Tag Archives: direct

As heavy NVA infiltration along the Ho Chi Minh trail increased, USAF commanders realized that fighter-bombers would never be able to stop the ever-increasing flow of enemy troops and equipment. AC-130 “Spectre” gunships loaded with fast firing Miniguns were developed and deployed to bring maximum firepower to bear on enemy truck convoys. Spectre pilots and air crewmen often had local tailors craft elaborately decorated “party shirts” for their nighttime barroom missions at the officer’s club. This US Air Force USAF Vietnam AC-130 SPECTRE GUNSHIP DIRECT EMBROIDERED PARTY SHIRT is in very good condition, with a spot of dark soiling at the front right short sleeve, some dark spot soiling at the right side hem, numerous small scattered spots of dark soiling around the lower back, some brownish soiling along the fold of the collar, and with some scattered age wear evident (some pictured). Otherwise, the shirt is in fine shape, with no other damage to the tough teal blue polyester construction. Most interestingly, it bears a wide variety of Thai made patches and direct embroidery around the front. The shirt carries an incredible rendition of the classic “Grim Reaper and Minigun” 16th Special Operations Squadron (SOS) insignia hand embroidered at the right chest, USAF Senior Navigator/Combat Systems Officer/Observer wings over the name “JAMES ROY” hand embroidered at the left chest, Major’s “oak leaf” rank insignia hand embroidered at each collar point, a hand embroidered American flag patch at the left shoulder, and a machine embroidered “THAILAND” flag patch at the right shoulder. The 16th SOS flew Spectre gunships out of Ubon RTAFB targeting NVA traffic on the Ho Chi Minh trail, and supporting isolated fire bases and Special Forces camps. It boasts the original “RAJA’S UBOL” (Ubol is another name for Ubon) tailor tag at the inside neck, sports a fully functional “VENUS” metal front zipper, and features clear plastic button closure waist adjuster tabs at each side of the hem. A fine example of a very rare, original US Air Force USAF Vietnam AC-130 SPECTRE GUNSHIP DIRECT EMBROIDERED PARTY SHIRT. The item “US Air Force USAF Vietnam AC-130 SPECTRE GUNSHIP DIRECT EMBROIDERED PARTY SHIRT” is in sale since Saturday, December 24, 2016. This item is in the category “Collectibles\Militaria\Vietnam (1961-75)\Original Period Items\Uniforms”. The seller is “abramsantiques” and is located in Burlingame, California. This item can be shipped worldwide.