"The Hat in the Ring Gang"
HISTORY OF THE 94TH FIGHTER SQUADRON
The 94th Fighter Squadron, Langley Air Force Base, Virginia is a squadron rich in history and tradition. The 94th was America's first air superiority squadron and has produced 14 air combat aces since the beginning of the century. The origins of the 94th can be traced back to World War I when the potential of the airplane as a fighting machine was first being realized.
The squadron was officially activated at Kelly Field, Texas, on 20 August 1917, as the 94th Aero Squadron. With the exception of two enlisted men, the squadron was initially composed of all volunteers with no flying experience.
On 30 September 1917, two officers and 150 enlisted men left Texas for France. Upon their arrival in France in November, they were sent to seven different aircraft factories for maintenance and repair training. In January of 1918, the men of the 94th were reunited at Issoudun. The squadron moved to Headquarters, 1st Pursuit Organization Center at Villeneuve-les-vertus in March.
The 94th flew two historic missions from Villeneuve. On 6 March, Maj. Raoul Lufbery (formerly of the famous French Lafayette Escadrille), 1Lt. Douglas Campbell, and 1Lt. Edward V. Rickenbacker launched in three Nieuport XXVIIIs. They became the first all American flight from an American squadron to cross enemy lines. Then, on 19 March, Maj. Lufbery and Lt.'s Campbell and Rickenbacker became the first American patrol to fly a mission north of the Marne and over the Rhine River. As the war moved, so did the 94th.
On 7 April the 94th arrived at the Gencoult Aerodrome, Toul, France, where it began operations as the first American squadron at the front. On 14 April, Lt. Campbell, who later became America's first Ace, and Lt. Alan Winslow downed two German aircraft. These were the first victories ever scored by an American unit.
In 1924, the 94th was consolidated with the 103rd Aero Squadron, the World War I-era unit that had evolved from the famed Lafayette Escadrille. The 94th dropped the "Hat in the Ring" and adopted the insignia of the 103rd, an Indian chief head.
Pilots flying with the Indian Head insignia kept the 94th in the public eye during the inter-war years. Lt. Paul Wurtsmith brought fame to the squadron by winning the Air Races of 1929. 94th pilots Lt. Lewis Vaupre and Lt. Curtis LeMay followed him in 1930 and 1935, respectively.
The 94th flew 17 different aircraft with the Indian Head insignia, starting 'With the MB-3 and continuing with the P-6. P-12, P-36, P-40, and the famous P-38 Lightning.
It was in the Lightning that the 94th moved to San Diego, California just one week after the attack on Pearl Harbor. Expecting to see action in the Pacific the squadron readied for deployment in Long Beach in 1942. Their next orders, however, were for Europe. In the summer of 1942, the 94th deployed to England via Labrador, Greenland, and Iceland. This marked the first time that an entire American unit flew its own aircraft to Europe from the United States.
While stationed in England, the squadron received a visit from Capt. "Eddie" Rickenbacker, then a consultant to the Secretary of War. He brought with him the silver "Hat in the Ring" insignia that the 94th had worn during WW1. Out of respect for Capt. Rickenbacker and the history of the 94th, the War Department dropped the "Indian Head" and authorized the squadron to use the original insignia.
In November 1942, the "Hat in the Ring Gang" again went to war. The 94th landed with the infantry on D-day in Algiers, North Africa. Based in Africa for two years, the 94th again distinguished itself in combat by winning two Presidential Distinguished Unit Citations for actions over Italy in August 1943.
The "Hat in the Ring Gang" accumulated other honors as well during World War II. The squadron won 12 Battle Participation credits, including almost every major offensive campaign in North Africa and Europe. It was credited with 124 official kills; in one raid alone, the 94th, working with the other two squadrons of the 1st Pursuit Group, destroyed 88 aircraft in a battle over Italy. The 94th produced five aces in WWll, including Lt. Donald Kienholz (6 kills) and Capt. Jack ("Happy Jack") Ilfrey (6 kills) (author of Happy Jack's Go-Buggy). As a further distinction the 94th was assigned to escort President Roosevelt and Prime Minister Churchill from England to Yalta for the history-making conference.
