JACKET - Type G-1 VF-143 ‘Pukin Dogs’ LtJG Hickey - Vietnam MiG Killer

VF-143 ‘Pukin' Dogs’ was originally commissioned in 1949 as VF-871 and were known as the ‘Griffins’ (due to the fact that the creature depicted on their emblem was just that). However, upon a visitation by the unit commanders wife one day, when asked what she thought of the design, she exclaimed “it looks like a pukin’ dog”. The pilots loved her candid observation and decided from then on that that would be the new nickname for their unit.

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G-1 HICKEY

Data sheet

JACKET
US Navy G-1 7823D - 1968 model
LABEL
The Martin Lane Co,. Inc.
PATCHES
Mil-spec quality 5-piece set
HIDE
Goatskin - pigmented
LINING
Nylon
ZIP
Mil-spec. original NOS 60s Scovill
FINISH
TimeWorn™
£1,749.99

Description

VF-143 ‘Pukin' Dogs’ was originally commissioned in 1949 as VF-871 and were known as the ‘Griffins’ (due to the fact that the creature depicted on their emblem was just that). However, upon a visitation by the unit commanders wife one day, when asked what she thought of the design, she exclaimed “it looks like a pukin’ dog”. The pilots loved her candid observation and decided from then on that that would be the new nickname for their unit.

On 20 June, 1962, the squadron was redesignated VF-143 and transitioned to the F4H-1 Phantom II jet fighters.

Operating as part of CVW-14 in 1963 the squadron became involved in the Gulf of Tonkin incident and flew in the Pierce Arrow attacks on North Vietnamese naval facilities on 5 August 1964. In total they recorded seven combat deployments to Vietnam.

On the 26th October 1967 LTJG Robert P. HIckey “ Burner Bob” joined the coveted ranks of those known as ‘Mig Killers’, when he downed a MiG-21 during a Combat Air Patrol near Hanoi. Hickey was awarded the Silver Star for his efforts and was also bestowed with an award for gallantry by the Republic of South Vietnam. He later went on to become an Admiral.

Our recreation of Hickey’s G-1 that he wore during Vietnam is taken directly from his original jacket. We have reproduced the garment in exact detail from the original maker ‘The Martin Lane Co,. Inc.’, along with all his insignia which have been produced in high-grade military quality specification to match his original.

The garment is given a subtle TimeWorn™ finish to emulate the vintage patina of the original.

Vietnam MiG Killer “Burner Bob” 1967.