About this Unit
The 56th Special Operations Wing traces its origins to World War II, when it was first activated as the 56th Fighter Group and achieved distinction in the European Theater. Renowned for its high number of aerial victories, the unit flew P-47 Thunderbolts and produced several flying aces. In the decades following the war, the unit underwent several redesignations and mission changes, eventually becoming the 56th Special Operations Wing. Today, it is recognized for its expertise in unconventional warfare, specializing in direct action, counterterrorism, and support of special operations forces worldwide.
Historical Facts
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Origins in World War II: The 56th Special Operations Wing traces its roots to the famous 56th Fighter Group, known as “Zemke’s Wolfpack,” which flew P-47 Thunderbolts in Europe during World War II and scored the highest number of aerial victories of any USAAF fighter group in the European Theater.
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Top Ace Producers: The 56th Fighter Group produced some of America's top aces, including Francis S. “Gabby” Gabreski (28 kills), Robert S. Johnson, and David C. Schilling.
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Transition to Special Operations: The 56th was redesignated a Special Operations Wing in 1975 and stationed at Nakhon Phanom Royal Thai Air Force Base, Thailand, with a focus on unconventional warfare and covert missions during the Vietnam War era.
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“Night Riders” Squadron: The 56th SOW operated the 21st Special Operations Squadron, known as the “Night Riders,” which flew CH-53C Super Jolly Green Giant helicopters for search and rescue and special missions.
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Lima Site 85 Rescue: The wing played a role in the attempted rescue of American personnel during the siege of Lima Site 85 in Laos in 1968, one of the most secret and daring missions of the Vietnam War.
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“Nail” Forward Air Controllers: The 56th SOW operated the “Nail” Forward Air Controllers, who flew O-2 Skymasters and OV-10 Broncos, directing air strikes and supporting covert operations along the Ho Chi Minh Trail.
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Combat Talon Operations: The wing flew MC-130E Combat Talon aircraft, specializing in low-level, night, and adverse weather infiltration/exfiltration of special operations forces.
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Secret War in Laos: The 56th SOW was heavily involved in covert operations in Laos, supporting local Hmong forces and U.S. clandestine activities, making it one of the most decorated and secretive units of the Southeast Asian conflict.
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Decorations and Honors: The 56th SOW and its predecessor units received numerous awards, including Presidential Unit Citations and Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat “V” Device for valor.
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Legacy and Reactivation: After Vietnam, the 56th designation was transferred to other missions. Today, the 56th Fighter Wing at Luke Air Force Base, Arizona, carries on the lineage, but the special operations legacy of the 56th lives on among veterans and historians.
