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20th Air Force (See CBI Unit Histories)
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
"The Army Almanac", U.S. Government Printing Office, 1950
Lineage: Established as Twentieth Air Force and activated on 4 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 1 Mar 1955. Activated on 1 Sep 1991. Redesignated Twentieth Air Force (Air Forces Strategic), Hq, 1 Dec 2009 per DAF/A1M 157t, 6 Nov 2009; SO GS-02, Hq AFGSC, 20 Nov 2009 and reassigned to Air Force Global Strike Command, 1 Dec 2009 per DAF/A1M 155t, 2 Nov 2009; SO #GD-002, Hq AFSPC, 19 Nov 2009.
Assignments: Army Air Forces, 4 Apr 1944; United States Army Strategic Air Forces, 16 Jul 1945; Pacific Air Command, United States Army (later Far East Air Forces), 6 Dec 1945-1 Mar 1955. Strategic Air Command, 1 Sep 1991; Air Combat Command, 1 Jun 1992; Air Force Space Command, 1 Jul 1993; Air Force Global Strike Command, 1 Dec 2009-.
Major Components
Commands: VII Fighter, 5 Aug 1945-c. Aug 1946. XX Bomber, 19 Apr 1944-18 Jul 1945. XXI Bomber, 9 Nov 1944-18 Jul 1945.
Wings: 18 Fighter-Bomber, 10 Nov 1954-31 Jan 1955. 19 Bombardment, 17 Aug 1948-16 May 1949, 17 Oct 1949-11 Jun 1954 (detached 1 Jun 1953-c. 28 May 1954). 23 Fighter, 16 Aug 1948-25 Apr 1949. 44 Missile, 1 Sep 1991-5 Jul 1994. 51 Fighter, 16 May 1949-1 Mar 1955 (detached 25 Sep-12 Oct 1950). 58 Bombardment, 29 Jun-12 Oct 1944; 1 Feb-15 Nov 1945. 73 Bombardment, c. 6 Aug-9 Nov 1944. 90 Missile (later, 90 Space), 1 Sep 1991-. 91 Missile (later, 91 Missile Group; 91 Missile Wing; 91 Space Wing, 91 Missile Wing); 1 Sep 1991-. 98 Bombardment (Attached 18 Jun-25 Jul 1954). 301 Fighter, 21 May 1945-14 Aug 1945 (detached 21 May 1945-14 Aug 1945). 307 Bombardment (Attached 18 Jun-19 Nov 1954). 310 Training and Test, 1 Sep 1991-1 Jul 1993. 313 Bombardment, 16 Jul 1945-13 Mar 1946. 314 Bombardment, 16 Jul 1945-15 May 1946. 315 Bombardment, 16 Jul 1945-30 May 1946. 321 Missile (later, 321 Missile Group), 1 Sep 1991-2 Jul 1998. 341 Missile (later, 341 Space), 1 Sep 1991-. 351 Missile, 1 Sep 1991-31 Jul 1995. 374 Troop Carrier, (Attached 17 Aug 1948-5 Mar 1949).
Stations: Washington, DC, 4 Apr 1944; Harmon Field (later Harmon AFB), Guam, 16 Jul 1945; Kadena AFB (later Kadena AB), Okinawa, 16 May 1949-1 Mar 1955. Vandenberg AFB, CA, 1 Sep 1991; Francis E. Warren AFB, WY, 1 Oct 1993-.
Commanders: Gen of the Army Henry H. (Hap) 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 Alvin C. Kincaid, 8 Sep 1948; Maj Gen Ralph F. Stearley, 31 Jul 1950; Maj Gen Fay R. Upthegrove, 8 Feb 1953-1 Mar 1955. Brig Gen Thomas E. Kuenning Jr., 1 Sep 1991; Lt Gen Arlen D. Jameson, 1 Jul 1992; Maj Gen Robert W. Parker, 22 Jun 1994; Maj Gen Donald G. Cook, 17 Jun 1996; Maj Gen Thomas H. Neary, 4 Sep 1998; Maj Gen Timothy J. McMahon, 19 Jul 2000; Lt Gen Frank G. Klotz, 30 May 2003; Lt Gen Thomas F. Deppe, 14 Oct 2005; Maj Gen Roger W. Burg, 10 Aug 2007; Maj Gen C. Donald Alston, 1 Jul 2010-.
Operations: After the activation of Twentieth Air Force in Apr 1944, some combat units moved from the United States to India and onto forward bases in China by summer to conduct heavy bombardment operations with B-29 Superfortresses against targets in Japan, Formosa, Thailand, and Burma during Operation MATTERHORN. Other combat elements moved in late 1944 from the United States to the Marianas, where they were joined in early 1945 by the elements that had been in India and China. Headquarters, Twentieth Air Force moved to Guam on 16 Jul 1945. From Guam, Saipan, and Tinian, the Twentieth conducted a strategic air offensive against Japan, climaxed by the dropping of two atomic bombs, one each on Hiroshima and Nagasaki, which led to the Japanese surrender, ending World War II. After the war, the Twentieth remained in the theater. Elements served in combat for a short time at the beginning of the Korean War, but Twentieth AF later was concerned primarily with logistics support for the operations of other organizations and with providing air defense of the Ryukyu Islands. Inactivated in Okinawa on 1 Mar 1955. Activated again in 1991 to maintain and operate the Air Force's intercontinental ballistic missile (ICBM) forces, first under Strategic Air Command, then (1992) under Air Combat Command, later (1993) under Air Force Space Command, and finally (2009) under Air Force Global Strike Command (the former Strategic Air Command).
Service Streamers: World War II: American Theater; Asiatic-Pacific Theater; Korea: Korean Service.
Campaign Streamers: None.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Sep 1991-31 Aug 1993; 1 Sep 1993-14 Oct 1994; 1 Oct 1995-30 Sep 1997; 1 Oct 1997-30 Sep 1999; 1 Oct 1999-30 Sep 2001; 1 Oct 2001-30 Sep 2003; 1 Oct 2005-30 Sep 2007.
Emblem: 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.) Modified on 15 Oct 1991 and 18 May 1994.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through May 2011.
Commanders and Operations through Apr 2011.
