10th Air Jungle Rescue Detachment (See Medical Services Units)
First Helicopter Medical Evacuation in 1944
The China-Burma-India "Hump" airlift operation was the theater for what was probably the first use of a helicopter in a combat rescue. In April 1944, TSgt Ed "Murphy" Hladovcak of the 1st Air Commandos, piloting a Stinson L-1 Vigilant with three wounded British soldiers on board, was forced down over 100 miles (160 km) behind Japanese lines, 15 miles (25 km) west of Mawlu, Burma. Deep in the jungle where an airplane could not land, unable to hike out because of the injured passengers, and with ground-rescue forces days away, the downed men hid from nearby Japanese soldiers. A newly-delivered Army Sikorsky YR-4B helicopter, piloted by Lt. Carter Harmon, with a 175-horsepower engine, was dispatched to try a rescue. In the heat and humidity of Burma, the YR-4B could carry only one passenger at a time, straining its engine past the redline just to lift off. Despite these difficulties, over the two day period 25-26 April 1944, four trips were made in and out to a secure location where the men could safely transfer to a Stinson L-5 Sentinel. The final hasty liftoff was accomplished just as shouting soldiers burst from the jungle. As Lt. Harmon learned later, the soldiers were not Japanese, but an Allied land rescue party that had finally reached the crash site. The great success of the mission encouraged the advocates of helicopters, but few other missions actually took place during WW II.
Other Sites of Interest:
Fact Sheets: Jungle Rescue (National Museum of the USAF)
The Hoverfly in CBI - First Recorded Military Rescue by Helicopter
Igor Sikorsky's R-4 Hoverfly Helicopter
WW II Helicopter Evacuation
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72nd Airdrome Squadron (See Other Units)
Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon
72d Airdrome Sq was activated 1 Feb 43 at Salt Lake City AAB UT, moved to Rapid City AAF SD 8 Dec 43, left 25 Jan 44; Ondal in 1944, Ledo by 1 Aug 45; Burma (based on campaign credit for Central Burma Campaign) assigned to 1st Air Commando Gp; disbanded 8 Oct 48, reconstituted 16 Sep 94 & consolidated with 72d Operations Sq & 654th Operations Support Sq as 72d Operations Support Sq.
Other Sites of Interest: Hope College Joint Archives of Holland: 1st Air Commando Group
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164th Liaison Squadron (Commando)
4th SAS / 18th ASSQ |
4th AEWCS |
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Source:
Lineage: 4th Search Attack Squadron (constituted 362d Bombardment Squadron [Heavy] on 28 Jan 1942; activated on 15 Jul 1942; redesignated: 18th Antisubmarine Squadron [Heavy] on 29 Nov 1942; 4th Sea-Search Attack Squadron [Heavy] on 23 Oct 1943; 4th Search Attack Squadron [Heavy] on 22 Nov 1943; disbanded 10 Apr 1944; reconstituted on 19 Sep 1985) consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with the 164th Liaison Squadron (Commando) (constituted on 9 Aug 1944; activated on 3 Sep 1944; inactivated on 3 Nov 1945) and the 964th Airborne Warning and Control Squadron (constituted 964th Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron on 8 Dec 1954; activated on 8 Mar 1955; inactivated on 30 Jun 1974; redesignated 964th Airborne Warning and Control Squadron on 7 Feb 1977; activated on 1 Jul 1977). Redesignated 964th Airborne Air Control Squadron on 1 Jul 1994.
Assignments: 304th Bombardment Group, 15 Jul 1942; 25th Antisubmarine Wing, 30 Dec 1942; I Bomber Command, 24 Aug 1943 (attached to 1st Sea-Search Attack Unit, 30 Sep-22 Oct 1943); 1st Sea-Search Attack Unit (later, 1st Search Attack Group), 23 Oct 1943-10 Apr 1944. 1st Air Commando Group, 3 Sep 1944-3 Nov 1945. 8th Air Division, 8 Mar 1955; 552d Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing, 8 Jul 1955-30 Jun 1974. 552d Airborne Warning and Control Wing (later, 552d Airborne Warning and Control Division; 552d Airborne Warning and Control Wing, 552d Air Control Wing), 1 Jul 1977; 552d Operations Group, 29 May 1992-.
Stations: Salt Lake City AAB, UT, 15 Jul 1942; Geiger Field, WA, 15 Sep 1942; Ephrata, WA, 1 Oct 1942; Langley Field, VA, 29 Oct 1942-10 Apr 1944. Asansol, India, 3 Sep 1944; Inbaung, Burma, 19 Dec 1944; Kan, Burma, 15 Jan 1945; Asansol, India, 31 Jan 1945; Shwebo, Burma, 20 Feb 1945; Ondaw, Burma, 12 Mar 1945; Asansol, India, 31 Mar 1945; Sinthe, Burma, 20 Apr 1945; Magwe, Burma, 4 May 1945; Asansol, India, 10 May-6 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-3 Nov 1945. McClellan AFB, CA, 8 Mar 1955-30 Jun 1974. Tinker AFB, OK, 1 Jul 1977-.
Aircraft: B-18, 1942-1943; A-20, 1942-1943; B-24, 1942-1943; B-34, 1942-1943; B-17, 1942-1944. C-64, 1944-1945; L-5, 1944-1945. RC-121, 1955-1963; EC-121, 1963-1974. E-3, 1977-.
Operations: Operational training unit for 25th Antisubmarine Wing, Nov 1942-Oct 1943. Trained B-17 replacement crews, Nov 1943-Apr 1944. Visual reconnaissance, medical evacuation and light transport services for ground forces in Burma, 19 Dec 1944-3 May 1945. Long range surveillance, late 1950s. Rotated aircrews to Southeast Asia, c. 4 Apr 1965-17 May 1974. Combat support in Southwest Asia, 17 Jan-6 Mar 1991.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; India-Burma, Central Burma. Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" Device: 1 Jul 1969-30 Jun 1970; 1 Jul 1971-31 Dec 1972. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1961-30 Jun 1963; 15 Apr 1965-1 Jul 1966; 2 Jul 1966-1 Jul 1968; 1 Jul 1970-30 Jun 1971; 1 Jul 1977-30 Jun 1978; 1 Jul 1978-30 Jun 1980; 1 Jul 1982-30 Jun 1984; 1 May 1985 -30 Apr 1987; 1 May 1987-30 Apr 1989; 1 Dec 1989-1 Dec 1991. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 1 Apr 1966-28 Jan 1973.
Emblem: On a Blue disc edged with a narrow Yellow border a stylized Phoenix ascending, head and neck Red, body and wings Gray garnished Black, eyed Yellow emitting two Yellow lightning bolts upward and a Yellow trail to the bottom of the disc. Approved in 1978 (KE 64616); replaced emblems approved on 23 Aug 1957 (K 2138) and 10 Apr 1943 (K 2874).
