389th TFS

• Formation and Early Years: The 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) was originally activated in 1943 as the 389th Fighter Squadron during World War II and was part of the 366th Fighter Group. • World War II Combat: The squadron flew P-47 Thunderbolts in the European Theater, supporting D-Day operations, flying bomber escort missions, and attacking ground targets across France and Germany. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The 389th earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for its exceptional performance during the Battle of the Bulge, providing vital air support under challenging conditions. • Postwar Inactivation and Reactivation: After World War II, the squadron was inactivated in 1946 but reactivated several times in subsequent decades to meet U.S. Air Force needs. • Vietnam War Service: The 389th TFS became famous during the Vietnam War, flying the F-4 Phantom II from Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, as part of the 366th Tactical Fighter Wing ("Gunfighters"). • First Air-to-Air Kill for the F-4E: In 1972, a 389th TFS crew achieved the first air-to-air kill for the F-4E model Phantom, downing a North Vietnamese MiG-21 with an AIM-9 Sidewinder missile. • Operation Bolo: The 389th participated in Operation Bolo, a famous 1967 mission designed to lure North Vietnamese MiGs into combat, although the operation was led by the 8th TFW, 389th pilots also flew covering missions. • Transition to the F-111: In the 1970s, the squadron transitioned to the General Dynamics F-111 Aardvark, gaining new capabilities in long-range, low-level strike missions. • Current Status: The 389th TFS was redesignated as the 389th Fighter Squadron and is currently assigned to the 366th Fighter Wing at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho, flying the F-15E Strike Eagle. • Motto and Legacy: The squadron’s motto, "Thunder from the Sky," reflects its proud combat heritage and ongoing role as a key component of U.S. Air Force airpower.