Description: The size of this patch is 2.75" x 3.5".During Vietnam War, USAF Combat Controllers helped assure mission safety and expedited air traffic flow during countless airlifts. Combat Controllers also flew as forward air guides in support of indigenous forces in Laos and Cambodia. Combat Controllers conducted covert forward air control for U.S. and allied aircraft performing interdiction missions against Communist troops and supplies on the Ho Chi Minh trail. The first combat controller killed in action in SE Asia was TSgt Richard L. Foxx, a seasoned combat controller with more than 15 years experience. On 15 October 1962, Sergeant Foxx was killed while performing Forward Air Control (FAC) duties in a U-10 Helio Courier.As tactical air strikes began to be used in Laos, it became apparent that for the safety of noncombatants, some means of control was necessary. Beginning at least as early as July 1964, the absence of a close air support control system caused a variety of enterprising individuals to improvise procedures for marking bombing targets. At various times, ground markers (including bamboo arrows) and dropped smoke grenades were used. While some of these individuals had military training, such as the American Army Attaché, others had little or no specialized training in close air support. They varied in nationality, being Thai, Lao, or Hmong, as well as American. Both Continental Air Services, Inc and Air America pilots would sometimes serve as ad hoc forward air controllers.ButterfliesTo begin an operation of great secrecy, the U.S. Air Force originally forwarded four sergeants from Combat Control Teams in 1963. These sergeants turned in their uniforms and military identification and were supplied with false identification so they could work in civilian clothing. This process was designed to preserve the fiction of American non-involvement dubbed plausible deniability. Once "civilianized", the Butterflies flew in the right (co-pilot's) seat in Air America Helio Couriers and Pilatus Porters. They were often accompanied by a Lao or Thai interpreter in the back seat. The Air Commando sergeants directed the air strikes according to U. S. Air Force doctrine, using the radio call sign Butterfly.COMBINED SHIPMENT OF MULTIPLE ITEMS IS REDUCED TO SAVE YOU MONEY.YOUR ITEM WILL BE SHIPPED WITHIN 24 HOURS UPON RECEIPT OF YOUR PAYMENT.FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS ONLY: WE WILL SHIP BY 1st CLASS MAIL. WE REQUIRE BUYERS TO WAIT FOR THE INVOICE BEFORE PAYING.OUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US AND WE WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE. IF YOU FIND SOMETHING WRONG, PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE LEAVING A NEUTRAL OR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK AND WE WILL TRY TO MAKE IT RIGHT. THANKS FOR YOUR PURCHASE. ENJOY !
Price: 10.45 USD
Location: Grand Prairie, Texas
End Time: 2024-11-08T14:00:45.000Z
Shipping Cost: 1 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Conflict: Vietnam (1961-75)
Theme: Militaria
Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown
Modified Item: No
