Description:
A Painting Of The Iowa Air Guard At Sioux City, IA. 185th Tac Fighter Group, 174th Tac Fighter Squadron. Note: As for the 174th, on May 28th, 1969, the personnel and aircraft were recalled with the 185th and returned to Sioux City and released from active duty. In 1969, the 174th Fighter Squadron won the Outstanding Unit Award with a Designation of Valor. Vietnam also spawned the nickname Bats. The Bat depicted on the tails of the aircraft and the shoulder patch of the pilots became a legendary symbol of the 185th when its 174th Tactical Fighter Squadron was called to duty in Vietnam. ?Bats? was the call sign of the 174th. The Bats became renowned for their outstanding performance.
The other symbol often associated with been the Indian Chief that is part of the unit patch as well as part of the paintwork on the aircraft. The Indian Chieftain is symbolic of the brave Indian warriors, like War Eagle, who once lived in the area. The pride, courage and determination found in these American Indians are traits emulated by the members of the 185th.
In 1977, the 185th converted to the A-7D Corsair II. While flying the A-7s, the unit won the Spaatz Trophy for the second time in 1990, recognizing them as the best Air Guard unit in the Country. The Unit also was awarded the Air Force Outstanding Unit award five times: 1985, 1986, 1987, 1989, and 1991.
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