VF-96 “Fighting Falcons” Structured Twill Cap
VF-96 “Fighting Falcons” was a U.S. Navy fighter squadron known for flying the F-4 Phantom II during the Vietnam War. One of its most famous pilots was Lt. Randy “Duke” Cunningham, who, along with his RIO (Radar Intercept Officer) Lt. Willie Driscoll, became the only Navy aces of the Vietnam War. Cunningham and Driscoll achieved five confirmed air-to-air kills in their F-4, including a dramatic dogfight against a MiG-17 flown by the skilled North Vietnamese pilot, “Colonel Toon” (though the existence of Toon is debated). Their final mission on May 10, 1972, ended with Cunningham ejecting after being hit by a surface-to-air missile. VF-96’s success made it one of the most recognized squadrons in the Navy during the war.