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165th Liaison Squadron (Commando)
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Source:
Lineage: 595th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (constituted on 29 Jan 1943; activated on 16 Feb 1943; inactivated on 1 May 1944) consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with the 165th Liaison Squadron (Commando) (constituted on 9 Aug 1944; activated on 3 Sep 1944; inactivated on 3 Nov 1945) and the 965th Airborne Warning and Control Squadron (constituted 965th Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron on 28 Apr 1955; activated on 8 Aug 1955; inactivated on 30 Jun 1971; redesignated 965th Airborne Warning and Control Squadron on 28 Feb 1978; activated on 1 Jul 1978). Redesignated 965th Airborne Air Control Squadron on 1 Jul 1994.
Assignments: 396th Bombardment Group, 16 Feb 1943-1 May 1944. 1st Air Commando Group, 3 Sep 1944-3 Nov 1945. 552d Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing, 8 Aug 1955-30 Jun 1971. 552d Airborne Warning and Control Wing (later, 552d Airborne Warning and Control Division; 552d Airborne Warning and Control Wing; 552d Air Control Wing), 1 Jul 1978; 552d Operations Group, 29 May 1992-.
Stations: Mountain Home, AAFld, ID, 16 Feb 1943; Moses Lake AAB, WA, 10 Apr 1943; Drew Field, FL, 5 Nov 1943-1 May 1944. Asansol, India, 3 Sep 1944; Tamu, Burma, 14 Oct 1944; Yazagyo, Burma, 6 Nov 1944; Asansol, India, 27 Nov 1944; Kawlin, Burma, 28 Dec 1944 (detachment operated from Inbaung, Burma, 3-22 Jan 1945); Ye-U, Burma, 10 Jan 1945; Shwebo, Burma, 22 Jan 1945; Asansol, India, 21 Feb 1945; Sinthe, Burma, 14 Mar 1945; Asansol, India, 25 Apr-6 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-3 Nov 1945. McClellan AFB, CA, 8 Aug 1955-30 Jun 1971. Tinker AFB, OK, 1 Jul 1978-.
Aircraft: B-17, 1943-1944. C-64, 1944-1945; L-5, 1944-1945. RC-121, 1955-1963; EC-121, 1963-1971. E-3, 1978-1979, 1984-.
Operations: Operational training unit, Mar-Aug 1943; replacement training, Aug 1943-May 1944. Evacuation and light transport services for ground forces in Burma, 6 Oct 1944-23 Apr 1945. Long range surveillance, late 1950s. Rotated aircrews to Southeast Asia, c. 4 Apr 1965-c. Jun 1971. Not operational, c. Sep 1979-1 Jan 1984. Combat support in Panama, 20 Dec 1989-24 Jan 1990 and in Southwest Asia, 17 Jan-6 Mar 1991.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: India-Burma; Central Burma. Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: Panama, 1989-1990.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device: 1 Jul 1969-30 Jun 1970. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1961-30 Jun 1963; 15 Apr 1965-1 Jul 1966; 2 Jul 1966-1 Jul 1968; 1 Jul 1970-30 Jun 1971; [1 Jan 1984]-30 Jun 1984; 1 May 1985-30 Apr 1987; 1 May 1987-30 Apr 1989; 1 Dec 1989-1 Dec 1991. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 1 Apr 1966-28 Jun 1971.
Emblem: On a Blue disc edged with a narrow Black border, arising in base a Black mountain with three White peaks surmounted by an eagle in descent, (head, neck and tail feathers White, body, upper legs and beak Yellow, lower legs, eye, claws, and details Black) grasping a Yellow lightning bolt; in the top of the disc an arc of three White five-pointed stars. Approved on 31 Jan 1979 (KE 67966); replaced emblem approved on 4 Sep 1956 (K 4705).
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166th Liaison Squadron (Commando)
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Source:
Lineage: 466th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (constituted on 9 Jul 1942; activated on 15 Jul 1942; inactivated on 1 Apr 1944) consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with the 166th Liaison Squadron (Commando) (constituted on 9 Aug 1944; activated on 3 Sep 1944; inactivated on 3 Nov 1945) and the 966th Airborne Warning and Control Training Squadron (constituted 966th Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron, and activated on 18 Dec 1961; organized on 1 Feb 1962; inactivated on 31 Dec 1969; redesignated 966th Airborne Warning and Control Training Squadron on 5 May 1976; activated on 1 Jul 1976). Redesignated 966th Airborne Air Control Squadron on 1 Jul 1994.
Assignments: 333d Bombardment Group, 15 Jul 1942-1 Apr 1944. 1st Air Commando Group, 3 Sep 1944-3 Nov 1945. Air Defense Command, 18 Dec 1961; 551st Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing, 1 Feb 1962; 552d Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing, 1 May 1963; 551st Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing, 1 Jul 1969; 552d Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing, 15 Nov-31 Dec 1969. 552d Airborne Warning and Control Wing (later, 552d Airborne Warning and Control Division; 552d Airborne Warning and Control Wing; 552d Air Control Wing), 1 Jul 1976; 552d Operations Group, 29 May 1992-.
Stations: Topeka, KS, 15 Jul 1942; Dalhart, AAFld, TX, 22 Feb 1943-1 Apr 1944. Asansol, India, 3 Sep 1944; Yazagyo, Burma, 13 Nov 1944; Inbaung, Burma, 12 Dec 1944; Asansol, India, 19 Dec 1944 (detachment operated from Arakan, Burma, c. 29 Dec 1944-23 Jan 1945); Sinthe, Burma, 4 Feb 1945; Asansol, India, 14 Mar 1945; Ondaw, Burma, 29 Mar 1945; Meiktila, Burma, 5 Apr 1945; Toungoo, Burma, 27 Apr 1945; Asansol, India, 14 May-6 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-3 Nov 1945. McCoy AFB, FL, 1 Feb 1962-31 Dec 1969. Tinker AFB, OK, 1 Jul 1976-.
Aircraft: B-17, 1942; B-24, 1942-1943. C-64, 1944-1945; L-5, 1944-1945. RC-121, 1962-1963; TC-121, 1962-1963; EC-121, 1963-1969. WC-135, 1977-1979; E-3, 1977-.
Operations: Replacement training, Aug 1942-Nov 1943. Evacuation and light transport services for ground forces in Burma, 13 Nov 1944-10 May 1945. Airborne radar surveillance, 1962-1969. Rotated aircrews to Southeast Asia, c. 4 Apr 1965-c. Dec 1969. Trained aircrews 1977-.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: India-Burma; Central Burma.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device: [15 Nov 1969]-31 Dec 1969. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1961-30 Jun 1963; 20 Oct-30 Nov 1962; 15 Apr 1965-1 Jul 1966; 2 Jul 1966-1 Jul 1968; 1 Jul 1977-30 Jun 1978; 1 Jul 1978-30 Jun 1980; 1 Jul 1982-30 Jun 1984; 1 May 1985-30 Apr 1987; 1 May 1987-30 Apr 1989; 1 Dec 1989-1 Dec 1991. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 1 Apr 1966-31 Dec 1969.
Emblem: Per bend Celeste and Sable a lightning flash issuant from sinister base bendwise throughout Gules fimbriated Or surmounted by an eagle proper and grasping in both feet a telescope Argent garnished Yellow above a wreath of laurel of the last; all within a diminished bordure of the second. Approved on 15 May 1989 (DFSC 90-02544); replaced emblem approved on 14 Jun 1963 (K 14211).
