Military Lighters - All eras all brands

[yokota57]

2 hours ago, Cobra 6 Actual said:

Whoa, that’s a beauty, yokota57!

Thanks C6A! Congrats on your always excellent VN Fake Zippo thread/page cracking through 19K pages views! The MCAS Cherry Point Zippo is Ichi-Ban! 

[Cobra 6 Actual]

Thanks for the kinds words, yokota57. I can’t even begin to count the combined number of views on all of your military lighter threads! Here’s a lighter that I don’t believe has been posted yet, with a long ago military origin:

 

 

This is the humble IMCO. It was originally made in Austria ~1918 from WWI shell casings. It’s fortunes have been up and down, once the company even went out of business. Now it is being made again in Austria of stainless steel and in China as a “knockoff”. 
 

During the 1950’s and 1960’s there was a fascination with lighters that looked like guns, so IMCO produced this one:

 

 

The company still makes a variety of trench style lighters.

[Cobra 6 Actual]

A Zippo for the Presidential Retreat at Camp David:

 

[yokota57]

2 hours ago, Cobra 6 Actual said:

A Zippo for the Presidential Retreat at Camp David:

 

Super nice and very timely C6A! What year is it?

[Cobra 6 Actual]

Thanks! It’s a 2009 Zippo, yokota57.

[mtnman]

Hi guys! Wanted to share this  Marine's splendid 1967 Zippo with one of the finest maps I've seen to date, in detail and excellent lettering and map formation. Warrant officers in the Marines did everything from fly helicopters and recon aircraft to field duty with technical and skilled aspects of combat units such as infantry and artillery. A warrant officer was sort of in between a non-commissioned officer such as the sergeant and a commissioned officer such as a lieutenant. A warrant officer is given a warrant for his authority From the secretary of the branch of the military giving him the authority unless you get up into the chief warrant officer ranks where the president actually commissions them. In Vietnam, MANY of these warrant officers at the rank of WO1, as our Marine was, were pilots of various helicopter units from the  helicopter attack/assault forces through to troop transport and rescue. 

 

I tried to do some research on Warrant Officer-1 C.F. Schweikert but I have not had success yet in matching his exact name. If anybody can find any information on him, please contact me as I would love to make a file on him to preserve his history. The lighter is unused, created by the Marine as memento of his experience in theater but never used. Enjoy gentleman, a beautiful piece of History indeed.

[Cobra 6 Actual]

That is an absolute beauty, mtnman! Congratulations on the excellent score!

[yokota57]

5 minutes ago, mtnman said:

Hi guys! Wanted to share this  Marine's splendid 1967 Zippo with one of the finest maps I've seen to date, in detail and excellent lettering and map formation. Warrant officers in the Marines did everything from fly helicopters and recon aircraft to field duty with technical and skilled aspects of combat units such as infantry and artillery. A warrant officer was sort of in between a non-commissioned officer such as the sergeant and a commissioned officer such as a lieutenant. A warrant officer is given a warrant for his authority From the secretary of the branch of the military giving him the authority unless you get up into the chief warrant officer ranks where the president actually commissions them. In Vietnam, MANY of these warrant officers at the rank of WO1, as our Marine was, were pilots of various helicopter units from the assault helicopter companies through to transport and rescue. 

 

I tried to do some research on Warrant Officer-1 C.F. Schweikert but I have not had success yet in matching his exact name. If anybody can find any information on him, please contact me as I would love to make a file on him to preserve his history. The lighter is unused, created by the Marine as memento of his experience in theater but never used. Enjoy gentleman, a beautiful piece of History indeed.

Thanks for the fascinating posting. Ichi-Ban !!!

[mtnman]

You guys make it all worthwhile! I have a very special one coming in the mail of a very unique unit that I did not know existed. I've contacted my special ops/secret units guy who collects that kind of material and he had NEVER heard of them so keep your eyes open, I've got one coming in about a week or less! Thanks for sharing all your awesome lighters guys, what a blessing to see all these tiny icons to  momentous times in history and the people who lived through them in the most extreme of circumstances and venues.

[jmd62]

Super nice!!

[yokota57]

17 minutes ago, mtnman said:

You guys make it all worthwhile! I have a very special one coming in the mail of a very unique unit that I did not know existed. I've contacted my special ops/secret units guy who collects that kind of material and he had NEVER heard of them so keep your eyes open, I've got one coming in about a week or less! Thanks for sharing all your awesome lighters guys, what a blessing to see all these tiny icons to  momentous times in history and the people who lived through them in the most extreme of circumstances and venues.

Wow! You have my undivided attention. I'm looking forward to the reveal.

[mtnman]

12 hours ago, jmd62 said:

Super nice!!

Thanks JM and keep up the great work on some Excellent lighters!

[Cobra 6 Actual]

Not usually thought of as a “military lighter”, but if you served in the Philippines you probably used one of these vehicles as a primary transportation method:

 

 

Unfortunately, when the Philippines Government essentially booted us out of that country in 1992 that ended what had been a beautiful relationship. You’ll probably recall that the US took the Philippines … as well as Cuba and Puerto Rico … as part of the aftermath of the Spanish-American war in 1898.

[mtnman]

I was able to convince the seller to let me purchase this lighter (link below) out of a little grouping. This lighter has a very interesting way it was inscribed, It is very light but it is done with multiple lines framing the letters and on top of that there is a shadowing effect that surrounds each letter and fills the space it's inscribed into when you shine the light on it from the side. It's quite beautiful because the letters turn into almost a dark silver shadow on the light silver backing. The information is all there with his name, the fact that he was an NCOIC and flew with "Scatback" in 73-74.

