20th AF UNITS

Source:

Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
       The New York Military Affairs Symposium Website
       or
       ibiblio - Open and Free Resources  (Adobe Acrobat file)
       or
       Air Force Historical Studies Office (AFHSO)  (Adobe Acrobat file)

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

Vols 1, 3, 4, 7 available online at: ibiblio - Open and Free Resources

All seven vols. available online at: Air Force Historical Studies Office (AFHSO)

Other Sites of Interest: History of the 20th Air Force

Source:

Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (58th Air Division)

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

WWII B-29 Footage

Source:

Air Force Combat Wings: Lineage and Honors Histories, 1947-1977, Charles A. Ravenstein, AFHRC, 1984 (Adobe Acrobat file)

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

25th Bombardment Squadron

(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:
       Air Force Historical Studies Office  (Adobe Acrobat File)
       or
       Air Force Historical Research Agency  (Adobe Acrobat File)
       or
       ibiblio - Open and Free Resources  (Adobe Acrobat File)

Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (25th Space Control Tactics Squadron)

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.

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-.

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.

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.)

Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 21 Jul 2004

NOTE: 25th Space Control Tactics Squadron redesignated 25th Space Range Squadron 11 Nov 2007 per DAF/A1M 887s, 17 Oct 2007; So #GD-001, Hq AFSPC, 7 Nov 2007.

44th Bombardment Squadron

(Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)

Source:

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

(Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)

Source:

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:

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

11th Photographic Laboratory

Distinguished Unit Citation: 20 Aug 44, WD GO 65-45.

Source:

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

676th Bombardment Squadron

(Aug 44-Apr 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)

Source:

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-Apr 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)

Source:

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-Apr 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)

10th Intelligence Sq

Source:

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:

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

Source:

Air Force Combat Wings: Lineage and Honors Histories, 1947-1977, Charles A. Ravenstein, AFHRC, 1984 (Adobe Acrobat file)

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

768th Bombardment Squadron

(Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)

Source:

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.)

Source:

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.)

Source:

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.)

Source:

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.

Source:

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

792nd Bombardment Squadron

(Aug 44-May 45.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)

Source:

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.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)

Source:

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.

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.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)

Source:

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-.

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.
Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris.
Used with permission.)

Source:

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)

Source:

Air Force Historical Research Agency (AFHRA) (73d Air Division)

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, 12 Aug 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:

WWII B-29 Footage