USAF 48th Tactical Fighter Wing Patch F-4D Phantom II Crest 1972 (4 Inch) – Variant D3

USAF 48th TFW Patch Tactical Fighter Wing USAFE Crest F-4D Phantom II 1972 RAF Lakenheath British Made 14 Stars 4 Inch Variant D3

USAF 48th TFW F-4D Patch

Yellow thread to scroll lettering and edge

Validation – Tangible authentic and original

Manufacturer – British Made, Company Currently Unknown

Manufacture – factory machine embroidered on thick weave horizontal ribbed twill, cut edge, white felt applique scroll, yellow thread to scroll lettering and edge

Visibility – colour

Condition – very good used with black two piece velcro backing

Size – 102mm by 102mm

Approximate imperial size – four inches by four inches

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48th TFW Tactical Fighter Wing Crest

This original 48th Tactical Fighter Wing patch is from the period the Wing transitioned to the legendary F-4D Phantom II. At this time it was based at RAF Lakenheath United Kingdom. This British-made 14-star variant represents an important chapter in USAFE fighter history. It identifies a further stage of 48th TFW modernising its combat capability in support of NATO operations across Europe.

Following years of operating the F-100D Super Sabre, the 48th Tactical Fighter Wing began conversion to the F-4D Phantom II in 1972. The aircraft were transferred from the 81st TFW at RAF Bentwaters, marking a major upgrade in interceptor and strike capability. Consequently, the final F-100D Super Sabres departed RAF Lakenheath in August 1974 as the Phantom era became fully established. 48th TFW continued its frontline tactical nuclear USAFE and NATO mission during a period of heightened Cold War tension in Europe. The Wing operated the F-4D Phantom II for five years from 1972 to 1977.

RAF Lakenheath became one of the most important USAF fighter bases in the United Kingdom. From there 48th TFW maintained a rapid-response combat readiness and participating in NATO exercises and deployments throughout the region. The F-4 Phantom II remains one of the most iconic Cold War fighter aircraft ever operated by the United States Air Force.

This 4-inch Variant D3 patch is highly collectible among USAFE, RAF Lakenheath and F-4 Phantom II aviation memorabilia collectors. A tangible item, preserves the heritage of one of the USAFE’s most famous tactical fighter wings during the Phantom era.

Emblem –

A new insignia design strengthened Franco-American relations during the Cold War period. Chaumont was located near Frederic Bartholdi’s workshops the designer of the famous Statue of Liberty in New York Harbor. The Wing incorporated the Statue of Liberty into its emblem. On 4 July 1954 the mayor of Chaumont granted the Wing its honorary title Statue de la Liberte subsequently used on its emblem. The Wing became known as “The Statue of Liberty Wing” and “Liberty Wing”.

Description – Azure, an orle of mullets Argent, issuant from base overall the bust of the Statue of Liberty facing to dexter Vert, all within a diminished bordure Or. Attached below the shield, a White scroll edged with a narrow Yellow border and inscribed “Statue De La Liberte” in Blue letters.

Significance – Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The emblem is symbolic of the Wing and its history. On 10 July 1954, the 178th anniversary of United States independence, the Wing was designated as “The Statue of Liberty Wing” in recognition of the long-standing friendship between the United States and France. The thirteen stars surrounding the Statue of Liberty represent the original colonies of the United States of America. The red edge to the shield denotes the sacrifice to achieve independence.

Used from 1954 Formally approved 5 July 1962, modified on 21 November 1994; replaced emblem approved on 20 March 1953

Motto –

French “Statue De La Liberte”-translates – “Statue of Liberty”

This USAF 48th TFW F-4D patch dates from 1972.