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285th Medical Dispensary (Avn) (See Medical Service Units)
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Campaign Credit: India-Burma, Central Burma
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309th Airdrome Squadron (See Other Units)
Stations: Asansol by 1 Aug 45
Source: Ex-CBI Roundup, April 1992 issue
Serviced 1st Air Commando Gp, 4th Combat Cargo Group, 89th Fighter Squadron
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319th Troop Carrier Squadron (Commando)
Source:
Lineage: Constituted 319 Troop Carrier Squadron (Commando) on 9 Aug 1944. Activated on 1 Sep 1944. Redesignated 319 Troop Carrier Squadron on 29 Sep 1945. Inactivated on 27 Dec 1945. Redesignated 319 Troop Carrier Squadron, Commando, and activated on 18 Apr 1962. Organized on 27 Apr 1962. Redesignated: 319 Air Commando Squadron, Troop Carrier, on 8 Nov 1964; 319 Air Commando Squadron, Tactical Airlift, on 1 May 1967; 319 Special Operations Squadron on 8 Jul 1968. Inactivated on 15 Jan 1972. Activated on 1 Oct 2005.
Assignments: 1 Air Commando Group, 1 Sep 1944; 69 Composite Wing, 2 Sep 1945; Tenth Air Force, c. 27 Sep-27 Dec 1945. 1 Air Commando Group (later, 1 Air Commando Wing; 1 Special Operations Wing), 18 Apr 1962; 4410 Combat Crew Training Wing, 15 Jul 1969; 1 Special Operations Wing, 30 Jul 1969-15 Jan 1972. 16 Operations (later, 1 Special Operations) Group, 1 Oct 2005-.
Stations: Asansol, India, 1 Sep 1944 (operated from various forward bases in Burma, 4 Dec 1944-17 May 1945); Warazup, Burma, 27 May 1945; Loping, China, 2 Sep 1945; Hu Hsien, China, 7 Oct 1945; India, c. 1 Nov-27 Dec 1945. Eglin Air Force Auxiliary Field No. 9 (Hurlburt Field), FL, 27 Apr 1962; England AFB, LA, 15 Jan 1966; Eglin Air Force Auxiliary Field No. 9 (Hurlburt Field), FL, 30 Jul 1969-15 Jan 1972. Hurlburt Field, FL, 1 Oct 2005-.
Commanders: Unkn, Sep 1944-Jan 1945; Maj O. A. Sucker, by Feb 1945; Maj Orlo L. Austin, by Apr 1945; Lt Col Lester L. Bear, May 1945; Maj Alfred Kaufman, 29 Oct 1945; None (not manned), Nov-Dec 1945. Capt Arnold A. Tillman, 27 Apr 1962; Lt Col Richard N. Broughton, 1 Jul 1962; Lt Col William C. Thomas, 11 Mar 1963; Maj Robert D. Bollacker, 1 Jan 1966; Lt Col Russel R. Uhlmann, 2 Feb 1966; Lt Col Earl J. Fitzsimmons, 28 Jul 1966; Lt Col Herman E. Luebbert, 6 Apr 1967; Lt Col Robert F. Theisen, 22 May 1967; Lt Col James D. Metcalf, 15 Feb 1968; Lt Col Lonnie C. Hughes, by Aug 1969; Lt Col Robert L. Self, 29 Sep 1969; Lt Col Robert E. Hubeli, 25 Jun 1971-15 Jan 1972. Lt Col Michael J. Dargenio, 12 Oct 2005-.
Aircraft: C-47, 1944-1945; CG-4A, 1944-1945. C-46, 1962-1964; C-47, 1962-1966; U-10, 1963-1966; C-123, 1963-1972; T-28, 1965. U-28A, 2005-.
Operations: Provided airlift support and flew aerial resupply missions to commando bases in CBI theater; conducted airborne drop and glider operations for Allied troops in Burma, central China, and French Indo-China, Oct 1944-Oct 1945; not manned, Nov-Dec 1945. From 1962 to 1965, deployed personnel and equipment to support early counterinsurgency operations and foreign civic action programs in Southeast Asia. Conducted training programs in special air warfare tactics and techniques for USAF and foreign air forces; and provided airlift support to U.S. Army Special Forces. Provided intratheater support for special operations forces, 2005-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: India-Burma; Central Burma; China Defensive; China Offensive.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: Jul 1963-Jun 1965; 1 Jul 1969-15 Apr 1971; [1 Oct] 2005-31 Aug 2006.
Emblem (WWII): On a white disc bordered white and blue a question mark in blue.
Emblem (Current): Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The dragon represents valiant defender, valor and protection. The horse is symbolic of the unit’s readiness for all employments. The stylized globe symbolizes the squadron’s area of operation being global in nature. Approved 21 Jun 2006.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 29 Aug 2007.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 28 Aug 2007.
WHAT WAS THE ORIGIN OF THE QUESTION MARK INSIGNIA?
ANSWER 1:
Ex-CBI Roundup, March 1984 issue
"How's your CBI I.Q." column
by Mr. Hugh Crumpler
Again Joe Lucke comes to bat: "The outfit was designated the 5318 Provisional Air Unit, or prior to that simply Project 9. (You can get some idea of the magnitude of the undertaking when Project 10 was the B-29's and Project 1 was the B-25 bombing of the Japanese mainland). We had hardly arrived in India when the outfit provoked many comments from airdrome officials with the snatch mechanism on the bottom of the plane. Additionally, the rank and file of us did not know exactly what our mission was. Hence the White Circle with a concentric blue-black ring and a blue-black question mark was created. (It saved a lot of anwers for damn-fool questions)."
ANSWER 2:
Ex-CBI Roundup
April, June, October 1997 Issues
1) He (the officer in the above picture) is wearing the question mark which was the symbol of the 319th Troop Carrier Squadron of the 1st Air Commando Group.
The question mark was chosen because there were so many questions about the ultimate destination and mission of the squadron. This information was not disclosed to squadron members when it was organized in the United States. All original members of the squadron were volunteers. They were told they were volunteering for a secret mission.
The question mark was displayed on the tail of all the squadron's C-47s. I was the last commander of the squadron. I was not a member of the original cadre. -- Mr. Al Kaufman
2) We just returned from our 53d anniversary of the First Air Commando Group held in Holland, MI, May 21 thru May 25.
With 106 attending, I was able to obtain first hand information on the MYSTERY PHOTO, page 9, in the April issue. Lt. Col. William W. Johnson. Jr., USAF Retired, than a 1st Lt. with the C-47 Section, was able to identify the officer in your photo. He was Capt. Edgar L. "Blackie" Barham. Original home town and current address unknown.
Bill also was able to give me a different story on the Question Mark on his A-2 jacket. There appears to be three stories on the patch.
First, Is Bill's version. He said when they were still in the States training, many people questioned the C-47 crews on the "reel, cable and pick up pole" in the hatch installed on each C-47. At the time, it was classified information. However, the reel was to hold a tow cable and the pick up pole was to snatch gliders off the ground while the 47 was in flight.
Second version. At the time the photo was taken we did not know who we were. They kept changing the name of the Group; Project 9, Project CA 281, 5318th Provisional Unit (Air), No. 1 Air Commando Force and finally 1st Air Commando Gp.