 

Scatback is a rarely lauded but was an extremely important aspect of theater operations in Vietnam. This non-com, Truman White, was what's called a Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge which I had not heard of before.

 

Apparently NCOIC's are the NCOs with high critical thinking skills, administrative skills and leadership qualities... which makes sense for someone who would be flying with scatback, carrying everything from top secret, mission critical Intel to essential medical supplies to the top brass themselves. Here is an overview of their work.

 

☲✪☲ Scatback – 7th Air Force Flight Operations

Mission:

1. Combat courier airlift throughout the Southeast Asia (SEA) theater.

2. Distinguished Visitor (DV) & Very Important Person (VIP) combat theater airlift.

Overview:

“Scatback” was the call-sign of a PACAF squadron-level unit that performed special airlift missions during the war(s) in Southeast Asia. Scatback operated the following airlift aircraft in SEA: T-39A Sabreliner, C/VC-47D Skytrain (a.k.a. Goony Bird), C/VC-54E Skymaster, C/VC-118A Liftmaster, VC-123B/K Provider, and U-3B Blue Canoe.

Scatback missions were managed outside of the more widely known SEA theater tactical airlift system of C-7, C-123, and C-130 transports. Although a squadron-level unit, Scatback’s tasking and scheduling (OPCON) came directly from the flight operations section of HQ 7th AF/DO, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam; and its successor unit: United States Support Activities Group (USSAG)/7th Air Force, relocated from TSN on 29 March 1973 to Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB).

The generally accepted activation date for Scatback was November 1965 at Tan Son Nhut AB, RVN and deactivated on 30 June 1975 at NKP RTAFB with the stand-down of USSAG/7th Air Force.

The military unit designation(s) for Scatback changed several times over its 10 years of SEA flight operations, formally starting in November 1965: 6250th Air Base Squadron -Operations Section, 6250th Support Squadron, Det. 1 – 460th TRW, 7th Air Force Flight Ops, 377th ABG & ABW Flight Ops, and from 1973-1975 Scatback Flight Ops, 56th SOW, NKP RTAFB. However, the mission call-sign remained consistent: “Scatback”.

The most ubiquitous Scatback aircraft in-theater was the North American T-39A Sabreliner that landed at every jet-capable allied airstrip in SEA with a runway length of 5,000 ft or more, often two to three times per day, airborne nearly 24 hours/day, 364 days/year (Christmas Day was a 7th Air Force stand-down).

The Scatback aircraft most recognized by personnel of all services stationed in the RVN was VC-123B s.n. 56-4375 (nicknamed ‘The White Whale’) converted into the personal VIP transport for Army General William C. Westmoreland, COMUSMACV.

SEA COMBAT COURIER – HERITAGE:

In an era preceding the http://www Internet, Scatback was best known as the in-theater classified courier airlift system, transporting high priority/small packages throughout the Vietnam and Thailand AOR in a courier program predating what we know today (generically) as FedEx®. The original Vietnam combat courier mission, moving recce film and intelligence products around SEA bases, was performed by available RT-33 T-Bird and RB-57 Canberra aircraft under the OPCON of 2nd Air Division. However, these aircraft proved to be unsuitable and unreliable for the repetitive-cycle combat courier mission and were replaced by North American T-39A Sabreliner courier aircraft in November 1965. Depending on heavy maintenance inspection cycles (IRAN) Scatback’s T-39 inventory typically ranged from eight to ten Sabreliners. Two U-3B (Cessna 310) Blue Canoes were deployed in May 1963 during Operation Farm Gate to transport reconnaissance film and Intel reports to non-jet capable locations, typically SOF bases in III and IV Corps with short or unimproved (PSP) runways.

COMBAT COURIER AIRLIFT MISSIONS

(T-39A & U-3B):

Courier Call signs – Scatback Alpha, Scatback Bravo, Scatback Charlie, and Scatback Delta

Typical combat courier cargo load:

• Elements of the HQ 7th Air Force daily Fragmentary – or “FRAG” – Air Tasking Order (ATO)

• Pre-strike and post-strike photography: Bomb Damage Assessment (BDA), Combat Camera, and Search & Rescue (SAR) reconnaissance photos from RF-101, RF-4C, RB-57E “Patricia Lynn”, U-2 “Giant Nail”, SR-71 “Senior Crown” and AQM-34 Firebee RPV {a.k.a. “Buffalo Hunter”} ISR platforms, and occasional Corona {keyhole} satellite imagery

• • Three photos (of varying scale) were provided to each FRAGed fighter pilot:

1. Area (large scale photo of area)

2. Aim (for getting aiming points)

3. Target (close in)

• Undeveloped fighter gun camera & fire control radarscope camera film cassettes

• Radar/electronic/thermographic sensor reconnaissance products

• Intelligence reports & documents (including US Army “Safe Hands” ?? Intel intercepts)

• High priority NORS-G (a.k.a. NMC-S) aircraft spare parts

• Military Payment Certificates (MPC) script for in-country currency change-out on unannounced “C-Day” or resupply of base finance coffers

• Urgent medical packages that included emergancy whole blood, vacines, even rabid dog cadavers (for rabies testing) and urinalysis samples (for drug abuse testing — Operation Golden Flow)

• Backpack “IFF Transponders” used at ARVN fire support bases in the spring 1972 Eastertide offensive to designate their unit’s position for orbiting AC-130 & AC-119K gunships, firing off-set from overhead

• “Party suites”, ordered by AF aircrews in Vietnam (that could not shop off-base) from “Brother” Singh Vasir Armigit, aka “Fuzzy” (Maharaja Taylor – downtown Udon Thani) and airlifted back to the pilot’s base by Scatback teeny-weeny airlines

• Space Available (Space-A) mil & civilian pax w/ travel orders & SECRET/NOFORN clearance (2-max)

• • Scatback also airlifted a number of combat search and rescue (CSAR) “survivors” from the drop-off point @ the 37th ARRS – Da Nang west ramp; back to the survivor’s home base in Thailand and the RVN.

