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20th Air Force (See CBI Unit Histories)
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Constituted as Twentieth AF on 4 Apr 1944 and activated the same day. Some combat elements moved in the summer of 1944 from the US to India where they carried out very heavy bombardment operations against targets in Japan, Formosa, Thailand, and Burma. Other combat elements began moving late in 1944 from the US to the Marianas, being joined there early in 1945 by the elements that had been in India. Headquarters, which had remained in the US, was transferred to Guam in Jul 1945. From the Marianas the Twentieth conducted a strategic air offensive that was climaxed by the dropping of two atomic bombs on Japan. After the war the Twentieth remained in the theater and eventually became part of Far East Air Forces. Served in combat for a short time at the beginning of the Korean War but later was concerned primarily with logistic support for the operations of other organizations and with air defense for the Ryukyus. Inactivated on Okinawa on 1 Mar 1955.
Commands: VII Fighter: 1945. XX Bomber: 1944-1945. XXI Bomber: 1944-1945.
Stations: Washington, DC, 4 Apr 1944; Harmon Field, Guam, 16 Jul 1945; Kadena, Okinawa, 16 May 1949-1 Mar 1955.
Commanders: General of the Army Henry H Arnold, 6 Apr 1944; Maj Gen Curtis E LeMay, 16 Jul 1945; Lt Gen Nathan F Twining, 2 Aug 1945; Maj Gen James E Parker, 15 Oct 1945; Brig Gen Frederick M Hopkins Jr, 19 Mar 1946; Maj Gen Francis H Griswold, 10 Sep 1946; Maj Gen Alvan C Kincaid, 8 Sep 1948; Maj Gen Ralph F Stearley, 31 Ju 1950; Maj Gen Fay R Upthegrove, 8 Feb 1953-1 Mar 1955.
Campaigns: World War II: American Theater; India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Central Burma. Korean War: UN Defensive.
Decorations: None.
(Presidential Unit Citation: See "Background of the Presidential Unit Citation for MIS" in CBI Unit Histories)
Insigne: A disc of ultramarine blue marked with white parallels of latitude and meridians of longitude surmounted in base by a white star charged at center with a red disc and circumscribed by an annulet golden orange lined blue, tips enclosing the Arabic numeral "20". (Approved 26 May 1944.)
Source: "The Army Almanac", U.S. Government Printing Office, 1950.
Lineage: Activated 4 April 1944, at Washington, D. C.
Commanding Generals: Gen. Henry H. Arnold (6 April 1944-16 July 1945); Maj. Gen. Curtis E. LeMay (16 July 1945-1 August 1945); Lt. Gen. Nathan F. Twining (1 August 1945-15 October 1945); Maj. Gen. James E. Parker (15 October 1945-19 March 1946); Brig. Gen. Frederick M. Hopkins, Jr. (19 March 1946-10 September 1946); Maj. Gen. F. H. Griswold (10 September 1946-31 August 1948); Maj. Gen. Alvan C. Kincaid (1 September 1948-).
Operational Notes (World War II): The Twentieth Air Force, equipped with Superfortresses, had as its principal function the carrying of war to the Japanese homeland. This program was inaugurated on 15 June 1944, when India-based B-29's of the XX Bomber Command, staged through forward areas in China, bombed steel works at Yawata. Attacks upon aircraft factories, oil refineries, ordnance plants, and other critical industries followed until late March 1945, when these groups were transferred to the Marianas. Here units of the XXI Bomber Command, stationed on Saipan, Tinian, and Guam, had hammered at Japanese targets since 24 November 1944, when they made the first B-29 attack upon Tokyo. During the last 5 months of the war, the Twentieth Air Force mined Japanese home waters, initiated incendiary raids, and on 6 and 9 August dropped two atomic bombs, on Hiroshima and Nagasaki. In addition, the Twentieth Air Force lent support in the Burma campaign, facilitated invasion of Okinawa by bombing airfields on Kyushu, and, after VJ-day, dropped food and medical supplies to Allied prisoners of war in Japan. In all, it flew 38,808 sorties, dropped 171,060 tons of bombs, claimed destruction of 1,225 enemy aircraft, and lost 494 planes to enemy action.
Station: Harmon Air Force Base, Guam (Oct. 1948).
Source: Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (20th Air Force)
Twentieth Air Force was formed during World War II, exclusively as a heavy strategic bombardment organization. Headquartered in the United States, under command of General Henry H. Arnold, with direction from the Joint Chiefs of Staff, its B-29 components operated in the China-Burma-India and Pacific theaters, carrying the air war to the Japanese. Operations climaxed with atomic attacks on Japan in August 1945. Following the war, Twentieth Air Force remained in the Pacific and served in combat for a short time during the Korean war. Later it was involved primarily in air defense of the Ryukyu Islands until inactivation in March 1955. Since 1991, the Twentieth Air Force has controlled the inter-continental ballistic missile force.
Lineage: Established as Twentieth Air Force, and activated on April 4, 1944, at Washington D.C., and assigned to Army Air Forces. Moved to Harmon Field, Guam, Mariana Islands, in July 1945 with assignment to U.S. Army Strategic Air Forces. Assigned to Pacific Air Command, U.S. Army, (later Far East Air Forces), on December 6, 1945. Moved without personnel or equipment to Kadena AB, Ryukyu Islands, on May 16, 1949. Inactivated on March 1, 1955. Assigned to Strategic Air Command on March 29, 1991. Activated at Vandenberg AFB, California, on September 1, 1991. Relieved from assignment to Strategic Air Command and assigned to Air Combat Command on June 1, 1992. Relieved from assignment to Air Combat Command and assigned to Air Force Space Command on July 1, 1993. Moved from Vandenberg AFB, California, to F. E. Warren AFB, Wyoming, effective October 1, 1993.
Source: Fact Sheets - 20th Air Force (F.E Warren AFB website)
20TH AIR FORCE
Mission
America's ICBM Team Deterring Conflict With Professional People And Safe, Secure, Ready Missiles
Employ Force Upon Direction
History
Twentieth Air Force has a proud heritage as America's long-range strategic force. Activated June 20, 1941, the unit's B-29 Superfortresses bombed the Japanese Islands. Twentieth Air Force bombers, the Enola Gay and Bock's Car, brought an early end to World War II after they dropped the first atomic bombs on Japan. Twentieth Air Force units also supported United Nations' forces during the Korean War.
Inactivated on March 1, 1951, the unit was reactivated Sept. 1, 1991, as a component of the Strategic Air Command and was located at Vandenberg AFB, Calif. Operationally responsible for all land-based Intercontinental Ballistic Missiles, 20th Air Force's rebirth came at a time when America's nuclear forces were entering a decade of unprecedented force reductions and changes. Spawned by the Cold War's end and the breakup of the Soviet Union, these changes reshaped the basic fabric of this nation's nuclear deterrent forces. For the men and women of America's ICBM Team, it proved to be a period of sustained, dramatic change. In nine short years since its rebirth, 20th Air Force experienced three major command identities. After one year in Strategic Air Command and another year in Air Combat Command, 20th Air Force found a permanent home in Air Force Space Command in 1993. Twentieth Air Force Headquarters' location also changed in 1993, moving from Vandenberg AFB, Calif., to its current home here at F. E. Warren.
ICBM force structure was reduced radically as well during the 1990s, downsizing from six wings to three, and from 1,000 alert ICBMs to 550. These draw downs posed major leadership challenges for airmen at all levels of command.
Twentieth Air Force headquarters is unique in that it has dual responsibilities to Air Force Space Command and United States Strategic Command. As the missile Numbered Air Force for AFSPC, 20th Air Force is responsible for maintaining and operating the Air Force's ICBM force. Designated as STRATCOM's Task Force 214, 20th Air Force provides on-alert, combat ready ICBMs to the president. Combined with the other two legs of the Triad, bombers and submarines, STRATCOM forces protect the United States with an umbrella of deterrence.
History of the CBI Theater:
Army Air Forces in WWII Series, Volumes 5 & 7
Office of Air Force History
Wesley Craven & James Cate, editors
Other Sites and Documents of Interest:
History of the 20th Air Force
Twentieth Air Force Wiki Resources
 The Twentieth Air Force in World War II (Adobe Acrobat document)
XX Bomber Command
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Constituted as XX Bomber Command on 19 Nov 1943 and activated on 20 Nov. Assigned to Second AF. Moved to India early in 1944. Assigned to Twentieth AF. Engaged in very-long-range bombardment operations from Jun 1944 until all of its tactical components were relieved of assignment in Mar 1945. Moved to Okinawa, Jun-Jul 1945. Inactivated on 16 Jul 1945. Disbanded on 8 Oct 1948.
Wings: 58th: 1943-1945. 73d: 1943-1944.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 20 Nov 1943-12 Feb 1944; Kharagpur, India, 28 Mar 1944-17 Jun 1945; Sakugawa, Okinawa, 7-16 Jul 1945.
Commanders: Brig Gen Kenneth B Wolfe, 27 Nov 1943; Brig Gen Lavern G Saunders, 6 Jul 1944; Maj Gen Curtis E LeMay, 29 Aug 1944; Brig Gen Roger M Ramey, 20 Jan 1945; Brig Gen Joseph Smith, 25 Apr-16 Jul 1945.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: None.
Insigne: On an ultramarine blue arc segment, couped at base, within border gold, two very large aerial bombs of the last, falling parallel to sides in perspective, toward and over a bezant in base, marked with latitude and longitude representations of the field. (Approved 20 Mar 1945.)
Other Sites of Interest:
XX Bomber Command Wiki Resources
58th Bombardment Wing
 Plaque located in Memorial Park
National Museum of the United States Air Force
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Established as 58 Bombardment Operational Training Wing (Heavy) on 22 Apr 1943. Activated on 1 May 1943. Redesignated: 58 Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 12 Jul 1943; 58 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy on 19 Nov 1943; 58 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, Special on 13 Jan 1944. Disestablished on 12 Oct 1944. Reestablished as 58 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy on 1 Feb 1945. Activated on 8 Feb 1945. Redesignated 58 Air Division, Bombardment on 16 Apr 1948. Inactivated on 16 Oct 1948. Redesignated 58 Air Division (Defense) on 3 May 1955. Activated on 8 Sep 1955. Inactivated on 1 Feb 1959.
Assignments: Second Air Force, 1 May 1943; II Bomber Command, 15 May 1943; Army Air Forces, 8 Jun 1943; Second Air Force, 15 Oct 1943; XX Bomber Command, 20 Nov 1943; Twentieth Air Force, 29 Jun-12 Oct 1944. XX Bomber Command, 8 Feb 1945; XXI Bomber Command, 29 Mar 1945; Twentieth Air Force, 16 Jul 1945; Army Service Forces, c. 15 Nov 1945; Fourth Air Force, 7 Dec 1945; Second Air Force, 29 Mar 1946; Fifteenth Air Force, 31 Mar 1946; Eighth Air Force, 1 Nov 1946; Strategic Air Command, 1 Mar-16 Oct 1948. Eastern Air Defense Force, 8 Sep 1955-1 Feb 1959.
Components
Groups: 40 Bombardment: 1 May 1943-12 Oct 1944; 8 Feb 1945-1 Oct 1946. 355 Fighter: 1 Mar 1956-8 Jan 1958. 444 Bombardment: c. Aug 1943-12 Oct 1944; 8 Feb 1945-1 Oct 1946. 462 Bombardment: 1 Jul 1943-12 Oct 1944; 8 Feb 1945-31 Mar 1946. 468 Bombardment: 1 Aug 1943-12 Oct 1944; 8 Feb 1945-31 Mar 1946. 472 Bombardment: 1 Sep 1943-1 Apr 1944.
Squadron: 56 Fighter-Interceptor: 1 Mar 1956-1 Sep 1958. 87 Fighter-Interceptor: 8 Apr 1956-1 Sep 1958. 319 Fighter-Interceptor: 1 Mar 1956-1 Sep 1958.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, KS, 1 May 1943; Cobb County AAFld, GA, 15 Jun 1943; Smoky Hill AAFld, KS, 15 Sep 1943-12 Mar 1944; Chakulia, India, 2 Apr 1944; Kharagpur, India, 23 Apr 12 Oct 1944. Hijli Base Area, India, 8-24 Feb 1945; West Field, Tinian, 29 Mar-15 Nov 1945; March Field, CA, 2 Dec 1945; Fort Worth AAFld, TX, 9 May 1946; Andrews AFB, MD, 1 Mar-16 Oct 1948. Wright Patterson AFB, OH, 8 Sep 1955-1 Feb 1959.
Commanders: Unkn, 1 May-20 Jun 1943; Brig Gen Kenneth B. Wolf, 21 Jun 1943; Col Leonard F. Harmon, 27 Nov 1943; Brig Gen LaVern G. Saunders, by 31 Mar 1944-unkn; Col Dwight O. Monteith, 8 Feb 1945; Brig Gen Roger M. Ramey, 24 Apr 1945-1 Nov 1946; unkn, 1 Nov 1946-16 Oct 1948. Brig Gen Von R. Shores Jr., 8 Sep 1955; Col William E. Elder, by 30 Jun 1957-14 Sep 1958; unkn, 15 Sep 1958-1 Feb 1959.
Aircraft and Missiles: B-29, 1943-1944. B-29, 1945-1946. F-86, 1955-1958; F-89, 1956-1958; F-94, 1956-1957.
Operations: The 58th wing's units transported supplies over the Himalaya Mountains to staging bases in China in 1944. Operating later from bases in India, and at times staging through fields in China, the subordinate units struck such Japanese targets as transportation centers, naval installations, iron works, and aircraft plants in Burma, Thailand, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Formosa. The wing moved to Tinian in early 1945 and continued Bombardment operations against Japan. Its units made daylight attacks from high altitudes on strategic targets, participated in incendiary raids on urban areas, and dropped mines in Japanese shipping lanes. After the Japanese surrender, they dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners of war in Japan, Korea, and Formosa, and took part in show of force missions. Inactive for seven years, the 58th activated as an Air Division (defense) in Sep 1955 and assumed responsibility for the defense of parts of Illinois, Indiana, West Virginia, Kentucky, Tennessee, Mississippi, Alabama, and Georgia, and supported operations, when necessary, of other commands. It supervised training programs for its subordinate units and supported exercises such as Hour Hand, Blue Light, Red Cap, Iron Bar, and Surefire.
Service Streamers: World War II Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
Campaign Streamers: None.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: None.
Emblem: A shield per bend argent and checky of the first and sable in chief an escutcheon gules charged with a cross or between four stylized arrowheads, tips to center, of the last. (Approved 11 Jan 1956.)
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 1 Feb 1959.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 1 Feb 1959.
Other Sites of Interest:
New England Air Museum - 58th Bomb Wing Memorial
58th Air Division Wiki Resources
40th Bombardment Group
(May 45-End of War.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
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Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Constituted as 40th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 22 Nov 1940. Activated in Puerto Rico on 1 Apr 1941. Redesignated 40th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in May 1942. Trained and patrolled the Caribbean area, using B-17 and B-26 aircraft. Operated first from Puerto Rico and later from the Panama Canal Zone. Moved to the US in Jun 1943. Redesignated 40th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) in Nov 1943. After training with B-29's, moved to India, via Africa, Mar-Jun 1944. Assigned to Twentieth AF in Jun 1944. Transported supplies over the Hump to staging bases in China before entering combat with a strike on railroad shops at Bangkok, Thailand, on 5 Jun 1944. On 15 Jun participated in the first AAF attack on Japan since the Doolittle raid in 1942. Operating from bases in India, and at times staging through fields in China, the group struck such targets as transportation centers, naval installations, iron works, and aircraft plants in Burma, Thailand, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Formosa, receiving a DUC for bombing iron and steel works at Yawata, Japan, on 20 Aug 1944. From a staging field in Ceylon, it mined waters near the port of Palembang, Sumatra, in Aug 1944. Moved to Tinian, Feb-Apr 1945, for further operations against Japan. Made daylight attacks from high altitude on strategic targets, participated in incendiary raids on urban areas, and dropped mines in Japanese shipping lanes. Received a DUC for attacking naval aircraft factories at Kure, oil storage facilities at Oshima, and the industrial area of Nagoya, in May 1945. Raided light metal industries in Osaka in Jul 1945, being awarded another DUC for this mission. After V-J Day, dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners in Japan, Korea, and Formosa, and took part in show-of-force missions. Returned to the US in Nov 1945. Assigned to Strategic Air Command on 21 Mar 1946. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1946.
Consolidated 31 Jan 84 with 40th Strategic Aerospace Wg, which was constituted 9 May 52 as the 40th Bombardment Wg, Medium, activated 28 May 52, redesignated 40th Strategic Aerospace Wg 1 Feb 64, discontinued and inactivated 1 Sep 64, and 40th Tactical Group, which was organized 1 Apr 66, redesignated 40th Tactical Support Wg 30 Jul 90, inactivated 4 May 92.
40th Air Expeditionary Wing, c. 2001-c. Sep 2006.
Assignments: Twentieth AF, Jun 1944. Strategic Air Command, 21 Mar 1946. 802nd Air Div 1952-20 Jun 60 (attached to 310th Bombardment Wg (Medium) 6 Feb 53-1 May 53, 7th Air Div 9 Jun 55-9 Sep 55, 1 Jul 57-1 Oct 57), 21st Air Div -1964. Sixteenth AF 1966-1992.
Squadrons: 25th: 1943-1946. 29th: 1941-1943. 44th: 1941-1946. 45th: 1941-1946. 74th: 1942-1943. 343d: 1945-1946. 395th: 1942-1946.
Stations: Borinquen Field, PR, 1 Apr 1941; Howard Field, CZ, 16 Jun 1942; Albrook Field, CZ, 16 Sep 1942; Howard Field, CZ, 3-15 Jun 1943; Pratt AAFld, Kan, 1 Jul 1943-12 Mar 1944; Chakulia, India, 2 Apr 1944-25 Feb 1945; West Field, Tinian, 4 Apr-7 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, 27 Nov 1945; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 8 May-1 Oct 1946. Smoky Hill AFB (later Schilling AFB) KS 1952-20 Jun 60, Forbes AFB KS -1964. Aviano AFB 1966-1992. Diego Garcia, unknown-.
Commanders: Lt Col William B Sousa, 1 Apr 1941; Maj George W McGregor, 29 Apr 1941; Col Ivan M Palmer, 26 Nov 1941; Col Vernon C Smith, 19 Jan 1943; Col Henry K Mooney, 16 May 1943; Col Lewis R Parker, 1 Jul 1943; Lt Col Louis E Coira, 24 Feb 1944; Col Leonard F Harman, 10 Apr 1944; Col William H Blanchard, 4 Aug 1944; Col Henry R Sullivan, 16 Feb 1945; Col William K Skaer, 27 Feb 1945; Lt Col Oscar R Schaaf, 21 Mar 1946; Col Alva L Harvey, 4 May 1946; Lt Col Oscar R Schaaf, 21 Aug 1946; 1st Lt William F Seith, 21 Sep-1 Oct 1946.
Campaigns: Antisubmarine, American Theater; India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Japan, 5-14 May 1945; Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
Insigne: Shield: Azure, on a bomb burst proper fimbriated argent four drop bombs in cross or. (Approved 28 Mar 1942. This insigne was replaced 6 Jan 1954.)
Other Sites of Interest:
40th Bombardment Group Association
40th Bombardment Wing
40th Air Expeditionary Wing Wiki Resources
25th Bombardment Squadron
(Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
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Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Organized as 20 Aero Squadron on 13 Jun 1917. Redesignated 25 Aero Squadron on 22 Jun 1917. Demobilized on 17 Jun 1919. Reconstituted, and consolidated (1924), with 25 Squadron, which was authorized on 30 Aug 1921. Organized on 1 Oct 1921. Redesignated: 25 Bombardment Squadron on 25 Jan 1923; 25 Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 6 Dec 1939; 25 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940; 25 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1946. Redesignated 25 Bombardment Squadron, Medium on 9 May 1952. Activated on 28 May 1952. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 1 Sep 1964. Redesignated 25 Strategic Training Squadron on 21 Jun 1988. Activated on 1 Jul 1988. Redesignated 25 Flying Tactics Training Squadron on 1 Sep 1991; 25 Training Squadron on 15 Jun 1993. Inactivated on 21 Sep 1995. Redesignated 25 Space Control Tactics Squadron on 20 Apr 2004 per DAF/DPM 510s, 20 Apr 2004. Activated on 1 Jul 2004 per DAF/DPM 510s, 20 Apr 2004; SO #GD-011, Hq AFSPC, 5 May 2004; AFOSCR-AFSPC, 31 Jul 2004. Redesignated 25 Space Range Squadron per DAF/A1M 887s, 17 Oct 2007; So #GD-001, Hq AFSPC, 7 Nov 2007.
Assignments: Unkn, 13 Jun 1917-Nov 1918; 4 Pursuit Group, Nov 1918-Apr 1919; unkn, Apr-17 Jun 1919. Second Corps Area, 1 Oct 1921; Panama Canal Department, 30 Apr 1922; 6 Observation (later, 6 Composite; 6 Bombardment) Group, 27 May 1922; 40 Bombardment Group, 12 May 1943-1 Oct 1946. 40 Bombardment (later, 40 Strategic Aerospace) Wing, 28 May 1952-1 Sep 1964. Strategic Air Command, 1 Jul 1988; 99 Strategic Weapons Wing, 10 Aug 1989; 99 Operations and Maintenance (later, 99 Operations) Group, 1 Sep 1991-21 Sep 1995. 595 Space Group, 1 Jul 2004-.
Stations: Camp Kelly, TX, 13 Jun-28 Dec 1917; Ayr, Scotland, 31 Jan 1918; Marske, England, 23 Apr-7 Aug 1918; St. Maxient, France, 20 Aug 1918; Romorantin, France, 29 Aug 1918; Colombey-les-Belles, France, 18 Sep 1918; Toul, France, 24 Oct 1918; Colombey-les-Belles, France, 15 Apr 1919; Le Mans, France, 5-19 May 1919; Mitchel Field, NY, 6-17 Jun 1919. Mitchel Field, NY, 1 Oct 1921-22 Apr 1922; France Field, CZ, 30 Apr 1922; Rio Hato, Panama, 8 Dec 1941; Salinas, Ecuador, c. 21 Jan 1942; Howard Field, CZ, 22 May-16 Jun 1943; Pratt AAFld, KS, 1 Jul 1943-12 Mar 1944; Chakulia, India, c. 11 Apr 1944-Apr 1945; West Field, Tinian, Apr-7 Nov 1945; March Field, CA, 27 Nov 1945; Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, c. 8 May-1 Oct 1946. Smoky Hill (later, Schilling) AFB, KS, 28 May 1952 (deployed at Lakenheath RAF Station, England, Jun-Sep 1955 and Greenham Common RAF Station, England, Jul-Oct 1957); Forbes AFB, KS, 20 Jun 1960-1 Sep 1964. Ellsworth AFB, SD, 1 Jul 1988-21 Sep 1995. Schriever AFB, CO, 1 Jul 2004-.
Commanders: Capt Harold M. Clark, 13 Jun 1917; Capt W. P. Jernigan, c. 17 Aug 1917; Maj Seth W. Cook, 12 Nov 1917; 1 Lt Walter J. Seaburn, 22 Nov 1917; 1 Lt Morse B. Kent, 30 Jan 1918; Maj Reed G. Landis, 25 Sep 1918-unkn. Unkn, 1921-1943; Maj Carl P. Walter, 1943; Lt Col Warren S Wilkinson, 24 Aug 1943; Maj Henry P. Luna, Sep 1944; Lt Col William Kingsbury, Oct 1944; Lt Col J. D. White, Sep 1945; Maj J. C. Eigenmann, 21 Sep 1945; Lt Col Oscar R. Schaaf, 15 Jan 1946; Lt Col Willard W. Wilson, Apr-c. 1 Oct 1946. Lt Col Gerald Wolke, 5 Mar 1953; Lt Col Edward P. Clark, 23 Apr 1953; Lt Col Richard B. Burgess, by Dec 1956; Lt Col William R. Young, Jun 1957; Lt Col Burdette J. McKinnis Jr., Sep 1958; Maj J. M. Campbell, Jun 1959; Maj James W. Schultz, Jun 1960; Lt Col Walter T. Galligan, 30 May 1961; Lt Col Richard R. Anderson, 31 Jul 1961; Lt Col Theodore M. Raley, 25 Jul 1962-1 Sep 1964. Unkn, 1 Jul 1988-9 Aug 1990; Lt Col Mason H. Beckett Jr., 10 Aug 1990; Lt Col Timothy C. Jones, 28 Aug 1991; Lt Col John L. Christensen, 2 Nov 1992; Lt Col Christopher G. Warner, 8 Nov 1993; Unkn, Jan 1994-21 Sep 1995.
Aircraft: SE-5, 1918-1919. Unkn, 1921-1922; included NBS-1 during period 1922-1929; included LB-5, LB-6, and LB-7 during period 1928-1932; B-3, 1931-1936; B-6, 1936-1937; B-10, 1937-1939; B-18, 1938-1942; B-24, 1942-1943; LB-30, 1942-1943; B-26, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; YB-29, 1943-1944; B-29, 1944-1946. B-29, 1953-1954; B-47, 1954-1964. None, 1988-1995.
Operations: Combat as pursuit unit with Second Army, 10-11 Nov 1918. Good-will flights to El Salvador and Nicaragua, 13-19 May 1935, to Guatemala, 8-11 Feb 1938, to El Salvador, 19-22 Apr 1938; mercy mission to Chile following devastating earthquake, 28 Jan-13 Feb 1939. Antisubmarine patrols, Dec 1941-May 1943. Combat in CBI, 5 Jun 1944-29 Mar 1945, and Western Pacific, 5 May-14 Aug 1945. Activated in Kansas in May 1952 but did not become operational until Apr 1953. Trained for bombing proficiency. Deployed to England in 1955 and 1957. Maintained aircraft and aircrews on alert at bases in North Africa, England, and Alaska. From 1988 to 1995, supervised SAC B-52 and B-1 bomber crew training program.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War I: Meuse-Argonne. World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Japan, 5-14 May 1945; Japan, 24 Jul 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 10 Aug 1989-30 Jun 1991; 1 Jul 1991-15 Apr 1993; 1 Sep 2004-31 Aug 2005; 1 Sep 2005-31 Aug 2006; 1 Sep 2006-31 Aug 2007.
Emblem: On a disc white, outlined black, a caricatured executioner, face and hands golden yellow, suit and mask black, belt and nose red, collar white, swinging an axe with four notches in the blade, the handle red and the head steel gray, stained with red dripping blood. (Approved 15 Feb 1924 from World War I emblem.) 25 SCTS emblem approved on 15 Oct 2004.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 10 Apr 2009.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 1993.
44th Bombardment Squadron
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(Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 44th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 22 Nov 1940. Activated on 1 Apr 1941. Redesignated 44th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 7 May 1942; 44th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1946. Redesignated 44th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 9 May 1952. Activated on 28 May 1952. Discontinued and inactivated on or about 1 July 1964.
Assignments: 40th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1941-1 Oct 1946. 40th Bombardment Wing, 28 May 1952-1 Jul 1964.
Stations: Borinquen Field, PR, 1 Apr 1941; Howard Field, CZ, 16 Jun 1942 Guatemala City, Guatemala, 6 Jul 1942; Howard Field, CZ, c. 4-15 Jun 1943 Pratt AAFld, Kan, 1 Jul 1943 - 12 Mar 1944; Chakulia, India, c. 11 Apr 1944 - Apr 1945; West Field, Tinian, Apr-7 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, 2 Nov 1945; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, c 13 May-1 Oct 1946. Smoky Hill AFB, Kan, 28 May 1952; Forbes AFB, Kan, 20 Jun 1960.
Aircraft: B-18, 1941-1942; B-17, 1942-1944; B-24, 1942-1943; B-26,1943-1944; YB-29, 1943-1944; B-29, 1944-1946. B-29, 1953-1954; B-47, 1954-1964.
Operation: Anti-submarine patrols, Dec 1941 - May 1943. Combat in CBI, 5 Jun 1944 - 29 Mar 1945, and Western Pacific, 5 May-l4 Aug 1945.
Service Steamers: None.
Campaigns: Antisubmarine, American Theater; India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma..
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Japan, 5-14 May 1945; Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
Emblem: On and over a blue disc edged in gold a falcon affronte in red, white, and black, outlined in yellow, with wings displayed and carrying a yellow aerial bomb.(Approved 7 Feb 1942)
Other Sites of Interest:
40th Bombardment Wing
44th Bombardment Squadron
45th Bombardment Squadron
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(Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
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Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 45th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 22 November 1940. Activated on 1 April 1941, Redesignated: 45th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 7 May 1942; 45th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 November 1943. Inactivated on 1 October 1946. Redesignated 45th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 9 May 1952. Activated on 28 May 1952. Discontinued and inactivated on 1 September 1964.
Assignments: 40th Bombardment Group, 1 April 1941 - 1 October 1946. 40th Bombardment Wing, 28 May 1952 - 1 September 1964.
Stations: Borinquen Field, PR, 1 April 1941; France Field, CZ, 17 June 1942; David, Panama, 13 November 1942; Galapagos Islands, 18 February 1943; Howard Field, CZ, c. 22 May - 15 June 1943; Pratt AAFld, Kan, 1 July 1943 - 11 March 1944; Chakulia, India, c. 9 April 1944 - April 1945; West Field, Tinian, April - 7 November 1945; March Field, Calif, 27 November 1945; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, c. 13 May -1 October 1946; Smoky Hill AFB, Kan, 28 May 1952 Forbes AFB, Kan, 20 June 1960 - 1 September 1964.
Aircraft: B-18, 1941-1942; LB-30, 1942-1943; B-24, 1943; B-17, 1943,1944; B-26, 1943; YB-29, 1943-1944; B-29, 1943-1946, B-29, 1943-1954; B-47, 1954-1964.
Operations: Anti-submarine patrols, December 1941 - May 1943. Combat in CBI, 5 June 1944 - 29 March 1945, and Western Pacific, 5 May - 14 August 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Antisubmarine, American Theater; India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations; Yawata, Japan, 20 August 1944; Japan, 5 - 14 May 1945; Japan, 24 July 1945.
Emblem: On and over a red demolition bomb outlined in black and marked with three yellow stripes, a yellow hawk with black head, in flight, and grasping a black forty-five caliber automatic pistol, outlined in yellow. (Approved 6 March 1942.)
Other Sites of Interest: 40th Bombardment Wing
395th Bombardment Squadron
(Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
5th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 5th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) on 22 Nov 1940. Activated on 1 Apr 1941. Redesignated: 395th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 22 Apr 1942; 395th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 7 May 1942; 395th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Disbanded on 20 Oct 1944. Reconstituted 19 Sep 1985 and consolidated with the 395th Strategic Missile Sq as the 395th Tactical Missile Sq (not active).
Assignments: 40th Bombardment Group, attached on 1 Apr 1941, and assigned on 25 Feb 1942; 6th Bombardment Group, 9 Aug 1942; 40th Bombardment Group, 12 May 1943-20 Oct 1944.
Stations: Borinquen, PR, 1 Apr 1941; Rio Hato, Panama, 17 Jun 1942-16 Jun 1943; Pratt AAFld, Kan, 1 Aug 1943-12 Mar 1944; Chakulia, India, c. 11 Apr-20 Oct 1944.
Aircraft: B-18, 1941-1943; A-17, 1942-1943; B-24, 1942-1943; LB-30, 1943; YB-29,1943; B-29,1943-1944. 1942-1943; B-17, 1942-1944; B-26, 1943; YB-29,1943; B-29,1943-1944.
Operations: Antisubmarine patrols, Dec 1941-Feb 1943. Replacement and later operational training unit, Jun 1942-May 1943. Combat in CBI, 5 Jun-17 Oct 1944.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Antisubmarine, American Theater; India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944.
Emblem: None.
Other Sites of Interest: 40th Bombardment Wing
1st Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated 4 Dec 43 at Pratt AAF, KS.
2nd Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated 4 Dec 43 at Pratt AAF, KS.
3d Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated at Pratt AAF, KS 3 Dec 43. Maintained B-29 aircraft of the 45 Bombardment Squadron. Transferred to Chakulia, India 15 Apr 44. Was amalgamated into 45 Bombardment Squadron, May 1944 but was made independent again 19 Jun 44.
4th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated 3 Dec 43, pratt ks. Transferred to Chakulia Air Base, India.
11th Photographic Laboratory
Distinguished Unit Citation: 20 Aug 44, WD GO 65-45.
|
28th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
39th Air Engineering Sq
585th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
444th Bombardment Group (See CBI Unit Histories)
Aug 44-May 45: Aircraft numbers in diamond -
consecutive runs of 20-25 numbers. |
(from May 45: Colored band indicate squadron:
676th-green; 677th-yellow; 678th-red) |
| (Tails based on originals by Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 444th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 15 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Redesignated 444th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) in Nov 1943. Trained with B-17, B-3, and B-26 aircraft, and later with B-29's. Moved to India, via Africa, Mar-Apr 1944. Assigned to Twentieth AF on 29 Jun 1944. Flew supplies over the Hump to Chinese bases that its B-29's were to use for staging attacks on Japan. On 15 Jun 1944 participated in the first AAF strike on the Japanese home islands since the Doolittle raid in 1942. Bombed transportation centers, naval installations, aircraft plants, and other targets in Burma, China, Thailand, Japan, and Formosa. Conducted a daylight raid against iron and steel works at Yawata, Japan, in Aug 1944, being awarded a DUC for the mission. Evacuated staging fields in China in Jan 1945 but continued operations from India, bombing targets in Thailand and mining waters around Singapore. Moved to Tinian in the spring of 1945 for further operations against targets in Japan. Participated in bombardment of strategic objectives and in incendiary raids on urban areas for the duration of the war. Received a DUC for attacking oil storage facilities at Oshima, bombing an aircraft plant near Kobe, and dropping incendiaries on Nagoya, in May 1945. Struck light metal industries at Osaka in July 1945, receiving another DUC for this action. Returned to the US late in 1945. Assigned to Strategic Air Command on 21 Mar 1946. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1946.
Squadrons: 344th: 1945-1946. 409th: 1946. 676th: 1943-1946. 677th: 1943-1946. 678th (later 10th): 1943-1946. 679th: 1943-1944. 825th: 1945.
Stations: Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Mar 1943; Great Bend AAFld, Kan, 29 Jul 1943-12 Mar 1944; Charra, India, 11 Apr 1944; Dudhkundi, India, 1 Jul 1944-1
Mar 1945; West Field, Tinian, 7 Apr-28 Sep 1945; Merced AAFld, Calif, 15 Nov
1945; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 6 May-1 Oct 1946.
Commanders: Maj Arthur Snell, 28 Mar 1943; Maj Walter W Cross, 17 Apr 1943; Col Alva L Harvey, 5 Aug 1943; Col Henry R Sullivan, 22 Apr 1945; Col James C Selser Jr, 3 Jun 1945-1 Oct 1946.
Campaigns: American Theater; India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Japan, 10-14 May 1945; Japan, 24 Jul 1945-
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest:
444th Bombardment Group Association
444th Bombardment Group Wiki Resources
676th Bombardment Squadron
Aug 44-May 45: Aircraft numbers in diamond -
consecutive runs of 20-25 numbers. |
From May 45 |
| (Tails based on originals by Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 676th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 15 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Redesignated 676th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1946.
Assignments: 444th Bombardment Group, 1 Mar 1943-1 Oct 1946.
Stations: Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Mar 1943; Great Bend AAFld, Kan, 2 Aug 1943-12 Mar 1944; Charra, India, c. 11 Apr 1944; Dudhkundi, India, 1 Jul 1944-Apr 1945; West Field, Tinian, Apr-27 Oct 1945; Merced AAFld, Calif, 15 Nov 1945; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, c. 9 May-1 Oct 1946.
Aircraft: B-26, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; YB-29, 1943-1944; B-29, 1943-
1946.
Operations: Combat in CBI, 5 Jun 1944-28 Mar 1945, and Western Pacific, 10 May-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Japan,
1-14 May 1945; Japan, 24 Ju1 1945.
Emblem: Over and through a yellow disc, the caricatured figure, THE RELUCTANT DRAGON, light and dark green, winged light blue, in flight toward dexter, over a small, light blue cloud formation in base supporting three, black aerial bombs, and hurling a
small, black bomb with the left forepaw, while holding a like bomb in the right forepaw. (Approved 27 Jun 1945.)
Other Sites of Interest: 444th Bombardment Group Association
677th Bombardment Squadron
Aug 44-May 45: Aircraft numbers in diamond -
consecutive runs of 20-25 numbers. |
From May 45 |
| (Tails based on originals by Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 677th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 15 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Redesignated 677th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1946.
Assignments: 444th Bombardment Group, 1 Mar 1943-1 Oct 1946.
Stations: Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Mar 1943; Great Bend AAFld, Kan, 2 Aug 1943-12 Mar 1944; Charra, India, c. 13 Apr 1944; Dudhkundi, India, 1 Jul 1944-Apr 1945; West Field, Tinian, Apr-27 Oct 1945; Merced AAFld, Calif, 15 Nov 1945; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 10 May-1 Oct 1946.
Aircraft: B-26, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; YB-29, 1943-1944; B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Combat in CBI, 5 Jun 1944-28 Mar 1945, and Western Pacific, 10 May-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western
Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Japan,
10-14 May 1945; Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
Emblem: On a yellow disc, a caricatured "Uncle Sam" in sheriffs garb, consisting of a gray-green, broad brim hat, blue scarf, red jacket with sheriffs badge affixed to left side of chest, brown gloves, two brown cartridge belts with holsters attached, and light blue-and-white striped trousers tucked in top of brown, "Seven League" boots, winged white, striding over orange and black world in base, and in each hand a "six shooter" proper, pointing toward sinister. (Approved 31 Oct 1946.)
Other Sites of Interest: 444th Bombardment Group Association
678th Bombardment Squadron
Aug 44-May 45: Aircraft numbers in diamond -
consecutive runs of 20-25 numbers. |
From May 45 |
| (Tails based on originals by Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 678th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 15 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Redesignated 678th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943; 10th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range, Photographic) on 17 Dec 1945. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946. Redesignated 10th Reconnaissance Squadron (Photographic) on 8 Oct 1947. Activated in the reserve on 6 Nov 1947. Redesignated 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron (Photographic) on 27 Jun 1949. Inactivated on 28 Jan 1950. Redesignated 10th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) on 9 May 1952. Activated on 28 May 1952. Inactivated on 1 Ju1 1958. Redesignated as 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Sq, activated and organized on 1 Jan 1966, inactivated 30 Jun 1971, consolidated 1 Oct 1993 with the 600th Electronic Security Sq as the 10th Intelligence Sq.
Assignments: 444th Bombardment Group, 1 Mar 1943; 311th Reconnaissance Wing, 7-31 Mar 1946. 26th Reconnaissance Group, 6 Nov 1947; Ninth Air Force, 27 Jun 1949-28 Jan 1950. 26th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 28 May 1952-1 Jul 1958. 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Wg 1966-1971, 67th Intelligence Gp 1993-unknown, 480th Intelligence Gp -1 Dec 2003, 497th Intelligence Gp.
Stations: Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Mar 1943; Great Bend, AAFld, Kan, 3 Aug 1943-12 Mar 1944; Charra, India, c. 13 Apr 1944; Dudhkundi, India, 1 Jul 1944-Apr 1945; West Field, Tinian, Apr-27 Oct 1945; Merced AAFld, Calif, 15 Nov 1945-31 Mar 1946. Rochester, NY, 6 Nov 1947; Langley AFB, Va, 27 Jun 1949-28 Jan 1950. Lockbourne AFB, Ohio, 28 May 1952-1 Jul 1958. Mountain Home AFB, ID 1966-1971; Langley AFB, VA 1993-.
Aircraft: B-24, 1943; B-26, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; YB-29, 1943-1944;
B-29, 1943-1946. YRB-47, 1954; RB-47, 1954-1958.
Operations: Combat in CBI, 5 Jun 1944-28 Mar 1945, and Western Pacific, 10 May-14 Aug 1945.
Service Steamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Japan, 10-14 May 1945; Japan, 24 Jul 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 21 Mar-3 May 1956.
Emblem: On an Air Force golden yellow disc within a black border nebuly, fimbriated of the first, edged of the second, a black silhouetted head of a Greek warrior in profile, wearing an Air Force golden yellow helmet, details and outlines black; on the helmet's visor three black lightning bolts fesswise. (Approved 19 Apr 1957.)
Other Sites of Interest: 444th Bombardment Group Association
679th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 679th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 15 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Redesignated 679th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Disbanded on 12 Oct 1944.
Assignments: 444th Bombardment Group, 1 Mar 1943-12 Oct 1944.
Stations: Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Mar 1943; Great Bend AAFld, Kan, 3 Aug 1943-12 Mar 1944; Charra, India, c. 13 Apr 1944; Dudhkundi, India, 1 Jul-12 Oct 1944.
Aircraft: B-26, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; YB-29, 1943-1944; B-29, 1943-1944.
Operations: Combat in CBI, 5 Jun-26 Sep 1944.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944.
Emblem: None.
Other Sites of Interest: 444th Bombardment Group Association
5th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Maintenance on B-29 aircraft, attached to 676 Bombardment Squadron, China-Burma-India and Pacific Theaters of Operations. Initial overseas station, Charra, India.
6th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated 20 Nov 43, Great Bend AAF, KS and assigned to 44 Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Maintenance on B-29 aircraft, China-Burma-India Theater of Operations (Charra and Dudhkundi, India). Reorganized and inactivation, 12 Oct 44; Transferred to 677 Bombardment Squadron, 444 Bombardment Group.
7th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated 20 Nov 43, Great Bend AAF, KS. Transferred to Charra and Dudhkundi, India. Reorganized and consolidated with 678 Bombardment Squadron, 12 Oct 44.