Third version. Pilots and crews joked about the fact we don't know who we are and we don't know where we are going.
Hope you like these explanations. Pick the one you prefer. -- Mr. A.R. Van De Weghe
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1st Liaison Group (Provisional)
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Source:
1st Liaison Group: 29 Aug 1944 to 30 Apr 1945.
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5th Liaison Squadron
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(Detached duty from 77th Tactical Reconnaissance Group)
Source:
Lineage: Constituted 5th Observation Squadron (Special) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 7 Feb 1942. Redesignated: 5th Observation Squadron on 8 Aug 1942; 5th Liaison Squadron on 2 Apr 1943. Inactivated on 11 Jan 1946. Activated on 15 Oct 1947. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1949. Redesignated 5th Helicopter flight on 27 Sep 1949. Activated on 27 Oct 1949. Inactivated on 22 Jul 1952. Redesignated 5th Liaison Squadron on 14 Aug 1952. Activated on 8 Sep 1952. Inactivated on 18 Jun 1954.
Assignments: Office of Chief of Air Corps, 7 Feb 1942 (attached to Field Artillery School to Aug 1942); Army Air Forces, 9 Mar 1942; 74th Observation Group, 8 Aug 1942; 77th Observation Group, 25 Jan 1943; 74th Reconnaissance Group. 2 Apr 1943; IV Air Support Command (later III Tactical Air Division), 11 Aug 1943 (attached to 74th Tactical Reconnaissance Group, 17 Aug-c. 15 Sep 1943); II Tactical Air Division, 12 Oct 1943; AAF, India-Burma Sector, 28 Mar 1944 (attached to Northern Combat Area Command, 20 May-Aug 1944); Tenth Air Force, 21 Aug 1944 (attached to 1st Liaison Group [Prov], 29 Aug 1944 - 30 Apr 1945, and to North Burma Air Task Force, 1 May - c. 5 Sep 1945); AAF, India-Burma Theater, 31 Jul - 11 Jan 1946. Ninth Air Force, 15 Oct 1947 (attached to 316th Troop Carrier Wing to 1 Apr 1949); Fourteenth Air Force, 27 Oct 1949; Tactical Air Command, 1 Aug 1950; Ninth Air Force, 5 Oct 1950 - 22 Jul 1952 (attached to 4415th Air Base Group, 4 Apr 1951 - 22 Jul 1952). Eighteenth Air Force (attached to 314th Troop Carrier Wing), 8 Sep 1952; Alaskan Air Command, 1 Apr 1953 (attached to 39th Air Depot Wing, 1-13 Apr 1953, and to 5039th Air Transport Group, 13 Apr - 1 Jul 1953); 5039th Air Base Wing, 1 Jul 1953 - 18 Jun 1954.
Stations: Post Field, Okla, 7 Feb 1942; Marshall Field, Kan, 4 Aug 1942; Cox AAFld, Tex, 18 Mar 1943; Desert Center AAFld, Calif, 18 May 1943; Thermal AAFld, Calif, 15 Sep 1943; Alamo AAFld, Tex, 12 Oct 1943 - 27 Feb 1944; Ledo, India, 20 Apr 1944; Shaduzup, Burma, 30 Apr 1944; Myitkyina, Burma, 3 Oct 1944; Bhamo, Burma, 22 Jan 1945; Kharagpur, India, c. 3 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 10-11 Jan 1946. Greenville AAB, SC, 15 Oct 1947 - 1 Apr 1949. Pope AFB, NC, 27 Oct 1949 - 22 Jul 1952; Elmendorf AFB, Alaska, 1 Apr 1953 - 18 Jun 1954 (detachments at Ladd AFB, Alaska, 13 Apr 1953 - 10 May 1954, and Bethel, Alaska, 3 Jul 1953 - 5 May 1954).
Aircraft: In addition to L-3 and L-4, 1942-1943, including L-1, L-6, and apparently B-18 and O-52 during period 1942-1943; in addition to L-5, 1943-1945, including L-1, 1944-1945, and L-4, 1945. L-13, 1947-1948; L-4 and L-5, 1948-1949. H-5, 1949-1951. L-20, 1952-1954.
Operations: Combat in CBI, 1 May 1944 - Jun 1945.
Service Streamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: India-Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma.
Decorations: None.
Emblem: On a pastel blue disc, edged black, a caricatured, dark green airplane in flight towards dexter, having shark's red mouth, with white teeth, yellow binoculars to the eyes, and wearing red boxing gloves on the landing gear, in front of a large white cloud formation, and dropping a yellow can and box toward base, all beneath a white cross, edged red, winged yellow, in chief, in front of a small white cloud formation. (Approved 22 Dec 1944.)
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19th Liaison Squadron
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Source:
Lineage: Constituted 19th Observation Squadron (Light) on 5 Feb 1942. Activated on 2 Mar 1942. Redesignated: 19th Observation Squadron on 4 Jul 1942; 19th Liaison Squadron on 2 Apr 1943. Inactivated on 1 Dec 1945. Redesignated 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron (Light), and activated, on 17 Jun 1963. Organized on 8 Jul 1963. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 8 Aug 1964. Activated on 16 Oct 1964. Organized on 21 Oct 1964. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1993. Redesignated 19th Weapons Squadron on 24 Jan 2003. Activated on 3 Feb 2003.
Assignments: Air Force Combat Command, 2 Mar 1942; Army Air Forces, 9 Mar 1942; 66 Observation (later, 66 Reconnaissance) Group, 29 Mar 1942; I Air Support Command (later, I Tactical Air Division), 11 Aug 1943; U.S. Army Forces, China-Burma-India, Apr 1944; Fourteenth Air Force. 29 May 1944 (attached to Y Force, 29 May 1944-); 69 Composite Wing, 10 Jun 1944 (remained attached to Y Force to 8 Aug 1944); Tenth Air Force, 1 Aug-1 Dec 1945. 34 Tactical Group, 8 Jul 1963-8 Aug 1964. 34 Tactical Group, 21 Oct 1964; 6251 Tactical Fighter Wing, 8 Jul 1965 (attached to 6250 Tactical Air Support Group, Provisional, 1 Aug-8 Nov 1965); 505 Tactical Control Group, 8 Nov 1965 (attached to Tactical Air Support Group, Provisional, 6253, 9 Sep-8 Dec 1966); 504 Tactical Air Support Group, 8 Dec 1966; 314 Air Division, 15 Jan 1972; 51 Composite Wing, 30 Sep 1974; 5 Tactical Air Control Group, 8 Jan 1980; 51 Fighter (later, 51 Operations) Group, 1 Oct 1990-1 Oct 1993. USAF Weapons School, 3 Feb 2003-.
Detachment: Detachment 1, 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron (Light) (Camp Casey, South Korea): 15 Apr 1976-8 Jan 1980.