After the war, the 94th was deactivated and returned to the United States. On 3 July 1946, the 94th Fighter Squadron was reactivated and entered the Jet Age. Stationed at March Field, California, until October 1947, the 94th trained in the Lockheed P-80 Shooting Star, America's first operational jet fighter. During a short four-month tour at Ladd Field, Alaska, the squadron performed the cold weather testing on the P-80. The 94th returned to March in February 1948 and remained there until July 1950.
While at March, the 94th came under the direction of several separate major commands. The squadron was a Tactical Air Command (TAC) unit until December 1948, when it was reassigned to the Continental Air Command (ConAC). In July of that year, the 94th was temporarily assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC). Two years later, the 94th Fighter Squadron became the 94th Fighter Intercept Squadron (FIS), a part of ConAC. Later that year, it was reassigned to the Air Defense C (ADC). While under AIDC, the 94th FIS was committed to both the Western and Eastern Air Defense Forces.
Coincident with the change to the interceptor role was a change of location, Flying new F-86s, the 94th moved to George AFB, California in July 1950. The squadron stayed there until 1955, when it moved back to its pre-WWll location, Selfridge Field.
The famous "Hat in the Ring" insignia first appeared on the 94th's Nieuports on 10 April 1918. This insignia was conceived by Capt. Paul Walters (surgeon), and drawn by Lt. John Wentworth. The hat, suggested by Maj. John Huffer, squadron commander, represents Uncle Sam's stovepipe hat. The idea for the ring, contributed by Capt. Walters, suggests the old American custom of throwing a hat into "the ring" as an invitation to battle. Except for a period of nine years, this was the symbol of the 94th.
Through the end of the war in November 1918, the "Hat in the Ring" insignia remained synonymous with unparalleled success. No 94th pilot typified this success more than 1Lt. Edward V. Rickenbacker, the "Ace of Aces." In the Nieuport XXVIII and later in the Spad XIII (the 94th's primary WWI fighter), Lt. Rickenbacker accumulated over a third of the squadron's kills. During three months of combat, he was credited with 26 total kills: 22 aircraft (two of which he downed the day he became squadron commander) and 4 balloons. Lt. Rickenbacker's decorations included the French Croix-deGuerre, and the Congressional Medal of Honor.
The 94th established a prestigious record in WW1. There were several aces in the unit, including Lt. Rickenbacker, Maj. Lufbery, and Lt. Campbell. From 12 September through 11 November 1918, the squadron destroyed 50 enemy aircraft. The 94th logged a total of 70 kills during the war, an accomplishment unparalleled by any other American squadron. By the end of hostilities, the 94th had won battle honors for participation in 11 major engagements and was awarded the Croix-de-Guerre with Palm.
After the Armistice, the squadron moved to Germany and then returned home in the spring of 1919, becoming the 94th Squadron (Pursuit). After several moves between Michigan and Texas, the 94th settled at Selfridge Field, Michigan in July 1922. The squadron stayed there for the remainder of the inter-war years, training in its pursuit role.
While at Selfridge, the 94th continued to build a record of excellence. In 1956, the 94th won the Worldwide Rocket Firing Meet held at Vincent AFB, Arizona. In the meet, the 94th won top honors competing with aircrews from U.S. forces around the world,
In the 1960's, the unit proved its dedication to readiness through real world commitments. The 94th was among the first units sent to Florida during the Cuban Missile Crisis in October 1962. The squadron carried out combat patrol missions off the coast of Florida, setting a record for F-106 flying hours and sorties, During 1964-65, 1967-68, and 1970, the 94th, with other ADC units, maintained an alert force in Alaska. With its supersonic F-106s, the squadron had the opportunity to intercept Russian bombers on missions across the Bering Sea. Then, in June 1969, with growing tensions surrounding the Pueblo Incident and the downing of an EC-121 by North Korea, the squadron deployed to Osan AB, South Korea for six months. In recognition for its role in Korea, the Fighting 94th was presented the ADC "A" award for outstanding performance by an ADC fighter squadron. General McGhee, then commander of the 5th Air Force in the Republic of Korea, also presented an award for outstanding performance.
