the 355th tactical fighter squadron (355th tfs) in 1967 was a regular air force squadron assigned to the 354th tactical fighter wing at myrtle beach afb, south carolina. from january 1968 until june 1969, the 355th tfs changed from a regular air force unit composed almost entirely of recent sea returnees to a composite squadron consisting of approximately 50% of whose personnel assets were composed of activated ang members from the 119th tfs of the new jersey ang) and the 121st tfs of the district of columbia ang). the 355th deployed on temporary duty (tdy) to phù cát air base on 14 may 1968 with 13 of its 30 pilots being ang members. the transfer became permanent on 26 june 1968, at which time all tdy members were offered the opportunity to volunteer for a full year's tour. all 13 ang pilots volunteered, one of whom was killed in action a month later. by christmas 1968, 87% of the squadron's support personnel were ang members. five of the ang pilots also volunteered as "misty" forward air controllers (facs) flying the f-100 super sabre. in all, ang pilots were awarded 23 silver stars, 47 distinguished flying crosses, and 46 bronze stars with combat v for valor while stationed at phu cat.