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10th Air Force
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Established as 10 Air Force on 4 Feb 1942. Activated on 12 Feb 1942. Redesignated Tenth Air Force on 18 Sep 1942. Inactivated on 6 Jan 1946. Activated on 24 May 1946. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 1 Sep 1960. Activated on 20 Jan 1966. Organized on 1 Apr 1966. Inactivated on 31 Dec 1969. Redesignated Tenth Air Force (Reserve), and activated in the Reserve, on 8 Oct 1976. Redesignated Tenth Air Force on 1 Dec 1985.
Assignments: Air Force Combat Command, 12 Feb 1942; U.S. Army Forces in China-Burma-India Theater, 5 Mar 1942; Army Air Forces, India-Burma Sector, 21 Aug 1943 (attached to Eastern Air Command, 15 Dec 1943-1 Jun 1945 and further attached to Strategic Air Force, Eastern Air Command, 15 Dec 1943-20 Jun 1944); Army Air Forces, India-Burma Theater, 27 Oct 1944; Army Air Forces, China Theater, 6 Jul 1945; U.S. Army Air Forces, China Theater, 25 Aug 1945; Army Service Forces, Seattle Port of Embarkation, 5-6 Jan 1946. Air Defense Command, 24 May 1946; Continental Air Command, 1 Dec 1948-1 Sep 1960. Air (later, Aerospace) Defense Command, 20 Jan 1966-31 Dec 1969. Air Force Reserve (later, Air Force Reserve Command), 8 Oct 1976-.
Major Components
Commands: IX Air Service Area: 19 Mar-1 Jul 1948. X Air Force Service: 1 Feb-20 Aug 1943. XXI Air Force Service: 19 Mar-1 Jul 1948. Karachi American Air Base: 13 Feb-20 Aug 1943.
Divisions: 20 Air: 1 Apr 1966-31 Dec 1967. 24 Air: 19 Nov-1 Dec 1969. 25 Air: 15 Sep-1 Dec 1969. 26 Air: 19 Nov-1 Dec 1969. 27 Air: 15 Sep-19 Nov 1969. 28 Air: 1 Apr 1966-19 Nov 1969. 29 Air: 1 Apr 1966-15 Sep 1969. 30 Air: 16 Dec 1949-1 Sep 1950; 1 Apr 1966-18 Sep 1968. 31 Air: 1 Jul 1968-31 Dec 1969. 73 Air: 1 Jul 1948-27 Jun 1949. 96 Air: 1 Jul 1948-27 Jun 1949. 322 Air: 1 Jul 1948-27 Jun 1949. 323 Air: 1 Jul 1948-27 Jun 1949.
District: 2 Air Reserve: 1 Dec 1951-1 Apr 1954.
Regions: Fourth Air Force Reserve: 1 Jul-1 Sep 1960. Fifth Air Force Reserve: 1 Jul-1 Sep 1960.
Groups: 3d Combat Cargo: 1944-1945. 7th Bombardment: 1942-1945. 12th Bombardment: 1944-1945. 33d Fighter: 1944-1945. 80th Fighter: 1943-1945. 311th Fighter: 1943-1944. 341st Bombardment: 1942-1944. 443d Troop Carrier: 1944-1945.
Stations: Patterson Field, OH, 12 Feb-Mar 1942; New Delhi, India, 5 Mar 1942; Barrackpore, Calcutta, India, 16 Oct 1943; Belvedere Palace, Calcutta, India, 8 Jan 1944; Kanjikoah, Assam, India, 20 Jun 1944; Myitkyina, Burma, 2 Nov 1944; Bhamo, Burma, 7 Feb 1945; Piardoba, India, 15 May 1945; Kunming, China, 23 Jul 1945; Liuchow, China, 9 Aug 1945; Kunming, China, 25 Aug 1945; Shanghai, China, 18 Oct-15 Dec 1945; Fort Lawton, WA, 5-6 Jan 1946. Brooks Field (later, AFB), TX, 24 May l946; Offutt AFB, NE, 1 Jul 1948; Fort Benjamin Harrison (later, Benjamin Harrison AFB), IN, 25 Sep 1948; Selfridge AFB, MI, 16 Jan 1950-1 Sep 1960. Richards-Gebaur AFB, MO, 1 Apr 1966-31 Dec 1969. Bergstrom AFB, TX, 8 Oct 1976; Carswell ARS, TX, 30 Jun 1996-.
Commanders: None (not manned), 12-16 Feb 1942; Lt Col Harry A. Halverson, 17 Feb 1942; Maj Gen Lewis H. Brereton, 5 Mar 1942; Brig Gen Earl L. Naiden, 26 Jun l942; Maj Gen Clayton I. Bissell, 18 Aug 1942; Maj Gen Howard C. Davidson, 19 Aug 1943; Brig Gen Adiai H. Gilkeson, 14 Sep 1944; Maj Gen Howard C. Davidson, 11 Oct 1944; Maj Gen Albert F Hegenberger, 1 Aug 1945; unkn, Nov 1945-Jan 1946. None (not manned), 24 May-5 Jun 1946; Col Edward N. Backus, 6 Jun 1946; Maj Gen Howard M. Turner, 18 Jun 1946; Brig Gen Harry A. Johnson, 6 Jan 1948; Maj Gen Paul L. Williams. 1 Jul 1948; Brig Gen Harry A. Johnson, 23 May 1949; Maj Gen Paul L. Williams, 18 Jul 1949; Brig Gen Harry A. Johnson, 18 Nov 1949; Maj Gen Paul L. Williams, 23 Dec 1949; Brig Gen Harry A. Johnson, 4 Jan 1950; Maj Gen Paul L. Williams, 6 Apr 1950; Brig Gen Harry A. Johnson, 30 Apr 1950; Col Cecil E. Henry, 1 Jun 1950; Maj Gen Harry A. Johnson, 14 Jun 1950; Maj Gen Grandison Gardner, 20 Jan 1951; Maj Gen Harry A. Johnson, 1 April 1951; Col Bernard C. Rose, 1 Jul 1953; Maj Gen Richard A. Grussendorf, 2 Jul 1953; Col Paul E. Todd, 1 Aug 1955; Maj Gen Robert E. L. Eaton. 15 Sep 1955; Col Downs E. Ingram, 19 Aug 1959; Maj Gen Harold R. Maddux, 24 Aug 1959-1 Sep 1960. Maj Gen Thomas K. McGehee, 1 Apr 1966; Maj Gen William D. Greenfield, 27 Sep 1967-31 Dec 1969. Maj Gen Roy M. Marshall, 8 Oct 1976; Maj Gen John E. Taylor Jr, 15 May 1978; Maj Gen James C. Wahleithner, 1 May 1984; Maj Gen Roger P. Scheer, 4 May 1985; Brig Gen William B. McDaniel, 1 Nov 1986; Brig Gen John J. Closner III, 6 Jul 1987; Brig Gen Robert A. McIntosh, 5 Jul 1989; Maj Gen David R. Smith, 1 Dec 1990; Maj Gen John A. Bradley, Feb 1998; Maj Gen David E. Tanzi, 4 Mar 2002; Maj Gen Allan R. Poulin, 20 Jan 2005; Maj Gen Richard C. Collins, 24 Dec 2005; Brig Gen Thomas R. Coon, 3 Jun 2007-.
Operations: Activated for air operations in the China-India-Burma (CBI) theater; commanded tactical units from March 1942-December 1943, then served as a strategic bombardment headquarters in the CBI; later, resumed command over tactical fighter units in June 1944 until August 1945, when it conducted primarily air transport and troop carrier missions through the end of its operations in December 1945. Following WWII, initially conducted air defense operations and training beginning in the late 1940s, then later concentrated on air reserve training throughout the 1950s. Responsible for air defense and early warning forces based in the northern central and later southern central U.S. from 1966-1969. From 1976, exercised intermediate command over reserve component flying training, fighter, bomber, air refueling, rescue, space and special operations forces.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Burma; India-Burma; Central Burma; China Defensive; China Offensive.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1984-30 Jun 1986; 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1995; 1 Oct 1995-30 Sep 1996; 1 Oct 2004-30 Sep 2006.
(Presidential Unit Citation: See "Background of the Presidential Unit Citation for MIS" in CBI Unit Histories)
Emblem: On an ultramarine blue disc, a white shield in base, winged golden orange, the shield bearing the Arabic numeral "10" ultramarine blue, all below a white five pointed star charged with a red disc, encircled by a white annulet. Approved on 25 Jan 1944; revised on 13 Jan 1977.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 5 Sep 2008.
Commanders and Operations through 5 Sep 2008.
Supersedes statement prepared on 28 Mar 1977.
 Source: "The Army Almanac", U.S. Government Printing Office, 1950. Lineage: Activated as 10th Air Force at Patterson Field, Ohio, 12 February 1942. Redesignated the Tenth Air Force, 18 September 1942. Inactivated at Seattle, Wash., 6 January 1946. Activated at Brooks Field, Tex., 24 May 1946. Commanding generals: Maj. Gen. Lewis H. Brereton (5 March 1942-25 June 1942); Brig. Gen. Earl L. Naiden (25 June 1942-18 August 1942); Maj. Gen. Clayton L. Bissell (18 August 1942-19 August 1943); Maj. Gen. Howard C. Davidson (19 August 1943-1 August 1945); Maj. Gen. Albert F. Hegenberger (1 August 1945-November 1945); Col. Edward N. Backus, (6-18 June 1946); Maj. Gen. Howard M. Turner (18 June 1946-1 January 1948); Brig. Gen. Harry A. Johnson (1 January 1948-1 July 1948); Maj. Gen. Paul L. Williams (1 July 1948-). Operational Notes (World War II): In the China-Burma-India Theater, the Tenth Air Force had, as its primary function, defense of the ferry route over the Hump. From the Kunming terminal, its China Air Task Force struck at enemy installations, port facilities, and shipping in the China Sea, while its India Air Task Force guarded the Dinjan end and insured neutralization of airfields at Myitkyina and other places in northern Burma. Although duties of the China Air Task Force were assumed by the Fourteenth Air Force in March 1943, the Tenth continued to operate from bases in Assam, disrupting enemy lines of communications, flying sweeps over the Bay of Bengal, and mining harbors at Rangoon, Bangkok, and Moulmein. Later, as components of the Eastern Air Command (15 December 1943-1 June 1945), Tenth Air Force units participated in all important phases of the Burma campaign, furnishing airborne support to General Wingate's forces, dropping supplies to Merrill's Marauders, and facilitating General Stilwell's reconquest of North Burma. By April 1945, some 350,000 men were wholly dependent upon air supply by these units. In August 1945, the Tenth moved to China, anticipating an offensive against Japan proper. Station: Ft. Benjamin Harrison, Ind. (Oct. 1948). History of the CBI Theater: "Army Air Forces in WWII" (7 volumes) Office of Air Force History Wesley Craven & James Cate, editors 
5320th Air Defense Wing Source: Ex-CBI Roundup, February 1957 issue American Air Command No. 1; redesignated 5320th Air Defense Wing; redesignated Forward Echelon, 10th Air Force; later incorporated into HQ, 10th AF.
India Air Task Force Source: The Army Air Forces in WWII Vol. IV [Chapter 12], Craven & Cate Brig. Gen. Clayton L. Bissell (10th AF) had made a careful survey of the staff of his air force, and he promptly appealed for additional personnel to replace officers reassigned to the Middle East. In preparation for operations at the close of the monsoon season, he decided to organize all combat units in India into an air task force comparable to the one then operating in China, and to designate Col. Caleb V. Haynes to command it. When the activation of the India Air Task Force (IATF) should be accomplished, the Tenth Air Force would consist of the CATF under Chennault, the IATF under Haynes, the X Air Service Command under Oliver, the India-China Ferry Command under Tate, and the Karachi American Air Base Command under Brig. Gen. Francis M. Brady. The IATF was activated at Dinjan, India to support Chinese resistance along the Salween River by hitting supply lines in C and S Burma; the new task force, commanded by Colonel Caleb V Haynes, includes all AAF combat units in India, all based at Karachi-the 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy), the 51st Fighter Group, and the 341st Bombardment Group (Medium). On paper the IATF had nine squadrons, but not one was fully prepared for combat operations. Of the four heavy bombardment squadrons of the 7th Group, the 9th had not yet been returned from the Middle East, the 436th was just receiving its component of aircraft, and the other two, the 492d and 493d, were mere cadres. The recently activated 341st Bombardment Group (M) had only three squadrons in India, and two of them, the 490th and 491st, were without aircraft. The 22d Squadron was just receiving its planes and had not completed training. A detachment of the 26th Fighter Squadron had moved to Dinjan, but the other squadron of the 51st Fighter Group, the 25th, was in training at Karachi. By January 1943 headquarters of the IATF had been established at Barrackpore near Calcutta, and the following deployment of combat units was completed: the 25th and 26th Fighter Squadrons were at Sookerating and Dinjan, in Assam; the 436th and 492d Bombardment Squadrons (H) were at Gaya; the 9th and 493d Bombardment Squadrons (H) at Pandaveswar; the 22d and 491st Bombardment Squadrons (M) at Chakulia; and the 490th Bombardment Squadron (M) at Ondal. The newly activated squadrons, though not yet at full strength, were ready to participate in combat, and it appeared that for the first time the Tenth Air Force was in position to challenge Japanese air supremacy in Burma. Although deployment and training had advanced to a stage permitting combat operations, other fundamental problems had to be worked out before the IATF could hope to achieve success comparable to that of the CATF. The Tenth Air Force as a whole was a fairly well-balanced organization, with one heavy group, one medium group, and two fighter groups.
