North Vietnam 101 Missions First To Finish patch question

[Chris]

I just acquired a large group from the family of retired pilot Colonel Roger Schmitt. Schmitt's career included two tours in Vietnam, flying F-4s. One, in 1966, with the 390th TFW and another in 1975. During the latter tour, he was a senior AF strike commander during the Muyaguez incident. This patch was in the group. Vietnam is not my focal area. I have seen a lot of Vietnam 100 mission patch variations. But I have never seen a "101 Missons First to Finish" variation patch before. I am hoping to get some idea of the scarcity of this patch and if there is any way to know during which tour he likely earned it. I am assuming it is Japanese made. Roger was proud to be a Vietnam "River Rat" (Red River Valley Pilot's Association). I have his River Rat name plate as well. Thanks for any help.

[yokota57]

I think you mean 390th Tactical Fighter Squadron (No 390th TFW). Amazing patch! Thanks for posting it.

[Chris]

You are right. Maybe the 389th. The history I have is from a lengthy obituary. So the units / dates may have become a bit foggy to the folks who put it together. There is a 389th patch from the period in the lot, so...

[Chris]

Do you know when the one in the picture you provided was sold? I missed (at least) a few patches and two "party suits", which the family sold prior to my finding out about this stuff. I think they were sold on eBay, but they were doing Craigslist, etc too

[Randy]

The patch Yakota posted is mine that I put on the https://usmilitarypatches.com/us-air-force/ site. Which I'm totally fine with, that's why the site is there!  Anyway, I got this right from his brother in law off eBay. I have the same obit too, so I'm assuming you got the rest of Schmitt's items from him. From what I gather he was in the 389 TFS flying F-84s, then transitioned to the F-4, went to SEA where he was part of the 390 TFS. The explanation on the site is what the patch stands for. This patch is Thai made and was from his first 1966 tour. He had several made it seems, but it's still a unique variation. The jacket patch in the background was when he was in the 479 Tac Training Wing in the early 80s. Real nice group!

 

Randy

[Chris]

Hah! Glad we made the connection. Yeah, his brother in law said he had three of these (loose). No idea what may have been on the party suits. But I got his full size medals (minus his LOM), and his minnie medals on the mess dress. I have never seen a "first to finish" mission patch variation before. I'm glad you got one. I just have no idea how to value one of these. I am thinking the "Gray Two" patch must be his flying cadet class patch? He did pilot training in 1958.

[Randy]

Yes, Gray Two is the 3505th Pilot Training Squadron, Gray 2 Flight at Greenville AFB, Mississippi. I have quite a few oddball mission patches, they are all posted to the site it you have a few hours! His nametag is from his second tour BTW.

 

Randy

[wk4045]

I have bought the jungle knife and a tactical air command patch from the estate of Roger Schmitt 

[PAD]

Hi Chris - I actually recently purchased Col. Schmitt's flight suit, HGU-55 and MBU-12, dress uniform and hat, as well as a few patches. Would love to complete the display with a few more patches and name tag... Many thanks for sharing!