8th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated c. Dec 43 in compliance with reorganization of Very Heavy Bombardment Squadrons (B-29 aircraft). Transferred to Charra and Dudhkundi, India. Disbanded 12 Oct 44 with personnel transferred to 676 Bombardment Squadron.
|
25th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
35th Air Engineering Sq
578th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
462nd Bombardment Group
 |
(May 45-End of War.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
 |
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 462d Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 Jul 1943. Redesignated 462d Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) in Nov 1943. Prepared for combat with B-29's. Moved to the CBI theater, via Africa, Mar-Jun 1944. Assigned to Twentieth AF in Jun 1944. Transported supplies over the Hump to staging fields in China before entering combat with an attack on railroad shops at Bangkok, Thailand, on 5 Jun 1944. On 15 Jun 1944 took part in the first AAF strike on the Japanese home islands since the Doolittle raid in 1942. Operating from India and China, bombed transportation centers, naval installations, iron works, aircraft plants, and other targets in Japan, Thailand, Burma, China, Formosa, and Indonesia. From a staging base in Ceylon, mined the Moesi River on Sumatra in Aug 1944. Received a DUC for a daylight attack on iron and steel works at Yawata, Japan, in Aug 1944. Moved to Tinian in the spring of 1945 for further operations against targets in Japan. Participated in mining operations, bombardment of strategic targets, and incendiary raids on urban areas. Bombed industrial areas in Tokyo and Yokohama in May 1945, being awarded a DUC for the action. Received another DUC for a daylight attack on an aircraft plant at Takarazuka on 24 Jul 1945. Returned to the US late in 1945. Assigned to Strategic Air Command on 21 Mar 1946. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.
Consolidated 31 Jan 84 with 462nd Strategic Aerospace Wg, which was constituted and activated 15 Nov 62, organized 1 Feb 63, discontinued and inactivated 25 Jun 66. At some time the unit was made an expeditionary unit and has been active at Diego Garcia as the 462nd Air Expeditionary Gp.
Assignments: Twentieth AF, Jun 1944. Strategic Air Command, 21 Mar 1946. 18th Strategic Aerospace Div 1963-1966.
Squadrons: 345th: 1945-1946. 768th: 1943-1946. 769th: 1943-1946. 770th: 1943-1946. 771st: 1943-1944.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Jul 1943; Walker AAFld, Kan, 28 Jul 1943-12 Mar 1944; Piardoba, India, 7 Apr 1944-26 Feb 1945; West Field, Tinian, 4 Apr-5 Nov 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, Nov 1945-31 Mar 1946. Larson AFB WA 1963-1966. Diego Garcia -unknown.
Commanders: Unkn, 1 Jul-5 Aug 1943; Col Alan D Clark, 5 Aug 1943; Col Richard H Carmichael, 26 Aug 1943; Col Alfred F Kalberer, 20 Aug 1944-unkn.
Campaigns: American Theater; India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23, 25, and 29 May 1945; Takarazuka, Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest:
The 462nd BG Hellbirds
462nd Strategic Air Wing
462nd Bombardment Group Wiki Resources
768th Bombardment Squadron
 (Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 768th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 Jul 1943. Redesignated 768th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946. Redesignated 768th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), and activated, on 15 Nov 1962. Organized on 1 Feb 1963. Discontinued and inactivated either on 25 Apr or 25 Jun 1966.
Assignments: 462d Bombardment Group, 1 Jul 1943-31 Mar 1946. Strategic Air Command, 15 Nov 1962; 462d Strategic Aerospace Wing, 1 Feb 1963-.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Jul 1943; Walker AAFld, Kan, 28 Jul 1943-c. 12 Mar 194; Piardoba, India, c. 16 Apr 1944-Apr 1945; West Field, Tinian, Apr-5 Nov 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, Nov 1945-31 Mar 1946. Larson AFB, Wash, 1 Feb 1963-.
Aircraft: B-26, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; B-29, 1944-1946; B-52, 1963-.
Operations: Combat in CBI, 5 Jun 1944-29 Mar 1945, and Western Pacific, 5 May-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23,25, and 29 May 1945; Takarazuka, Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
Emblem: None.
769th Bombardment Squadron
 (Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 769th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 JuI 1943. Redesignated 769th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.
Assignments: 462d Bombardment Group, 1 Jul 1943-31 Mar 1946.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Jul 1943; Walker AAFM, Kan, 28 Jul 1943-c. 12 Mar 1944; Piardoba, India, c. 19 Apr 1944-Apr 1945; West Field, Tinian, Apr-5 Nov 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, Nov 1945-31 Mar 1946.
Aircraft: B-26, 1943; YB-29, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; B-29, 1943-1946.
Operations: Combat in CBI, 5 Jun 1944-30 Mar 1945, and Western Pacific, 5 May-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23, 25, and 29 May 1945; Takarazuka, Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
Emblem: None.
770th Bombardment Squadron
 (Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 770th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 Ju1 1943. Redesignated 770th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.
Assignments: 462d Bombardment Group, 1 Jul 1943-31 Mar 1946.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Jul 1943; Walker AAFM, Kan, 28 Jul 1943-c. 12 Mar 1944; Piardoba, India, c. 19 Apr ig44-Apr 1945; West Field, Tinian, Apr-5 Nov 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, Nov 1945-31 Mar 1946.
Aircraft: B-26, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; B-29, 1943-1946.
Operations: Combat in CBI, 5 Jun 1944-29 Mar 1945, and Western Pacific, 5 May-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23, 25, and 29 May 1945; Takarazuka, Japan, 24 July 1945
Emblem: None.
771st Bombardment Squadron
 (Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 771st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 Jul 1943. Redesignated 771st Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Disbanded on 12 Oct 1944.
Assignments: 462d Bombardment Group, 1 Jul 1943-12 Oct 1944.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 JuI 1943; Walker AAFld, Kan, 28 Jul 1943-c. 12 Mar 1944; Piardoba, India, c. 13 May-12 Oct 1944.
Aircraft: B-26, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; B-29, 1943-1944.
Operations: Combat in CBI, 5 Jun-10 Oct 1944.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive; Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944.
Emblem: None.
9th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Redesignated c. Apr 44 as 9 Bombardment Maintenance Squadron (Very Heavy) Special retroactive to 14 Feb 44.
11th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated 24 Nov 43, Walker AAF, Victoria, KS. Primary mission: maintenance and administration for 770 Bombardment Squadron.
|
86th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
349th Air Engineering Sq
584th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
468th Bombardment Group
 |
Aug 44-May 45: Stripes on rudder indicate squadron: 792nd-white; 793d-blue; 794th-red; 795th-yellow) |
From May 45: Squadron color on tip of tail |
| (Tails based on originals by Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 468th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 Aug 1943. Redesignated 468th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) in Nov 1943. Equipped with B-29's. Moved, via Africa, to the CBI theater, Mar-Jun 1944. Assigned to Twentieth AF in Jun 1944. Flew over the Hump to carry supplies from India to staging fields in China before entering combat with an attack on railroad shops at Bangkok, Thailand, on 5 Jun 1944. On 15 Jun participated in the first AAF attack on Japan since the Doolittle raid in 1942. From bases in India, China, and Ceylon, mined shipping lanes near Saigon, French Indochina, and Shanghai, China, and struck Japanese installations in Burma, Thailand, French Indochina, Indonesia, Formosa, China, and Japan. Targets included iron works, aircraft factories, transportation centers, and naval installations. Received a DUC for participation in a daylight raid on the iron and steel works at Yawata, Japan, in Aug 1944. Evacuated advanced bases in China in Jan 1945 but continued operations from India, bombing storage areas in Rangoon, Burma, a railroad bridge at Bangkok, Thailand, railroad shops at Kuala Lumpur, Malaya, and the drydock in Singapore harbor. Flew additional missions against Japan after moving to Tinian during Feb-May 1945. Took part in mining operations, incendiary raids on area targets, and high-altitude missions against strategic objectives. Dropped incendiaries on Tokyo and Yokohama in May 1945, being awarded a DUC for the attacks. Received another DUC for a daylight strike on an aircraft plant at Takarazuka, Japan, in Jul 1945. After the war, dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners and participated in show-of-force missions over Japan. Returned to the US in Nov 1945. Assigned to Strategic Air Command on 21 Mar 1946. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.
Squadrons: 512th: 1945-1946. 792d: 1943-1946. 793d: 1943-1946. 794th (later 6th): 1943-1946. 795th: 1943-1946.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Aug 1943-12 Mar 1944; Kharagpur, India, 13 Apr 1944-24 Feb 1945; West Field, Tinian, 6 Apr-15 Nov 1945; Ft Worth AAFld, Tex, 1 Dec 1945; Roswell AAFld, NM, 12 Jan-31 Mar 1946.
Commanders: Col Howard E Engler, 8 Sep 1943; Col Ted S Faulkner, 3 Aug 1944; Col James V Edmundson, 5 Nov 1944-31 Mar 1946.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Tokyo And Yokohama, Japan, 23-29 May 1945; Takarasuka, Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest:
468th Bomb Group
468th Bombardment Group
468th Bombardment Group Wiki Resources
792nd Bombardment Squadron
 |
Aug 44-May 45 |
From May 45 |
| (Tails based on originals by Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 792d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 Aug 1943. Redesignated 792d Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946. Consolidated 19 Sep 1985 with the 782nd Tactical Fighter Sq as the 782nd Tactical Air Support Sq (not active).
Assignments: 468th Bombardment Group, 1 Aug 1943-31 Mar 1946.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Aug 1943-12 Mar 1944; Kharagpur, India, c. 13 Apr 1944-4 May 1945; West Field, Tinian, 7 May-15 Nov 1945; Fort Worth AAFld, Tex, 1 Dec 1945; Roswell AAFld, NM, 9 Jan-31 Mar 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1943; B-29, 1943-1946.
Operations: Combat in CBI and Western Pacific, 5 Jun 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23-29 May 1945; Takarazuka, Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
Emblem: None.
793d Bombardment Squadron
 |
Aug 44-May 45 |
From May 45 |
| (Tails based on originals by Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 793d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 Aug 1943. Redesignated 793d Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.
Assignments: 468th Bombardment Group, 1 Aug 1943-31 Mar 1946.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Aug 1943-12 Mar 1944; Kharagpur, India, c. 13 Apr 1944-4 May 1945; West Field, Tinian, 7 May-15 Nov 1945; Fort Worth AAFld, Tex, 1 Dec 1945; Roswell AAFld, NM, 9 Jan-31 Mar 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1943; B-29, 1943-1946.
Operations: Combat in CBI and Western Pacific, 5 Jun 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23-29 May 1945; Takarazuka, Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
Emblem: None.
794th Bombardment Squadron
 |
Aug 44-May 45 |
From May 45 |
| (Tails based on originals by Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 794th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 Aug 1943. Redesignated: 794th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943; 6th Reconnaissance Squadron (Very Long Range, Photographic-RCM) on 17 Dec 1945. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946. Redesignated 6th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) on 14 Jan 1955. Activated on 24 Jan 1955. Redesignated 6th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 25 Oct 1961. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 25 Jun 1962. Redesignated 6th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), and activated, on 15 Nov 1962. Organized on 1 Feb 1963. Discontinued and inactivated 31 Dec 1969.
Assignments: 468th Bombardment Group, 1 Aug 1943; 311th Reconnaissance Wing, 7-31 Mar 1946. 70th Strategic Reconnaissance (later Bombardment) Wing, 24 Jan 1955-25 Jun 1962. Strategic Air Command, 15 Nov 1962; 70th Bombardment Wing, 1 Feb 1963-.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Aug 1943-12 Mar 1944; Kharagpur, India, c. 13 Apr 1944-4 May 1945; West Field, Tinian, 7 May-15 Nov 1945; Fort Worth AAFld, Tex, 1 Dec 1945; Roswell AAFld, NM, 9 Jan-31 Mar 1946. Little Rock AFB, Ark, 24 Jan 1955-25 Jun 1962. Clinton-Sherman AFB, Okla, 1 Feb 1963-.
Aircraft: B-17, 1943; B-9, 1943-1946. RB-47, 1955-1962. B-52, 1963-.
Operations: Combat in CBI and Western Pacific, 5 Jun 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23-29 May 1945; Takarazuka, Japan, 24 Jul 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 15 Feb-30 Dec 1957.
Emblem: None.
Source: Strategic-Air-Command.com, 70th BW page
6 BS: Assigned Jan. 24, 1955-June 25, 1962 (Not operational Jan 24-April 30, 1962; Detached May 1 - Oct 1955); On Feb 1, 1963, it acquired the B-52Es previously used by 98 BS, 4123d Strategic Wing, which it flew until 1968, when re-equipped with B-52D, which it flew for a year. Some B-52C were also assigned in 1968-69. (Not operational Apr 15 - Oct 1, 1968 and Apr - Sept 1969.) Inactivated Dec. 31, 1969.
795th Bombardment Squadron
 |
Aug 44-May 45 |
From May 45 |
| (Tails based on originals by Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 795th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 Aug 1943. Redesignated 795th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 20 Nov 1943. Disbanded on 12 Oct 1944.
Assignments: 468th Bombardment Group, 1 Aug 1943-12 Oct 1944.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Aug 1943-12 Mar 1944; Kharagpur, India, c. 13 Apr-12 Oct 1944.
Aircraft: B-17, 1943; B-29, 1943-1944.
Operations: Combat in CBI, 5 Jun-26 Sep 1944.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944.
Emblem: None.
2nd Combat Camera Unit
(See 10th AF Units)
13th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated 24 Nov 43, Smoky Hill Army Air Field, Salina, KS. Assigned to 492 Bombardment Squadron, 468 Bombardment Group.
14th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Attached to 793 Bombardment Squadron. Aircraft maintenance (B-29) in China-Burma-India and Pacific operations.
15th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated 20 Nov 43, Smoky Hill AAF, Salina, KS. Assigned to maintain aircraft, 794 Bombardment Squadron. Transferred to Kharagpur, India. Inactivated 12 Oct 44; personnel absorbed by 794 Bombardment Squadron.
16th Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated at Smoky Hill AAF, Salina, KS. Assigned to 795 Bombardment Squadron. Initial utilization of B-29 in combat, strikes on Japanese mainland.
|
87th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
355th Air Engineering Sq
589th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
73d Bombardment Wing
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 5 Heavy Bombardment Processing Headquarters on 9 Feb 1943. Activated on 17 Feb 1943. Redesignated 73 Bombardment Operational Training Wing (Heavy) on 12 Aug 1943. Inactivated on 15 Oct 1943. Redesignated 73 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Redesignated: 73 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, Special on 13 Jan 1944; 73 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy on 24 Jun 1944. Inactivated on 31 May 1946. Activated in the Reserve on 12 Jun 1947. Redesignated 73 Air Division, Bombardment on 16 Apr 1948. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Redesignated 73 Air Division (Weapons) on 1 Apr 1957. Activated on 1 Jul 1957. Redesignated 73 Air Division on 1 Mar 1963. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 1 Apr 1966..
Assignments: Second Air Force, 12 Aug-15 Oct 1943. XX Bomber Command, 20 Nov 1943; Second Air Force, 2 Jun-30 Jul 1944; Twentieth Air Force, c. 6 Aug 1944; XXI Bomber Command, 9 Nov 1944-16 Jul 1945; Twentieth Air Force, 16 Jul 1945; Fourth Air Force, 7 Dec 1945; Third Air Force, 5 Jan 1946; Strategic Air Command, 21 Mar 1946; Fifteenth Air Force, 31 Mar-31 May 1946. Second Air Force, 12 Jun 1947; Tenth Air Force, 1 Jul 1948-27 Jun 1949. Air Defense Command, 1 Jul 1957-1 Apr 1966.
Components
Wings: 4750 Air Defense: 1 Jul 1957-25 Jun 1960. 4751 Air Defense Missile: 15 Jan 1958-1 Oct 1959. 4756 Air Defense: 1 Jul 1957-1 Jul 1960. 4756 Air Defense: 1 Sep 1962-1 Apr 1966. 4780 Air Defense: 1 Jul 1962-1 Apr 1966.
Groups: 338 Bombardment: 17 Oct 1947-27 Jun 1949. 351 Bombardment: 17 Oct 1947-4 Jun 1948. 381 Bombardment: 4 Jun 1948-27 Jun 1949. 497 Bombardment: 20 Nov 1943-31 Mar 1946. 498 Bombardment: 20 Nov 1943-31 May 1946. 499 Bombardment: 20 Nov 1943-16 Feb 1946. 500 Bombardment: 20 Nov 1943-17 Jan 1946. 4756 Air Defense: 1 Jul 1960-1 Sep 1962.
Squadron: 4751 Air Defense: 1 Jul 1963-1 Apr 1966.
Stations: Walker AAFld, KS, 17 Feb 1943; Smoky Hill AAFld, KS, 30 Jun-15 Oct 1943. Smoky Hill AAFld, KS, 20 Nov 1943; Colorado Springs, CO, 29 Feb-17 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 24 Aug 1944-20 Oct 1945; MacDill Field, FL, 15 Jan-31 May 1946. Orchard Place Airport, IL, 12 Jun 1947-29 Jun 1949. Tyndall AFB, FL, 1 Jul 1957-1 Apr 1966.
Commanders: Unkn, 17 Feb-11 Aug 1943; Col Thomas H. Chapman, 12 Aug-15 Oct 1943. Unkn, 20 Nov 1943; Col Thomas H. Chapman, 27 Nov 1943; Brig Gen Emmett O'Donnell Jr., 15 Mar 1944; Col Morris J. Lee, 16 Sep 1945; Col Neil B. Harding, 28 Jan-14 May 1946; unkn, 15-31 May 1946. Brig Gen Milton H. Askins, 1 Jul 1957; Maj Gen Frederick R. Terrell, 1 Jul 1960; Brig Gen Robert W. Burns, 2 Jul 1962; Col Jean H. Daugherty, 8 May 1965; Brig Gen Thomas H. Beeson, 31 Jul 1965-1 Apr 1966.
Aircraft: B-29, 1943-1946. B-57, c. 1957-c. 1960; F-102, c. 1957-c. 1966; F-104, c. 1957-c. 1960; T-33, c. 1957-1966; F-101, c. 1960-c. 1966; F-106, c. 1960-c. 1966.
Operations: As the 73d wing, it first trained in U. S. and then moved to Saipan in Aug 1944. It flew several bombing missions against Truk to gain combat experience before bombing Iwo Jima. In Nov 1944, the 73d began bombing Japan, with only moderate success. Poor weather, the lack of precision radar bombing equipment, and tremendous winds encountered at high altitudes over Japan made accuracy difficult. Consequently, it turned to devastating low altitude incendiary attacks. In addition to Tokyo, Nagoya, and Osaka, the 73d fire bombed numerous Japanese cities until war's end. As the 73d Air Division, it evaluated, upgraded, and determined the proficiency of the Air Defense Command fighter-interceptor and missile squadrons, 1 Jul 1957-1 Apr 1966. The division developed and tested Air Defense Command tactics, equipment, aircraft, guided missiles, and related equipment and armaments. It also maintained active contact with Army, Navy, and other Air Force commands to assure coordinated military effort in the use of rocket and missile ranges, defense plans, air sea land rescue, and airspace and airways directly concerned with the operations of the Air Defense Command Weapons Center.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: None.
Emblem: Azure, a diminished border argent, issuant from base and sinister two piles throughout bendwise the sinister overlapping the dexter and terminating upon the border of the last, each charged with an arrowhead sable garnished of the second and emitting a flight trail throughout or edged gules. (Approved 9 Apr 1958.)
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 1 Apr 1966.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 1 Apr 1966.
Other Sites of Interest:
73d Air Division Wiki Resources
497th Bombardment Group
 |
(Oct 44-Apr 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
(May 45-End of War.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
497th Air Refueling Wg |
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 497th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943 and activated on 20 Nov. Prepared for overseas duty with B-29's. Moved to Saipan, Jul-Oct 1944, and assigned to Twentieth AF. Began operations in Oct 1944 with attacks against Iwo Jima and the Truk Islands. Took part in the first attack (24 Nov 1944) on Japan by AAF planes based in the Marianas. Flew many missions against strategic objectives in Japan; on numerous raids, made its attacks in daylight and from high altitude. Received a DUC for a mission on 27 Jan 1945: although weather conditions prevented the group from bombing its primary objective, the unescorted B-29's withstood severe enemy attacks to strike an alternate target, the industrial area of Hamamatsu. Awarded second DUC for attacking strategic centers in Japan during Jul and Aug 1945. Assisted the assault on Okinawa in Apr 1945 by bombing enemy airfields to cut down air attacks against the invasion force. Beginning in Mar 1945 and continuing until the end of the war the group made incendiary raids against Japan, flying at night and at low altitude to bomb area targets. Returned to the US in Nov 1945. Assigned to Strategic Air Command on 21 Mar 1946. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.
Consolidated 31 Jan 84 with the 497th Air Refueling Wg, which was constituted and activated 15 Nov 62, organized 1 Jan 63, discontinued and inactivated 15 Sep 64.
Assignments: Twentieth AF, Jul 1944. Strategic Air Command, 21 Mar 1946. 820th Strategic Aerospace Div 1963-1964.
Squadrons: 513th: 1945-1946. 869th: 1943-1946. 870th: 1943-1946. 871st: 1943-1946. 872d: 1943-1946.
Stations: El Paso Mun Aprt, Tex, 20 Nov 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, 1 Dec 1943; Pratt AAFld, Kan, 13 Apr-18 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 17 Oct 1944-1 Nov 1945; Camp Stoneman, Calif, 14 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, 26 Nov 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, 5 Jan-31 Mar 1946. Plattsburgh NY AFB 1963-1964.
Commanders: Lt. Col John P Veerling, 10 Dec 1943; Col Karl Truesdell Jr, 6 Mar 1944; Col Stuart P Wright, 26 Apr 1944; Col Arnold T Johnson, 26 Feb 1945-31 Mar 1946.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 27 Jan 1945; Japan, 26 Jul-2 Aug 1945.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest:
497th Air Refueling Wing Wiki Resources
869th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 869th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.
Assignments: 497th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 1943-31 Mar 1946.
Stations: El Paso Mun Aprt, Tex, 20 Nov 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, 1 Dec 1943; Pratt AAFld, Kan, 13 Apr-17 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 17 Sep 1944-1 Nov 1945; Camp Stoneman, Calif, 14 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, c. 26 Nov 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, c. 5 Jan-31 Mar 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 28 Oct 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 27 Jan 1945; Japan, 26 Jul-2 Aug 1945.
Emblem: Over and through a light turquoise blue disc, a large, caricatured pug stalking across a small white cloud formation in base, wearing a red-and-white-striped turtleneck sweater, purple trousers, brown shoes and derby, carrying a large yellow aerial bomb under the left arm, while smoking a cigar, proper, and flourishing with the right hand to indicate "it's a cinch." (Approved 10 May 1944.)
870th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 870th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.
Assignments: 497th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 1943-31 Mar 1946.
Stations: El Paso Mun Aprt, Tex, 20 Nov 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, 1 Dec 1943; Pratt AAFld, Kan, 13 Apr-18 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 17 Sep 1944-1 Nov 1945; Camp Stoneman, Calif, 14 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, c. 26 Nov 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, c. 5 Jan-31 Mar 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 1 Nov 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 27 Jan 1945; Japan, 26 Jul-2 Aug 1945.
Emblem: Over and through a medium blue disc, wide border dark red, a gorilla affronte, proper, standing on a yellow sphere marked with black lines of latitude and longitude in base, and holding a large light red aerial bomb under the left arm, while hurling a like aerial bomb with the upraised right arm, all in front of a large white cloud
formation. (Approved 18 Aug 1944.)
871st Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 871st Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 7 Mar 1946.
Assignments: 497th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 1943-7 Mar 1946.
Stations: El Paso Mun Aprt, Tex, 20 Nov 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, 1 Dec 1943; Pratt AAFld, Kan, 13 Apr-18 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 17 Sep 1944-1 Nov 1945; Camp Stoneman, Calif, 14 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, c. 26 Nov 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, c. 5 Jan-7 Mar 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 2 Nov 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 27 Jan 1945; Japan, 26 Jul-2 Aug 1945.
Emblem: Over and through a light pastel green disc, wide border orange, an ancient warrior of giant stature, standing affronte, feet apart, left hand resting on hip, attired in battle dress of gold mail, and wearing a winged gold helmet and metallic gloves, having a broad sword of metal, proper, strapped about the waist by green sword belt, holding a white fire bomb in the right mailed hand; all in front of three lavender and purple mountain peaks in base, and casting a dark green line shadow on background. (Approved 5 Aug 1944.)
|
65th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
3d Air Engineering Sq
573d Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
498th Bombardment Group
(Oct 44-Apr 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
(May 45-End of War.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
 |
 |
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 498th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943 and activated on 20 Nov. Equipped with B-29's. Moved to Saipan, Jul-Nov 1944, for duty with Twentieth AF. Flew its first combat missions against Iwo Jima and the Truk Islands. On 24 Nov 1944 participated in the first assault on Japan by B-29's operating from the Marianas. Conducted numerous attacks against industrial targets in Japan, flying in daylight and at high altitude to carry out these missions. Received a DUC for striking an aircraft engine plant at Nagoya on 13 Dec 1944. Began flying missions at night in Mar 1945, operating from low altitude to drop incendaries on area targets in Japan; received second DUC for incendiary raids. on urban industries near Kobe and Osaka during Jun 1945. Operations also included strikes against Japanese airfields during the Allied invasion of Okinawa in Apr 1945. Returned to the US in Nov 1945. Assigned to Strategic Air Command on 21 Mar 1946. Inactivated on 4 Aug 1946. Reactivated as the 498th Tactical Missile Group at Kadena Air Base, Okinawa on 8 February 1961. Two squadrons, the 873d and 874th were equipped with the TM-76B Mace Surface to Surface Missile. The unit was inactivated on 8 July 1965.
Squadrons: 514th: 1945-1946. 873d: 1943-1946, 1961-1965. 874th: 1943-1946, 1961-1965. 875th: 1943-1946. 876th: 1943-1944.
Stations: Clovis AAFld, NM, 20 Nov 1943; Great Bend AAFld, Kan, 13 Apr-13 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 6 Sep 1944-2 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, Dec 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, 5 Jan-4 Aug 1946; Kadena AB, Okinawa 8 Feb 1961-8 Jul 1965.
Commanders: Lt. Col Joseph H West, 11 Dec 1943; Maj Crocker Snow, 20 Jan 1944; Col Wiley D Ganey, 14 Mar 1944; Col Donald W Saunders, 10 Aug 1945-unkn; Col Richard T King Jr, unkn-4 Aug 1946.
Campaigns: American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 13 Dec 1944; Japan, 17 Jun 1945.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest:
498th Armament Systems Wing (Kirtland AFB, NM)
498th Armament Systems Wing Wiki Resources
873d Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 873d Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 4 Aug 1946. Redesignated 873d Tactical Missile Squadron, and activated, on 16 Sep 1960. Organized on 8 Feb 1961. Discontinued and inactivated 8 Jul 1965.
Assignments: 498th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 193-4 Aug 1946. Pacific Air Forces, 16 Sep 1960; 498th Tactical Missile Group, 8 Feb 1961-.
Stations: Clovis AAFld, NM, 20 Nov 1943; Great Bend AAFld, Kan, 13 Apr-16 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 7 Sep 1944-2 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, c. 7 Dec 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, 5 Jan-4 Aug 1946. Kadena, Okinawa, 8 Feb 1961-.
Aircraft and Missiles: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946. Mace, 1961-.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 28 Oct 1944-13 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 13 Dec 1944; Japan, 1-7 Jun 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 8 Feb 1961-29 May 1963.
Emblem (873d TMS): On and over a medium blue globe, grid lines Air Force blue, a stylized missile bendwise, its nose pointing upward and extending beyond the globe, Air Force golden yellow, shaded Air Force blue; the missile passing through a white gimbal fimbriated red; radiating from the common center of the earth, missile and gimbal, four red arrows; flanking the nose of the missile, four white stars, two on either side; outlines
and details Air Force blue throughout. (Approved 11 Sep 1962.)
874th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 874th Bombardment Squadron on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 4 Aug 1946. Redesignated 874th Tactical Missile Squadron, and activated on 25 Apr 1961. Organized on 8 Sep 1961. Discontinued and inactivated 8 Jul 65.
Assignments: 498th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 1943-4 Aug 1946. Pacific Air Forces, 25 Apr 1961; 498th Tactical Missile Group, 8 Sep 1961-.
Stations: Clovis AAFld, NM, 20 Nov 1943; Great Bend AAFld, Kan,13 Apr-16 Ju1 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 7 Sep 1944-1 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, c. 7 Dec 1943; MacDill Field, Fla, 5 Jan-4 Aug 1946. Kadena, Okinawa, 8 Sep 1961-.
Aircraft and Missiles: B-17, 1944; B-29,1944-1946. Mace, 1961-.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 28 Oct 1944-13 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 13 Dec 1944; Japan, 1-7 Jun 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 8 Feb 1961-29 May 1963.
Emblem: Over and through a disc bendy of 12 blue and red, the head and neck of a green dragon, striking toward sinister base between 8 white stars, arranged 3 to chief and 5 to base. (Approved 10 Aug 1944.)
875th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 875th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 4 Aug 1946.
Assignments: 498th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 1943-4 Aug 1946.
Stations: Clovis AAFld, NM, 20 Nov 1943; Great Bend AAFld, Kan, 13 Apr-16 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 7 Sep 1944-2 Nov 195; March Field Calif, c. 7 Dec 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, 5 Jan-4 Aug 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; RB-24, 1944; B-29,1944-1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 28 Oct 1944-13 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 13 Dec 1944; Japan, 17 June 1945.
Emblem: On an orange disc, border black, a stylized figure of VULCAN in light purple and black, standing over green globe marked with yellow lines of latitude and longitude in base, and holding in the left hand twelve red, jagged lightning flashes arranged seven to dexter, five to sinister, striking a blow with large light purple and black sledge held aloft in the right hand. (Approved 9 Nov 1944.)
21st Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Maintained B-17F and B-29 aircraft; included modification work on B-29 aircraft. Stationed at Great Bend AAF, KS. Inactivated 19 Aug 44 and merged with 873 Bombardment Squadron.
23d Bombardment Maintenance Squadron
Source: Air Force History Index
Activated Army Air Base, Clovis, NM, 20 Nov 43. Initially assigned to 498 Bombardment Group; reassigned to 444 Bombardment Group, 10 Dec 43, Great Bend, KS. Reorganized and consolidated into 678 Bombardment Squadron 20 May 44.
|
91st Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
322nd Air Engineering Sq
572nd Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
499th Bombardment Group
(Oct 44-Apr 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
(May 45-End of War.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
499th Air Refueling Wg |
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 499th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943 and activated on 20 Nov. Trained for combat with B-29's. Moved to Saipan, Jul-Nov 1944, and assigned to Twentieth AF. Began operations with attacks in the Truk Islands and on Iwo Jima, and took part on 24 Nov 1944 in the first strike against Japan by AAF planes stationed in the Marianas. Flew numerous missions in daylight, operating from high altitude to bomb strategic targets in Japan. Received a DUC for striking the Mitsubishi aircraft engine plant at Nagoya on 23 Jan 1945. In Mar 1945 began to conduct night attacks, flying at low altitude to drop incendiaries on area targets in Japan. Completed a series of attacks against enemy airfields on Kyushu to aid the Allied assault on Okinawa in Apr 1945 and received another DUC for this action. Also dropped propaganda leaflets on Japan, and after the war dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners of war. Returned to the US in Nov 1945. Inactivated on 16 Feb 1946.
Consolidated 31 Jan 84 with the 499th Air Refueling Wg, which was constituted and activated 15 Nov 62, organized 1 Jan 63, discontinued and inactivated 25 Jun 66.
Assignments: Twentieth AF, Jul 1944. 57th Air Div 1963-1966.
Squadrons: 877th: 1943-1946. 878th: 1943-1946. 879th: 1943-1946. 880th:
1943-1944.
Stations: Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 20 Nov 1943; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Dec 1943-22 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 18 Sep 1944-9 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, c. 25 Nov 1945-16 Feb 1946. Westover AFB, MA 1963-1966.
Commanders: Unkn, Nov 1943-Jan 1944; Maj Douglas C Northrup, 22 Jan 1944; Col Thomas C Musgrave, 1 Feb 1944; Col Samuel R Harris, 4 Apr 1944; Col Morris J Lee, 17 Mar 1945; Lt Col Walter E Chambers, 13 Aug 1945-unkn.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Nagoya, Japan, 23 Jan 1945; Japan, 22-28 Apr 1945.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest:
499th Air Refueling Wing
499th Air Refueling Wing Wiki Resources
877th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 877th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 16 Feb 1946.
Assignments: 499th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 1943-16 Feb 1946.
Stations: Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 20 Nov 1943; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Dec 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, 11 Feb 1944; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 8 Apr-22 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 22 Sep 1944-c. Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, c. Nov 1945-16 Feb 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 24 Nov 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Nagoya, Japan, 23 Jan 1945; Japan, 22-28 Apr 1945.
Emblem: On a light turquoise blue disc, border triparted red, white, and black, a caricatured, brown and white condor with red head and yellow orange beak and feet, in flight toward dexter, hurling a yellow orange lightning flash with the feet, striking in dexter base at large, irregular, red-and-yellow orange, blazing target, edged black. (Approved 16 May 1945.)
878th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 878th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 19 Jul 1944
Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 16 Feb 1946.
Assignments: 499th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 1943-16 Feb 1946.
Stations: Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 20 Nov 1943; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1
Dec 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, 11 Feb 1944; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 8 Apr-22
Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 22 Sep 1944-c. Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, c. Nov 1945-16 Feb 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 24 Nov 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Nagoya, Japan, 23 Jan 1945; Japan, 22-28 Apr 1945.
Emblem: On a light turquoise blue disc, border white, edged black, a caricatured, red pack horse facing to dexter, winged white, snorting flames from the nostrils, and having three, brown aerial bombs strapped on back by a brown and yellow band, all in front of a large, white cloud formation; in dexter fess a yellow orange, five-point star, edged black. (Approved 6 Sep 1945.)
879th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 879th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 16 Feb 1946.
Assignments: 499th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 1943-16 Feb 1946.
Stations: Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 20 Nov 1943; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1
Dec 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, 11 Feb 1944; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 8 Apr-22 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 22 Sep 1944-c. Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, c. Nov 1945-16 Feb 1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 24 Nov 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Nagoya, Japan, 23 Jan 1945; Japan, 22-28 Apr 1945.
Emblem: None.
|
303d Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
327th Air Engineering Sq
73d Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
500th Bombardment Group
(Oct 44-Apr 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
(May 45-End of War.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
 |
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 500th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943 and activated on 20 Nov. Equipped first with B-17's; later trained for combat with B-29's. Moved to Saipan, Jul-Nov 1944, for service with Twentieth AF. Entered combat on 11 Nov 1944 with an attack against a submarine base in the Truk Islands. On 24 Nov participated in the first attack on Japan by B-29's based in the Marianas. After that, conducted many daylight raids, operating from high altitude to bomb strategic targets in Japan. Struck the Mitsubishi aircraft engine plant at Nagoya in Jan 1945 and received a DUC for the mission. Bombed enemy airfields and other installations on Kyushu in support of the Allied assault on Okinawa in Apr 1945. Beginning in Mar 1945, flew missions at night and at low altitude to drop incendiaries on area targets in Japan. Received second DUC for incendiary attacks on the urban-industrial section of Osaka, feeder industries at Hamamatsu, and shipping and rail targets on Kyushu, in Jun 1945. Released propaganda leaflets over the Japanese home islands, Jul-Aug 1945. Dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners in Japan, Korea, China, and Formosa after the war. Returned to the US in Oct 1945. Inactivated on 17 Jan 1946.
Consolidated 31 Jan 84 with the 500th Air Refueling Wg, which was constituted and activated 15 Nov 62, organized 1 Jan 63, discontinued and inactivated 15 Dec 64.
Assignments: Twentieth AF, Jul 1944. 17th Strategic Aerospace Div 1 Jan-1 Jul 1963, 40th Air Div -1964.
Squadrons: 881st: 1943-1946. 882d: 1943-1946. 883d: 1943-1946. 884th: 1943-1944.
Stations: Gowen Field, Idaho, 20 Nov 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, 12 Jan 1944; Walker AAFld, Kan, 16 Apr-13 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 18 Sep 1944-21 Oct 1945; March Field, Calif, 24 Oct 1945-17 Jan 1946. Selfridge AFB MI 1963-1964.
Commanders: Unkn, Nov 1943-Jan 1944; Maj Ralph A Reeve, 28 Jan 1944; Maj John E Gay, 7 Feb 1944; Lt Col John E Dougherty, 8 Mar 1944; Col Richard T King Jr, 5 May 1944; Col John E Dougherty, 5 Dec 1944; Lt Col William L McDowell Jr, 4 Dec 1945; Maj James H Coats, 19 Dec 1945-17 Jan 1946.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Nagoya, Japan, 23 Jan 1945; Japan, 15-20 Jun 1945.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest:
500th Air Refueling Wing
500th Air Refueling Wing Wiki Resources
881st Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 881st Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 17 Jan 1946. Consolidated 18 Sep 1985 with the 1st Tactical Missile Sq as the 1st Tactical Missile Sq (not active).
Assignments: 500th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 1943-17 Jan 1946.
Stations: Gowen Field, Idaho, 20 Nov 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, c. 16 Dec 1943; Walker AAFM, Kan, 16 Apr-23 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 19 Sep 1944-15 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, 29 Nov 1945-17 Jan 1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 11 Nov 1944-14 Aug 1945; subsequently flew supplies to POW camps in Japan, Korea, and Formosa.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; China Offensive.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Nagoya, Japan, 23 Jan 1945; Japan, 15-20 Jun 1945.
Emblem: None.
882nd Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 882d Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 17 Jan 1946.
Assignments: 500th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 1943-17 Jan 1946.
Stations: Gowen Field, Idaho, 20 Nov 1943; Clovis AAFM, NM, c. 16 Dec 1943; Walker AAFld, Kan, 16 Apr-23 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 19 Sep 1944-15 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, 29 Nov 1945-17 Jan 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1945.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 11 Nov 1944-14 Aug 1945; subsequently
flew supplies to POW camps in Japan, Korea, and Formosa.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; China Offensive.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Nagoya, Japan, 23 Jan 1945; Japan, 15-20 Jun 1945.
Emblem: None.
883d Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 883d Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 17 Jan 1946.
Assignments: 500th Bombardment Group, 20 Nov 1943-17 Jan 1946.
Stations: Gowen Field, Idaho, 20 Nov 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, c. 16 Dec 1943; Walker AAFld, Kan, 16 Apr-23 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 19 Sep 1944-15 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, 29 Nov 1945-17 Jan 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1945.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 11 Nov 1944-14 Aug 1945; subsequently
flew supplies to POW camps in Japan, Korea, and Formosa.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; China Offensive.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Nagoya, Japan, 23 Jan 1945;
Japan, 15-20 Jun 1945.
Emblem: None.
|
330th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
52nd Air Engineering Sq
301st Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
XXI Bomber Command
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as XXI Bomber Command on 1 Mar 1944 and activated the same day. Assigned to Second AF. Moved to the Marianas late in 1944 and assigned to Twentieth AF, engaged in very-long range bombardment operations until mid-Jul 1945. The history of XXI Bomber Command terminated on 16 Jul 1945. (On that date Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, XXI Bomber Command was redesignated Headquarters Squadron, Twentieth AF. This redesignation, which brought an end to XXI Bomber Command as an establishment, had no effect on the lineage of Twentieth AF.)
Wings: 58th: 1945. 73d: 1944-1945. 313th: 1944-1945. 314th: 1944-1945. 315th: 1945.
Stations: Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Mar 1944; Peterson Field, Colo, 11 Jun-20 Oct 1944; Harmon Field, Guam, 4 Dec 1944-16 Jul 1945.
Commanders: Col John B Montgomery, 7 Apr 1944; Brig Gen Roger M Ramey, 15 Jun 1944; Brig Gen Haywood S Hansel1 Jr, 28 Aug 1944; Maj Gen Curtis E LeMay, 20 Jan-16 Jul 1945.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: None.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest:
XXI Bomber Command Wiki Resources
35th Photographic Technical Unit
Source:
This unit provided the quantitative reproduction of photographs required by XXI bomber command. It also performed detailed interpretations of the photographs for these units.
This unit was activated as a Photographic Laboratory in Salinas, Kansas on April 1, 1944 and became the 35th Photographic Technical Unit. Assigned to XXI Bomber Command.
Stations: Salina, Kansas 3 Jun-5 Jul 1944; Peterson Field, Colorado 6 Jul-3 Nov 1944; Fort Lawton, Washington 5-10 Nov 1944; San Francisco, California 13-16 Nov 1944; Pearl Harbor, TH 23-26 Nov 1944; Eniwetok 4-8 Dec 1944; Harmon Field, Guam 12 Dec 1944-.
313th Bombardment Wing
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Established as 313 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy on 15 Apr 1944. Activated on 23 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 15 Jun 1948. Redesignated 313 Air Division on 3 Jan 1955. Activated on 1 Mar 1955. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1991.
Assignments: Second Air Force, 23 Apr 1944; XXI Bomber Command, 8 Jun 1944; Twentieth Air Force, 16 Jul 1945; Thirteenth Air Force, 13 Mar 1946-15 Jun 1948. Fifth Air Force, 1 Mar 1955-1 Oct 1991.
Components
Wings: 18 Fighter-Bomber (later, 18 Tactical Fighter): attached 1 Mar 1955-1 Feb 1957; assigned 10 Nov 1958-1 Oct 1991 (detached 28 Jan-13 Jun 1968). 51 Fighter Interceptor: 1 Mar 1955-31 May 1971. 374 Tactical Airlift: 1 Nov 1968-31 May 1971.
Groups: 5 Bombardment (later, 5 Reconnaissance): 10 Jun 1946-5 Feb 1947; 15 Mar 1947-10 Jan 1948 (detached 7 Aug 1947-10 Jan 1948). 6 Bombardment: 28 Dec 1944-1 Jun 1947. 9 Bombardment: 28 Dec 1944-9 Jun 1947. 383 Bombardment: 12 Sep-19 Dec 1945. 498 Tactical Missile: 8 Feb 1961-31 Dec 1969 (detached entire period). 504 Bombardment: 23 Dec 1944-15 Jun 1946. 505 Bombardment: 23 Dec-30 Jun 1946. 509 Composite: 29 May-c. 17 Oct 1945 (detached for all or most of this period). 581 Air Resupply: 1 Mar 1955 18 Sep 1956 (detached entire period).
Squadrons: 1 Reconnaissance: attached c. 11 Feb-c. Apr 1946. 5 Reconnaissance: 15 Jun 1946-3 Feb 1947. 15 Tactical Reconnaissance: 25 Apr 1960-20 Apr 1970 (detached to 18 Tactical Fighter Wing, 25 Apr 1960-20 Apr 1970). 24 Combat Mapping: 1 Apr-15 Jun 1946. 38 Reconnaissance: 15 Mar-20 Apr 1947. 322 Troop Carrier: 18 Sep 1956-12 Feb 1957. 336 Fighter-Day: attached 1 Feb-8 Dec 1957 (not operational 1 Nov-8 Dec 1957).
