About this Unit
The 11th Tactical Air Support Squadron (11th TASS) was a United States Air Force unit primarily active during the Vietnam War. Established in 1963, the squadron was tasked with forward air control (FAC) missions, directing airstrikes and providing close air support for ground forces. Flying aircraft such as the O-2 Skymaster and OV-10 Bronco, the 11th TASS operated extensively in Southeast Asia, supporting U.S. and allied ground operations. The unit was inactivated in 1973 following the drawdown of American involvement in Vietnam.
Historical Facts
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Origin and Name: The 11th Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) was originally constituted as the 11th Air Support Communication Squadron in 1942, playing a key role in coordinating air-ground communications.
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World War II Service: The unit participated in major campaigns during World War II, including the Normandy Invasion, Northern France, Rhineland, Ardennes-Alsace, and Central Europe operations.
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Korean War Involvement: The 11th TASS served in the Korean War, providing critical air support, reconnaissance, and forward air control (FAC) for United Nations forces.
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Vietnam War Role: The squadron is most famous for its service in Vietnam, where it flew the iconic O-1 Bird Dog, O-2 Skymaster, and OV-10 Bronco aircraft as Forward Air Controllers ("Nail" callsign), directing airstrikes and supporting ground troops.
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“Nail” Callsign: The “Nail” callsign became synonymous with the 11th TASS during the Vietnam War, and their FAC pilots were highly respected for their bravery and skill in hazardous conditions.
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Headquarters Relocations: The 11th TASS was stationed at several key airbases over its history, including Cairns Army Airfield (Alabama), George AFB (California), and Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base (Thailand) during Vietnam.
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Distinguished Unit Citation: The squadron received the Distinguished Unit Citation for its extraordinary heroism and outstanding performance in combat, particularly for actions in Southeast Asia.
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Medal of Honor Connection: Captain Hilliard A. Wilbanks, an 11th TASS FAC, was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for sacrificing his life to save South Vietnamese troops in 1967 by strafing enemy forces with his personal rifle from his O-1 Bird Dog.
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Disbandment and Legacy: The 11th TASS was inactivated in 1973 after the end of major U.S. combat operations in Vietnam, but its legacy continues in today’s USAF FAC and Joint Terminal Attack Controller (JTAC) missions.
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Aircraft Variety: Over its lifetime, the squadron operated a wide range of aircraft including liaison, observation, and FAC platforms like the L-4 Grasshopper, O-1 Bird Dog, O-2 Skymaster, and OV-10 Bronco, reflecting evolving battlefield needs.