American Volunteer Group (AVG) (forerunner to the China Air Task Force, July 1937 - July 1942)
 Plaque located at Air Force Academy Cemetery (See 14th AF Units)
China Air Task Force (CATF) (forerunner to the 14th Air Force, July 1942 - March 1943)
Plaque located at Air Force Academy Cemetery (See 14th AF Units)
Eastern Air Command (EAC) (See CBI Unit Histories) (15 December 1943-1 June 1945) In December 1943, the Japanese held almost all Burma and, standing poised on India's eastern frontier, threatened to swarm over Bengal's plains. To meet this crisis, the Supreme Allied Commander in the newly-formed South East Asia Command, Admiral Lord Louis Mountbatten, directed the integration of Allied air operations over Burma and formed Eastern Air Command, which was commanded by Lt. General (then Maj. Gen.) George E. Stratemeyer, and responsible to Air Chief Marshall Sir Richard Peirce, the Allied Air Commander-in-Chief. The Supreme Allied Commander originally specified two main objectives: (1) Protect the lines of communication between the supply base of India and the fighting Chinese front and (2) destroy the Japanese air force in Burma. Most of the available RAF and USAAF aircraft in the Theater were given to the General to execute his task. Thus was born Eastern Air Command, an integrated air force with flying crews and ground personnel from Britain, the United States, Canada, Australia, New Zealand, South Africa and India.
1st Air Commando Group (See CBI Unit Histories)
 Hailakandi, India - 1944  L-5B, 44-16816 of the 1st ACG -- Courtesy of Mr. Nick King  Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force Source: Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Authorized on the inactive list as 16 Pursuit Group on 24 Mar 1923. Activated on 1 Dec 1932. Redesignated: 16 Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 6 Dec 1939; 16 Fighter Group on 15 May 1942. Disestablished on 1 Nov 1943. Reestablished and consolidated (1 Oct 1993) with the 1 Special Operations Wing, which was established as 1 Air Commando Group on 9 Aug 1944, replacing the 1 Air Commando Group (a miscellaneous unit) that was constituted on 25 Mar 1944, activated on 29 Mar 1944, and consolidated on 9 Aug 1944 with the headquarters unit of the new establishment. Inactivated on 3 Nov 1945. Disestablished on 8 Oct 1948. Reestablished on 18 Apr 1962. Activated, and organized, on 27 Apr 1962. Redesignated: 1 Air Commando Wing on 1 Jun 1963; 1 Special Operations Wing on 8 Jul 1968; 834 Tactical Composite Wing on 1 Jul 1974; 1 Special Operations Wing on 1 Jul 1975; 16 Special Operations Wing on 1 Oct 1993; 1 Special Operations Wing on 16 Nov 2006 per DAF/A1M 758s, 15 Nov 2006; SO #GS-03, Hq AFSOC, 15 Nov 2006.
Assignments: 3 Attack Wing, 1 Dec 1932; 19 Composite (later, 19) Wing, 15 Jun 1933; 12 Pursuit Wing, 20 Nov 1940; XXVI Interceptor (later, XXVI Fighter) Command, 6 Mar 1942-1 Nov 1943. Army Air Forces India-Burma Sector, 29 Mar 1944 (original unit assigned to 9 Aug 1944, establishment assigned thereafter); Tenth Air Force, 10 Jul 1945; Army Service Forces, 6 Oct-3 Nov 1945. USAF Special Air Warfare Center (later, USAF Special Operations Force), 27 Apr 1962; Tactical Air Command, 1 Jul 1974; Ninth Air Force, 1 Jul 1976; Tactical Air Command, 26 Sep 1980; Ninth Air Force, 1 Aug 1981; 2 Air Division, 1 Mar 1983; Twenty Third Air Force (later, Air Force Special Operations Command), 1 Feb 1987-.
Components
Group: 1 Special Operations (later, 16 Operations; 1 Special Operations): 22 Sep 1992-. 549 Tactical Air Support Training: 15 Dec 1975-1 Jan 1977. 930 Tactical Airlift (later, 930 Air Commando; 930 Special Operations): 1 Jun 1968-18 Jun 1969.
Squadron: 5 Fighter, Commando (later, 605 Air Commando): 1 Sep 1944-3 Nov 1945; 15 Nov 1963-1 Jul 1964 (detached 15 Nov 1963-1 Jul 1964). 6 Fighter, Commando (later, 6 Air Commando; 6 Special Operations Training): 30 Sep 1944-3 Nov 1945; 27 Apr 1962-29 Feb 1968; 31 Jul 1973-1 Jan 1974. 8 Special Operations: 1 Mar 1974-22 Sep 1992. 9 Special Operations: 18 Apr 1989-22 Sep 1992. 16 Special Operations: 12 Dec 1975-22 Sep 1992. 18 Special Operations: 25 Jan-15 Jul 1969. 20 Special Operations: 1 Jan 1976-22 Sep 1992. 24 Pursuit (later 16 Fighter): 1 Dec 1932-1 Nov 1943. 29 Pursuit (later, 29 Fighter): 1 Oct 1933-1 Nov 1943. 43 Pursuit (Interceptor) (later, 43 Fighter): 1 Feb 1940-1 Nov 1943. 44 Observation (later, 44 Reconnaissance): attached c. Dec 1932-31 Aug 1937, assigned 1 Sep 1937-31 Jan 1940, attached 1 Feb-20 Nov 1940. 55 Special Operations: 18 Apr 1989-22 Sep 1992. 71 Tactical Airlift (later, 71 Air Commando; 71 Special Operations): 1 Jun-16 Dec 1968. 74 Pursuit (later, 74 Attack; 74 Bombardment): 1 Oct 1933-1 Feb 1940. 78 Pursuit: 1 Dec 1932-1 Sep 1937. 164 Liaison: 1 Sep 1944-3 Nov 1945. 165 Liaison: 1 Sep 1944-3 Nov 1945. 166 Liaison: 1 Sep 1944-3 Nov 1945. 310 Attack: 15 May-15 Jul 1969. 311 Attack: 15 May-15 Jul 1969. 317 Air Commando (later, 317 Special Operations): 1 Jul 1964-15 Jul 1969; 15 Apr 1970-30 Apr 1974. 318 Special Operations: 15 Nov 1971-1 Jun 1974. 319 Troop Carrier, Commando (later, 319 Air Commando; 319 Special Operations): 1 Sep 1944-2 Sep 1945; 27 Apr 1962-15 Jul 1969; 30 Jul 1969-15 Jan 1972. 360 Tactical Electronic Warfare: 1-31 Jul 1973. 415 Special Operations Training: 19 Jul 1971-30 Jun 1975. 424 Special Operations (later, 424 Tactical Air Support) Training: 1 Jul 1970-1 Jan 1972. 547 Special Operations (later, 547 Tactical Air Support) Training: 15 Oct 1969-30 Apr 1975. 549 Tactical Air Support Training: 15 Oct 1969-15 Dec 1975. 602 Fighter, Commando: 1 May 1963-1 Oct 1964. 603 Fighter, Commando (later, 603 Air Commando; 603 Special Operations; 603 Special Operations Training): 1 Jul 1963-15 May 1971; 1 Jul 1973-1 Jul 1974. 604 Fighter, Commando: 1 Jul 1963-8 Nov 1964. 775 Troop Carrier: 15 Apr-1 Jul 1964. 4406 Combat Crew Training: 1 Oct 1968-15 Jul 1969. 4407 Combat Crew Training: 15 Jul 1969-30 Apr 1973. 4408 Combat Crew Training: 15 Jul-22 Sep 1969. 4409 Combat Crew Training: 15 Jul-15 Oct 1969. 4410 Combat Crew Training: 27 Apr 1962-1 Dec 1965; 15 Jul-15 Oct 1969. 4412 Combat Crew Training: 25 Oct 1967-15 Jul 1969. 4413 Combat Crew Training: 1 Mar 1968-15 Jul 1969. 4473 Combat Crew Training: 8 Aug 1969-1 Jul 1970. 4532 Combat Crew Training: 25 Oct 1967-15 Jul 1969.
Flight: 7 Special Operations: 1 Jul 1969-31 May 1972.
Stations: Albrook Field, CZ, 1 Dec 1932-1 Nov 1943. Hailakandi, India, 29 Mar 1944 (original unit); Asansol, India, 20 May 1944-6 Oct 1945 (original unit to 9 Aug 1944, establishment thereafter); Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-3 Nov 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, 15 Jul 1969-.
Commanders: Unkn, 1932-1933; Maj Robert L. Walsh, c. 2 Sep 1933-c. 14 Aug 1935; Lt Col Willis H. Hale, Sep 1938-8 Aug 1939; Maj Arthur L. Bump, c. 1939-c. Feb 1941; Capt Roger J. Browne, 24 Feb 1941; Lt Col Otto P. Weyland, 20 May 1941; Maj John A. H. Miller, 1 Mar 1942; Lt Col Philip B. Klein, 10 Apr 1942; Lt Col Hiette S. William Jr., Sep 1942; Maj James K. Johnson, 1943; Maj Edwin Bishop Jr., 25 Sep 1943-unkn. Col Philip G. Cochran, 29 Mar 1944 (original unit); Col Clinton B. Gaty, 20 May 1944 (original unit to 9 Aug 1944; establishment thereafter); Col Robert W. Hall, c. 7 Apr 1945-unkn. Lt Col Miles M. Doyle, 27 Apr 1962; Col Chester A. Jack, 29 Apr 1962; Col Gerald R. Dix, 19 Mar 1963; Col Harry C. Aderholt, 28 Mar 1964; Col Gordon F. Bradburn, 10 Jul 1964; Col Hugh G. Fly Jr., 1 Dec 1965; Col Alpheus W. Blizzard Jr., 3 Apr 1967; Col Albert S. Pouloit, 9 Sep 1967; Col Leonard Volet, 14 Feb 1969; Col Robert W. Gates, 15 Jul 1969; Col Michael C. Horgan, 31 Oct 1970; Col James H. Montrose, 1 Apr 1973; Brig Gen William J. Holton, 11 Jan 1974; Col Edward Levell Jr., 1 Jul 1976; Col Richard H. Dunwoody, 29 Jul 1977; Col Theodore W. Stuart, 13 Mar 1980; Col Hugh L. Cox III, 26 Feb 1982; Col Hugh L. Hunter, 1 Mar 1983; Col Leonard A. Butler, 12 Jul 1985; Col Hanson L. Scott, 28 Aug 1986; Col Dale E. Stovall, 13 Jul 1987; Col George A. Gray III, 21 Jun 1989; Col Gary C. Vycital, c. 29 Aug 1990 (temporary); Col George A. Gray III, c. 24 Nov 1990; Col Gary C. Vycital, c. 24 Dec 1990 (temporary); Col George A. Gray III, 13 Mar 1991; Col Charles R. Holland, 20 Jun 1991; Brig Gen Maxwell C. Bailey, 7 Jun 1993; Brig Gen Norton A. Schwartz, 2 Jun 1995; Col Richard L. Comer, 16 May 1997; Col Donald C. Wurster; 12 Jun 1998; Col David J. Scott, 29 Jul 1999; Col Lyle M. Koenig, 29 Jun 2001; Col Frank J. Kisner, 28 Jun 2002; Col Otis G. Mannon, 24 Oct 2003; Col Norman J. Brozenick Jr., 7 Jul 2005-.
