USAF 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron THE ACES Vietnam War Patch For Sale

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USAF 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron THE ACES Vietnam War Patch:
$11.95

Vintage original Vietnam war machine-embroidered patch, size is 3\" by 2.5\". A great find for any military collectible enthusiast.

The 563rd Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS), known as the \"Ace of Spade\", played a significant role during the Vietnam War, particularly in 1965. Equipped with F-105D Thunderchiefs, the squadron was deployed from McConnell Air Force Base, Kansas, to Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, from April 8 to August 15, 1965.

Key Operations and Achievements:

Operation Rolling Thunder: The 563rd TFS actively participated in this sustained bombing campaign against North Vietnam, aiming to reduce the enemy\'s capacity to wage war.
Operation Iron Hand: On July 27, 1965, the squadron took part in the first successful mission to destroy a North Vietnamese surface-to-air missile (SAM) site, marking a pivotal moment in countering enemy air defenses.
Bridge Strikes: The unit was involved in multiple attempts to destroy strategic targets, including the Thanh Hoa and Paul Doumer Bridges, which were vital for North Vietnamese logistics.

Combat Record:

During its deployment, the 563rd TFS flew over 1,500 sorties over North Vietnam and Laos. The squadron incurred the loss of ten F-105D aircraft, with two pilots killed in action and three captured as prisoners of war.

Honors:

For its exceptional performance, the 563rd TFS was awarded two Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat \"V\" Device during this combat tour, reflecting its valor and effectiveness in operations.

Post-Deployment Activities:

After returning to McConnell AFB, the squadron focused on training replacement F-105 pilots for ongoing operations in Southeast Asia until its inactivation in July 1972.

The legacy of the 563rd TFS during the Vietnam War is marked by its courageous missions and significant contributions to the U.S. Air Force\'s efforts in Southeast Asia.

For any unsatisfactory reason, item can be returned within 30 days for full refund of purchase price (less S&H fee).

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