It has been hard to find good information on the 67th TFS "Fighting Cocks"
F-105 days, but thanks to Ed Nowokunski, who loaned me his 67th TFS yearbook
from 1967, I have been able to construct this page.
Thanks, Ed!
Text from the 67th TFS 1967 Yearbook:
"In January 1965, seven pilots of the 67th TFS deployed to Da Nang Air Base, South Vietnam, to become one of the first tactical outfits to support the Vietnamese war. On April 3 and 4, 1965, Lt.Colonel Robinson Risner, Commander of the 67th led two successive operations against vitally important and heavily defended targets in North Vietnam. Performing in the role of air coordinator, Colonel Risner arrived in the area before the main strike force, evaluated the effectiveness of each strike, re-directed subsequent strikes, and provided flak suppression against defenses that would hinder delivery aircraft in the performance of their mission. On this mission he sustained a direct hit but was able to land at a friendly airfield. Again on April 4th, he led an attacking force of fighter aircraft on a restrike against the same target. For his extraordinary heroism, superb airmanship and aggressiveness, Colonel Risner was awarded the Air Force Cross.
Since that time, the 67th TFS has been assigned to South-East Asia for two 60-day intervals and the pilots on an individual TDY basis in support of the units assigned the bombing role permanently.The squadron insignia, the famous "Fighting Cock" designed by Walt Disney, is well known throughout the world."
What the 1967 yearbook didn't mention, to keep the enemy from gaining "free" information, is the sad fact that Lieutenant Colonel Robinson Risner was shot down on 16 September 1965, while on a mission against the Thanh Hoa Railroad and Highway Bridge (aka "The Dragon's Jaw"). When he landed in his parachute, Colonel Risner injured his knee and was captured by the North Vietnamese. During his stay as a guest of the Hanoi Hilton, Colonel Risner spent four and a half years in solitary confinement. His memoirs can be read in his gripping book "The Passing of the Night".
67th TFS pilots at Korat RTAFB in 1965. Photo courtesy of Ed Nowokunski (first row, left).
Today, the 67th Fighter Squadron (FS) is still flying out of Kadena AB and is equipped with the F-15C Eagle.