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History of 4th Air Commando Wing

The 4th Air Commando Wing was a specialized unit of the United States Air Force, activated during the Vietnam War era. Established in 1967 at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, the wing provided close air support, interdiction, psychological operations, and airlift missions using gunships, transport, and reconnaissance aircraft. The unit operated a variety of aircraft, including the AC-47 "Spooky" gunship, supporting both U.S. and allied ground forces in Southeast Asia. The 4th Air Commando Wing was inactivated in 1968 as part of a reorganization, but its legacy continued in subsequent special operations units.

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ABOUT 4th Air Commando Wing

  • Origin and Activation: The 4th Air Commando Wing was activated on 1 March 1965 at Tan Son Nhut Air Base, South Vietnam, to provide specialized air support during the Vietnam War.
  • Mission Diversity: The unit operated a wide variety of aircraft including the AC-47 “Spooky,” C-123 Provider, and UH-1 Iroquois, performing missions such as close air support, psychological operations, and search and rescue.
  • Psychological Operations: The Wing played a significant role in psychological warfare, dropping leaflets and broadcasting messages to enemy troops to encourage defection.
  • “Spooky” Gunships: The 4th was famous for its use of AC-47 gunships, modified cargo planes equipped with side-firing miniguns, which provided devastating firepower at night and earned the nickname “Puff the Magic Dragon.”
  • Innovative Tactics: The unit pioneered new air commando tactics, such as night interdiction, flare drops to illuminate enemy positions, and rapid deployment of air assets for special operations.
  • Battles and Campaigns: The 4th Air Commando Wing participated in numerous major campaigns, including the Tet Offensive and the defense of Khe Sanh, providing critical air support to ground forces.
  • Distinguished Service: Members of the Wing received several commendations for heroism, including Air Force Crosses and Silver Stars, for actions in support of U.S. and allied troops.
  • Notable Personnel: Airman John L. Levitow, a loadmaster with the 4th, became the lowest-ranking Air Force member to receive the Medal of Honor for his actions aboard an AC-47 under fire in 1969.
  • Unit Legacy: The 4th Air Commando Wing was redesignated as the 4th Special Operations Wing in 1968, continuing its mission and heritage in today’s Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
  • Enduring Influence: The tactics and innovations developed by the 4th Air Commando Wing during the Vietnam War continue to influence modern special operations aviation doctrine around the world.

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