FYI: We played a very small role in the BAT 21B SAR effort. We airlifted USN LT Tom Norris (MOH) 

and USMC LTC Andy Anderson from TSN “Joker” up to Da Nang in early April ’72. Likewise, we airlifted the intelligence packages used to organize the rescue of Lt Col Gene Hambleton (call sign: BAT 21 Bravo). We then airlifted 1st Lt Mark Clark from Da Nang, back to his home base at NKP RTAFB on 12 April 1972.

Note: T-39A Max combined payload was 1,320 lbs (manifested cargo, flight mechanic, tool box, spare MLG tire & space-A Pax)

The T-39s would then ‘Scatback’ to Tan Son Nhut where the film would be developed and analyzed by the 12th Reconnaissance Intelligence Technical Squadron (RITS) …and then repeat the process again the next day. Ergo, the nickname/call sign ‘Scatback’.

Typical Route Structure (circa 1971 – 1972):

Scatback “Alpha” departed TSN in the early morning (before sunrise) and often provided the aircrew with spectacular sunrises above the East China Sea.

Scatback “Alpha” was typically the most intense combat courier mission for both the pilots and the flight mechanic who managed the on-load and off-load of courier packages:

• (Depart) – TSN

• Phan Rang

• Cam Ranh Bay

• Pleiku

• Da Nang (refueling stop on west ALCC ramp)

• Phu Cat

• Tue Hoa

• Nha Trang

• (RTB late morning) – TSN

Scatback “Bravo” was the afternoon mission to Thailand:

• (Depart late morning) – TSN

• Udorn (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp. Visit w/ “Brother” Singh Vasir Amarjit, proprietor of Maharaja Taylor – Party Suites haberdasher. Then, Thai Kobe Steak lunch at the Redwood Inn across from Base Ops.)

• Nakhon Phanom (a.k.a. NKP)

• Ubon (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp, in front of the 8th TFW Wolf Den)

• Da Nang (refueling stop on west ALCC ramp)

• (RTB sundown/dusk) – TSN

Scatback “Charlie” flew all night around Thailand:

• (Night departure) – TSN

• Udorn (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp)

• NKP

• Ubon (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp)

• Korat

• Takhli (added in spring 1972, refueling stop on Base Ops ramp)

• (RTB) – TSN

SEA SAM AIRLIFT – HERITAGE:

The predecessor to Scatback airlift can be traced to the earliest days of U.S. involvement in the RVN with the arrival of the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) Vietnam in the early 1950’s and the need for a special airlift mission capability, typically with temporary duty (TDY) C-47 Gooney Birds and other propeller-driven light transports.

In mid December 1961 the 464th Troop Carrier Wing and their C-123 Providers began to deploy to South East Asia as part of Operation Mule Train, activating a detachment of 10 C-123s at Tan Son Nhut in January 1962. With the 464th TCW deployment came a special VC-123B s.n. 56-4375 assigned to airlift the commander USMACV and his staff. The airplane was painted with a distinctive white top and unpainted belly, which was shined to a mirror finish. The interior of the airplane was configured with special VIP seating and accoutrements. The airplane was initially nicknamed “Moby Dick” based upon its lumbering flying qualities; however, in 1964 s.n. 56-4375 was renamed “The White Whale” based upon its white-cap livery, becoming the most widely recognized aircraft of the Vietnam War. The aircraft entered the Scatback fleet when the White Whale was reassigned from the 33rd Tactical Group, to Det. 1, 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at TSN. In 1969, this VC-123B (Bravo) was modified into a VC-123K (Kilo) with the installation of two J85 jet engine pods. The auxiliary jet engines increased the White Whale’s payload weight by a third, shortened its takeoff distance, improved its climb rate, and gave a much greater margin of safety should one of the piston engines fail.

In 1961-62, a single T-39A Sabreliner was rotated on temporary duty from other western PACAF bases (initially Clark AB, PI; then Yokota, Misawa, and Kadena AB, JA) and their very small cadre of pilots and maintenance personnel would form a compact TDY Detachment in Base Operations on Tan Son Nhut in support of the U.S. Ambassador’s need for high speed (jet) special airlift missions.

Several C/VC-54E Skymasters were assigned to Tan Son Nhut in 1962 to airlift war-weary U.S. military “advisors” out of Vietnam on R&R to such places as Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippians.

On 8 July 1963, the various MAAG units on Tan Son Nhut were organized as the unified 33d Tactical Group. As the forerunner of Scatback, the 33rd TG was equipped primarily with cargo aircraft: C-54E, U-3B, VC-47D, and the VC-123B White Whale.

Over time, the TDY T-39 SAM detachment became a PCS assignment at TSN, growing to two and then four permanently assigned Sabreliners by 1965, keeping up with the expanding role of the U.S. military in Vietnam.

DV/VIP COMBAT THEATER SPECIAL AIRLIFT MISSIONS

(T-39A, VC-47D, VC-54E, VC-118A, VC-123B, and U-3B)

SAM call signs – Scatback Echo, Scatback Foxtrot, Scatback Gulf, H, I, J, etc.

Scatback Quebec was typically reserved for VC-118A US Ambassador, and DV/VIP missions.

Typical combat SAM manifest:

Scatback airlifted many of the key DV/VIP leaders who were managing the Vietnam War, and the smaller regional-wars throughout Southeast Asia. “Over-the-fence” low-profile SAM missions included (C-01) Pochentong airfield, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Lima Site 08 – Wattay Airfield, Vientiane, Laos.