Stations: Miami Muni Aprt, FL, 2 Mar 1942; Jacksonville Muni Aprt, FL, 7 Mar 1942; Pope Field, NC, 11 May 1942; Morris Field, NC, 19 Oct 1942; Camp Campbell (later, Campbell AAFld), KY, 3 Apr 1943; Aiken AAFld, SC, 22 Jun 1943-26 Feb 1944; Bombay, India, 9 Apr 1944; Kanchrapara, India, c. 15 Apr 1944; Ondal, India, 29 Apr 1944; Chabua, India, 17 May 1944; Kunming, China, 29 May 1944; Chengkung, China, 28 Mar 1945; Nanning, China, 18 Aug 1945; Calcutta, India, c. Oct-7 Nov 1945; Fort Lewis, WA, 30 Nov-1 Dec 1945. Bien Hoa AB, South Vietnam, 8 Jul 1963-8 Aug 1964. Bien Hoa AB, South Vietnam, 21 Oct 1964; Phan Rang AB, South Vietnam, 1 Aug 1971; Osan AB, South Korea, 15 Jan 1972; Suwon AB, South Korea, 1 Aug 1989; Osan AB, South Korea, 1 Oct 1990-1 Oct 1993. Nellis AFB, NV, 3 Feb 2003-.
Commanders: Maj Lorick L. Stephenson Jr., 2 Mar 1942; Maj George W. Ribble, 15 Mar 1942; 1st Lt Forrest J. Jourder, 27 Sep 1942; Capt Woodrow Herring, 28 Sep 1942; Capt Horace B. Wetherwell, 8 Oct 1942; Maj Richard D. Day, 26 Apr 1943; Capt Edward W. Gamard, Sep 1944; 1st Lt Dominic V. DiVincenzo, Dec 1944; Maj William E. Surginer, Jan 1945-unkn. Unkn, 8-9 Jul 1963; Maj David W. Shoup, 10 Jul 1963; Lt Col John J. Wilfong, 19 Jul 1963; Lt Col Fredrick J. McAnally, 9 Mar 1964; Lt Col Andrew J. Chapman, 14 Jul-8 Aug 1964. Lt Col Vincent J. Mankowski, 21 Oct 1964; Lt Col Daniel J. Miller, 1 May 1965; Lt Col Alfred N. King, by Jun 1966; Lt Col John J. Jones Jr., 10 Feb 1967; Lt Col Paul D. Jones, 2 Sep 1967; Lt Col James T. Patrick, 13 Mar 1968; Lt Col John D. Ward, 4 Dec 1968; Lt Col William G. Reitz, 3 Jun 1969; Maj Thomas A. Shircliff, 16 Sep 1969 (acting); Lt Col William G. Reitz, 13 Oct 1969; Lt Col William G. Morton, 6 Apr 1970; Lt Col Andrew G. Martin Jr., 19 Jan 1971; Lt Col Irl R. Hollingsworth, 15 Jul-30 Sep 1971; none (not manned), 1 Oct 1971-14 Jan 1972; Col William R. Peters, 15 Jan 1972; Lt Col Reginald H. Shepherd, 25 Jul 1972; Col Ross W. Watt Jr., 8 Aug 1972; Col Charles C. Carr, 13 Aug 1973; Col Elford L. Carwile, Aug 1974; Lt Col Robert J. Watson, 21 Sep 1974; Lt Col Ralph F. Wetzel, 23 Jul 1975; Lt Col Glenn A. Griffith, 22 Jan 1976; Lt Col Felix L. Sambogna, 1 Sep 1977; Lt Col Donald C. Wheeler Jr., 17 Oct 1977; Maj Thomas E. Cleland, 24 Jul 1979 (temporary); Lt Col Ralph D. Barclay, 25 Aug 1979; Lt Col Frederick C. Bosse, 23 Sep 1980; Lt Col Morris R. Taffet, 1 Jul 1982; Lt Col Robert W. Gaskin, c. 15 Jun 1984; Lt Col William E. Townsley, 12 Jun 1985; Lt Col Garland W. Padgett Jr., 26 Jun 1987-unkn; Lt Col Richard B. Tallman Jr., 14 Dec 1990; Lt Col William H. Camp, 29 Jun 1992; Lt Col Sydney G. McPherson, 12 Jul-1 Oct 1993.
Aircraft: A-20, 1942-1943; B-25, 1942-1943; DB-7, 1942-1943; L-1, 1942-1943, 1944-1945; L-4, 1942-1943, 1943-1944; O-46, 1942-1943; O-52, 1942; P-39, 1942-1943; P-43, 1942-1943; L-2, 1943, 1943-1944; L-3, 1943; L-5, 1943, 1943-1945; L-6, 1943; 1943-1944; P-51, 1943; O-1, 1963-1964. O-1, 1964-1970, 1971; O-2, 1968-1971, 1972-1975; OV-10, 1968-1971, 1975-1983, 1985-c. 1989; OA-37, 1983-1985; A(later OA)-10, 1989-1993.
Operations: The 19th observation (later, Liaison) Squadron activated on 2 Mar 1942. Flew anti-submarine missions while undergoing observation training at various bases in the southeastern U.S. Shipped to the west coast and departed the U.S. on 9 Mar 1944. Arrived in India in April, and after several weeks of further training, moved to China in May 1944 to begin observation missions in support of Chinese ground forces. At various times, the 19th was based at or operated detachments from Kunming, Chengkung, Nanning, Poashan, Wenshan, Yunnanyi, Chihkiang, Kweiyang, and Liuchow. After Mar 1945, the squadron carried mail and passengers to American liaison personnel in South China, and 19th TASS flew re-supply missions to resistance forces operating behind enemy lines in French Indochina. Shortly after the Japanese surrendered, the 19th returned via India to the U.S., where it inactivated on 1 Dec 1945.
The 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron organized in Jul 1963 South Vietnam, where it flew missions for the Vietnamese Air Force and trained Vietnamese pilots and observers in the 0-1 aircraft. Operations including forward air support, combat support liaison, visual reconnaissance, forward air control of fighters, artillery adjustment, and escort for convoys, trains, and helicopters. Also flew psychological warfare, radio relay, and re-supply missions. Briefly inactivated between Aug and Oct 1964, the 19th TASS renewed its support of combat operations on 21 Oct. Primarily it provided visual and photographic reconnaissance and airborne forward air control for fighter aircraft. Also trained USAF and Vietnamese pilots and observers in 0-1 and, from 1968, 0-2 and OV-10 operations. Then, on 30 Sep 1971, another unit absorbed the 19th's resources. The squadron remained unmanned and unequipped until transferred to Osan AB, South Korea, on 15 Jan 1972. Taking over the 0-2 aircraft of another squadron, the 19th TASS supported the Eighth U.S. Army and Republic of Korea (ROK) ground forces, providing close air and aerial reconnaissance support. In 1973, trained the ROK Air Force to operate a Direct Air Support Center. In 1975, converted to the OV-10A "Bronco" aircraft.