(Presidential Unit Citation: See "Background of the Presidential Unit Citation for MIS" in CBI Unit Histories)
 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" (7 volumes) Office of Air Force History Wesley Craven & James Cate, editors Other Sites and Documents of Interest: B-29 Superfortress Then and Now Prairie Bombers Digital Library Twentieth Air Force Wiki Resources  The Twentieth Air Force in World War II (Adobe Acrobat document)
XX Bomber Command
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
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
10th Photographic Technical Unit Stations: Hijli; Kharagpur; Meritorious Unit Commendation: 8 Apr-8 Oct 44, GO 79, Hq 20th AF, dtd 5 Apr 45 Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon The 10th Photo Tech Unit was later on Okinawa (at Kadena from about 1946) until it was inactivated 7 Jan 50. It does not show up in Air Force Bases, Vol II, but it was assigned to the 32nd Composite Wing for the 32nd's 1948-1949 existence). On 16 Oct 84 it was consolidated with the 452nd Reconnaissance Technical Squadron as the 6th Reconnaissance Technical Squadron, possibly never active under this designation.
58th Bombardment Wing
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Established as 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
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
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.
Redesignated 40 Air Expeditionary Wing, and converted to provisional status, on 31 Jan 2002.
Assignments: 13 Composite Wing, 1 Apr 1941; VI Bomber Command, 25 Oct 1941 (attached to VI Interceptor Command, 15 Jan-5 Apr 1942); VI Interceptor Command, 6 Apr 1942; VI Bomber Command, 22 Jun 1942; 58 Bombardment Operational Training (later, 58 Bombardment) Wing, 9 Jul 1943; XX Bomber Command, 12 Oct 1944; 58 Bombardment Wing, 8 Feb 1945-1 Oct 1946. 802 Air Division, 28 May 1952 (attached to: 310 Bombardment Wing, 6 Feb-1 May 1953; 7 Air Division, 9 Jun-9 Sep 1955 and c. 1 Jul-c. 1 Oct 1957); 21 Air (later, 21 Strategic Aerospace) Division, 20 Jun 1960-1 Sep 1964. United States Air Forces in Europe, 14 Mar 1966; Seventeenth Air Force, 1 Apr 1966; Sixteenth Air Force, 1 Dec 1968-4 May 1992. Pacific Air Forces to activate or inactivate at any time after 31 Jan 2002.
Squadrons: 5 Reconnaissance (later, 395 Bombardment): attached 1 Apr 1941-24 Feb 1942, assigned 25 Feb-9 Aug 1942; assigned 12 May 1943-20 Oct 1944. 25 Bombardment: 12 May 1943-1 Oct 1946 (not operational, 21 Sep-1 Oct 1946); 28 May 1952-1 Sep 1964 (not operational, 28 May 1952-c. 3 Apr 1953 and 15 Aug-1 Sep 1964). 29: 1 Apr 1941-12 May 1943. 32 Tactical Fighter: attached 2-24 Jun 1972. 40 Air Refueling: 8 Jul 1952-1 Jun 1960 (not operational, 8 Jul-7 Sep 1952; detached 8 Sep 1952-30 Apr 1953, 1-10 Mar 1954, 4 May-27 Jun 1954, 25 Jun-5 Sep 1956, c. 1 Jul-c. 1 Oct 1957, and c. 1 Oct 1958-10 Jan 1959). 44 Bombardment: 1 Apr 1941-1 Oct 1946 (not operational 21 Sep-1 Oct 1946); 28 May 1952-1 Sep 1964 (not operational, 28 May 1952-31 May 1953 and 15 Aug-1 Sep 1964). 45 Bombardment: 1 Apr 1941-1 Oct 1946 (not operational, 21 Sep-1 Oct 1946); 28 May 1952-1 Sep 1964 (not operational, 28 May 1952-30 Sep 1953 and 15 Aug-1 Sep 1964). 74: 9 Aug 1942-12 May 1943. 90 Air Refueling: 20 Jun 1960-15 Nov 1962. 343: 10 Nov 1945-27 Mar 1946 (not operational, 10 Nov 1945-27 Mar 1946). 548 Strategic Missile: 1 Jan-1 Sep 1964 (detached 1 Aug-1 Sep 1964). 660: 1 Feb 1959-1 Jan 1962.
Stations: Borinquen Field, Puerto Rico, 1 Apr 1941; Howard Field, Panama Canal Zone, 16 Jun 1942; Albrook Field, Panama Canal Zone, 16 Sep 1942; Howard Field, Panama Canal Zone, 2-15 Jun 1943; Pratt AAFld, KS, 1 Jul 1943-Mar 1944; Chakulia, India, 2 Apr 1944-25 Feb 1945; West Field, Tinian, 4 Apr-7 Nov 1945; March Field, CA, 27 Nov 1945; Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, 8 May-1 Oct 1946. Smoky Hill (later, Schilling) AFB, KS, 28 May 1952; Forbes AFB, KS, 20 Jun 1960-1 Sep 1964. Aviano AB, Italy, 1 Apr 1966-4 May 1992.
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 Willam H., Blanchard, 4 Aug 1944; Col Henry R. Sullivan Jr., 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. None (not manned), 28 May 1952-5 Feb 1953; Col Stanley J. Donovan, 6 Feb 1953; Col David A. Burchinal, 2 May 1953; Col Robert J. Nolan, 26 Oct 1953; Col Berton H. Burns, 11 Jun 1954; Col Charles L. Wimberly, 15 Jul 1954; Col Robert J. Nolan, 27 Jul 1954; Col Berton H. Burns, 16 Sep 1954; Col Andrew S. Low Jr., 1 Jun 1957; Col George Y. Jumper, 4 Jul 1958; Col Woodward B. Carpenter, 7 Jul 1959; Col Norman J. McGowan, 20 Jun 1960; Col Joel A. Carroll Jr., 8 Jul 1961-10 Aug 1964; unkn, 11 Aug-1 Sep 1964. None (not manned), 14-31 Mar 1966; Col Carl E. Lovell, 1 Apr 1966; Lt Col George M. Dwight Jr., 18 May 1966 (temporary); Col Robert R. Fowler, 3 Jun 1966 (temporary); Col Richard L. Hamilton, 27 Jun 1966; Col Glyn W. Ramsey, 31 Mar 1967; Col Thomas A. Barr, 7 Jul 1969; Col Morton C. Mumma III, 10 May 1971; Col John L. Piotrowski, 7 Jan 1972; Col Robert L. Miller III, 16 Mar 1974; Col William L. Gibson, 9 Jul 1976; Col James W. Dearborn, 15 Jun 1978; Col Henry M. Yochum II, 22 May 1980; Col Dean F. Vikan, 8 Jul 1981; Col Lester P. Brown Jr., 1 Jul 1982; Col Frederick A. Zehrer III, 16 Mar 1984; Col George W. McKenna, 20 Apr 1985 (temporary); Col James T. Hannam, 19 Jun 1985; Col Frank Plescha, 25 Jun 1986; Col John W. Hawley, 28 Jan 1988; Lt Col Wayne Mayfield, 15 May 1989 (temporary); Col James C. Evans, 6 Jul 1989; Col Wayne Mayfield, 10 Mar 1990 (temporary); Col Thomas K. Speelman, 30 Jul 1990; unkn, Jul 1991-4 May 1992.