Scatback DVs & VIPs included the Vice President-USA, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, US Senators & Representatives, US Ambassador to the RVN, Chairman-JCS, Service Secretaries & Military Chiefs, CINCPAC, COMUSMACV, 7th Air Force/CC, and a variety of lower ranking Flag & General Officers {and civilian equivalents, e.g. asst. SecState, asst. SecDef, Bob Hope-USO, etc., IG & Staff Assistance teams …and CONUS staffers visiting the Orient, apparently as Christmas-shoppers}.

[mtnman]

I thought this last picture was really cool, because it shows just how much this guy used this lighter and probably flipped the lid backwards and forward when in intense situations. You can see from the lighter pictures above, the heavy residue from his using it during the war and probably thereafter as it is a well-loved lighter and his life is all over it. What this last picture does is shows the magnitude of his use by the where that developed just above the hinge where the metallic coating that gives it the high silver sheen, is worn off from running into the hinge from opening all the way so many times over the years! Wow, it is such a special honor to know what this man did in service to his country and his fellow soldiers, the intelligence probably saving the lives of many, and to be able to care for something that was such an integral part of his daily life during that time. One of the blessings of collecting is the empathic connection that I get with thinking through the life and times of these individuals we have the honor of preserving the memory of through these tiny monuments to their service in monumental events that define the Zeitgeist in the world in that time.

 

[Cobra 6 Actual]

That is another great score, mtnman! Congratulations once again!

[mtnman]

1 minute ago, Cobra 6 Actual said:

That is another great score, mtnman! Congratulations once again!

Thank you so much as always Cobra6, for the encouragement and edification you are consistently ready to share with all of us! And a very special accolade of respect and gratitude from me my friend, for all.

[yokota57]

6 hours ago, mtnman said:

I was able to convince the seller to let me purchase this lighter (link below) out of a little grouping. This lighter has a very interesting way it was inscribed, It is very light but it is done with multiple lines framing the letters and on top of that there is a shadowing effect that surrounds each letter and fills the space it's inscribed into when you shine the light on it from the side. It's quite beautiful because the letters turn into almost a dark silver shadow on the light silver backing. The information is all there with his name, the fact that he was an NCOIC and flew with "Scatback" in 73-74.

 

Scatback is a rarely lauded but was an extremely important aspect of theater operations in Vietnam. This non-com, Truman White, was what's called a Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge which I had not heard of before.

 

Apparently NCOIC's are the NCOs with high critical thinking skills, administrative skills and leadership qualities... which makes sense for someone who would be flying with scatback, carrying everything from top secret, mission critical Intel to essential medical supplies to the top brass themselves. Here is an overview of their work.

 

☲✪☲ Scatback – 7th Air Force Flight Operations

Mission:

1. Combat courier airlift throughout the Southeast Asia (SEA) theater.

2. Distinguished Visitor (DV) & Very Important Person (VIP) combat theater airlift.

Overview:

“Scatback” was the call-sign of a PACAF squadron-level unit that performed special airlift missions during the war(s) in Southeast Asia. Scatback operated the following airlift aircraft in SEA: T-39A Sabreliner, C/VC-47D Skytrain (a.k.a. Goony Bird), C/VC-54E Skymaster, C/VC-118A Liftmaster, VC-123B/K Provider, and U-3B Blue Canoe.

Scatback missions were managed outside of the more widely known SEA theater tactical airlift system of C-7, C-123, and C-130 transports. Although a squadron-level unit, Scatback’s tasking and scheduling (OPCON) came directly from the flight operations section of HQ 7th AF/DO, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam; and its successor unit: United States Support Activities Group (USSAG)/7th Air Force, relocated from TSN on 29 March 1973 to Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB).

The generally accepted activation date for Scatback was November 1965 at Tan Son Nhut AB, RVN and deactivated on 30 June 1975 at NKP RTAFB with the stand-down of USSAG/7th Air Force.

The military unit designation(s) for Scatback changed several times over its 10 years of SEA flight operations, formally starting in November 1965: 6250th Air Base Squadron -Operations Section, 6250th Support Squadron, Det. 1 – 460th TRW, 7th Air Force Flight Ops, 377th ABG & ABW Flight Ops, and from 1973-1975 Scatback Flight Ops, 56th SOW, NKP RTAFB. However, the mission call-sign remained consistent: “Scatback”.

The most ubiquitous Scatback aircraft in-theater was the North American T-39A Sabreliner that landed at every jet-capable allied airstrip in SEA with a runway length of 5,000 ft or more, often two to three times per day, airborne nearly 24 hours/day, 364 days/year (Christmas Day was a 7th Air Force stand-down).

The Scatback aircraft most recognized by personnel of all services stationed in the RVN was VC-123B s.n. 56-4375 (nicknamed ‘The White Whale’) converted into the personal VIP transport for Army General William C. Westmoreland, COMUSMACV.

SEA COMBAT COURIER – HERITAGE:

In an era preceding the http://www Internet, Scatback was best known as the in-theater classified courier airlift system, transporting high priority/small packages throughout the Vietnam and Thailand AOR in a courier program predating what we know today (generically) as FedEx®. The original Vietnam combat courier mission, moving recce film and intelligence products around SEA bases, was performed by available RT-33 T-Bird and RB-57 Canberra aircraft under the OPCON of 2nd Air Division. However, these aircraft proved to be unsuitable and unreliable for the repetitive-cycle combat courier mission and were replaced by North American T-39A Sabreliner courier aircraft in November 1965. Depending on heavy maintenance inspection cycles (IRAN) Scatback’s T-39 inventory typically ranged from eight to ten Sabreliners. Two U-3B (Cessna 310) Blue Canoes were deployed in May 1963 during Operation Farm Gate to transport reconnaissance film and Intel reports to non-jet capable locations, typically SOF bases in III and IV Corps with short or unimproved (PSP) runways.

