A-10 80-0186 was assigned to the 76th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS), 23rd Tactical Fighter Wing (TFW), England AFB, LA.Col David Sawyer's, commander 23 TFW, aircraft was battle damaged on three different occasions, one being the "Golden BB" hitting the front windscreen, and the last being the infamous "300 holes" time as a result of an SA-16 exploding near it on 15 Feb 1991 that hit both rudders and took the right elevator off. The photo's that show "NO" on the tail were taken after we installed verticals from 76-0540. We had it back in the air flying in 7 days.
Overview of damages:
1 Feb 1991: Damaged Front windscreen below HUD. Replaced front windscreen, 24‑hour cure
15 Feb 1991: Severe damage hits to both vertical stabs, rudders, and tailcone area. 11 days to complete repairs, 139 manhours