Aircraft and Missiles: Primarily B-18, 1941-1942; B-17, 1942-1943, 1946; B-24, 1943; B-29, 1943-1946. B-29, 1953-1954; KC-97, 1953-1960, 1960-1962; B-47, 1954-1964; Atlas "E", 1964. None assigned, 1966-1992, but organization exercised operational control over many different kinds of aircraft from squadron detachments that rotated periodically to Aviano.
Operations: Flew antisubmarine patrol missions around Puerto Rico from Apr 1941 to Jun 1942 and the Panama Canal Zone from Jun 1942 to Jun 1943, when it moved to the continental United States to train to become the first Army Air Forces group to be assigned the B-29 Superfortress. Moved to India and set up a staging base in China in Apr 1944, to which it shuttled fuel and oil over the Himalaya Mountains (the “Hump”). Entered combat on 5 Jun 1944 with a raid on railroad shops at Bangkok, Thailand. On 15 Jun the group took part in the first Army Air Forces air raid on Japan since the Doolittle raid of April 1942. Operating from bases in India, and at times staging through China, the group stuck transportation centers, naval installations, iron works, and aircraft plants in Burma, Thailand, China, Japan, Indonesia, and Formosa. On August 10, 1944, the group took part with three other groups on the longest single-stage bombing mission of World War II, flying from a staging base in Ceylon to Palembang, Sumatra, to bomb a refinery and mine a river (Operation BOOMERANG). The group earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for bombing iron and steel plants at Yawata, Japan, on 20 Aug 1944. Moved to Tinian in the Marianas Islands in April 1945 for high altitude daylight attacks on strategic targets in Japan. Took part in lower-level night incendiary raids on urban areas and mined waters around Japan. Earned a second Distinguished Unit Citation for attacking naval aircraft factories at Kure, oil storage facilities at Oshima, and the industrial city of Nagoya, in May 1945. Received a third Distinguished Unit Citation for a 24 Jul 1945 air raid on light metal industries in Osaka. After victory over Japan, dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners of war and took part in show-of-force missions over Japan. Returned to the United States in Nov 1945. Conducted air sampling missions for the Operation CROSSROADS atomic bomb tests, Jun-Aug 1946, and inactivated in Oct. Although activated in May 1952, the group was not manned until early Feb 1953. In 1954, it converted from propeller-driven B-29s to jet B-47 bombers. Deployed at Lakenheath RAF Station, England, 9 Jun-9 Sep 1955. Performed bombardment training and air refueling missions to meet global commitments of Strategic Air Command, 1955-1964. Deployed at Greenham Comman RAF Station, England, Jul-Oct 1957. Gained an Atlas missile squadron in Jan 1964, but inactivated in Sep of that year. From Apr 1966 through May 1992, maintained readiness of Aviano AB, Italy and managed and supported squadron detachments that deployed there temporarily for training, exercises, humanitarian operations, or contingencies. During that period, however, the organization had no assigned aircraft and no assigned flying units.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Western Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan; India-Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations (Japan): 20 Aug 1944; 5-14 May 1945; 24 Jul 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Oct 1972-30 Apr 1973; 6 May-31 Dec 1976; 1 Jul 1982-30 Jun 1984; 1 Jul 1989-30 Jun 1991.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 31 Jan 2002.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 4 May 1992.
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
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)
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Established as 444 Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 15 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Redesignated as: 444 Bombardment Group (Heavy) (B-29) on 26 Apr 1943; 444 Bombardment Group, Very Heavy on 19 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1946. Redesignated as: 444 Air Expeditionary Group and converted to provisional status, on 15 Jan 2003; 444 Air Expeditionary Wing on 24 Feb 2010 and remained on provisional status.
Assignments: Second Air Force, 1 Mar 1943; 58 Bombardment Wing, 23 Jul 1943; Second Air Force, 5 Nov 1943; 58 Bombardment Wing, 20 Nov 1943; XX Bomber Command, 12 Oct 1944; 58 Bombardment Wing, 3 Apr 1945; I Staging Command, 10 Nov 1945; Fourth Air Force, c. 15 Nov 1945; 58 Bombardment Wing, 14 Jan-1 Oct 1946. Air Combat Command to activate or inactivate at anytime after 15 Jan 2003.
Squadrons: 344 Bombardment: 10 Nov 1945-27 Mar 1946. 409 Bombardment: 6 May-1 Oct 1946. 676 Bombardment: 1 Mar 1943-1 Oct 1946. 677 Bombardment : 1 Mar 1943-1 Oct 1946. 678 Bombardment (later, 10 Reconnaissance): 1 Mar 1943-7 Mar 1946. 679 Bombardment: 1 Mar 1943-12 Oct 1944.
Stations: Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, 1 Mar 1943; Great Bend Army AFld, KS, 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, CA, 15 Nov 1945; Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, 6 May-1 Oct 1946.
Commanders: Maj Arthur T. Snell, 28 Mar 1943; Maj Robert J. Hughey, 14 Apr 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.
Aircraft: B-24, 1943; B-26, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; YB-29, 1943-1944; B-29, 1943-1946.
Operations: Combat training in the US, Mar 1943-Mar 1944. Moved to India in Mar-Apr 1944 and assigned to Twentieth Air Force. Flew supplies over the Hump to Chinese bases that its B-29s would later use for staging attacks against Japan. On 15 Jun 1944, participated in the first Army Air Force 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. Moved to Tinian in the spring of 1945 and participated in incendiary raids on urban areas for the duration of the war. Returned to US in late 1945 and was assigned to Strategic Air Command until inactivation on 1 Oct 1946.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: 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, 10-14 May 1945; Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
Emblem: None.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 11 Mar 2010.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 1 Oct 1946.
