Stationed at Korat RTAFB, Thailand, 15 May 1966 – 10 May 1969
On 15 May 1966 the 34th TFS was organized at Korat RTAFB, assigned to the 41st Air Division (located at Yokota AB, Japan) but attached for all practical purposes to the resident 388th Tactical Fighter Wing. All equipment, including F-105s, and all personnel came from resources of the 41st Air Division, especially the 36th TFS.
The squadron soon entered into combat in Southeast Asia and by 1 July 1966 it was fully manned and equipped. By February 1967 several of the 34th pilots had completed 100 Missions combat tours in support of the 388th Wing’s combat mission.
Pacific Air Forces transferred the 34th on 15 January 1968 to the 347th TFW (at Yokota AB, Japan), but it remained attached to the 388th TFW. Like all other Thunderchief combat squadrons, the 34th flew its share of tough strike missions to North Vietnam.
After 31 March 1968, the authorities restricted air operations to the lower panhandle of North Vietnam (below the 19th parallel). Then, on 1 November 1968, the bombing campaign to North Vietnam was halted entirely and combat missions shifted to intensive operations against the enemy in South Vietnam.
On 9 May 1969, the 34th flew its last F-105 mission then stood down to receive F-4E Phantoms. The squadron remained at Korat until December 1975.
Today, the 34th FS flies F-35’s out of Hill AFB, Utah. It is assigned to the 388th Fighter Wing.
Squadron Photos
10,000 combat flying hours by the 34th TFS. Majors Carl McKenzie, Homer Terry, Bill Eagle, and LtCol Alan Nelson. Major Robert Johnson also flew in the historic flight on March 28, 1967.
1966 from left to right ?, ?, Ken Blank, Tom Curtis
June, 1968, and shows a 34th F-105D, #60-0449. Left to right: Crew chief Jim Gagnon, Col. Allen K. McDonald (vice wing/cc took over the wing after Col. Douglas left), another crew chief, Ben Wilt, and bomb load crew chief Johnson.
Bob Pielin was the first 34th member to complete 100 missions and these were the next 3, shown shortly after their mission in August 1966. Left to right: Wayne Hauth, Rick Layman, and Dick Fitzgerald. They flew their 100th in the same flight somewhere in Pack 1. The hollowed-out pineapples are full of rum.
Party suits on Don Hodge, Ray Vissotzky, Rod Giffin, George Clausen, Ken Mays, & Hugh Davis; late 1967
A flight in early 1968. L to R: Dave Igelman, Rog Ignvalson, Ken Everett, Monty Pharmer & Gary Durkee.
Snoopy Wagon used for 100 missions parades
General Joseph J. Nazzaro (center), PACAF CINC, with 34th pilots (from left): Captains Robert M. Howard Jr., John H. Wambough Jr., James V. Barr, Olin K. Everett, Ralph E. Durnbaugh, Oral L. Bell, Darrell J. Ahrens, First Lieutenant David S. Hartman Jr. and Major Richard E. White
34th TFS – May 1969. This is the end of tour for five Lieutenants and a Captain from the 34th. They are: Capt Lindell, Lt Bryan, Lt Hartman, Lt Hoffmeyer, Lt Ron Stafford, Lt Tilley. One of them, Ron Stafford, was KIA in a F-111 from Takhli in Nov ’72
November 1966. Left to right: John Stadler, Davy Weaver, Duane Zieg, Edd Jones with 100 mission pineapple, and Leo Callahan