COMBAT COURIER AIRLIFT MISSIONS

(T-39A & U-3B):

Courier Call signs – Scatback Alpha, Scatback Bravo, Scatback Charlie, and Scatback Delta

Typical combat courier cargo load:

• Elements of the HQ 7th Air Force daily Fragmentary – or “FRAG” – Air Tasking Order (ATO)

• Pre-strike and post-strike photography: Bomb Damage Assessment (BDA), Combat Camera, and Search & Rescue (SAR) reconnaissance photos from RF-101, RF-4C, RB-57E “Patricia Lynn”, U-2 “Giant Nail”, SR-71 “Senior Crown” and AQM-34 Firebee RPV {a.k.a. “Buffalo Hunter”} ISR platforms, and occasional Corona {keyhole} satellite imagery

• • Three photos (of varying scale) were provided to each FRAGed fighter pilot:

1. Area (large scale photo of area)

2. Aim (for getting aiming points)

3. Target (close in)

• Undeveloped fighter gun camera & fire control radarscope camera film cassettes

• Radar/electronic/thermographic sensor reconnaissance products

• Intelligence reports & documents (including US Army “Safe Hands” ?? Intel intercepts)

• High priority NORS-G (a.k.a. NMC-S) aircraft spare parts

• Military Payment Certificates (MPC) script for in-country currency change-out on unannounced “C-Day” or resupply of base finance coffers

• Urgent medical packages that included emergancy whole blood, vacines, even rabid dog cadavers (for rabies testing) and urinalysis samples (for drug abuse testing — Operation Golden Flow)

• Backpack “IFF Transponders” used at ARVN fire support bases in the spring 1972 Eastertide offensive to designate their unit’s position for orbiting AC-130 & AC-119K gunships, firing off-set from overhead

• “Party suites”, ordered by AF aircrews in Vietnam (that could not shop off-base) from “Brother” Singh Vasir Armigit, aka “Fuzzy” (Maharaja Taylor – downtown Udon Thani) and airlifted back to the pilot’s base by Scatback teeny-weeny airlines

• Space Available (Space-A) mil & civilian pax w/ travel orders & SECRET/NOFORN clearance (2-max)

• • Scatback also airlifted a number of combat search and rescue (CSAR) “survivors” from the drop-off point @ the 37th ARRS – Da Nang west ramp; back to the survivor’s home base in Thailand and the RVN.

FYI: We played a very small role in the BAT 21B SAR effort. We airlifted USN LT Tom Norris (MOH) 

and USMC LTC Andy Anderson from TSN “Joker” up to Da Nang in early April ’72. Likewise, we airlifted the intelligence packages used to organize the rescue of Lt Col Gene Hambleton (call sign: BAT 21 Bravo). We then airlifted 1st Lt Mark Clark from Da Nang, back to his home base at NKP RTAFB on 12 April 1972.

Note: T-39A Max combined payload was 1,320 lbs (manifested cargo, flight mechanic, tool box, spare MLG tire & space-A Pax)

The T-39s would then ‘Scatback’ to Tan Son Nhut where the film would be developed and analyzed by the 12th Reconnaissance Intelligence Technical Squadron (RITS) …and then repeat the process again the next day. Ergo, the nickname/call sign ‘Scatback’.

Typical Route Structure (circa 1971 – 1972):

Scatback “Alpha” departed TSN in the early morning (before sunrise) and often provided the aircrew with spectacular sunrises above the East China Sea.

Scatback “Alpha” was typically the most intense combat courier mission for both the pilots and the flight mechanic who managed the on-load and off-load of courier packages:

• (Depart) – TSN

• Phan Rang

• Cam Ranh Bay

• Pleiku

• Da Nang (refueling stop on west ALCC ramp)

• Phu Cat

• Tue Hoa

• Nha Trang

• (RTB late morning) – TSN

Scatback “Bravo” was the afternoon mission to Thailand:

• (Depart late morning) – TSN

• Udorn (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp. Visit w/ “Brother” Singh Vasir Amarjit, proprietor of Maharaja Taylor – Party Suites haberdasher. Then, Thai Kobe Steak lunch at the Redwood Inn across from Base Ops.)

• Nakhon Phanom (a.k.a. NKP)

• Ubon (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp, in front of the 8th TFW Wolf Den)

• Da Nang (refueling stop on west ALCC ramp)

• (RTB sundown/dusk) – TSN

Scatback “Charlie” flew all night around Thailand:

• (Night departure) – TSN

• Udorn (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp)

• NKP

• Ubon (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp)

• Korat

• Takhli (added in spring 1972, refueling stop on Base Ops ramp)

• (RTB) – TSN

SEA SAM AIRLIFT – HERITAGE:

The predecessor to Scatback airlift can be traced to the earliest days of U.S. involvement in the RVN with the arrival of the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) Vietnam in the early 1950’s and the need for a special airlift mission capability, typically with temporary duty (TDY) C-47 Gooney Birds and other propeller-driven light transports.

