The product is a Vietnam era USAF 965th Airborne Early Warning & Control Squadron patch with the motto Semper Vigiles. It is a collectible item related to the Air Force and militaria, specifically representing a unit within the Air Force specializing in airborne surveillance and control. The patch features unique design elements and insignia associated with the unit’s history and mission during the Vietnam era. RARE VIETNAM ERA USAF 965th AIRBORNE EARLY WARNING & CONTROL SQUADRON “SEMPER VIGILES” PATCH TDY S. Beginning 1 April 1965. The squadron was activated in 1955 at McClellan AFB in California; it was an element of 552nd Airborne Early Warning & Control Wing, and in 1956 was added to the Air Defense Command’s radar network. It was equipped with Lockheed Super Constellation RC-121 “Warning Star” aircraft, later redesignated EC-121. The 965th was one of several such squadrons, which were created for the purpose of extending the range of US land-based radar. Elements of the 965th augmented the 966th at McCoy AFB in Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis. Beginning in April 1965, the 965th began rotating elements to South East Asia S. On four-month periods of Temporary Duty (TDY), probably alternating deployments with two sister 552nd AEW&C Wing squadrons (963rd & 964th). Initially they were part of Big Eye (later College Eye) Task Force, then simply 552nd Wing’s Detachment 1. They flew orbits over the Gulf of Tonkin from Tan Son Nhut Air Base, in support of Operation Rolling Thunder. Their role was to alert strike aircraft when enemy MiG fighters launched; crews also included linguists who monitored enemy radio communications with their aircraft. In October 1966 an orbit over Laos was added, and those flights were from bases in Thailand, in support of Operation Barrel Roll; these aircraft also monitored “Igloo White” sensors emplaced along the Ho Chi Minh Trail. Tan Son Nhut was abandoned as a basing location about Feb 1967 due to threat of ground attacks; some aircraft were based in Taiwan as well as Thailand. These missions continued for 965th until June 1970. For its role in S. During the Vietnam War, the 965th received four Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards (but Combat V–for Valor–only pertained to July 1969 to June 1970 period) and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross w/ Palm for period Apr 1966 to June 1970. The 965th was inactivated on 30 June 1971. This patch measures 4 inches wide and 4 inches high. I don’t know where it was made, but I do know it was of the period described above. Both front and reverse surfaces of this patch are no glow. It doesn’t appear to have ever been sewn on; it would be more accurately described as “Pre-owned, “.
