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389th TFS

U.S. Air Force•15 members

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About this Unit

389th TFS

U.S. Air Force

The 389th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) was first activated during World War II as part of the 366th Fighter Group, flying P-47 Thunderbolts in the European Theater. Reactivated during the Cold War, the squadron transitioned to jet aircraft and later played a significant role during the Vietnam War, operating F-4 Phantom IIs from bases in Southeast Asia. The 389th TFS participated in numerous combat missions, providing air-to-ground and air-to-air support. The squadron was eventually redesignated and continues its legacy within the 389th Fighter Squadron, now flying F-15E Strike Eagles at Mountain Home Air Force Base, Idaho.

About 389th TFS

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.

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389th TFS

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About this Unit

389th TFS

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Jason Quade

U.S. Air Force · 1996 - 2000

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Ron Dickneite

U.S. Air Force Military Retiree · 1969 - 1970

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Carl Cunningham

U.S. Air Force Military Retiree · 1977 - 1981

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Charles Orts

U.S. Air Force · 1960 - 1964

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About 389th TFS

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.