Aircraft: P-12, 1932-1943; OA-3 1933-1937; B-6, 1933-1937; OA-9, 1937-1940; Y-10, 1937-1940; A-17, 1937-1940; P-26, 1938-1941; P-36, 1939-1942; P-39, 1941-1943; P-40, 1941-1943. B-25, 1944; P-47, 1944-1945; P-51, 1944, 1945; UC-64, 1944-1945; L-1, 1944; L-5, 1944-1945; C-47, 1944-1945; YR-4, 1944-1945; CG-4 (glider), 1944-1945; TG-5 (glider), 1944-1945. C-46, 1962-1964; C/TC/VC-47, 1962-1970, 1973-1975; B/RB-26, 1962-1966; T/AT-28, 1962-1973; L-28 (later, U-10), 1962-1973; C/UC-123, 1963-1973; A-1, 1963-1966, 1969-1972; YAT-28, 1964-1965; YAT-37, 1964; O-1, 1964-1967, 1969-1971; AC-47, 1965, 1967-1969; U-3, 1966-1967; U-6, 1966-1967; UH-1, 1966, 1969-1974, 1976-1985; A/RA-26, 1966-1969; A-37, 1967-1969, 1969-1971, 1973-1974; EC/HC-47, 1967-1969, 1973; AC-123, 1967; C/MC-130, 1968-; AC-130, 1968, 1971-; EC-130, 1969; C/AC-119, 1968-1969, 1971-1972; O-2, 1969-1976; OV-10, 1969-1976; YQU-22 (drone), 1969-1970; QU-22 (drone), 1970-1971; CH-3, 1973-1974, 1976-1980; MH-53, 1980-; MH-60, 1989-; HC-130, 1989-. In addition to the primary aircraft listed above, also flew T-29, 1969-1973; VT-29, 1969-1975; T-33, 1969-1975; T-39, 1969-1975; C-131, 1970-1973; and VC-131, 1973-1975.
Operations: Provided fighter defense of Panama Canal operations, Dec 1932-Oct 1943. Replaced the 5318th Provisional Air Unit in India in Mar 1944. As a miscellaneous unit, the group was comprised until Sep 1944 of operational sections (rather than units): bomber; fighter; light-plane (and helicopter); transport; glider; and light-cargo. The group provided fighter cover, bomb striking power, and air transport services for Wingate's Raiders, fighting behind enemy lines in Burma. Operations included airdrop and landing of troops, food, and equipment; evacuation of casualties; and attacks against enemy airfields and lines of communication. Converted from P-51 to P-47 fighters and eliminated its B-25 bomber section in May 1944. In Sep 1944, after the original unit was consolidated with the headquarters component of the new establishment (also called 1st Air Commando Group); the sections were replaced by a troop carrier, two fighter, and three liaison squadrons. The group continued performing supply, evacuation, and liaison services for allied forces in Burma until the end of the war, including the movement of Chinese troops from Burma to China in Dec 1944. It also attacked bridges, railroads, airfields, barges, oil wells, and troop positions in Burma and escorted bombers to Burmese targets, including Rangoon. Switched back to P-51s in May 1945. Left Burma in Oct and inactivated in NJ in Nov 1945. Replaced the 4400th Combat Crew Training Group in Apr 1962 and assumed air commando operations and training responsibility. Trained USAF and South Vietnamese Air Force aircrews in the United States and South Vietnam in unconventional warfare, counterinsurgency, psychological warfare, and civic actions throughout the Southeast Asian conflict. Between 11 Jan and 30 Jun 1974, the USAF Special Operations Force and 1st Special Operations Wing merged their operations, and on 1 Jul 1974, the wing assumed responsibility for operating the USAF Air Ground Operations School, which trained personnel in concepts, doctrine, tactics, and procedures of joint and combined operations until 1 Feb 1978, and the USAF Special Operations School, which trained selected American and allied personnel in special operations, until Mar 1983. Elements of the wing participated in the attempt in Apr 1980 to rescue US hostages held in Tehran, Iran. Thereafter, continued to work closely with multi-service special operations forces to develop combat tactics for numerous types of aircraft and conduct combat crew training for USAF and foreign aircrews. Conducted numerous disaster relief; search and rescue; medical evacuation; and humanitarian support missions. Supported drug interdiction efforts in a coordinated program involving multiple US and foreign agencies, 1983-1985. Conducted airdrop and airlift of troops and equipment; psychological operations, close air support, reconnaissance, search and rescue, and attacks against enemy airfields and lines of communications in support of the rescue of US nationals in Grenada, Oct-Nov 1983, and the restoration of democracy in Panama, Dec 1989-Jan 1990. Beginning Aug 1990, deployed personnel and equipment to Saudi Arabia. These forces carried out combat search and rescue, unconventional warfare, and direct strike missions during the conflict, including suppression of Iraqi forces during the Battle of Khafji, Jan 1991. Deployed personnel and equipment worldwide, performing combat search and rescue, and supporting contingencies, humanitarian relief, and exercises that included Bosnia-Herzegovina, Iraq, Kuwait, and Central America. Elements of the wing deployed to participate in operations Provide Comfort in Iraq, 1991-1996 and Deny Flight, Bosnia-Herzegovina, 1993-1995. It supported operation Deliberate Force/Joint Endeavor, Aug-Sep 1995 and 14-20 Dec 1996, flying combat missions and attacking targets critical to Bosnian-Serb Army operations. Wing elements participated in operations Northern and Southern Watch in 1997 and again participated in combat operations in Desert Thunder, Feb-Jun 1998 and Dese
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: Grenada, 1983; Panama, 1989-1990.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Burma and India, [Mar]-20 May 1944. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" Device: 1 May 1982-30 Apr 1984; 1 Jun 1997-31 May 1999; 1 Jul 2003-30 Jun 2005. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: Jul 1963-Jun 1965; 1 Jul 1969-15 Apr 1971; 1 Jan 1976-31 Mar 1977; 15 Jul 1979-15 May 1980; 16 May 1980-30 Apr 1982; 1 May 1985-30 Apr 1987; 1 May 1988-30 Apr 1990; 16 Apr 1992-15 Apr 1994; 1 Jun 1995-31 May 1997; 1 Jul 1999-30 Jun 2001; 1 Jul 2001-30 Jun 2003.
(Presidential Unit Citation: See "Background of the Presidential Unit Citation for MIS" in CBI Unit Histories)
Emblem (16th Pursuit Gp): Four lightning bolts, representing the four assigned squadrons, depict destruction from the sky. Approved in 1934.
Emblem (WWII): (Design taken from the National Standard of the Chindits Old Comrades Association). On a blue field a Burmese Temple Lion and Pagoda, all gold resting on the Morse Code dot, dot, dot, dash. overall a label: NO. 1 AIR COMMANDOS.
Emblem (Current): Per fess Azure and paly of 13 Gules and Argent, in pale a sword point to base light blue, winged fesswise in chief of the like, the blade surmounted in base by a lamp or enflamed of the third and fourth, all within a diminished bordure of the fifth. Motto: ANY TIME, ANY PLACE. Approved on 6 Jun 1963 (K-14253); replaced emblem approved on 4 Dec 1934 (K-2804). (On 1 October 1993, the 1st Special Operations Wing was redesignated the 16th Special Operations Wing. The unit retained the same emblem.)
Emblem Significance: The emblem of the 1st Special Operations Wing symbolizes its 63-year mission and emphasizes that the wing is the single focal point for all Air Force special operations matters.
The shield reflects its historic past as the first organization to field limited and unconventional warfare. It was approved for the reconstituted 1st Air Commando Group on June 6, 1943.
The background is national colors with the blue representing the sky and the Air Force. The 13 red and white stripes represent the 13 original colonies, the first American force to engage in limited war. The stripes also are reminiscent of the red and white diagonal markings on some 1st Air Commando Group aircraft, an ancestor of the 1st SOW.
The silver dagger represents the air commando, and the dagger is winged to indicate that commandos come from the air. A golden lamp of knowledge reflects the wing's civic action role and indicates that wing members serve as teachers, as well as warriors, in assisting U.S. allies determine their own way of life and form of government.
The motto, "Any Time, Any Place," emphasizes the 1st SOW is prepared to accomplish its mission whenever or wherever it is called upon to do so. (Source: 1st SOW Fact Sheet, January 2007)
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 6 Dec 2006.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Dec 2006
1st SOW Becomes 16th SOW Source: (Excerpt) On Oct. 1, 1993 the United States Air Force redesignated the 1st SOW as the 16th SOW. The redesignation occurred as part of then Air Force Chief of Staff Gen. Merrill A. McPeak's effort to protect Air Force heritage. Upon becoming Chief of Staff, General McPeak tasked the Air Force Historical Research Agency at Maxwell Air Force Base, Ala. to develop a historical scoring system for wings and squadrons that would permit the Air Force leadership to keep those unit designations with the most history points during down-sizing actions. The historical agency personnel developed a scoring system based upon a unit's total years of service, service streamers, campaign or expeditionary credits, combat decorations, foreign decorations, non-combat decorations and aerial victory credits. General McPeak directed that no active duty units would have the same designation. At the time, the 1st SOW shared its numerical designation with the 1st Fighter Wing, Langley AFB, VA, and the recently inactivated 1st Space Wing, Peterson AFB, Colo. Under the AFHRA scoring system, the 1st FW accumulated the most points, thus the 1st SOW had to be renamed. To comply with General McPeak's requirement, the AFHRA personnel reconstituted the 16th Fighter Group and consolidated it with the 1st SOW. The 16th FG had a unique but short history in that it was activated in the Panama Canal Zone on Dec. 1, 1932 and served as part of the then very crucial defense of the Panama Canal. In 1939, the unit was redesignated the 16th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), and in 1941, the 16th Fighter Group. The unit was disbanded on Nov. 1, 1943. The 16th was of historical importance in that it was one of the original 13 Air Force units created between 1918 and 1932. 1st SOW Reborn at Hurlburt Field As the Air Force prepared to stand up a new Special Operations Wing at Cannon AFB, N.M., it was decided that the 1st SOW heritage should remain at Hurlburt Field. So today, a new chapter in the 1st SOW heritage begins. The decision to resurrect the 1st SOW designation rose from the fact that the 1st SOW had a strong heritage with Hurlburt Field. Other Sites of Interest: The Air Invasion of Burma (Air Force Magazine, November 2009)
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1st Liaison Group (Provisional) Source: Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
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Air Force Historical Research Agency
1st Liaison Group: 29 Aug 1944 to 30 Apr 1945.
2nd Air Commando Group (See CBI Unit Histories)
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Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
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 as: 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 as 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 1988-31 Oct 2007. 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. 127 Liaison, Commando, 1 May 1944-27 Jul 1945. 155 Liaison, Commando, 1 May 1944-27 Jul 1945. 156 Liaison, Commando, 1 May 1944-27 Jul 1945. 317 Troop Carrier, 1 May 1944-12 Nov 1945. 321 Special Tactics: 1 Jan 1993-. 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; Col Brian P. Cutts, 29 Jun 2007; Col Lewis E. Jordan Jr., 23 Jul 2008; Col Gary McCollum, 30 Jun 2010-.
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-c.1990; 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, 1989-2007; C-130, 1994-.
Operations: Trained in Florida for air commando operations. 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 1945. As the only Snark missile wing in the USAF, the 702 Strategic Missile Wing 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. The 39 Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Wing flew numerous rescue sorties and from Jan 1970 until mid-1971, and 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, the 39 Special Operations Wing (SOW) trained and participated in special operations exercises, as well as flew rescue sorties. Wing headquarters and one squadron moved 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 39 SOW personnel deployed to Turkey (12-17 Jan 1991), and operated as part of the Joint Special Operations Task Force (JSOTF) ELUSIVE CONCEPT. The wing moved to England effective 1 Jan 1992 and served as the air component for Special Operations Command Europe. Trained for and performed special operations airland and airdrop 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. During the 1990s, the group supported numerous humanitarian and combat operations in Europe, Africa, and Southwest Asia, including Operations PROVIDE PROMISE, DENY FLIGHT, and ALLIED FORCE in Yugoslavia, and PROVIDE COMFORT and NORTHERN WATCH over northern Iraq. Provided insertion, extraction and resupply of US military special operations forces throughout the European theater, 2000-.
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 Awards 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. Gallant Unit Citations: 15 Oct 2001-15 Apr 2002; 12 Feb-12 May 2003. Meritorious Unit Award: 1 Oct 2005-30 Sep 2007; 1 Oct 2007-30 Sep 2009. 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, Commanders, Aircraft, Operations, and Honors through Apr 2011.
7th Bombardment Group (See CBI Unit Histories)
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Established as First Army Observation Group, and organized, on 6 Sep 1918. Demobilized in Apr 1919. Reestablished, consolidated (13 Jan 1994) with the organization established as 1 Army Observation Group, and organized, on 1 Oct 1919. Redesignated 7 Group (Observation) on 26 Mar 1921. Inactivated on 30 Aug 1921. Redesignated: 7 Observation Group on 25 Jan 1923; 7 Bombardment Group on 24 Mar 1923. Activated on 1 Jun 1928. Redesignated: 7 Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 6 Dec 1939; 7 Bombardment Group, Heavy on 15 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 6 Jan 1946. Redesignated 7 Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, and activated, on 1 Oct 1946. Redesignated 7 Bombardment Group, Heavy on 20 Jul 1948. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Redesignated 7 Operations Group on 29 Aug 1991. Activated on 1 Sep 1991. Inactivated on 1 Jan 1993. Activated on 1 Oct 1993.