Stations: Peterson Field, CO, 23 Apr 1944; Colorado Springs, CO, 1 Jun 1944; Peterson Field, CO, 14 Jun-5 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 24 Dec 1944; Clark Field (later, Air Base), Luzon, Philippine Islands, 17 Feb 1946-15 Jun 1948. Kadena AB, Okinawa, 1 Mar 1955-1 Oct 1991.
Commanders: Brig Gen John H. Davies, 23 Apr 1944; Brig Gen George W. Mundy, 25 Aug 1945; Col Herbert K. Baisley, 19 May 1947; Brig Gen Robert C. Oliver, 12 Jun-6 Aug 1947; none (not manned), 7 Aug 1947-15 Jun 1948. Maj Gen Fay R. Upthegrove, 1 Mar 1955; Col Curtis D. Sluman, 11 Jul 1955; Brig Gen William G. Hipps, 3 Sep 1955; Brig Gen Dale O. Smith, 8 Jan 1958; Col Wallace C. Barrett, 14 Aug 1958; Maj Gen Dale O. Smith, 24 Oct 1958; Col John H. de Russy, 28 Sep 1961; Maj Gen Robert M. Stillman, 5 Oct 1961; Maj Gen Albert P. Clark, 18 Jul 1963; Col James W. Newsome, 19 Jul 1965; Maj Gen Jay T. Robbins, 31 Jul 1965; Maj Gen Jerry D. Page, 1 Mar 1967; Maj Gen Oris B. Johnson, 6 Aug 1969; Maj Gen Lawrence F. Tanberg, 30 Aug 1971; Brig Gen Robert F. Titus, 29 May 1973; Brig Gen Clyde F. McClain, 3 Aug 1973; Maj Gen Walter H. Baxter III, 9 Jun 1976; Brig Gen James R. Brown, 22 Aug 1978; Brig Gen Thomas G. McInerney, 11 Feb 1981; Maj Gen Michael A. Nelson, 8 Jun 1983; Brig Gen Donald Snyder, 5 Jul 1984; Brig Gen Keith B. Connolly, 25 Aug 1986; Brig Gen Peter D. Robinson, 11 Sep 1987; Brig Gen Ralph T. Browning, 18 Aug 1988; Brig Gen Joseph E. Hurd, 17 Aug 1990-c. 1 Oct 1991.
Aircraft: B-29, 1944-1947; B-29/F-13, 1946-1947; C-46, 1946-1947; C-47, 1946; F-7, 1946-1947; L-5, 1946; F-2, 1947-1948; FB-17, 1947. F-86, 1955-1957; SA-16, 1956-1957; C-54, 1956-1957; C-119, 1956-1957; F-100, 1957-1963; F-102, 1959-1964, 1966-1971; RF-101, 1960-1967; F-105, 1962-1972; F-4, 1964-1966, 1971-1981; RF-4, 1967-1989; C-130, 1968-1971, 1972-1977; F-106, 1968; MC-130, 1977-1991; F-15, 1979-1991; E-3, 1991; KC-135, 1991.
Operations: After training in the United States, the 313th deployed to the Pacific, and by Dec 1944 , subordinate units began flying missions, initially against Iwo Jima, the Truk Islands, and other Japanese held areas. Later, they flew incendiary raids on area targets in Japan, participated in mining operations in the Shimonoseki Strait, and contributed to the blockade of the Japanese Empire by mining harbors in Japan and Korea. In Apr 1945 the 313th assisted the invasion of Okinawa by bombing Japanese airfields used by kamikaze pilots. After the Japanese surrender in Aug, its units dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners and participated in show-of-force flights over Japan. Early in 1946, the 313th transferred to the Philippine Islands where it conducted Bombardment training, aerial reconnaissance and mapping and construction projects. In Mar 1955, the organization assumed responsibility for air defense of the Ryukyu Islands and tactical operations in the Far East, maintaining assigned forces at the highest possible degree of combat readiness. In addition, it supported Fifth Air Force in the development, planning, and coordination of requirements for future Air Force operations in the Ryukyu Islands. The division also supported numerous exercises such as Cope Thunder, Cope Diamond, Team Spirit, and Cope North.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Western Pacific (Air).
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan 1965-31 Dec 1966; 1 Oct 1979-31 May 1980; 1 Jun 1981-31 May 1983; 1 Jun 1983-31 May 1984; 1 Jun 1984-31 May 1986; 1 Jun 1989-31 May 1991.
Emblem: On a shield azure, a silhouetted futuramic aircraft, volant in dexter chief, Air Force blue, fimbriated argent, with vapor trail forming an acute angular pattern from the aircraft to dexter base, the trail between three stars arched in bend sinister, one to chief, two to dexter of trail, all of the third, in sinister base an eagle volant of the second, fimbriated and detailed argent, grasping with his talons two bolts of lightning of the last. (Approved 15 Jul 1957.)
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 1 Oct 1991.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 1 Oct 1991.
Other Sites of Interest:
313th Air Division Wiki Resources
6th Bombardment Group
 |
(Jan-Apr 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
(May 45-End of War.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Established as 3 Observation Group, and organized, on 30 Sep 1919. Redesignated: 6 Group (Observation) on 14 Mar 1921; 6 Group (Composite) in Jun 1922; 6 Composite Group on 25 Jan 1923; 6 Bombardment Group on 1 Sep 1937; 6 Bombardment Group (Medium) on 6 Dec 1939; 6 Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 12 Dec 1940. Disestablished on 1 Nov 1943. Reestablished, and consolidated (29 Jun 1944) with the 6 Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, which was established on 28 Mar 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1948. Redesignated 6 Bombardment Group, Medium on 20 Dec 1950. Activated on 2 Jan 1951. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Redesignated: 6 Strategic Group on 31 Jul 1985; 6 Operations Group on 1 Jul 1996. Activated on 1 Oct 1996.
Assignments: Panama Canal Department, 30 Sep 1919; 19 Composite Wing (later, 19 Wing; 19 Bombardment Wing), 25 Jan 1933; VI Bomber Command, 25 Oct 1941-1 Nov 1943. Second Air Force, 1 Apr 1944; 313 Bombardment Wing, 23 Apr 1944; 1 Air Division, 1 Jun 1947-18 Oct 1948. 6 Bombardment Wing, 2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952. 6 Air Refueling (later, 6 Air Mobility) Wing, 1 Oct 1996-.
Components
Squadrons: 3 Bombardment: 1 Feb 1940-1 Nov 1943. 5 Aero: 24 Oct 1919-24 Mar 1920 (detached entire period). 6 Air Refueling: 10 Apr-1 Aug 1951 (detached entire period). 7 Aero (later, 7 Observation; 7 Reconnaissance; 397 Bombardment): assigned 30 Sep 1919-1 Feb 1940, attached 1 Feb 1940-25 Feb 1942, assigned 25 Feb 1942-1 Nov 1943. 24 Bombardment: 1 Apr 1944-18 Oct 1948; 2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952 (detached 2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952). 24 Aero (later, 24 Pursuit): assigned 27 May 1922-8 May 1929, attached 8 May 1929-1 Dec 1932. 25 Bombardment: 27 May 1922-12 May 1943. 29 Bombardment: 12 May-1 Nov 1943. 39 Bombardment: 1 Apr 1944-18 Oct 1948; 2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952 (detached 2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952). 40 Bombardment: 1 Apr 1944-18 Oct 1948; 2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952 (detached 2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952). 41 Bombardment: 1 Apr-10 May 1944. 44 Observation: 1 Apr 1931-1 Sep 1937. 74 Bombardment: 1 Feb 1940-9 Aug 1942; 12 May-1 Nov 1943. 78 Pursuit: attached 1 Apr 1931-1 Dec 1932. 91 Air Refueling: 1 Oct 1996-. 310 Airlift: 1 Jan 2001-. 395 Bombardment: 9 Aug 1942-12 May 1943. 911 Air Refueling: 12 Apr 2008-.
Stations: France Field, Canal Zone, 30 Sep 1919; Rio Hato AB, Panama, 9 Dec 1941; Albrook Field, Canal Zone, 14 Jan 1943; Howard Field, Canal Zone, Oct-1 Nov 1943. Dalhart AAFld, TX, 1 Apr 1944; Grand Island AAFld, NE, 19 May-18 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, c. Feb 1946; Kadena AB, Okinawa, 1 Jun 1947-18 Oct 1948. Walker AFB, NM, 2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952. MacDill AFB, FL, 1 Oct 1996-.
Commanders: Lt Col Millard F. Harmon Jr., 30 Sep 1919; Maj Raycroft Walsh, 22 Mar 1921; Maj Follett Bradley, 3 Aug 1923; Maj Roy M. Jones, 10 Jul 1926; Lt Col A. G. Fisher, 24 Aug 1926; Maj Leo G. Heffernan, 4 Jul 1931; Lt Col Lewis H. Brereton, 2 Dec 1931; Lt Col Junius H. Houghton, 20 Jun 1935; Lt Col Richard H. Ballard, 18 Jul 1936; Lt Col William O. Butler, 31 Dec 1936; Lt Col Vernon L. Burge, 22 Jun 1939; Lt Col Edwin J. House, 30 Aug 1939; Maj Samuel M. Connell, c. Sep 1940-Feb 1941; Col Henry K. Mooney, 15 Sep 1941-20 Jan 1943; unkn, 20 Jan-1 Nov 1943. None (not manned), 1-18 Apr 1944; Maj William E. Taylor, 19 Apr 1944; Lt Col Howard D. Kenzie, 28 Apr 1944; Col Kenneth H. Gibson, 17 Jun 1944; Lt Col Theodore W. Tucker, 31 Aug 1945; Col John P. Kenny, 29 Aug 1946; Col Frank P. Sturdivant, 4 Dec 1946-unkn. None (not manned), 15 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952. Col Patrick T. Sakole, 1 Oct 1996; Col Vern M. Findley II, 2 Aug 1997; Col Timothy D. Gann, 13 May 1998; Col Alfred J. Stewart, 17 Apr 2000; Col Robert C. Kane, 15 Apr 2002; Col Brian Kelly, 22 Jul 2003; Col Scott A. Brumbaugh, 22 Apr 2005; Col Jon D. Klaus, 4 May 2007-.
Aircraft: During 1917-1919 period, included JN-4, R-3 (R-9), and R-4. During 1919-1931 period, included JN-4, DH-4, HS2L, OA-1, O-2, NBS-1, P-12, SE-5, MB-3, and PW-9. During 1928-1932 period, included LB-5, LB-6, and LB-7. During 1930-1936 period, included OA-4. O-19, 1930-1937; B-3, 1931-1936; B-6, 1936-1937; B-10, 1936-1939; B-18, 1938-1943; B-17, 1941-1943; LB-30, 1942-1943; B-24, 1942-1943; A-17, 1942-1943; L-4, 1943; RB-17, 1943. B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1947. KC-135, 1996-; EC-135, 1997-2003; CT-43, 1997-2001; C-37, 2001-.
Operations: Participated in training exercises, maneuvers, and patrols in defense of the Panama Canal, 1919-1943. During this period, the group also took part in aerial photography missions, aerial reviews, and good will flights to Central and South American countries. In Jan 1939, it flew mercy missions to Santiago, Chile, for the relief of earthquake victims. Antisubmarine patrols, 7 Dec 1941-12 Sep 1943. Trained for heavy bombardment combat operations, first with B-17s and then with B-29s, Apr-Nov 1944. It moved to the Mariana Islands in Nov 1944, from where it raided Iwo Jima, Truk, and Japan. At first the group flew high altitude daylight missions, but in Mar 1945, it began to fly low level night incendiary raids against Japanese cities. Earned a DUC for a 25 May mission against Tokyo. Earned a second DUC for mining missions around Japan and the Japanese-occupied Korean peninsula in Jul 1945. To support the American invasion of Okinawa in Apr 1945, the group bombed Kamikaze airfields in Kyushu. Immediately after the war, it participated in show-of-force flights over Japan and dropped food and other relief supplies to newly freed Allied prisoners of war. Moved to Philippines between Jan and Mar 1946 and to Ryukyu Islands in Jun 1947. Inactivated in Okinawa in Oct 1948. During a brief period of activation between 2 Jan 1951 and 16 Jun 1952, the group had only one officer and one airman assigned. Activated again on 1 Oct 1996 with an air refueling mission. Elements deployed to Southwest Asia in Jul 1998 to refuel aircraft engaged in no-fly operations over northern Iraq. After Jan 2001, the group also provided airlift for the commanders of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. It also refueled fighters providing security over the southeastern United States as part of homeland security after terrorist attacks against the United States in Sep 2001. Since 2001, personnel and aircraft deployed around the world to fulfill air refueling and aeromedical missions.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Tokyo, Japan, 25 May 1945; Japanese Empire, 9-19 Jul 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: [1 Oct] 1996-30 Jun 1998; 1 Jul 1998-30 Jun 2000; 1 Jul 2004-30 Jun 2006.
Emblem: Group will use the wing emblem with the group designation in the scroll.
Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 2005.
Supersedes statement prepared on 11 Dec 2006.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, Commanders, and Honors through 5 Jan 2009.
Source: Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (6th Air Mobility Wing)
Lineage: Established as 6 Bombardment Wing, Medium on 20 Dec 1950. Activated on 2 Jan 1951. Redesignated: 6 Bombardment Wing, Heavy on 16 Jun 1952; 6 Strategic Aerospace Wing on 1 May 1962; 6 Strategic Wing on 25 Mar 1967; 6 Strategic Reconnaissance Wing on 1 Apr 1988. Inactivated on 1 Sep 1992. Redesignated 6 Air Base Wing on 22 Dec 1993. Activated on 4 Jan 1994. Redesignated: 6 Air Refueling Wing on 1 Oct 1996; 6 Air Mobility Wing on 1 Jan 2001.
Assignments: Eighth Air Force, 2 Jan 1951; 47 Air (later, 47 Strategic Aerospace) Division, 10 Feb 1951 (attached to 3 Air Division, 31 Oct 1955-26 Jan 1956); 22 Strategic Aerospace Division, 1 Jul 1963; 12 Strategic Aerospace Division, 1 Jul 1965; 18 Strategic Aerospace Division, 25 Mar 1967; 12 Strategic Aerospace Division, 2 Jul 1968; 14 Strategic Aerospace Division, 30 Jun 1971; 47 Air Division, 1 Oct 1976; 14 Air Division, 1 Oct 1985; 3 Air Division, 9 Aug 1990; Fifteenth Air Force, 1 Apr-1 Sep 1992. Ninth Air Force, 4 Jan 1994; Twenty-First Air Force, 1 Oct 1996; Eighteenth Air Force, 1 Oct 2003-.
Components
Groups: 6 Bombardment (later, 6 Operations): 2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952; 1 Oct 1996-.
Squadrons: 6 Air Refueling: 3 Jan 1958-25 Jan 1967. 24 Bombardment (later, 24 Strategic Reconnaissance): attached 2 Jan 1951-15 Jun 1952, assigned 16 Jun 1952-25 Jan 1967; assigned 25 Mar 1967-7 Jul 1992. 39 Bombardment: attached 2 Jan 1951-15 Jun 1952, assigned 16 Jun 1952-15 Sep 1963. 40 Bombardment: attached 2 Jan 1951-15 Jun 1952, assigned 16 Jun 1952-25 Jan 1967. 307 Air Refueling: attached c. 1 Aug 1951-16 Jun 1952. 310 Air Refueling: 25 Jun 1965-25 Jan 1967. 579 Strategic Missile: 1 Sep 1961-25 Mar 1965. 4129 Combat Crew Training: 1 Aug 1959-15 Sep 1963.
Stations: Walker AFB, NM, 2 Jan 1951; Eielson AFB, AK, 25 Mar 1967-1 Sep 1992. MacDill AFB, FL, 4 Jan 1994-.
Commanders: Col Thomas S. Jeffrey Jr., 2 Jan 1951; Col William K. Martin, 15 Jan 1951; Col Glen W. Martin, 20 May 1955; Col Everett W. Best, 21 Sep 1956; Col Daniel V. MacDonald, 3 Jun 1957; Lt Col Lewis R. Riley, 15 Aug 1957; Col Edwin C. Evans, 16 Sep 1957; Col Everett W. Best, 23 Sep 1957; Col Donald E. Hillman, 23 Feb 1960; Col Ernest C. Eddy, 18 Jul 1962; Col Floyd H. Haywood Jr., 15 Jul 1963; Col Richard M. Hoban, 15 Apr 1965; Col Lester F. Miller, 15 Jun 1965; Col George P. Cole, 9 Jul 1966; Col Rowland H. Worrell Jr., 2 Sep 1966; Col Martin E. Plocher, 25 Mar 1967; Col Ray M. Watkins, 11 Jul 1967; Col Leslie W. Brockwell, 4 Jun 1969; Col Melford W. Lewis, 23 Jun 1970; Col Doyle F. Reynolds, 5 Jun 1972; Col Joe L. Church, 6 Dec 1973; Col William J. Campbell, 11 Jul 1974; Col Donald M. Griffin, 7 Oct 1975; Col Jimmy S. Lassetter, 28 May 1976; Col John A. Dale, 4 Oct 1977; Col William R. Perry, 26 Nov 1979; Col Benjamin F. Schneider Jr., 20 Jul 1981; Col Mark J. Heller, 29 Jul 1983; Col James W. Morrow Jr., 3 Oct 1984; Col Thomas W. Young, 14 Jul 1986; Col James L. Holmes Jr., 18 Nov 1987; Col George R. Warner, 10 Mar 1989; Col William G. Manire Jr., 18 Jun 1990; Col James E. Andrews, 13 Jun 1991-1 Sep 1992. Col Charles T. Ohlinger III, 4 Jan 1994; Brig Gen John D. Becker, 28 Jun 1996; Brig Gen James N. Soligan, 21 Nov 1997; Brig Gen Arthur F. Diehl III, 30 Jun 1999; Brig Gen William W. Hodges, 1 Aug 2001; Col David M. Snyder, 10 Jan 2003-.
Aircraft and Missiles: B-29, 1951-1952; KB-29, 1951-1952; B-36, 1952-1957; B-52, 1957- 1967; Atlas, 1962-1965; KC-135, 1958-1967, 1967-1992; RC-135, 1967- 1992; TC-135, 1985-1992. KC-135, 1996-; EC-135, 1997-2003; CT-43, 1997-2001; C-37, 2001-.
Operations: Conducted strategic bombardment training from activation in 1951 until 1 Sep 1959, with air refueling as additional mission in 1951-1952, and again from Apr 1958 until Jan 1967. Deployed at Andersen AFB, Guam, Oct 1955-Jan 1956. Two bombardment squadrons (24th and 30th) joined the 4129 CCTS in Sep 1959, training B-52 and KC-135 crews, while the 40 Bombardment Squadron continued flying operational missions until 10 Jun 1960. From 10 Jun 1960 to 1 Dec 1961 the wing flew a few operational missions in a non-combat ready status. A missile squadron joined the wing's resources in Sep 1961. The 40 Bombardment Squadron returned to operational status on 1 Dec 1961, and on 5 Sep 1963 the other two bomb squadrons also regained tactical status. The 39 Bombardment Squadron discontinued a few days later, but the 24th and 40th Bombardment Squadrons continued global bombardment training through Dec 1966, when they phased down for inactivation. The missile squadron phased out its Atlas operations in Feb 1965 and inactivated a month later. On 25 Mar 1967, the wing moved without personnel or equipment to Eielson AFB, AK, where it replaced the 4157 Strategic Wing and assumed resources and missions of that wing. In Alaska, the wing flew RC-135 strategic reconnaissance missions with an assigned squadron, and, with KC-135s deployed to Eielson from SAC, AFRES, and the ANG, conducted Alaska Task Force (ATTF) missions to support reconnaissance and numerous exercises for the Air Force and Navy. From Apr 1968 to Jul 1972 the wing periodically served as the airborne monitor of the Alaskan ballistic missile early warning station. The wing maintained a detachment at Shemya AFS, in the Aleutians, and operated from there, Feb-May 1975 and Jun-Sep 1976, when Eielson closed for repair of earthquake damage. Won the P.T. Cullen Award for greatest contributions to the photo and signal intelligence efforts of Strategic Air Command, 1973, 1978, and 1983. Wing became inoperational in Jul 1992 and inactivated in Sep of that year. After activation in Jan 1994, maintained MacDill AFB. In Oct 1996, assumed an aerial refueling mission. Provided refueling support for global mobility requirements and later also for fighters flying homeland security missions over the southeastern United States. Deployed tanker aircraft and crews to Southwest Asia to support no-fly zone operations over northern Iraq in Jul 1998. In Jan 2001, the wing added an airlift mission, providing airlift for leaders of U.S. Central Command and U.S. Special Operations Command. Since 11 Sep 2001, deployed to forward locations in support of Global War on Terrorism; transported military leaders and combatant commanders; provided medical evacuation from overseas theater of operations.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: None.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 May 1960-31 May 1962; 1 Jul 1971- 30 Jun 1973; 1 Jul 1973-30 Jun 1975; 1 Jul 1976-30 Jun 1978; 1 Jul 1978- 30 Jun 1980; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1982; 1 Jul 1986-30 Jun 1987; 1 Jun 1994-31 May 1996; 1 Jul 1996-30 Jun 1998; 1 Jul 1998-30 Jun 2000.
Bestowed Honors: Authorized to display honors earned by the 6 Operations Group prior to 2 Jan 1951. Service Streamers. None. Campaign Streamers. World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Tokyo, Japan, 25 May 1945; Japanese Empire, 9-19 Jul 1945.
Emblem: Or, pily of twelve Gules, overall a base Azure supporting a sailing ship with sails set affronte Sable, sails Argent, between two mounts issuing from dexter and sinister Vert, below a shooting star in dexter chief and a bi-wing aircraft, viewed from below Argent, garnished Sable, in sinister chief; all within a diminished bordure of the first. Motto. PARATI DEFENDERE - Ready to defend. Approved for the 6th Group on 22 Jan 1924 and adopted by the 6th Wing on 18 Mar 1955 (KE 2549); replaced by emblem approved on 21 Oct 1980 (KE 7162); original emblem reinstated on 20 Sep 1988 (KE 2549).
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 11 Dec 2006.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 30 Jun 2003.
Other Sites of Interest:
The 6th Bomb Group
6th Bomb Group - Table of Contents B-29 Super Fortress Then and Now
6th Air Mobility Wing Wiki Resources
24th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 24th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 28 Mar 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1948. Redesignated 24th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 20 Dec 1950. Activated on 2 Jan 1951. Redesignated 24th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 16 Jun 1952. Constituted 1967 as 24th Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron and activated, organized 25 Mar 67, consolidated 19 Sep 85 with 24th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, inactivated 8 Jul 92. Redesignated 24th Reconnaissance Squadron and activated (unknown), inactivated 1 Jul 94.
Assignments: 6th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-18 Oct 1948. 6th Bombardment Group, 2 Jan 1951; 6th Bombardment (later Strategic Aerospace) Wing, 16 Jun 1952. 6th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing 25 Mar 67-8 Jul 92, 55th Operations Group unknown-1994.
Stations: Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 1 Apr 1944; Grand Island AAFld, Neb, 26 May-18 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 13 Mar 1946; Kadena, Okinawa, 1 Jun 1947-18 Oct 1948. Walker AFB, NM, 2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952. Eielson AFB 25 Mar 67-8 Jul 92. Eareckson AFB (unknown), Offutt AFB unknown -1 Jul 94.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1947. B-29, 1951-1952; B-36, 1952-1957; B-52, 1957-.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 27 Jan-14 Aug 1945. No personnel assigned, 25 Apr 1947-18 Oct 1948. While retaining combat capability, trained B-52 crews for Strategic Air Command, 15 Ju1 1959-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Tokyo, Japan, 25 May 1945; Japanese Empire, 9-19 Jul 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 1 May 1960-31 May 1962.
Emblem: On a disc per fess debased, light turquoise blue and light yellow, edged in black, a caricatured black cat with gold halo above head, standing on base segment, wearing yellow orange gloves and yellow orange trunks with black polka dots, holding in the right forepaw a large brown club, and in the left forepaw a red firecracker, lighted at the fuse, proper. (Approved 24 Nov 1944.)
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Source: sacpatches.com
This design (black cat) was worn through the Squadron's B-29 and B-36 era and well into it's B-52 era. On October 23, 1964 a new design with a delta shaped aircraft and 24 stars was approved. The new design was worn by the 24th Bombardment Squadron until it was inactivated on January 25, 1967.
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39th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 39th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1948. Redesignated 39th Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 20 Dec 1950. Activated on 2 Jan 1951. Redesignated 39th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, on 16 Jun 1952. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 15 Sep 1963. Consolidated 19 Sep 1985 with the 9th Air Commando Squadron (Psychological Operations), which was constituted and activated on 9 Jan 1967. Organized on 25 Jan 1967. Redesignated 9th Special Operations Squadron on 1 Aug 1968. Inactivated on 29 Feb 1972. Activated on 1 Mar 1988.
Assignments: 6th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944–18 Oct 1948. 6th Bombardment Group, 2 Jan 1951; 6th Bombardment (later, 6th Strategic Aerospace) Wing, 16 Jun 1952–15 Sep 1963. Pacific Air Forces, 9 Jan 1967; 14th Air Commando (later, 14th Special Operations) Wing, 25 Jan 1967; 315th Tactical Airlift Wing, 30 Sep 1971–29 Feb 1972. 39th Special Operations Wing, 1 Mar 1988; 1st Special Operations Wing, 18 Apr 1989; 1st Special Operations (later, 16th Operations) Group, 22 Sep 1992–.
Stations: Dalhart AAFld, TX, 1 Apr 1944; Grand Island AAFld, NE, 26 May–18 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, 13 Mar 1946; Kadena AB, Okinawa, 1 Jun 1947–18 Oct 1948. Walker AFB, NM, 2 Jan 1951–15 Sep 1963. Pleiku AB, South Vietnam, 25 Jan 1967; Nha Trang AB, South Vietnam, 1 Sep 1967; Tuy Hoa AB, South Vietnam, 5 Sep 1969; Phan Rang AB, South Vietnam, 15 Aug 1970–29 Feb 1972. Eglin AFB, FL, 1 Mar 1988–.
Aircraft: B–17, 1944; B–29, 1944–1947. B–29, 1951–1952; B–36, 1952–1957; B–52, 1957–1963. C–47, 1967–1972; U–10, 1967; O–2, 1967–1972. HC–130, 1988–.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 27 Jan–14 Aug 1945. No personnel assigned, 25 Apr 1947–18 Oct 1948. While retaining combat capability, trained B–52 crews for Strategic Air Command 15 Jul 1959–Sep 1963. Combat in Southeast Asia, Mar 1967–Jan 1972. Trained for special operations, refueling and resupply missions using modified C–130 aircraft, 1988–. Combat in Panama, 20 Dec 1989–14 Jan 1990 and Southwest Asia, 16 Jan–5 Apr 1991.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Steamers: World War II: Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan. Vietnam: Vietnam Air Offensive; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III; Vietnam Air/Ground; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV; TET 69/Counteroffensive; Vietnam Summer-Fall, 1969; Vietnam Winter-Spring, 1970; Sanctuary Counteroffensive; Southwest Monsoon; Commando Hunt V; Commando Hunt VI; Commando Hunt VII. Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: Panama, 1989–1990.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Tokyo, Japan, 25 May 1945; Japanese Empire, 9–19 Jul 1945. Presidential Unit Citations: Vietnam, 1–7 Mar 1967; Vietnam, 21 Jun 1968–30 Jun 1969. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" device: 16 Jun 1967–20 Jun 1968; 1 Jul 1970–30 Jun 1971. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 May 1960–31 May 1962; 1 May 1988–30 Apr 1990; 16 Apr 1992–15 Apr 1994. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses with Palm: [Mar] 1967–1 Aug 1968; 16 Jun 1967–[9 Jan] 1972; 1 Jan–30 Aug 1968; 5 Oct 1971–[9] Jan 1972.
Emblem (39th BS): On a disc per pale azure and white, a red pile between an Air Force golden yellow lightning bolt issuing from dexter and a SAC ribbon, light blue spattered with white stars issuing from sinister, bath diminishing and terminating at base honor point; over all a black silhouetted bat in flight upward, speed lines black, highlights white below a black and white target issuing from chief; all within an Air Force golden yellow border. Motto: On a white scroll edged and inscribed Air Force blue, PER TARTARUM AD METAM, Through Hell Against the Target. (Approved 11 Apr 1961.)
Emblem (9th SOS): On an Ultramarine Azure disc bordered with Air Force Or, an Argent snow owl clutches a Gules commando knife. An Argent crescent moon on the sinister side of the disc is in the background. MOTTO: NIGHT WINGS. Approved on 7 Jul 1988 (DFSC 88–08490); replaced emblems approved on 7 Mar 1969 (KE 34397) and 11 Apr 1961 (K 12339).
40th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 40th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 28 Mar 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1948. Redesignated 40th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 20 Dec 1950. Activated on 2 Jan 1951. Redesignated 40th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 16 Jun 1952. Discontinued and inactivated 1 Jul 1967.
Assignments: 6th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-18 Oct 1948. 6th Bombardment Group, 2 Jan 1951; 6th Bombardment (later Strategic Aerospace) Wing, 16 Jun 1952-.
Stations: Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 1 Apr 1944; Grand Island AAFld, Neb, 26 May-18 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, 13 Mar 1946; Kadena, Okinawa, 1 Jun 1947-18 Oct 1948. Walker AFB, NM, 2 Jan 1951-.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1947. B-29, 1951-1952; B-36,1952-1957; B-52,1957-.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 27 Jan-14 Aug 1945. No personnel assigned, 25 Apr 1947-18 Oct 1948. While retaining combat capability, trained B-52 crews for Strategic Air Command, 10 Jun 1960-1 Jan 1962.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Tokyo, Japan, 25 May 1945; Japanese Empire, 9-19 Jul 1945, Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 1 May 1960-31 May 1962.
Emblem: On an Air Force blue disc edged white within a silver gray border, the SAC ribbon, bendwise, light blue spattered with white stars, between two white cloud formations, one issuing from dexter, on issuing from sinister (left) chief, shaded silver gray; over all
a black mailed fist, winged white, shaded silver gray, highlighted white, grasping a red lightning flash palewise, highlighted whight, piercing in base the black center of a red and white target in perspective, five small black lightning flashes radiating upward from the target's center. (Approved 19 Apr 1962.)
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72nd Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
535th Air Engineering Sq
579th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
9th Bombardment Group
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(Jan-Apr 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
(May 45-End of War.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Established as 9 Group (Observation) on 19 Jul 1922. Organized on 1 Aug 1922. Redesignated: 9 Observation Group on 25 Jan 1923; 9 Bombardment Group on 1 Mar 1935; 9 Bombardment Group (Medium) on 6 Dec 1939; 9 Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940; 9 Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 20 Oct 1948. Redesignated 9 Strategic Reconnaissance Group, and activated, on 1 May 1949. Redesignated: 9 Bombardment Group, Heavy, on 1 Apr 1950; 9 Bombardment Group, Medium, on 2 Oct 1950. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Redesignated: 9 Strategic Reconnaissance Group on 31 Jul 1985; 9 Operations Group on 29 Aug 1991. Activated on 1 Sep 1991.
Assignments: II Corps Area, 1 Aug 1922; 19 Composite Wing, 1 Apr 1931; II Corps Area, c. 25 Jan 1933; 2 Wing, 1 Mar 1935; 19 Bombardment Wing, 12 Nov 1940; VI Bomber Command, 25 Oct 1941 (attached to VI Interceptor [later, VI Fighter] Command, 28 Jan 1942-unkn 1942); AAF School of Applied Tactics (later, AAF Tactical Center), 31 Oct 1942; Second Air Force, 9 Mar 1944; 313 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, c. 28 Dec 1944; Twentieth Air Force, 9 Jun 1947-20 Oct 1948. 9 Strategic Reconnaissance (later, 9 Bombardment) Wing, 1 May 1949-16 Jun 1952. 9 (later, 9 Reconnaissance) Wing, 1 Sep 1991-.
Components
Squadrons: 1 (later, 1 Observation; 1 Bombardment; 1 Strategic Reconnaissance; 1 Bombardment; 1 Reconnaissance): assigned 1 Aug 1922, attached 24 Mar 1923, assigned 15 Feb 1929-10 Oct 1948 (not operational, 15 Mar-30 Apr 1946, and Apr 1947-10 Oct 1948); assigned 1 Jun 1949-16 Jun 1952 (detached 10 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952); assigned 1 Sep 1991-. 5 (later, 5 Observation; 5 Bombardment; 5 Strategic Reconnaissance; 5 Bombardment; 5 Reconnaissance): assigned 1 Aug 1922, attached 24 Mar 1923, assigned 15 Feb 1929-20 Oct 1948 (not operational 16 May-c. 16 Sep 1946 and Apr 1947-10 Oct 1948); assigned 1 May 1949-16 Jun 1952 (detached 10 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952); assigned 1 Oct 1994-. 9 Air Refueling: 1 Aug 1951-16 Jun 1952 (detached entire period). 12 Reconnaissance: 8 Nov 2001-. 14 Bombardment: attached 1 Mar 1935-c. 8 May 1936. 18 Reconnaissance: attached 1 Sep 1936-c. Sep 1940; 3 Apr 2006-. 44 Reconnaissance (later, 430 Bombardment): attached 20 Nov 1940, assigned 25 Feb 1942-10 May 1944 (not operational Nov 1942-Mar 1943). 59 Bombardment: attached 6 Jan 1941-21 Jul 1942. 99 Observation (later, 99 Bombardment; 99 Strategic Reconnaissance; 99 Bombardment; 99 Reconnaissance): attached 9 Nov 1928, assigned 15 Feb 1929-20 Oct 1948 (not operational Nov 1942-Feb 1943, c. 15 Mar-27 Sep 1946, and Apr 1947-20 Oct 1948); assigned 1 May 1949-16 Jun 1952 (not operational 1-31 May 1949; detached 5 Aug-23 Sep 1950 and 10 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952); assigned 1 Sep 1991-. 349 Air Refueling: 1 Sep 1991-1 Jun 1992. 350 Air Refueling: 1 Sep 1991-1 Oct 1993.
Stations: Mitchel Field, NY, 1 Aug 1922-6 Nov 1940; Rio Hato, Panama, 12 Nov 1940; Waller Field, Trinidad, 30 Oct 1941-31 Oct 1942; Orlando AB, FL, 31 Oct 1942; Dalhart AAFld, TX, 9 Mar 1944; McCook AAFld, NE, 19 May-18 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, 15 Apr 1946; Harmon Field, Guam, 9 Jun 1947-20 Oct 1948. Fairfield-Suisun (later, Travis) AFB, CA, 1 May 1949-16 Jun 1952. Beale AFB, CA, 1 Sep 1991-.
Commanders: Unkn, 1922-1929; Maj William O. Ryan, 1929-unkn; Col Follett Bradley, Jun 1933-May 1934; Col Walter H. Frank, 1934-1936; Lt Col Carl W. Connell, 1 Sep 1936; Col Ross F. Cole, Apr 1940; Maj Charles F. Born, Aug 1941; Lt Col Stuart P. Wright, Jan 1942; Lt Col Gerald E. Williams, 1942; Col Harry G. Montgomery, 10 Nov 1942; Col James T. Connally, 15 Dec 1942; Col Donald W. Eisenhart, 1 May 1944; Col Henry C. Huglin, 6 Mar 1945; Col David Wade, 17 Sep 1945-c. 25 Apr 1947; none (not manned), 25 Apr 1947-20 Oct 1948. Lt Col Walter Y. Lucas, 1 May 1949; Col Donald W. Eisenhart, 24 Aug 1949; Col William P Brett, 27 Mar 1950; Lt Col Walter Y. Lucas, 24 Jun 1950; Col Clifford J. Heflin, 6 Jul 1950-10 Feb 1951; none (not manned), 10 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952. Col Robert F. Behler, 22 Nov 1991; Col George A. Lafferty, 30 Jul 1993; Col James F. Shambo, 3 Jan 1995; Col James P. Hunt, 3 Sep 1996; Col R. Kent Traylor, 25 Jun 1998; Col Alan L. Vogel, 23 Aug 2000; Col Gregory D. Augst, 16 Jul 2002; Col Gregory A. Kern, 8 Jun 2004; Col Harry D. Polumbo, 15 May 2006-.
Aircraft: Flew O-1, O-11, O-13, O-25, O-31, O-38, O-39, O-40, O-43, YO-31, YO-35, YO-40, OA-2, A-3, B-6, C-8,1922-1936; B-10, 1936-1938; B-18, 1938-1942; B-17, 1942-1944; B-24, 1942-1944; B-25, 1943-1944; B-26, 1943-1944; C-73, 1943-1944; B-29, 1944-1947. RB-17, 1949-1950; B-29, 1949-1951; RB-29, 1949-1950; B-36, 1949-1950. KC-135, 1991-1993; U-2, 1991-; T-38, 1991-; TR-1, 1991-1993; SR-71, 1995-1999; RQ-4, 2002-.
Operations: Trained, took part in maneuvers, and participated in air shows, 1922-1940. Performed antisubmarine patrols and reconnaissance of the Vichy French fleet at Martinique, Dec 1941-Oct 1942, using B-18 aircraft from a base in Trinidad. Returned without personnel or equipment to the United States on 31 Oct 1942. The group trained cadres for heavy and medium bombardment units that had received ground instruction at the AAF School of Applied Tactics in Orlando, Florida. Developed operational bombardment tactics and tested special devices and equipment. After Mar 1944, prepared for combat. Moved to the Pacific theater at the end of the year and commenced operations late in Jan 1945 with attacks against Japanese-held Maug Island in the northern Marianas. After that, struck targets in Japan, at first flying high-altitude daylight missions against industrial targets. In Mar 1945, began incendiary raids at night. Earned a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for bombing the industrial area of Kawasaki in Apr 1945. In Apr and May, assisted the Allied assault on Okinawa by striking airfields that the Japanese were using to launch aircraft against the invasion force. Dropped mines in Japan's Inland Sea to disrupt enemy shipping, earning a second DUC in May 1945. Immediately after the war, dropped food and supplies to former Allied prisoners and took part in show-of-force missions over the Japanese home islands. After redesignation as a strategic reconnaissance group on 1 May 1949, flew missions from California, 1949-1950. Resumed a strategic bombardment mission in Apr 1950, training until Feb 1951. Since Sep 1991, conducted global high-altitude manned aerial reconnaissance and surveillance missions, using primarily U-2 aircraft. No other USAF group has flown the U-2 since turn of 21st century. During U.S. military operations in Afghanistan in late 2001 and Iraq in early 2003, the group also flew the unmanned RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. Served as DOD's sole manager for U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance assets, 2000-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Kawasaki, Japan, 15-16 Apr 1945; Japan, 13-28 May 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Sep 1991-30 Jun 1993; 1 Jul 1994-30 Jun 1995; 1 Jun 1996-31 May 1998; 1 Jun 1998-31 May 2000; 1 Jun 2000-31 May 2002; 1 Jun 2002-31 May 2004.
Emblem: Per pale vert and sable a pallet wavy argent; over all on a fess or four crosses patee of the second (sable). Crest: On a wreath of the colors (argent and vert) a rattlesnake entwined about a prickly pear cactus all proper. Motto: Semper Paratus - Always Ready. (Approved 20 Mar 1924.) Group will use the wing emblem with the group designation in the scroll.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 4 Apr 2007.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 4 Apr 2007
Source: Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (9th Reconnaissance Wing)
In 1956 the term "Dragon Lady" was born with a major Central Intelligence Agency operation by the same name using the U-2. "Dragon Lady" was the name of a popular comic strip during this time that seemed to represent the nature of U-2. The word dragon is associated with earlier British projects to gain information about German rocket programs. Eventually, in the reconnaissance world, the term dragon was used to refer to individuals processing scientific or technical information. (Source: 5th Reconnaissance Squadron History)
SOLUM VOLAMUS = We Fly Alone |
"Habu" was a nickname given to the SR-71 by local islanders on Okinawa after a highly respected island snake. |
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Lineage: Established as 9 Strategic Reconnaissance Wing on 25 Apr 1949. Activated on 1 May 1949. Redesignated: 9 Bombardment Wing, Heavy, on 1 Apr 1950; 9 Bombardment Wing, Medium, on 2 Oct 1950; 9 Strategic Aerospace Wing on 1 Apr 1962; 9 Strategic Reconnaissance Wing on 25 Jun 1966; 9 Wing on 1 Sep 1991; 9 Reconnaissance Wing on 1 Oct 1993.
Assignments: 311 Air Division, 1 May 1949; Second Air Force, 1 Nov 1949; Fifteenth Air Force, 1 Apr 1950; 14 Air Division, 10 Feb 1951; Fifteenth Air Force, 1 May 1953 (attached to 7 Air Division, 23 May-11 Jul 1955; 3 Air Division, 3-22 Oct 1955 and 1 Oct 1957-c. 10 Jan 1958); 813 Air (later, 813 Strategic Aerospace) Division, 15 Jul 1959; 14 Strategic Aerospace (later, 14 Air) Division, 25 Jun 1966; Second Air Force, 1 Sep 1991; Twelfth Air Force, 1 Jul 1993; Eighth Air Force, 1 Oct 2002-.
Components
Wings: 5 Strategic Reconnaissance: attached 12 Nov 1949-10 Feb 1951.
Groups: 5 Strategic Reconnaissance: attached 9 Nov 1949-10 Feb 1951. 9 Strategic Reconnaissance (later, 9th Bombardment; 9th Operations): 1 May 1949-16 Jun 1952; 1 Sep 1991-.
Squadrons: 1 Bombardment (later, 1st Strategic Reconnaissance): attached 10 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952, assigned 16 Jun 1952-1 Sep 1991. 5 Bombardment (later, 5th Strategic Reconnaissance Training): attached 10 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952, assigned 16 Jun 1952-25 Jun 1966; assigned 1 Jul 1986-30 Jun 1990. 9 Air Refueling: 16 Jun 1952-15 Dec 1965 (detached 16 Jun 1952-30 Apr 1953). 38 Reconnaissance: attached 26 May-1 Jun 1949. 95 Reconnaissance: 30 Jun 1991-15 Sep 1993. 97 Air Refueling: 15 Jul 1961-1 Jul 1962 (detached). 99 Bombardment (later, 99 Strategic Reconnaissance): attached 10 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952, assigned 16 Jun 1952- 1 Apr 1971; assigned 30 Jun 1976-1 Sep 1991. 349 Air Refueling: 15 Mar 1983-1 Sep 1991. 350 Air Refueling: 15 Mar 1983-1 Sep 1991. 569 Strategic Missile: 1 Jun 1961-25 Jun 1965. 658 Bombardment: 1 Oct 1958-1 Jan 1962. 4029 Strategic Reconnaissance Training: 1 Aug 1981- 1 Jul 1986. 4364 Support (later, 4364th Post Attack Command and Control): 20 Jul 1962-25 Mar 1965.
