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Original hand painted presentation plaque for service in Viet Nam from 1967-8. Emblem of the 961st Airborne Early Warning & Control Squadron. Painted on beveled pine shield. This plaque was one of three done by the same hand. One of this group was labeled as having been made in 1968 for one of the officers in the squadron. Found in Cassville, Missouri.

The mission of the 961st AEW & Con Squadron was to train, operate and administer assigned AEW&C forces as directed by Commander, 551st AEW &CON Wing ;and place these forces in a maximum state of readiness under operational control of the Commander, 26th North American Air Defense region. 

Also, to provide airborne surveillance and control capability in the air defense combat zone, support the operations of other commands as directed by the 551st AEW & Con Wing, participate in the USAF collateral mission of anti-submarine warfare, and detection of radar electronics radiation as directed.

The emblem of the bat, peering out over the water, signifies the radar capability of the 961st. The binoculars, around his neck, and the telescope, under his wing, represent the detection devices used by the squadron to fulfill its mission. The lightning bolt signifies the all weather capability of the 961st. The red background honors the squadron’s valor and its steadfastness to duty. This emblem was designed for the 961st by Walt Disney, the world famous animator.

Date: 1968

Size:  13″ x 11″

Condition: Overall very good.

Price: $84

Shipping: $15