Over 3,064,780 active members

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

Opening branch overview

Building the branch home surface

Loading branch highlights, featured unit context, and gallery moments.

Overview

Members

Units

56th Special Operations Wing

U.S. Air Force•23 members

56th Special Operations Wing Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 56th Special Operations Wing?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

56th Special Operations Wing

U.S. Air Force

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.

About 56th Special Operations Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.

Opening unit directory

Building the branch units surface

Loading unit filters, rankings, and the branch unit grid.

Overview

Members

Units

56th Special Operations Wing

U.S. Air Force•23 members

56th Special Operations Wing Homepage Photos Posts Members

Did you serve with the 56th Special Operations Wing?

Find familiar faces
Explore unit photos
Share your photos

New to VetFriends?

Create a free account to explore unit members and photos, and reconnect with people you served with.

Create a free account

Already a member? Log in

About this Unit

56th Special Operations Wing

U.S. Air Force

Unit members

Robert Gyde

U.S. Air Force Veteran · 1969 - 1970

Message View Profile

Fred Nowak

U.S. Air Force · 1968 - 1969

Message View Profile

John Boyer

U.S. Air Force Veteran · 1972 - 1973

Message View Profile

Johnny Richmond

U.S. Air Force · 1969 - 1970

Message View Profile

View all members

Air Force photos

View all photos

About 56th Special Operations Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

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.
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.
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.
“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.
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.
“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.
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.
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.
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.
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.