Original Item. One-of-a-Kind. This is a very interesting tradition that originated among troops in South East Asia during the Vietnam War. This particular Flight Suit, or “Party Suit”, belonged to USAF Captain Steve Korehouse.

We haven’t conducted any research into Korehouse, making this a great opportunity for research. The party suit is dark green and has embroidered Captain’s bars on the shoulders with a patch for the 13th Fighter Squadron on the right breast. On the left breast is Steve Korehouse’s nametag and pilot’s wings. There is some staining in the back but otherwise this is a really great example of a Vietnam War party suit! Comes ready for further research and display.

Approximate Measurements
Collar to shoulder: 9.5"
Shoulder to sleeve: 8.5”
Shoulder to shoulder: 16”
Chest width: 21”
Waist width: 18"
Front length: 57"
Inseam: 26.5"

Party suits were a local and unofficial creation that arose in 1967 from the 357th Tactical Fighter Squadron of the 355th Tactical Fighter Wing, stationed at Takhli Royal Thai Air Base. They created "special flight suits" in response to the 8th Tactical Fighter Wings' usage of black dyed cotton flight suits for social occasions. The use of these colorful, lightweight suits, popularly known as "Party Suits," was soon adopted by the Air Force flying units stationed at the large bases in Thailand. The tradition also quickly spread to units in South Vietnam and to a limited degree, other locations in Southeast Asia. Party suit usage was normally limited to flight personnel and those in direct support of flight operations.

Party suit colors were consistent within the unit and generally had some standard form of name, rank and unit identification. This flight suit is not a bright flamboyant color like most encountered. The suit is in an OD Green but a lightweight flight suit. The color chosen most likely had something to do with being called up at a moment's notice to fly and still wanted to present himself accordingly for combat operations. Additional insignia, unofficial patches (usually humorous) and other embroidery was purely up to the creativity of the individual. While the patched insignia is not humorous in appearance, we also were unable to identify exactly what patch it may have represented. There were numerous local tailors near the air bases who specialized in making party suits and embroidering the many associated custom patches.

The light and comfortable suits were ideal in the tropical environment and were worn on-base only for special social occasions in lieu of official dress uniforms, which were not commonly used in Southeast Asia. The most significant social occasion was the famous "Sawadee" party. Named for the Thai language greeting appropriate for both "hello" and "good-bye," this party welcomed newly arrived personnel and bid good-bye to those returning home.

The party suit tradition, although superficially humorous, served an important role in Air Force organizations by promoting unit integrity and maintaining an esprit de corps under the most difficult combat circumstances, while being highly valued by those who served in Southeast Asia.

On 2 May 1966, the 13th Tactical Fighter Squadron was activated at Korat Royal Thai Air Force Base with the 388th Tactical Fighter Wing, flying the Republic F-105 Thunderchief and the McDonnell Douglas F-4D Phantom II. The squadron flew Wild Weasel missions to destroy North Vietnamese Surface-to-air missile sites. In October 1967, the squadron was moved to Udorn Royal Thai Air Force Base, becoming part of the 432d Tactical Reconnaissance Wing. At Udorn, the 13th flew F-4D and F-4E aircraft, remaining there for the remainder of the war. In 1971, the squadron adopted as a mascot a panther nicknamed "Eldridge" after a former member of the squadron, but later attributed to be named for Black Panther leader Eldridge Cleaver. The squadron later became known as the "Panther Pack". The squadron scored 11 MiG kills, compiled 21 aerial victories, and flew more than 30,000 combat sorties. The squadron earned 15 campaign streamers, six Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Valor, and the Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm during the war. The squadron was inactivated in June 1975 with the end of the war.