"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

Flying Helmet made of fibreglass and resin, polystyrene, perspex with sunvisor, microphone,and headphones.

FSN 1660-440 5553 Part No.60c 4459

flying helmet, alan reed

CITATION TO ACCOMPANY THE AWARD OF THE DISTINGUISHED FLYING CROSS (First Oak Leaf Cluster) Squadron leader Alan R Reed distinguished himself by extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight as and RD-4C Aircraft Commander in Southeast Asia on 24 August 1968. On that date, he flew his aircraft repeatedly through intense hostile ground fire to obtain complete photographic coverage of the target. In addition, he voluntarily remained in that hostile environment for as long as fuel would allow, to act as a spotter and to pass firing corrections to friendly artillery. The professional competence, aerial skill, and devotion to duty displayed by Squadron Leader Reed reflect great credit upon himself and the United States Air Force.

Black and White photo in black and white frame of SQN LDR Alan Reed receiving a citation to accompany Distinguished Flying Cross 21 /08 /1968. with supporting info.

flying cross, alan reed

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 USAF

Black and white photo of Alan Reed Sqdr Ldr Pilot at the N.V.V.M. 2015 with supporting info.

pilot, alan reed

Phantom RF4C named 'Carolina Kangaroo' Plastic , Perspex.

AC 448 US Air Force Star.

model aircraft., phantom rf4c, allan reed

All Pilots of the RF-4C Phantom aircraft carried a silk letter with the same message in many languages. It asks people to assist the holder and advises that they will be rewarded for doing so.

Silk Pilots Letter , Squadron Leader A.R. Reed, Service number: 426115. LD Allan Reed.

SQD LD Alan Reed.Service No. 42611S.

silk pilots letter., alan reed

Ticket to Ride: Jolly Greens was the nickname given to the US helicopters that rescued downed aircrew. the reverse side of this card reads: redeemable only by Alan Reed from "Down Under".

' Jolly Greens ' card / tickets to ride used in rescue operations for downed American airmen through out the Vietnam War.

GOOD FOR ONE FREE RIDE. Redeemable only by Alan Reed from 'Down Under' DON"T ACCEPT SUBSTITUTES INSIST ON THE ORIGINAL. Jolly Greens. DET 1 40th ARRS.

jolly green ticket, alan reed

The Distinguished Flying Cross (DFC) is a military decoration of the United States Armed Forces. The medal was established on July 2, 1926, and is currently awarded to any persons who, after April 6, 1917, distinguish themselves by single acts of heroism or extraordinary achievement while participating in aerial flight. Both heroism and extraordinary achievement are entirely distinctive, involving operations that are not routine. The medal may be awarded to friendly foreign military members in ranks equivalent to U.S. Pay Grade of O-6 and below, in combat in support operations.

Distinguished Flying Cross medal in a wooden frame with glass front. Gold coloured medal described as "First Oak Leaf Cluster" attached to blue, white and red striped ribbon mounted on navy blue velvet.

distinguished flying cross, alan reed, united states air force, vietnam