Party suits were initially made during the war in South East Asia, & were individually handmade & embroidered for each crewmember.
A superb party suit from John Rodgers who was a Captain at Da Nang between 1970 to 1971.
(A huge thanks to John for the picture of his suit)
This shirt was worn by Jack Stoops who served in SEA from December 1971 until December 1972 with the 37th ARRS at Da Nang. (Photo's courtesy of David Stoops, Jacks son)
The video & photos in the YouTube clip are taken from Jack.
David's father was also presented with a patch after assisting in the Second Battle of Quang Tri (also called Operation Lam Sơn 72) began on 28 June 1972 and lasted 81 days until 16 September 1972, when South Vietnam's Army of the Republic of Vietnam defeated the North Vietnamese People's Army of Vietnam at the ancient citadel of Quảng Trị and recaptured most of Quảng Trị Province. The Jolly Green Giant feet get everywhere 👣
(Photo's courtesy of David Stoops, Jacks son)
Troops greet each other after the evacuation of Quảng Tri. (Photo's courtesy of David Stoops,
This Vietnam Party Suit belonged to Captain Reichert, who served on the 37th ARRS at Danang Vietnam 1969-1970.
Suit Was Made By Maharajah Udorn Thailand.
This suit is on display at the USAF National musuem at Dayton Ohio & was the Jolly Green party suit, worn by Maj. Emmett E. Hatch Jr., who flew Jolly Green helicopters and had five pick-ups to his credit, is on display in the Southeast Asia War Gallery. (U.S. Air Force photo
Major John Berkey
These party suit details and photos were generously shared with me by the son of Major John L. Berkey, Jr., who proudly wore this unique outfit. Major Berkey served as the Chief of Maintenance for the 40th ARRS (Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron), known as the Jolly Green Giants, during his time in Southeast Asia.
A career Air Force officer, he enlisted after graduating high school in 1954, later earning his college degree and receiving a commission. Although most of his career was spent working four-engine aircraft, he also served with the Jolly Green Giants in 1975. Prior to that, from 1966 to 1967, he was assigned to the legendary B-52.
Following his recent passing, Major Berkey’s son came across what he remembered his father referring to as a "party suit." This particular suit is especially striking—one of the first I’ve seen embroidered with the maintenance element.
A heartfelt thank you to John's son, also named John, for allowing me to share these images and for providing the story of Major Berkey here on the blog.
A career Air Force officer, he enlisted after graduating high school in 1954, later earning his college degree and receiving a commission. Although most of his career was spent working four-engine aircraft, he also served with the Jolly Green Giants in 1975. Prior to that, from 1966 to 1967, he was assigned to the legendary B-52.
Following his recent passing, Major Berkey’s son came across what he remembered his father referring to as a "party suit." This particular suit is especially striking—one of the first I’ve seen embroidered with the maintenance element.
A heartfelt thank you to John's son, also named John, for allowing me to share these images and for providing the story of Major Berkey here on the blog.
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