Source: 444th Bombardment Group Association & Mr. Patrick Stinson Aircraft Markings: Aircraft marked with squadron color on nosewheel, stripe on fuselage (just aft of the wing), and stripes on the engine nacelles. The Bomb Group tail markings and paint schemes are as follows: India: Dark Blue Diamond with yellow aircraft number in center. Most B-29s were unpainted, but some of the first few were painted Olive Drab with light green underside. Tinian: Very Large "Triangle-N". Unpainted, new B-29's arriving from the U.S. had factory painted dark black underside. Aircraft Numbering: Col. Alva Harvey (444th BG commander, 5 Aug 43-22 Apr 1945) decided to make the 679th the "flagship" squadron of the 444th Bomb Group. This squadron was assigned numbers in the 10's and 20's. The numbering to the next squadron then continued in reverse order with the 678th getting the 30's and 40's, the 677th the 50's and 60's and the original 676th in the 70's and 80's range. In October of 1944 all groups of the 58th Bomb Wing were reorganized from four to three squadrons per group. The personnel and equipment of one squadron was divided into three and split among the remaining three squadrons. In the 444th Bomb Group it was the original 676th squadron that was split up. One third of it went to the 677th, one third to the 678th and one third to the 679th which was then renumbered to become the new 676th. The personnel and equipment of the 679th remained together, but they traded in their "bull" for a "dragon". They kept their low end numbers. (There is some confusion on whether they adopted the squadron color of the original 676th (green), or retained the one the 679th had used up to that time (blue).) The numbers in the 70's and 80's soon disappeared. There was no effort, however, to renumber the aircraft of the 677th and 678th squadrons. Thus before the reorganization the consecutive numbers from low to high covered the squadrons in this order: 679th, 678th, 677th and 676th. After the reorganization the low to high number sequence went 676th, 678th and 677th. Other Sites of Interest: 444th Bombardment Group Association 444th Bombardment Group Wiki Resources
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
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Air Force Combat Wings: Lineage and Honors Histories, 1947-1977, Charles A. Ravenstein, AFHRC, 1984 (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Established as 462 Bombardment Group (Heavy) (B-29) on 19 May 1943. Activated on 1 Jul 1943. Redesignated 462 Bombardment Group, Very Heavy on 19 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946. Consolidated 31 Jan 84 with 462nd Strategic Aerospace Wg, which was constituted and activated 15 Nov 62. Organized on 1 Feb 1963. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 25 Jun 1966. Redesignated 462 Air Expeditionary Group, and converted to provisional status, on 12 Jun 2002.
Assignments: Second Air Force, 1 Jul 1943; 58 Bombardment Wing, 1 Aug 1943; Second Air Force, 3 Nov 1943; 58 Bombardment Wing, 20 Nov 1943; XX Bomber Command, 7 Jul 1944; 58 Bombardment Wing, c. 25 Apr 1945-31 Mar 1946. Strategic Air Command, 15 Nov 1962; 18 Strategic Aerospace Division, 1 Feb 1963-25 Jun 1966. Air Mobility Command to activate or inactivate at any time after 12 Jun 2002.
Squadrons: 43 Air Refueling: 1 Feb 1963-2 Apr 1966. 345: 10 Nov 1945-31 Mar 1946. 568 Strategic Missile: 1 Feb 1963-25 Mar 1965. 768 Bombardment: 1 Jul 1943-31 Mar 1946; 1 Feb 1963-2 Apr 1966. 769: 1 Jul 1943-31 Mar 1946. 770: 1 Jul 1943-31 Mar 1946. 771: 1 Jul 1943-12 Oct 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: Col Alan D. Clark, 5 Aug 1943; Col Richard H. Carmichael, 26 Aug 1943; Col Alfred F. Kalberer, 20 Aug 1944; unkn, Feb-31 Mar 1946. None (not
manned), 15 Nov 1962-31 Jan 1963; Col David A. Tate, 1 Feb 1963; Col Alex W. Talmant, 19 Jul 1965; Col Clyde W. Owen, c. 15 Mar-25 Jun 1966.
Aircraft: B-26, 1943; YB-29, 1943; B-17, 1943-1944; B-29, 1943-1946. Titan I, 1963-1965; B-52, 1963-1966; KC-135, 1963-1966.
Operations (through 1966): Prepared for combat as one of the initial B-29 units. Moved to India piecemeal during the first half of 1944. From there, transported supplies over the Himalaya Mountains (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 Army Air Forces strike on the Japanese home islands since the Doolittle Raid in Apr 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 on the longest bombardment flight of World War II. Earned a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for a daylight attack on iron and steel works at Yawata, Japan, in Aug 1944. Although most of the group personnel sailed for Tinian in late Feb 1945, the air echelon continued to fly missions from India until late Mar 1945. On 5 May 1945, aircrews from the group took part in the first mission from Tinian against the Japanese homeland. Conducted mining, strategic bombardment, and incendiary raids on urban areas of Japan. For strikes on industrial areas of Tokyo and Yokohama in May 1945, the group earned a second DUC. Returned to the United States in late 1945 and inactivated on 31 Mar 1946. From 1963 to 1965, conducted strategic bombardment training, missile training, and air refueling missions, continuing all but the missile training until Apr 1966.
Campaigns: American Theater; India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Tokyo and Yokohama, Japan, 23, 25, and 29 May 1945; Takarazuka, Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
Emblem: WWII: None. 462nd SAW: Approved on 7 Feb 1963.
Other Sites of Interest: 462nd Strategic Air Wing 462nd Bombardment Group Wiki Resources
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
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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
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 Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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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
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Air Force Combat Wings: Lineage and Honors Histories, 1947-1977, Charles A. Ravenstein, AFHRC, 1984 (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Constituted as 497th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) on 19 Nov 1943 and activated on 20 Nov. 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: 73d Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, 20 Nov 1943-31 Mar 1946. Strategic Air Command, 31 Mar 1946-15 Nov 1962. 820th Strategic Aerospace Div 1 Jan 1963-15 Sep 1964.
Squadrons: 26th Air Refueling: 1 Jan 1963-15 Sep 1964. 380th Air Refueling: 1 Jan 1963-15 Sep 1964. 513th Bombardment: 1 Nov 1945-31 Mar 1946. 869th Bombardment: 20 Nov 1945-31 Mar 1946. 870th: 20 Nov 1945-31 Mar 1946. 871st: 20 Nov 1945-7 Mar 1946. 872d: 20 Nov 1945-10 May 1944.