Operated from 1975 until 1980 a tactical air control system from three forward locations, and maintained a detachment from 15 Apr 1976 to 8 Jan 1980 at Camp Casey, one of the three forward locations. Since 1980, the 19th has operated the forward air control mission within the Korean tactical air control system. Operated from Suwon AB, Sep-Nov 1983, while runway repair went on at Osan AB. Converted in 1983 to the OA-37B "Dragonfly" twin-jet aircraft, only to switch back to the OV-10 two years later. Periodically deployed personnel and aircraft at Clark AB, Philippines, for Cope Thunder exercises, supporting close air support tactical fighter aircraft in coordination with tactical air control systems. While assigned to the 5th Tactical Air Control Group during the 1980s, provided battalion liaison officers to the 2nd Infantry Division and OV-10 forward air controllers to the Seventh Air Force commander in support of the Korean Tactical Air Control System. Moved from Osan AB to Suwon AB, South Korea, in August 1989, but returned to Osan on 1 Oct 1990, when it was assigned to the 51st Fighter Group.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; India-Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma; China Offensive. Vietnam: Vietnam Advisory; Vietnam Defensive; Vietnam Air; Vietnam Air Offensive; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III; Vietnam Air/Ground; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV; Tet 69/Counteroffensive; Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969; Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970; Sanctuary Counteroffensive; Southwest Monsoon; Commando Hunt V; Command Hunt VI.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Presidential Unit Citations (Southeast Asia): 1 Aug 1968-31 Aug 1969; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1970; 30 Jan-30 Sep 1971. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with the Combat "V" Device: 1 May 1963-31 Jul 1964; 1 Jul 1965-15 May 1966; 1 Jul 1966-31 May 1967; 1 May 1969-30 Apr 1970. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 30 Sep 1974-31 Mar 1976; 1 Jul 1982-30 Jun 1984; 1 Jul 1984-30 Apr 1986; 1 Dec 1986-2 Oct 1988; 3 Oct 1988-30 Sep 1990; 1 Oct 1992-[1 Oct 1993]. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 1 Apr 1966-[30 Sep 1971]. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 19-20 Aug 1972.
Emblem: On a white disc, border black, piped white, a gremlin proper, wearing a blue suit trimmed with collar, cuffs, and three buttons, all red, red shoes and cap, diving through the air, peering forward under the cupped right hand while holding brown briefcase in the left hand; binoculars strung about the neck by black straps and flowing to rear. Significance: The insignia typifies the function of the squadron, speedy courier service, observation, reconnaissance, and liaison. Approved on 11 Oct 1943. Photographic Negative Numbers: 26595 AC (black and white); K2842 (Color). (Squadron apparently has used several unofficial emblems at various times, but never carried through with the approval process.)
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 26 Feb 2003.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 1 Oct 1993.
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71st Liaison Squadron
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Source:
Lineage: Constituted 71st Liaison Squadron on 17 Jun 1943. Activated on 15 Jul 1943. Inactivated on 8 Dec 1945. Consolidated 19 Sep 85 with the 471st Fighter Bomber Sq as the 471st Tactical Electronic Warfare Training Sq (not active).
Assignments: Tenth Air Force, 15 Jul 1943; US Army Forces, CBI, 19 Aug 1943 (attached to the 5303d Combat Troops [later 5303d Area Command, later Northern Combat Area Command], c. Oct 1943 - Aug 1944; detachment attached to Y Force, Nov 1943 - c. 1 Jul 1944); AAF, India-Burma Sector, 28 Mar 1944; Tenth Air Force, 21 Aug 1944 (attached to 1st Liaison Group [Prov], 29 Aug 1944 - 30 Apr 1945); Fourteenth Air Force, 6 Jul 1945 (attached to XIV Air Force Tactical Air Command, 24 Jul - 1 Aug 1945); Tenth Air Force, 1 Aug - 8 Dec 1945.
Stations: Ondal, India, 15 Jul 1943; Ramgarh, India, 17 Jul 1943 (detachment at Ledo, India, after 18 Sep 1943); Ledo, India, 26 Oct 1943 (detachment at Kunming, China, Nov 1943 - c. 1 Jul 1944); Sahmaw, Burma, 15 Oct 1944; Katha, Burma, 16 Jan 1945; Myitkyina, Burma, 22 Mar 1945; Dinjan, India, c. 24 Apr 1945 (air echelon at Myitkyina, Burma, to May 1945); Piardoba, India, 12 May - 10 Jul 1945; Kunming, China, 25 Jul 1945; Liuchow, China, 21 Aug 1945; Chihkiang, China, c. 7 Oct 1945; Kunming, China, Oct 1945; Salua AAB, India, 4 Nov - 8 Dec 1945.
Aircraft: In addition to L-5, 1943-1945, included L-4, 1943-1945, and L-1 and UC-64, 1944-1945.
Operations: Combat in CBI, c. Oct 1943 - May 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: India-Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma; China Offensive.
Decorations: None.
Emblem: Over and through a yellow disc, the caricatured elephant, Dumbo, with ears acting as wings, holding a brown dispatch case under the left foreleg, in flight, toward dexter, wearing aviator's goggles, and having an ornate yellow and orange howdah strapped about the back, containing a brown crutch, a box of freight, proper, and a small, caricatured figure attired in blue pajamas, with a bandage about the head, and the right arm in a sling, leaning out of front of howdah, all over two, small parapack 'chutes with boxes of freight, in front of a small white cloud formation to sinister base. (Approved 20 Feb 1945.)
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115th Liaison Squadron
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Source:
Lineage: Organized as 115th Aero Squadron on 28 Aug 1917. Redesignated 636th Aero Squadron on 1 Feb 1918. Demobilized on 8 Apr 1919. Reconstituted and consolidated (1936) with 115th Observation Squadron which, having been allotted to NG, was activated on 16 Jun 1924. Ordered to active service on 3 Mar 1941. Redesignated: 115th Observation Squadron (Light) on 13 Jan 1942; 115th Observation Squadron on 2 Apr 1943. Inactivated on 25 Dec 1945. Redesignated 115th Bombardment Squadron (Light), and allotted to ANG, on 24 May 1946. Activated 15 Aug 46, federally recognized 16 Sep 46, inactivated 1 Jan 53. Redesignated 115th Fighter-Bomber Squadron and activated 1 Jan 53, redesignated 115th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron 1 Jul 55, 115th Tactical Fighter Squadron 1 Oct 58, 115th Air Transport Squadron, Heavy 9 Jan 60, 115th Military Airlift Squadron 1 Jan 66, 115th Tactical Airlift Squadron 14 Apr 70, 115th Airlift Squadron 31 Mar 91.
Assignments: Unkn, 28 Aug - Dec 1917; Second Aviation Instruction Center, Dec 1917 - Jan 1919; unkn, Jan - 8 Apr 1919. California NG (divisional aviation, 40th division), 16 Jun 1924; III Army Corps, 3 Mar 1941; Fourth Air Force, 1 Sep 1941; 69th Observation (later Reconnaissance) Group, 3 Sep 1941; II Air Support Command (later II Tactical Air Division), 11 Aug 1943; I (later III) Tactical Air Division, 18 Apr 1944; Tenth Air Force, 29 Oct 1944 (attached to 1st Liaison Group [Prov], 18 Nov 1944 - 30 Apr 1945); Fourteenth Air Force, 6 Jul - 25 Dec 1945 (attached to 312th Fighter Wing, 24 Jul - 1 Aug 1945). Assigned to 111th Bombardment Group 1946-1 Nov 50, 146th Composite Group -Feb 51, 126th Bombardment Group -Dec 51, 4400 Combat Crew Training Group -1953. 146th Fighter-Bomber Group/Fighter-Interceptor Group/Tactical Fighter Group/Air Transport Group -Jun 62, 146th Air Transport Wing -Nov 62, 146th Air Transport Group/Military Airlift Group/Tactical Airlift Group -Feb 75, 146th Tactical Airlift Wing/Airlift Wing -1 Jan 93, 146th Operations Group.
