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Sorry to display my ignorance, but what is the story behind the A-10 shield with the nail on it? I had a friend who asked after I sent him one and I sadly couldn't answer it! Thank you in advance.

The nail patch was for the unit at D-M, the Nail FACs. Nail was their call sign as Forward Air Controllers, each pilot had his own number. Not certain, but I think the unit was the 23d TASS (tactical air support squadron). They were the only USAF TASS that deployed to Desert Storm.

The 19th TASS was at Osan/Suwon (I think their call sign was Misty), the 21st TASS was at Shaw AFB. Not sure of Shaw's call sign.

The TASS's went away in about 1992 when the FAC mission was incorporated into the A-10 fighter squadrons.

Mind is going...

Coach

Greatly appreciated, I will pass this info on to the owner of that patch. Al.

A little more info. I currently work with a guy who was a Nail FAC during VN. They flew OV-10's back then. Also when I was at DM, 77-80, the 23rd flew O-2's. About the time I left, there was talk of them going to OA-37 Dragonflys. I know I saw some down there just before I'd left, but I'm not sure they'd ever fully moved to the 37's before the AF started using A-10s for FACing.

Told my friend here at work that the A-10 was being used by the Nail FACs these days, and he was more than impressed. He was real happy to know that they had such an Air Craft for the job, but he does miss his Bronco.

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If you look at the patch, it probably has OA-10 on the top rather than A-10.