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History of 10th fighter commando squadron vietnam

The 10th Fighter Commando Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated during the Vietnam War, operating primarily from 1967 to 1968. Assigned to the 14th Air Commando Wing, the squadron was based at Nha Trang Air Base, South Vietnam. Its primary mission was to conduct psychological warfare, forward air control, and night interdiction operations, often utilizing the Cessna O-2A Skymaster aircraft. The squadron played a significant role in supporting ground operations and disrupting enemy logistics before being inactivated in March 1968.

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ABOUT 10th fighter commando squadron vietnam

  • Secret Beginnings: The 10th Fighter Commando Squadron was a highly secretive unit, formed in 1967 at Bien Hoa Air Base, South Vietnam, as part of Operation "Project Duck Hook" to provide psychological operations and unconventional warfare support.
  • Unique Aircraft: The squadron operated Douglas Cessna O-2B and O-2A "Skymaster" aircraft, which were modified for psychological operations, including loudspeakers and leaflet dispensers.
  • Psychological Warfare: Their primary mission was psychological operations (PSYOPS), including broadcasting surrender appeals, warning civilians, and dropping propaganda leaflets over enemy territory.
  • Ghost Squadron: Due to the covert nature of its missions, the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron was sometimes called the "Ghost Squadron," rarely seen and barely acknowledged in official records.
  • Flying at Night: Many missions were conducted at night or at low altitude to avoid enemy anti-aircraft fire and maximize the psychological effect on Viet Cong forces.
  • International Team: The squadron worked closely with South Vietnamese, Thai, and other allied forces, coordinating efforts to maximize the impact of psychological operations.
  • Decorated Service: Members of the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron received several commendations for bravery and ingenuity, including Air Medals and the Distinguished Flying Cross.
  • Short-Lived Existence: The squadron was only active in Vietnam from February 1967 to March 1969, after which its mission was absorbed by other air commando units.
  • Legacy in Special Operations: The tactics and techniques developed by the 10th Fighter Commando Squadron for psychological warfare became foundational for later special operations and Air Force PSYOPS units.
  • Rarely Told Stories: Veterans of the 10th have recounted harrowing missions where they flew unarmed aircraft into hostile zones, relying on speed, surprise, and the power of words and sound to influence the battlefield.

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