Stations: Kelly Field, TX, 28 Aug 1917; Garden City, NY, 31 Oct - 3 Dec 1917; Tours, France, c. 27 Dec 1917; St. Nazaire, France, c. 11 Jan - c. Mar 1919; Garden City, NY, c. 25 Mar - 8 Apr 1919. Los Angeles, Calif, 16 Jun 1924; Paso Robles, Calif, 13 Mar 1941; San Bernardino, Calif, 13 Dec 1941; Ontario, Calif, 1 Jun 1942; Laurel, Miss, 11 Nov 1942; Esler Field, La, 30 Mar 1943; Pollock AAFld, La, 7 Jul 1943; Brownwood AAFld, Tex, 21 Nov 1943 - 14 Sep 1944; Ledo, India 11 Nov 1944 (detachment at Myitkyina, Burma, after 3 Jan 1945); Myitkyina, Burma, 21 Jan 1945; Dinjan, India (air echelon at Myitkyina, Burma), 24 Apr 1945; Nagaghuli, India, 9 May 1945; Chengkung, China, 20 Jul 1945; Hsingchiang, China, 23 Jul 1945 (operated primarily from Peishiyi, China, after 11 Aug 1945); Peishiyi, China, 2 Sep 1945; Luliang, China, 3 Oct 1945; Kancharapara, India, 13 Oct - 10 Nov 1945; Ft Lewis, Wash, 19-25 Dec 1945; Van Nuys Muni Apt, CA 1946-Apr 48, Lockheed Air Term, CA -May 51, Langley AFB, VA -1953. Van Nuys Muni Apt, CA 1953-30 Apr 90 Channel Islands ANGB, CA.
Aircraft: Included JN-4, DH-4, TW-3, PT-1, BT-1, O-2, and O-17 during period 1924 - 1932; O-38, 1931-1942; in addition to O-47, c. 1938-1943, O-49, 1941-1943, and L-2, 1942-1943, included P-40, 1943, apparently L-4, 1942-1943; in addition to L-5, 1943-1945, included L-1, 1944-1945, and L-4, 1945.
Operations: Constructed facilities and engaged in supply and related base support activities, 1918-1919. Antisubmarine patrols, 1941-c. Sep 1942; combat in CBI, 3 Dec 1944 - c. 8 May 1945, Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: Theater of Operations.
Campaigns: Antisubmarine, American Theater; India-Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma; China Offensive.
Decorations: None.
Emblem: On a wreath or and gules the setting sun behind a grizzly bear passant on a grassy field all proper. (Approved 26 Dec 1929.)
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2nd Air Commando Group
 Plaque located in Memorial Park
National Museum of the United States Air Force
 F-6D reconnaissance version of the Mustang -- Courtesy of Mr. Nick King
Source:
Lineage: Established as 2 Air Command Group on 11 Apr 1944. Activated on 22 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 12 Nov 1945. Disestablished on 8 Oct 1948. Reestablished and consolidated (31 Jul 1985) with the 702 Strategic Missile Wing (ICM-Snark) (established on 17 Jun 1958; activated on 1 Jan 1959; discontinued, and inactivated on 25 Jun 1961). Redesignated: 352 Special Operations Wing on 31 Jul 1985; 352 Special Operations Group on 21 Sep 1992. Activated on 1 Dec 1992. Consolidated (17 Aug 1998) with the 39 Special Operations Wing (established as the 39 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing on 20 Oct 1969; activated on 1 Jan 1970; redesignated 39 Special Operations Wing on 1 Mar 1988; inactivated on 1 Dec 1992). Consolidated group retained designation of 352 Special Operations Group.
Assignments: III Fighter Command, 22 Apr 1944; Army Air Forces, India-Burma Theater, c. 12 Nov 1944; Tenth Air Force, 10 Jul 1945; Army Air Forces, India-Burma Theater, c. 18 Aug-Oct 1945. 45 Air Division, 1 Jan 1959-25 Jun 1961. Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Service, 1 Jan 1970; Twenty-Third Air Force (later, Air Force Special Operations Command), 1 Oct 1983-.
Components
Squadrons: 1 Fighter, Commando: 22 Apr 1944-12 Nov 1945. 2 Fighter, Commando: 22 Apr 1944-12 Nov 1945. 7 Special Operations: 1 Feb 1987-. 9 Special Operations: 1 Mar 1988-18 Apr 1989. 21 Special Operations: 1 May 1988-. 37 Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 Jul 1978-1 Feb 1987. 38 Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 Jul 1978-8 Jan 1981. 40 Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 Jul 1978-31 Dec 1987. 41 Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 Jan 1970-1 Sep 1975. 42 Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 Jan 1970-15 Jun 1973. 43 Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 Jan 1970-1 Jun 1974. 44 Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 Jan 1970-15 Jun 1973. 48 Air Rescue and Recovery: 15 Sep 1972-1 Jan 1976; 1 Oct 1985-31 Dec 1987. 54 Air Rescue and Recovery: 1 Jan 1970-15 Jul 1974. 55 Air Rescue and Recovery (later, 55 Special Operations): 1 Jan 1970-18 Apr 1989. 56 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery: 1 May 1988-1 Apr 1989. 67 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery (later, 67 Special Operations): 17 May 1973-. 71 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery: 8 Mar 1970-1 Jul 1974. 556 Strategic Missile: 1 Apr-16 Jul 1959.
Detachments: 1 (Elmendorf AFB, AK): 1 Jan 1970-1 Jul 1971. 1 (Homestead AFB, FL): 1 Feb 1973-15 May 1974. 1 (Homestead AFB, FL): 1 Sep 1975-1 Jul 1978. 1 (Ramstein): 1 Feb 1990-1 Dec 1992. 2 (Albrook AFB, CZ): 1 Jan 1970-15 Jul 1975. 2 (K.I.Sawyer AFB, MI): 1 Sep 1975-1 Oct 1977. 3 (Patrick AFB, FL): 1 Jan-8 Jun 1970. 3 (Sondrestrom AB, Greenland): 1 Dec 1971-1 Jul 1973. 4 (Thule AB, Greenland): 1 Jan 1970-31 Jul 1975. 5 (Tyndall AFB, FL): 1 Jan-8 Jun 1970. 5 (Tyndall AFB, FL): 1 Feb 1973-1 Jul 1978. 5 (Tyndall AFB, FL): 8 Jan 1981-1 Feb 1987. 6 (Loring AFB, ME): 1 Feb 1973-15 Apr 1974. 7 (Ramstein AB, Germany): 15 May 1973-1 Nov 1974. 7 (Rhein-Main AB, Germany): 5 Nov-1 Dec 1992. 9 (Zaragoza AB, Spain): 15 May 1973-30 Sep 1977. 10 (Aviano AB, Italy): 15 May 1973-1 Jul 1974. 10 (MacDill AFB, FL): 1 Sep 1975-1 Jul 1978. 11 (Myrtle Beach AFB, SC): 1 Sep 1975-1 Jul 1978. 11 (Myrtle Beach AFB, SC): 8 Jan 1981-1 Feb 1987. 14 (Keflavik AB, Iceland): 15 May 1973-30 Sep 1977. 15 (Patrick AFB, FL): 1 Feb 1973-1 Jul 1978. 15 (Patrick AFB, FL): 8 Jan 1981-1 Feb 1987. 18 (Plattsburgh AFB, NY): 1 Sep 1975-1 Jul 1978.