In mid December 1961 the 464th Troop Carrier Wing and their C-123 Providers began to deploy to South East Asia as part of Operation Mule Train, activating a detachment of 10 C-123s at Tan Son Nhut in January 1962. With the 464th TCW deployment came a special VC-123B s.n. 56-4375 assigned to airlift the commander USMACV and his staff. The airplane was painted with a distinctive white top and unpainted belly, which was shined to a mirror finish. The interior of the airplane was configured with special VIP seating and accoutrements. The airplane was initially nicknamed “Moby Dick” based upon its lumbering flying qualities; however, in 1964 s.n. 56-4375 was renamed “The White Whale” based upon its white-cap livery, becoming the most widely recognized aircraft of the Vietnam War. The aircraft entered the Scatback fleet when the White Whale was reassigned from the 33rd Tactical Group, to Det. 1, 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at TSN. In 1969, this VC-123B (Bravo) was modified into a VC-123K (Kilo) with the installation of two J85 jet engine pods. The auxiliary jet engines increased the White Whale’s payload weight by a third, shortened its takeoff distance, improved its climb rate, and gave a much greater margin of safety should one of the piston engines fail.

In 1961-62, a single T-39A Sabreliner was rotated on temporary duty from other western PACAF bases (initially Clark AB, PI; then Yokota, Misawa, and Kadena AB, JA) and their very small cadre of pilots and maintenance personnel would form a compact TDY Detachment in Base Operations on Tan Son Nhut in support of the U.S. Ambassador’s need for high speed (jet) special airlift missions.

Several C/VC-54E Skymasters were assigned to Tan Son Nhut in 1962 to airlift war-weary U.S. military “advisors” out of Vietnam on R&R to such places as Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippians.

On 8 July 1963, the various MAAG units on Tan Son Nhut were organized as the unified 33d Tactical Group. As the forerunner of Scatback, the 33rd TG was equipped primarily with cargo aircraft: C-54E, U-3B, VC-47D, and the VC-123B White Whale.

Over time, the TDY T-39 SAM detachment became a PCS assignment at TSN, growing to two and then four permanently assigned Sabreliners by 1965, keeping up with the expanding role of the U.S. military in Vietnam.

DV/VIP COMBAT THEATER SPECIAL AIRLIFT MISSIONS

(T-39A, VC-47D, VC-54E, VC-118A, VC-123B, and U-3B)

SAM call signs – Scatback Echo, Scatback Foxtrot, Scatback Gulf, H, I, J, etc.

Scatback Quebec was typically reserved for VC-118A US Ambassador, and DV/VIP missions.

Typical combat SAM manifest:

Scatback airlifted many of the key DV/VIP leaders who were managing the Vietnam War, and the smaller regional-wars throughout Southeast Asia. “Over-the-fence” low-profile SAM missions included (C-01) Pochentong airfield, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Lima Site 08 – Wattay Airfield, Vientiane, Laos.

Scatback DVs & VIPs included the Vice President-USA, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, US Senators & Representatives, US Ambassador to the RVN, Chairman-JCS, Service Secretaries & Military Chiefs, CINCPAC, COMUSMACV, 7th Air Force/CC, and a variety of lower ranking Flag & General Officers {and civilian equivalents, e.g. asst. SecState, asst. SecDef, Bob Hope-USO, etc., IG & Staff Assistance teams …and CONUS staffers visiting the Orient, apparently as Christmas-shoppers}.

Great lighter and spectacular research/info! This one "Goes to 11". 

[yokota57]

6 hours ago, mtnman said:

I was able to convince the seller to let me purchase this lighter (link below) out of a little grouping. This lighter has a very interesting way it was inscribed, It is very light but it is done with multiple lines framing the letters and on top of that there is a shadowing effect that surrounds each letter and fills the space it's inscribed into when you shine the light on it from the side. It's quite beautiful because the letters turn into almost a dark silver shadow on the light silver backing. The information is all there with his name, the fact that he was an NCOIC and flew with "Scatback" in 73-74.

 

Scatback is a rarely lauded but was an extremely important aspect of theater operations in Vietnam. This non-com, Truman White, was what's called a Non-Commissioned Officer In Charge which I had not heard of before.

 

Apparently NCOIC's are the NCOs with high critical thinking skills, administrative skills and leadership qualities... which makes sense for someone who would be flying with scatback, carrying everything from top secret, mission critical Intel to essential medical supplies to the top brass themselves. Here is an overview of their work.

 

☲✪☲ Scatback – 7th Air Force Flight Operations

Mission:

1. Combat courier airlift throughout the Southeast Asia (SEA) theater.

2. Distinguished Visitor (DV) & Very Important Person (VIP) combat theater airlift.

Overview:

“Scatback” was the call-sign of a PACAF squadron-level unit that performed special airlift missions during the war(s) in Southeast Asia. Scatback operated the following airlift aircraft in SEA: T-39A Sabreliner, C/VC-47D Skytrain (a.k.a. Goony Bird), C/VC-54E Skymaster, C/VC-118A Liftmaster, VC-123B/K Provider, and U-3B Blue Canoe.

Scatback missions were managed outside of the more widely known SEA theater tactical airlift system of C-7, C-123, and C-130 transports. Although a squadron-level unit, Scatback’s tasking and scheduling (OPCON) came directly from the flight operations section of HQ 7th AF/DO, Tan Son Nhut Air Base, Republic of Vietnam; and its successor unit: United States Support Activities Group (USSAG)/7th Air Force, relocated from TSN on 29 March 1973 to Nakhon Phanom (NKP) Royal Thai Air Force Base (RTAFB).

The generally accepted activation date for Scatback was November 1965 at Tan Son Nhut AB, RVN and deactivated on 30 June 1975 at NKP RTAFB with the stand-down of USSAG/7th Air Force.

The military unit designation(s) for Scatback changed several times over its 10 years of SEA flight operations, formally starting in November 1965: 6250th Air Base Squadron -Operations Section, 6250th Support Squadron, Det. 1 – 460th TRW, 7th Air Force Flight Ops, 377th ABG & ABW Flight Ops, and from 1973-1975 Scatback Flight Ops, 56th SOW, NKP RTAFB. However, the mission call-sign remained consistent: “Scatback”.

