309th fighter squadron patch

309th fighter squadron patch: Custom patches for the

Enjoy this th Fighter Squadron Patch that is beautifully embroidered and will be the perfect patch to display or wear! Was re-equipped with RAF Spitfire Vs and its pilots and technicians spent a two-month period undergoing intensive training in flying and fighting with RAF pilots in the British aircraft from airfields in southeast England.

The squadron flew its first combat mission on 18 August , when it attacked enemy positions in occupied France. Assigned to the new Twelfth Air Force and deployed to Gibraltar in November as part of the Operation Torch invasion forces, initially operating from former Vichy French airfields in Algeria. Spitfires from the squadron provided support for Allied Forces as the Invasion of Italy began with the capture of Sicily, and later the landings by Allied forces in Fascist Italy, moving north supporting the Fifth Army during the Italian Campaign.

As Allied bomber forces operating from Italy began the strategic bombing of Axis petroleum and communications facilities in central Europe and the Balkans, the squadron was re-equipped with the North American P Mustang to replace the shorter-ranged Spitfire. Returned to the United States in June without personnel or equipment which remained in Germany.

Trained in tactical air support of ground forces, deploying to NATO bases for operational exercises. Was deployed to Thailand, July , engaging North Vietnamese forces in northern South Vietnam in response to the communist spring offensive. Returned to the United States in the late fall For the next 20 years, performed routine training and tactical deployments from Homestead AFB.