Stations: El Paso Mun Aprt, Tex, 20 Nov 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, 1 Dec 1943; Pratt AAFld, Kan, 13 Apr 1944; Camp Anza, Calif (ground echelon), 20-29 Jul 1944; Herington AAFld, Kans (air echelon), 31 Aug-Oct 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 17 Oct 1944-1 Nov 1945 (ground echelon), Oct 1044-Oct 1945 (air echelon); Camp Stoneman, Calif, 14 Nov 1945; March Field, Calif, 26 Nov 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, 5 Jan-31 Mar 1946. Plattsburgh NY AFB 1 Jan 1963-15 Sep 1964.
Commanders: Lt. Col John P Veerling, 10 Dec 1943; Capt Cador O Smith, 1 Jan 1944; Lt Glenn E McClure, 16 Jan 1944; Maj Alfred J Hanlon Jr, 26 Jan 1944; Col Karl Truesdell Jr, 6 Mar 1944; Col Arnold T Johnson, 22 Apr 1944; Col Stuart P Wright, 26 Apr 1944; Col Arnold T Johnson, 26 Feb 1945-31 Mar 1946. None (not manned), 15 Nov-31 Dec 1962; Col Fred W Miller, 1 Jan 1963; Col James O Frankosky, 12 Mar 1963; Col Vernon K Cammack, 1 Nov 1963; Col John H M Linebaugh, 1 Jul 1964; Col Robert G Moll, 15 Jul-15 Sep 1964.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944-1945; B-29, 1944-1945, 1946; KC-97, 1963-1964.
Operations: Prepared for overseas duty with B-17s and B-29's. Moved to Saipan, Jul-Oct 1944, and assigned to Twentieth AF. Began B-29 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 and inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.
Replaced 4108th Air Refueling Wing on 1 Jan 1963. Supported global air refueling mission of SAC and other USAF needs as required. Inactivated on 15 Sep 1964.
Service Steamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 27 Jan 1945; Japan, 26 Jul-2 Aug 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award, 1 Jan-30 Jun 1963.
Insigne: None.
Other Sites of Interest: 497th Air Refueling Wing Wiki Resources
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
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Lineage: Established as 498 Bombardment Group, Very Heavy on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 4 Aug 1946. Redesignated as 498 Tactical Missile Group, and activated, on 16 Sep 1960. Organized on 8 Feb 1961. Inactivated on 31 Dec 1969. Redesignated as 498 Armament Systems Wing on 14 Feb 2006. Activated on 31 Mar 2006. Redesignated as 498 Nuclear Systems Wing on 1 Apr 2009. Deactivated 27 Jan 2012.
Assignments: 73 Bombardment Wing, 20 Nov 1943; Fifteenth Air Force, 19 May-4 Aug 1946. Pacific Air Forces, 16 Sep 1960; 313 Air Division, 8 Feb 1961-31 Dec 1969. Nuclear Weapons Center, 31 Mar 2006-.
Operational Components: 514 Bombardment: 15 Oct 1945-7 Mar 1946. 873 Bombardment (later, 873 Tactical Missile): 20 Nov 1943-4 Aug 1946; 8 Feb 1961-8 Jul 1965. 874 Bombardment (later, 874 Tactical Missile): 20 Nov 1943-4 Aug 1946; 8 Sep 1961-8 Jul 1965. 875 Bombardment: 20 Nov 1943-4 Aug 1946. 876 Bombardment: 20 Nov 1943-10 May 1944.
Stations: Clovis AAFld, NM, 20 Nov 1943; Great Bend AAFld, KS, 13 Apr-13 Jul 1944; Isley Field, Saipan, 6 Sep 1944-2 Nov 1945; March Field, CA, Dec 1945; MacDill Field, FL, 5 Jan-4 Aug 1946. Kadena AB, Okinawa, 8 Feb 1961-31 Dec 1969. Kirtland AFB, NM, 31 Mar 2006-.
Commanders: None, not manned, 20 Nov -10 Dec 1943; 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. Lt Col Clyde R. Borchers, 8 Feb 1961 (acting), 19 Jul 1961; Col Warren E. Vinzant, 1 Aug 1961; Col Hubert W. Gainer, 17 Jul 1965; Col Peter H. Spear, 27 Jan 1967; Col Merle Johnson, 18 Jul-31 Dec 1969. Unkn, 31 Mar 2006; Col Harry L. Andrews, 26 Jun 2006; Col Richard M. Stuckey, 24 Jun 2008-.
Aircraft and Missiles: B-17, 1944. B-29, 1944-1946. RB-24, 1944. Mace, 1961-1969.
Operations: Trained in B-17s and B-29s and moved to Saipan Jul-Nov 1944. 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-29s 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 Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for striking an aircraft engine plant at Nagoya on 13 Dec 1944. Began flying missions at night in Mar 1945, operating from low altitudes to drop incendiaries on area targets in Japan; received a 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 Okinawa in 1961 and was equipped with Mace Missiles and provided air defense of the Ryuku Islands through 1969. Since its activation in Mar 2006, the wing sustains US nuclear munitions and cruise missiles, including their maintenance, storage, modernization and acquisition support activities for both the Department of Defense and Department of Energy.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 13 Dec 1944; Japan, 1-7 Jun 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 8 Feb 1961-29 May 1963; 1 Jul 1965-31 Dec 1966; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1967; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1968; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1969.
Emblem: Approved on 25 Aug 2009.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, Commanders, and Honors through 22 Dec 2009.
Aircraft and Missiles through 31 Dec 1969.
Other Sites of Interest: 498th Armament Systems Wing (Kirtland AFB, NM) 498th Armament Systems Wing Wiki Resources
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
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Lineage: Established as 499 Bombardment Group, Very Heavy, on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on 20 Nov 1943. Inactivated on 16 Feb 1946. Consolidated (31 Jan 1984) with the 499 Air Refueling Wing which was established and activated on 15 Nov 1962. Organized on 1 Jan 1963. Discontinued, and inactivated on 25 Jun 1966.
Assignments: 73 Bombardment Wing, Very Heavy, 20 Nov 1943-16 Feb 1946. Strategic Air Command, 15 Nov 1962; 57 Air Division, 1 Jan 1963-25 Jun 1966.
