21st Tactical Air Support Squadron Hit My Smoke Tee | Vietnam Tribute - Supporting the 9th Infantry Division (South Korea)

"Hit My Smoke." Two Words That Meant Everything.

In the jungles and rice paddies of Vietnam, a ground commander under fire had one lifeline to the sky: his radio and a forward air controller overhead. When the FAC spotted the target, he rolled in and fired a white phosphorus rocket. The call came back to the strike aircraft: "Hit my smoke." Two words. Seconds to respond. Lives on the line.

This tribute tee honors the pilots and observers of the 21st Tactical Air Support Squadron (TASS) — the forward air controllers who flew slow, low, and unarmed over some of the most dangerous terrain in Southeast Asia, directing close air support for the 9th Infantry Division and allied forces in Vietnam and South Korea. They were the eyes of the battlefield and the voice between the ground and the sky.

The 21st TASS — Forward Air Control in Vietnam

Forward air controllers of the 21st TASS flew O-1 Bird Dogs, O-2 Skymasters, and OV-10 Broncos — light, propeller-driven aircraft with no ejection seats and minimal armor — at low altitude over enemy-held territory. Their mission: find the enemy, mark the target, and talk strike aircraft onto it with precision. One mistake meant friendly fire. One burst of ground fire meant no second chance. The FACs of the 21st TASS flew thousands of missions in support of the 9th Infantry Division's operations in the Mekong Delta and beyond, and later served in the Republic of Korea as part of America's enduring commitment to the peninsula's defense.

Premium All-Over-Print Construction

• 100% polyester — durable, quick-drying, and built for lasting wear
• Two weight options: 4.0 oz/yd² (lightweight) or 6.0 oz/yd² (structured feel)
• Side seams & shoulder tape — structured fit, stretch-resistant through repeated wear
• Ribbed knit collar — holds its shape wash after wash
• Tagless interior — all-day comfort, no irritation
• Assembled in the USA from globally sourced materials

Care Instructions

• Machine wash cold (max 30°C / 90°F), gentle cycle
• Tumble dry on low heat
• Do not bleach, iron, or dry clean

Size Guide

"Low and slow. Unarmed and unafraid. The FAC was always first on station."