Original Item: Only One Available. 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 Warrant Officer 4 Joseph Bailey.

This is the link to his obituary. Scroll down to where a fellow air crewmen discuss them flying the KC-135 in Thailand. 

Joe was born and grew up in Hutchinson, KS and Denver, CO. At age 17, he joined the Army in 1965 where he found his calling. During his service, he received numerous awards and citations including the Combat Infantry Badge, Legion of Merit, Distinguished Flying Cross, 3 Bronze Stars, Air Medal with Combat Distinguishing Device, and Army Commendation Award among many others. Joe retired from the Army in 1995 and then worked for the NC Department of Labor as the OSHA Education and Training Supervisor until he fully retired in 2010. Joseph Edward Bailey, Jr (Joe), aged 74, died at his home in Raleigh on 8/31/22 from multiple myeloma related to Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam.

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.

The overall condition is quite nice and shows little to no signs of any extensive wear. A great example that comes more than ready for further research and display.