Squadrons: 11 Air Refueling: 1 Jan 1963-1 Jul 1964. 19 Air Refueling: 1 Jan 1963-1 Jan 1966. 303 Air Refueling: 1 Jan-15 Jun 1963. 305 Air Refueling: 1 Jan 1963-1 Jul 1964. 384 Air Refueling: 1 Jan 1963-25 Jun 1966. 877 Bombardment: 20 Nov 1943-16 Feb 1946. 878 Bombardment: 20 Nov 1943-10 Feb 1946. 879 Bombardment: 20 Nov 1943-16 Feb 1946. 880 Bombardment: 20 Nov 1943-10 May 1944.
Stations: Davis-Monthan Field AZ, 20 Nov 1943; Smoky Hil1 AAFld, KS, 1 Dec 1943; Clovis AAFld, NM, 16 Feb 1944; Smoky Hill AAFld, KS, 8 Apr 1944; Camp Anza, CA, 25 Jul-13 Aug 1944 (ground echelon); Isley Field, Saipan, 23 Sep 1944-9 Nov 1945 (ground echelon), Nov 1944-Oct 1945 (air echelon); March Field, CA, 25 Nov 1945-16 Feb 1946. Westover AFB, MA, 1 Jan 1963-25 Jun 1966.
Commanders: Maj Jack F. Bozung, Dec 1943; Lt Lester A. Luecke, 1 Dec 1943; Maj Arnold R. Johnson, 18 Jan 1944; Maj Douglas C. Northrop, 22, Jan 1944; Col Samuel R. Harris, 4 Apr 1944; Col Morris J. Lee, 21 Mar l945; Lt Col Walter E. Chambers, 13 Aug 1945-unkn. None (not manned), 15 Nov-31 Dec 1962; Col William R. Brown, 1 Jan 1963; Col Therwin S. Walters, 1 Jul 1965; Col Edward D. Wooten, 30 Nov 1965-25 Jun 1966 (additional duty).
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1945. KC-97, 1963-1960; KC-135, 1963-1965; EC-135 1965.
Operations: Trained for combat with B-17s and B-29s. Moved to Saipan, Jul-Nov 1944, and became part of Twentieth Air Force. 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 Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for striking the Mitsubishi aircraft engine plant in 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 a second 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, Oct-Nov 1945. Inactivated on 16 Feb 1946. Replaced the 4050th Air Refueling Wing in Jan 1963. Supported SAC bombardment and TAC fighter aircraft with air-to-air refueling and occasionally deployed segments of its tanker force overseas to support unit movements and special operations. From activation until mid-1964 was the largest air refueling wing in the Air Force, with squadrons at Westover AFB, MA, Dover AFB, DE, McGuire AFB, NJ, Otis AFB, MA, and Kindley AFB, Bermuda. Also flew EC-135s on a post attack command control system (PACCS) airborne command post mission in support of Eighth Air Force. From Nov 1965 until inactivated, wing components operated under a bomb wing at Westover AFB, MA.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
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
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
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Air Force Combat Wings: Lineage and Honors Histories, 1947-1977, Charles A. Ravenstein, AFHRC, 1984 (Adobe Acrobat file)
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 Bomb Group 500th Air Refueling Wing 500th Air Refueling Wing Wiki Resources
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 
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Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
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
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
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
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
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.
Other Sites of Interest: The 6th Bomb Group B-29 Superfortress Then and Now 6th Air Mobility Wing Wiki Resources
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
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
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Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: Established as 9 Group (Observation) on 19 Jul 1922. Organized on 1 Aug 1922. Redesignated as: 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 as 9 Strategic Reconnaissance Group, and activated, on 1 May 1949. Redesignated as: 9 Bombardment Group, Heavy, on 1 Apr 1950; 9 Bombardment Group, Medium, on 2 Oct 1950. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Redesignated as: 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 2001-1 Mar 2013. 14 Bombardment: attached 1 Mar 1935-c. 8 May 1936. 18 Reconnaissance: attached 1 Sep 1936-c. Sep 1940; assigned 3 Apr 2006-24 Aug 2007. 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. 427 Reconnaissance: 1 May 2012-20 Nov 2015; 4 Sep 2018-.
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, 1-22 Aug 1922; Maj Walter R. Weaver, 23 Aug 1922; Maj William N. Hensley Jr., 17 Jul 1923; Lt Col Benjamin D. Foulois, 22 Jul 1925; Maj Howard C. Davidson, 20 Dec 1927; Maj John N. Reynolds, 1 Jan 1928; Lt Col Henry C. Pratt, 1 Jun 1928; Maj William O. Ryan, 23 Jul 1929; Lt Col John H. Howard, 2 Sep 1929; Maj Carlyle H. Wash, 4 May 1933; Maj Follett Bradley, 1 Jun 1933-May 1934; Col Walter H. Frank, 23 Aug 1934; Lt Col Carl W. Connell, 1 Aug 1937; 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; Col Jeffrey N. Stout, 5 Jun 2008; Col Lawrence M. Hoffman, 4 Jun 2010; Col Robert M. Haines, 19 Jul 2012-.
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-; MC-12, 2011-.
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. Redesignated as a strategic reconnaissance group on 1 May 1949; flew missions from California, 1949-1950. Resumed a strategic bombardment mission in Apr 1950; trained 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 the turn of the 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 the Department of Defense'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. Meritorious Unit Award: 1 Jun 2009-31 May 2011; 1 Jun 2013-31 May 2014; 1 Jun 2016-31 May 2017. 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; 1 Jun 2005-31 May 2007; 1 Jun 2007-31 May 2009; 1 Jun 2011-31 May 2012; 1 Jun 2014-31 May 2015; 1 Jun 2015-31 May 2016.
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, Aircraft, Operations, Components, Stations, and Honors through 7 Aug 2019.
Commanders through 19 Jul 2012.
Other Sites of Interest: 9th Bombardment Group History 9th Bombardment Group Wiki Resources Beale AFB Web Site 9th Reconnaissance Wing Lineage
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
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: 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 504th Bomb Group Wiki Resources
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
Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
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
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)
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force Combat Units of WWII; AFHRA, Maurer Maurer, editor:
or
Air Force Historical Studies Office (Adobe Acrobat file)
Lineage: 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.