Stations: Fairfield-Suisun (later, Travis) AFB, CA, 1 May 1949; Mountain Home AFB, ID, 1 May 1953; Beale AFB, CA, 25 Jun 1966-.
Commanders: Col Raymond L. Winn, 1 May 1949; Brig Gen Robert F. Travis, 16 Jun 1949; Col Carlos J. Cochrane, 6 Aug 1950; Col Joe W. Kelly, 10 Aug 1950; Col Clifford J. Heflin, 10 Feb 1951; Brig Gen William C. Kingsbury, 5 Jan 1953; Col Robert V. De Shazo, 27 Jul 1957; Col Rufus H. Holloway, 15 Jul 1959; Col Walter Y. Lucas, 7 Jun 1960; Col William L. Gray, 5 Jul 1962; Col William R. Smith, 2 Apr 1964; Col Walter Y. Lucas, 10 Jun 1965; Maj Adelbert J. Lemke, c. May 1966; Col Douglas T. Nelson, 25 Jun 1966; Col William R. Hayes, 14 Dec 1966; Col Charles F. Minter, Sr., 27 Jun 1969; Col Harold E. Confer, 1 Jul 1970; Col Jerome F. O'Malley, 31 May 1972; Col Patrick J. Halloran, 10 May 1973; Col John H. Storrie, 30 Jun 1975; Col Lyman M. Kidder, 30 Sep 1977; Col Franklin D. Shelton, 1 Feb 1979; Col David G. Young, c. 17 Jul 1980; Col Thomas S. Pugh, 20 Jul 1982; Col George V. Freese, 4 Aug 1983; Col David H. Pinsky, 28 Jan 1985; Col Richard H. Graham, 17 Jul 1987; Col James S. Savarda, 6 Dec 1988; Col Thomas J. Keck, 12 Jun 1990; Col Richard A. Young, 21 Nov 1991; Col Larry W. Tieman, 28 Jun 1993; Brig Gen John W. Rutledge, 15 Jul 1994; Brig Gen Robert H. Behler, 22 Sep 1995; Brig Gen Charles N. Simpson, 18 Apr 1997; Brig Gen Kevin P. Chilton, 2 Jun 1999; Brig Gen Stanley Gorenc, 15 Sep 2000; Brig Gen Thomas B. Wright, 21 Mar 2003; Brig Gen Lawrence L. Wells, 6 Aug 2004; Brig Gen Harry D. Polumbo Jr., May 2006-.
Aircraft: B/RB-17, 1949-1950; B-29, 1949-1954; RB-29, 1949-1951; RB-36, 1949-1950, 1951; KB-29, 1953; B-47, 1954-1966; KC-97, 1954-1965; Titan, 1962-1965; EB-47, 1962-1965; T-38, 1969-; SR-71, 1966-1990; U-2, 1976-; TR-1, 1981-1993; KC-135, 1983-1993; SR-71, 1995-1999; flew RQ-4, 2002-.
Operations: Conducted strategic reconnaissance with assigned components, May 1949- Mar 1950, and with components of 5 Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, Nov 1949-Feb 1951. Conducted strategic bombardment training, Feb 1951-Dec 1965. Performed air refueling, May-Jul 1953, Sep 1954-Dec 1965, and Mar 1983-Oct 1993. Conducted Strategic Air Command (SAC) airborne communications relay missions, Dec 1962- Mar 1965. Deployed at Fairford RAF Station, England, May-Jul 1955, at Kadena AB, Okinawa, 3-22 Oct 1955, at Eielson AFB, AK, 18-22 Jan 1956, and at Andersen AFB, Guam, Oct 1957-Jan 1958. Controlled a Titan missile complex, Jun 1961-Jun 1965. Phased down operations at Mountain Home AFB, ID, Jan-Jun 1966, then moved to Beale AFB, CA. Equipped with the SR-71 aircraft in 1966; performed strategic reconnaissance in Southeast Asia beginning in 1968; provided photographic intelligence for the Son Tay prison camp raid in North Vietnam, Nov 1970. Conducted humanitarian and scientific missions for Department of Defense and other government agencies when requested. Added U-2 & U-2R aircraft in 1976 and specialized KC-135Q tankers in 1983 to become the only USAF wing so equipped. Participated in USAF operations worldwide, including Grenada, Oct-Nov 1983, and Libya, Apr 1986. Following the 1990 retirement of SR-71 aircraft, U-2 aircraft flew intelligence-gathering missions, Aug 1990- Mar 1991, in Southwest Asia, particularly during the Gulf War buildup and subsequent combat operations. Continued to provide worldwide reconnaissance as directed. In 1993, lost its air refueling capacity and specialized in global high altitude manned surveillance and reconnaissance missions for the National Command Authorities, the Joint Chiefs of Staff, and theater commanders. While flying U-2s as its primary aircraft, it also flew SR-71s, the world's fastest aircraft, from 1995 to 1999. Although the wing headquarters remained at Beale AFB, California, it also operated components at several locations around the world. After the terrorist attacks on the United States on September 11, 2001, wing elements took part in reconnaissance missions in support of U.S. military efforts in Afghanistan and Iraq, flying both the manned U-2 and the new unmanned RQ-4 Global Hawk aircraft. As the Air Force's only U-2 training center, provided initial, requalification and proficiency training for all U-2 pilots and mission planners and all RQ-4 crewmembers, 2004-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: Grenada, 1983.
Decorations: Presidential Unit Citation: 31 Mar-31 Dec 1968. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device: 1 Jul 1972-30 Jun 1973. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan 1957-31 Jan 1958; 1 Jul 1967-30 Jun 1968; 1 Jul 1970-30 Jun 1971; 1 Jul 1971-30 Jun 1972; 1 Jul 1973-30 Jun 1975; 1 Jul 1975-30 Jun 1977; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1982; 1 Jul 1983-30 Jun 1984; 1 Jul 1985-30 Jun 1986; 1 Jul 1986-30 Jun 1987; 1 Jul 1989-30 Jun 1990; 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1994; 1 Jul 1994-30 Jun 1995; 1 Jun 1996-31 May 1998; 1 Jun 1998-31 May 2000; 1 Jun 2000-31 May 2002; 1 Jun 2002-31 May 2004.
Bestowed Honors: Authorized to display honors earned by the 9th Operations Group prior to 1 May 1949. Service Streamers. None. Campaign Streamers. World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Kawasaki, Japan, 15/16 Apr 1945; Japan, 13-28 May 1945.
Emblem: Per pale Vert and Sable, a pallet wavy Argent fimbriated Or, on a fess of the last four crosses patee of the second garnished Brown, all within a diminished bordure Yellow. Motto: SEMPER PARATUS — Always ready. Approved for 9th Group on 20 Mar 1924 and for 9th Wing on 1 Jul 1952 (K 2650).
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 3 Apr 2007.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 2005.
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9th RW, Detachment 1 was activated at Kadena, Okinawa, Japan on 9 August 1974 (replacing OL-KA) and was inactivated in 1990. (Source: History Of The 9th Reconnaissance Wing Pamphlet) DET 1 3+ ICHI BAN (Translation = Number One) |
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9th RW, Detachment 2 was activated at Osan AB on 1 July 1976 (replacing OL-OA, 9 SRW) and was redesignated Detachment 2, 9th Wing on 19 September 1991. (Source: History Of The 9th Reconnaissance Wing Pamphlet) Notes: The "Blackcat" nickname was started by Detachment H, Central Intelligence Agency activated in Taiwan from 1960-1974. Detachment H flyers would frequent an establishment called the "Blackcat" in a nearby town. The name "Blackcat" soon became synonymous with the members of the U-2 Detachment. The original Blackcat patch was designed in 1961 by Lieutenant Colonel Chen Whei-Shen. Lieutenant Colonel David G. Young established the "Blackcat" as OL-OA's nickname in 1976. The nickname transferred to Detachment 2 and is now used by the 5th Reconnaissance Squadron at Osan. (Source: 5th Reconnaissance Squadron History) |
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9th SRW, Detachment 4 was activated at RAF Mildenhall, United Kingdom on 1 April 1979. Originally operating the U-2, the unit was augmented with an SR-71 until April 1982, when the SR-71 became permanently based at RAF Mildenhall. Both the U-2 and SR-71 operated from Mildenhall until 22 February 1983 when the U-2 departed, its role being assumed by the TR-1 at RAF Alconbury. The Detachment was inactivated on 18 January 1990. (Sources: Detachment 4 Fact Sheet, Unknown Date; History Of The 9th Reconnaissance Wing Pamphlet; and RAF Mildenhall History Webpage) |
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9th Wing, Detachment 4 was activated at Howard AFB, Panama in 1991 and was inactivated in 1993. SERPIENTES DEL SOL (Translation= Serpents Of The Sun) |
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Operating Location OLYMPIC FLAME (OL-OF) was activated at Patrick AFB, Florida on 29 January 1982 and inactivated 1 January 1983 (replaced by Detachment 5, 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing). (Sources: History Of The 9th Reconnaissance Wing Pamphlet) |
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Kadena AB, Okinawa, Japan, U-2 and SR-71, also known as: OL-8, OL-RK, (OLRK), (OLKA), later to Det 1, (disestablished ?). OL-RK became OL-KA on 10/21/1971, to Det 1 in 08/1974.
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OL-UK moved from RAF Alconbury, United Kingdom to RAF Fairford, United Kingdom on 15 March 1995. From 2-4 January 1996, OL-UK's U-2s were moved to Istres AB, France and the unit was inactivated. (Source: Historical Highlights, the United States Air Forces in Europe 1942-1997) |
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Detachment 2, 9th Operations Group was activated at Edwards AFB, California on 1 April 1995 and was inactivated on 1 August 1999. (Sources: History Of The 9th Reconnaissance Wing Pamphlet) |
9th Reconnaissance Wing Patch Origins
Source: Beale AFB / 9th RW History
SHIELD: Per pale vert and sable a pallet wavy argent fimbriated, Or, over all on a fess of four crosses patee of the second (sable).
CREST: On a wreath of the colors (argent and vert) a rattlesnake entwined about a prickly pear cactus all proper.
MOTTO: Semper Paratus (Always Ready).
SIGNIFICANCE: The shield, in black and green, represents the old colors of the Air Service parted by a wavy line representing the Rio Grande River. On the gold band are four black crosses representing four WW I offensives, Aisne-Marne, Champagne-Marne, Meusse-Argonne, and St. Mihiel, in which squadrons later assigned to the 9th Wing fought. The crest recalls the service in Mexico.
Other Sites of Interest:
9th Bombardment Group History
9th Bombardment Group Wiki Resources
Beale AFB Web Site
9th Reconnaissance Wing Lineage
1st Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Organized as 1 Provisional Aero Squadron on 5 Mar 1913. Redesignated: 1 Aero Squadron on 8 Dec 1913; 1 Squadron (Observation) on 14 Mar 1921; 1 Observation Squadron on 25 Jan 1923; 1 Bombardment Squadron on 1 Mar 1935; 1 Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 6 Dec 1939; 1 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940; 1 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944; 1 Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, Photographic, on 10 Oct 1948; 1 Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, on 1 Apr 1950; 1 Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 2 Oct 1950; 1 Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron on 25 Jun 1966; 1 Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron (Training) on 1 Jul 1990; 1 Reconnaissance Squadron (Training) on 1 Sep 1991; 1 Reconnaissance Squadron on 1 Jul 1994.
Assignments: Unkn, 5 Mar 1913-Apr 1918; I Corps Observation Group, Apr-Nov 1918; unkn, Nov 1918-1 Oct 1919; 1 Army Observation (later, 7 Observation) Group, 1 Oct 1919 (attached to 1 Provisional Air Brigade for operations, 6 May-3 Oct 1921); 2 Wing, 30 Aug 1921; Second Corps Area, 30 Sep 1921; 9 Observation (later, 9 Bombardment) Group, assigned 1 Aug 1922, attached 24 Mar 1923, and assigned 15 Feb 1929; 311 Air Division, 10 Oct 1948 (attached to 55 Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 10-26 Oct 1948, and to 55 Strategic Reconnaissance Group, 27 Oct 1948-31 May 1949); 9 Strategic Reconnaissance (later, 9 Bombardment) Group, 1 Jun 1949 (attached to 9 Bombardment Wing, 10 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952); 9 Bombardment (later, 9 Strategic Aerospace; 9 Strategic Reconnaissance) Wing, 16 Jun 1952; 9 Operations Group, 1 Sep 1991-.
Stations: Texas City, TX, 5 Mar 1913; San Diego, CA, c. 28 Nov 1913 (detachment operated from Ft Crockett, TX, 30 Apr-13 Jul 1914; from Brownsville, TX, 17 Apr-c. 24 May 1915); Ft Sill, OK, 29 Jul 1915 (detachment operated from Brownsville, TX, 18 Aug-c. Dec 1915); Ft Sam Houston, TX, 26 Nov 1915; Columbus, NM, 15 Mar 1916; Casas Grandes, Mexico (operated from Colonia Dublan), 19 Mar 1916; San Geronimo, Mexico, 5 Apr 1916; San Antonio, Mexico, 9 Apr 1916; Satevo, Mexico, 11 Apr 1916; Namiquipa, Mexico, 17 Apr 1916; Columbus, NM, 22 Apr 1916-5 Aug 1917 (detachments operated from Colonia Dublan and El Valle, Mexico, until c. Jan 1917); Avord, France, 13 Sep 1917; Issoudun, France, 20 Sep 1917; Amanty, France, 19 Oct 1917; Ourches, France, 4 Apr 1918; Saints, France, 29 Jun 1918; Francheville, France, 6 Jul 1918; Moras Ferme (near La Ferte-sous-Jouarre), France, c. 22 Jul 1918; May-en-Multien, France, 5 Aug 1918; Coincy, France, 10 Aug 1918; Chailly-en-Brie, France, 13 Aug 1918; Toul, France, 22 Aug 1918; Remicourt, France, 21 Sep 1918; Julvecourt, France, 5 Nov 1918; Mercy-le-Bas, France, 21 Nov 1918; Trier, Germany, 6 Dec 1918; Weissenthurm, Germany, 21 Jan-14 Jul 1919; Park Field, TN, 4 Aug 1919; Mitchel Field, NY, 10 Oct 1919-6 Nov 1940 (operated from Langley Field, VA, 6 May-26 Oct 1921); Rio Hato, Panama, 13 Nov 1940; Piarco Aprt, Trinidad, 24 Apr 1941; Waller Field, Trinidad, 29 Oct 1941; Edinburgh Field, Trinidad, 23 Aug 1942; Orlando AB, FL, 31 Oct 1942; Brooksville, FL, 15 Dec 1942; Orlando AB, FL, 25 Feb 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, c. 3 Mar 1944; McCook AAFld, NE, 19 May-18 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1944-7 Mar 1946; Clark Field, Luzon, 14 Mar 1946; Harmon Field, Guam, 9 Jun 1947-10 Oct 1948; Topeka AFB, KS, 10 Oct 1948; Fairfield-Suisun (later, Travis) AFB, CA, 1 Jun 1949; Mountain Home AFB, ID, 1 May 1953 (deployed at Fairford RAF Station, England, 22 May-8 Jul 1955); Beale AFB, CA, 25 Jun 1966-.
Commanders: Capt Charles de Forest Chandler, 5 Mar 1913; Capt Arthur S. Cowan, 1 Apr 1913; Maj Benjamin D. Foulois, by Apr 1914; 1Lt William L. Patterson, 26 Apr 1914; Capt Arthur S. Cowan, by Jun 1914; unknown, 6 Aug 1914-c. Apr 1915; Maj Benjamin D. Foulois, by Apr 1915; unknown, 4 Nov-c. Dec 1916; Capt Townsend F. Dodd, by Dec 1916; Maj Ralph Royce, 16-31 Mar 1917; unknown, 1-2 Apr 1917; Capt J. L. Dunsworth, 3 Apr 1917; Maj Ralph Royce, 9 Aug 1917; Capt Joseph T. McNarney, 3 Oct 1917; unknown, 15 Oct 1917-c. Aug 1918; 1Lt Arthur J. Coyle, 18 Aug 1918; 1Lt Paul Meyers, 26 Oct 1918; unknown, c. 1919-Jan 1936; Maj C. P. Prime, by Jan 1936; Maj C. E. Duncan, by Aug 1937; 2Lt B. E. Allen, by Aug 1938; 1Lt E. S. Wetzel, by Jan 1939; Capt Stuart P. Wright, by Jul 1940; Maj Alvin N. Moore, by Nov 1942; Maj Mack McKay, 16 Jun 1943; Lt Col Thomas J. Classen, 27 Feb 1944; Lt Col Ralph E. Settle, 1 May 1944; Lt Col Henry C. Huglin, 24 Feb 1945; Lt Col Leroy V. Casey, 27 Mar 1945; Maj Alton P. Donnell, Aug 1945; unknown, Sep 1945-1949 (not manned, 25 Apr 1947-9 Oct 1948); Lt Col Harry L. Evans, by 1 Jun 1949; Maj John S. McIntosh, May 1950; Col G. H. Fulcher, 5 Jun 1950; Maj Ellis W. Wright Jr., 27 Feb 1951; Maj George Buckingham, May 1951; Lt Col Frank E. Ferrell, May 1951; Lt Col Boyd B. White, 23 Jul 1951; Lt Col Frank E. Ferrell, 29 Dec 1951; Lt Col Eugene Q. Steffes Jr., Nov 1953; Lt Col Frank E. Ferrell, Jan 1954; Lt Col Robert A. Weir, Oct 1954; Lt Col Loren E. Buckey, Apr 1957; Lt Col Herschel T. Pascoe, Aug 1959; Maj Claude H. Bridges Jr., May 1960; Lt Col Richard W. Edmonson, Jul 1962; Lt Col James C. Mitchell, Jul 1964; Lt Col John S. Harpster, Aug 1965; Lt Col Harold E. Confer, 25 Jun 1966; Col Raymond L. Haupt, Nov 1966; Lt Col Allan L. Hichew, Aug 1967; Lt Col Patrick J. Halloran, Aug 1968; Lt Col James L. Watkins, Dec 1969; Lt Col Larry S. Devall, Jul 1971; Lt Col George N. Bull, Jun 1972; Lt Col Bryan K. McCallum, Jul 1973; Lt Col James H. Shelton, Jan 1974; Lt Col Raphael S. Samay, Aug 1975; Lt Col Adolphus H. Bledsoe Jr., Jul 1977; Lt Col Randolph B. Hertzog, Dec 1978; Lt Col Richard H. Graham, 2 Jan 1980; Lt Col Eldon W. Joersz, 11 Aug 1981; Lt Col Alan B. Cirino, 18 Jul 1983; Lt Col Joseph C. Kinego, 2 Aug 1985; Lt Col William D. Orcutt, 4 Aug 1987; Lt Col William R. Dyckman, 10 Nov 1988; Lt Col Kenneth W. Womack, 27 Dec 1990; Lt Col Bobby L. Fairless, 2 Mar 1992; Lt Col David J. Bonsi, 30 Apr 1993; Lt Col David W. Wright, 20 May 1994; Lt Col Joseph R. Muus, 23 Jun 1995; Lt Col Mario C. Buda, 21 Jul 1997; Lt Col Bryan K. Anderson, 26 Jul 1999;. Lt Col Domenick M. Eanniello, 23 Jul 2001; Lt Col David E. Miller, 15 Oct 2002; Lt Col Alan Marshall, (temporary), 14 Jul 2003; Lt Col Walter Flint, 4 Sep 2003; Lt Col Michael J, Masucci, 5 Aug 2005-.
Aircraft: In addition to Wright C, 1913-1914, and Burgess H, 1913-1915, included Wright B, Burgess F, Burgess I-Scout, Burgess J-Scout, Curtiss D, Curtiss E, Curtiss H, Martin TT, and apparently Wright D-Scout, during period 1913-1915; JN-2 (JN-3), 1915-1916; N-8, 1916; in addition to R-2, 1916-1917, included (for field testing) H-2, H-3, Twin JN, R-Land, Sturtevant Adv Tr, V-1, D-5, and JN-4 during period 1916-1917; AR-1, 1917-1918; Spad XI, 1918; Salmson 2, 1918-1919; in addition to DH-4 apparently included 0-2 during period 1919-1928; in addition to O-1, c. 1928-1936, included O-13, Y1O-31, Y1O-35, O-39, Y1O-40, and B-6, during period 1930-1936; B-10, 1936-1938; B-18, 1939-1942; B-17, 1942-1944, 1948-1949; B-29, 1944-1947, 1948-1949, 1950-1954; RB-17, 1948-1949; RB-29, 1948-1949; B-36, 1949-1950; B-47, 1954-1966; SR-71, 1966-1990; T-38, 1969; U-2, 1990-.
Operations: Organized in response to Mexican Revolution of Feb 1913; deployed detachments to Texas, for projected foreign service during Tampico-Vera Cruz crisis, Apr-Jul 1914, and for border patrol duty, Apr-May 1915, Aug-c. Dec 1915; served as reconnaissance and liaison unit with Punitive Expedition to Mexico, Mar 1916-c. Jan 1917; patrolled border until c. May 1917. Combat as corps observation unit with French XXXVIII Army Corps and American I Army Corps, 11 Apr-8 Nov 1918; served with III Army Corps as part of occupation forces, Nov 1918-Jul 1919. Participated in demonstrations of effectiveness of aerial bombardment on warships, Jun-Sep 1921. Antisubmarine patrols, and reconnaissance of Vichy French fleet at Martinique, Dec 1941-Oct 1942. Trained cadres for bombardment units, Nov 1942-Feb 1944. Combat in Western Pacific, 25 Jan-14 Aug 1945. Unmanned Apr 1947-10 Oct 1948. Photographic reconnaissance, Oct 1948-Apr 1950. Returned to bombardment training, Apr 1950-Jun 1966. Worldwide reconnaissance with SR-71 aircraft, Jun 1966-Jun 1990. Reconnaissance pilot training with U-2 aircraft, 1990-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: Mexico 1916-1917. World War I: Lorraine; Ile-de-France; Champagne; Champagne-Marne; Aisne-Marne; St Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne. World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Kawasaki, Japan, 15-16 Apr 1945; Japan, 13-28 May 1945. Presidential Unit Citation: 31 Mar-31 Dec 1968. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award With Combat "V" Device: 1 Jul 1972-30 Jun 1973. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan 1957-31 Jan 1958; 1 Jul 1967-30 Jun 1968; 1 Jul 1970-30 Jun 1971; 1 Jul 1971-30 Jun 1972; 1 Jul 1975-30 Jun 1977; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1982; 1 Jul 1983-30 Jun 1984; 1 Jul 1985-30 Jun 1986; 1 Jul 1986-30 Jun 1987; 1 Jul 1989-30 Jun 1990; 1 Sep 1991-30 Jun 1993; 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1994; 1 Jul 1994-30 Jun 1995; 1 Jun 1996-31 May 1998; 1 Jun 2002-31 May 2004.
Emblem: A Brown cave man wearing a Black breech clout standing on a Black mound, looking to dexter with right hand shielding his eyes, left hand holding a spear horizontally, in front of a rising sun, against a Blue background; all within a Black bordered Gold annulet bearing thirteen Black crosses patee. Approved on 14 Jul 1931 (K 7136).
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 6 Apr 2007.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 2005.
5th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Organized as 5 Aero Squadron on 5 May 1917. Redesignated Squadron A, Souther Field, GA, on 15 Jul 1918. Demobilized on 11 Nov 1918. Reconstituted, and consolidated (1924) with 5 Aero Squadron, which was organized on 24 Oct 1919. Redesignated: 5 Squadron (Observation) on 14 Mar 1921; 5 Observation Squadron on 25 Jan 1923; 5 Bombardment Squadron on 1 Mar 1935; 5 Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 6 Dec 1939; 5 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940; 5 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 20 Oct 1948. Redesignated 5 Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, Photographic, and activated, on 1 May 1949. Redesignated: 5 Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, on 1 Apr 1950; 5 Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 2 Oct 1950. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 25 Jun 1966. Redesignated 5 Strategic Reconnaissance Training Squadron on 12 Feb 1986. Activated on 1 Jul 1986. Inactivated on 30 Jun 1990. Redesignated 5 Reconnaissance Squadron on 21 Sep 1994. Activated on 1 Oct 1994.
Assignments: Unkn, 1917-1918. 3 Observation Group (attached to Eastern Department) 24 Oct 1919; Eastern Department, 24 Mar 1920; Second Corps Area, 20 Aug 1920 (attached to 1 Provisional Air Brigade for operations, 6 May-3 Oct 1921); 9 Observation Group, 1 Aug 1922; 1 Division, Air Service (later, 1 Division, Air Corps; 1 Division, Aviation), 30 Jun 1923 (attached to 9 Observation Group, 30 Jun 1923-15 Feb 1929); 9 Observation (later, 9 Bombardment) Group, 15 Feb 1929-20 Oct 1948. 9 Strategic Reconnaissance (later, 9 Bombardment) Group, 1 May 1949 (attached to 9 Bombardment Wing, 10 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952); 9 Bombardment (later, 9 Strategic Aerospace) Wing, 16 Jun 1952-25 Jun 1966. 9 Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 1 Jul 1986-30 Jun 1990. 9 Operations Group, 1 Oct 1994-.
Stations: San Antonio, TX, 5 May 1917; Souther Field, GA, 1 May-11 Nov 1918. Hazelhurst Field, NY, 24 Oct 1919; Mitchel Field, NY, Nov 1919 (operated from Langley Field, VA, 6 May-26 Oct 1921); Rio Hato, Panama, 13 Nov 1940; Beane Field, St Lucia, c. 28 Sep 1941; Orlando AB, FL, 31 Oct 1942; Pinecastle AAFld, FL, 15 Apr 1943; Brooksville AAFld, FL, 7 Jan 1944; Pinecastle AAFld, FL, 13 Feb 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, c. 9 Mar 1944; McCook AAFld, KS, 19 May-18 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1944-6 Mar 1946; Clark Field, Luzon, 14 Mar 1946; Harmon Field, Guam, 9 Jun 1947-20 Oct 1948. Fairfield-Suisun AFB, CA, 1 May 1949; Mountain Home AFB, ID, 1 May 1953-25 Jun 1966 (deployed at Fairford RAF Station, England, 23 May-8 Jul 1955). Beale AFB, CA, 1 Jul 1986-30 Jun 1990. Osan AB, South Korea, 1 Oct 1994-.
Commanders: Unknown, 1917-1942; Maj Earl C. Trees, 28 Nov 1942; Lt Col Rolle E. Stone Jr., 10 Feb 1943; Lt Col Malvern H. W. Brown, 2 Jun 1944-unknown; Maj Homer W. Morris, by 15 Mar 1946; Capt Orien T. Clark, 13 Jul 1946; Capt Richard O. Giles, 16 Sep 1946; Maj Charles G. Allen, 14 Nov 1946; Capt John R. McPherson, 16 Feb 1947; Capt William G. Broach Jr., 13 Mar 1947; none (unmanned), 1 Apr 1947-20 Oct 1948. Maj John M. Clayton, 1 May 1949; Lt Col Walter Y. Lucas, 23 Aug 1949; Lt Col Raymond E. Holsey, 18 Sep 1951; Lt Col Edward A. Vivian, by 2 Sep 1953; Lt Col Charles E. Bailey, 1 Mar 1956; Lt Col Jack D. Templin, Apr 1958; Lt Col Henry W. Ritter, 10 Jul 1961; Lt Col Edward T. Solomon, Mar 1963; Lt Col Dean W. Willson, Apr 1965-25 Jun 1966. Lt Col Charles W. Hinkle, 1 Jul 1986; Lt Col Michael G. Danielle, 9 May 1988; Lt Col Bruce R. Cucuel, 31 Jul 1989-30 Jun 1990. Lt Col Scott D. Mefford, 1 Oct 1994; Lt Col Charles P. Wilson II, 28 Jun 1995; Lt Col John B. Feda, 8 Jul 1996; Lt Col Peter J. Szyjka, 24 Jul 1997; Lt Col Gregory D. Augst, 20 Jul 1998; Lt Col William Schlecht, 19 Jul 1999; Lt Col Gregory A. Kern, 13 Jul 2000; Lt Col Daniel F. Baltrusaitis, 2 Jul 2001; Lt Col Jon L. Engle, 2 Jul 2002; Lt Col Jeffrey W. Stout, 27 Jun 2003; Lt Col Charles D. Cunningham, 27 Jul 2004-.
Aircraft: Apparently included JN-4 during period 1917-1918. Included DH-4 and O-2 during period 1919-1928; in addition to O-1, O-11, and O-25, included O-31, Y1O-35, O-39, A-3, B-6, and C-8 during period 1928-1936; B-10, 1936-1938; B-18, 1938-1942; B-24, 1942-1943; B-25, 1943; B-26, 1943-1944; B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1947. B/RB-17, 1949-1950; RB-29, 1949-1950; B-29, 1949-1954; B-47, 1954-1966. U-2/TR-1, 1986-1990; SR-71, 1986-1990; T-38, 1986-1990. U-2, 1994-.
Operations: Flying training unit, 1917-1918. Demonstrations of effectiveness of aerial bombardment on warships, Jun-Sep 1921. Antisubmarine patrols, and reconnaissance of Vichy French fleet at Martinique, Dec 1941-Oct 1942. Trained cadres for bombardment units, Nov 1942-Feb 1944. Combat in Western Pacific, 25 Jan-15 Aug 1945. Unmanned, Apr 1947-20 Oct 1948. Maintained alert during Cuban missile crisis, Oct 1962. Reconnaissance pilot training, 1986-1990. Conducted U-2 high-altitude reconnaissance, 1994-.
Honors
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Kawasaki, Japan, 15/16 Apr 1945; Japan, 13-28 May 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan 1957-31 Jan 1958; 1 Jul 1986-30 Jun 1987; 1 Jul 1989-30 Jun 1990; 1 Jul 1994-30 Jun 1995; 1 Jun 1998-31 May 2000; 1 Jun 2002-31 May 2004.
Emblem: On a Blue disc piped with Yellow a Yellow increscent moon and five stars. On the lower horn of the crescent a Black and White owl holding in his right claw a Silver telescope. Approved on 27 May 1924 (K 2661).
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 6 Apr 2007.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 2005.
99th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Organized as 99 Aero Squadron on 21 Aug 1917. Demobilized on 9 Jun 1919. Reconstituted as 99 Corps Observation Squadron [and organized] on 2 Jul 1919. Redesignated: 99 Squadron (Observation) on 14 Mar 1921; 99 Observation Squadron on 25 Jan 1923. Inactivated on 31 Jul 1927. Activated on 9 Nov 1928. Redesignated: 99 Bombardment Squadron on 1 Mar 1935; 99 Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 6 Dec 1939; 99 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940; 99 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 20 Oct 1948. Redesignated 99 Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, Photographic, and activated, on 1 May 1949. Redesignated: 99 Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, on 1 Apr 1950; 99 Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 2 Oct 1950; 99 Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron on 25 Jun 1966. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1971. Activated on 1 Nov 1972. Redesignated 99 Reconnaissance Squadron on 1 Sep 1991.
Assignments: Unkn, 21 Aug-11 Dec 1917; Second Aviation Instruction Center, 12 Dec 1917-9 Mar 1918; unkn, 10 Mar-6 Aug 1918; V Corps Observation Group, 7 Aug-Dec 1918 (attached to Third Artillery Observation School, c. 1 Apr-31 May 1918); unkn, Dec 1918-May 1919; Eastern Department, May-9 Jun 1919. Eastern Department, 2 Jul 1919; Third Corps Area, 20 Aug 1920; District of Washington, c. Jan 1922; 8 Division, Air Service, 24 May 1923; Air Corps Training Center, Jun-31 Jul 1927. 9 Observation (later, 9 Bombardment) Group, attached 9 Nov 1928, assigned 15 Feb 1929-20 Oct 1948. 9 Strategic Reconnaissance (later, 9th Bombardment) Group, 1 May 1949 (attached to 9 Bombardment Wing, 10 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952); 9 Bombardment (later, 9 Strategic Aerospace; 9 Strategic Reconnaissance) Wing, 16 Jun 1952-1 Apr 1971. 100 Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 1 Nov 1972-30 Jun 1976 (attached to Air Division Provisional, 17, 1 Nov 1972-1 Jan 1975); 9 Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 30 Jun 1976; 9 Operations Group, 1 Sep 1991-.
Stations: Kelly Field, TX, 21 Aug 1917; Garden City, NY, 3-14 Nov 1917; Tours, France, 12 Dec 1917; Haussimont, France, 11 Mar 1918; Amanty, France, 31 May 1918; Luxeuil-les-Bains, France, 1 Jul 1918 (flight operated from Corcieux, 19-24 Jul 1918 and Dogneville 24 Jul-26 Aug 1918); Souilly, France, 7 Sep 1918; Foucaucourt, France, 20 Sep 1918; Parois, France, 4 Nov 1918; Belrain, France, 31 Nov 1918; Chaumont-sur-Aire, France, 13 Dec 1918; Chaumont, France, c. 25 Dec 1918 (flights operated from Prauthoy, Bourbonne-les-Bains, and Montigney-le-Roi, France, until c. 1 Feb 1919); Colombey-les-Belles, France, 19 Feb 1919; Sadirac, France, 5 Mar-8 May 1919; Mitchel Field, NY, 24 May 1919; Hazelhurst Field, NY, 25 May-9 Jun 1919. Mitchel Field, NY, 2 Jul 1919; Camp Alfred Vail, NJ, Jul 1919; Bolling Field, DC, 17 Aug 1919; Kelly Field, TX, 23 Jun-31 Jul 1927. Mitchel Field, NY, 9 Nov 1928-6 Nov 1940; Rio Hato, Panama, 12 Nov 1940; Piarco Field, Trinidad, 17 Oct 1941; Zanderij (later, Zandery) Field, Surinam, c. 27 Nov 1941-31 Oct 1942; Orlando AB, FL, 31 Oct 1942; Montbrook AAFld, FL, 5 Feb 1943; Kissimmee AAFld, FL, 14 Nov 1943; Brooksville AAFld, FL, 5 Jan 1944; Orlando AB, FL, 25 Feb 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, c. 9 Mar 1944; McCook AAFld, NE, 19 May-18 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, 14 Mar 1946; Harmon Field (later AFB) Guam, 9 Jun 1947-20 Oct 1948. Fairfield-Suisun (later Travis) AFB, CA, 1 May 1949 (detachments operated at Andersen AFB, Guam, c. 7 Aug-17 Sep 1950; 9 Apr-19 Jan 1951; and 17 Jun-22 Sep 1952); Mountain Home AFB, ID, 1 May 1953 (deployed at RAF Fairford, England, 23 May-9 Jul 1955; Andersen AFB, Guam, c. 4 Oct 1947-c. 12 Jan 1958); Beale AFB, CA, 25 Jun 1966-1 Apr 1971. U-Tapao RTNAF, Thailand, 1 Nov 1972-30 Jun 1976; Beale AFB, CA, 30 Jun 1976-.
Commanders: 1Lt W. T. White, 21 Aug 1917; Capt William E. Goodman Jr., 29 Sep 1917; 1Lt Andrew B. Shiland, 23 Feb 1918; Maj Arthur R. Christie, 30 Mar 1918; Capt James E. Meredith, 6 Aug 1918; Capt Lyle S. Powell, 9 Nov 1918; 1Lt Leo D. Quackenbush, 28 Feb 1919; 1Lt Edward Jenkins, 9 Jun 1919; Capt Horace N. Heison, 6 Oct 1920; 2Lt Ray A. Dunn, 17 Nov 1920; 2Lt Paul C. Wilkins, 30 Dec 1920; Capt Ray A. Dunn, 30 Mar 1921; 1Lt Earl J. Carpenter, 22 Aug 1921; 1Lt Howard K. Ramey, 7 Nov 1921; Lt Courtney Whitney, 12 Dec 1921; Maj George E. Lovell, 15 Aug 1922; Capt Clearton H. Reynolds, 16 Apr 1923; 1Lt Howard K. Ramey, 30 Aug 1923; 1Lt Aubrey I. Eagle, Jan 1924; Capt Clearton H. Reynolds, 14 Apr 1924; Maj Millard F. Harmon, 30 Jun-18 Jul 1925; unknown, 19 Jul 1925-22 Jun 1927; none (not manned), 23 Jun-31 Jul 1927. Unknown, 9 Nov 1928-Sep 1929; Capt Frederick W. Evans, Sep 1929-Aug 1933; unknown, Aug 1933-1935; Maj Leo F. Post, c. 1 Mar 1935; Maj Samuel M. Cornell, 2 Jul 1936; Capt Fay R. Upthegrove, 30 Aug-24 Oct 1939; unknown, 25 Oct 1939-22 Apr 1940; Capt Fay R. Upthegrove, 23 Apr-21 Oct 1940; unknown, 22 Oct 1940-1941; Maj Gerald E. Williams, by 21 Oct 1941; Maj Walter W. Gross, 4 Jan 1942; Lt Col Eugene C. Rice, 14 Apr 1942; Capt Richard H. Gunckel, 18 Apr 1942; 1Lt John W. Stock, 20 Apr 1942; Capt Richard H. Gunckel, 29 Apr 1942; Lt Col Randolph L. Wood, 5 May 1942; Maj Harry L. Caswell, 15 Aug 1942; Maj Harry C. Morrison, 9 Sep-31 Oct 1942; none (not manned), 31 Oct 1942-20 Jan 1943; unknown, 20 Jan-7 Feb 1943; Capt Erwin W. Huber, 8 Feb 1943; Maj James I. Hopkins Jr., 17 Jun 1943; Maj James T. McKee, 18 Jun 1943-18 Jan 1944; unknown, 19-20 Jan 1944; Lt Col John W. Chiles, 21 Jan 1944; Maj James I. Hopkins Jr., 28 Feb 1944; Maj Harlold M. Brecht, c. Apr 1944; Maj Folmer J. Sogaard, 9 Jun 1944; Lt Col William L. Hall, 8 Jul 1944; Lt Col Lewis J. Wright, 8 Mar-Aug 1945; unknown, c. Sep 1945-Aug 1946; none (not manned), Aug-26 Sep 1946; Capt Robert T. Henning, 27 Sep 1946; Maj Kenneth E. Hill, 23 Nov 1946; Capt Joseph B. Webb, 17 Mar-25 Apr 1947; none (not manned), 26 Apr 1947-20 Oct 1948. Capt Carl F. Hynek, 1 May 1949; Capt Henry L. Choate, May 1949; Maj James M. Smith, c. 1 Jun 1949; Lt Col Francis E. Tiller, 5 Sep 1949; Maj Mason A. Dula, 30 Jun 1950; Lt Col Rufus H. Holloway, c. 7 Jul 1950; Maj Frank M. Wyman, 7 Aug 1950; Lt Col Rufus H. Holloway, 20 Sep 1950; Capt Roger H. Smith, 9 Apr 1951; Col Rufus H. Holloway, c. 19 Jun 1951; Lt Col Mason A. Dula, 27 Aug 1951; Lt Col Eldridge G. Shelton, 14 Jun 1952; Lt Col Mason A. Dula, c. 22 Sep 1952; Lt Col John P. Wolfe, by 17 Feb 1952; Lt Col Robert L. Rund, 1 Mar 1956; Lt Col Glenn F. Stephens, c. 30 Jun 1957; Lt Col Earl A. Lilley, Apr 1958; Lt Col Glenn F. Stephens, Oct 1958; Lt Col Sherwin G. Desens, 1 Oct 1961; Lt Col Maurice E. Saunders, 15 Dec 1961; Lt Col John W. Grow Jr., C. Aug 1964-c. 25 Jun 1966; none (not manned), 25 Jun-Sep 1966; Lt Col John B. Boynton, c. Sep 1966; Lt Col Robert G. Sowers, c. Jun 1967; Lt Col John C. Kennon, 25 Mar 1968; Lt Col Harlon A. Hain, 5 Dec 1969-1 Apr 1971. Col Jack E. Gatewood, 1 Nov 1972; Col Buddy L. Brown, 18 Dec 1972; Col Russell S. Morton, 12 Dec 1973; Col Roger L. Cooper, 2 Dec 1974; Lt Col David C. Young, 3 Oct 1975-Apr 1976; none (not manned), Apr-30 Jun 1976; Lt Col George V. Freese, 1 Jul 1976; Lt Col Jerry L. Sinclair, 30 Sep 1977; Lt Col William F. Horton Jr., 21 Dec 1978; Lt Col James E. Wrenn, 22 Aug 1980; Lt Col Wilbur F. Furr Jr., 2 Jul 1982; Lt Col Kenneth L. Stanford, 21 Nov 1984; Lt Col Larry W. Driskill, 2 Aug 1985; Lt Col Mark W. Fischer, 19 Jul 1988; Lt Col Richard H. Bishop, 18 May 1990; Lt Col Stephen M. Peterson, 21 Jun 1990; Maj Kenneth R. Flye, 4 May 1992; Lt Col Bruce W. Carmichael, 30 Jul 1992; Lt Col Edward A. Walby, 9 May 1994; Lt Col John J. Jacobson, 23 Aug 1996; Lt Col Paul W. Nelson, 3 Jun 1998; Lt Col Keith E. Gentile, 8 Feb 2000; Lt Col Troy E. Devine, 17 Aug 2001; Lt Col Robert A. Yahn, 1 Jul 2003; Lt Col David L. Russell III, 7 Jul 2005-.
Aircraft: Sopwith 1, 1918; Salmson 2, 1918-1919. Included DH-4 and SE-5 during period 1919-1927. In addition to O-1, O-11, and O-25, included OA-2, O-31, Y1O-35, O-38, O-39, Y1O-40, O-40, and O-43 during period 1928-1936; in addition to B-10, 1936-1938, included OA-4, 1937; in addition to B-18, 1938-1942, included OA-8, 1939, P-12, 1939, and P-40, 1941-1942; B-25, 1943, B-26, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; B-29, 1944-1946, 1946-1947. B/RB-17, 1949-1950; RB-29, 1949-1950; B-29, 1949-1954; B-47, 1954-1966; SR-71, 1966-1971. DC-130, 1972-1975; CH-3, 1972-1975; U-2, 1972-1976, 1976-(also carried TR-1 designation, 1981-1991); T-38, 1976-. SR-71, 1994-1997.