Assignments: Air Service, First Army, 6 Sep 1918-Apr 1919. 2 Wing, 1 Oct 1919-30 Aug 1921. IX Corps Area, 1 Jun 1928; 1 Bombardment Wing, c. 30 Oct 1931; IX Corps Area, c. 1 Oct 1933; 1 Wing, 1 Mar 1935; 20 Bombardment Wing, 18 Dec 1940; II Bomber Command, 5 Sep 1941; Far East (later, Fifth) Air Force, c. 22 Dec 1941; Tenth Air Force, Mar 1942; Army Air Forces, India-Burma Theater, 12 Jun-c. 7 Dec 1945 (attached to India China Division, Air Transport Command, 15 Jun-18 Sep 1945); New York Port of Embarkation, 5-6 Jan 1946. Fifteenth Air Force, 1 Oct 1946; Eighth Air Force, 1 Nov 1946; 7 Bombardment Wing, 17 Nov 1947-16 Jun 1952. 7 Wing (later, 7 Bomb) Wing, 1 Sep 1991-1 Jan 1993. 7 Wing (later, 7 Bomb) Wing, 1 Oct 1993-.
Components
Squadrons: 1 Aero (later, 1 Squadron): 1 Oct 1919-30 Aug 1921 (detached 6 May-30 Aug 1921). 7 Air Refueling: 1 Sep 1991-1 Jun 1992. 9 Aero (later, 9 Bombardment; 9 Bomb): Sep-Nov 1918; 1 Apr 1931-6 Jan 1946 (detached 28 Jun-c. 4 Oct 1942); 1 Oct 1946-16 Jun 1952 (detached 16 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952); 1 Sep 1991-15 Aug 1992; 1 Oct 1993-. 11 Bombardment: 1 Jun 1928-15 Sep 1942 (detached 26 Apr-2 May 1942). 12 Aero (later, 12 Squadron): 1 Oct 1919-24 Mar 1920 (detached 13 Oct 1919-24 Mar 1920). 13 Bomb: 14 Jun 2000-9 Sep 2005. 14 Bombardment: 2 Dec 1941-6 Jan 1946 (detached 2 Dec 1941-May 1942; not manned May 1942-6 Jan 1946). 20 Bomb: 1 Sep 1991-18 Dec 1992. 22 Bombardment: 20 Oct 1939-15 Sep 1942 (detached 26 Apr-28 May 1942). 24 Aero: 6 Sep 1918-Apr 1919. 28 Bomb: 1 Oct 1994-. 31 Bombardment: attached 1 Apr -29 Jun 1931, assigned 30 Jun 1931-1 Feb 1938. 32 Bombardment: apparently attached c. 8-16 Dec 1941. 39 Airlift: 1 Oct 1993-1 Apr 1997. 40 Airlift: 1 Oct 1993-1 Apr 1997. 50 Aero: attached c. Oct 1919-23 Mar 1920, assigned 24 Mar 1920-10 Feb 1921. 88 Aero (later, 88 Reconnaissance; 436 Bombardment): attached c. Oct 1919-23 Mar 1920, assigned 24 Mar 1920-10 Feb 1921; attached 28 Sep 1935-24 Feb 1942 (air echelon detached 10 Dec 1941-14 Mar 1942), assigned 25 Feb 1942-6 Jan 1946; assigned 1 Oct 1946-16 Jun 1952 (detached 16 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952). 91 Aero: 6 Sep-Nov 1918. 95 Pursuit: attached 1 Jun 1928-29 Oct 1931. 186 Aero: Unkn [apparently, 1918-1919]. 337 Bomb: 1 Oct 1993-1 Oct 1994. 492 Bombardment: 25 Oct 1942-6 Jan 1946; 1 Oct 1946-16 Jun 1952 (detached 16 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952). 493 Bombardment: 25 Oct 1942-6 Jan 1946.
Stations: Gondreville, France, 6 Sep 1918; Vavincourt, France, 22 Sep 1918-Apr 1919. Park Field, TN, 1 Oct 1919; Langley Field, VA, 28 Oct 1919-30 Aug 1921. Rockwell Field, CA, 1 Jun 1928; March Field, CA, 30 Oct 1931; Hamilton Field, CA, 5 Dec 1934; Merced Field, CA, 5 Nov 1935; Hamilton Field, CA, 22 May 1937; Ft Douglas, UT, 7 Sep 1940-13 Nov 1941; Brisbane, Australia, 22 Dec 1941-4 Dec 1942 (air echelon operated from Java, c. 14 Jan-1 Mar 1942); Karachi, India, 12 Mar 1942; Dum-Dum, India, 30 May 1942; Karachi, India, 9 Sep 1942; Pandaveswar, India, 12 Dec 1942; Kurmitola, India, 17 Jan 1944; Pandaveswar, India, 6 Oct 1944; Tezpur, India, 7 Jun 1945; Kudhkundi, India, 31 Oct-7 Dec 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 5-6 Jan 1946. Fort Worth AAFld (later, Carswell AFB), TX, 1 Oct 1946-16 Jun 1952. Carswell AFB, TX, 1 Sep 1991-1 Jan 1993. Dyess AFB, TX, 1 Oct 1993-.
Commanders: Lt Col John N. Reynolds, 6 Sep 1918-unkn. Unkn, 1919-1921. Capt Frank H. Pritchard, Jun 1928; Maj Carl A. Spaatz, 1 May 1929-29 Oct 1931; Maj Joseph T. McNarney, by 4 Dec 1931-Dec 1934; Col Clarence L. Tinker, by 15 Apr 1935; Lt Col Davenport Johnson, Jan 1937-c. Mar 1938; Lt Col George E. Stratemeyer, unkn-Aug 1938; Lt Col Ralph Royce, Oct 1938-c. May 1941; Maj Stanley K. Robinson, 1941; Maj Austin A. Straubel, 29 Jan 1942; 1Lt James E. Tull, 7 Feb 1942 (acting); Col Cecil E. Combs, 22 Mar 1942; Col Conrad F. Necrason, 1 Jul 1942; Lt Col William A. Delahay, Feb 1944; Col Aubrey K. Dodson, 27 Mar 1944; Col Harvey T. Alness, 6 Nov 1944; Col Howard F. Bronson Jr., 24 Jun 1945-unkn. Col John G. Erickson, 1 Oct 1946; Col Hewitt T. Wheeless, 16 Dec 1946; Col Alan D. Clark, 27 Jun 1947 (additional duty after 17 Nov 1947); Col Charles D. Farr, 7 Feb 1949; Col John A. Roberts, 17 Aug 1949; Col Richard T. Black, 24 Oct 1950; none (not manned, 16 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952. Col Charles R. Hardesty, 1 Sep 1991; Col Joseph F. Czarkowski, 7 Apr 1992-1 Jan 1993. Col Thomas A. O'Riordan, 1 Oct 1993; Col Andrew M. Gessner, 14 Feb 1994; Col Anthony M. Beat, 18 May 1995; Col Anthony F. Przybyslawski, 23 Aug 1996; Col Douglas L. Raaberg, 19 May 1998; Col Christopher Miller, 3 Apr 2000; Col Michael R. Moeller, 17 Aug 2001; Col Jeffrey K. Beene, 22 Jul 2003; Col Scott A. Vander Hamm, 8 Jul 2005-.
Aircraft: Breguet 14, DH-4, Salmson 2 in addition to Spad XIII and Sopwith FE-2, 1918-1919. Unkn, 1919-1921. OA-2, 1928-unkn; LB-7, 1929-unkn; B-3, B-4, O-19, O-38, 1931-1934; B-12, 1934-1936; B-10, 1936-1937; B-18, 1937-1940; B-17, 1939-1942; B-25, LB-30, 1942; B-24, 1942-1945. B-29, 1946-1948; B-36, 1948-1951. B-52, 1991-1993; KC-135, 1991-1993. B-1, 1993-; C-130, 1993-1997.
Operations: The First Army Observation Group, made up of the 24th and 91st Aero [Observation] and the 9th Aero [night observation] Squadrons, performed photographic reconnaissance and day and night visual reconnaissance of the battle field area, especially in the enemy's rear areas opposite the area of attack, Sep-Nov 1918. Demobilized in France in Apr 1919. Consolidated (1994) with the organization established as the 1st Army Observation Group on 1 Oct 1919 at Park Field, TN. Inactivated less than two years later, on 30 Aug 1921. Activated again as the 7 Bombardment Group on 1 Jun 1928. For the next eleven years, engaged in training activities, flights of mercy, experimentation with air refueling and air transport of supplies, and participation in various exercises and air shows. Group was in the process of moving to the Philippines when the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 Dec 1941. Six of the Group's B-17 aircraft reached Hawaii during the enemy attack but landed safely. The ground echelon, on board a ship in the Pacific Ocean, was diverted to Australia. The air echelon moved its B-17s via North Africa and India to Java, where from 14 Jan to 1 Mar 1942, it operated against the Japanese advancing through the Philippines and Netherlands East Indies. Received the Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for its action against enemy aircraft, ground installations, warships and transports. Reunited with the ground echelon in India in Mar 1942, the group resumed combat under Tenth Air Force against targets in Burma. It received B-25s and LB-30s in early 1942 but by the end of the year had converted entirely to B-24s. From then through Sep 1945, bombed airfields, fuel and supply dumps, locomotive works, railways, bridges, docks, warehouses, shipping, and troop concentrations in Burma and struck oil refineries in Thailand, power plants in China and enemy shipping in the Andaman Sea. Ceased bombing operations in late May 1945 and was attached to the Air Transport Command to haul gasoline from India over the Himalayas to China. Received second DUC for damaging enemy's line of supply in southeast Asia with an attack against rail lines and bridges in Thailand on 19 Mar 1945. Returned to US in Dec 1945 and inactivated the following month. Activated on 1 Oct 1946 as a B-29 bombardment group. Received its first B-36 aircraft in late 1948 and by mid-1949 completed conversion. Began flying B-36Ds equipped with jet pods in Aug 1950 but on 16 Feb 1951 became a paper organization. With all assigned flying squadrons reassigned directly to the 7 Bombardment Wing, the group inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. As part of a major Air Force-wide reorganization, the Group was redesignated 7 Operations Group and again became the combat element of the 7 Wing. It controlled two B-52 squadrons and one KC-135 air refueling squadron. When flying operations ended at Carswell AFB, TX in Dec 1992, the group inactivated the following month. Upon activation of the 7 Wing at Dyess AFB, TX on 1 Oct 1993, the group again activated as the combat element of the wing. Equipped with B-1B and C-130 aircraft, the group's mission included bombardment and tactical airlift. It lost its airlift responsibilities in Apr 1997. At that time it also gained a conventional bombing mission. In Nov 1998, deployed several aircraft to Oman in support of Operation Desert Fox, where the B-1 flew its first combat missions on 17 and 18 Dec 1998. Since 1999, trained bomber aircrews for global conventional bombing.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War I: St Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne; Lorraine. World War II: Burma; East Indies; India-Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma; China Offensive.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Netherlands East Indies: 14 Jan-1 Mar 1942; Thailand: 19 Mar 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jun 1996-31 May 1998; 1 Jun 1998-31 May 2000; 1 Jun 2002-31 May 2004.
Emblem: WWII: Shield: Azure, on a bend or three crosses pattee sable. Crest: On a wreath of the colors (or and azure) a drop bomb palewise sable piercing a cloud proper. Motto: Mors Ab Alto - Death from Above. (Approved 30 Jan 1933. This emblem was modified 12 Sep 1952.) Current: Group will use the wing emblem with group designation in the scroll.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 1 Dec 2006.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 1 Dec 2006.
Source: Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (7th Bomb Wing)
Other Sites of Interest: 7th Bomb Wing B-36 Association
8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group  Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted as 8 Photographic Reconnaissance Group on 15 Sep 1943. Activated on 1 Oct 1943. Redesignated as: 8 Photographic Group, Reconnaissance on 9 Oct 1943; 8 Reconnaissance Group on 15 Jun 1945. Inactivated on 5 Nov 1945. Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947. Reconstituted, and redesignated as 318 Electronic Warfare Group, on 31 Jul 1985. Redesignated as 318 Information Operations Group on 17 Jul 2000. Activated on 1 Aug 2000.
Assignments: III Reconnaissance Command, 1 Oct 1943; 89 Reconnaissance Training Wing, 27 Oct 1943; Tenth Air Force, c. 31 Mar 1944; Army Air Forces (AAF), India-Burma Sector, China-Burma-India Theater (later, AAF, India-Burma Theater), 18 Jul 1944; Army Service Forces, c. 8 Oct-5 Nov 1945. Air Force Information Warfare Center, 1 Aug 2000; 688 Information Operations Wing, 18 Aug 2009-.