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Other Sites of Interest: History Of The 509th Composite Group (AFHRA) AFHRA Photos - 509th Composite Group Olive-Drab: 509TH COMPOSITE GROUP B-29 Superfortress Then and Now 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
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320th Troop Carrier Squadron (See CBI Unit Histories)  Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
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
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 393 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Feb 1944. Activated on 11 Mar 1944. Redesignated as: 393 Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 2 Jul 1948; 393 Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, on 2 Apr 1966; 393 Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 1 Dec 1969. Inactivated on 30 Sep 1990. Redesignated as 393 Bomb Squadron on 12 Mar 1993. Activated on 27 Aug 1993.
Assignments: 504 Bombardment Group, 11 Mar 1944; Second Air Force, 25 Nov 1944; 509 Composite (later, 509 Bombardment) Group, 17 Dec 1944 (attached to 509 Bombardment Wing, 17 Nov 1947-14 Sep 1948 and 1 Feb 1951-15 Jun 1952); 509 Bombardment Wing, 16 Jun 1952-30 Sep 1990 (probably attached to Twentieth Air Force, 18 Jun-c. 18 Sep 1953). 509 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-.
Commanders: None, 11 Mar-27 Apr 1944; Lt Col Thomas J. Classen, 28 Apr 1944: Lt Col Paul W. Tibbets Jr., 8 Oct 1944; Lt Col Thomas J. Classen, 17 Dec 1944; Maj Charles W. Sweeney, 3 May 1945; Lt Col Virgil M. Cloyd, 1 Jul 1946; Maj Philip Y. Williams, by 1 Jun 1948; Lt Col Robert B. Irwin, by 3 Sep 1948; Maj Philip Y. Williams, c. 15 Oct 1948; Lt Col J. I. Hopkins, 3 Jan 1949; Maj Philip Y. Williams, 20 Jan 1949; Lt Col Jack D. Nole, by 3 May 1949; Maj Philip Y. Williams, 13 Jun 1949; Lt Col William S. Martensen, by 30 Jun 1949; Lt Col Wilbur B. Beezley, by 31 Oct 1951; Maj John O. McFalls Jr., 24 Feb 1952; Lt Col Wilbur B. Beezley, 3 Mar 1952; Col Howard E. Jackson, 1 Jul 1952; Lt Col John O. McFalls Jr., 9 Sep 1952; Lt Col Glen R. Hempleman, by 31 Oct 1952; Lt Col John O. McFalls Jr., by 31 Dec 1952; Lt Col Raymond F. Johnson, by 30 Sep 1953; Lt Col Frederic N. Millen, by 31 Dec 1953; Lt Col Glenn F. Stephens, by 31 Aug 1955; Lt Col Milton J. Jones, 1 Jul 1956; Lt Col Lindsey M. Silvester, by 22 Apr 1958; Maj Russell A. Downey, 18 Aug 1959; Lt Col Clyde L. Grow, 16 Dec 1960; Lt Col Robert E. Johnson, 25 Jul 1961; Lt Col Paul A. Wiles, 1 Aug 1963; Lt Col John F. Mauck, 30 Apr 1965; Lt Col John C. Mead Jr., 20 Mar 1966; Lt Col John D. Mash, 12 May 1968; Lt Col Miles G. Murphy, 15 May 1969; Lt Col Robert G. Voelker, 11 Dec 1972; Lt Col Robert Krieder, 1 Jun 1973; Lt Col Donald K. Nims, 1 Jul 1974; Lt Col John P. Hopper, 1 Apr 1976; Lt Col Charles J. Searock Jr., 11 Feb 1977; Lt Col Kenneth B. Keskinen, 15 Dec 1977; Lt Col Paul M. Matthews, 20 Jul 1979; Lt Col Charles R. Waterman, 26 Nov 1980; Lt Col Jerrod P. Allen, 18 Jan 1981; Lt Col Richard N. Goddard, 3 Sep 1982; Lt Col John W. Mentz, 21 Feb 1984; Lt Col David M. Jameson Jr., 19 Aug 1985; Lt Col Fay J. Pledger Jr., 25 Oct 1985; Lt Col Jerry A. Gossner, 3 Jun 1987; Lt Col Bernard B. Burklund Jr., 19 Aug 1988-3 Aug 1990; not manned, 3 Aug-30 Sep 1990. Lt Col Richard Y. Newton III, 27 Aug 1993; Lt Col Jonathan D. George, 2 Aug 1995; Lt Col Gregory A. Biscone, 5 Aug 1996; Lt Col Eric N. Single, 16 Jun 1998; Lt Col Eric E. Theisen, 23 Jun 2000; Lt Col Gavin L. Ketchen, 10 Jun 2002; Lt Col Steven L. Basham, 2 Jun 2004; Lt Col Paul W. Tibbets IV, 13 Apr 2006; Lt Col John M. Vitacca, 3 Oct 2007-Jul 2009; Lt Col Samuel White III, Jul 2009; Lt Col Alan B. Sanders, 4 Apr 2011-.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944; B-29, 1944-1952; B-50, 1949-1955; B-47, 1955-1965; B-52, 1966-1969; FB-111, 1970-1990. B-2, 1993-.
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. First operational B-2 squadron in USAF; received B-2 nicknamed “Spirit of Missouri” on 17 Dec 1993. Squadron took the aircraft into its first combat mission when two of the B-2s attacked targets in support of Operation Allied Force in the former Republic of Yugoslavia. After terrorist attacks on the US on 11 Sep 2001, participated in Operation Enduring Freedom by flying a world record 44 hour sortie. Mar 2003, first combat deployment of B-2s at start of Operation Iraqi Freedom. Rotated to Andersen AFB, Guam as part of Asia-Pacific bomber presence, 2005-.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaigns Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific. Kosovo: Air Campaign.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat “V” Device: 1 Jul-14 Aug 1945. Meritorious Unit Awards: 1 Jun 2005-31 May 2007; 1 Jun 2007-31 May 2008; 1 Jun 2008-31 May 2009; 1 Jun 2009-31 May 2010; l Jun 2010-31 May 2011; 1 Jan-31 Dec 2013. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 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; 1 Jun 1995-31 May 1997; 1 Jun 1997-31 May 1999; 1 Jun 1999-31 May 2001; 1 Jun 2003-31 May 2005; 1 Jan-31 Dec 2015. 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."
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 5 Sep 2018.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Apr 2011.
