143rd Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron, 160th Wing Guidon

[nirvana]

The 143rd Squadron was originally an Air National Guard unit. From 1951-1952, they were stationed at the Murphy Dome Air Force Station in Alaska to act as an early warning system, the fear being that the Soviets would send their nuclear bombers over the north pole to attack US cities. The unit was demobilized in early 1953. This is the only early style air force guidon that I've ever seen for sale, so I grabbed it, despite the limited history. It suffered from poor storage, some moth damage, but its stable overall.

 

 

 

History of Alaska air warning systems:

http://dnr.alaska.gov/Assets/uploads/DNRPublic/parks/oha/publications/histaircontrol.pdf

 

 

Murphy Station:

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Murphy_Dome_Air_Force_Station