Operations: Combat as corps observation unit with French Eighth Army and American V Army Corps, 22-23 Jun, Sep-Nov 1918; school squadron with V Army Corps Infantry Liaison School, Jul-Sep 1918, during which time one flight of unit, operating in Vosges region of Alsace and Lorraine, participated in combat with French XXXIII Corps and American 5 Division, Jul-Aug 1918. Antisubmarine patrols, and reconnaissance of Vichy French fleet at Martinique, Dec 1941-Oct 1942. Trained cadres for bombardment units, Feb 1943-Feb 1944. Combat in Western Pacific, Jan-Aug 1945. Unmanned, Apr 1947-Oct 1948. Global strategic reconnaissance, 1967-1971 and 1972-present, including Southeast Asia, Nov 1972-Jun 1973; Grenada, 1983; Panama, 1989; and Southwest Asia, 1990-1991. Supported global war on terrorism, 2001-.
Honors
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War I: Lorraine; Alsace; St Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne. World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific. Vietnam: Vietnam Ceasefire. Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Kawasaki, Japan, 15-16 Apr 1945; Japan, 13-28 May 1945. Presidential Unit Citation: 31 Mar-31 Dec 1968. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards With "V" Device: 1 Nov 1972-28 Jan 1973; 1 Nov 1972-30 Jun 1973. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan 1957-31 Jan 1958; 1 Jul 1967-30 Jun 1968; 1 Jul 1970-1 Apr 1971; 1 Jul 1975-30 Jun 1976; 30 Jun 1976-30 Jun 1977; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1982; 1 Jul 1983-30 Jun 1984; 1 Jul 1985-30 Jun 1986; 1 Jul 1989-30 Jun 1990; 1 Sep 1991-30 Jun 1993. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 1 Nov 1972-28 Jan 1973.
Emblem: The buffalo, red lined with blue. Approved on 4 Mar 1924 (K 2677).
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 9 Apr 2007.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 2005.
|
77th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
534th Air Engineering Sq
576th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
504th Bombardment Group
 |
(Jan-Apr 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
(May 45-End of War.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
 Plaque located in Memorial Park
National Museum of the United States Air Force
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 504th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) on 18 Feb 1944. Activated on 11 Mar 1944. Equipped first with B-17's; later trained for combat with B-29's. Moved to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater late in 1944 for service with Twentieth AF. Began combat operations from Tinian in Jan 1945 with attacks on Japanese airfields and other installations on Maug and Iwo Jima and in the Truk Islands. Flew its first mission against the Japanese home islands early in Feb 1945 when the group bombed the industrial area of Kobe. Continued to attack strategic targets in Japan, operating in daylight and at high altitude to bomb such objectives as aircraft factories, chemical plants, harbors, and arsenals. Received a DUC for striking the industrial center at Yokohama late in May 1945. Began incendiary raids in Mar 1945, flying at night and at low altitude to strike area targets in Japan. Started mining operations against enemy shipping late in Mar, receiving a DUC for mining Korean shipping lanes, the Shimonoseki Strait, and harbors of the Inland Sea, Jul-Aug 1945. In Apr and May 1945 the group hit airfields from which the Japanese launched kamikaze planes against the invasion force during the assault on Okinawa. After the war it dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners, participated in show-of-force missions, and flew over Japan to evaluate damage inflicted by bombardment operations. Moved to the Philippines in Mar 1946. Inactivated on Luzon on 15 Jun 1946.
Squadrons: 393d: 1944. 398th: 1944-1946. 421st: 1944-1946. 507th: 1944. 680th: 1944-1946.
Stations: Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 11 Mar 1944; Fairmont AAFld, Neb, 12 Mar-5 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 23 Dec 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, 6 Mar-15 Jun 1946.
Commanders: Capt Basil D Murray, Mar 1944; Col James T Connally, 6 Apr 1944; Col Glen W Martin, 6 Feb 1945; Col Charles B Root, 18 Sep 1945; Col John P Kenny, 2 Apr-15 Jun 1946.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yokohama, Japan, 28 May 1945; Japan and Korea, 27 Jul-14 Aug 1945.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest:
U.S. Army Air Corp 504th bomb group, Tinian
504 Bomb Group WW2
504th Bomb Group Wiki Resources
393d Bombardment Squadron
(See listing under 509th Composite Group, below)
398th Bombardment Squadron
From the scrapbook of Mr. Fred Koble who was an armorer
in the 504th BG, 421st BS on the B-29 "Dina Might".
Mr. Paul West, nephew of Mr. Koble, colorized the original drawings. |
98th Air Refueling Sq |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted as 8th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) on 13 Jan 1942; activated on 1 Feb 1942; redesignated 398th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 22 Apr 1942; disbanded on 10 Oct 1943; reconstituted on 19 Sep 1985 and consolidated with 398th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) and 98th Air Refueling Squadron (Medium) and redesignated 98th Air Refueling Squadron (Heavy). Redesignated 98th Air Refueling Squadron and activated on 1 Apr 1994.
Assignments: 21st Bombardment Group, attached on 1 Feb 1942, and assigned 22 Apr 1942-10 Oct 1943. 504th Bombardment Group, 11 Mar 1944-15 Jun 1946. 98th Bombardment Group, 16 Aug 1950-8 Apr 1952. 98th Bombardment Group (attached to 6th Air Division) 8 Apr 1952; 98th Bombardment Wing (attached to 6th Air Division) 16 Jun 1952; 6th Air Division, 1 Jul 1953; 806th Air Division, 22-25 Nov 1953. 98th Bombardment Wing, 18 Feb 1954-15 Apr 1963 (attached to 98th Air Base Group 18 Feb-1 Aug 1954; unkn, 7 Jan-21 Feb 1955; Ernest Harmon Task Force, 27 Dec 1956-14 Mar 1957 and 28 Dec 1957-25 Mar 1958; Lajes Tanker Task Force, 1 Apr-8 Jul 1959 and 2 Oct 1962-7 Jan 1963). 453d Operations Group, 1 Apr 1994; 92d Operations Group, 1 Jul 1994-.
Stations: Bowman Field, KY, 1 Feb 1942; Jackson AAB, MS, 8 Feb 1942; Columbia AAB, SC, 24 Apr 1942; Key Field, MS, 26 May 1942; MacDill Field, FL, 26 Jun 1942-10 Oct 1943. Dalhart AAFld, TX, 11 Mar 1944; Fairmont AAFld, NE, 12 Mar-5 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 23 Dec 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, 13 Mar-15 Jun 1946. Spokane (later, Fairchild) AFB, WA 16 Aug 1950-8 Apr 1952. MacDill AFB, FL, 8 Apr 1952; Lake Charles AFB, LA, 22-25 Nov 1953. Lincoln AFB, NE, 18 Feb 1954-15 Apr 1963 (deployed at Goose AB, Labrador, 7 Jan-21 Feb 1955; RAF Mildenhall, England, 7 Nov 1955-31 Jan 1956; Ernest Harmon AB, Newfoundland, 27 Dec 1956-14 Mar 1957 and 28 Dec 1957-25 Mar 1958; Lajes AFB, Azores, 1 Apr-8 Jun 1959 and 2 Oct 1962-7 Jan 1963). Fairchild AFB, WA, 1 Apr 1994-.
Aircraft: B-25, 1942; B-26, 1942-1943. B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946. KC-97, 1953. KC-97, 1954-1963.
Operations: Antisubmarine patrols in the Gulf of Mexico, 8 Jun 1942 and 31 Jul-8 Aug 1942. Operational training unit, Jun 1942-Jul 1943. Combat in Western Pacific, 16 Jun-14 Aug 1945. Not operational, 16 Aug 1950-8 Apr 1952. Ferried aircraft, Apr 1952-Nov 1953. Worldwide air refueling, 1954-1963.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yokohama, Japan, 28 May 1945; Japan and Korea, 27 Jul-14 Aug 1945.
Emblem (398th BS): Over and through a black disc, a caricatured white elephant with aerial machine guns for tusks, firing, proper, face expressing anger, running and holding with the trunk a very large yellow orange aerial bomb, trimmed red at nose and tail fin, all over a segment of the globe with light blue water area, yellow orange land area, and marked with darker blue lines of latitude and longitude. (Approved 20 Sep 1944.)
Emblem (98th ARS): On a White disc, edged Red, the character Woody Woodpecker, in his natural colors of Red, Light Blue, White, Yellow, and Black, flying through the air, and carrying with his feet a Red gasoline container with Yellow, White and Black detail. COPYRIGHT-Walter Lantz. Approved on 11 Aug 1955 (153164 A.C.); replaced emblem approved on 20 Sep 1944 (29126 A.C.).
421st Bombardment Squadron
From the scrapbook of Mr. Fred Koble who was an armorer
in the 504th BG, 421st BS on the B-29 "Dina Might".
Mr. Paul West, nephew of Mr. Koble, colorized the original drawings. |
421st ARS |
421st ARS |
421st ARS |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 421st Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 28 Feb 1944. Activated on 11 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 15 Jun 1946. Consolidated 19 Sep 1985 with the 421st Air Refueling Sq as the 421st Air Refueling Sq.
Assignments: 504th Bombardment Group, 11 Mar 1944-15 Jun 1946.
Stations: Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 11 Mar 194.4; Fairmont AAFld, Neb, 12 Mar-5 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 23 Dec 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, 13 Mar-15 Jun 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 16 Jan-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yokohama, Japan, 28 May 1945; Japan and Korea, 27 Jul-14 Aug 1945.
Emblem: On a light turquoise blue triangle resting on base leg, border white, edged black, a large brown and white ape standing on segment of white globe marked with black latitude and longitude lines, in base, casting a black drop shadow, and hurling a very large white aerial bomb, shadowed black, toward dexter base, with the upraised
right arm. (Approved 2 Nov 1944.)
680th Bombardment Squadron
From the scrapbook of Mr. Fred Koble who was an armorer
in the 504th BG, 421st BS on the B-29 "Dina Might".
Mr. Paul West, nephew of Mr. Koble, colorized the original drawings. |
 |
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 680th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 25 Nov 1944. Activated on 4 Dec 1944. Inactivated on 15 Jun 1946. Consolidated 19 Sep 1985 with the 37th Air Defense Missile Sq as the 37th Tactical Missile Sq (not active).
Assignments: Second Air Force, 4 Dec 1944; 504th Bombardment Group: attached, 15 Jun 1945; assigned 14 Nov 1945-15 Jun 1946.
Stations: Alamogordo AAFld, NM, 4 Dec 1944-10 May 1945; North Field, Tinian,
15 Jun 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 13 Mar-15 Jun 1946.
Aircraft: B-29,1945-1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 22 Jun-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Yokohama, Japan, 28 May 1945; Japan and Korea, 27 Jul-14 Aug 1945.
Emblem: None.
|
358th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
568th Air Engineering Sq
567th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
505th Bombardment Group
(Jan-Apr 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
(Apr 45-End of War.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.) |
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 505th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) on 28 Feb 1944. Activated on 11 Mar 1944. Equipped first with B-17's; later trained for overseas duty with B-29's. Moved to Tinian late in 1944. Assigned to Twentieth AF. Entered combat in Feb 1945 with strikes on Iwo Jima and the Truk Islands. Then began daylight missions against Japan, operating at high altitude to bomb strategic objectives. Received a DUC for a strike against the Nakajima aircraft factory at Ota in Feb 1945. Conducted incendiary raids on area targets in Japan, carrying out these missions at night and at low altitude. Bombed in support of the Allied assault on Okinawa in Apr 1945. Engaged in mining operations against Japanese shipping, receiving second DUC for mining the Shimonoseki Strait and harbors of the Inland Sea, Jun-Jul 1945. After V-J Day, dropped supplies to Allied prisoners, participated in show-of-force missions, and flew over Japan to evaluate bombardment damage. Moved to the Philippine Islands in Mar 1946. Inactivated on Luzon on 30 Jun 1946.
Squadrons: 482d: 1944-1946. 483d: 1944-1946. 484th: 1944-1946. 485th: 1944.
Stations: Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 11 Mar 1944; Harvard AAFld, Neb, 1 Apr-Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 19 Dec 1944-5 Mar 1946; Clark Field, Luzon, 14 Mar-30 Jun 1946.
Commanders: Maj George D Roberts, 15 Apr 1944; Col Robert A Ping, 3 May 1944; Lt Col Charles M Eisenhart, 1 Jul 1945; Col John P Kenny, c. Sep 1945-1946.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Ota, Japan, 10 Feb 1945; Japan, 17 Jun-1 Jul 1945.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest: 505 Bomb Group Tinian WWII
482nd Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Organized as 70th Aero Squadron on 13 Aug 1917. Redesignated 482d Aero Squadron on 1 Feb 1918. Demobilized on 18 Mar 1919. Reconstituted and consolidated (1936) with 482d Bombardment Squadron which was constituted and allotted to the reserve on 31 Mar 1924. Activated, date unkn [personnel assigned, Mar 1925]. Disbanded on 31 May 1942. Reconstituted and consolidated (21 Apr 1944) with 482d Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) which was constituted on 28 Feb 1944. Activated on 11 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 30 June 1946.
Assignments: Unkn, 13 Aug 1917-Mar 1918; Advance Section, Service of Supply, Mar-Dec 1918; unkn, Dec 1918-18 Mar 1919. Third Corps Area, [1924(?)-31 May 1942(?)]. 505th Bombardment Group, 11 Mar 194-30 Jun 1946.
Stations: Kelly Field, Tex, 13 Aug 1917; Camp Morrison, Va, 21 Dec 1917-4 Mar 1918; Colombey-les-Belles, France, 27 Mar 1918; Autreville, France, 28 Mar 1918; Trampot, France, c. 9 Jul 1918; Longeaux, France, 22 Sep 1918; Trampot, France, c. 24 Oct 1918; Braux, France, c. 22 Nov 1918; Pont Rousseau, France, 25 Dec 1918-unkn; Garden City, NY, c. 8-18 Mar 1919. Baltimore, Md, [1924(?)-31 May 1942(?)]. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 11 Mar 1944; Harvard AAFld, Neb, 12 Mar-6 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 24 Dec 1944-5 Mar 1946; Clark Field, Luzon, 14 Mar-30 Jun 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Constructed airfields and related facilities in Zone of Advance, 28 Mar-Dec 1918. Combat in Western Pacific, c. 30 Dec 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: Theater of Operations.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Ota, Japan, 10 Feb 1945; Japan, 17 Jun-1 Jul 1945.
Emblem: On a gold disc, wide border dark red brown, an aerial bomb in drawn bow, all of the last, pointing toward dexter base, surmounted by a side view of an Indian head, proper, with head band and plait loop red brown, trimmed gold, holding two white feathers tipped and trimmed red brown in the headdress. (Approved 16 Dec 1944.)
483d Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 483d Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 28 Feb 1944. Activated on 11 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 30 Jun 1946. Consolidated 19 Sep 1985 with the 303rd Transport Sq and the 303rd Air Refueling Sq (M) as the 303rd Air Refueling Sq (H) (see 303d Transport Sq in Transport Units Section).
Assignments: 505th Bombardment Group, 11 Mar 1944-30 Jun 1946.
Stations: Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 11 Mar 1944; Harvard AAFld, Neb, 12 Mar-6 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 24 Dec 1944-5 Mar 1946; Clark Field, Luzon, 14 Mar-30 Jun 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, c. 30 Dec 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Ota, Japan, 10 Feb 1945; Japan, 17 Jun-1 Jul 1945.
Emblem: None.
484th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Organized as 72d Aero Squadron on 15 Aug 1917. Redesignated 484th Aero Squadron on 1 Feb 1918. Demobilized on 8 Feb 1919. Reconstituted and consolidated (1936) with 484th Bombardment Squadron which was constituted and allotted to the reserve on 31 Mar 1924. Activated, date unkn. Disbanded on 31 May 1942. Reconstituted
and consolidated (21 Apr 1944) with 484th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) which was constituted on 28 Feb 1944. Activated on 11 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 30 Jun 1946.
Assignments: Unkn, 15 Aug 1917-Mar 1918; Advance Section, Service of Supply, Mar 1918; First Army, 23 Aug 1918; Second Army, 28 Oct-Nov 1918; unkn, Nov 1918-8 Feb 1919. Seventh Corps Area, 1924-1942. 505th Bombardment Group, 11 Mar 1944-30 Jun 1946.
Stations: Kelly Field, Tex, 15 Aug 1917; Camp Morrison, Va, 1 Feb-4 Mar 1918; Vinets-sur-Aube, France, 26 Mar 1918; Longeaux, France, 15 Jul 1918; Lay-St Remy, France, c. 26 Aug 1918 (detachments operated from several points in Toul and Verdun sectors, 1-11 Sep 1918; unit from Noviant-aux-Pres and Grosrouvres after 14 Sep 1918);
Saizerais, France, c. 10 Oct 1918 (unit operated from Noviant-aux-F'res and Grosrouvres to 13 Oct 1918; detachments from Toul and Manonville, c. 5-c. 21 Nov 1918); Colombey-les-Belles, France, 24 Nov 1918; Brest, France, 16 Dec 1918-2 Jan 1919; Washington, DC, unkn-8 Feb 1919. Unkn, 1924-1942. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 11 Mar 1944; Harvard AAFld, Neb, 12 Mar-6 Nov 1944; North Field, Tinian, 24 Dec 1944-5 Mar 1946; Clark Field, Luzon, 14 Mar-30 Jun 1946.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Constructed airfields and related facilities in Zone of Advance, 1 Apr-Nov 1918. Combat in Western Pacific, c. 30 Dec 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: World War I: St Mihiel. World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Ota, Japan, 10 Feb 1945; Japan, 17 Jun-1 Jul 1945.
Emblem: None.
|
359th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
570th Air Engineering Sq
569th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
509th Composite Group (See CBI Unit Histories)
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First post-WWII patch
c. October 1945
Roswell AAF, NM |
Operation Crossroads
c. March 1946
Atomic tests at Bikini Atoll |
(Arrowhead marking was employed on arrival at Tinian and after VJ Day) |
(Various other group markings were employed in action, Jul-Aug 45) |
 |
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 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 509th Composite Group on 9 Dec 1944 and activated on 17 Dec. Became the first AAF group to be organized, equipped, and trained for atomic warfare. Moved to Tinian, Apr-Jun 1945. Assigned to Twentieth AF. Flew practice missions in Jun and Jul. On 6 Aug 1945 one of the group's B-29's, the "Enola Gay," piloted by the group commander Col Paul W Tibbets Jr, dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Three days later a B-29, "Bock's Car," piloted by Maj Charles W Sweeney, dropped an atomic bomb on Nagasaki. These two bombs, the first atomic weapons ever employed, quickly brought the war to an end. The group returned to the US, Oct-Nov 1945. Assigned to Strategic Air Command on 21 Mar 1946, providing the nucleus for the command's atomic striking force. Redesignated 509th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) on 10 Jul 1946. Participated in atomic tests (Operation Crossroads) in the Marshall Islands in 1946. Redesignated 509th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 2 Jul 1948. Converted from B-29 to B-50 aircraft, 1949-1950. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Redesignated 509 Operations Group on 12 Mar 1993. Activated on 15 Jul 1993.
Assignments: Second Air Force, 17 Dec 1944; 315 Bombardment Wing, 18 Dec 1944; 313 Bombardment Wing, c. Jun 1945; Second Air Force, 10 Oct 1945; 58 Bombardment Wing, 17 Jan 1946; Fifteenth Air Force, 31 Mar 1946; Eighth Air Force, 1 Nov 1946; 509 Bombardment Wing, 17 Nov 1947-16 Jun 1952. 509 Bomb Wing, 15 Jul 1993-.
Components
Squadrons: 13 Bomb: 9 Sep 2005-. 320 Troop Carrier: 17 Dec 1944-19 Aug 1946. 325 Bomb (later, 325 Weapons): 6 Jan 1998-9 Sep 2005. 393 Bombardment (later 393 Bomb): 17 Dec 1944-16 Jun 1952 (detached 17 Nov 1947-14 Sep 1948 and 1 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952); 27 Aug 1993-. 394 Bombardment (later, 394 Combat Training): 6 Nov 1996-. 509 Air Refueling: 19 Jul 1948-16 Jun 1952 (detached 19 Jul-14 Sep 1948 and 1 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952). 715 Bombardment: 6 May 1946-16 Jun 1952 (detached 17 Nov 1947-14 Sep 1948 and 1 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952). 830 Bombardment: 6 May 1946-16 Jun 1952 (detached 17 Nov 1947-14 Sep 1948 and 1 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952).
Stations: Wendover Field, UT, 17 Dec 1944-26 Apr 1945. Tinian, Mariana Islands, 29 May-17 Oct 1945; Roswell AAFld (later, Walker AFB), NM, 6 Nov 1945-16 Jun 1952. Whiteman AFB, MO, 15 Jul 1993-.
Commanders: Col Paul W. Tibbets Jr., 17 Dec 1944; Col William H. Blanchard, 22 Jan 1946; Col John D. Ryan, 15 Sep 1948; Col William H. Blanchard, 21 Jul 1951-16 Jun 1952. Col William M. Fraser III, 15 Jul 1993; Col Gregory H. Power, 23 Jan 1995; Col Wilhelm F. Percival, 15 Jul 1996; Col Anthony A. Imondi, 30 Jun 1998; Col Jonathan D. George, 6 Jan 2000; Col Gregory A. Biscone, 7 Dec 2001; Col Curtiss R. Petrek, 22 May 2003; Col Robert E. Wheeler, 28 Jun 2005; Col Thomas A. Bussiere, 9 Jul 2007-.
Aircraft: B-29, 1944-1950; C-47, 1944-1945; C-54, 1945-1946; KB-29, 1948-1952; B-50, 1949-1952. B-2, 1993-; T-38, 1993-.
Operations: The 509 Composite Group, the first Army Air Forces group to be organized, equipped, and trained for atomic warfare, moved to Tinian by Jun 1945 and flew practice missions through July against Truk Island, Caroline Islands and Marcus Island for which group received credit for participation in Eastern Mandates campaign. Conducted high altitude individual aircraft missions against targets on the islands of Japan. On 6 Aug 1945 a B-29 named the "Enola Gay," piloted by the group commander, Col Paul W. Tibbets Jr., dropped an atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan. Three days later "Bock's Car" piloted by Maj Charles W. Sweeney, dropped a similar bomb on Nagasaki. These two bombs, the first atomic weapons ever employed, contributed immensely to the war's end. Completed 50 combat missions and received credit for participation in Air Offensive Japan campaign.
The group moved to Roswell Army Air Field, Roswell, NM, Oct-Nov 1945. In Mar 1946, the group provided the nucleus for the Strategic Air Command's atomic striking force. Later in 1946, participated in atomic tests (Operation CROSSROADS) at Kwajalein Island in the Marshall Islands.
After completion of Operation CROSSROADS, returned to Roswell AAF where the group was nearly demobilized due to loss of personnel and equipment. Returned to operational status Feb 47. Except for two periods when the group was not operational (17 Nov 1947-14 Sep 1948 and 10 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952), participated in joint Army-Navy maneuvers called Nullus Operations. Conducted 150 missions in conjunction with Group's Phase III training. Participated in Pacific maneuvers.
Since 1993, supported, maintained and operated aircraft fleet that enabled the 509 Bomb Wing to fulfill its mission of conducting conventional or nuclear operations. Elements flew non-stop bombing missions from stateside base to Kosovo and returned during Kosovo Campaign.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" device: 1 Jul-14 Aug 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jun 1995-31 May 1997; 1 Jun 1997-31 May 1999; 1 Jun 1999-31 May 2001; 1 Jun 2003-31 May 2005.
Emblem: Or, in base a label of three points gules, surmounted by an atomic cloud proper, between a pair of wings conjoined in base azure. Crest: On a wreath of the colors, or and azure, an atomic cloud or, with broken pattern gules, between two lightning bolts gules. Motto: Defensor Vindex - Defender Avenger. (Approved 10 Jul 1952.) Group will use the Wing emblem with the Group designation in the scroll.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 15 Aug 2007.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 15 Aug 2007.
Supersedes statement prepared on 17 Aug 2006.
Source:
Lineage: Established as 509 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, on 3 Nov 1947. Organized on 17 Nov 1947. Redesignated: 509 Bombardment Wing, Medium, on 1 Aug 1948; 509 Bombardment Wing, Heavy, on 2 Apr 1966; 509 Bombardment Wing, Medium, on 1 Dec 1969; 509 Bombardment Wing, Heavy, on 30 Sep 1990; 509 Bomb Wing on 1 Sep 1991.
Assignments: Eighth Air Force, 17 Nov 1947 (attached to 3 Air Division, 1 Feb 1951- ); 47 Air Division, 10 Feb 1951 (remained attached to 3 Air Division to 4 May 1951; attached to 7 Air Division, 4 Jun-2 Sep 1952; 3 Air Division, 10 Jul-8 Oct 1954; 7 Air Division, 26 Jan-30 Apr 1956); 817 Air Division, 1 Jul 1958; 45 Air Division, 30 Jun 1971; Eighth Air Force, 29 Mar 1989; 100 Air Division, 30 Sep 1990; Eighth Air Force, 26 Jul 1991-.
Components
Wing: 33 Fighter: attached 17 Nov 1947-15 Nov 1948.
Groups: 33 Fighter: attached 17 Nov 1947-15 Nov 1948. 509 Bombardment (later, 509th Operations): 17 Nov 1947-16 Jun 1952; 15 Jul 1993-.
Squadrons: 34 Air Refueling: 25 Jun 1966-31 Mar 1976. 393 Bombardment: attached 17 Nov 1947-14 Sep 1948; attached 1 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952, assigned 16 Jun 1952-30 Sep 1990 (detached 18 Jun-c. 18 Sep 1953). 509 Air Refueling: attached 19 Jul-14 Sep 1948; attached 1 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952, assigned 16 Jun 1952-5 Jan 1958 (detached 10 Jul-5 Nov 1954, 14 Jun- 5 Aug 1955, and 27 Feb-1 May 1957); assigned 8 Jul 1958-25 Jun 1965; assigned 2 Oct 1966-1 Jul 1990. 661 Bombardment: 1 Mar 1959-1 Jan 1962. 715 Bombardment: attached 17 Nov 1947-14 Sep 1948; attached 1 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952, assigned 16 Jun 1952-25 Jun 1966; assigned 1 Jan 1970-30 Sep 1990. 830 Bombardment: attached 17 Nov 1947-14 Sep 1948; attached 1 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952, assigned 16 Jun 1952-25 Jun 1966 (detached 15 Mar-19 Jun 1953). 900 Air Refueling: 2 Apr-25 Jun 1966.
Stations: Roswell AAFld (later, Walker AFB), NM, 17 Nov 1947; Pease AFB, NH, 1 Jul 1958; Whiteman AFB, MO, 30 Sep 1990-.
Commanders: Col William H. Blanchard, 17 Nov 1947; Col John D. Ryan, 1 Aug 1948; Brig Gen Clarence S. Irvine, 15 Sep 1948; Col James A. DeMarco, 3 Jan 1950; Brig Gen Hunter Harris, Jr., 15 Jan 1950; Col Thomas S. Jeffrey, Jr., 10 Jan 1951; Col John D. Ryan, 1 Feb 1951; Col Berton H. Burns, (by 19) Jul 1951; Col William H. Blanchard, 21 Jul 1951; Col Berton H. Burns, c. 15 Jan 1952; Brig Gen William H. Blanchard, c. 7 Apr 1952; Col Wilson R. Wood, 11 Feb 1953; Col Howard E. Jackson, 22 Apr 1953; Col Harold E. Humfeld, (by 12) May 1953; Col Wilson R. Wood, c. 15 May 1953; Col Harold E. Humfeld, 30 Jul 1953; Col Wilson R. Wood, 23 Nov 1953; Col Clifford F. Macomber, 16 May 1955; Col Neil W. Wemple, (by 8) Jan 1957; Col Clifford F. Macomber, (by 29) Jan 1957; Col Brooks A. Lawhon, 11 Feb 1959; Col Donald G. McPherson, 1 Jun 1960; Col Edward D. Edwards, 10 Mar 1962; Col James O. Frankosky, 21 Oct 1963; Col Joseph V. Adams, Jr., 27 Jan 1966; Col James O. Frankosky, c. 2 Mar 1966; Col Madison M. McBrayer, 23 Jan 1967; Col Joseph V. Adams, Jr., 28 Mar 1968; Col Robert E. Blauw, c. 1 Oct 1968; Col William R. Thorstenson, 19 Mar 1969; Col Robert E. Blauw, 20 Sep 1969; Col William R. Thorstenson, 18 Nov 1969; Col Winston E. Moore, 11 Dec 1969; Col John M. Parker, 22 Feb 1972; Col Alan L. Hichew, 14 Jun 1972; Col Isaac M. Glass, 26 Mar 1973; Col Paul W. Maul, 21 Aug 1973; Col Richard A. Burpee, 26 Feb 1974; Col Fredric E. Roth, 1 Apr 1975; Col Guy L. Hecker, Jr., 3 May 1976; Col James M. Greer, 11 Jan 1978; Col Samuel H. Swart, Jr., 4 May 1979; Col John A. Dramesi, 22 Jun 1981; Col Trevor A. Hammond, 21 Dec 1981; Col Denis L. Walsh, 10 May 1983; Col Frederick A. Fiedler, 13 Jun 1984; Col Robert J. McCracken, 14 May 1985; Col Thad A. Wolf, 27 Feb 1987; Col Orin L. Godsey, 25 Feb 1988; Col William C. Brooks, 28 Feb-30 Sep 1990; none (not manned) 30 Sep 1990-31 Mar 1993; Brig Gen Ronald C. Marcotte, 1 Apr 1993; Brig Gen Thomas B. Goslin, Jr., 26 Mar 1996; Brig Gen Leroy Barnidge, Jr., 8 Jun 1998; Brig Gen Anthony F. Przybyslawski, 7 Jun 2000; Brig Gen Douglas L. Raaberg, 22 Apr 2002; Brig Gen Christopher D. Miller, 24 Apr 2004; Brig Gen Gregory A. Biscone, 1 May 2006-.
Aircraft: F-51, 1947-1948; F-84, 1948; B-29, 1947-1952; B-50, 1949-1951; KB-29, 1951-1954; KC-97, 1954-1958, 1958-1965; B-47, 1955-1965; B-52, 1966-1969; KC-135, 1966-1990; FB-111, 1970-1990. None, 1991-1992. B-2, 1993-; T-38, 1993-.
Operations: Maintained combat proficiency with B-29 bombers and F-51 and F-84 fighters, 1947-1948. Added air refueling capability in Sep 1948, initially with B-29M hose-type tankers and later with B/KB-29P boom-type tankers. Charged with strategic bombardment training and air refueling, 1949-1958. Deployed as a wing several times in the early 1950s, three times to England and once to Guam, and also deployed individual squadrons at other times. Temporarily had no refueling unit during 1958. Phased down for inactivation in late 1965, but was converted to a B-52/KC-135 wing in 1966. Supported SAC combat and contingency operations in Southeast Asia with KC-135 aircraft and crews, Nov 1966-Dec 1975, with B-52 aircraft and crews, Nov 1966-Sep 1969, and with B-52 crews, 1970. From 1 Apr to 1 Oct 1968 and 26 Mar to c. 20 Sep 1969, more than one-half of the wing was involved in SAC operations in Southeast Asia. From Nov 1969 to Dec 1970, the wing had no bombardment aircraft but continued refueling operations and performed FB-111 ground training. Resumed bombardment flying training in Dec 1970 and assumed FB-111 alert commitments from 1 Jul 1971 until Sep 1990. Won the SAC Bombing and Navigation competition and the Fairchild trophy in 1979, 1981, 1982, and 1983. Awarded the Sanders trophy for best air refueling unit in 1982. Moved on paper to Whiteman AFB, MO on 30 Sep 1990, but not manned until Apr 1993. Received first B-2 aircraft on 17 Dec 1993. Participated in Operation Allied Force in 1999, Operation Enduring Freedom in 2001, and Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003. Flew nonstop bombing missions from Whiteman AFB, MO to Kosovo and returned. Since 1993, furnished USAF's only source of stealth heavy bomber capability. Maintained combat-ready resources to conduct conventional or nuclear operations.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Apr-1 Oct 1968; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1982; 1 Jul 1982-30 Jun 1984; 1 Jun 1995-31 May 1997; 1 Jun 1997-31 May 1999; 1 Jun 1999-31 May 2001; 1 Jun 2003-31 May 2005.
Bestowed Honors: Authorized to display honors earned by the 509th Operations Group prior to 17 Nov 1947:
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device: 1 Jul-14 Aug 1945.
Emblem: Or, in base a label of three Gules below an atomic cloud proper between a pair of wings elevated Azure. Motto: DEFENSOR VINDEX-Defender avenger. Approved on 10 Jul 1952 (K 17356).
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 15 Aug 2007.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 15 Aug 2007.
Wing's Emblem Symbolizes the 'First'
by History Office
509th Bomb Wing
11/7/2007 - WHITEMAN AIR FORCE BASE, Mo. (AFPN) -- The shield of the 509th Bombardment Wing is rich in tradition as each symbol on the shield represents some part of the past. The wing's emblem was approved July 10, 1952 and has remained unchanged for 55 years.
The yellow shield has a representation of an atomic cloud between a pair of blue stylized wings with a red tripod in the center. The colors allude to Air Force colors with blue representing the Air Force, and yellow alludes to the excellence required of Air Force people. .
The Air Force blue wings represent the branch of service but are not in the familiar outstretched position. When the ancient Greeks approached a stranger, they raised their arms with palms outward to show they were carrying no weapons, a sign of peace. The 509th BW obtained special permission to display the wings in this configuration to show that it, too, comes in peace.
The atomic cloud burst represents two things: The 509 is the only unit to ever drop atomic bombs in wartime representing a new era of weaponry and that it uses airpower as a deterrent to war and defender of peace. Finally, the red tripod which is the eldest son symbol shows that the wing is the oldest atomic trained military unit in the world.
In the scroll is the wing's motto, "Defensor Vindex," Latin for Defender Avenger.
Other Sites of Interest:
History Of The 509th Composite Group (AFHRA)
AFHRA Photos - 509th Composite Group
History of 509th BW documents
Olive-Drab: 509TH COMPOSITE GROUP
Welcome to the 509th Composite Group
509th Bomb Wing - SAC - Pease AFB
509th Bomb Wing
Enola Gay - Former Exhibition Information
Enola Gay Remembered - The Official Website of Ret. General Paul W. Tibbets
509th Operations Group Wiki Resources
320th Troop Carrier Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 320th Troop Carrier Squadron on 9 Dec 1944. Activated on 17 Dec 1944. Inactivated on 19 Aug 1946. Consolidated 19 Sep 1985 with the 302nd Transport Sq and the 302nd Tactical Reconnaissance Sq as the 302nd Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron (see 302nd Transport Sq in Transport Units Section).
Assignments: 509th Composite Group, 17 Dec 1944-19 Aug 1946.
Stations: Wendover Field, Utah, 17 Dec 1944-26 Apr 1945; North Field, Tinian, 30 May-17 Oct 1945; Roswell AAFld, NM, 6 NOV 1945-19 Aug 1946.
Aircraft: C-47, 1944-1945; C-54, 1945-1946.
Operations: Aerial transportation in support of the 509th Composite Group's atomic warfare activities in 1945, and for atomic tests in the Marshall Islands in 1946.
Service Streamers: Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
Campaigns: None.
Decorations: None.
Emblem: On a disc divided per fess debased, grayed orange and light turquoise blue, border equally divided blue green and white, a caricatured, tan-and-brown, winged donkey in front of a white cloud formation, leaping, from a small, tan and brown island, in dexter fess, with white water marks about shore line and three palm trees, proper,
thereon, toward a like island in sinister base. (Approved 27 Jun 1945.)
393d Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 393d Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Feb 1944. Activated on 11 Mar 1944. Redesignated: 393d Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 2 Jul 1948; 393d Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, on 2 Apr 1966; 393d Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 1 Dec 1969. Inactivated on 30 Sep 1990. Redesignated 393d Bomb Squadron on 12 Mar 1993. Activated on 27 Aug 1993.
Assignments: 504th Bombardment Group, 11 Mar 1944; Second Air Force, 25 Nov 1944; 509th Composite (later, 509th Bombardment) Group, 17 Dec 1944 (attached to 509th Bombardment Wing, 17 Nov 1947-14 Sep 1948 and 1 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952); 509th Bombardment Wing, 16 Jun 1952-30 Sep 1990 (probably attached to Twentieth Air Force, 18 Jun-c. 18 Sep 1953). 509th Operations Group, 27 Aug 1993-.
Stations: Dalhart AAFld, TX, 11 Mar 1944; Fairmont AAFld, NE, 12 Mar 1944; Wendover Field, UT, 14 Sep 1944-26 Apr 1945; North Field, Tinian, 30 May-17 Oct 1945; Roswell AAFld (later, Walker AFB), NM, 6 Nov 1945 (deployed at Kwajalein, 1 May-Jul 1946; Mildenhall RAF, England, 4 Jun-2 Sep 1952; Andersen AFB, Guam, 18 Jun-c. 18 Sep 1953 and 10 Jul-8 Oct 1954; RAF Upper Heyford, England, 26 Jan-30 Apr 1956); Pease AFB, NH, 1 Jul 1958-30 Sep 1990. Whiteman AFB, MO, 27 Aug 1993-.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1952; B-50, 1949-1955; B-47, 1955-1965; B-52, 1966-1969; FB-111, 1970-1990.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 1 Jul-14 Aug 1945. Only squadron trained for atomic warfare in World War II; dropped the first atomic bomb on Hiroshima, Japan, on 6 Aug 1945, and the second atomic bomb on Nagasaki, Japan, on 9 Aug 1945. Participated in atomic bomb tests on Bikini Atoll, Jul 1946, while deployed on Kwajalein. Rotated aircraft and crews to Andersen AFB, Guam, in support of Southeast Asia Operations, 1966-1969. Not operational, Nov 1969-Jun 1971.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaigns Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: Apr-1 Oct 1968; 1 Jul 1977-30 Jun 1979; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1982; 1 Jul 1982-30 Jun 1984; 1 Jul 1988-30 Jun 1990. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 5 Mar-14 Oct 1969.
Emblem (White version): On a disc Argent, a circle Vert fimbriated Or in fess point charged with a mushroom shaped atomic cloud issuant from a blast in base Argent detailed Sable charged with an arrow in base pointing to dexter Or surmounted by a
tiger's head Proper, eyed of the first, armed of the second and langued Gules, all
within a narrow border Black. Attached below the disc, a Yellow scroll edged with a narrow Black border and inscribed "393D BOMB SQ" in Black letters. Approved on 15 Jul 1957 (K 7984); replaced emblem approved on 19 Dec 1944 (9925 A.C.).
Emblem (Green version): On a Green disc edged Air Force Yellow, a mushroom- shaped atomic cloud issuing from a blast, White; all surmounted by a snarling tiger's head in profile, proper (Air Force Yellow with Black stripes, White teeth, Red tongue and eyeball, Green iris and Black pupil); on the blast below the atomic cloud and tiger's head, an arrow of the second pointing to dexter, all outlines and details Black throughout. Revised unit emblem approved 12 Jul 2007.
Significance: Ultramarine blue and Air Force yellow are the Air Force colors. Blue alludes to the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow refers to the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The snarling tiger indicates that
the squadron fulfills its mission with determination and fearlessness. The blast and atomic cloud signify the squadron's history as a member of the 509th Composite Group, the first US Air Force unit with atomic capability. The arrow is symbolic of insignia used by the unit during World War II. It means "Follow Me."
Other Sites of Interest:
Brief History of the 393rd Bomb Squadron
393d Bomb Squadron
1st Ordnance Squadron (Spl Avn)
Source: History Of The 509th Composite Group (AFHRA)
Activated 6 Mar 1945, Wendover Field, UT. Departed in stages from 4-17 June 45 for Tinian.
Source: Scenes from the 1st Ordnance Squadron (Special Aviation) - 509th CG - Tinian Island - 1945
(From website www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org - no longer active)
 1st Ordnance Sq Area
Source: Nuclear Weapons History
1st Ordnanace Squadron
The members of the 1st Ordnance Squadron were responsible for assembling the atomic bombs. In a unit unique to all standard Army organization, they worked closely with Manhattan Project scientists.
The technical and military security requirements for the squadron were exacting. The Army Air Forces accepted only one-fifth of those who met the basic qualifications. They warned those chosen that their jobs would be hazardous due to the experimental stage of the work.
Source: Air Force History Index
Reactivated 1 Nov 46. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Mission statement: assist Manhattan District in aerial experimentation in connection with development of atomic bomb and act as liaison agency between Strategic Air Force and Manhattan District.
Source: EOD History
The Air force began EOD training as soon as they became a separate branch of the armed forces in 1947. On 21 May 1951, the Air Force assumed explosive ordnance disposal responsibilities and assigned EOD operational duties within the Zone of Interior (ZI) to Headquarters Air Material Command (HQ AMC). Accordingly, the AMC activated its first explosive ordnance disposal squadron, effective 16 June 1952, when the 1st Ordnance Squadron, Aviation, was redesignated as the 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron, pursuant to authority contained in the HQ AMC General Order Number 29. Assignment was at Wright Patterson AFB, Ohio, with an authorized strength of 11 officers and 65 airmen. The 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron was entitled to the history, battle honors, and any colors belonging to the 1st Ordnance Squadron, Aviation, deactivated 1 October 1948.
On 24 November 1953, Headquarters, 1st Explosive Ordnance Disposal Squadron at Wright-Patterson AFB, Ohio, had eleven detachments in the United States which were responsible generally for EOD within an Air Force installation's geographical area. These detachments performed emergency EOD work at the following locations:
1. Tinker AFB, OK
2. Griffis AFB, NY
3. Norton AFB, CA
4. Eglin AFB, FL
5. Hill AFB, UT
6. Wright-Patterson AFB, OH
7. McClellan AFB, CA
8. Robins AFB, GA
9. Olmsted AFB, PA
10. Kelly AFB, TX
1st Technical Service Detachment, War Department Misc. Group
Source: History Of The 509th Composite Group (AFHRA)
Attached June 1945. This technical service detachment had been activated for the purpose of administering a variety of scientists, security officers and Naval personnel needed in the Atomic Bomb project. Among these personnel were physicians whose assignment was to examine the physiological effects of the Atomic Bomb upon crew members and the enemy. There were Navy officers who aided in designing the bomb, counter-intelligence officers, fuze experts, radar specialists and, of course some of the vast number of scientists who contributed so handsomely to the development and perfection of the Atomic Bomb and Atomic Bombing.