Squadrons: 9 Photographic Reconnaissance: 25 Apr 1944-Oct 1945. 20 Tactical Reconnaissance: 25 Apr 1944-Oct 1945. 24 Combat Mapping: 25 Apr 1944-Sep 1945. 40 Photographic Reconnaissance: 18 Jul 1944-Nov 1945. 23: 1 Aug 2000-. 39: 1 Aug 2000-. 92 Information Warfare Aggressor: 1 Nov 2000-. 346 Test: 1 Aug 2000-. 453 Electronic Warfare: 1 Aug 2000-.
Commanders: Lt Col Paul A. Zartman, 1 Oct 1943; Col Charles P. Hollstein, 12 Dec 1943; Col James W. Anderson Jr., 24 Jan 1945; Lt Col John R. Gee, Oct-c. 5 Nov 1945.
Aircraft: P-40, 1943-1945; F-5, F-7, 1944-1945; F-6, 1945.
Stations: Peterson AAFld, CO, 1 Oct 1943; Gainesville AAFld, TX, 26 Oct 1943-12 Feb 1944; Worli, India, c. 31 Mar 1944; Bally Seaplane Base, India, c. 15 Apr 1944-7 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 3-5 Nov 1945. Kelly AFB (later Kelly Fld Annex, Lackland AFB), TX, 1 Aug 2000-.
Operations: Trained to provide photographic intelligence for air and ground forces. Moved to India, Feb-Mar 1944. Equipped with F-5, F-6, F-7, and P-40 aircraft which operated from various bases in India, Burma, and China. In addition to operational flying units, group consisted of a variety of components which performed combat camera, combat mapping, engineer topographic; and photo lab, intelligence, and technical functions. Group comprised the American portion of a combined AAF-Royal Air Force organization, the Photo Reconnaissance Force. Conducted photographic-reconnaissance, photographic-mapping, and visual- reconnaissance sorties. Produced maps, mosaics, terrain models, and target charts of areas in Burma, China, French Indochina, and Thailand. Also bombed and strafed enemy installations and provided escort for bombardment units. Returned to United States, Oct-Nov 1945, and inactivated on 5 Nov 1945. Activated on 1 Aug 2000 as an information operations group at Kelly AFB, TX.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: India-Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 1 Jun 2008-31 May 2009. Air Force Organizational Excellence Award: 1 Jun 2003-31 May 2004.
Emblem: WWII: None. Current: None on file. Group will use emblem of Air Force Information Warfare Center.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 19 Nov 2010.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Nov 1945.
12th Bombardment Group
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Established as 12 Bombardment Group, Light, on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Redesignated: 12 Bombardment Group (Medium) on 30 Dec 1941; 12 Bombardment Group, Medium, on 20 Aug 1944. Inactivated on 22 Jan 1946. Redesignated 12 Bombardment Group, Light, on 29 Apr 1947. Activated on 19 May 1947. Inactivated on 10 Sep 1948. Redesignated 12 Fighter-Escort Group on 27 Oct 1950. Activated on 1 Nov 1950. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Redesignated: 12 Tactical Fighter Group on 31 Jul 1985; 12 Operations Group on 9 Dec 1991. Activated on 15 Dec 1991.
Assignments: Northwest Air District (later, Second Air Force), 15 Jan 1941; IV Air Support Command, 3 Sep 1941; V Air Support Command, 21 Jan 1941; III Bomber Command, 18 Apr 1942; Ninth Air Force, 16 Aug 1942; Twelfth Air Force, 22 Aug 1943; XII Air Support Command, 1 Sep 1943; XII Bomber Command, 2 Jan 1944; Tenth Air Force, c. 21 Mar 1944; unkn, c. 24 Dec 1945-22 Jan 1946. Tactical Air Command, 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. 12 Fighter-Escort Wing, 1 Nov 1950-16 Jun 1952. 12 Flying Training Wing, 15 Dec 1991-.
Components
Squadron: Squadron. 1 Flight Screening (later, Flying Training): 15 Dec 1991-1 Apr 1994. 3 Flying Training: 1 Apr 1994-7 Apr 2000. 21 Test and Evaluation: 15 Sep 1992-31 Mar 1994. 81 Bombardment (later, 559 Fighter-Escort; 559 Flying Training): 15 Jan 1941-22 Jan 1946; 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948; 1 Nov 1950-16 Jun 1952; 15 Dec 1991-. 82 Bombardment (later, 560 Fighter-Escort): 15 Jan 1941-22 Jan 1946; 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948; 1 Nov 1950-16 Jun 1952. 83 Bombardment (later, 561 Fighter-Escort): 15 Jan 1941-22 Jan 1946; 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948; 1 Nov 1950-16 Jun 1952. 19 Reconnaissance (later, 94 Bombardment; 94 Reconnaissance; 434 Bombardment): attached 15 Jan-13 Aug 1941, assigned 14 Aug 1941-22 Jan 1946. 99 Flying Training: 14 May 1993-. 435 Flying Training: 14 May 1998-1 Oct 2001. 557 Flying Training: 1 Jul 1993-1 Oct 2000. 558 Flying Training: 15 Dec 1992-1 Oct 1996; 16 Jan 2002-. 560 Flying Training: 15 Dec 1991-. 562 Flying Training: 14 May 1993-. 563 Flying Training: 14 May 1993-3 Jun 1996; 30 Apr 1999-. 3307 Test and Evaluation: 15 Dec 1991-15 Sep 1992.
Flight: Flight. 332 Airlift: 15 Apr 1993-1 Apr 1997.
Stations: McChord Fld, WA, 15 Jan 1941; Esler Fld, LA, c. 21 Feb-3 Jul 1942; Deversoir, Egypt, c. 31 Jul 1942; Egypt and Libya, Oct 1942; Medenine, Tunisia, 3 Apr 1943; Sfax, Tunisia, c. 15 Apr 1943; Hergla, Tunisia, 2 Jun 1943; Ponte Olivo, Sicily, c. 2 Aug 1943; Gerbini, Sicily, c. 22 Aug 1943; Foggia, Italy, c. 2 Nov 1943; Gaudo Afld, Italy, 19 Jan-6 Feb 1944; Tezgaon, India, c. 21 Mar 1944; Pandaveswar, India, 13 Jun 1944; Fenny, India, 16 Jul 1944; Pandaveswar, India, 8 Jun 1945; Karachi, India, 15 Nov-24 Dec 1945; Ft Lawton, WA, 21-22 Jan 1946. Langley Fld (later, AFB), VA, 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. Turner AFB, GA, 1 Nov 1950; Bergstrom AFB, TX, Dec 1950-16 Jun 1952. Randolph AFB, TX, 15 Dec 1991-.
Commanders: Unkn, 15 Jan-5 May 1941; Col Charles G. Goodrich, 6 May 1941; Lt Col Curtis R. Low, 13 Sep 1942; Col Edward N. Backus, 16 Sep 1942; Lt Col William W. Wilcox, 21 Sep 1943; Col Lloyd H. Dalton, 29 Sep 1944; Lt Col Jack F. Marr, 1 Sep 1945; Lt Col Samuel C. Galbreath, 4 Sep 1945; Lt Col Lewis B. Wilson, 23 Sep 1945-22 Jan 1946. None (not manned), 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. Unkn, 1-19 Nov 1950; Col Charles E. Gayle, 20 Nov 1950; none (not manned), 10 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952. Col Maurice L. McFann Jr., by 18 Dec 1991; Col David L. Hayes, 23 Oct 1992; Col Jeffrey B. Kohler, 27 Jul 1993; Col Johnny A. Weida, 21 Apr 1995; Col Daniel J. Darnell, 19 May 1997; Col Ted A. Hilbun, 23 Oct 1998; Col Stephen L. Hoog, 17 Feb 1999; Col James E. Moschgat, 18 Jul 2000; Col Margaret H. Woodward, 3 Jul 2002-.
Aircraft: B-18, 1941-1942; B-23, 1941-1942; PT-17, 1941-1942; B-25, 1942-1945; A-26, 1945. F-84, 1950-1951. T-37, 1991-; T-38, 1991-; T-39, 1991; T-41, 1992-1994; T-43, 1992-; C-21, 1993-1997; AT-38, 1993-2002; T-1, 1993-; T-3, 1994-1998; T-6, 2000-.
Operations: After activation at McChord Fld, WA, in Jan 1941, the 12 Bombardment Group trained with B-18, B-23, and PT-17 aircraft. Patrolled west coast of United States after the Japanese attack on Hawaii. In Feb 1942, group moved to Esler Fld, LA, where it trained with B-25s for duty overseas. The group moved to North Africa in Jul and Aug 1942 and supported the Allied drive from Egypt to Tunisia. From Apr 1943, raided enemy-held islands in Mediterranean, including Pantelleria, Lampedusa, and Sicily. In Aug 1943, the group began to attack enemy targets on Italian mainland. From Nov until early Feb, group bombed airdromes, docks, marshalling yards, bridges, and other targets in Italy, Yugoslavia, and Albania. In Feb, Mar, and Apr 1944, moved to India and flew most of its missions in Burma between Apr 1944 and May 1945, supporting the British Fourteenth Army. When Allied forces at Imphal, India, were threatened by a Japanese offensive, the group delivered ammunition. Began training with A-26 aircraft in summer 1945. On return to United States in 1946, it was immediately inactivated. The 12 Bombardment Group, Light, was not manned, May 1947-Sep 1948. Briefly, 12 Fighter-Escort Group trained with F-84s, Dec 1950-Feb 1951, before being stripped of personnel and equipment. 12 Operations Group performed flight screening and undergraduate pilot training. Due to impending closure of Mather AFB, California, in 1992 group assumed undergraduate navigator training. Also, conducted specialized undergraduate pilot training. In 1995, began transition to joint navigator training.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Egypt-Libya; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Air Combat, EAME Theater; India-Burma; Central Burma; China Defensive.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: North Africa and Sicily, Oct 1942-17 Aug 1943. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 15-31 Dec 1991; 1 Jan 1992-30 Jun 1993; 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1994; 1 Jul 1995-30 Jun 1996; 1 Jul 1996-30 Jun 1998; 1 Jul 1998-30 Jun 2000.
Emblem: Shield: Azure, a sword point to base or, hilt flamant proper; a bordure gyronny of twelve of the second and the first. Motto: Spiritus Omnia Vincit - Spirit Conquers All. Approved for 12 Group on 3 Feb 1942; slightly modified for 12 Wing on 15 Mar 1963.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 21 Oct 2004.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 2002.
Source: Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (12th Flying Training Wing)
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33d Fighter Group
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Established as 33 Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Redesignated 33 Fighter Group on 15 May 1942. Inactivated on 8 Dec 1945. Activated on 20 Aug 1946. Redesignated 33 Fighter-Interceptor Group on 20 Jan 1950. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Redesignated 33 Fighter Group (Air Defense) on 20 Jun 1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Inactivated on 18 Aug 1957. Consolidated (31 Jul 1985) with the 33 Tactical Group, which was established, and activated on 19 Jun 1963. Organized on 8 Jul 1963. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 8 Jul 1965. Redesignated 33 Tactical Fighter Group on 31 Jul 1985. Redesignated 33 Operations Group, and activated, on 1 Dec 1991.
Assignments: 7 Pursuit Wing, 15 Jan 1941; 1 Interceptor (later, I Interceptor, I Fighter) Command, 2 Oct 1941; Philadelphia Air Defense Wing, 11 Aug 1942; XII Air Support Command, Nov 1942; XII Fighter Command, 6 Dec 1942; XII Air Support Command, 13 Jan 1943; XII Air Force Service Command, 18 Feb 1943; XII Bomber Command, 1 Mar 1943; 47 Bombardment Wing, 3 Mar 1943; XII Air Support Command, 14 Mar 1943; 3 Air Defense (later, 64 Fighter) Wing, 24 Jul 1943; XII Air Support Command, 21 Dec 1943 (under operational control of 64 Fighter Wing, 21 Dec 1943-Feb 1944); AAF India-Burma Sector, c. 20 Feb 1944 (attached to CBI Air Forces Training Command, 5 Mar-14 Apr 1944); Fourteenth Air Force, 15 Apr 1944; 312 Fighter Wing, 11 May 1944; Tenth Air Force, 24 Aug 1944-Nov 1945. 70 Fighter Wing, 20 Aug 1946; Strategic Air Command, 25 Aug 1947; Eighth Air Force, 16 Sep 1947; 33 Fighter (later, 33 Fighter-Interceptor) Wing, 5 Nov 1947-6 Feb 1952 (attached to 509 Bombardment Wing, 17 Nov 1947-15 Nov 1948). 4707 Air Defense Wing, 18 Aug 1955; 33 Fighter Wing, 18 Oct 1956-18 Aug 1957. Pacific Air Forces, 19 Jun 1963; 2 Air Division, 8 Jul 1963-8 Jul 1965. 33 Fighter Wing, 1 Dec 1991-.
