During Vietnam war, the 311th Troop Carrier Squadron was redesignated 311th Air Commando Squadron on March 8, 1965. The squadron flew C-123B cargo aircraft and was assigned to the 315th Air Commando Group. The C-123B Provider, although already obsolete at the time, was found to be useful in Vietnam because of its short takeoff and landing capabilities. It was used extensively to resupply remote Special Forces camps, which often had short and primitive airstrips. These missions were dangerous because the camps were located in areas with strong Vietcong forces. One of its members, Lt Col Joe JACKSON, won a Medal of Honor after rescuing a Combat Control Team at Kham Duc Airfield under intense enemy fire on May 12, 1968.