Source: Image Gallery - John Healey Collection
(From website www.childrenofthemanhattanproject.org - no longer active)
1395th Military Police Company (Avn)
Source: History Of The 509th Composite Group (AFHRA)
Activated 17 Dec 44 at Wendover Field, UT. Departed 26 Apr 45. Arrived Tinian 29 May 45.
Source: Nuclear Weapons History
SOMETHING NEW: A MILITARY POLICE COMPANY
Attaching a military police squadron to a bomber squadron was "something entirely new," according to the 509th yearbook. Guarding the 509th's atomic secrets, however, was a full-time job. While Tibbets prepared his air crews to deliver the bomb, the 1395th Military Police Company completed a rigorous training program that prepared them to meet any enemy ground forces as well as curious fellow troops or civilians.
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390th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
603d Air Engineering Sq
1027th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
314th Bombardment Wing
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Established as 314 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy on 15 Apr 1944. Activated on 23 Apr 1944. Redesignated 314 Composite Wing on 15 Apr 1946. Inactivated on 20 Aug 1948. Redesignated 314 Air Division on 21 Nov 1950. Activated on 1 Dec 1950. Inactivated on 1 Mar 1952. Activated on 15 Mar 1955. Consolidated (1 Jul 1978) with organization established as 314 Air Division on 13 Aug 1948, organized on 18 Aug 1948, and discontinued on 1 Mar 1950. Inactivated on 8 Sep 1986.
Assignments: Second Air Force, 23 Apr 1944; XXI Bomber Command, 8 Jun 1944; Twentieth Air Force, 16 Jul 1945; Fifth Air Force, 15 May 1946; V Bomber Command, 30 May 1946; Fifth Air Force, 31 May 1946-1 Mar 1950. Fifth Air Force, 1 Dec 1950; Far East Air Forces, 18 May 1951-1 Mar 1952. Fifth Air Force, 15 Mar 1955-8 Sep 1986.
Components
Wings: 3 Bombardment (later, 3 Tactical Fighter): 18 Aug 1948-1 Mar 1950. 15 Mar 1971-16 Sep 1974. 4 Fighter-Interceptor: attached 22 Dec 1950-7 May 1951. 8 Tactical Fighter: 16 Sep 1974-8 Sep 1986. 18 Fighter-Bomber: 1 Mar 1955-31 Jan 1957. 35 Fighter (later, 35 Fighter-Interceptor): 18 Aug 1948-1 Mar 1950. 25 May 1951-1 Mar 1952. 49 Fighter (later, 49 Fighter-Bomber): 18 Aug 1948-1 Mar 1950. 51 Air Base (later, 51 Composite; 51 Tactical Fighter): 1 Nov 1971-8 Sep 1986. 58 Fighter-Bomber: attached 15 Mar 1955-31 Dec 1956, assigned 1 Jan 1957-1 Jul 1958. 116 Fighter-Bomber: 24 Jul 1951-1 Mar 1952. 374 Troop Carrier: 1 Dec 1950-25 Jan 1951 (detached entire period). 437 Troop Carrier: 1 Dec 1950-25 Jan 1951 (detached entire period). 452 Bombardment: 1 Dec 1950-25 May 1951. 6013 Operations (Northern Area): 2 Nov 1951-1 Mar 1952. 6014 Operations (Central Area): 2 Nov 1951-1 Mar 1952. 6015 Operations (Southern Area): 2 Nov 1951-1 Mar 1952.
Groups: 3 Bombardment: 31 May 1946-18 Aug 1948. 19 Bombardment: c. 9 Dec 1944-15 May 1946. 29 Bombardment: c. 9 Nov 1944-15 May 1946 (not operational, 12 Feb-15 May 1946). 35 Fighter: 31 May 1946-18 Aug 1948. 58 Tactical Missile: 24 Apr 1959-25 Mar 1962. 71 Reconnaissance: 15 Apr 1947-18 Aug 1948 (not operational, 15 Apr-31 Oct 1947; detached 31 Oct 1947-18 Aug 1948). 330 Bombardment: c. 9 Nov 1944-c. 21 Nov 1945. 6146 Air Force Advisory (Republic of Korea Air Force) (later, 6146 Flying Training; 6146 Air Force Advisory): 15 Mar-24 Sep 1955; 18 Sep 1956-1 Apr 1971.
Squadrons: 6 Night Fighter: 10 Jun 1946-20 Feb 1947 (detached 7 Sep 1946-20 Feb 1947). 8 Photographic Reconnaissance (later, 8 Tactical Reconnaissance): 31 May 1946-28 Feb 1947 (not operational, 31 May-16 Dec 1946; detached 16 Sep-16 Dec 1946); attached 28 Feb-c. 31 Oct 1947; attached 18 Apr 1949-1 Mar 1950. 9 Reconnaissance: 20 Jun 1946-20 Oct 1947 (detached 25 Sep 1946-20 Oct 1947). 19 Tactical Air Support: 15 Jan 1972-30 Sep 1974. 20 Reconnaissance: 31 May-20 Jun 1946. 41 Fighter-Interceptor: attached 1 Dec 1950-25 May 1951. 56 Strategic Reconnaissance: attached 18 May 1951-1 Mar 1952. 63 Bombardment: attached 1-29 Sep 1947. 65 Bombardment: 1-29 Jan 1947. 68 Fighter (later, 68 Fighter-Interceptor): 1 Dec 1950-1 Mar 1952 (detached entire period). 82 Tactical Reconnaissance (later, 82 Reconnaissance): 31 May 1946-28 Feb 1947; attached 28 Feb-Nov 1947. 91 Strategic Reconnaissance: attached 18 May 1951-1 Mar 1952. 157 Liaison: 31 May-1 Jun 1946. 310 Fighter-Bomber: 1-15 Jul 1958 (not operational). 334 Fighter-Interceptor: attached 7 May-27 Jun 1951. 335 Fighter-Interceptor: attached 20 Sep-4 Nov 1951. 336 Fighter-Interceptor: attached 27 Jun-20 Sep 1951. 339 Fighter (later, 339 Fighter-Interceptor): attached 15 Dec 1946-20 Feb 1947 (not operational); attached 20 Feb 1947-18 Aug 1948; assigned 1 Dec 1950-1 Mar 1952 (detached entire period). 342 Bombardment: attached 1-28 August 1947. 431 Fighter: attached 1 Mar-unkn 1947. 436 Bombardment: attached 1-30 May 1947. 492 Bombardment: attached 2-30 Jul 1947. 6156 Flying Training (Trans ROKAF): 15 Mar-14 Sep 1955.
Flights: B, 15 Liaison Squadron: attached 25 Oct 1946-17 Feb 1947. B, 157 Liaison Squadron: attached 11-25 Oct 1972. 314 Operations: 1 Feb 1971-31 May 1972. 6113 All Weather: 26 Jan-10 Apr 1949 (detached entire period).
Stations: Peterson Field, CO, 23 Apr-9 Dec 1944; North Field, Guam, 16 Jan 1945; Johnson AFB, (later, AB), Japan, 15 May 1946-1 Mar 1950. Nagoya AB, Japan, 1 Dec 1950-1 Mar 1952. Osan Ni (later, Osan) AB, Korea, 15 Mar 1955; Yong San, Korea, 7 Nov 1978; Osan AB, Korea, 1 Apr 1979-8 Sep 1986.
Commanders: None (not manned), 23 Apr-20 May 1944; Lt Col Donald Mace, 21 May 1944; Brig Gen Roger M. Ramey, 1 Jun 1944; Lt Col Hewitt T. Wheless, 15 Jun 1944; Col John G. Fowler, 24 Jun 1944; Brig Gen Thomas S. Power, 29 Aug 1944; Col Carl R. Storrie, 23 Jul-Sep 1945; unkn, Sep-Nov 1945; Col Elbert D. Reynolds, 1 Dec 1945-unkn; none (not manned), c. 15-30 May 1946; Brig Gen Jarred V. Crabb, 31 May 1946; Col Clarence D. Wheeler, 30 Jul 1946; Brig Gen David W. Hutchison, 23 Aug 1946; Brig Gen Herbert B. Thatcher, 18 Feb 1947; Col Edward H. Underhill, 3 Jun 1947; Col Ray W. Clifton, 28 May 1948; Col Thomas B. Hall, 5-18 Aug 1948; unkn, 18 Aug 1948-1 Mar 1950. Brig Gen Delmar T. Spivey, 1 Dec 1950-1 Mar 1952. Col William W. Momyer, 15 Mar 1955; Col Thomas L. Mosley, c. Oct 1955; Brig Gen Thomas J. Gent Jr., 15 May 1956; Col Paul T. Hanley, Jul 1957; Brig Gen Virgil L. Zoller, Aug 1957; Brig Gen James B. Tipton, 7 Jul 1959; Brig Gen John M. Hutchison, 16 May 1961; Brig Gen William L. Mitchell Jr., 6 Sep 1963; Col Arthur C. Carlson Jr., 9 Jul 1965; Brig Gen Pinkham Smith, 1 Aug 1965; Brig Gen John W. Harrell Jr., 1 Jul 1967; Brig Gen Arthur W. Holderness Jr., 1 Jul 1968; Maj Gen Robert W. Maloy, 30 Apr 1970; Brig Gen Travil R. McNeil, 5 Jun 1972; Brig Gen Winfield W. Scott, 23 May 1973; Brig Gen Walter P. Paluch Jr., 12 Jul 1974; Maj Gen Don D. Pittman, 11 Aug 1975; Maj Gen Robert C. Taylor, 9 Apr 1977; Maj Gen George A. Edwards Jr., 27 Jul 1978; Lt Gen Charles A. Gabriel, 7 Nov 1978; Lt Gen Evan W. Rosencrans, 15 Mar 1979; Maj Gen George A. Edwards Jr., 1 Apr 1979; Maj Gen Fred A. Haeffner, 1 Aug 1980; Maj Gen Craven C. Rogers, 17 Jun 1983; Maj Gen James P. Smothermon, 23 Jul 1985; Maj Gen James T. Callaghan, 1 Aug-8 Sep 1986.
Aircraft and Missiles: B-29, 1944-1946, 1947; B-17, 1946-1947; F-2, 1946-1947; F-6, 1946-1947; F-7, 1946-1947; F-9, 1946-1947; P-47, 1946-1948; P-51, 1946-1948; P-61, 1946-1947; F-13, 1947; F-15, 1947, 1949; RB-17, 1947-1948; RB-29, 1947-1948, 1951-1952; RF-51, 1947-1948; RF-61, 1947-1948; RF-80, 1947-1950; B-26, 1948-1950; F-51, 1950-1951, 1951-1952; C-46, 1950-1951; C-47, 1951; F-86, 1951; WB-29, 1951-1952. F-86, 1955-1958; Matador, 1959-1962; F-4, 1971-1974, 1974-1986; OV-10, 1974-1982; F-16, 1981-1986; A-10, 1982-1986.
Operations: The 314th moved to Guam in Jan 1945. From then until the end of the war in Aug 1945, its subordinate units conducted daylight raids against strategic objectives, bombing aircraft factories, chemical plants, oil refineries, and other targets in Japan. These units also participated in several incendiary raids on Tokyo and other Japanese cities. Later in 1945, they mixed their missions between precision attacks against specific targets and fire raids against urban areas. Immediately after the end of the war, wing aircraft carried supplies to American prisoners of war. For approximately two years (1946-1948) the 314th served as one of Fifth Air Force's major components. It maintained intensive training schedules, participated in training exercises and took part in the post-hostilities program of mapping Japan. Activated at Nagoya AB, Japan, on 1 Dec 1950, the organization immediately assumed the missions of the air defense of Japan, logistical support for Fifth Air Force during the Korean conflict, and airfield construction in Japan. The division maintained assigned and attached forces at a high degree of combat readiness, Mar 1955-Sep 1986. In fulfilling its mission, the division supported numerous military exercises in the region, such as Commando Bearcat, Commando Jade, and Commando Night.
Service Streamers: Korean Service.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Western Pacific (Air).
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 1 Jan 1980-31 Dec 1981. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 19-20 Aug 1972.
Emblem: On a shield argent a roundle azure, charged with a sphere of the field, land areas sable edged or; a demi wing superimposed over the dexter area of the sphere of the first, highlighted or. (Approved 9 May 1956.)
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 8 Sep 1986.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 8 Sep 1986.
Other Sites of Interest:
314th Air Division Wiki Resources
19th Bombardment Group
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
AFHRA Records
Lineage: Authorized as 19 Observation Group on 18 Oct 1927. Redesignated 19 Bombardment Group on 8 May 1929. Activated on 24 Jun 1932. Redesignated: 19 Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 17 Oct 1939; 19 Bombardment Group, Very Heavy on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 19 Bombardment Group, Medium on 10 Aug 1948. Inactivated on 1 Jun 1953. Redesignated: 19 Air Refueling Group, Heavy on 31 Jul 1985; 19 Operations Group on 29 Aug 1991. Activated on 1 Sep 1991. Redesignated 19 Air Refueling Group on 1 Jul 1996. Redesignated 19 Operations Group on 1 Oct 2008 per DAF/A1M 028t, 18 Sep 2008; SO #GAA1-44, Hq AMC, 19 Sep 2008.
Assignments: IX Corps Area, 24 Jun 1932; 1 Wing (later, 1 Bombardment Wing), 2 Mar 1935; IV Bomber Command, 19 Sep 1941; United States Air Forces in the Far East, c. 23 Oct 1941; V Bomber Command, 16 Nov 1941; U. S. Army Forces in Australia, c. Mar 1942; Allied Air Forces, Southwest Pacific Area, 18 Apr 1942; V Bomber Command, Sep 1942; 15 Bombardment Wing, 9 Dec 1942; 16 Bombardment Wing, 3 Jan 1943; 46 Bombardment Operational Training Wing, 4 Sep 1943-1 Apr 1944. Second Air Force, 1 Apr 1944; XXI Bomber Command, 14 Dec 1944; 314 Bombardment (later, 314 Composite) Wing, 27 Jan 1945; Twentieth Air Force, 15 May 1946; North Army Air Base Command (Provisional), 20 Dec 1947; 19 Bombardment Wing, 17 Aug 1948-1 Jun 1953 (attached to Far East Air Forces Bomber Command [Provisional] for operational control, 8 Jul 1950-1 Jun 1953). 19 Air Refueling Wing, 1 Sep 1991; Twenty-First Air Force, 1 Jul 1996; 19 Airlift Wing, 1 Oct 2008-.
Components
Squadrons: 7 Air Refueling: 1 Jun 1992-1 Jan 1993. 14 Bombardment: attached 2 Dec 1941-c. 14 Mar 1942. 23 Observation: 24 Jun 1932-12 Oct 1938 (detached entire period). 28 Bombardment: 16 Nov 1941-1 Apr 1944; 1 Apr 1944-1 Jun 1953. 30 Observation (later, Bombardment): 24 Jun 1932-1 Apr 1944; 1 Apr 1944-1 Jun 1953. 32 Observation (later, Bombardment): 24 Jun 1932-16 Dec 1941 (detached 22 Oct-16 Dec 1941). 40 Reconnaissance (later, 435 Bombardment): 14 Mar 1942-1 Apr 1944 (detached c. 17 Jul-c. 24 Sep 1942); 1 Apr-10 May 1944. 93 Bombardment: 20 Oct 1939-1 Apr 1944; 1 Apr 1944-1 Jun 1953. 99 Air Refueling: 1 Sep 1991-. 384 Air Refueling: 1 Jun 1992-1 Jan 1994. 712 Air Refueling: 1 Apr 1994-1 Jul 1996. 912 Air Refueling: 1 Sep 1991-1 Apr 1994. 30 Airlift: 1 Oct 2008-. 41 Airlift: 1 Oct 2008-. 50 Airlift: 1 Oct 2008-. 53 Airlift: 1 Oct 2008-. 61 Airlift: 1 Oct 2008-.
Stations: Rockwell Field, CA, 24 Jun 1932; March Field, CA, 25 Oct 1935; Albuquerque, NM, 7 Jun-29 Sep 1941; Clark Field, Philippines, 26 Oct 1941; Batchelor, Australia, 24 Dec 1941; Singosari, Java, 30 Dec 1941; Melbourne, Australia, 2 Mar 1942; Garbutt Field, Australia, 18 Apr 1942; Longreach, Australia, 18 May 1942; Mareeba, Australia, 26 Jul 1942; Townsville, Australia, 30 Nov-2 Dec 1942; Pocatello AAB, ID, 9 Dec 1942; Pyote AAB, TX, 3 Jan 1943-1 Apr 1944. Great Bend AAFld, KS, 1 Apr 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, 26 May 1944; Great Bend AAFld, KS, 23 Aug 1944; Fort Lawton, WI, 11-19 Dec 1944; North Field (later, North Guam AFB; Andersen AFB), Guam, 16 Jan 1945; Kadena AB, Okinawa, 5 Jul 1950-1 Jun 1953. Robins AFB, GA, 1 Sep 1991-1 Oct 2008. Little Rock AFB, AR 1 Oct 2008-.
Commanders: Capt Harold M. McClelland, 24 Jun 1932; Lt Col Howard C. Davidson, 26 Jul 1935; Lt Col Hubert R. Harmon, 17 Aug 1936; Lt Col Harvey S. Burwell, Jun 1937; Maj Eugene L. Eubank, 2 Apr 1940; Maj David R. Gibbs, 10 Dec 1941; Maj Emmett O'Donnell Jr., 12 Dec 1941; Lt Col Cecil E. Combs, Jan 1942; Lt Col Kenneth B. Hobson, 14 Mar 1942; Lt Col James T. Connally, 15 Apr 1942; Lt Col Richard N. Carmichael, 10 Jul 1942; Lt Col Felix M. Hardison, 1 Jan 1943; Lt Col Ebert Helton, 13 Feb 1943; Col Louie P. Turner, 5 May 1943; Lt Col Frank P. Sturdivant, 27 Jan 1944; Col Bernard T. Castor, 11 Feb-1 Apr 1944. Maj Joseph H. Selliken, 28 Apr 1944; Col John G. Fowler, 20 May 1944; Lt Col John C. Wilson, 29 May 1944; Lt Col Philip L. Mathewson, 30 Jun 1944; Col John A. Roberts Jr., 16 Jul 1944; Lt Col George T. Chadwell, Sep 1945; Col Vincent M. Miles Jr., 1 Mar 1946; Col Elbert D. Reynolds, 13 Apr 1946; Col David Wade, 26 Apr 1947; Col Francis C. Shoemaker, 8 Nov 1947; Col Robert V. DeShazo, 2 Dec 1947; Lt Col Clarence G. Poff, Jul 1948; Lt Col Warren M. Miller Jr., 17 Aug 1948; Col Clarence G. Poff, 6 Oct 1948; Col Theodore Q. Graff, 17 Sep 1949; Col Payne Jennings Jr., 26 Sep 1950; Col Donald O. Tower, 29 Mar 1951; Col Adam K. Breckenridge, 26 Jul 1951; Col Julian M. Bleyer, 6 Feb 1952; Col Willard W. Smith, 8 Jul 1952; Col Harvey C. Dorney, 24 Dec 1952-1 Jun 1953. Col James G. Dickensheets, 1 Sep 1991; Col Richard A. Mentemeyer, 27 Aug 1993; Col Karl B. Young, 3 Jun 1994; Col Kurt F. Bock, 16 Nov 1995; Col Norman R. Flemens, 1 Jul 1996; Col David R. Lefforge, 4 Jun 1998; Col Bruce E. Hurd, 9 Jun 1999; Col Barbara J. Faulkenberry, 6 Jul 2001; Col Raymond J. Rottman, 9 Jul 2003; Col Steven W. Bernard, 30 Dec 2004; Col Christopher J. Bence, 5 Jul 2006-.
Aircraft: B-3, 1932-1935; OA-4, 1932-1935; OA-9, 1932-1935; B-10, 1935-1937; B-12, 1935-1937; B-18, 1937-1940; B-17, 1940-1944; B-24, 1942; LB-30, 1942. B-29, 1944-1953. KC-135, 1991-2008; EC-135, 1991-1997; EC-137, 1991-1994. C-130J, 2008-.
Operations: The group flew training missions along the California coast for coastal defense between 1932 and 1935. Began bombardment training in 1935. Flew first B-17s from California to Hawaii in May 1941. Suffered numerous casualties and lost many aircraft when the Japanese attacked Clark Field in the Philippine Islands on 8 Dec 1941, but B-17s on maneuvers at Del Monte escaped. During December 1941, the 19th began reconnaissance and bombardment operations against Japanese shipping and landing parties. By the end of the year, ground personnel joined infantry units defending the Philippines, while the air echelon moved to Australia to transport supplies from there to the Philippines and to evacuate personnel. The group flew B-17s, B-24s, and LB-30s from Java against enemy airfields, shipping, and ground installations during the Japanese offensive in the Philippines and Netherlands East Indies during early 1942. It participated in the Battle of the Coral Sea, 7-8 May 1942, and raided enemy transportation and communications targets as well as troop concentrations during the Japanese invasion of Papua, New Guinea. The group bombed enemy airdromes, ground installations, and shipping near Rabaul, New Britain in Aug 1942. It served in the United States as a replacement training organization from Jan to Nov 1943. The group was largely unmanned from Dec 1943 to Apr 1944. Remanned at Great Bend AAB, Kansas, the 19th began training for B-29 combat missions. From Guam, it conducted its first B-29 bombing raid on 25 Feb 1945, against Tokyo. Bombed strategic targets in Japan, participated in incendiary bomb attacks against Japanese cities, and attacked kamikaze airfields during the American invasion of Okinawa in Apr and May 1945. When the Japanese surrendered, the group had flown 65 raids on their home islands. In the late 1940s, the 19th conducted sea-search, photographic mapping, and training missions in the western Pacific. When the Korean War broke out in late Jun 1950, the group attacked North Korean invasion forces. In Jul 1950, it detached from the 19 Bombardment Wing, moved to Okinawa, and continued bombardment operations against North Korean troops, supply dumps, airfields, steel mills, hydroelectric plants, bridges, and light metal industries until its inactivation in 1953. The group conducted worldwide aerial refueling for U.S. and allied aircraft and supported worldwide tanker task forces, contingency operations, and humanitarian operations from Sep 1991-. The group provided command control support for US Central Command and, until 1994, for US Special Operations Command. In the fall of 1994, it added the mission of flying cargo-only missions. The 19 Air Refueling Group in Jul 1996 took over the inactivating wing's in-flight refueling mission. One of only two special operations qualified tanker units, it provided critical support to the special operations task force that rescued a downed USAF F-117A pilot in Serbia, Mar 1999. Provided air refueling support for special operations against the Taliban in Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, 2002-2003 and Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, 2003.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Philippine Islands; East Indies; Papua; Guadalcanal; Western Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan. Korea: UN Defensive; 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: Philippine Islands, 7 Dec 1941-10 May 1942; Philippine Islands, 8-22 Dec 1941; Philippine Islands and Netherlands Indies, 1 Jan-1 Mar 1942; Philippine Islands, 6 Jan-8 Mar 1942; Papua, 23 Jul-[Oct 1942]; New Britain, 7-12 Aug 1942; Japan, 9-19 Mar 1945; Kobe, Japan, 5 Jun 1945; Korea, 28 Jun-15 Sep 1950. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1994; 1 Jul 1994-30 Jun 1996; 1 Jul 1998-30 Jun 1999; 1 Jul 1999-30 Jun 2000; 1 Jul 2000-30 Jun 2001; 1 Jul 2001-30 Jun 2002; 1 Jul 2002-30 Jun 2003; 1 Jul 2003-30 Jun 2004; 1 Jul 2004-30 Jun 2005; 1 Jul 2005-30 Jun 2006. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (World War II). Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 7 Jul 1950-1 Jun 1953. Air Force Meritorious Unit Award 2007.
Emblem (WWII): A Mohawk Indian head in profile with scalp lock, single feather and wampum necklace, above the head a blue diamond. (Approved 14 February 1924 from World War I emblem.) Current: Approved 19 Oct 1936; modified on 19 Sep 1983.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 1 Oct 2007.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Oct 2007.
Source:
Lineage: Established as 19 Bombardment Wing, Medium, on 10 Aug 1948. Activated on 17 Aug 1948. Redesignated: 19 Bombardment Wing, Heavy, on 1 Jul 1961; 19 Air Refueling Wing, Heavy, on 1 Oct 1983; 19 Air Refueling Wing on 1 Sep 1991. Inactivated on 1 Jul 1996. Redesignated 19 Airlift Wing on 18 Sep 2008. Activated on 1 Oct 2008.
Assignments: Twentieth Air Force, 17 Aug 1948; Far East Air Forces, 16 May 1949; Twentieth Air Force, 17 Oct 1949 (attached to Far East Air Forces Bomber Command, Provisional, 1 Jun 1953-c. 28 May 1954); Second Air Force, 11 Jun 1954 (attached to Air Division Provisional, 813, 11 Jun-14 Jul 1954); 813 Air Division, 15 Jul 1954 (attached to 5 Air Division, 7 Jan-11 Apr 1956); 823 Air Division, 1 Jun 1956 (attached to 5 Air Division, 8 May-7 Jul 1957); 57 Air Division, 25 Jul 1968; 823 Air Division, 2 Jul 1969; 42 Air Division, 30 Jun 1971; Eighth Air Force, 16 Jun 1988; Fifteenth Air Force, 1 Sep 1991; Twenty-First Air Force, 1 Jul 1993-1 Jul 1996. Eighteenth Air Force (Air Forces Transportation), 1 Oct 2008-.
Components
Groups: 19 Bombardment (later, 19 Operations): 17 Aug 1948-1 Jun 1953 (detached 28 Jun 1950-1 Jun 1953); 1 Sep 1991-1 Jul 1996. 457 Operations: 1 Jul 1993-1 Oct 1994.
Squadrons: 19 Air Refueling: 1 Feb 1956-1 Apr 1960 (detached 1 Feb-1 Jun 1956). 21 Troop Carrier: attached 12 Jan-1 Feb 1950. 28 Bombardment: 1 Jun 1953-1 Oct 1983. 30 Bombardment: 1 Jun 1953-1 Jan 1962. 93 Bombardment: 1 Jun 1953-1 Aug 1961. 99 Air Refueling: 1 Oct 1983-1 Sep 1991. 100 Air Refueling: attached 2 Feb 1955-16 Aug 1956. 303 Air Refueling: 1 Nov 1959-1 Apr 1961. 407 Air Refueling: 1 Apr 1962-2 Jul 1968. 525 Bombardment: 9 Jan-15 Mar 1961. 526 Bombardment: 9 Jan-1 Jun 1961. 659 Bombardment: 1 Nov 1958-1 Jul 1961. 912 Air Refueling: 25 Jul 1968-1 Sep 1991.
Stations: North Guam (later, Andersen) AFB, Guam, 17 Aug 1948; Kadena AB, Okinawa, 1 Jun 1953-28 May 1954; Pinecastle AFB, FL, 11 Jun 1954; Homestead AFB, FL, 1 Jun 1956; Robins AFB, GA, 25 Jul 1968-1 Jul 1996. Little Rock AFB, AR, 1 Oct 2008-.
Commanders: Lt Col Clarence G. Poff, 17 Aug 1948; Col Robert V. DeShazo, 24 Sep 1948; Maj Gen Alvan C. Kincaid, 16 May 1949; Brig Gen Alfred R. Maxwell, 1 Jun 1949; Col Frederick E. Calhoun, 26 Nov 1949; Brig Gen Adlai H. Gilkeson, 29 Nov 1949; Brig Gen Robert W.C. Wamsatt, 27 May 1951; Col Harvey C. Dorney, 1 Jun 1953; Col Lloyd H. Dalton Jr., 31 Aug 1953; Col John W. Livingston, 24 Apr 1954; Col Virgil M. Cloyd Jr., 26 Jul 1954; Col John W. Livingston, 9 Feb 1958; Col James H. Thompson, 14 Apr 1958; Col Roland W. Bergamyer, 1 Aug 1960; Col Richard R. Stewart, 5 Jul 1961; Col Mason A. Dula, 24 Oct 1963; Col Edward D. Edwards, 14 Dec 1963; Col Gordon F. Goyt, 4 Jun 1966; Col Clifford W. Hargrove, 1 Aug 1967; Col James S. Howard, 1 Jul 1968; Col Wesley L. Pendergraft, 25 Jul 1968; Col Gerhard R. Abendhoff, 1 Apr 1969; Col William R. Thorstenson, 13 Feb 1970; Col Dudley G. Kavanaugh, 3 Sep 1971; Col Stanley C. Beck, 9 Aug 1972; Col Nathaniel A. Gallagher, 1 Dec 1972; Col John F. Wylam, 9 Apr 1973; Col William E. Masterson, 9 Jul 1973; Col Nathaniel A. Gallagher, 29 Oct 1973; Col Frank H. McArdle, 15 Feb 1974; Col Edwin L. Smith, 11 Jul 1975; Col Charles W. Reeves Jr., 28 Jun 1977; Col Donald O. Pflugrath, 26 Jun 1978; Col Ellie G. Shuler Jr., 16 Jan 1980; Col Donald L. Marks, 10 Jul 1980; Col Richard L. Purdum, 18 Aug 1981; Col Norman R. Butler, 6 Oct 1983; Col Thomas M. Mooney, 28 Sep 1984; Col James M. Hembree, 25 Jul 1986; Col John D. Lunt, 13 Aug 1987; Col Dennis M. Lane, 4 Apr 1989; Col Robert A. Plebanek, 22 Jun 1990; Col Terrance J. Phelps, 19 Dec 1991; Col Tome H. Walters Jr., 9 Feb 1993; Col Paul W. Essex, 29 Mar 1994; Col Norman R. Flemens, 1 Dec 1995-1 Jul 1996. Brig Gen Rowayne A. Schatz Jr., 1 Oct 2008-.
Aircraft: B-29, 1948-1950, 1953-1954; B-47, 1954-1961; KC-97, 1955-1961; B-52, 1962-1968, 1968-1972, 1973-1983; KC-135, 1962-1968, 1968-1972, 1973-1996; EC-135, 1984-1996; EC-137, 1991-1994; T-37, 1993; C-12, 1993-1995. C-130J, 2008-.
Operations: Formed in 1948 from resources of the former North Guam Air Force Base Command (Provisional), the 19th operated Andersen AFB and maintained proficiency in B-29s. In May 1949, it assumed responsibility for three bases plus various support facilities and units. When the Korean War began, the 19th Bombardment Group was immediately detached for operations from Kadena AB, Okinawa. Three years later, wing headquarters moved without personnel or equipment to Kadena and absorbed personnel and equipment of the inactivating group. Through 27 Jul 1953 the wing flew 281 combat sorties (23 missions) over Korea. In May-Jun 1954, it turned in its B-29s at Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, while enroute to Florida, where initially it received B-47s. The wing gained an air refueling unit early in 1955. It deployed to Sidi Slimane AB, French Morocco, Jan-Apr 1956, and to Ben Guerir AB, Morocco, May-Jul 1957. From Jul 1957 to Apr 1961, the wing maintained a portion of its tactical resources on overseas alert. It won the Fairchild Trophy in the SAC bombing and navigation competition for 1966. Moving without personnel or equipment to Robins AFB, GA, in mid-1968, it absorbed resources of the 465th Bombardment Wing. The 19th deployed virtually all its B-52 and KC-135 aircraft and crews for combat operations in Southeast Asia in 1972. Regaining aircraft and crews, the wing resumed normal operations in Nov 1973. It won the Omaha Trophy as the "outstanding wing in SAC" for 1981. In 1983, the 19th Air Refueling Wing undertook worldwide aerial refueling missions for various operations and exercises and supported the European Tanker Task Force. It flew aerial refueling missions supporting Grenada operations, 23-24 Oct 1983. Beginning in 1984, it provided two EC-135 aircraft and crews to support the United States Central Command in Southwest Asia. With conversion to KC-135R aircraft, the wing started supporting the Pacific and Alaska Tanker Task Forces in Mar 1988 and the Caribbean Tanker Task Force in Mar 1990. It flew aerial refueling missions for the invasion of Panama, 18-21 Dec 1989 and deployed resources to Southwest Asia, Aug 1990-Mar 1991, providing aerial refueling, cargo, and command, control and communications support. From Jan 1992, it provided an EC-137 and crews to support the United States Special Operations Command, and from Aug 1992 the wing supported the Saudi Tanker Task Force. It provided air refueling support to NATO fighters in Bosnia in Sep-Oct 1995. Several KC-135R tankers deployed to Southwest Asia to support Operation Southern Watch, Jan-Mar 1996 and to Turkey for Provide Comfort, Apr-Jun 1996.
Honors
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: Korea: Korea, Summer, 1953. Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: Grenada, 1983.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1964-30 Jun 1965; 1 Jul 1967- 30 Jun 1968; 1 Jul 1982-30 Jun 1984; 1 Jul 1984-30 Jun 1986; 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1994; 1 Jul 1994-30 Jun 1996. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: [1 Jun 1953]-27 Jul 1953.
Bestowed Honors: Authorized to display honors earned by the 19th Bombardment Group prior to 17 August 1948.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Philippine Islands; East Indies; Papua; Guadalcanal; Western Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Philippine Islands, 1 Dec 1941- 10 May 1942; Philippines Islands, 8-22 Dec 1941; Philippine Islands and Netherlands Indies, 1 Jan-1 Mar 1942; Philippine Islands, 6 Jan-8 Mar 1942; Papua, 23 Jul-[Oct] 1942; New Britain, 7-12 Aug 1942; Japan, 9-19 Mar 1945; Kobe, Japan, 5 Jun 1945. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
Emblem: Azure, within a pattern of four mullets Or a winged stylized sword point to base of the like detailed Azure all within a diminished bordure Or. Approved for the 19th Group on 19 Oct 1936 and for the 19th Wing on 9 May 1952; modified on 19 Sep 1983. Motto: CHECKMATE TO AGGRESSION, approved c. 3 Oct 1969.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 1 Oct 2008.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 1 Oct 2008.
Supersedes statement prepared on 9 Sep 2005.
19th Air Refueling Group to Furl Flags Today
By Gene Rector, Macon Telegraph
May 28, 2008
ROBINS AIR FORCE BASE --They're holding it a few days early, these celebrated Black Knights.
The official transfer won't take place until October, but by then all the aircraft and virtually all the people will be gone - ending a storied, 40-year relationship with Robins Air Force Base and Middle Georgia.
So the 19th Air Refueling Group will ceremonially furl their flags this afternoon - four squadron and one group banner - and declare "mission complete." Hundreds of group members, visiting dignitaries, local supporters and Black Knight alumni are expected to attend.
The flags and visiting dignitaries will then board the 19th's flagship KC-135H aircraft, the "Cherokee Rose" - named after Georgia's state flower. They plan to be airborne at precisely 3:19 p.m., corresponding to 19:19 in Greenwich Mean Time, or "Zulu" in military parlance.
"We're doing it now because our last airplane leaves June 23," Maj. Donnie Starling reported. "We wanted to do it when most of our leadership and people are still here. We wanted to put on a class Black Knight act."
The breakup of the 19th was directed by the 2005 Base Realignment and Closure Commission. The unit's 13 aircraft will be split among three bases: McConnell Air Force Base and Forbes Field in Kansas and McGuire Air Force Base in New Jersey.
The people, about 300 remaining from more than 500 when the drawdown began, will scatter to units Air Force wide.
The good news for the Black Knights - both current and alumni - is that the 19th designation will be transferred, not inactivated. The 19th group, with lineage back to 1927, will become the 19th Operations Group at Little Rock Air Force Base, Ark.
It will be an element of a newly designated 19th Airlift Wing flying C-130J aircraft. The 19th at Robins lost its wing designation in 1996. The Little Rock mission will be the first airlift role for the 19th in its more than 80-year history.
After its 1927 beginning as an observation group, the unit transitioned to bombers in 1932 and transferred to the Philippines in 1941 shortly before the Japanese attacked. The 19th was the first U.S. bomber unit to strike back at the Japanese before escaping the Philippines, providing transport for Gen. Douglas MacArthur and his family to Australia.
Later during World War II, the 19th fought at the Battle of the Coral Sea and attacked the Japanese at Rabaul, New Guinea. The unit shifted to B-29 bombers in 1944 and bombed Japan from bases in Guam. The Black Knights remained on Guam after the war and later saw extensive Korean War action in the early 1950s.
The wing returned to the U.S. in 1954, eventually moving to Homestead Air Force Base, Fla., flying new B-47 jet bombers. It acquired B-52 bombers and KC-135 tankers and came to Robins 14 years later.
During its Robins tenure, the unit has been tasked extensively in every major U.S. conflict, logging thousands of flying hours in Vietnam, Operation Just Cause, Desert Storm and Desert Shield, Southern Watch and the current war on terror.
The 19th was redesignated a refueling wing in 1983 when the last of its B-52s were transferred. It became a group in 1996 when it lost one of its squadrons.
Maj. Gen. Jim Hawkins, 18th Air Force commander, will be the presiding officer for today's program. He will speak, as will Col. Chris Bence, the 19th commander. Bence also will receive the Legion of Merit. He is transferring to a command position in the war on terror.
Maj. Gen Frederick Roggero, director of air, space and information operations for Air Mobility Command, also will attend. Roggero is a Black Knights alumnus, serving four years in the unit from 1978 to 1982.
The 19th also will officially receive the Air Force's Meritorious Unit Award for support of the war effort in 2007. The Robins group was one of two AMC organizations to win the honor last year and only the fourth in AMC history.
Starling said Black Knight morale remains high. "We have a lot on our plate," he confirmed. "We've not stopped supporting missions wherever we're needed and of course our folks are out processing and getting their household goods shipped."
The KC-135 senior navigator stressed that the 19th's airmen are sad to be leaving Middle Georgia. Part of today's ceremony will be devoted to thanking the local area for its many years of support, Starling indicated.
"We will do that by honoring some 11 members of the local community with flags that have flown over Iraq, Afghanistan and places in the U.S.," he said.
Other Sites of Interest:
Home of the 19th Bombardment Association
Fact Sheets: 19th Air Refueling Group (Robins AFB website)
19th Bomb Group, USAAF in Australia during WW2
19th Air Refueling Wing Wiki Resources
28th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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or
Lineage: Organized as 28th Aero Squadron on 22 Jun 1917. Demobilized on 16 Jun 1919. Reconstituted, and consolidated (9 Jan 1922) with 28th Squadron (Bombardment), which was authorized on 30 Aug 1921. Organized on 20 Sep 1921. Inactivated on 28 Jun 1922. Activated on 1 Sep 1922. Redesignated: 28th Bombardment Squadron on 25 Jan 1923; 28th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 6 Dec 1939; 28th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 16 Nov 1941; 28th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated: 28th Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 10 Aug 1948; 28th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, on 1 Jul 1961. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1983. Activated on 1 Jul 1987. Redesignated 28th Bomb Squadron on 1 Sep 1991.
Assignments: Unkn, 22 Jun 1917-Mar 1918; attached to RAF for operations and training, Mar-Jun 1918; unkn, Jun-Aug 1918; 3d Pursuit Group, Aug 1918; 2d Pursuit Group, Dec 1918-Apr 1919; unkn, Apr-16 Jun 1919. Ninth Corps Area, 20 Sep 1921-28 Jun 1922. Philippine Department, 1 Sep 1922; 4th Composite Group, 2 Dec 1922; 19th Bombardment Group, 16 Nov 1941-1 Apr 1944 (ground echelon attached to the 5th Interceptor Command, c. 24 Dec 1941-May 1942). 19th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944; 19th Bombardment Wing, 1 Jun 1953-1 Oct 1983. 384th Bombardment Wing, 1 Jul 1987; 384th Operations Group, 1 Sep 1991; 384th Bomb Group, 1 Jan 1994; 7th Operations Group, 1 Oct 1994-.
Stations: Camp Kelly, TX, 22 Jul 1917; Toronto, Canada, 25 Aug 1917; Deseronto, Canada, 1 Sep 1917; Taliaferro Field No. 1, TX, 5 Nov 1917; Garden City, NY, 25 Jan-25 Feb 1918; St Marie-Cappel, France, 20 Mar 1918 (flights operated from various Stations in Nord, Pas-de-Calais, and Somme, until squadron reassembled at St Omer on 24 Jun); Boisdinghem, France, 13 Apr 1918; Alquines, France, 15 Apr 1918; St Omer, France, 24 Jun 1918; Issoudun, France, 26 Jun 1918; Orly, France, 8 Jul 1918; Vaucouleurs, France, 16 Aug 1918; Lisle-en-Barrois, France, 20 Sep 1918; Foucaucourt, France, 6 Nov 1918; Grand, France, 15 Feb 1919; Colombey-les-Belles, France, 15 Apr 1919; Le Mans, France, 4-19 May 1919; Mitchel Field, NY, 31 May-16 Jun 1919. Mather Field, CA, 20 Sep 1921-28 Jun 1922. Clark Field, Luzon, 1 Sep 1922; Kindley Field, Corregidor, Sep 1922; Camp Nichols, Luzon, Nov 1922; Clark Field, Luzon, Dec 1922; Camp Nichols, Luzon, 4 Jun 1923; Clark Field, Luzon, 16 Jun 1938; Batchelor, Australia, c. 24 Dec 1941 (ground echelon in Luzon and Mindanao, c. 24 Dec 1941-May 1942); Singosari, Java, 30 Dec 1941; Melbourne, Australia, c. 4 Mar 1942; Cloncurry, Australia, c. 28 Mar 1942 (detachment operated from Perth, Australia, c. 28 Mar-18 May 1942); Longreach, Australia, c. 5 May 1942; Mareeba, Australia, 24 Jul-c. 18 Nov 1942; Pocatello, ID, c. 30 Dec 1942; Pyote AAB, TX, 24 Jan 1943-1 Apr 1944. Great Bend AAFld, KS, 1 Apr-8 Dec 1944; North Field, Guam, 16 Jan 1945; Kadena AB, Okinawa, 27 Jun 1950-14 May 1954; Pinecastle AFB, FL, c. 28 May 1954; Homestead AFB, FL, c. 25 Jun 1956; Robins AFB, GA, 25 Jul 1968-1 Oct 1983. McConnell AFB, KS, 1 Jul 1987; Dyess AFB, TX, 1 Oct 1994-.
Aircraft: JN-4, 1917; in addition to Spad XIII, briefly included Spad VII during period 1918-1919. Apparently included DH-4, 1921-1922. In addition to DH-4, 1922-c. 1928, and NBS-1, 1924-1930, included LB-5 and OA-1 during period 1929-1931; B-3, c. 1931-1937; B-10, 1937-1941; B-18 and B-17, successively during 1941; B-17s, LB-30s, and probably B-24s, 1941-1942; B-17, 1942-1944. B-29, 1944-1954; B-47, 1954-1961; B-52, 1962-1972, 1973-1983. B-1, 1988-.
