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Raven FAC Flight Jacket — Jim "Butch" Hix, Laos

USAF L-2B flight jacket Raven FAC Jim Hix full front view L-2B flight jacket interior label MIL-J-7448J Alpha Industries contract DSA 100-70-C-1312 USAF pilot wings jump wings HIX name tape flight jacket L-2B flight jacket shoulder shadows where officer rank insignia was removed sheep-dipped Raven FAC patch Raven FAC patch on flight jacket shoulder with sleeve pocket L-2B flight jacket shield shaped shadow removed Air Force unit patch right breast Ravens with Gen. Vang Pao group photo Long Tieng Laos 1970 Jim Hix Jim Hix and fellow Ravens at the CIA bar above the Bear Cage Long Tieng Laos

Object Details

L-2B Flight Jacket

  • U.S. Air Force L-2B light-zone flight jacket, size Medium
  • Manufactured by Alpha Industries, 1970
  • Specification MIL-J-7448J; contract DSA 100-70-C-1312
  • Sage green nylon shell with orange lining and knit collar, cuffs, and waistband
  • U.S. Air Force pilot wings, parachutist badge, and "HIX" name tape on left chest
  • Theater-made, hand-embroidered Raven FAC patch on sleeve, marked "LAOS / 1,000 MISSIONS / RAVEN / FAC"
  • Evidence of removed organizational insignia on right chest and officer rank insignia on shoulders
  • Heavy wear to Raven patch embroidery; otherwise well-preserved

Historical Association

  • Attributed to James "Butch" Hix Jr. (1944–2014), U.S. Air Force pilot and Raven Forward Air Controller
  • Served with the Ravens in Laos during the Vietnam War, including at Long Tieng and Pakse
  • Shot down over Laos on February 9, 1971, and rescued by Air America
  • Awarded the Purple Heart and four Distinguished Flying Crosses, according to his Air Force Academy memorial
  • Period photograph shows Hix wearing an L-2B flight jacket during his Raven service, believed to be this example.

Provenance

  • Acquired from a vintage clothing dealer before its planned sale into the Japanese market
  • Identification supported by the "HIX" name tape, Raven insignia, and documented service history
  • Direct ownership and service use of this particular jacket remain unconfirmed

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