40th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand
Full Colour
1968-1975
The 40th ARRS came to Vietnam on the 18 Mar 1968 at Udorn RTAFB with HH-3's & HH-53's. The HH-43 were added to the Squadron in 1971 until it inactivated on the 31 Jan 1976. The unit moved to Nakhon Phanom RTAFB on the 15 Sep 1975, before trading in the helicopters in Jul 1975 to operate HC-130's until its inactivation. The HH-53 also picked up the nickname BUFF, the same time as the monstrous B-52, also participating in the war in SEA. The 40th also operated 8 detachment through SEA with the local rescue HH-43 Huskies.
This patch worn in SEA, was made in the U.S, surprisingly as most units had patches made in theatre at local tailor shops.
This patch worn in SEA, was made in the U.S, surprisingly as most units had patches made in theatre at local tailor shops.
Partly embroidered on twill with a merrowed edge, with the giant in Dexter.
A HH-53 taxis past a couple of Super Jolly Green Giants prior to a flight from Udorn RTAFB.
(Photo courtesy of Ed Waldrup)
Rescue crews visited Squadrons to brief new pilots on rescue techniques & procedures. During a visit to Ubon a rescue crewman was met by the Wing CO legendary Gen. Robin Olds, who told him "If one son of a bitch on this base lets you buy your own drink, I want his name!"
Robin Olds was the commander of the 8th TFW at Ubon during the SEA War. During his career he was credited with downing 17 aircraft becoming a triple ace. 12 aircraft were shot down in the Second World War & 5 in Vietnam, flying a total of 259 combat missions 107 in WWII & 152 in SEA.
14 Jul 1922-14 Jun 2007
40th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
BUFF
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand
Full Colour
1968-1975
The picture of this patch is found from the collection of Alec Fushi, and he's kindly let me put it on the blog for an example of a SEA patch. Early Jolly Green Giant patches were yellow background and this is from the very early 1970's.
If you have one of these patches you'd be willing to sell, trade or donate, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.
40th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
BUFF
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand
Woodland Subdued Colour
1968-1975
This patch is a difficult to find subdued version, this from the collection of Alec Fushi.
Embroidered on twill with a schiffli edge, with the giant in Dexter.
If you have one of these patches you'd be willing to sell, trade or donate, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.
40th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand
Full Colour
1968-1975
The picture of this patch is found from the collection of Alec Fushi, and he's kindly let me put it on the blog for an example of a SEA patch. A very early Jolly Green Giant patch from the 1960's.
If you have one of these patches you'd be willing to sell, trade or donate, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.
40th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
BUFF
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand
Full Colour
1968-1975
Far eastern made, more than likely Thailand. A large thanks goes to Alec Fushi, who kindly let me show the patch from his superb collection.
If you have one of these patches you'd be willing to sell, trade or donate, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.
40th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
BUFF
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand
Full Colour
1968-1975
Early Jolly Green Giant patches were yellow background and this is from the very early 1970's.
If you have one of these patches you'd be willing to sell, trade or donate, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.
40th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
SQUATTY
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand
Full Colour
1968-1975
This is a patch that was made when one of the crewmembers was serving with the 40th ARRS at Udorn during 1967. This will have been made locally and as a one off.
If you have one of these patches you'd be willing to sell, trade or donate, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.
40th Aerospace Rescue & Recovery Squadron
Udorn RTAFB, Thailand
Full Colour
1968-1975
If you have one of these patches you'd be willing to sell, trade or donate, please get in touch, I'd love to hear from you.
A massive HH-53 hovers into land at Udorn RTAFB.
(Photo courtesy of David Wharton)
If you have any additional information about this patch or anything to add, for example, photos or stories, please contact me at
usafjollygreen@gmail.com
I will get back to you.
Thanks👣
No comments:
Post a Comment