Components: Squadron.58 Pursuit (later, 58 Fighter): 15 Jan 1941-8 Dec 1945; 20 Aug 1946-6 Feb 1952; 18 Aug 1955-18 Aug 1957; 1 Dec 1991-. 59 Pursuit (later, 59 Fighter): 15 Jan 1941-8 Dec 1945; 20 Aug 1946-6 Feb 1952; 1 Dec 1991-15 Apr 1999. 60 Pursuit (later, 60 Fighter): 15 Jan 1941-8 Dec 1945; 20 Aug 1946-6 Feb 1952; 18 Aug 1955-18 Aug 1957; 1 Dec 1991-.
Stations: Mitchel Field, NY, 15 Jan 1941; Philadelphia, PA, 13 Dec 1941-Oct 1942; Port Lyautey, French Morocco, 10 Nov 1942; Casablanca, French Morocco, c. 13 Nov 1942; Telergma, Algeria, 24 Dec 1942; Thelepte, Tunisia, 7 Jan 1943; Youks-les-Bains, Algeria, 8 Feb 1943; Telergma, Algeria, c. 20 Feb 1943; Berteaux, Algeria, c. 2 Mar 1943; Ebba Ksour, Tunisia, c. 12 Apr 1943; Menzel Temime, Tunisia, 20 May 1943; Sousse, Tunisia, 9 Jun 1943; Pantelleria, 19 Jun 1943; Licata, Sicily, c. 18 Jul 1943; Paestum, Italy, 13 Sep 1943; Santa Maria, Italy, 18 Nov 1943; Cercola, Italy, c. 1 Jan-Feb 1944; Karachi, India, c. 20 Feb 1944; Shwangliu, China, c. 18 Apr 1944; Punchacheng, China, 9 May 1944; Nagaghuli, India, 3 Sep 1944; Sahmaw, Burma, 26 Dec 1944; Piardoba, India, 4 May-c. 15 Nov 1945; Camp Shanks, NY, 7-8 Dec 1945. Neubiberg, Germany, 20 Aug 1946; Bad Kissengen, Germany, Jul-25 Aug 1947; Andrews Field, MD, 25 Aug 1947; Roswell AAFld (later, Walker AFB), NM, 16 Sep 1947; Otis AFB, MA, 16 Nov 1948-6 Feb 1952. Otis AFB, MA, 18 Aug 1955-18 Aug 1957. Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam, 8 Jul 1963-8 Jul 1965. Eglin AFB, FL, 1 Dec 1991-.
Commanders: Maj Minthorne W. Reed, c. Jan 1941; Col Elwood R. Quesada, 7 Oct 1941; Col William W. Momyer, 29 Jun 1942; Col Loring F. Stetson Jr., 17 Oct 1943; Lt Col Oliver G. Cellini, 7 Jun 1944; Col David D. Terry Jr., 9 Sep 1944; Col Frank L. Dunn, 2 Mar 1945-unkn. Col Barton M. Russell, 20 Aug 1946; Lt Col Albert A. Cory, c. 1946; Col William H. Blanchard, 1947; Col Gwen G. Atkinson, Jan 1948; Lt Col Woodrow W. Korges, 4 Mar 1949; Col Charles H. MacDonald, 29 Jul 1949; Col Harrison R. Thyng, 15 Jun 1950; Lt Col Willard W. Millikan, c. Aug 1951-6 Feb 1952. Col Fred G. Hook Jr., 1955; Col David B. Tudor, c. early 1957-unkn. Col Richard C. Bender, 8 Jul 1963; Col Frank H. Wilcox Jr., 22 Feb 1964; Col George Budway, 16 May-8 Jul 1965. Col Thomas W. Dobson Jr., 2 Dec 1991; Col T. Michael Mosely, 23 Oct 1992; Col John D.W. Corley, 19 Jan 1994; Col James G. Boehm, 7 Aug 1995; Col David A. Deptula, 3 Oct 1995; Col Dennis G. Krembel, Feb 1997; Col Mark W. Debolt, 5 Mar 1999; Col Thomas A. McCarthy, 9 Feb 2001; Col Jay T. Denney, 13 Dec 2002-.
Aircraft: P-39, 1941; P-40, 1941-1944; P-38, 1944-1945; P-47, 1944-1945. P-47, 1947-1948; F-84, 1948; F-86, 1949-1952. C-54, 1963-1965; RB-26, 1963-1964; RB-57, 1963-1965; RF-101, 1963-1965; U-3B, 1963-1965; VC-47, 1964-1965; VC-123, 1963-1965. F-15, 1991-.
Operations: Trained with P-39s in 1941, but soon changed to P-40s and served as part of the defense force for the east coast after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. The group moved to North Africa as part of the invasion force on 8 Nov 1942 and operated with Twelfth Air Force in the Mediterranean theater until Feb 1944, providing close support for ground forces, and bombing and strafing personnel concentrations, port installations, fuel dumps, bridges, highways, and rail lines. The 33d received a DUC for action on 15 Jan 1943 when enemy aircraft attempted to knock out the group's base in Tunisia. The group drove off the enemy's escort and destroyed most of its bombers. It took part in the reduction of Pantelleria and flew patrol missions while Allied troops landed after surrender of the enemy's garrison. It also participated in the invasion and conquest of Sicily by supporting landings at Salerno, southern Italy, and the beachhead at Anzio. Moving to India in Feb 1944, the group trained with P-38s and P-47s. It then moved to China where it continued training and flew patrol and intercept missions. Returning to India in Sep 1944, it flew dive-bombing and strafing missions in Burma until the Allied campaigns in that area had been completed. From Aug 1946, the 33d served as part of the US occupation force in Germany until transferred back to the US, less personnel and equipment in Aug 1947. Moving to New Mexico, it was remanned and equipped with P-51s in Sep 1947, transitioned to F-84s in Jun 1948, and by mid-Nov, moved to the east coast. There it trained to maintain tactical proficiency and participated in exercises and aerial demonstrations. In Feb 1949, transitioned to F-86s and in Dec assumed an air defense mission, providing air defense in the northeastern US until inactivation in Feb 1952. Again, it provided air defense in northeastern US, Aug 1955-Aug 1957. In South Vietnam, the group was equipped primarily with cargo aircraft , C-54, U-3B, VC-47, and VC-123. Its mission was to maintain and operate base support facilities at Tan Son Nhut AB, supporting the 2d Air Division and subordinate units by performing reconnaissance of Vietnam from various detachments flying RB-26, RB-57, and RF-101 aircraft, Jul 1963-Jul 1965. From its activation in Dec 1991, as part of the 33d Fighter Wing, it deployed aircraft and personnel to Saudi Arabia, Canada, the Caribbean, South America, Jamaica, Iceland, Italy, and Puerto Rico and participated in operations SOUTHERN WATCH, CORONET MACAW; RESTORE HOPE, SUPPORT JUSTICE IV; UPHOLD DEMOCRACY. These included combat as well as deployments to assist in the US drug war. It lost 13 members in the bombing of Khobar Towers, Saudi Arabia on 25 Jun 1996.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Algeria-French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Air Combat, EAME; India-Burma; Central Burma; China Defensive. Vietnam: Vietnam Advisory; Vietnam Defensive.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Central Tunisia, 15 Jan 1943. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 2 Dec 1991-31 Mar 1992; 1 Jun 1996-31 May 1998; 1 Jun 1998-31 May 1999.
Emblem: Shield: Azure, on a pale nebuly or a sword point to chief in pale of the field, flammant gules, all within a border of the second. Motto: Fire From The Clouds. (Approved 21 Feb 1942.)
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 20 May 2005.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Sep 2004.
Source: Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (33d Fighter Wing)
Other Sites of Interest: Factsheets 33rd Fighter Wing
51st Fighter Group (See CBI Unit Histories)
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Established as 51 Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Redesignated: 51 Pursuit Group (Fighter) on 12 Mar 1941; 51 Fighter Group on 15 May 1942. Inactivated on 13 Dec 1945. Activated on 15 Oct 1946. Redesignated 51 Fighter-Interceptor Group on 1 Feb 1950. Inactivated on 25 Oct 1957. Redesignated: 51 Tactical Fighter Group on 31 Jul 1985; 51 Fighter Group on 10 Sep 1990. Activated on 1 Oct 1990. Redesignated 51 Operations Group on 7 Feb 1992.
Assignments: Southwest Air District (later, 4 Air Force), 15 Jan 1941; 9 Pursuit Wing, 2 Jun 1941 (attached to 4 Air Force until 20 Jun 1941); 4 Bomber Command, 19 Sep 1941-Jan 1942 (attached to 4 Interceptor Command, 14 Oct 1941-unkn); 10 (later, Tenth) Air Force, c. 14 Mar 1942; Fourteenth Air Force, 12 Sep 1943 (attached to Tenth Air Force until 1 Oct 1943); 69 Bombardment (later, 69 Composite) Wing, Oct 1943; Fourteenth Air Force, 25 Aug 1945; Army Air Forces, India-Burma Theater, Sep-Nov 1945. 301 Fighter Wing, 15 Oct 1946; 51 Fighter (later, 51 Fighter-Interceptor) Wing, 18 Aug 1948-25 Oct 1957 (attached to 8 Fighter-Bomber Wing, 26 Sep-12 Oct 1950; Detachment 1, Twentieth Air Force, 16 Aug 1954-1 Mar 1955; Detachment 1, 313 Air Division, 1-15 Mar 1955). 51 Tactical Fighter (later, 51; 51 Fighter) Wing, 1 Oct 1990-.
Components
Squadrons: 4 Fighter: attached 20 Feb 1947-20 Sep 1950. 16 Pursuit (later, 16 Fighter; 16 Fighter-Interceptor): 15 Jan 1941-7 Dec 1945 (detached Jul 1942-19 Oct 1943); 15 Oct 1946-15 Oct 1957 (detached 3-28 Apr 1955, 1 Jun-1 Jul 1955, and 1 Jul-25 Oct 1957). 19 Tactical Air Support: 1 Oct 1990-1 Oct 1993. 25 Pursuit (later, 25 Fighter; 25 Fighter-Interceptor; 25 Fighter): 15 Jan 1941-12 Dec 1945; 15 Oct 1946-25 Oct 1957 (detached 28 Apr-1 Jun 1955 and 1 Jul-25 Oct 1957); 1 Oct 1993-. 26 Pursuit (later, 26 Fighter; 26 Fighter-Interceptor): 15 Jan 1941-13 Dec 1945; 15 Oct 1946-1 Oct 1957 (detached 20 Sep 1950-31 Jul 1954, 10 Nov-11 Dec 1954, and 11 Jul 1955-1 Oct 1957). 36 Tactical Fighter (later, 36 Fighter): 1 Oct 1990-. 38 Rescue (later, 38 Rescue Flight): 1 Feb 1993-15 Feb 1996. 39 Fighter-Interceptor: attached 1 Jun 1952-14 Jul 1954. 68 Fighter-All Weather: attached 25 Sep-9 Oct 1950. 80 Fighter-Bomber: attached 25 Sep-20 Dec 1950. 449 Fighter: 26 Aug 1943-13 Dec 1945 (detached 26 Aug-19 Oct 1943).
Flights: 55 Airlift: 1 Jul 1992-15 Dec 2007.
Stations: Hamilton Field, CA, 15 Jan 1941; March Field, CA, 20 Jun 1941-11 Jan 1942; Karachi, India, 14 Mar 1942; Dinjan, India, 10 Oct 1942; Kunming, China, 2 Oct 1943; India, Sep-16 Nov 1945; Ft Lewis, WA, 12-13 Dec 1945. Yontan Adrm, Okinawa, 15 Oct 1946; Naha Afld (later, Naha AB), Okinawa, 22 May 1947; Itazuke AB, Japan, 22 Sep 1950; Kimpo AB, South Korea, 24 Oct 1950; Itazuke AB, Japan, 3 Jan 1951; Tsuiki AB, Japan, 22 Jan 1951; Suwon AB, South Korea, 31 Jul 1951; Naha AB, Okinawa, 1 Aug 1954-25 Oct 1957. Osan AB, South Korea, 1 Oct 1990-.
