68th Fighter Squadron

The 68th Fighter Squadron was one of the longest-serving fighter squadrons in U.S. Air Force history, remaining active almost continually for 60 years. Known as the "Lightning Lancers", on the morning of 27 June 1950 pilots of the 68th Fighter-All Weather Squadron flying the North American F-82 Twin Mustang made history by achieving the first aerial kill of the Korean War.

68th Fighter Squadron
68th Fighter Squadron F-16C Fighting Falcon at Moody AFB in July 1995
Active1941–1971; 1973–2001
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleFighter
Nickname(s)Lightning Lancers
Engagements

  • Asia-Pacific Theater World War II

  • Korean War

  • Vietnam War
Decorations

  • Distinguished Unit Citation (3x)

  • Presidential Unit Citation (2x)

  • Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device

  • Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (8x)

  • Philippine Presidential Unit Citation
Commanders
Notable
commanders
Joseph Ralston Matt Neuenswander
Insignia
68th Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 29 November 1944)

The 68th was most recently part of the 347th Wing at Moody Air Force Base, Georgia. It operated General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon aircraft conducting air superiority missions. The squadron was inactivated in 2001.

This article is issued from Wikipedia. The text is licensed under Creative Commons - Attribution - Sharealike. Additional terms may apply for the media files.