1966 USAF F-104 Starfighter 80th TFS Combat Flight Suit Patch Lt Col Denard For Sale

Original USAF flight suit dating to February 1966 and acquired directly from the documented estate of Lt. Col. James M. Denard, USAF. Denard served with the 80th Tactical Fighter Squadron “Headhunters” flying the F-100 Super Sabre before transitioning to the F-104 Starfighter. Later in his career he participated in the Lockheed CL-901 prototype tactical evaluation and flew 149 combat missions in the F-4 Phantom II during the Vietnam War.

Manufactured by North West Sportswear Ltd., this example retains its original February 1966 contract label, placing it squarely within Denard’s F-104 Starfighter period. The suit retains its period-applied F-104 Starfighter shoulder patch and Tactical Air Command chest patch.

Research conducted after acquiring the estate identified period photographs of Denard during his F-104 Starfighter service wearing what appears to be the same style dark blue USAF flight suit with matching F-104 Starfighter and Tactical Air Command insignia. While the available photographs cannot conclusively establish this as the exact suit pictured, they provide compelling period context for the documented configuration of this uniform and Denard’s Starfighter service.

Details:

• “Coveralls, Men’s Light Combat Type”

• Manufactured by North West Sportswear Ltd.

• Original February 1966 contract label

• Size 7037

• Dark blue flight suit construction

• Original brass-tone Lightning double-direction front zipper

• Brass-tone Lightning sleeve utility pocket zipper

• Brass-tone Lightning lower leg zippers

• Original F-104 Starfighter shoulder patch

• Original Tactical Air Command chest patch

• Velcro shoulder epaulets

• Adjustable Velcro waist tabs

• Black two-button cuffs

• Evidence of removed name tape on left chest

Measurements (laid flat):

• 18.5” pit to pit

• 17” waist

• 17.25” shoulder width

• 24” sleeve length

• 33” collar seam to crotch

• 30” inseam

• 60” overall length

Patch Measurements:

• F-104 Starfighter shoulder patch approximately 4.85” × 5”

Condition:

Pre-owned vintage condition. Strong color with an attractive overall presentation. Original patches remain attached and display expected edge wear from age and service use. The contract label remains present and legible with fraying around its perimeter. Small hole on the left sleeve between the cuff and zippered utility pocket. Evidence of removed insignia on the left chest. Light storage wear and scattered signs of age and service use throughout. All Lightning zippers appear intact and functional.

The final photographs showing additional Lt. Col. James M. Denard estate material are included solely to document provenance. This listing is for the blue flight suit only.

This flight suit originates from the same documented estate as Denard’s named P-4A flight helmet, Bien Hoa boonie hat, 435th Tactical Fighter Squadron seat cushion, 8th Tactical Fighter Wing Party Squadron banner, and other U.S. Air Force artifacts spanning his career.

This item is one of eight remaining listings from the documented estate group of USAF Lt. Col. James M. Denard. Collectors interested in acquiring the remaining estate group as a single purchase are welcome to contact us through .