Commanders: Col Homer L. Sanders, 1941; Lt Col McElroy (acting), 9 Apr 1942; Col Homer L. Sanders, 25 Apr 1942; Lt Col John E. Barr (acting), 27 May 1942; Col Homer L. Sanders, 14 Jul 1942; Col John F. Egan, 23 Mar 1943; Lt Col David W. Wallace, 15 Sep 1943; Col Samuel B. Knowles Jr., 20 Sep 1943; Maj Howard T. Wright (acting), 12 Dec 1943; Col Samuel B. Knowles Jr., 24 Dec 1943; Lt Col Robert L. Liles (acting), 31 Mar 1944; Col Samuel B. Knowles Jr., 9 Apr 1944; Col Louis R. Hughes Jr., 27 May 1944; Lt Col John C. Habecker, 15 Feb 1945; Lt Col William E. Blankenship, c. 22 Feb 1945; Col Edmund P. Gaines, 4 Apr 1945; Lt Col William E. Blankenship, c. Sep-13 Dec 1945. Col Loring F. Stetson Jr., 15 Oct 1946; Col Homer A. Boushey, 12 Apr 1947; Lt Col James F. McCarthy, 1 Aug 1947; Col Homer A. Boushey, 1947; Lt Col Bruce D. Biddlecome, Jun 1948; Lt Col Kenneth L. Garrett, 7 Mar 1949; Lt Col Robert F. Worley, 24 May 1949; Col John T. Shields, 1 Jul 1949; Lt Col Irwin H. Dregne, Jun 1950; Col Oliver G. Cellini, c. 25 Jul 1950; Lt Col Irwin H. Dregne, 7 Nov 1950; Col Oliver G. Cellini, 16 Dec 1950; Col Irwin H. Dregne, 24 Apr 1951; Lt Col John M. Thacker, 21 Jul 1951; Lt Col George L. Jones, 13 Nov 1951; Lt Col William M. Shelton, c. 17 Mar 1952; Lt Col Albert S. Kelly, Jun 1952; Col Robert P. Baldwin, Jan 1953; Lt Col Harold C. Gibson, Aug 1953; Col Malcolm E. Norton, Oct 1953; Lt Col Harold G. Shook, 23 Mar 1954; Col Paulett Spivey, 22 May 1954; Lt Col Harold G. Shook, 24 Jun 1954; Lt Col William A. Campbell, 9 Jul 1954; Col George V. Williams, 10 Aug 1954; Lt Col Donald V. Miller (acting), 26 Aug 1955; Col George V. Williams, 17 Oct 1955; Col Robert L. Cardenas, 2 Jul 1956; Lt Col George C. Farr, 4 May 1957-unkn. Col Raymond L. Head Jr., c. 1 Oct 1990; Col Hugh C. Cameron, 18 Jun 1991; Col Michael P. O'Conner, 2 Aug 1993; Col Bob D. DuLaney, 10 Jul 1995; Col Thomas Poulos Jr., 18 Jul 1997; Col Lawrence Wells, 25 Jun 1999; Col Paul K. White, 6 Jul 2001; Col Mark A. Bucknam, 8 Aug 2003; Col Terry M. Featherson, 29 Jul 2005; Lt Col Michael E. Newman, 13 Aug 2007-.
Aircraft: P-40, 1941-1945; P-38, 1943-1945; P-51, 1944-1945. P-47, 1946-1947; F-80, 1947-1951; F-61, 1947-1950; F-82, 1949-1950; F-86, 1951-1957; F-94, 1954. F-16, 1990-; OA-10, 1990-; C-12, 1992-2007; HH-60, 1993-1995; A-10, 1998-.
Operations: During 1941, trained in the United States for fighter operations. After the Pearl Harbor attack of 7 Dec 1941, served as part of the defense force for the west coast. Moved to India via Australia and Ceylon, Jan-Mar 1942. Defended the Indian terminus of the "Hump" airlift route over the Himalaya Mountains between India and China and airfields in that area. Flew strafing, bombing, reconnaissance, and patrol missions in support of Allied ground troops during a Japanese offensive in northern Burma in 1943. After moving to China in Oct 1943, defended the Chinese end of the Hump route and air bases in the Kunming area. Attacked Japanese shipping in the Red River delta of Indochina and supported Chinese ground forces in their late 1944 drive along the Salween River. Inactivated after returning to India and then the United States in the autumn of 1945. Between 1946 and 1950, trained and served as part of the occupation force and provided air defense for Okinawa and the Ryukyu Islands. Flew armed reconnaissance and close air support missions over Korea from Japan, Sep-Oct 1950 and from South Korea Oct 1950-Jan 1951, when it moved back to Japan. The group continued to fly combat missions over Korea, staging through air bases at Taegu and Suwon. Flew air support, patrol, escort, interdictory, and reconnaissance missions, frequently engaging enemy jet fighters in air-to-air combat. After the Korean armistice on 27 Jul 1953, the group remained on alert, flew patrol missions, and participated in air defense exercises. After returning to Okinawa in Aug 1954, resumed air defense missions over the Ryukyu Islands. Frequently deployed squadrons to Taiwan and the Philippines on alert and air defense exercises. Became non-operational on 1 Jul 1957 and remained so until inactivation on 25 Oct 1957. Since 1990, trained and took part in a series of exercises to maintain combat readiness for the air defense of South Korea.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: India-Burma; China Defensive; China Offensive. Korea: UN Offensive; CCF Intervention; First UN Counteroffensive; CCF Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea, Summer-Fall 1952; Third Korean Winter; Korea, Summer 1953.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Korea, 28 Nov 1951-30 Apr 1952. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Oct 1992-30 Sep 1994; 1 Nov 1995-31 May 1997; 1 Oct 2002-30 Sep 2004. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations: [22] Sep 1950-30 Jun 1951; 1 Jul 1951-31 Mar 1953.
Emblem (WWII): Shield: Per fess nebuly abased azure and or, issuing from partition line a demi-pegasus argent with a machine gun in each wing bendwise sable, gun fire proper. Motto: Deftly And Swiftly. (Approved 5 Feb 1942. This emblem was modified 2 May 1956.)
Emblem (51st Operations Gp): Group will use the wing emblem with the group designation in the scroll.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 5 Dec 2008.
Commanders through 3 Dec 2008; Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 2006.
Source: Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (51st Fighter Wing) Lineage: Established as 51 Fighter Wing on 10 Aug 1948. Activated on 18 Aug 1948. Redesignated 51 Fighter-Interceptor Wing on 1 Feb 1950. Inactivated on 31 May 1971. Redesignated 51 Air Base Wing on 20 Oct 1971. Activated on 1 Nov 1971. Redesignated: 51 Composite Wing (Tactical) on 30 Sep 1974; 51 Tactical Fighter Wing on 1 Jul 1982; 51 Wing on 7 Feb 1992; 51 Fighter Wing on 1 Oct 1993. Assignments: 1 Air Division, 18 Aug 1948; Thirteenth Air Force, 1 Dec 1948; Twentieth Air Force, 16 May 1949 (attached to Fifth Air Force, 25 Sep 1950-1 Aug 1954 and further attached to 8 Fighter-Bomber Wing, 25 Sep-12 Oct 1950); 313 Air Division, 1 Mar 1955-31 May 1971. 314 Air Division, 1 Nov 1971; Seventh Air Force, 8 Sep 1986-. Components Groups: 5 Tactical Air Control (later, 5 Tactical Control; 5 Air Control): 8 Jan 1980-20 Jun 1982; 1 Oct 1990-1 Jul 1993. 51 Fighter (later, 51 Fighter-Interceptor, 51 Fighter, 51 Operations): 18 Aug 1948-25 Oct 1957 (detached 26 Sep-12 Oct 1950, 16 Aug 1954-15 Mar 1955); 1 Oct 1990-. Squadrons: 16 Fighter-Interceptor: attached 1 Jul-24 Oct 1957, assigned 25 Oct 1957-24 Dec 1964. 19 Tactical Air Support: 30 Sep 1974-8 Jan 1980. 25 Fighter-Interceptor (later, 25 Tactical Fighter): attached 1 Jul-24 Oct 1957, assigned 25 Oct 1957-8 Jun 1960; 1 Feb 1981-31 Jun 1990. 36 Tactical Fighter: 30 Sep 1974-1 Oct 1990. 82 Fighter-Interceptor: attached 17 Feb-24 Jun 1966, assigned 25 Jun 1966-31 May 1971 (detached 30 Jan-20 Feb 1968). 318 Fighter-Interceptor: attached 11-18 Feb 1968. 497 Tactical Fighter: 1 Jan 1982-24 Jan 1989. 555 Tactical Fighter: attached 11 Dec 1964-15 Mar 1965 and 11 Nov 1965-25 Feb 1966. 558 Tactical Fighter: attached 12 Mar-15 Jun 1965. 559 Tactical Fighter: attached 12 Jun-15 Nov 1965. Stations: Naha Afld (later, AB), Okinawa, 18 Aug 1948; Itazuke AB, Japan, 22 Sep 1950; Kimpo AB, South Korea, 10 Oct 1950; Itazuke AB, Japan, 10 Dec 1950; Tsuiki AB, Japan, 15 Jan 1951; Suwon AB, South Korea, 1 Oct 1951- 26 Jul 1954; Naha AB, Okinawa, 1 Aug 1954-31 May 1971. Osan AB, South Korea, 1 Nov 1971-. Commanders: Brig Gen Hugo P. Rush, 18 Aug 1948; Col John W. Egan, 25 Mar 1949; Col Richard M. Montgomery, 1 Apr 1949; Col John W. Weltman, 19 Sep 1949; Col Oliver G. Cellini, 24 Apr 1951; Col William P. Litton, c. 1 Nov 1951; Col George R. Stanley, 2 Nov 1951; Col Francis S. Gabreski, 6 Nov 1951; Col John W. Mitchell, 13 Jun 1952; Col William C. Clark, 31 May 1953; Col Ernest H. Beverly, 9 Aug 1953; Col William C. Clark, 11 Sep 1953; Col Benjamin O. Davis Jr., Nov 1953; Col Barton M. Russell, 2 Jul 1954; Col Travis Hoover, 1 Aug 1954; Col Hilmer C. Nelson, 9 Aug 1954; Col Edwin C. Ambrosen, 16 Aug 1954; Col John H. Bell, 15 Nov 1955; Col Paul E. Hoeper, 2 Feb 1957; Col Robert L. Cardenas, 4 May 1957; Col Walter V. Gresham Jr., 15 Jul 1957; Col Elliott H. Reed, 1 Aug 1957; Col Walter V. Gresham Jr., 15 Aug 1957; Col Lester J. Johnson, 22 Nov 1957; Col William W. Ingenhutt, 25 Mar 1960; Col Lester C. Hess, 24 Jul 1962; Col Lloyd R. Larson, 11 Jun 1965; Col Frank E. Angier, 8 Apr 1967; Col John B. Weed, 13 Jun 1968; Col Roy D. Carlson, 30 Jun 1968-31 May 1971. Col Hewitt E. Lovelace Jr., 1 Nov 1971; Col John H. Allison, 1 Aug 1972; Col Billie J. Norwood, 7 Jun 1973; Col Alonzo L. Ferguson, 1 May 1974; Col Glenn L. Nordin, 30 Sep 1974; Brig Gen Vernon H. Sandrock, 12 Aug 1975; Col Frederick B. Hoenniger, 15 Jun 1977; Col James T. Boddie Jr., 18 Jun 1979; Col John C. Scheidt Jr., 16 May 1980; Col Eugene G. Myers, 20 Feb 1981; Col Thomas R. Olsen, 16 Jul 1982; Col Marcus F. Cooper Jr., 26 May 1983; Col Barry J. Howard, 18 Oct 1983; Col Charles D. Link, 20 Jul 1984; Col Henry J. Cochran, 12 Aug 1985; Col John C. Marshall, 12 Jun 1987; Col James J. Winters, 30 Jun 1989; Col Thomas R. Case, 17 Jul 1990; Brig Gen Robert G. Jenkins, 23 Jun 1992; Brig Gen Robert H. Foglesong, 31 Jan 1994; Brig Gen Steven R. Polk, 21 Nov 1995; Brig Gen Paul R. Dordal, 16 May 1997; Brig Gen Robert R. Dierker, 15 Sep 1998; Brig Gen David E. Clary, 22 May 2000; Brig Gen William L. Holland, 18 Mar 2002; Brig Gen Maurice H. Forsyth, 23 Sep 2003; Brig Gen Joseph Reynes Jr., 8 Jul 2005; Col Jon A. Norman, 15 Jun 2007; Col Thomas H. Deale, 15 Oct 2008-. Aircraft: F-61, 1948-1950; F-80, 1948-1951; F-82, 1949-1950; F-86, 1951-1960; F-94, 1954-1955; F-102, 1959-1964, 1966-1971; F-4, 1964-1965, 1965-1966; F-106, 1968. F-4, 1974-1989; OV-10, 1974-1982; A-10, 1982-1989; F-16, 1988-; OA-10, 1990-; C-12, 1992-2007; HH-60, 1993-1995; A-10, 1998-. Operations: In 1948, assumed air defense of Ryukyu Islands. Commenced combat operations over Korea in Sep 1950 with combat air patrols, close air support, and armed reconnaissance missions in support of UN forces. Operated a detachment at Suwon AB, Korea, beginning in May 1951, and relocated there in Oct 1951, with maintenance and supply elements remaining in Japan until Aug 1954. Ceased combat 27 Jul 1953. Wing pilots claimed 312 victories against enemy MiG jet fighters, including the first USAF victory in the first all-jet aerial battle on 8 Nov 1950. Following the cease-fire, resumed air defense of the Ryukyu Islands. From Aug 1954 through early 1971, frequently deployed aircraft, crews, and support personnel throughout the Far East, including Korea, Japan, Taiwan, and the Philippines. Stationed one squadron (16 Fighter-Interceptor) at Tainan, Taiwan, 29 Aug 1958-26 Jan 1959 during the Quemoy-Matsu Crisis to fly combat air patrol for Nationalist Chinese Air Force supply flights. Following the seizure of the USS Pueblo by North Korea, deployed one squadron (82 Fighter-Interceptor) and support personnel to Suwon AB, Korea, 30 Jan-20 Feb 1968, and sent other personnel to Osan AB, South Korea, to support the 314 Air Division. Deployed an interceptor detachment to Suwon AB, South Korea, from Jun 1968 through 1970. In Nov 1971, served primarily as a support wing for Osan AB and the Koon-Ni range complex, and, after 15 Apr 1975, for Taegu AB, South Korea. Added a tactical mission on 30 Sep 1974. The wing lost control of Taegu AB from Oct 1978 to Jan 1982. In 1982, the wing gained a close air support capability to complement its air superiority role. Frequently deployed aircraft and crews to participate in training exercises throughout the Far East during this period. In addition, aircrews trained to perform fast forward air control missions beginning in 1984. In 1988-1989, mission shifted to offensive counterair and all-weather air interdiction. Restored tactical air control capabilities in Oct 1990, and, in Sep 1991, became the first operational F-16 unit to employ laser targeting with the LANTIRN navigation and targeting system. Airlift support operations were augmented with the addition of a flight of light transports in Aug 1992. Took part in a series of joint and combined training exercises for the defense of the Republic of Korea (ROK). Honors Service Streamers: None. Campaign Streamers: Korea: UN Offensive; CCF Intervention; First UN Counteroffensive; CCF Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Winter; Korea Summer, 1953. Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None. Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 29 Aug 1958-19 Jan 1959; 26 Mar 1962-30 Sep 1963; 1 Jan 1965-31 Dec 1966; 1 Jan 1969-31 Dec 1970; 30 Sep 1974-31 Mar 1976; 1 Apr 1983-30 Apr 1984; 1 May 1984-30 Apr 1985; 1 Jul 1985-30 Jun 1987; 1 Jul 1987-30 Jun 1989; 1 Oct 1992-30 Sep 1994; 1 Nov 1995-31 May 1997; 1 Oct 2002-30 Sep 2004. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations: 20 Sep 1950-30 Jun 1951; 1 Jul 1951-31 Mar 1953; 19-20 Aug 1972. Bestowed Honors: Authorized to display honors earned by the 51st Operations Group prior to 18 Aug 1948. Service Streamers: None. Campaign Streamers: World War II: India-Burma; China Defensive; China Offensive. Decorations: None. Emblem: Per fess nebuly abased Azure and Or issuing from partition line a demi-Pegasus Argent with a machine gun in each wing bendwise Sable, gun fire proper, all within a diminished bordure of the second. Approved for 51st Group on 5 Feb 1942 and for 51st Wing on 2 May 1956 (K 707). Motto: LEADING THE CHARGE. Approved c. Jun 1993. Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 3 Dec 2008. Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Nov 2008.