The most ubiquitous Scatback aircraft in-theater was the North American T-39A Sabreliner that landed at every jet-capable allied airstrip in SEA with a runway length of 5,000 ft or more, often two to three times per day, airborne nearly 24 hours/day, 364 days/year (Christmas Day was a 7th Air Force stand-down).

The Scatback aircraft most recognized by personnel of all services stationed in the RVN was VC-123B s.n. 56-4375 (nicknamed ‘The White Whale’) converted into the personal VIP transport for Army General William C. Westmoreland, COMUSMACV.

SEA COMBAT COURIER – HERITAGE:

In an era preceding the http://www Internet, Scatback was best known as the in-theater classified courier airlift system, transporting high priority/small packages throughout the Vietnam and Thailand AOR in a courier program predating what we know today (generically) as FedEx®. The original Vietnam combat courier mission, moving recce film and intelligence products around SEA bases, was performed by available RT-33 T-Bird and RB-57 Canberra aircraft under the OPCON of 2nd Air Division. However, these aircraft proved to be unsuitable and unreliable for the repetitive-cycle combat courier mission and were replaced by North American T-39A Sabreliner courier aircraft in November 1965. Depending on heavy maintenance inspection cycles (IRAN) Scatback’s T-39 inventory typically ranged from eight to ten Sabreliners. Two U-3B (Cessna 310) Blue Canoes were deployed in May 1963 during Operation Farm Gate to transport reconnaissance film and Intel reports to non-jet capable locations, typically SOF bases in III and IV Corps with short or unimproved (PSP) runways.

COMBAT COURIER AIRLIFT MISSIONS

(T-39A & U-3B):

Courier Call signs – Scatback Alpha, Scatback Bravo, Scatback Charlie, and Scatback Delta

Typical combat courier cargo load:

• Elements of the HQ 7th Air Force daily Fragmentary – or “FRAG” – Air Tasking Order (ATO)

• Pre-strike and post-strike photography: Bomb Damage Assessment (BDA), Combat Camera, and Search & Rescue (SAR) reconnaissance photos from RF-101, RF-4C, RB-57E “Patricia Lynn”, U-2 “Giant Nail”, SR-71 “Senior Crown” and AQM-34 Firebee RPV {a.k.a. “Buffalo Hunter”} ISR platforms, and occasional Corona {keyhole} satellite imagery

• • Three photos (of varying scale) were provided to each FRAGed fighter pilot:

1. Area (large scale photo of area)

2. Aim (for getting aiming points)

3. Target (close in)

• Undeveloped fighter gun camera & fire control radarscope camera film cassettes

• Radar/electronic/thermographic sensor reconnaissance products

• Intelligence reports & documents (including US Army “Safe Hands” ?? Intel intercepts)

• High priority NORS-G (a.k.a. NMC-S) aircraft spare parts

• Military Payment Certificates (MPC) script for in-country currency change-out on unannounced “C-Day” or resupply of base finance coffers

• Urgent medical packages that included emergancy whole blood, vacines, even rabid dog cadavers (for rabies testing) and urinalysis samples (for drug abuse testing — Operation Golden Flow)

• Backpack “IFF Transponders” used at ARVN fire support bases in the spring 1972 Eastertide offensive to designate their unit’s position for orbiting AC-130 & AC-119K gunships, firing off-set from overhead

• “Party suites”, ordered by AF aircrews in Vietnam (that could not shop off-base) from “Brother” Singh Vasir Armigit, aka “Fuzzy” (Maharaja Taylor – downtown Udon Thani) and airlifted back to the pilot’s base by Scatback teeny-weeny airlines

• Space Available (Space-A) mil & civilian pax w/ travel orders & SECRET/NOFORN clearance (2-max)

• • Scatback also airlifted a number of combat search and rescue (CSAR) “survivors” from the drop-off point @ the 37th ARRS – Da Nang west ramp; back to the survivor’s home base in Thailand and the RVN.

FYI: We played a very small role in the BAT 21B SAR effort. We airlifted USN LT Tom Norris (MOH) 

and USMC LTC Andy Anderson from TSN “Joker” up to Da Nang in early April ’72. Likewise, we airlifted the intelligence packages used to organize the rescue of Lt Col Gene Hambleton (call sign: BAT 21 Bravo). We then airlifted 1st Lt Mark Clark from Da Nang, back to his home base at NKP RTAFB on 12 April 1972.

Note: T-39A Max combined payload was 1,320 lbs (manifested cargo, flight mechanic, tool box, spare MLG tire & space-A Pax)

The T-39s would then ‘Scatback’ to Tan Son Nhut where the film would be developed and analyzed by the 12th Reconnaissance Intelligence Technical Squadron (RITS) …and then repeat the process again the next day. Ergo, the nickname/call sign ‘Scatback’.

Typical Route Structure (circa 1971 – 1972):

Scatback “Alpha” departed TSN in the early morning (before sunrise) and often provided the aircrew with spectacular sunrises above the East China Sea.

Scatback “Alpha” was typically the most intense combat courier mission for both the pilots and the flight mechanic who managed the on-load and off-load of courier packages:

• (Depart) – TSN

• Phan Rang

• Cam Ranh Bay

• Pleiku

• Da Nang (refueling stop on west ALCC ramp)

• Phu Cat

• Tue Hoa

• Nha Trang

• (RTB late morning) – TSN

Scatback “Bravo” was the afternoon mission to Thailand:

• (Depart late morning) – TSN

• Udorn (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp. Visit w/ “Brother” Singh Vasir Amarjit, proprietor of Maharaja Taylor – Party Suites haberdasher. Then, Thai Kobe Steak lunch at the Redwood Inn across from Base Ops.)

