KB-29M Superfortress 1954 - 1955
KB-50/KB-50J Superfortress 1955 - 1965
partial narrative History
Activated as an Advanced Detachment of the 98th Bombardment Wing (which was being moved to Yokota AB, Japan)
The squadron was to provide dedicated in-flight refueling for F-100 Super Sabres and later for other in-flight refueling capable PACAF fighter and fighter bombers.
Originally equipped with old SAC KB-29M Stratofortresses that had been converted to tankers using a British refueling system.
Upgraded to KB-50 Superfortress tankers in 1958 later modified circa 1959 to KB-50Js (added twin J-47s).
Deployed aircraft to Don Muang RTAFB, Thailand to support SEA missions
427th Air Refueling Squadron (Fighter-Bomber(?))

427th Air Refueling Squadron
- - - -
427th AREF, Saint Bernard with Keg and Earphones

( On the USAFPatches web site the left patch is labeled "FIGHTER-BOMBER" on two patches with the unit name on the cloud(?) )


Early design 427th Aire Refueling Squadron (Fighter-Bomber), patch used at Robbins AFB, GA, UnUsed.........inquire
Later design patch, RFU flyer's jacket, Used.........inquire

427th AREFS, UnUsed.......inquire

- - - -
partial History
Active 1956 to 1963
Stationed at Robbins AFB, GA and then moved to another location
Flew KB-29M, KB-50, and KB-50J Superfortresses  
452nd Air Refueling Wing

 

452nd ARW, pre-1994 patch, RFU, Used.....inquire
- - - -
partial History
452nd ARW October 1 1976; 452nd ARW(H) March 8 1978; 452nd ARW February 1 1992; 452nd AMW May 1 1994
Assignments
10th Air Force, 8 Oct 1976; Fourth Air Force, 1 Oct 1993  .
Stations
Hamilton AFB, CA, 1 Jan 1972; March AFB (later, ARB), CA 12 Jan 1976-.
Aircraft
C-130, 1972-1976; KC-135, 1976-; KC-10, 1981-1995; C-141, 1994-.
506th Air Refueling Squadron

 "ANY TIME ANYWHERE"

 

506th AREFS, scrapbook residue on back, Unused.....(sold)
- - - -
partial History
Assigned to the 506th Strategic Fighter Wing September 25, 1953 at Dow AFB, Maine flying KB-29s in support of the 3 x F-84 Fighter Squadrons
By late-1955 the 506th AREFS had moved to Bergstrom AFB, Texas
622nd Air Refueling Squadron
 
 

622nd AREFS, RFU, Used......(sold)

(Flew for the 4505th ARW(Tactical), see below)
 904th & 922nd AREFS Grouping

items can be sold seperate


904th AREFS, RFU K-2B, harness has rubbed this patch, Used......inquire

922nd AREFS(H) "SAUNDERS TROPHY",  RFU K-2B, Used....inquire

Rank, Navigator's Badge, and Name Tape, RFU K-2B, Used.....inquire

( several of his Badged K-2Bs available, see   catalog   for 9554P - W )
- - - -
904th Air Refueling Squadron

 

RFU, Used......inquire
904th Air Refueling Squadron

905th Air Refueling Squadron


904th AREFS, Used.......inquire
( older 904th AREFS patches available - see above )

905th AREFS, RFU, Used.....inquire
912th Air Refueling Squadron (Heavy)


912th AREFS(H), early 1960s, 4 1/4", RFU, Used.......inquire

- - - -
partial History
912th AREFS(H) constituted & activated August 3, 1961; Organized December 1, 1961;
Redesignated 912th Air Refueling Squadron September 1, 1991
Assignments
SAC August 3 1961; 4137th SW December 1 1961; 465th BW February 1 1963; 19th BW (later 19th ARW) July 25 1968;
19th OP GP September 1 1991; 319th OP GP April 1 1994 –
Stations
Robins AFB, GA, 1 Dec 1961; Grand Forks AFB, ND, 1 Apr 1994 –
Aircraft
KC–135, 1962 – and EC–135, 1984–1989
Operations
Long distance aerial refueling, 1961–1972; worldwide aerial refueling, beginning 1973.
Gained EC–135 airborne command post mission, 1984–1989. Supported operations in Grenada, 23–24 Oct 1983;
Panama, 18–21 Dec 1989; and Southwest Asia, Aug 1990–Mar 1991
909th Air Refueling Squadron

917th Air Refueling Squadron


4 3/4", "ALWAYS THERE", RFU, Used......inquire

915th Air Refueling Squadron, flew KC-135s, probably 1960s-1970s, RFU, Used...(sold)

"ANTE OPTIMAS", RFU, Used........inquire
916th Air Refueling Squadron

"PROFICIENCY ATTAINED AND MAINTAINED"

 

916th AREFS, RFU flight suit, Used......inquire
922nd Air Refueling Squadron (Heavy)


click on picture for the details
924th Air Refueling Squadron Grouping

 

924th AREFS, cheesecloth backing
100 Baggage Drills KC-135, Asian made
Red-on-White name tape (very unusual colors)
pair of White-on-Sage Green Lieutenant Colonel's Cloth Rank badges
Grouping RFU Flying jacket, Used.....inquire
4505th Air Refueling Wing (Tactical)

"ABUNDANTIAM TEMPESTIVAM PRAEBERE"

 

4505th ARW(TAC), large 5.5", RFU, Used...(sold)
- - - -
partial History
Activated July 1 1958 at Langley AFB, Virginia
Squadrons: 427th, 429st, 431st, 622nd AREFS and 4505th CAMS

Orignially the TAC ARSs were equipped with KB-29Ps but these were to slow and the squadrons were
re-equipped with KB-50s and re-organized into the 4504th ARW in 1958.
The 4504th ARW was the only KB-50 Wing and the only ARW in Tactical Air Command


( I believe the TAC Tanker Association Insignia may have been taken from this design )
( see their site on this link  http://www.tactankers dot com/tactanker_4505.htm  )
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Viewers disregard this section:
BOOM OPERATOR, modern, RFU, Used.......
7th Air Refueling Squadron
 
7th AREFS, 7th Bombardment Wing, Japan made, disc 3 1/2", RFU, Used.........(sold)
 
3rd ARRGp USAF Rescue Service in Southeast Asia ("S.E.A."), made in Vietnam, RFU ( only marks are a thin stitch line in the Black-Border ), Used.....inquire