80th Fighter Group (See CBI Unit Histories)
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Established as 80 Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 13 Jan 1942. Activated on 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated 80 Fighter Group (Single Engine) on 15 May 1942. Inactivated on 3 Nov 1945. Consolidated (31 Jan 1984) with the 80 Flying Training Wing, which was established on 23 May 1972. Activated on 1 Jan 1973.
Assignments: III Interceptor (later, III Fighter) Command, 9 Feb 1942; First Air Force, 20 Jun 1942; I Fighter Command, 4 Jul 1942; New York Air Defense Wing, 11 Aug 1942-10 May 1943; Tenth Air Force, 28 Jun 1943; American Air Command 1 (later, 5320 Air Defense Wing [Provisional]), Sep 1943; Tenth Air Force, 20 Jun 1944; Army Air Forces, India-Burma Theater, c. 1 Aug-9 Oct 1945; New York Port of Embarkation, 1-3 Nov 1945. Air Training Command, 1 Jan 1973; Nineteenth Air Force, 1 Jul 1993-.
Components
Groups: 80 Operations: 2 Jan 1998-.
Squadrons: 88 Pursuit (later, 88 Fighter; 88 Flying Training): 9 Feb 1942-3 Nov 1945; 1 Jan 1973-2 Jan 1998. 89 Pursuit (later, 89 Fighter; 89 Flying Training): 9 Feb 1942-3 Nov 1945; 1 Jan 1973-2 Jan 1998. 90 Pursuit (later, 90 Fighter; 90 Flying Training): 9 Feb 1942-3 Nov 1945; 1 Jan 1973-2 Jan 1998. 459 Fighter: 1 Sep 1943-13 Mar 1944.
Stations: Selfridge Field, MI, 9 Feb 1942; Bridgeport, CT, 25 Jun 1942; Farmingdale, NY, 5 Jul 1942; Mitchel Field, NY, 9 Mar-30 Apr 1943; Karachi, India, 28 Jun 1943; Kanjikoah, India, Sep 1943; Nagaghuli, India, 11 Oct 1943; Tingkawk Sakan, Burma, 29 Aug 1944; Myitkyina, Burma, 20 Jan 1945; Moran, India, 4 May 1945; Dudhkundi, India, 24 May-6 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-3 Nov 1945. Sheppard AFB, TX, 1 Jan 1973-.
Commanders: Unkn, Feb-May 1942; Col John C. Crothwaite, c. 20 May 1942; Maj Albert L. Evans Jr., 1 Jul 1942; Col Ivan W. McElroy, 14 Jul 1943; Col Albert L. Evans Jr., 13 Apr 1944; Col Sidney D. Grubbs Jr., 1 Feb 1945; Col Hiette S. Williams Jr., 29 Apr 1945-unkn. Col Robert G. Liotta, 1 Jan 1973; Col Kirk A. Brown, 28 Jun 1973; Col Spence M. Armstrong, 22 Jul 1974; Col Robert D. Caudry, 17 Jul 1976; Col William R. Deans, 1 Apr 1977; Col Jesse W. Campbell, 5 Jul 1978; Col Larry W. Pritchett, 15 Jul 1980; Col William F. Phillips, 24 Feb 1982; Col Sandor Babos, 13 Feb 1984; Col Robert K. McLeod, 24 Feb 1986; Col Travis E. Harrell, 22 Dec 1987; Col William B. Mitchell, 20 Jul 1989; Col Robert E. Gatliff, 19 Apr 1991; Col William J. Lake, 28 Jul 1992; Col James G. Ferguson, 10 Jan 1994; Col Kenneth M. Decuir, 26 Feb 1996; Col Stanley Gorenc, 6 Nov 1997; Col Kurt A. Cichowski, 15 May 1999; Col Ralph J. Jodice II, 17 Jul 2001; Col H. D. Polumbo Jr., 15 Aug 2003; Col Jeffrey B. Kendall, 29 Jan 2005; Col David P. Petersen, 10 Aug 2007; Col Kevin Schneider, 1 Jul 2009-.
Aircraft: P-47, 1942-1943, 1944-1945; P-40, 1943-1944; P-38, 1943-1944. T-37, 1973-2009; T-38, 1973-; AT-38, 1993-; T-6, 2008-.
Operations: Trained for combat and served as part of the defense force for the northeastern United States, 1942-1943. Sailed for India, via Brazil, Cape of Good Hope, and Ceylon, in May 1943. Began combat operations in Sep 1943. Supported Allied ground forces during the battle for northern Burma and the push southward to Rangoon, bombing and strafing troop concentrations, supply dumps, lines of communication, artillery positions, and other objectives. Defended the Indian terminus of the Hump route by striking Japanese airfields and patrolling Allied airfields to safeguard them from attack. Received a DUC for intercepting a formation of enemy aircraft and preventing its attack on a large oil refinery in Assam, India, on 27 Mar 1944. Withdrawn from combat in May 1945. Since Jan 1973, provided undergraduate pilot training, initially for USAF, German Air Force, and Vietnamese Air Force students. Although Vietnamese Air Force pilot training ceased in Sep 1974, students from other nations continued to train under the security assistance program through Apr 1980. Provided USAF rotary-wing pilots' conversion training to fixed-wing aircraft, Jun 1977-Nov 1981. Conducted undergraduate pilot training and pilot instructor training under the Euro-NATO Joint Pilot Training program, beginning Oct 1981, with participating nations contributing staff and financial support. In Jan 1994, began training Euro-NATO pilots in fighter fundamentals, using AT-38 aircraft.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: India-Burma; Central Burma.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: India, 27 Mar 1944. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 10-20 Apr 1979; 30 Apr 1981-29 Apr 1983; 1 Jul 1999-30 Jun 2001.
Emblem: Per bend Azure and Sable a bend raguly Or, all within a diminished bordure of the like. Motto: ANGELS ON OUR WINGS. Approved for the group on 14 Oct 1942 (KE 51227) and for the wing on 2 Jan 1973.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, Commanders, Aircraft, and Honors through 2 Mar 2010.
Source: Military Shoulder Patches of the U.S. (Mr. Ray Fincham) The 80th Pursuit Group compiled an impressive combat record, providing top cover for cargo aircraft flying "the Hump," delivering bombs on targets in Burma, and engaging Japanese aircraft in air-to-air combat. Their nickname, the "Burma Banshees," was given to them by the natives because of the high-pitched whistling noise the P-40 made during dive bomb runs. Other Sites of Interest: Burma Banshees Burma Banshees - The 80th Fighter Group
311th Fighter Group  Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Constituted as 311th Bombardment Group (Light) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 2 Mar 1942. Redesignated 311th Bombardment Group (Dive) in Jul 1942, 311th Fighter-Bomber Group in Sep 1943, and 311th Fighter Group in May 1944. Trained with V-72 aircraft. Moved to India, via Australia, Jul-Sep 1943. Assigned to Tenth AF. Operating from India and using A-36's and P-51's, the group supported Allied ground forces in northern Burma; covered bombers that attacked Rangoon, Insein, and other targets; bombed enemy airfields at Myitkyina and Bhamo; and conducted patrol and reconnaissance missions to help protect transport planes that flew the Hump route between India and China. Moved to Burma in Jul 1944 and continued to support ground forces, including Merrill's Marauders; also flew numerous sweeps over enemy airfields in central and southern Burma. Moved to China in Aug 1944 and assigned to Fourteenth AF. Escorted bombers, flew interception missions, struck the enemy's communications, and supported ground operations, serving in combat until the end of the war. Ferried P-51's from India for Chinese Air Force in Nov 1945. Returned to the US in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 6 Jan 1946. Redesignated 101st Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Maine) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 4 Apr 1947. Ordered to active service on 1 Feb 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Redesignated 101st Fighter-Interceptor Group in Feb 1951. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Relieved from active service, returned to ANG (Maine), and activated, on 1 Nov 1952. ANG allotment changed in 1954 (withdrawn from Maine on 30 Apr and allotted to Vt on 1 Jun). Extended federal recognition on 1 Jun 1954.
Squadrons: 136th: 1951-1952. 385th: 1942-1943. 528th (formerly 382nd, later 132nd): 1942-1946; 1951-1952. 529th (formerly 383d, later 133d): 1942-1946; 1951-1952. 530th (formerly 384th, later 134th): 1942-1946; 1951-1952.
Stations: Will Rogers Field, Okla, 2 Mar 1942; Hunter Field, Ga, 4 Jul 1942; Waycross, Ga, 22 Oct 1942-18 Jul 1943; Nawadih, India, 14 Sep 1943; Dinjan, India, 11 Oct 1943; Tingkawk Sakan, Burma, 6 Jul 1944; Pungchacheng, China, 28 Aug 1944-14 Dec 1945; Ft Lawton, Wash, 5-6 Jan 1946. Dow AFB, Maine, 1 Feb 1951; Grenier AFB, NH, 23 Apr 1951; Larson AFB, Wash, 2 Aug 1951-6 Feb 1952.
Commanders: Lt Col Clinton U True, 1942; Lt Col John R Kelly, 10 Aug 1942; Col Harry R Melton Jr, 26 Nov 1942; Col Charles G Chandler Jr, 25 Nov 1943; Col John S Chennault, 12 Feb 1945; Col Gabriel P Disosway, 24 May 1945; Col Allen R Springer, 5 Aug 1945-unkn. Col George Labreche, 1951-1952.
Campaigns: American Theater; India-Burma; China Defensive; China Offensive.
Decorations: None.
Emblem: Shield: Or a tornado issuant from base throughout azure, a demi-Indian issuant from chief proper, with war bonnet of the like and shooting from a bow sable a drop bomb gules. Motto: Fulminat - It (He) Strikes as Lightning. (Approved 13 Nov 1942.)
Maine ANG
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1st Air Commando Group Operations Aug 43-May 44
Picture courtesy of the family of TSgt Donald G. Lewis