Operations: Flying training unit, Nov-Dec 1917; combat training with units of RAF serving on the front with British Second and Fifth Armies, 20 Mar-c. 24 Jun 1918 (C flight participated in Somme Defensive, 21 Mar-6 Apr 1918); combat as pursuit unit with American First Army, 2 Sep-10 Nov 1918. Combat in Southwest Pacific, 7 Dec 1941-c. 16 Nov 1942; ground echelon fought with infantry units in Philippine Islands, c. 24 Dec 1941-May 1942; replacement training, 1 Feb 1943-1 Apr 1944; combat in Western Pacific, c. 12 Feb-15 Aug 1945. Combat in Korea, 28 Jun 1950-25 Jul 1953. Furnished B-52 aircraft and crews to other SAC organizations involved in combat operations in Southeast Asia until Oct 1973.
Honors
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War I: Flanders; Lys; Picardy; Lorraine; St Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne. World War II: Philippine Islands; East Indies; Air Offensive, Japan; Papua; Guadalcanal; Western Pacific; Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Korea: UN Defensive; 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: Philippine Islands, 7 Dec 1941-10 May 1942; Philippine Islands, 8-22 Dec 1941; Philippines and Netherlands Indies, 1 Jan-1 Mar 1942; Philippine Islands, 6 Jan-8 Mar 1942; Papua, 23 Jul-[c. 16 Nov 1942]; New Britain, 7-12 Aug 1942; Japan, 9-19 Mar 1945; Kobe, Japan, 5 Jun 1945; Korea, 28 Jun-15 Sep 1950. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1964-30 Jun 1965; 1 Jul 1967-30 Jun 1968; 1 Jul 1982-1 Oct 1983; 1 Jul 1987-30 Jun 1989. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (WWII). Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 7 Jul 1950-27 Jul 1953.
Emblem: Khaki, an American Indian (Mohawk) warrior's head couped with face markings, necklace, hair ornament and headband Proper, in dexter chief a lozenge Azure; all within a diminished bordure of the last. Approved on 14 Feb 1924 and modified in 1996; based on World War I emblem.
30th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Organized as 30th Aero Squadron on 13 Jun 1917. Demobilized on 14 Apr 1919. Reconstituted, and redesignated 30th Bombardment Squadron, on 24 Mar 1923. Activated on 24 Jun 1932. Redesignated: 30th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 6 Dec 1939; 30th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated: 30th Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 10 Aug 1948; 30th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, on 1 Jul 1961. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 1 Feb 1963. Consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with unit constituted as USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, and activated, on 13 Feb 1967. Organized on 25 Feb 1967.
Assignments: Unkn, 13 Jun-Sep 1917; Third Aviation Instruction Center, Sep 1917-Jan 1919; unkn, Jan-14 Apr 1919. 19th Bombardment Group, 24 Jun 1932-1 Apr 1944 (ground echelon attached to 5th Interceptor Command, c. 20 Dec 1941- May 1942). 19th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944; 19th Bombardment Wing, 1 Jun 1953; 4133d Strategic Wing, 1 Jan 1962-1 Feb 1963. Tactical Air Command, 13 Feb 1967; USAF Tactical Fighter Weapons Center, 25 Feb 1967; 57th Fighter Weapons (later, 57th Tactical Training; 57th Fighter Weapons; 57th Fighter; 57th) Wing, 15 Feb 1974-.
Stations: Camp Kelly (later, Kelly Field), TX, 13 Jun 1917; Fort Totten, NY, 16-22 Aug 1917; Southampton, England, 15 Sep 1917; Etampes, France, 19 Sep 1917; Issoudun, France, 23 Sep 1917; Bordeaux, France, c. 6 Jan-c. 18 Mar 1919; Mitchel Field, NY, c. 5-14 Apr 1919. Rockwell Field, CA, 24 Jun 1932; March Field, CA, 25 Oct 1935; Albuquerque, NM, c. 1 Jun-27 Sep 1941; Clark Field, Philippines, c. 23 Oct 1941; Batchelor, Australia, c. 20 Dec 1941 (ground echelon in Luzon and Mindanao, Philippines, c. 20 Dec 1941-May 1942); Singosari, Java, c. 31 Dec 1941; Melbourne, Australia, c. 5 Mar 1942; Cloncurry, Australia, c. 27 Mar 1942; Longreach, Australia, c. 13 May 1942; Mareeba, Australia, c. 24 Jul-c. 10 Nov 1942; Pocatello, ID, c. 9 Dec 1942; Pyote AAB, TX, 24 Jan 1943-1 Apr 1944. Great Bend AAFld, KS, 1 Apr 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, 26 May 1944; Great Bend AAFld, KS, 23 Aug- 7 Dec 1944; Fort Lawton, WA, 11-19 Dec 1944; North Field (later, Andersen AFB), Guam, 16 Jan 1945; Kadena AB, Okinawa, 1 Jul 1950-16 May 1954; Pinecastle AFB, FL, 30 May 1954; Homestead AFB, FL, 1 Jun 1956; Grand Forks AFB, ND, 1 Jan 1962-1 Feb 1963. Nellis AFB, NV, 25 Feb 1967-.
Aircraft: Included O-27, OA-4, YOA-5, B-3, and B-12 during period 1932-1936; included B-10, B-18, and B-17, successively, during period 1935-1941; B-17, and probably B-24 and LB-30, 1941-1942; B-17, 1942-1944. B-29, 1944- 1954; B-47, 1954-1961; B-52, 1962-1963. F-100, 1967-1968; F-4, 1969-1973; T-38, 1974-1986; F-16, 1982-.
Operations: Repaired and overhauled aircraft engines in France, Sep 1917-Nov 1918. Combat in Southwest Pacific, 7 Dec 1941-c. 16 Nov 1942; ground echelon fought with infantry units, in the Philippines Islands, c. 20 Dec 1941-May 1942. Replacement training in the US, 1943-1944. Combat in Western Pacific c. 12 Feb-15 Aug 1945. Combat in Korea, 28 Jun 1950-25 Jul 1953. Precision aerobatic demonstrations (popularly known as the "Thunderbirds" squadron), 1967-.
Service Streamers: World War I Theater of Operations.
Campaigns Streamers: World War II: Philippine Islands; East Indies; Papua; Guadalcanal; Western Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan; Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Korea: UN Defensive; UN Offensive; CCF Intervention; First UN Counteroffensive; CCF Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean Winter; Korean Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Winter; Korea, Summer 1953.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Philippine Islands, 7 Dec 1941-10 May 1942; Philippine Islands, 8-22 Dec 1941; Philippines and Netherlands Indies, 1 Jan- 1 Mar 1942; Philippine Islands, 6 Jan-8 Mar 1942; Papua, 23 Jul-[c. 10 Nov] 1942; New Britain, 7-12 Aug 1942; Japan, 9-19 Mar 1945; Kobe, Japan, 5 Jun 1945; Korea, 28 Jun-15 Sep 1950. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: [25 Feb 1967]-31 Dec 1968; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1973; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1974; 1 Jan 1979-31 Dec 1980. Air Force Organizational Excellence Awards: 1 Jan 1984- 31 Dec 1985; 1 Jan 1986-31 Dec 1987; 30 Sep 1989-30 Sep 1991. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (WWII). Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 7 Jul 1950-27 Jul 1953.
Emblem (Bombardment Sq): On a blue disc bordered yellow between four cardinal compass points indicated by three yellow triangles and a green fleur-de-lis outlined white for the north point, a white skull in profile with black shadows and with a yellow wing protruding diagonally upward from its back and extending over the disc and from the eye a white lightning flash streaked red extending diagonally downward over the disc. (Approved 8 Sep 1953.)
Emblem ("Thunderbirds"): On a White disc with an attached White scroll below the disc, all edged Black, a Blue Thunderbird with Yellow beak and eye, surmounted by a Red disc charged with a White five-pointed star, all above an arced inscription, THUNDERBIRDS, in Black script. Approved on 14 Jun 1977 (KE 62880); replaced emblems approved on 8 Sep 1953 (47563 A.C.) and 9 Jan 1933 (8545 A.C.).
93d Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Organized as 93 Aero Squadron on 21 Aug 1917. Demobilized on 31 Mar 1919. Reconstituted, and consolidated (14 Oct 1936) with 93 Bombardment Squadron which was constituted on 1 Mar 1935. Activated on 20 Oct 1939. Redesignated: 93 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 6 Dec 1939; 93 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated: 93 Bombardment Squadron, Medium on 10 Aug 1948; 93 Bombardment Squadron, Heavy on 1 Jul 1961. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 1 Feb 1963. Redesignated 93 Bomb Squadron, and activated in the Reserve, on 1 Oct 1993.
Assignments: 3 Pursuit Group, by 28 Jul 1918; 1 Air Depot, 11 Dec 1918-4 Mar 1919; unkn, 13-31 Mar 1919. 19 Bombardment Group, 20 Oct 1939-1 Apr 1944 (ground echelon attached to 5 Interceptor Command, c. 19 Dec 1941-May 1942). 19 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944; 19 Bombardment Wing, 1 Jun 1953; 4239 Strategic Wing, 1 Aug 1961-1 Feb 1963. 917 Operations Group, 1 Oct 1993-.
Stations: Kelly Field, TX, 21 Aug-29 Sep 1917; England, 29 Oct 1917; Beaulieu, England, Jan-24 Jun 1918; Issoudun, France, c. 7 Jul 1918; Vaucouleurs, France, 28 Jul 1918; Lisle-en-Barrois, France, 24 Sep 1918; Foucaucourt, France, 6 Nov 1918; Colombey-les-Belles, France, c. 15 Dec 1918; Romorautin, France, 2 Feb 1919-4 Mar 1919; Garden City, NY, 13-31 Mar 1919. March Field, CA, 20 Oct 1939; Albuquerque, NM, Jun-27 Sep 1941; Clark Field, Luzon, c. 23 Oct 1941; Batchelor Field, Australia, c. 19 Dec 1941 (ground echelon on Luzon and Mindanao, c. 19 Dec 1941-May 1942); Singosari, Java, c. 1 Jan 1942; Melbourne, Australia, c. 1 Mar 1942; Cloncurry, Australia, 29 Mar 1942; Longreach, Australia, 18 May 1942; Mareeba, Australia, 23 Jul-c. 25 Oct 1942; Pocatello AAFld, ID, c. 28 Dec 1942; Pyote AAFld, TX, c. 18 Jan 1943-1 Apr 1944. Great Bend AAFld, KS, 1 Apr-7 Dec 1944; North Field (later, Andersen AFB), Guam, 16 Jan 1945; Kadena AB, Okinawa, 27 Jun 1950-18 May 1954; Pinecastle AFB, FL, c. 2 Jun 1954; Homestead AFB, FL, c. 25 Jun 1956; Kincheloe AFB, MI, 1 Aug 1961-1 Feb 1963. Barksdale AFB, LA, 1 Oct 1993-.
Commanders: 1Lt Henry T. Fleitman, 1917; 1Lt Max A. Montgomery, 1918; 1Lt Frank M. Condon, May 1918; Maj Jean Huffer, 1918; Capt Charles Rockwell, 1918-unkn. Maj Hilbert M. Wittkop, 20 Oct 1939; Capt Jack W. Wood, Apr 1941; Capt William E. McDonald, Jun 1941; Maj Cecil E. Combs, Jul 1941; Maj James T. Connally, 18 Mar 1942; Capt W. H. Smith, 27 Apr 1942; Lt Col Felix M. Hardison, 18 May 1942; Capt Robert J. Hughey, 1 Jan 1943; Capt Bernice S. Barr, 4 Feb 1943; Capt Richard T. Hernlund, 27 Mar 1943-unkn. Capt Jesse R. Womble, May 1944; Capt Lee C. Free, Jun 1944; Maj Sam Bakshas, Jul 1944; Lt Col Leon L. Lowry, 1945; Capt Earle F. Riley, 12 Oct 1945; Maj Russell J. Smith, 28 Feb 1946; Capt Joseph Svejkar, 24 Feb 1947; Maj Edsel L. Lyon, Mar 1947; Maj Walter B. Sams, 27 May 1947; Lt Col Dalson E. Crawford, Aug 1947; Maj David L. Henderson, 13 Nov 1947; Capt John C. Alexander, 6 May 1949; Lt Col Earl L. Johnson, 8 Jul 1949; Maj Jack W. Williams, 6 Nov 1949; Lt Col Douglas H. Hatfield, 28 Mar 1950; Lt Col William J. Would, 13 Apr 1951; Lt Col James E. Brewer, 10 Oct 1951; Lt Col James F. Sapp, 26 Jun 1952; Lt Col Melvin H. Slate, 30 Dec 1952; Lt Col Lyle C. Maritzen, 14 Sep 1953; Lt Col Ralph W. Jones, 24 Apr 1954; Lt Col Vernon N. Luber, Oct 1954; Lt Col Winfred O. Craft, 21 Nov 1954; Lt Col Curtis N. Youngblood, 8 Feb 1955; Lt Col Ralph W. Jones, Oct 1955; Lt Col George H. Koehne Jr., Jun 1956-unkn; Maj Howard Richardson, unkn-Jul 1961; Lt Col Richard E. Murray, Jul 1961; Lt Col D. K. Kasselman, by Jan 1962-1 Feb 1963. Unkn, 1 Oct 1993-Jul 1994; Lt Col Lindell Mabus, 4 Jul 1994-.
Aircraft: In addition to SPAD XIII, briefly flew SPAD VII, 1918. B-18 and B-17, successively, 1939-1941; B-17, and probably B-24 and LB-30, during period 7 Dec 1941-Oct 1942; B-17, 1942-1944. B-29, 1944-1954; B-47, 1954-1961; B-52, 1961-1963. B-52, 1993-.
Operations: Combat in France as a pursuit unit, 11 Aug-10 Nov 1918. Combat in Southwest Pacific, 7 Dec 1941-c. 24 Oct 1942; ground echelon fought with infantry units in Philippine Islands, c.19 Dec 1941-May 1942; replacement training unit, 1 Feb 1943-1 Apr 1944. Combat in Western Pacific, c. 12 Feb-15 Aug 1945. Combat in Korea, 28 Jun 1950-25 Jul 1953. Bombardment training, 1954-1963 and 1993-.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War I: Lorraine; St. Mihiel; Meuse-Argonne. World War II: Philippine Islands; East Indies; Air Offensive, Japan; Papua; Guadalcanal; Western Pacific; Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Korean War: UN Defensive; 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: Philippine Islands, 7 Dec 1941-10 May 1942; Philippine Islands, 8-22 Dec 1941; Philippines and Netherlands Indies, 1 Jan-1 Mar 1942; Philippine Islands, 6 Jan-8 Mar 1942; Papua, 23 Jul-[24 Oct 1942]; New Britain, 7-12 Aug 1942; Japan, 9-19 Mar 1945; Kobe, Japan, 5 Jun 1945; Korea, 28 Jun-15 Sep 1950. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Oct 1993-1 Jul 1995; 1 Oct 1997-30 Sep 1999. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation (WWII). Korean Presidential Unit Citation: 7 Jul 1950-27 Jul 1953.
Emblem: A screaming Indian's head in war paint with two feathers and a necklace of teeth, all proper. (Approved 24 Apr 1942 from World War I emblem.)
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 2 Jul 2001.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Sep 1996.
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31st Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
56th Air Engineering Sq
574th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
29th Bombardment Group
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Constituted as 29th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 22 Dec 1939. Activated on 1 Feb 1940. Equipped with B-17's and B-18's. Trained and took part in aerial reviews. Flew patrol missions in the Caribbean area, Dec 1941-Jun 1942. Equipped with B-24's in 1942. Functioned as an operational training and later as a replacement training unit. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944.
Redesignated 29th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Prepared for overseas duty with B-29's. Moved to Guam, Dec 1944-Feb 1945, and assigned to Twentieth AF. Flew its first mission against Japan with an attack on Tokyo on 25 Feb 1945. Conducted a number of missions against strategic targets in Japan, operating in daylight and at high altitude to bomb factories, refineries, and other objectives. Beginning in Mar 1945, carried out incendiary raids on area targets, flying at night and at low altitude to complete the assignments. S/Sgt Henry E Erwin was awarded the Medal of Honor for action that saved his B-29 during a mission over Koriyama, Japan, on 12 Apr 1945. When a phosphorus smoke bomb exploded in the launching chute and shot back into the plane, Sgt Erwin picked up the burning bomb, carried it to a window, and threw it out. During the Allied assault on Okinawa, the group bombed airfields from which the enemy was sending out suicide planes against the invasion force. Received a DUC for an attack on an airfield at Omura, Japan, on 31 Mar 1945. Received second DUC for strikes on the industrial area of Shizuoka, the Mitsubishi aircraft plant at Tamashima, and the Chigusa arsenal at Nagoya, in Jun 1945. After the war, dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners and participated in several show-of-force missions over Japan. Inactivated on Guam on 20 May 1946.
Consolidated 31 Jan 84 with the 29th Flying Training Wg, which was constituted 22 Mar 72, activated 1 Jul 72, inactivated 30 Sep 77.
Assignments: Twentieth AF, Dec 1944. Air Training Cd 1972-1977.
Squadrons: 6th: 1940-944; 1944-1946. 43d (formerly 29th) 1940-1944; 1944-1946. 52d: 1940-1944; 1944-1946. 411th: 1942-1944. 761st (later 9th Reconnaissance): 1945-1946.
Stations: Langley Field, Va, 1 Feb 1940; MacDill Field, Fla, 21 May 1940; Gowen Field, Idaho, 25 Jun 1942-1 Apr 1944. Pratt AAFld, Kan, 1 Apr-7 Dec 1944; North Field, Guam, 17 Jan 1945-20 May 1946. Craig AFB AL 1972-1977.
Commanders: Maj Vincent I Meloy, 1 Feb 1940; Maj Charles W Lawrence, 15 Jan 1941; Lt Col James P Hodges, 1 Feb 1941; Maj Frank H Robinson, 1 Oct 1941; Lt Col James M Fitzmaurice, 1 Dec 1941; Lt Col Robert F Travis, 30 Mar 1942; Lt Col William B David, 28 Aug 1942; Maj Henry H Covington, 2 Feb 1943; Lt Col Walter E Arnold Jr, 20 Feb 1943; Lt Col Horace M Wade, 20 Sep 1943-1 Apr 1944. 2d Lt Philip J Lamm, 21 Apr 1944; Capt Samuel W Bright, 28 Apr 1944; Maj Quinn L Oldaker, 2 May 1944; Col Carl R Storrie, 28 May 1944; Col Robert L Mason, 23 Jul 1945; Lt Col Loran D Briggs, 9 Oct 1945-unkn; Col Vincent M Miles Jr, 1946.
Campaigns: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 31 Mar 1945; Japan, 19-26 Jun 1945.
Insigne: Shield: Azure, a drop bomb and lightning flash saltirewise or. Motto: Power For Peace. (Approved 14 Oct 1940.)
Other Sites of Interest:
29th Bomb Group - Official Site
29th Bombardment Wing Wiki Resources
6th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Constituted 6th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 22 Dec 1939. Activated on 1 Feb 1940. Redesignated 6th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 20 May 1946. Activated in the Reserve on 15 Jun 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with the 6th Air Refueling Squadron, Medium, which was constituted on 6 Apr 1951. Activated on 10 Apr 1951. Inactivated on 1 Aug 1951. Redesignated 6th Air Refueling Squadron, Heavy, on 1 Apr 1957. Activated on 1 Nov 1957. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 25 Jan 1967. Activated on 3 Jan 1989. Redesignated 6th Air Refueling Squadron on 1 Sep 1991.
Assignments: 29th Bombardment Group, 1 Feb 1940-1 Apr 1944. 29th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-20 May 1946. Tenth Air Force, 15 Jun 1947; 482d Bombardment Group, 30 Sep 1947-27 Jun 1949. 6th Bombardment Group, 10 Apr-1 Aug 1951. Fifteenth Air Force, 1 Nov 1957; 6th Bombardment (later, 6th Strategic Aerospace) Wing, 3 Jan 1958-25 Jan 1967. 22d Air Refueling Wing, 3 Jan 1989; 22d Operations Group, 1 Sep 1991; 722d Operations Group, 1 Jan 1994; 60th Operations Group, 1 Aug 1995-.
Stations: Langley Field, VA, 1 Feb 1940; MacDill Field, FL, 21 May 1940; Gowen Field, ID, 25 Jun 1942-1 Apr 1944. Pratt AAFld, KS, 1 Apr 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, 25 May 1944; Pratt AAFld, KS, 17 Jul-6 Dec 1944; North Field, Guam, 17 Jan 1945-20 May 1946. Barksdale Field (later, AFB), LA, 15 Jun 1947-27 Jun 1949. Walker AFB, NM, 10 Apr-1 Aug 1951. Bergstrom AFB, TX, 1 Nov 1957; Walker AFB, NM, 3 Jan 1958-25 Jan 1967. March AFB, CA, 3 Jan 1989; Travis AFB, CA, 1 Aug 1995-.
Aircraft: YB-17, 1940; B-17, 1940-1943; B-18, 1940-1941; B-24, 1943-1944. B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946. AT-6, 1947-1949; AT-11, 1947-1949. KC-135, 1958-1967. KC-10, 1989-.
Operations: Antisubmarine patrol missions in the Caribbean, Jan-Jun 1942. Operational and later replacement training, 1942-1944. Combat in the Western Pacific, c. 16 Feb-15 Aug 1945. Air refueling training, 1959-1962. Worldwide air refueling, 1963-1967, including support of tactical aircraft flying in Southeast Asia. Worldwide air refueling, 1989-, including support of deployments to Southwest Asia, 1990-1991. Humanitarian airlift to Somalia, 1992-1993.
Honors
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 31 Mar 1945; Japan, 19-26 Jun 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 May 1960-31 May 1962; 1 Feb-30 Jun 1989; 1 Jul 1989-30 Jun 1991.
Emblem: Celeste, a Taeguk Or and Azure charged with a pegasus soaring Argent garnished Sable, all within a diminished bordure of the third. Approved on 9 Dec 1994; replaced emblems approved on 12 Oct 1960 (K 12078) and on 6 Apr 1942 (K 2661). MOTTO: VIS EXTENSA-Strength Extended. Approved on 12 Oct 1960.
43d Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Constituted as 29 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 22 Dec 1939. Activated on 1 Feb 1940. Redesignated 43 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 13 Mar 1940. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 43 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, and activated, on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 20 May 1946. Redesignated 43 Flying Training Squadron on 22 Mar 1972. Activated on 1 Jul 1972. Inactivated on 30 Sep 1977. Activated on 25 Jun 1990. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1992. Redesignated 43 Flying Training Flight, and activated in the Reserve, on 1 Apr 1997. Redesignated 43 Flying Training Squadron on 1 Apr 1998.
Assignments: 29 Bombardment Group, 1 Feb 1940-1 Apr 1944. 29 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-20 May 1946. 29 Flying Training Wing, 1 Jul 1972-30 Sep 1977. 14 Flying Training Wing, 25 Jun 1990-1 Oct 1992. 610 Regional Support Group, 1 Apr 1997; 340 Flying Training Group, 1 Apr 1998-.
Stations: Langley Field, VA, 1 Feb 1940; MacDill Field, FL, 21 May 1940; Pope Field, NC, c. 7 Dec 1941; MacDill Field, FL, 1 Jan 1942; Gowen Field, ID, 25 Jun 1942-1 Apr 1944. Pratt AAFld, KS, 1 Apr 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, 25 May 1944; Pratt AAFld, KS, 17 Jul (ground echelon only to 21 Aug)-7 Dec 1944; North Field, Guam, 17 Jan 1945-20 May 1946. Craig AFB, AL, 1 Jul 1972-30 Sep 1977. Columbus AFB, MS, 25 Jun 1990-1 Oct 1992. Columbus AFB, MS, 1 Apr 1997-.
Aircraft: B-18, 1940-1941; B-17, 1940-1943; B-24, 1943-1944. B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946. T-37, 1972-1977. T-37, 1990-1992. Unkn, 1997; T-37, 1998-; T-38, 1998-; T-1, 1998-.
Operations: Antisubmarine patrols, Dec 1941-Jun 1942; operational and later replacement training unit, 1942-1944. Combat in Western Pacific, c.16 Feb-15 Aug 1945. Conducted undergraduate pilot training, 1972-1977 and 1990-1992. Trained Air Force pilots and instructor pilots, 1997-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Western Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations (Japan): 31 Mar 1945; 19-26 Jun 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 1 Jan-31 Dec 1973.
Emblem (WWII): On a white disc edged in black a white and gray condor with black outlines, rising and grasping in both claws a red aerial bomb with black markings. (Approved 18 Apr 1942.)
52nd Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Constituted 52 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 22 Dec 1939. Activated on 1 Feb1940. Redesignated 52 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 20 May 1946. Redesignated 52 Flying Training Squadron on 22 Mar 1972. Activated on 1 Jul 1972. Inactivated on 30 Sep 1977. Activated on 11 May 1990. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1997. Redesignated 52 Expeditionary Flying Training Squadron, and converted to provisional status, on 23 Mar 2007. Activated on 29 Mar 2007.
Assignments: 29 Bombardment Group, 1 Feb 1940-1 Apr 1944. 29 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-20 May 1946. 29 Flying Training Wing, 1 Jul 1972-30 Sep 1977. 64 Flying Training Wing, 11 May 1990; 64 Operations Group, 15 Dec 1991-1 Apr 1997. 370 Air Expeditionary Advisory Group, 29 Mar 2007-.
Stations: Langley Field, VA, 1 Feb 1940; MacDill Field, FL, 21 May 1940; Gowen Field, ID, 25 Jun 1942-1 Apr 1944. Pratt AAFld, KS, 1 Apr-c. 6 Dec 1944; North Field, Guam, 17 Jan 1945-20 May 1946. Craig AFB, AL, 1 Jul 1972-30 Sep 1977. Reese AFB, TX, 11 May 1990-1 Apr 1997. Kirkuk, IZ, 29 Mar 2007-.
Commanders: Capt Frank H. Robinson, 1 Feb 1940; Unknown, 3-9 May 1941; Capt Bockman, 10 May 1941; 1 Lt John D. Harcos, 27 Oct 1941; Capt James A. Walsh, 5 Nov 1941; Maj Edgar M. Wittan, 14 Feb 1942; Capt Lewellyn T. Boatwright, 21 Jun 1942; Capt Robert H. Warren, 5 Sep 1942; Maj Seldon L. McMillin, 7 Nov 1942; Capt James Kirkpatrick, 28 Jan 1943; Maj Robert L. Cox, 27 Apr 1943; Capt Delbert R. Hetrick, 15 Oct 1943-c. 1944. None (not manned), 1 Apr-3 May 1944; Capt John A. Martin, 4 May 1944; Lt Col Eugene O. Strouse, 23 May 1944; Maj Thomas W. Abbott Jr., 26 Jul 1945-c. 1946. Lt Col Charles E. Irwin, by 1 Jul 1972; Lt Col Max L. Hubrich, by 31 Dec 1973; Lt Col George B. Lapham, by Jun 1975-c. 30 Sep 1977. Lt Col Stanley R. Osborne, 11 May 1990; Lt Col Barry C. Hall, 5 Jun 1992; Lt Col Clarence A. McFarland, 1 Oct 1992; Lt Col Gerald R. Scroggins, 25 Jun 1993; Lt Col John Mazurowski, 31 Oct 1993; Lt Col Mark Richardson III, 20 Jan 1995; Lt Col LeeRoy A. Martin, 3 May 1996-1 Apr 1997. Lt Col Mark S. Bennett, 8 Sep 2007; Lt Col Nathan S. Brauner, 24 Jul 2008-.
Aircraft: B-18, 1940-1941; B-17, 1940-1943; B-24, 1943-1944. B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1946. T-38, 1972-1977. T-38, 1990-1992; T-1, 1992-1997. C-172, 2007-; C-208, 2007-.
Operations: Antisubmarine patrols, Jan-Jun 1942. Operational and later replacement training unit, 1942-1944. Combat in western Pacific, c. 16 Feb-15 Aug 1945. Undergraduate pilot training, 1972-1977 and 1990-1997. Began training the Iraqi air force for training its own flight crews, 2007-.
Honors
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 31 Mar 1945; Japan, 19-26 Jun 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan-31 Dec 1973; 1 Jan 1976-28 Feb 1977; 1 Oct 1995-[1 Apr] 1997.
Emblem: On a White disc edged in Black a Brown alligator with tail raised and holding a Black bomb sparked at the fuse. Approved on 18 Apr 1942 (K 2669) and reinstated in Jun 1994; replaced emblem approved c. Jun 1990 (DFSC 91-03023).
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 3 Sep 2008.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 3 Sep 2008.
Supersedes statement prepared on 30 Mar 2007.
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69th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
305th Air Engineering Sq
575th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
39th Bombardment Group
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 39th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Assigned to Second AF. Equipped with B-17's. Patrolled the northwest coast of the US after the nation entered the war. Equipped with B-24's in 1942. Served as an operational training and later as a replacement training unit. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944.
Redesignated 39th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Trained with B-29's. Moved to Guam early in 1945 for duty with Twentieth AF. Bombed enemy-held Maug early in Apr 1945. Conducted its first mission against the Japanese home islands by hitting the Hodagaya chemical plant at Koriyama on 12 Apr. Supported the Allied invasion of Okinawa, Apr-May 1945, by attacking airfields that served as bases for kamikaze pilots. Bombed military and industrial targets in Japan and participated in incendiary raids on urban areas from mid-May until the end of the war. Received a DUC for an attack against the Otake oil refinery and storage area on Honshu in May 1945. Received second DUC for bombing industrial and dock areas in Yokohama and manufacturing districts in Tokyo, 23-29 May 1945. Dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners and took part in show-of-force missions over Japan after V-J Day. Returned to the US, Nov-Dec 1945. Inactivated on 27 Dec 1945.
Squadrons: 60th: 1941-1944; 1944-1945. 61st: 1941-1944; 1944-1945. 62d: 1941-1944; 1944-1945. 402d: 1942-1944; 1944.
Stations: Ft Douglas, Utah, 15 Jan 1941; Geiger Field, Wash, 2 Jul 1941; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 5 Feb 1942-1 Apr 1944. Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Apr 1944-8 Jan 1945; North Field, Guam, 18 Feb-17 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, Calif, 15-27 Dec 1945.
Commanders: Maj Newton Longfellow, 15 Jan 1941; Capt Maurice A Preston, 1 Feb 1941; Lt Col Elmer E Adler, 17 Mar 1941; Capt George W Hansen, 13 May 1941; Maj Charles B Overacker Jr, 12 Nov 1941; Lt Col George W Hansen, 25 Jan 1942; Col James H Wallace, 16 Feb 1942; Col Fay R Upthegrove, 12 Jul 1942; Lt Col Samuel C Mitchell, 13 Sep 1942; Maj Marden M Munn, 17 Dec 1942; Lt Col Horace D Aynesworth, 1 Mar 1943; Lt Col Charles A Watt, 1 Jul 1943; Lt Col Frank R Pancake, 25 Nov 1943; Col Clyde K Rich, 1 Dec 1943-1 Apr 1944. Capt Claude Hilton, 28 Apr 1944; Maj Gordon R Willis, 6 May 1944; Maj Campbell Weir, 11 May 1944; Lt Col Robert W Strong Jr, 10 Jun 1944; Col Potter B Paige, 15 Jun 1944; Col John G Fowler, 22 Feb 1945; Col George W Mundy, 16 Mar 1945; Col James E Roberts, 16 Aug 1945; Lt Col James C Thompson, 9 Oct 1945; Col Robert Mason, 13 Oct 1945-unkn.
Campaigns: American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 10 May 1945; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23-29 May 1945.
Insigne: None.
Source: Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (39th Air Base Wing)
Lineage: Established as 39 Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Redesignated 39 Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 27 Dec 1945. Redesignated 39 Tactical Group, and activated, on 14 Mar 1966. Organized on 1 Apr 1966. Consolidated (31 Jan 1984) with the 39 Bombardment Wing, Heavy, which was established, and activated, on 15 Nov 1962. Organized on 1 Feb 1963. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 25 Jun 1965. Redesignated: 39 Wing on 1 Oct 1993; 39 Air Base Group on 16 Jul 2003; 39 Air Base Wing on 12 Mar 2004.
Assignments: 5 Bombardment Wing, 15 Jan 1941; II Bomber Command, 5 Sep 1941; 16 Bombardment Operational Training Wing, 4 Sep 1943-1 Apr 1944. XXI Bomber Command, 1 Apr 1944 (attached to 17 Bombardment Operational Training Wing, Very Heavy, c. 15 Apr 1944-8 Jan 1945); 314 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, c. 18 Feb-27 Dec 1945. Strategic Air Command, 15 Nov 1962; 822 Air Division, 1 Feb 1963-25 Jun 1965. United States Air Forces in Europe, 14 Mar 1966; 7217 Air Division (Command), 1 Apr 1966; Sixteenth Air Force, 9 Sep 1970; TUSLOG, [The United States Logistics Group], 15 Oct 1971 (attached to Composite Wing Provisional, 7440, 16 Jan 1991-30 Nov 1995); Sixteenth Air Force, 17 Jul 1992; United States Air Forces in Europe, 1 Nov 2005; Air Command Europe, 18 Nov 2005; Third Air Force (Air Forces Europe), 1 Dec 2006-.
Components
Group: 39 Operations: 1 Oct 1993-16 Jul 2003.
Squadron: 12 Reconnaissance (later, 402 Bombardment): attached 15 Jan 1941-24 Feb 1942, assigned 25 Feb 1942-1 Apr 1944; assigned 1 Apr-10 May 1944. 39 Operations: 16 Jul 2003-. 60 Bombardment: 15 Jan 1941-1 Apr 1944; 1 Apr 1944-27 Dec 1945. 61 Bombardment: 15 Jan 1941-1 Apr 1944; 1 Apr 1944-27 Dec 1945. 62 Bombardment: 15 Jan 1941-1 Apr 1944; 1 Apr 1944-27 Dec 1945; 1 Feb 1963-25 Jun 1965.
Stations: Ft Douglas, UT, 15 Jan 1941; Geiger Field, WA, 2 Jul 1941; Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, 5 Feb 1942-1 Apr 1944. Smoky Hill AAFld, KS, 1 Apr 1944- 8 Jan 1945; North Field, Guam, 18 Feb-17 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, CA, 15-27 Dec 1945. Eglin AFB, FL, 1 Feb 1963-25 Jun 1965. Incirlik AB, TU, 1 Apr 1966-.
Commanders: Maj Newton Longfellow, 15 Jan 1941; Capt Maurice A. Preston, 1 Feb 1941; Lt Col Elmer E. Adler, 17 Mar 1941; Capt George W. Hansen, 13 May 1941; Maj Charles B. Overacker Jr., 12 Nov 1941; Lt Col George W. Hansen, 25 Jan 1942; Col James H. Wallace, 16 Feb 1942; Col Fay R. Upthegrove, 12 Jul 1942; Lt Col Samuel C. Mitchell, 13 Sep 1942; Maj Marden M. Munn, 17 Dec 1942; Lt Col Horace D. Aynesworth, 1 Mar 1943; Lt Col Charles A. Watt, 1 Jul 1943; Lt Col Frank R. Pancake, 25 Nov 1943; Col Clyde K. Rich, 1 Dec 1943-1 Apr 1944. None (not manned), 1-27 Apr 1944; Capt Claude J. Hilton, 28 Apr 1944; Maj Gordon R. Willis, 6 May 1944; Maj Campbell Weir, 11 May 1944; Lt Col Robert W. Strong Jr., 10 Jun 1944; Col Potter B. Paige, 15 Jun 1944; Col John G. Fowler, 22 Feb 1945; Col George W. Mundy, 16 Mar 1945; Col James E. Roberts, 16 Aug 1945; Lt Col James C. Thompson, 9 Oct 1945; Col Robert J. Mason, 13 Oct 1945-unkn. None (not manned), 15 Nov 1962-31 Jan 1963; Col Earl L. Johnson, 1 Feb 1963; Col Fred W. Miller, 26 Jul 1963-25 Jun 1965. None (not manned), 14-31 Mar 1966; Col Leslie J. Westberg, 1 Apr 1966; Col Stephen P. Ham, 16 Jul 1966; Col Albert S. J. Tucker Jr., 9 Jun 1968; Col Robert J. Rudd, 1 Aug 1968; Col Robert H. Clark, 2 Aug 1968; Col Dwaine L. Weatherwax, 13 May 1970; Col Bobby J. Mead, 20 Jun 1971; Col James A. Minish, 8 Jul 1971; Col William W. Gray, 23 Jan 1973; Col Clyde H. Garner, 17 Jun 1974; Col Richard L. Meyer, 11 Mar 1975; Col William L. Gibson, 9 Sep 1975; Col Elmer E. Nelson, 17 Sep 1975; Col Ellis C. Vander Pyl Jr., 10 Jun 1977; Col Wade L. Green, 23 Mar 1979; Col Paul N. Chase, 20 Aug 1980; Col Robert M. Thompson, 5 Feb 1981; Col William T. Williams IV, 4 Jun 1982; Col Gordon L. Clouser, 13 May 1983; Col William J. Hentges, 18 Jun 1984; Col Harold C. Byrd, 25 Mar 1985; Col William M. Douglass, 26 Jun 1986; Col Roger C. Taylor, 29 Jun 1987; Col Thomas J. Lennon, 29 Feb 1988; Col John L. Nystrom Jr., 3 May 1989; Col Gary R. Lorenz, 21 Dec 1990; Col John W. Rutledge, 20 Jun 1991; Col James D. Kula, 2 Sep 1992; Col Curtis H. Emery II, 7 Oct 1992; Col James D. Kula, 12 Apr 1994; Col John L. Barry, 2 Aug 1994; Col Jonathan S. Gration, 30 Jul 1996; Col Robertus C. N. Remkes, 5 Jun 1998; Col Thomas B. Wright, 16 Jun 2000; Col Marc D. Felman, 10 Dec 2001; Col William E. Maclure, 16 Jul 2003; Col Michael C. Gardiner, 12 Mar 2004; Col Murrell F. Stinnette, Jul 2005; Col Philip McDaniel, Jun 2007-.
Aircraft: B-17, 1941-1942; B-25, 1941; B-24, 1942-1944. B-29, 1944-1945. B-52, 1963-1965. Controlled deployed aircraft, 1966-1997.
Operations: The 39 Bombardment Group patrolled the northwest coast after the United States entered World War II. Served as an operational training and later as a replacement training unit, 1942-Apr 1944. Trained as a heavy bombardment unit in 1944. Moved to Guam early in 1945 as part of Twentieth Air Force. Conducted its first mission against the Japanese home islands in Apr 1945. Supported Allied invasion of Okinawa by attacking airfields that served as bases for kamikaze pilots. Bombed military and industrial targets in Japan and participated in incendiary raids on urban areas from mid-May until the end of the war. Received a Distinguished Unit Citation for an attack against the Otake oil refinery and storage area on Honshu on 10 May 1945. Received a second Distinguished Unit Citation for bombing industrial and dock areas in Yokohama and manufacturing districts in Tokyo, 23-29 May 1945. Returned to the United States, Nov-Dec 1945. Between 1963 and 1965, 39 Bombardment Wing maintained combat readiness for strategic bombardment. Maintained airborne and ground alerts, and participated in numerous exercises until inactivation. 39 Tactical Group replaced the 7216 Combat Support Group on 1 Apr 1966 to control permanent support units and deployed weapons training detachments at Incirlik, Turkey. Known as TUSLOG (The United States Logistics Group) Detachment 10 within Turkey until 1 Oct 1982, it supported USAFE and NATO operational missions in the Middle East. Provided disaster relief and mercy missions as required during fires, floods, earthquakes, and other such disasters. Provided support for US and NATO forces during operations in Southwest Asia and Eastern Europe, Aug 1990-. From Oct 1993, provided operational and logistical support for all US forces in Turkey and operated a Supreme Allied Command Europe Quick Reaction Alert Force. From Sep 1997-May 2003, became major force provider for the 39 Air and Space Expeditionary Wing, which supported Operations Northern Watch, Enduring Freedom and Iraqi Freedom. Supported earthquake relief to Pakistan, Oct-Nov 2005, and Lebanon non-combatant evacuation operations (NEO), Jul 2006.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Western Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 10 May 1945; Japan, 23-29 May 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1974-30 Jun 1975; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1983; 24 Jun-1 Jul 1985; 1 Sep 1985-31 Aug 1987; 1 Sep 1988-31 Jul 1990; 15 Dec 2001-14 Jul 2003; 15 Jul 2002-31 Oct 2004; 1 Nov 2004-31 Oct 2005; 1 Nov 2005-31 Dec 2006.
Emblem: Approved on 21 Nov 1994.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 15 Jan 2008.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 11 Jan 2008.
Other Sites of Interest:
39th Bombardment Group [VH] Association
39th Air Expeditionary Wing Wiki Resources
60th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 60 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 60 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, and activated, on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 27 Dec 1945. Consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with 960 Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron, which was constituted on 8 Dec 1954. Activated on 8 Mar 1955. Inactivated on 31 Jul 1969. Redesignated 960 Airborne Warning and Control Support Squadron on 31 Jul 1979. Activated on 1 Sep 1979. Redesignated 960 Airborne Warning and Control Squadron on 1 Jan 1982. Inactivated on 1 Jul 1992. Redesignated 960 Airborne Air Control Squadron on 26 Jan 2001. Activated on 1 Mar 2001.
Assignments: 39 Bombardment Group, 15 Jan 1941-1 Apr 1944. 39 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-27 Dec 1945. 551 Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing, 8 Mar 1955-31 Jul 1969. 552 Airborne Warning and Control Wing (later, 552 Airborne Warning and Control Division), 1 Sep 1979; 28 Air Division, 1 Apr 1985; 552 Operations Group, 29 May-1 July 1992. 552 Operations Group, 1 Mar 2001-.
Stations: Ft Douglas, UT, 15 Jan 1941; Felts Field, WA, 2 Jun 1941; Geiger Field, WA, 2 Jul 1941; Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, 2 Feb 1942-1 Apr 1944. Smoky Hill AAFld, KS, 1 Apr 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, 27 May 1944; Smoky Hill AAFld, KS, 17 Jul 1944-8 Jan 1945; North Field, Guam, 18 Feb-16 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, CA, 15-27 Dec 1945. Otis AFB, MA, 8 Mar 1955-31 Jul 1969. Keflavik Naval Installation, Iceland, 1 Sep 1979-1 Jul 1992. Tinker AFB, OK, 1 Mar 2001-.
