339th TFS

• Origins in World War II: The 339th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) traces its roots to World War II, originally constituted as the 339th Fighter Squadron in 1942. • Part of the 347th Fighter Group: In WWII, the 339th was assigned to the 347th Fighter Group and operated in the Pacific Theater, primarily flying missions in the Solomon Islands and later in the Philippines. • P-38 Lightning Operations: During WWII, the unit flew the Lockheed P-38 Lightning, a twin-engine fighter known for its versatility in both air-to-air and ground-attack missions. • Notable Aces: Several pilots from the 339th became aces, including Major Richard I. Bong, America’s top-scoring ace, who flew with the 5th Air Force in the Pacific. • Vietnam War Service: The 339th TFS was reactivated and deployed to Southeast Asia during the Vietnam War, flying the F-105 Thunderchief "Thud" in combat missions over North Vietnam. • “Misty” Fast FAC Role: Pilots from the squadron participated in the famous “Misty” Forward Air Controller (FAC) program, conducting dangerous low-level reconnaissance over North Vietnam. • Stationed at Da Nang and Takhli: The squadron was based at Da Nang Air Base in South Vietnam and Takhli Royal Thai Air Force Base in Thailand during different periods of the Vietnam conflict. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The 339th TFS received the Distinguished Unit Citation and several Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards for its valor and effectiveness in combat operations. • Transition to Modern Aircraft: After the Vietnam War, the squadron transitioned to flying the McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II, reflecting the modernization of USAF tactical fighter units. • Deactivation and Legacy: The 339th TFS was inactivated in 1970, but its lineage and honors are preserved within the Air Force’s organizational history, embodying decades of distinguished service.