67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing Matchbook – Kimpo Korea Officers’ Mess – Korean War USAF

Original matchbook from the Officers’ Open Mess of the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing, based at Kimpo Air Base, Korea. Features unit motto “Luxex Tenebris” and slogan “First and Last Over the Target.” Issued during the Korean War era, this is a hard-to-find piece of U.S. Air Force history.

Historical Significance:

• Unit: 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wing (67th Tac Recon WG)

• Location: Kimpo (K-14 Air Base), near Seoul, South Korea

• Era: Most likely 1950s–early 1960s, with strong ties to the Korean War and early Cold War

• The 67th TRW flew RF-80s, RF-84s, and later RF-101s, specializing in combat reconnaissance photography missions

• The Officers' Open Mess was the designated club for officers—this matchbook was probably distributed to guests, pilots, or dignitaries

🧭 Design Features:

• Wing emblem showing a stylized lightning bolt and stars, referencing aerial reconnaissance and speed

• Unit motto: "Luxex Tenebris" — Latin for “Light from Darkness”, fitting for a reconnaissance outfit

• Printed in bold military typeface, straightforward and utilitarian — typical for combat zone printing

• Heavy wear, consistent with age and field use