Stations: Drew Field, FL, 22 Apr 1944; Lakeland AAFld, FL, 3 May 1944; Alachua AAFld, FL, 9 Jun 1944; Drew Field, FL, 17 Aug 1944; Lakeland AAFld, FL, 22 Aug 1944; Drew Field, FL, 23-28 Oct 1944; Kalaikunda, India, 16 Dec 1944; Karachi, India, 5-21 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 11-12 Nov 1945. Presque Isle AFB, ME, 1 Jan 1959-25 Jun 1961. Richards-Gebaur AFB, MO, 1 Jan 1970; Eglin AFB, FL, 25 Jun 1971-May 1989; Rhein-Main AB, Germany, 1 Jun 1989; RAF Alconbury, England, 1 Jan 1992; RAF Mildenhall, England, 17 Feb 1995-.
Commanders: Capt L. H. Couch (acting), 22 Apr 1944; Col Arthur R. DeBolt, 1 May 1944; Col Alfred J. Ball Jr., 15 May 1945-unkn. Lt Col Harry W. Robb, 1 Jan 1959; Col Richard W. Beck, 15 Apr 1959; Col Roger A. Stevenson, 22 May-25 Jun 1961. Col Ritchie H. Belser Jr., 2 Jan 1970; Col Lawrence N. Gordon, 23 Jul 1970; Col James E. Dalton, 25 May 1973; Col William E. Moore, 18 Feb 1975; Col Billy R. McGee, 16 Jun 1977; Col Philip S. Prince, 25 Jul 1977; Col Edsel R. Field, 28 Apr 1980; Col James P. Scarff Jr., 24 Feb 1981; Col Albert L. Waters, 25 Jul 1983; Col Edward N. Byra, 6 Aug 1985; Col James L. Hobson Jr., 20 Mar 1987; Col Byron R. Hooten Jr., 5 May 1989; Col Eugene J. Ronsick, 11 Jul 1991; Col Bennie D. Orrell, 1 Dec 1992; Col Stephen R. Connelly, 13 Jul 1994; Col Michael F. Planert, 7 May 1996; Col John W. Zahrt, 15 May 1998; Col Jeffrey W. Walls, 9 May 2000; Col Otis G. Mannon, 14 Jul 2002; Col Dennis M. Jones, 20 Oct 2003; Col Marshall b. Webb, 23 Jun 2005-.
Aircraft: P-51, 1944, 1945; L-5, 1944, 1945; C-64, 1944, 1945; C-47, 1944-1945; CG-4 gliders, 1944, 1945; F-6, 1945; L-1, 1945; L-4, 1945; C-46, 1945. Snark, 1959-1961. CH/HH-3, 1970-c.1988; CH/HH-53, 1970-c.1988; HC-130, 1970-; HH-43, 1970-1973; UH-1, 1970-1988; HH-1, 1978-c.1988; TH-1, 1978-c.1988; UH-60, 1982-c.1988; MC-130, 1987-; MH-53, 1989-; C-130, 1994-.
Operations: Trained in Florida for air commando operations with P-51, C-47, and L-5 aircraft. Moved to India, Oct-Dec 1944: the troop carrier squadron flew their C-47s to India, arriving by late Oct; a group advanced echelon arrived mid-Nov; and the majority of the group arrived mid-Dec. Between Nov 1944 and May 1945 the group dropped supplies to Allied troops who were fighting the Japanese in the Chindwin Valley in Burma; transported Chinese troops from Burma to China; transported men, food, ammunition, and construction equipment to Burma; dropped Gurka paratroops during the assault on Rangoon; provided fighter support for Allied forces crossing the Irrawaddy River in Feb 1945; struck enemy airfields and transportation targets in Thailand; and flew reconnaissance, light transport, and evacuation for ground forces in forward areas in Burma. After May 1945 the fighter squadrons were in training; in Jun the group's C-47s were sent to Ledo to move road-building equipment, and later the troop carrier squadron transferred to China. During Jun-Jul most of the group's L-5s were turned over to Fourteenth Air Force and the Liaison Squadrons were sent to the Pacific. The remainder of the group returned to the US, Oct-Nov 1945 and inactivated on 12 Nov. As the only Snark missile wing in the USAF, the 702d performed intercontinental missile test operations from Patrick AFB, Florida, Apr-Jun 1959, and from the Atlantic Missile Range at Cape Canaveral, Florida, c. Dec 1959-Jun 1961. As the 39th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing, it flew numerous rescue sorties and from Jan 1970 until mid-1971, supported Strategic Air Command missile silos. After moving to Eglin AFB, FL in Jun 1971, wing assumed responsibility for rescue detachments in the Western Hemisphere and Europe. Later, as a Special Operations Wing, the 39th continued to fly rescue sorties, but also trained and participated in special operations exercises. Wing began moving to Germany in May 1989 and became the air component of Special Operations Command Europe. In response to Iraq's invasion of Kuwait on 2 Aug 1990, the majority of the 39th SOW personnel deployed to Turkey (12-17 Jan 1991), and operated as part of the special operations Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) ELUSIVE CONCEPT. The wing moved to England effective 1 Jan 1992. Served as the air component for Special Operations Command Europe. Trained for and performed special operations missions in the European Command area of operations, including establishing air assault landing zones, controlling close air support by strike aircraft and gunships, and providing trauma care for wounded and injured personnel. Deployed elements participated in PROVIDE COMFORT II. In 1993 the Group began supporting Operations PROVIDE PROMISE and DENY FLIGHT. The 352d continued to fly humanitarian missions to Eastern Europe, southwest Asia, and Africa and supported special operations in the European and Southwest Asia regions.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: India-Burma; Central Burma. Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait. Kosovo: Kosovo Air.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with the Combat "V" Device: 14 Jan-23 Mar 1991; 1 Aug 1998-31 Jul 1999; 1 Aug 2000-31 Jul 2002; 1 Aug 2003-31 Jul 2005. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1972-30 Jun 1974; 1 Jul 1976-30 Jun 1978; 20-29 Nov 1978; 2 Jul 1986-30 Jun 1988; 24 Mar 1991-31 Jul 1992; 1 Aug 1992-31 Jul 1993; 1 Aug 1994-31 Jul 1996; 1 Aug 1996-31 Jul 1998; 1 Aug 1999-31 Jul 2000.
Emblem (WWII): On a white disc bordered blue an exclamation point flanked by two lightning flashes, all blue.
Emblem (Current): approved on 28 Feb 1995.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 19 Jan 2006.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Oct 2003.
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...please be patient.
