Description: The size of this patch is 3.4" x 3.4".As a result of the build up of American involvement in the Vietnam War, VMFA-542 was ordered to Japan in April 1965, followed by redeployment to the Republic of Vietnam a few weeks later. The squadron initially entered the country at Da Nang on July 10, 1965 and commenced air operations against the enemy shortly thereafter. Its primary mission at this time was to provide air support to Marine ground forces. In August 1965, VMFA-542 supported the 7th Marine Regiment in Operation Starlite -- the first major American operation of the war. The squadron's first tour in South Vietnam ended in early December 1965 when it redeployed to Marine Corps Air Station Iwakuni, Japan. VMFA-542 spent three more tours in Southeast Asia. The Tigers returned to South Vietnam late in the winter of 1966 and remained until mid-summer the following year when they again moved to Japan. Beginning that fall, the Tigers began a thirteen-month deployment in the war zone. The Tigers' last combat tour in Southeast Asia started on May 10, 1968. While serving in Vietnam, the Tigers furnished air support to ground forces in some of the largest land operations of the war. Close air support missions were not only flown on behalf of Marine ground personnel but also for American Army units and at times for South Vietnamese forces and for elements of the South Korean Marine Corps. In addition, the Tigers flew bombing missions in both Laos and North Vietnam. After the November 1968 bombing halt of North Vietnam, the Tigers flew escort for reconnaissance missions over that area. Strikes against enemy targets in Laos on the other hand were increased after the bombing halt. Enemy supply lines in Laos were hit especially hard throughout 1969. VMFA-542 dropped over 20,000 tons of ordnance in Southeast Asia from May 1968 to January 1970. The last mission flown by the squadron was a night interdiction flight over Laos on January 13, 1970. The rest of the month was spent preparing to leave South Vietnam. On January 30, the first echelon took off from Da Nang; the second echelon left the next day. Included in this flight to the United States were thirty-five tactical jet aircraft. Code name for this major relocation of Marine F-4's was Key Wallop II.-SATISFACTION IS GUARANTEED OR YOUR MONEY BACK.-COMBINED SHIPMENT OF MULTIPLE ITEMS IS REDUCED TO SAVE YOU MONEY.-PAYPAL PAYMENT IS ACCEPTED. FOR OTHER PAYMENT METHODS, PLEASE EMAIL ME FOR MORE DETAILS.-YOUR ITEM WILL BE SHIPPED WITHIN 24 HOURS UPON RECEIPT OF YOUR PAYMENT.-FOR INTERNATIONAL BUYERS ONLY: WE WILL SHIP BY 1st CLASS MAIL. WE REQUIRE BUYERS TO WAIT FOR THE INVOICE BEFORE PAYING.-OUR FEEDBACK IS IMPORTANT TO US AND WE WANT YOU TO BE HAPPY WITH YOUR PURCHASE. IF YOU FIND SOMETHING WRONG, PLEASE CONTACT US BEFORE LEAVING A NEUTRAL OR NEGATIVE FEEDBACK AND WE WILL TRY TO MAKE IT RIGHT. Due to global pandemic and USPS reduction of services, please allow extra delivery time. Thanks.
Price: 10.95 USD
Location: Grand Prairie, Texas
End Time: 2024-08-12T14:28:22.000Z
Shipping Cost: 1 USD
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Item Specifics
Restocking Fee: No
Return shipping will be paid by: Buyer
All returns accepted: Returns Accepted
Item must be returned within: 30 Days
Refund will be given as: Money Back
Modified Item: No
Country/Region of Manufacture: Unknown
Theme: Militaria
Original/Reproduction: Original
Conflict: Vietnam (1961-75)
