"The Blood Chit" carried by all United States Air Force Flight crews operating in South Vietnam, the "blood chit" so nick-named by flight crew - was designed to assist in the safe return of downed flight crew. The "chits" message - written in 15 languages - identified the carrier as a US citizen seeking food and assistance. Each "blood chit" was serially numbered and registered to assist in identification by US Forces. This one was issued to Squadron Leader Alan R Reed during his tour of duty in South Vietnam with the US 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron. COMRADES IN ARM THEN AND NOW: Soon after arrival at the USAF'S 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron in South Vietnam in 1968, Squadron Leader Alan Reed was assigned in an almost new Phantom RF74C (AF67442) Reconnaissance Aircraft - nicked name "Carolina Kangaroo" along with its crew chief, Sgt Dale Miller. The trio operated as a team for the remainder of Alan's tour of duty. In 1981, while serving in the USA as the Australian Air Attache, Alan (now an Air Commodore) visited Bergstrom Air Force Base during a major USAF exercise. By sheer coincidence he again met up with Dale (now a Lieutenant) and his old RF4C - still operational but now sans the Carolina Kangaroo emblem.Black and Gold Framed Article of "The Blood Chit"- Accompanied with U.S.A. Flag and explanation. Also two coloured and one black and white photo of Alan Reed and Crew Chief Sgt. Dale Miller beside the RF-4C Phantom nicknamed, "Carolina Kangaroo".alan reed, rf-4c phantom, "carolina kangaroo"., sgt dale miller, united states air force, 12th tactical reconnaissance squadron

This item was donated as part of the estate of Air Vice Marshal Alan Reed, the first Patron of NVVM. Alan served in the RAAF between June 1952 and November 1990. The only RAAF pilot to fly the Lincoln, Canberra F-4 Phantom and F-111 in RAAF service, he served in Vietnam from 26 May 1968 until 20 November 1968. For most of that time, he was detached to the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, US Air Force. Dress jacket short with gold buttons (6) on front and 3 on each sleeve cuff. Airforce material badge left lapel. Woolen navy material. Black taffeta lining with inner pocket LHS.Label RHS inner with details "hand tailored by kings tailors, 66 Wickham St Brisbane".alan reed, dress jacket, uniform, airforce, reed, raaf

Gloves worn as part of Alan Reed's dress uniform. This item was donated as part of the estate of Air Vice Marshal Alan Reed, the first Patron of NVVM. Alan served in the RAAF between June 1952 and November 1990. The only RAAF pilot to fly the Lincoln, Canberra F-4 Phantom and F-111 in RAAF service, he served in Vietnam from 26 May 1968 until 20 November 1968. For most of that time, he was detached to the 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron, US Air Force. Dress gloves in nylon cream colored fabric. Metal press stud at wrist. Three pin stripes on front of each glove.Tag on inside of left glove "100% nylon" made in Hong Konggloves, alan reed, uniform, raaf uniform, raaf, dress uniform

AVM Alan Reed AO, Tan Son Nhut, Saigon, June - November 1968. I was an Australian exchange officer flying RF4C Phantoms and training United States Air Force (USAF) pilots and navigators to go to Vietnam. I felt I needed some Vietnam experience if I were to do my job as an instructor. I managed to persuade both the US and Australian Governments to let me go the the war. I claim to be one of the few people 'invited' to the war because, for protocol reasons. the USAF could not order me to go. I was on exchange with the USAF from 1967 to 1970. My job was to fly reconnaissance missions in South and North Vietnam. My navigator was from North Carolina so we named our aircraft the 'Carolina Kangaroo'. All up, I flew 100 missions in Vietnam. Service number 052363 RAAF, 12th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron USAFBlack and white photo of Alan Reed Sqdr Ldr Pilot at the N.V.V.M. 2015 with supporting info.pilot, alan reed