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New exhibit highlights '100 Missions Up North' at museum

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DAYTON, Ohio (AFNS) --  A new exhibit titled, "100 Missions Up North," opens March 19 at the National Museum of the U.S. Air Force here.

The display highlights the story of brave Airmen who flew missions above North Vietnam and neighboring countries during the Vietnam War.

Located in the Modern Flight Gallery, the exhibit features more than 50 historical photographs, approximately 100 artifacts, such as flightsuits, boonie hats, unique patches, and firsthand accounts of the courage of many Air Force pilots and crewmen.

The exhibit primarily revolves around the "100 mission patch," which became a symbolic mark of courage during Operation Rolling Thunder from 1965 through 1968. The achievement of 100 missions grew into a rich tradition with its own proud customs, such as elaborate celebrations, growing of "bullet proof" mustaches or end-of-tour dunkings.

"When people speak about completing 100 missions, they do so with reverence and respect," said retired Maj. Gen. Charles D. Metcalf, the museum director. "These brave men went to extraordinary lengths to complete the mission and their accomplishments deserve to be recognized at the Air Force's national museum."

Achieving 100 missions over North Vietnam in an F-105 Thunderchief had particularly special meaning. During some periods, it was more likely than not an F-105 Airman would be shot down at least once during his tour, and the odds of completing a 100-mission tour were not good. Other aircraft that were involved included the F-4, EB-66, RF-4 and RF-101.

"The museum's motto is 'We are the keepers of their stories,'" said Jeff Duford, a historian at the museum. "This exhibit lives up to that motto because it gives the opportunity to highlight not only the brave and heroic tales of the many men that fought for the United States, but also a glimpse into the quirky and lighthearted side from a turbulent time in history."

For more information and historical photos from "100 Missions Up North," please visit www.nationalmuseum.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=13848.  

The National Museum of the U.S. Air Force is the world's largest and oldest military aviation museum, featuring more than 400 aerospace vehicles amid more than 17 acres of indoor exhibit space. More than one million people visit the museum each year.