343rd Reconnaissance Squadron
Shown here is one of the
latest examples of this patch featuring the new "RS" designation. Not only gone
is the "S" from "SRS" but also the "r" from "343rd", but the raven is depicted
correctly with a weary eye. This patch is not fully embroidered and had velcro
attached to the back.
"343rd RS"
Patch and information submitted by Andy Hunold, MSgt (GEAF) Ret.
343rd STRATEGIC RECONNAISSANCE SQUADRON
The 343rd SRS was activated on 24 February 1947 under the 55th. Since 1979 the unit is exclusively manned by Ravens. From 16 August 1966 till 31 August 1991, the 343rd SRS was assigned the 55th SRW. On 1 September 1991 it was redesignated as 343rd RS and the 55th SRW was redesignated 55th Wing. The emblem was approved on 25 July 1952 with the following official description: A caricature flying black raven, with white eyelids, red eyeball and yellow beak, riding a red electronic beam. According to Major Greg Ogletree's article in THE TRADING POST, Spring 1995 issue, the significance is as follows: The raven riding the electronic beam is depicted weary from hours of ferreting as his half-closed eyes and droopy wings indicate, but his tail is still held proudly, revealing a still alert, never-say-die spirit. The bold symbolizes the technological skill surrounding the "Black Crows" mission. ECM observers of this unit are known as Ravens, the lead position ECM observer is a Black Crow. They constitute the backbone of the squadron's combat crew, they are performing the unit's mission to provide air intelligence of enemy electronic emissions throughout the full range of the usable spectrum.
The 343rd SRS was activated on 24 February 1947 under the 55th. Since 1979 the unit is exclusively manned by Ravens. From 16 August 1966 till 31 August 1991, the 343rd SRS was assigned the 55th SRW. On 1 September 1991 it was redesignated as 343rd RS and the 55th SRW was redesignated 55th Wing. The emblem was approved on 25 July 1952 with the following official description: A caricature flying black raven, with white eyelids, red eyeball and yellow beak, riding a red electronic beam. According to Major Greg Ogletree's article in THE TRADING POST, Spring 1995 issue, the significance is as follows: The raven riding the electronic beam is depicted weary from hours of ferreting as his half-closed eyes and droopy wings indicate, but his tail is still held proudly, revealing a still alert, never-say-die spirit. The bold symbolizes the technological skill surrounding the "Black Crows" mission. ECM observers of this unit are known as Ravens, the lead position ECM observer is a Black Crow. They constitute the backbone of the squadron's combat crew, they are performing the unit's mission to provide air intelligence of enemy electronic emissions throughout the full range of the usable spectrum.
About Andreas Hunold: Andy is a retired German AF
MSgt, now working at the NATO Air Base Geilenkirchen, Germany as a local
civilian and his hobby is the U.S. AIR FORCE! "I'm interested in just every USAF
unit and I collect everything from fact sheets to base guides, photos and of
course cloth patches! At present I have slightly over 10,000 USAF patches in my
collection and quite a few from the 55th SRW."