Commanders: 1st Lt Horace M. Wade, 15 Jan 1941; 1st Lt William K. Martin, by Mar 1941; Maj James H. Wallace, by Jun 1941-c. 17 Jan 1942; unkn, Feb-Dec 1942; Capt James A. Gunn III, by Jan 1943; Maj Elwood P. Donohue, 5 Sep 1943; Maj Paul E. Johnson, 25 Nov 1943-unkn. None (not manned), 1-30 Apr 1944; Capt Daniel H. Foxwell, 1 May 1944; Capt Rodger L. Howard, 22 Jun 1944; Lt Col Woodward B. Carpenter, by Sep 1944; Capt William S. Dickey, Oct 1945-unkn. Unkn, 8 Mar 1955-c. 16 Jan 1956; Lt Col Gary L. Brunnemer, 16 Jan 1956; Lt Col James L. Tyson, 8 Oct 1958; Lt Col William M. Cabral, 15 Aug 1959; Maj Orrin S. Merrill, by Mar 1962; Lt Col Normand H. Traverso, 27 Jul 1962; Maj Robert L. Eldred, 17 Jun 1963; Lt Col Reedis N. Morris, 15 Jul 1963; Lt Col James L. McCall, 6 Aug 1963; Lt Col Francis V. Hooven Jr., c. Jan 1967; unkn, 5 Dec 1968-31 Jul 1969. Lt Col James R. Sterk, 1 Sep 1979; Lt Col Joseph A. Price III, 28 Apr 1980; Lt Col Richard S. Moseley, c. 13 May 1981; Lt Col Steg Egede-Nissen, 4 Jun 1982; Lt Col Gary W. Clark, 12 May 1983; Lt Col Daniel J. Eramo, 13 Jun 1985; Lt Col Frank D. Ruiz, 17 Oct 1986; Lt Col John M. Howell, 3 Oct 1988, Lt Col Daniel D. Metzler, 26 Jul 1990-1 Jul 1992.
Aircraft: B-17, 1941-1942; B-25, 1941; B-24, 1942-1944. B-29, 1944-1945. C-121, 1955-1969. E-3A, 1979-1992.
Operations: A replacement training unit, 1941-1944. Conducted bombardment missions against Japan, c. 6Apr-14 Aug 1945. Provided early warning radar surveillance along the East Coast, 1955-1969. Supported two deployed rotating aircraft with crews in Iceland to provide early detection of Soviet aircraft flying between Iceland and Greenland, 1979-1992.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Western Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 10 May 1945; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23-29 May 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1957-31 Oct 1958; [1 Sep 1979]-30 Jun 1980; 1 Jul 1982-30 Jun 1984; 1 Apr 1987-31 Mar 1989; 1 Dec 1989-1 Dec 1991.
Emblem: Approved on 8 May 1980.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 9 Apr 2002.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 1 Jul 1992.
61st Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted 61 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 61 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, and activated, on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 27 Dec 1945. Consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with the 961 Airborne Early Warning and Control Squadron, which was constituted on 11 Oct 1954. Activated on 18 Dec 1954. Inactivated on 31 Dec 1969. Redesignated 961 Airborne Warning and Control Support Squadron on 31 Dec 1979. Activated on 1 Oct 1979. Redesignated: 961 Airborne Warning and Control Squadron on 1 Jan 1982; 961 Airborne Air Control Squadron on 1 Aug 1994.
Assignments: 39 Bombardment Group, 15 Jan 1941-1 April 1944. 39 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-27 Dec 1945. 551 Airborne Early Warning and Control Wing, 18 Dec 1954-31 Dec 1969. 552 Airborne Warning and Control Wing (later, 552 Airborne Warning and Control Division), 1 Oct 1979; 28 Air Division, 1 Apr 1985; 313 Air Division (attached to Fifth Air Force for operational control) 1 Oct 1990; 18 Operations Group, 1 Oct 1991-.
Stations: Ft Douglas, UT, 15 Jan 1941; Felts Field, WA, 2 Jun 1941; Geiger Field, WA, 2 Jul 1941; Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, 2 Feb 1942-1 Apr 1944. Smoky Hill AAFld, KS, 1 Apr 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, 27 May 1944; Smoky Hill AAFld, KS, 17 Jul 1944-8 Jan 1945; North Field, Guam, 18 Feb-16 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, CA, 15-27 Dec 1945. Otis AFB, MA, 18 Dec 1954-31 Dec 1969. Kadena AB, Japan, 1 Oct 1979-.
Commanders: 1Lt John A. Way, 15 Jan 1941-unkn. Unkn, 1 Apr-1 May 1944; 1 Lt Joe Glickman, 1 May 1944; Maj Thomas L. McKissack, 19 Jun 1944; Maj Gordon R. Willis, c. Aug 1944; Capt James S. Howard, c. Sep 1944; Maj William J. Crumm, c. Oct 1944-unkn. Unkn, 18 Dec 1954-c. 31 Dec 1955; Lt Col Robert E. Harrington, c. Jan 1956; Lt Col Alfred W. Barrett Jr., by 31 Dec 1957; Lt Col Ted H. Ostendorf, 24 Apr 1958; Maj Robert A. Bostick, 27 Aug 1958; Lt Col Clarence E. Franks, 7 Oct 1958; Lt Col Robert C. Kerr, 1 Feb 1960; Lt Col Henry M. O'Connor, 12 Dec 1961; Maj Burkhead M. Herndon , by 30 Dec 1962; Lt Col Frank P. Klotz Jr., 25 Aug 1963; Maj Edward J. Hennegan, 1 Jul 1964; Lt Col Robert V. Mitchell Sr., 30 Jul 1964; Lt Col Jack January Jr., by 30 Sep 1966-unkn; unkn, 1 Oct 1967-31 Dec 1969. Lt Col Howard T. Cariveau, 1 Jan 1980; Col Walter E. Kowalik, 14 Apr 1982-unkn; Col Bruce J. Gold, 24 Jan 1983; Col Richard A. Riegel, 25 Jun 1985; Col Stig Egede-Nissen, 17 Jul 1987; Col Michael A. Gould, 27 Jul 1989; Lt Col Mark F. Benda, 31 Jul 1991; Lt Col Christopher J. Budinski, 23 Jun 1993; Lt Col Joseph M. Marchino, 16 Jun 1995; Lt Col Guy J. Wills III, 30 Jun 1997; Lt Col Derrick A. Hoxie III, 10 Jun 1999; Lt Col Mark E. Ware, 6 Jul 2001; Lt Col Keith A. Swenson, 13 Feb 2003; Lt Col Robert L. Guerrero, 7 Jan 2005-.
Aircraft: B-17, 1941-1942; B-24, 1942-1944. B-29, 1944-1945. C-121, 1955-1969. E-3, 1979-.
Operations: Operational and later replacement training unit, 1942-1944. Combat in Western Pacific, c. 6 Apr-14 Aug 1945. Radar surveillance along eastern coast of US, 18 Dec 1954-31 Dec 1969. Coverage of salvage operations of downed Korean Airliner, Flight 007, 1-10 Sep 1983. Airborne command and control for Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Command and supported US forces counter air interdiction, close air support, rescue, reconnaissance, airlift operations, and special operations, 1980-.
Honors
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 10 May 1945; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23-29 May 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1957-31 Oct 1958; [1 Oct 1979]-30 Jun 1980; 1 Jul 1982-30 Jun 1984; 1-10 Sep 1983; 1 Sep 1995-31 Aug 1997; 1 Oct 1998-30 Sep 2000; 1 Oct 2000-30 Sep 2002; 1 Oct 2002-30 Sep 2004.
Emblem (WWII): On an emerald green disc a caricatured horse yellow, outlined in black, trimmed in brown, wearing coveralls; aviator's helmet and goggles of brown, shoes black, trimmed in yellow, with three zigzag speed lines of black issuing from left foot, carrying under his right arm a white aerial bomb outlined in black, shaded in yellow. (Approved 15 May 1943.)
Emblem (Current): On a Blue disc edged with a narrow Black border a White ray issuant bendwise from dexter chief throughout charged with a Yellow lightning bolt between in chief a White eight pointed star shaded Black, and in base a Yellow winged Red disc edged White bearing a White star pierced of the field details of wings Black. Approved on 2 Mar 1981 (KE 72236), modified on 7 Nov 1995 (no negative number yet); replaced emblems approved on 25 Jun 1956 (154825 A.C.) and 15 May 1942 (K 2670).
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 18 Oct 2007.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 2006.
62nd Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 62d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 62d Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy). Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 27 Dec 1945. Redesignated 62nd Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), and activated on 15 Nov 1962. Organized on 1 Feb 1963. Redesignated 62nd Bomb Sq on 1 Sep 1991, inactivated 18 Jan 1993.
Assignments: 39th Bombardment Group, 15 Jan 1941-1 Apr 1944. 39th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-27 Dec 1945. Strategic Air Command, 15 Nov 1962; 39th Bombardment Wing, 1 Feb 1963; 39th Bombardment Wg -25 Jun 65, 2nd Bombardment Wg -1 Sep 91, 2nd Operations Gp -1993.
Stations: Ft Douglas, Utah, 15 Jan 1941; Geiger Field, Wash, 2 Jul 1941; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 5 Feb 1942-1 Apr 1944. Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 1 Apr 1944; Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 27 May 1944; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 17 Jul 1944-8 Jan 1945; North Field, Guam, 18 Feb-16 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, Calif, 14-27 Dec 1945. Eglin AFB, Fla, 1 Feb 1963-25 Jun 65, Barksdale AFB LA -1993.
Aircraft: B-17, 1941-1942; B-24, 1942-1944. B-29, 1944-1945. B-52, 1963-.
Operations: Operational and later replacement training unit, 1942-1944. Combat in Western Pacific, c. 6 Apr-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 10 May 1945; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23-29 May 1945.
Emblem: None.
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89th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
502nd Air Engineering Sq
501st Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
330th Bombardment Group
 Plaque located in Memorial Park
National Museum of the United States Air ForceCombat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 330th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 1 Jul 1942 and activated on 6 Jul. Assigned to Second AF. Functioned as an operational training and later as a replacement training unit, using B-24 aircraft. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944.
Redesignated 330th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Prepared for combat with B-29's. Moved to Guam, Jan-Apr 1945, and assigned to Twentieth AF. Entered combat on 12 Apr 1945 with an attack on the Hodogaya chemical plant at Koriyama, Japan. From Apr to May 1945, struck airfields from which the Japanese were launching suicide planes against the invasion force at Okinawa. After that, operations were principally concerned with incendiary attacks against urban-industrial areas of Japan. Received a DUC for incendiary raids on the industrial sections of Tokushima and Gifu and for a strike against the hydroelectric power center at Kofu, Japan, in Jul 1945. Received another DUC for attacking the Nakajima-Musashino aircraft engine plant near Tokyo in Aug 1945. Dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners and participated in several show-of-force missions over Japan after the war. Returned to the US, Nov-Dec 1945. Inactivated on 3 Jan 1946.
Redesignated 330th Bombardment Group (Medium). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered to active duty on 1 May 1951. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1951.
Redesignated 330th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) and allotted to the reserve. Activated on 14 Jun 1952. Inactivated on 14 Jul 1952.
Redesignated 330th Military Airlift Group 31 Jul 1985, 330th Tactical Airlift Sustainment Gp 31 Jan 2005, activated 4 Mar 2005, redesignated 330th Aircraft Sustainment Gp 17 Apr 2006.
Assignments: Second AF, Jul 1942-Apr 1944. Twentieth AF, Jan 1945. 330th Bombardment Wing, 1949-1951. 330th Troop Carrier Wing, 1952. 330th Aircraft Sustainment Wg 2005-.
Squadrons: 457th: 1942-1944; 1944-1945; 1949-1951; 1952. 458th: 1942-1944; 1944-1945; 1952. 459th: 1942-1944; 1944-1945; 1952. 460th: 1942-1944; 1944.
Stations: Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, 6 Jul 1942; Alamogordo, NM, 1 Aug 1942; Biggs Field, Tex, 5 Apr 1943-1 Apr 1944. Walker AAFld, Kan, 1 Apr 1944-7 Jan 1945; North Field, Guam, 18 Feb-15 Nov 1945; Camp Stoneman, Calif, unkn-3 Jan 1946. March AFB, Calif, 27 Jun 1949-16 Jun 1951. Greater Pittsburgh Aprt, Pa, 14 Jun-14 Jul 1952. Robins AFB, GA 2005-.
Commanders: Maj Leroy A Rainey, 1 Aug 1942; Lt Col John R Sutherland, 5 Sep 1942; Lt Col John A Way, 1 Dec 1942; Lt Col Samuel C Mitchell, 6 Mar 1943; Lt Col Frank P Bostrom, 15 May 1943; Lt Col Troy W Crawford, 27 Jul 1943; Col Frank P Bostrom, 11 Nov 1943; Lt Col Troy W Crawford, 27 Nov 1943-1 Apr 1944. 1st Lt James J Shaffner, 29 Apr 1944; Maj John G Reiber, 3 May 1944; Col Estley R Farley, 26 May 1944; Col Elbert D Reynolds, 23 Jun 1944; Col Douglas C Polhamus, 12 Aug 1944-unkn. Unkn, 1 May-16 Jun 1951.
Campaigns: American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 3-9 Jul 1945; Tokyo, Japan, 8 Aug 1945.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest:
330th Bomb Group [VH] (Official Site)
330th Bomb Group
Robins Air Force Base - 330th Aircraft Sustainment Wing
330th Aircraft Sustainment Group (Tactical Airlift)
330th Aircraft Sustainment Wing Wiki Resources
457th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (457th Airlift Squadron)
Lineage: Constituted 457th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 1 Jul 1942. Activated on 6 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 457th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, and activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 27 Dec 1945. Redesignated 457th Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 16 May 1949. Activated in the Reserve on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered to active service on 1 May 1951. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1951. Redesignated 457th Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium, on 26 May 1952. Activated in the Reserve on 14 Jun 1952. Inactivated on 14 Jul 1952. Redesignated 457th Troop Carrier Squadron, and activated, on 12 Oct 1966. Organized on 1 Jan 1967. Redesignated 457th Tactical Airlift Squadron on 1 Aug 1967. Inactivated on 30 Apr 1972. Consolidated (1 Dec 1991) with the 1402 Military Airlift Squadron, which was designated, and activated, on 1 Apr 1975. Redesignated 457th Airlift Squadron on 1 Dec 1991.
Assignments: 330th Bombardment Group, 6 Jul 1942-1 Apr 1944. 330th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-27 Dec 1945. 330th Bombardment Group, 27 Jun 1949-16 Jun 1951. 330th Troop Carrier Group, 14 Jun-14 Jul 1952. Pacific Air Forces, 12 Oct 1966; 483d Troop Carrier (later, 483d Tactical Airlift) Wing, 1 Jan 1967-30 Apr 1972. 89th Military Airlift Wing (later, 89th Military Airlift Group), 1 Apr 1975; 375th Aeromedical (later, 375th Military) Airlift Wing, 15 Mar 1978; 375th Operations Group, 1 Dec 1991; 89th Operations Group, 1 Apr 1993-.
Stations: Salt Lake City AAB, UT, 6 Jul 1942; Alamogordo, NM, 1 Aug 1942; Biggs Field, TX, c. 2 Sep 1942; Alamogordo, NM, 29 Nov 1942; Biggs Field, TX, 5 Mar 1943-1 Apr 1944. Walker AAFld, KS, 1 Apr 1944, Dalhart AAFld, TX, 25 May 1944; Walker AAFld, KS, 1 Aug 1944-7 Jan 1945; North Field, Guam, 18 Feb-21 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, CA, c. 19-27 Dec 1945. March AFB, CA, 27 Jun 1949-16 Jun 1951. Greater Pittsburgh Aprt, PA, 14 Jun-14 Jul 1952. Cam Ranh Bay AB, South Vietnam, 1 Jan 1967-30 Apr 1972. Andrews AFB, MD, 1 Apr 1975-.
Aircraft: B-17, 1942; B-24, 1942-1944. B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1945. Unkn, 1949-1951. C-7, 1967-1972. T(later, CT)-39, 1975-1984; VC 131, 1975-1977; C-12, 1976-1977, 1984-; C-21, 1984-.
Operations: Replacement training, 1942-1944. Combat in Western Pacific, c. 12 Apr-14 Aug 1945. Intratheater airlift in Vietnam, including airland and airdrop assault missions, 1967-1972. Pilot readiness training, 1975-1984 and administrative airlift, 1975-1993. Supported intratheater airlift in Southwest Asia, Aug 1990-Apr 1991. Airlift support for high-ranking dignitaries of the US and foreign governments, 1993-.
Honors
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific. Vietnam: Vietnam Air Offensive; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II; Vietnam Air/Ground 1968; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV; TET 69/
Counteroffensive; Vietnam Summer-Fall 1969; Vietnam Winter-Spring 1970; Sanctuary Counteroffensive; Southwest Monsoon; Commando Hunt V; Commando Hunt VI; Commando Hunt VII.
Air Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 3-9 Jul 1945; Tokyo, Japan, 8 Aug 1945. Presidential Unit Citations (Southeast Asia): 21 Jan-12 May 1968; 1 Apr-30 Jun 1970. Navy Presidential Unit Citation: Vietnam, 20 Jan-1 Apr 1968. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device: 1 Jan-30 Apr 1967; 1 May 1967-30 Apr 1968; 1 Jul 1970-31 Dec 1971. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul-31 Dec 1975; 1 Jan 1976-31 Jan 1977; 1 Jun 1981-31 May 1982; 1 Jun 1982-30 Jun 1983; 1 Jun 1986-31 Jul 1988; 1 Jul 1991-30 Jun 1992. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 1 Jan 1967-30 Apr 1972.
Emblem (Current): On a Blue disc with a narrow Yellow border encircled by a stylized Yellow wreath a White star pierced Red all within a narrow Black border. MOTTO: THE WINGS OF COMMAND. Approved on 20 Jul 1984; replaced emblem approved on 3 Jul 1967 (KE 26188).
458th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Constituted 458th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 1 Jul 1942. Activated on 6 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 458th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, and activated, on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 27 Dec 1945. Redesignated 458th Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium, on 26 May 1952. Activated in the Reserve on 14 Jun 1952. Inactivated on 14 Jul 1952. Redesignated 458th Troop Carrier Squadron, and activated, on 12 Oct 1966. Organized on 1 Jan 1967. Redesignated 458th Tactical Airlift Squadron on 1 Aug 1967. Inactivated on 1 Mar 1972. Consolidated (1 Dec 1991) with the 1401st Military Airlift Squadron, which was designated, and activated, on 1 Apr 1975. Redesignated 458th Airlift Squadron on 1 Dec 1991.
Assignments: 330th Bombardment Group, 6 Jul 1942-1 Apr 1944. 330th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-27 Dec 1945. 330th Troop Carrier Group, 14 Jun-14 Jul 1952. Pacific Air Forces, 12 Oct 1966; 483d Troop Carrier (later, 483d Tactical Airlift) Wing, 1 Jan 1967-1 Mar 1972. 89th Military Airlift Wing (later, 89th Military Airlift Group), 1 Apr 1975; 375th Aeromedical (later, 375th Military Airlift) Wing, 15 Mar 1978; 375th Operations Group, 1 Dec 1991-.
Stations: Salt Lake City AAB, UT, 6 Jul 1942; Alamogordo, NM, 1 Aug 1942; Biggs Field, TX, 1 Sep 1942; Alamogordo, NM, 29 Nov 1942; Biggs Field, TX, 5 Apr 1943-1 Apr 1944. Walker AAFld, KS, 1 Apr 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, 25 May 1944; Walker AAFld, KS, 1 Aug 1944-7 Jan 1945; North Field, Guam, 18 Feb-21 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, CA, c.22-27 Dec 1945. Greater Pittsburgh Aprt, PA, 14 Jun-14 Jul 1952. Cam Ranh Bay AB, South Vietnam, 1 Jan 1967-1 Mar 1972. Scott AFB, IL, 1 Apr 1975-.
Aircraft: B-17, 1942; B-24, 1942-1944. B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1945. C-7, 1967- 1972. CT-39, 1975-1984; C-21, 1984-; C-12, 1984-.
Operations: Replacement training, 1942-1944. Combat in Western Pacific, c. 12 Apr- 14 Aug 1945. Tactical airlift in Southeast Asia, Jan 1967-Feb 1972. Military airlift operations worldwide, 1975-1978; worldwide aeromedical evacuation, 1978-1990. Airlift in Southwest Asia, Aug 1990-May 1991.
Honors
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific. Vietnam: Vietnam Air Offensive; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III; Vietnam Air/Ground; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV; TET 69/ Counteroffensive; Vietnam Summer-Fall, 1969; Vietnam Winter-Spring, 1970; Sanctuary Counteroffensive; Southwest Monsoon; Commando Hunt V; Commando Hunt VI; Commando Hunt VII.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 3-9 Jul 1945; Tokyo, Japan, 8 Aug 1945. Presidential Unit Citations (Southeast Asia): 21 Jan-12 May 1968; 1 Apr 30- Jun 1970. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" Device: 1 Jan-30 Apr 1967; 1 May 1967-30 Apr 1968; 1 Jul 1970-31 Dec 1971. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul-31 Dec 1975; 1 Jan 1976-31 Jan 1977; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1983; 1 Jul 1986-31 Jul 1988. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 1 Jan 1967-1 Mar 1972.
Emblem (WWII): Over and through a light blue disc, a gray fortress in a large, white cloud formation, having three, jagged, yellow lightning flashes striking toward base, over the top segment of an ultramarine blue globe, marked with white lines of latitude and longitude. (Approved 27 Jun 1945.)
Emblem (Current): On a Blue disc edged with a narrow Yellow border, in chief a sword palewise with the point up White detailed Blue and issuing from the edges of the sword blade eight Yellow rays rising from the base a Red trapezoid terminating below the silhouette of a stylized White aircraft bendwise all between four White five-pointed stars two each in pale at dexter and sinister. Approved on 18 May 1983 (DFSC 83-08020); replaced emblems approved on 27 Mar 1968 (KE 29506) and 27 Jun 1945 (29920 A.C.).
459th Bombardment Squadron
Source:
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 459 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 1 Jul 1942. Activated on 6 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 459 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, and activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 21 Dec 1945. Redesignated 459 Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium, on 26 May 1952. Activated in the Reserve on 14 Jun 1952. Inactivated on 14 Jul 1952. Redesignated 459 Troop Carrier Squadron, and activated, on 12 Oct 1966. Organized on 1 Jan 1967. Redesignated 459 Tactical Airlift Squadron on 1 Aug 1967. Inactivated on 1 Jun 1970. Consolidated (1 Dec 1991) with the 1400 Military Airlift Squadron, which was designated, and activated, on 1 Apr 1975. Redesignated 459 Airlift Squadron on 1 Dec 1991. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1993. Activated on 1 Oct 1993.
Assignments: 330 Bombardment Group, 6 Jul 1942-1 Apr 1944. 330 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-21 Dec 1945. 330 Troop Carrier Group, 14 Jun-14 Jul 1952. Pacific Air Forces, 12 Oct 1966; 483 Troop Carrier (later, 483 Tactical Airlift) Wing, 1 Jan 1967-1 Jun 1970. 89 Military Airlift Wing (later, 89 Military Airlift Group), 1 Apr 1975; 375 Aeromedical (later, 375 Military) Airlift Wing, 15 Mar 1978; 375 Operations Group, 1 Dec 1991; 22 Operations Group, 1 Apr-1 Oct 1993. 374 Operations Group, 1 Oct 1993-.
Stations: Salt Lake City AAB, UT, 6 Jul 1942; Alamogordo, NM, 1 Aug 1942; Biggs Field, TX, 2 Sep 1942; Alamogordo, NM, 29 Nov 1942; Biggs Field, TX, 5 Apr 1943-1 Apr 1944. Walker AAFld, KS, 1 Apr 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, 25 May 1944; Walker AAFld, KS, 1 Aug 1944-7 Jan 1945; North Field, Guam, 18 Feb-19 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, CA, c. 18-21 Dec 1945. Greater Pittsburgh Aprt, PA, 14 Jun-14 Jul 1952. Phu Cat AB, Vietnam, 1 Jan 1967-1 Jun 1970. Norton AFB, CA, 1 Apr 1975; March AFB, CA, 15 Oct 1992-1 Oct 1993. Yokota AB, Japan, 1 Oct 1993-.
Commanders: Capt Harris K. McCauley, 1942-unkn; Capt Campbell, unkn-1 Jun 1943; Capt DeBord, 1 Jun 1943-unkn; 2 Lt Sol I. Lobe, 30 May 1944; Capt Tullie W. Cato, c. 6 Jun 1944; Lt Col Robert W. Ryder, 1 Aug 1944; Maj Frank J. Rinehart, 18 Aug 1945; Capt Dennie R. Curtis, 30 Oct 1945; 1 Lt Sol I. Lobe, 15 Nov 1945-unkn. Unkn, 14 Jun-14 Jul 1952. Lt Col Edward J. Thielen, 1 Jan 1967; Lt Col David P. Hopwood, 24 Aug 1967; Lt Col James K. Secrest, 1 May 1968; Lt Col John Kozey Jr., Aug 1968; Lt Col Arthur T. Rossing, c. Jul 1969; Lt Col Russell C. Draper, 13 Mar 1970-unkn. Lt Col Everett A. Cheney, 1 Apr 1975; Lt Col Bert E. Grigsby, c. Jul 1976; Lt Col Anthony A. Vanagas, 19 Jun 1978; Lt Col Neil Sorenson, 14 Aug 1980; Lt Col Geoffrey R. Hickman, 1 Dec 1981; Lt Col James H. White, 25 Nov 1983; Lt Col James M. Murphy, 14 Mar 1984; Lt Col Lester H. Ideker Jr., 3 Oct 1986; Lt Col Eric B. House II, 16 Sep 1988; Lt Col Richard A. Mallahan, 30 May 1990; Lt Col William R. Short, 10 Jun 1992-unkn; unkn-16 Apr 1995; Lt Col Thomas S. Kingsley, 17 Apr 1995; Lt Col Jeffery A. Worthing, 5 Sep 1996; Lt Col John C. McKoy, 7 May 1998; Lt Col Walter Leach, c. 2000; Lt Col Christopher R. Valle, 16 Apr 2002; Lt Col Michael Smith, 8 Jun 2004; Lt Col Thad A. Hunkins, 19 Jun 2006-.
Aircraft: B-17, 1942; B-24, 1942-1944. B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1945. C-7, 1967-1970. CT-39, 1975-1985; C-12, 1984-1993; C-21, 1985-; UH-1, 1993-.
Operations: Replacement training, 1942-1944. Combat in Western Pacific, c. 12 Apr-14 Aug 1945. Intratheater airlift in Southeast Asia, Jan 1967-May 1970. Airlift of key Department of Defense personnel, Apr 1975-Mar 1978; aeromedical airlift, Mar 1978-Nov 1991; operational support airlift, Dec 1991-Oct 1993. Airlifted distinguished visitors, priority personnel and cargo throughout Japan and the Pacific theater, 1993-.
Honors
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific. Vietnam: Vietnam Air Offensive; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III; Vietnam Air/Ground; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV; TET 69/Counteroffensive; Vietnam Summer-Fall,1969; Vietnam Winter-Spring, 1970; Sanctuary Counteroffensive.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 3-9 Jul 1945; Tokyo, Japan, 8 Aug 1945. Presidential Unit Citations (Southeast Asia): 1 Jan-12 May 1968; 1 Apr-31 May 1970. Presidential Unit Citation (Navy): Khe Sanh, 20 Jan-31 Mar 1968. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" Device: 1 Jan-30 Apr 1967; 1 May 1967-30 Apr 1968. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul- 31 Dec 1975; 1 Jan 1976-31 Jan 1977; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1983; 1 Jun 1986-31 Jul 1988; 1 Jul-1 Oct 1993; [1 Oct 1993]-1 Oct 1994; 1 Oct 1994-30 Sep 1996; 1 Oct 1996-30 Sep 1997; 1 Oct 1998-30 Sep 2000; 1 Oct 2000-30 Sep 2002; 1 Oct 2003-30 Sep 2005. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm; 1 Jan 1967-30 Jun 1970.
Emblem (WWII): On a light turquoise blue disc, border red, piped white, a red centaur having gold tail, white face, and gray hoofs, wearing a red helmet, winged gold, and gray gloves, reared up on hind legs on white cloud formation in base, facing toward sinister, and shooting a jagged, gold lightning bolt affixed to bow string of curved bow of the last, all beneath a white cloud formation in dexter chief and flecked with white, five-point stars. (Approved 9 Apr 1945.)
Emblem (Current): On a Blue disc edged with a narrow Red border a White undulating aerodynamic shape fesswise throughout between in base a Yellow sun emitting seven Yellow rays and in the top of the disc a constellation of ten White stars palewise four, three, two and one, overall five contrails bendwise, Red, White, Blue, White, Red, terminating at a White aircraft ascending bendwise garnished Black. Approved on 10 Jun 1982 (DFSC 82-05845); replaced emblem approved on 19 Dec 1942 (29396 A.C.).
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 22 Oct 2008.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 30 Dec 2006.
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90th Air Service Group
Hq and Base Services Sq
508th Air Engineering Sq
507th Air Material Sq
(See Air Svc Cmd Units)
315th Bombardment Wing
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Plaque located in Memorial Park
National Museum of the United States Air Force |
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Lineage: Established as 315 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy on 7 Jun 1944. Activated on 17 Jul 1944. Redesignated 315 Composite Wing on 8 Jan 1946. Inactivated on 20 Aug 1948. Redesignated 315 Air Division (Combat Cargo) on 10 Jan 1951. Activated on 25 Jan 1951. Redesignated 315 Air Division on 1 Aug 1967. Consolidated (1 Jul 1978) with organization established as 315th Air Division on 13 Aug 1948, organized on 18 Aug 1948, and discontinued on 1 Mar 1950. Inactivated on 15 Apr 1969.
Assignments: Second Air Force, 17 Jul 1944 (attached XXII Bomber Command, c. 14 Aug-c. 7 Dec 1944); Twentieth Air Force, c. 25 Mar 1945; XXI Bomber Command, 5 Apr 1945; Twentieth Air Force, 16 Jul 1945; Fifth Air Force, 30 May 1946; V Fighter Command, 30 May 1946; Fifth Air Force, 1 Jun 1946-1 Mar 1950. Far East (later, Pacific) Air Forces, 25 Jan 1951-15 Apr 1969.
Components
Wings: 8 Fighter (later, 8 Fighter-Bomber): 18 Aug 1948-1 Mar 1950. 38 Bombardment: 18 Aug 1948-1 Apr 1949. 314 Troop Carrier (later, 314 Tactical Airlift): attached 22-26 Jan 1966, assigned 27 Jan 1966-1 Nov 1968; attached 1 Nov 1968-8 Apr 1969. 315 Troop Carrier (later, 315 Air Commando): 10 Jun 1952-18 Jan 1955; 8 Mar-15 Oct 1966 (detached entire period). 347 Fighter: 18 Aug 1948-1 Mar 1950. 374 Troop Carrier (later, 374 Tactical Airlift): 25 Jan 1951-1 Jul 1957; 8 Aug 1966-1 Nov 1968; attached 1 Nov 1968-8 Apr 1969. 403 Troop Carrier: attached 14 Apr 1952-1 Jan 1953. 437 Troop Carrier: 25 Jan 1951-10 Jun 1952. 463 Troop Carrier (later, 463 Tactical Airlift): 23 Nov 1965-1 Nov 1968; attached 1 Nov 1968-8 Apr 1969. 475 Fighter: 18 Aug 1948-1 Apr 1949. 483 Troop Carrier: attached 1 Jan 1953-30 Jun 1954, assigned 1 Jul 1954-25 Jun 1960.
Groups: 8 Fighter: 31 May 1946-18 Aug 1948. 16 Bombardment: attached 15 Apr-1 Jun 1945. 38 Bombardment: 31 May 1946-18 Aug 1948. 61 Troop Carrier: attached 25 Jan 1951-21 Nov 1952. 314 Troop Carrier: attached 25 Jan 1951-15 Nov 1954. 315 Troop Carrier (later, 315 Air Commando): 8 Dec 1962-8 Mar 1966 (detached entire period). 316 Troop Carrier: attached 15 Nov 1954-18 Mar 1955, assigned 18 Mar 1955-18 Jan 1957 (detached entire period). 331 Bombardment: attached 12 May-22 Jun 1945, assigned 23 Jun 1945-15 Apr 1946 (not operational, c. 15 Feb-15 Apr 1946). 347 Fighter: 25 Sep 1947-18 Aug 1948. 501 Bombardment: attached 15 Apr-18 Jun 1945, assigned 19 Jun 1945-15 May 1946. 502 Bombardment: attached 12 May-25 Jun 1945, assigned 26 Jun 1945-15 Apr 1946). 6315 Operations: 20 Oct 1964-8 Aug 1966. Combat Cargo (Troop Carrier) Provisional 6492: attached 21 Sep-8 Dec 1962.
Squadrons: 21 Troop Carrier: 25 Jun 1960-8 Aug 1966 (detached entire period). 24 Helicopter: 13 Oct 1956-8 Mar 1960. 25 Tactical Reconnaissance: 31 May 1946-28 Feb 1947, attached 28 Feb 1947-15 Apr 1948. 29 Troop Carrier: 27 Jan-25 Mar 1966. 35 Troop Carrier: 8 Jan 1963-8 Aug 1966 (detached entire period). 38 Tactical Airlift: attached 8 Feb-19 Jul 1968. 41 Photographic Reconnaissance: 18 Sep 1945-4 Jan 1946. 41 Troop Carrier: c. 21 Nov 1965-8 Aug 1966 (detached entire period). 50 Troop Carrier: attached 1 Oct 1951-15 Nov 1954; assigned 26 Dec 1965-23 Feb 1966. 68 Fighter: attached 10 Apr-24 Nov 1947. 345 Troop Carrier: 1 Jun 1962-8 Jan 1963; 27 Nov 1965-25 Mar 1966 (detached entire period). 346 Tactical Airlift: attached 7 Jan-25 Mar 1969. 347 Tactical Airlift: attached 19 Jul-18 Oct 1968. 348 Tactical Airlift: 18 Oct 1968-7 Jan 1969. 421 Night Fighter: 31 May 1946-20 Feb 1947. 433 Fighter: attached 15 Oct 1946-18 Nov 1947. 776 Troop Carrier: 26 Dec 1965-25 Mar 1966. 777 Tactical Airlift: attached 31 Mar-1 Aug 1968. 778 Tactical Airlift: attached 1-23 Aug 1968. 779 Tactical Airlift: attached 7 Feb-31 Mar 1968. 815 Troop Carrier (later, 815 Tactical Airlift): 25 Jun 1960-1 Nov 1968. 817 Troop Carrier: 25 Jun 1960-8 Aug 1966 (detached entire period). 6461 Troop Carrier (later, 6461 Air Transport): 1 Dec 1952-24 Jun 1955 (detached entire period). 6475 Flying Training: 25 Nov 1954-18 May 1955 (detached entire period). 6485 Operations: 17 Sep 1956-1 Sep 1968; attached 1 Dec 1968-8 Apr 1969.
Stations: Peterson Field, CO, 17 Jul 1944; Fort Lawton, WA, 10 17 Mar 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, Marianas Islands, 5 Apr 1945; Ashiya AAB, Japan, 30 May 1946; Itazuke AAB (later, Airfield; AB), Japan, 31 May 1946-1 Mar 1950. Ashiya AS, Japan, 25 Jan 1951; Fuchu, Japan, 5 Feb 1951; Tachikawa AB, Japan, 24 Apr 1954-15 Apr 1969.
Commanders: 1st Lt Philip F. Locke, 17 Jul 1944; Lt Col Robert A. Koeper, 28 Jul 1944; Lt Col Stanley A. Zidiales, 11 Aug 1944; Brig Gen Frank A. Armstrong Jr., 29 May 1945; Col Leland S. Stranathan, 24 Oct 1945; Brig Gen Frank A. Armstrong Jr., c. Dec 1945-17 Jan 1946; unkn, 18-24 Jan 1946; Col Leland S. Stranathan, 25 Jan 1946; Col Vincent M. Miles Jr., 15 Apr-15 May 1946; none (not manned), 16-30 May 1946; Col Hanlon H. Van Auken, 31 May 1946; Col Hugh A. Parker, 19 Jul 1946; Col Travis M. Hetherington, 10 Jun 1947; Col Joshua H. Foster Jr., 21 Jun 1948; Col Marden M. Munn, 6 Aug 1948; Brig Gen Edward J. Timberlake Jr., 14 Sep 1948; Col Leo H. Dawson, 19 Jun 1949; Col Gerry L. Mason, 22 Jun 1949; Col Leo H. Dawson, c. 5 Jul 1949; Col Gerry L. Mason, 12 Jul 1949; Col Marden M. Munn, 29 Sep 1949; Brig Gen Oliver S. Picher, 23 Oct 1949-1 Mar 1950. Maj Gen William H. Tunner, 25 Jan 1951; Brig Gen John P. Henebry, 8 Feb 1951; Col Cecil H. Dhildre, 26 Feb 1952; Maj Gen Chester E. McCarty, 10 Apr 1952; Col Adriel N. Williams, 15 Nov 1954; Maj Gen Russell L. Waldren, 3 Dec 1954; Col William M. Brown, 15 May 1957; Brig Gen Charles H. Pottenger, 1 Jul 1957; Brig Gen Theodore G. Kershaw, 10 Jul 1959; Col Lopez J. Mantoux, 30 Jul 1963; Brig Gen Richard H. Ellis, 1 Sep 1963; Col Lester R. Ferriss Jr., 16 Jun 1965; Col Charles W. Howe, 13 Jul 1965; Col Robert D. Brown, 26 Jul 1968-15 Apr 1969.
Aircraft: B-29, 1945-1946; F-5, 1945-1946; B-17, 1946-1947; B-25, 1946-1950; B-26, 1946-1949; L-5, 1946, 1948-1950; P-51, 1946-1948; P-51/F-6, 1946-1948; P-61, 1946-1948; UC-64, 1946; C-45, 1948-1950; C-46, 1948-1950; C-47, 1948-1950; F-51, 1948-1950; F-61, 1948-1950; H-5, 1948-1950; H-6, 1948-1950; SB-17, 1948-1950; T-6, 1948-1950; F-80, 1949-1950; F-82, 1949-1950. C-46, 1951-1955; C-47, 1951-1957; C-54, 1951-1965; C-119, 1951-1959; C-124, 1952-1957; H-21, 1956-1960; H-19, 1957-1958; C-130, 1958-1969; C-118, 1963-1969; C 123, 1963-1966.
Operations: The 315th moved to Guam in Apr 1945. At first, subordinate units flew "shakedown" missions against Japanese targets on Moen Island, Truk, and other points in the Carolines and Marianas. Bombing missions commenced against targets in the Japanese homeland on 26 Jun 1945 when the wing damaged the Utsube River oil refinery at Yokkaichi. Thereafter, oil targets in Japan served as its primary targets. When hostilities ended, the wing's B 29s carried relief supplies to Allied prisoner of war camps in Japan and Manchuria. In Jan 1951 at Ashiya AB, Japan, the 315th Division replaced and absorbed the resources of the Far East Air Forces Combat Cargo Command (Provisional). During the Korean conflict, its components evacuated wounded from Korea, airdropped supplies and personnel, hauled emergency supplies, materiel, replacement troops, mail, rations and ammunition, participated in joint training exercises in Japan, took part in numerous combat missions, and operated regular transport schedules within the Far East area. Before combat operations ceased in Korea, the division began supporting French forces engaged in a war in Indo-China. From May 1953-Jul 1954, it provided C-119s to the French, trained French air crews and maintenance personnel, performed additional airlift missions in support of the French, and finally evacuated wounded French troops from Indo-China during operation Wounded Warrior. In Jul 1954, the 315th resumed normal airlift operations and participated in training exercises in Japan. In 1962, it established airlift support for the expanding conflict in Southeast Asia. Meantime, the division continued its routine airlift in the Far East, flew humanitarian missions, and participated in training exercises when possible. The crisis prompted by the North Korean seizure of the USS Pueblo in Jan 1968, found the 315th supporting an emergency airlift to the Republic of Korea.
Service Streamers: World War II: Asiatic Pacific Theater; Korean Service
Campaign Streamers: None.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan-30 Jun 1961; 1 Jul 1964-30 Jun 1966; 1 Nov 1966-31 Oct 1968. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations: 25 Jan-30 Jun 1951; 1 Jul 1951-27 Jul 1953.
Emblem: Or, within and beneath a torii gate gules a representation of a parachute argent lowering a winged cargo box in perspective, one edge to front, light brown, its top bearing overall a two edged sword of the third, hilt azure, all outlined white, surmounted by a cross of the second, all within a diminished bordure of the fifth, fimbriated and outlined of the third. (Approved 11 Oct 1954.)
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 15 Apr 1969.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 15 Apr 1969.
Other Sites of Interest:
315th Bomb Wing
315th Air Division Wiki Resources
16th Bombardment Group
Source:
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
or
Lineage: Constituted as 16th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) on 28 Mar 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Trained for combat with B-29's. Moved to Guam, Mar-Apr 1945, and assigned to Twentieth AF. Entered combat on 16 Jun 1945 with a bombing raid against an airfield on Moen. Flew first mission against the Japanese home islands on 26 Jun 1945 and afterwards operated principally against the enemy's petroleum industry. Flying unescorted in the face of severe enemy attack, the 16th bombed the oil refinery at Shimotsu, the Mitsubishi refinery and oil installations at Kawasaki, and the coal liquefaction plants at Ube, Jul-Aug 1945, and was awarded a DUC for the missions. After the war the group dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners of war in Japan, Manchuria, and Korea, and participated in several show-of-force missions over Japan. Inactivated on Guam on 15 Apr 1946. Redesignated 16th Bombardment Training Wg 31 Jul 1985 (not active).
Squadrons: 15th: 1944-1946. 16th: 1944-1946. 17th: 1944-1946. 21st: 1944.
Stations: Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 1 Apr 1944; Fairmont AAFld, Neb, 15 Aug 1944-7 Mar 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 14 Apr 1945-15 Apr 1946.
Commanders: Unkn, Apr-Jun 1944; Capt William W Hosler Jr, 24 Jun 1944; Maj Richard W Lavin, 1 Jul 1944; Col Samuel C Gurney Jr, 11 Jul 1944; Lt Col Andre F Castellotti, 11 Jul 1945-1946.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 29 July Aug 1945.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest:
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...please be patient.
