354th Tactical Fighter Squadron "Fighting Bulldogs"
Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, 27 November 1965 - 10 December 1970
The "Bulldogs" reappeared at George AFB, California as
part of the 355th TFW in 1962. Stayed at George till mid-1965,
and flew combat missions in SEA on TDY assignment in the
summer of '65. The squadron moved to Takhli RTAFB permanently
in November 1965, together with the 357th TFS. They flew over
400 combat sorties during the first month. One aircraft was lost
but the pilot was recovered. Unfortunately, the 354th continued to
take hits from the enemy and during 1966 experienced more
losses than any other squadron in SEA. In one two month period,
almost 40% of the squadron's pilots were lost...
Pilots of the 354th dished out punishment as well, downing
eight NVAF MiG-17's and damaging four others.
For his actions on 10 March 1967, Wild Weasel pilot Major Merlyn H.
Dethlefsen (now deceased) received the Medal of Honor. His persistance
in attacking and destroying a SAM site after having been hit by enemy
fire was certainly above and beyond the call of duty.
The "Bulldogs" participated in the first F-105 strikes
into South Vietnam in 1968. These strikes and many more into
other parts of SEA became more common as first bad weather and
the 31 October bombing halt reduced the flying over North
Vietnam.
When not wearing flight suits and demoralizing the enemy,
the men of the 354th could often be found at the bar raising
their own morale while dressed in blue "shit hot" suits and
"peace-not" medallions.
Today's 354th FS flies the Republic A/OA-10A, another fine jet from
the foundry, out of Davis Monthan AFB, Arizona. It is still
assigned to the 355th Wing. For a change, I present you a picture of this beauty.
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