USAF 38th Tactical Missile Wing Patch Matador Missile 1958 Sembach AB Germany (4 Inch) – Variant A

38th TMW USAF Patch USAFE Tactical Missile Wing 1958 TM-67A Matador Cruise Missile Era Hahn AB West Germany – Variant A

38th TMW USAF Patch of the 38th Tactical Missile Wing (38th TMW), stationed at Hahn Air Base, West Germany, during the deployment of the TM-67A Matador Ground Launched Cruise Missile (GLCM).

This color patch was issued to 38th Tactical Missile Wing personnel during its vital NATO nuclear deterrence mission in the middle years of the Cold War. The 38th TMW operated under the United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE) from Hahn AB. The Wing became one of the most recognised Cruise Missile wings in Europe making their patches sought after for thier connection to the Cold War, Hahn Air Base history, nuclear deterrence history and tactical missile operations.

This variant is scarce with golden twill blocks on the shield and yellow lettering on the designation scroll.

• Hahn AB, West Germany
• Dated: 1958
• Visibility Color
• Embroidered on twill construction with cut edge
• Size: 102mm x 100mm
• Approximate imperial size: 4 inches x 3 7/8 inches
• Manufacture US Made
• Free shipping

Wing History

The 38th Tactical Missile Wing (38th TMW) was activated on 18 June 1958 following the redesignation of the 701st Tactical Missile Wing at Hahn Air Base West Germany under the command of the Seventeenth Air Force.

The wing operated and maintained TM-67A Matador cruise missiles before transitioning to the more advanced TM-76A Mace tactical cruise missile system during the early 1960s.

Missile Launch Sites in West Germany

The 38th Tactical Missile Wing controlled multiple missile launch facilities across West Germany, supporting NATO nuclear deterrence operations during the Cold War.

Sembach Air Base Missile Sites assigned to 587th Tactical Missile Group

Site I “Chargirl” – 822nd Tactical Missile Squadron

Site II “Invent” – 823rd Tactical Missile Squadron

Site III “Hacksaw” – 887th Tactical Missile Squadron

Hahn Air Base Missile Sites assigned to 586th Tactical Missile Group

Site IV “Veronica” – 89th Tactical Missile Squadron

Site V “Pot Fuse” – 405th Tactical Missile Squadron

Site VI “Heroin” – 405th Tactical Missile Squadron

Bitburg Air Base Missile Facilities assigned to 585th Tactical Missile Group

Site VII “B Pad” – 71st Tactical Missile Squadron

Site VIII “C Pad” – 71st Tactical Missile Squadron

Missile Support Area

On 20 August 1959, headquarters for the 38th Tactical Missile Wing moved to Sembach Air Base West Germany. The wing remained operational until its inactivation on 25 September 1966.

This 38th TMW USAF Patch dates from 1958.