Shortly after returning from Korea, the 94th moved from Selfridge (soon to become an Air National Guard Base) to Wurtsmith AFB, Michigan, for what was to be a short 2-year tour. On 1 July 1971, the 94th moved to MacDill AFB, Florida, as part of a realignment of the original First Pursuit Group of WW II. The squadron was designated the 94th Tactical Fighter Squadron, reassigned to TAC, and reunited with the 27th and 71st squadrons under the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing.
The move to MacDill introduced the McDonnell Douglas F-4E Phantom II to the 94th TFS. The 94th, along with the other squadrons in the wing, assumed the duties of a Replacement Training Unit (RTU), providing F-4 aircrews for assignments in both U.S. and foreign based units.
was gained in the European environment. While there, an "encounter" was arranged with the Federal Republic of Germany's Tactical Fighter Wing 71, "Richthofen", at Wittmundhaven, Germany. The aerial meeting and party that followed were the first peacetime meeting of the two most famous fighter units in the world.
Following closely on the heels of the Netherlands TDY was the 94th's first visit to the Mediterranean area. On 10 January 1979, presidential tasking sent the "Hat in the Ring" squadron to Saudi Arabia in a "show of support." Eighteen aircraft deployed, 12 to in-country bases while 6 stayed in Europe. Redeployment from this most successful trip was via 4-ships to Sudan, Morocco, and Spain, with all 18 aircraft gathering in Portugal prior to the trip home on 27 January.
Through 1979 and 1980, the 94th was a part of several noteworthy events. In that 2-year period, the squadron participated in another Red Flag, the Weapons System Evaluation Program (WSEP) at EGLIN AFB, Florida and in Maple Flag at Cold Lake, Canada. In November 1980, the 94th was privileged to receive a visit from Douglas Campbell, an original member of the 94th and America’s first ace. He provided the squadron with many fascinating stories about Capt. Rickenbacker, Maj. Lufbery, and other men who proudly served the original 94th.
In 1981, the 94th participated in exercises around the world. The squadron deployed in May to Maple Flag VII at Cold Lake, Canada. From 16 June to 16 July, the 94th participated in two highly successful and rewarding deployments to Kwang Ju AB, Korea (Coronet Anchor), and to Nyutubaru AB, Japan (Cope North). Twelve F-15s and approximately 230 personnel were involved in the 94th's first overseas deployment since 1979. The squadron rounded out the year with two smaller CONUS deployments.
During 1982, the 94th had the opportunity to fly in its old interceptor role. For a short period in January, the
94th assumed an air defense function while the Langley based 48th FIS converted from F-106s to F-15s. In April and May the squadron deployed to Quick Thrust at Charleston, South Carolina, to Red Flag, and, from 23 November to 10 December, the 94th participated in Jade Tiger 83. Six F-15s and 14 pilots were sent to Oman and Somalia in support of a JCS coordinated joint/combined field training exercise.
1983 was a showcase year for the 94th at Langley. In addition to its involvement in Green Flag, WSEP, and the Electronic Warfare Evaluation Program (EWEP), the 94th played a major role in a national contingency operation. In accordance with its Rapid Deployment Force responsibilities (Coronet Lightning) assumed in 1981, the 94th sent 8 fully armed F-15s and 16 pilots to Khartoum, Sudan, to support the U.S. involvement in the Chad-Libya conflict. For 20 days, the 94th maintained an active Air Defense alert in the Middle East, becoming the first USAF air defense/air superiority squadron to do so. The squadron returned on 26 August with the distinction of being the first U.S. F-15 deployment to the Middle East in support of a national crisis.