• Nakhon Phanom (a.k.a. NKP)

• Ubon (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp, in front of the 8th TFW Wolf Den)

• Da Nang (refueling stop on west ALCC ramp)

• (RTB sundown/dusk) – TSN

Scatback “Charlie” flew all night around Thailand:

• (Night departure) – TSN

• Udorn (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp)

• NKP

• Ubon (refueling stop on Base Ops ramp)

• Korat

• Takhli (added in spring 1972, refueling stop on Base Ops ramp)

• (RTB) – TSN

SEA SAM AIRLIFT – HERITAGE:

The predecessor to Scatback airlift can be traced to the earliest days of U.S. involvement in the RVN with the arrival of the Military Assistance Advisory Group (MAAG) Vietnam in the early 1950’s and the need for a special airlift mission capability, typically with temporary duty (TDY) C-47 Gooney Birds and other propeller-driven light transports.

In mid December 1961 the 464th Troop Carrier Wing and their C-123 Providers began to deploy to South East Asia as part of Operation Mule Train, activating a detachment of 10 C-123s at Tan Son Nhut in January 1962. With the 464th TCW deployment came a special VC-123B s.n. 56-4375 assigned to airlift the commander USMACV and his staff. The airplane was painted with a distinctive white top and unpainted belly, which was shined to a mirror finish. The interior of the airplane was configured with special VIP seating and accoutrements. The airplane was initially nicknamed “Moby Dick” based upon its lumbering flying qualities; however, in 1964 s.n. 56-4375 was renamed “The White Whale” based upon its white-cap livery, becoming the most widely recognized aircraft of the Vietnam War. The aircraft entered the Scatback fleet when the White Whale was reassigned from the 33rd Tactical Group, to Det. 1, 460th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing at TSN. In 1969, this VC-123B (Bravo) was modified into a VC-123K (Kilo) with the installation of two J85 jet engine pods. The auxiliary jet engines increased the White Whale’s payload weight by a third, shortened its takeoff distance, improved its climb rate, and gave a much greater margin of safety should one of the piston engines fail.

In 1961-62, a single T-39A Sabreliner was rotated on temporary duty from other western PACAF bases (initially Clark AB, PI; then Yokota, Misawa, and Kadena AB, JA) and their very small cadre of pilots and maintenance personnel would form a compact TDY Detachment in Base Operations on Tan Son Nhut in support of the U.S. Ambassador’s need for high speed (jet) special airlift missions.

Several C/VC-54E Skymasters were assigned to Tan Son Nhut in 1962 to airlift war-weary U.S. military “advisors” out of Vietnam on R&R to such places as Hong Kong, Thailand and the Philippians.

On 8 July 1963, the various MAAG units on Tan Son Nhut were organized as the unified 33d Tactical Group. As the forerunner of Scatback, the 33rd TG was equipped primarily with cargo aircraft: C-54E, U-3B, VC-47D, and the VC-123B White Whale.

Over time, the TDY T-39 SAM detachment became a PCS assignment at TSN, growing to two and then four permanently assigned Sabreliners by 1965, keeping up with the expanding role of the U.S. military in Vietnam.

DV/VIP COMBAT THEATER SPECIAL AIRLIFT MISSIONS

(T-39A, VC-47D, VC-54E, VC-118A, VC-123B, and U-3B)

SAM call signs – Scatback Echo, Scatback Foxtrot, Scatback Gulf, H, I, J, etc.

Scatback Quebec was typically reserved for VC-118A US Ambassador, and DV/VIP missions.

Typical combat SAM manifest:

Scatback airlifted many of the key DV/VIP leaders who were managing the Vietnam War, and the smaller regional-wars throughout Southeast Asia. “Over-the-fence” low-profile SAM missions included (C-01) Pochentong airfield, Phnom Penh, Cambodia; and Lima Site 08 – Wattay Airfield, Vientiane, Laos.

Scatback DVs & VIPs included the Vice President-USA, Secretary of State, Secretary of Defense, US Senators & Representatives, US Ambassador to the RVN, Chairman-JCS, Service Secretaries & Military Chiefs, CINCPAC, COMUSMACV, 7th Air Force/CC, and a variety of lower ranking Flag & General Officers {and civilian equivalents, e.g. asst. SecState, asst. SecDef, Bob Hope-USO, etc., IG & Staff Assistance teams …and CONUS staffers visiting the Orient, apparently as Christmas-shoppers}.

 

[mtnman]

9 minutes ago, yokota57 said:

 

Lol! Awesome picture and allusion yokota! Thanks for all your encouragement buddy... and all the most excellent lighters you have shared with us!

[yokota57]

16 minutes ago, mtnman said:

Lol! Awesome picture and allusion yokota! Thanks for all your encouragement buddy... and all the most excellent lighters you have shared with us!

"Scatback" T-39A at TSN. (Photo Credit: LTCOL Jim Reed, Scatback IP Jun'69-Jun '70) 

[mtnman]

Yes! I had seen that story online yokota. These guys were on the move doing some really intense work that was so time sensitive 24/7. With the myriad activities they were engaged in on so many different levels, I understand why this NCO had to be one of the best of the best. These must have been exemplary men in their sphere of operations just like the infantryman knew techniques of camouflage, sound discipline, what to listen for and to look for, how to navigate the jungle at night everybody had their job to do

[Cobra 6 Actual]

[Cobra 6 Actual]

Here’s a different version of the Zippo in Post #1178:

 

 

Frankly this 2002 Zippo is much more colorful.

[yokota57]

33 minutes ago, Cobra 6 Actual said:

Here’s a different version of the Zippo in Post #1178:

 

 

Frankly this 2002 Zippo is much more colorful.

Nice one C6A! Ichi-Ban !!!