In 1984, the 94th continued to uphold its tradition of excellence. In February the squadron served as the core unit at Red Flag 84-2, overseeing operations, logistics, and maintenance functions for a multinational Red Flag deployment. In April, the 94th received the Daedalian award from the Samuel P. Langley Flight of the Order of Daedalians. The award recognized the squadron as the military flying unit contributing most to the advancement of military aerospace activities during the past year. The 94th further distinguished itself in May, during Memorial Day ceremonies honoring the entombment of the Vietnam era Unknown Soldier at Arlington National Cemetery, twenty-one F-15 Eagles performed a fly-by formation. Each of those eagles proudly bore the hat in the ring emblem.
As a result of Iraq’s invasion of Kuwait on 2 August 1990, lines were drawn across the skies of Iraq. In 1990, the
Later that July, Capt. Rickenbacker, now 75 years old, visited his old "Hat in the Ring" squadron for what was to be the last time. Capt. Rickenbacker marveled at the changes that had taken place in military aviation since his WWI days. Two years later in July 1973, America's "Ace of Aces" passed away. To pay tribute to this famous aviator, the squadron traveled to Columbus, Ohio, Capt. Rickenbacker's hometown. At the memorial services, the squadron's instructors flew the famous Missing Man formation in memory of the celebrated former commander of the 94th Aero Squadron. In May 1974, the 94th again flew to Columbus to participate in the ceremonies for the dedication of Rickenbacker AFB (formerly Lockbourne AFB).
After four years at MacDill, Capt. Rickenbacker's "Hat in the Ring Gang" was temporarily deactivated and moved, along with the 1st TFW, to its present location, Langley AFB, Virginia. The squadron was reactivated in August 1976 and received its first personnel that same month.
Once again, a change of station meant a new fighter. In 1975, the 1st TFW received the McDonnell Douglas F-15 Eagle, America's newest all weather, air superiority fighter. The first sorties flown in the Eagle by the 94th were launched in November 1976. The squadron became combat-ready in early 1977.
Since then, the 94th TFS has upheld its proud tradition. In 1977, the 94th went to Red Flag at Nellis AFB, Nevada. That same year, the 94th participated in Project Ready, the training of 83 USAFE pilots from the 36th TFW, Bitburg Air Base, Germany. Spring of 1978 saw the 94th make the first F-15 operational deployment to PACAF, a trip including stops in Hawaii, Korea, Okinawa, and the Philippines. Later that summer, the 94th was back at Red Flag.
Late in October 1978, a squadron-sized unit deployed to Soesterberg AB, Netherlands, for exercise Coronet Sandpiper. For two months, the 94th maintained a NATO alert commitment for the 32nd TFS. Extensive experience
94th TFS sent 8 pilots and 125 maintainers to Saudi Arabia to support Desert Shield/Storm. The Spads went to support Operation Southern Watch (OSW) for the first time in August 1992. In 1993, the 94th was redesignated the 94th Fighter Squadron. We returned for another 90 day trip to Dhahran in October 1993. In April 94, we returned to Jordan. Then in June of 1995, we took another three-month TDY to OSW. During the summer of 1996, the Spads participated in Air Expeditionary Force II (AEF II). We took 12 F-15’s from Langley to Shaheed Mwaffaq AB, Azraq Jordan, and participated in AEF II from 12 April through 28 June. In December 1996, the 94th was again off to support the No-Fly zone in Iraq, but this trip would be spent in support of Operation Provide Comfort (OPC) in Incirlik Turkey. October 1997 found the Spads again in Saudi Arabia, but now we were at Prince Sultan Air Base in Al Kharj. We continue to provide the United States Air Superiority, any time, any place.
Continuous realistic training, a readiness posture, and dedication to the mission. The 94th Tactical Fighter Squadron continues to live by these principles, and will be ready, if the need should arise, to once more "throw our hat in the ring