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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: 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. |
1st Ordnance Sq Area
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Source: EOD History (www.geocities.com/littlerockeod/eodhistory - NO LONGER ACTIVE) 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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28th Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Organized as 28 Aero Squadron on 22 Jun 1917. Demobilized on 16 Jun 1919. Reconstituted, and consolidated (9 Jan 1922) with 28 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 as: 28 Bombardment Squadron on 25 Jan 1923; 28 Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on 6 Dec 1939; 28 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 16 Nov 1941; 28 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated as: 28 Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 10 Aug 1948; 28 Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, on 1 Jul 1961. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1983. Activated on 1 Jul 1987. Redesignated as 28 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; 3 Pursuit Group, Aug 1918; 2 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; 4 Composite Group, 2 Dec 1922; 19 Bombardment Group, 16 Nov 1941-1 Apr 1944 (ground echelon attached to the 5 Interceptor Command, c. 24 Dec 1941-May 1942). 19 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944; 19 Bombardment Wing, 1 Jun 1953-1 Oct 1983. 384 Bombardment Wing, 1 Jul 1987; 384 Operations Group, 1 Sep 1991; 384 Bomb Group, 1 Jan 1994; 7 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-.
Commanders: Capt James R. Alfonte, 22 Jun 1917; Maj Patrick Frissell, 14 Jul 1917; 1Lt Lawton V. Smith, c. 20 Aug 1917; Maj Cedrick Bourne, c. 8 Nov 1917-unknown; Capt C. J. Ryan, unknown-7 Apr 1918; Capt Thomas S. Bowen, 7 Apr 1918; 1 Lt R. Lochridge, 1 May 1918; 1 Lt Charles N. Jones, c. 15 Aug 1918-unknown; Capt Martinus Stenseth, 1 Mar-2 May 1919; unkn, 3 May-16 Jun 1919. Unkn, 20 Sep 1921-28 Jun 1922. Unkn, 1 Sep 1922-Jan 1923; Capt J. H. Houghton, by Feb 1923; Capt Thomas J. Hanley Jr., by Aug 1923; Capt Rosenham Beam, by Mar 1924; Maj Don McNeal, 1939; Capt Schonwein, 1940; Maj Lester J. Maitland, 1940; Capt Nichols, 1941; Maj Maurice F. Daly, 1941; Capt William K. Horrigan, 1941; Maj William P. Fisher, c. Oct 1941; unknown, c. 5 Feb-13 Mar 1942; Maj Elbert Helton, c. 14 Mar 1942; Maj Jack P. Thompson, unknown-Jun 1943; Capt Victor Poncik, Jun 1943; Capt R. W. Beckel, c. 1 Jul 1943; Maj Leland W. Johnson, 1943-unknown; unknown, 1943-1 Apr 1944. Unknown, 1 Apr-10 May 1944; Capt James L. Coley, 11 May 1944; 1 Lt Americus Mitchell, 12 May 1944; Maj Donald Taylor, 23 May 1944; Maj Thomas H. Trent, unknown; Lt Col George T. Chadwell, unknown-1 Jun 1945; Maj Harry C. Mailey, 2 Jun 1945; Maj George A. Uhrick, unknown-Oct 1945; Capt Jack Lomax, Oct 1945-unknown; Maj William C. Wilson, unknown-7 Jul 1946; 1Lt William F. Bradley (temporary), 8 Jul 1946-unknown; Capt Paul C. McQuat (temporary), unknown-16 Jul 1946; 1 Lt William F. Bradley (temporary), 17 Jul 1946; Maj William C. Wilson, 30 Jul 1946; Capt Maxie A. Shirley (temporary), Dec 1946; Maj William C. Wilson, Dec 1946-unknown; Maj Joseph W. Howell, unknown-Nov 1947; Maj Kent J. Richens, Nov 1947; Capt W. R. Sullivan, Feb 1948-unknown; Maj Charles E. Tibbs, unknown-Jun 1948; Maj James S. Howard, Jun 1948; Maj H. James, Jul 1948; Maj James S. Howard, Aug 1948; Maj Kent J. Richens, Feb 1949-unknown; Maj James S. Howard, unknown-18 Mar 1949; Capt Frederick L. Manthe, 19 Mar 1949; Lt Col Warren C. Miller, 5 Jul 1949; Maj Larry D. Dennis, 27 Apr 1950; Lt Col Fred W. Miller, 17 May 1950; Lt Col Donald O. Tower, 12 Aug 1950; Maj Lawrence A. Greensides, c. 29 Mar 1951; Lt Col Lloyd W. Preston, Aug 1951; Lt Col Raymond E. Buckwalter, 5 May 1952; Lt Col Robert E. Larkin, 19 Nov 1952; Maj Thomas Q. Jones Jr., 4 Jul 1953; Maj Wilson C. Gammon, 15 Oct 1953; Maj Glenn L. McCutcheon (temporary), 11 Jun 1954; Capt Theodore M. Jablonski (temporary), 20 Jun 1954; Maj Wilson C. Gammon, 27 Jun 1954; Maj Harlis B. Koger (temporary), 1 Aug 1954; Lt Col Allen B. Gaston, 25 Aug 1954; Lt Col Robert R. Barr, Oct 1954; Lt Col Curtis N. Youngblood, 5 Nov 1954; Maj James M. McFarland (temporary), 22 Nov 1954; Lt Col Curtis N. Youngblood, 5 Dec 1954; Lt Col Allen B. Gaston, 29 Jan 1955; Lt Col Ralph W. Jones, 9 May 1955; Lt Col Wilson C. Gammon, 3 Oct 1955; Lt Col James M. McFarland, Apr 1959; Maj James G. Cary, Jul 1959; Lt Col Richard E. Murray, May 1961; Maj Howard Richardson, Jul 1961; Col Marvin T. Rorrer, 24 Oct 1961; Lt Col John F. Hargraves, Jun 1964; unknown, Jun 1964-30 Sep 1967; Lt Col Vernon E. Baden, by 30 Sep 1967; Col Berry A. Segraves Jr., by 30 Sep 1968; Lt Col Archie D. Bower, 15 Dec 1968; Lt Col Frank S. Guzak, by 30 Sep 1969; Lt Col Willis M. Hodges, 1 Jan 1970; Lt Col William J. Epperson, 26 Aug 1971; Lt Col Roderick M. Busbee, 22 Nov 1972; Maj Harry D. Hayes, 8 Jan 1973; Lt Col Robert D. Donaldson, 15 Jan 1973; Lt Col Harold T. Godfrey Jr., 17 Aug 1973; Lt Col Harry D. Hayes, 20 Sep 1973; Lt Col Richard B. Goetze Jr., by 30 Sep 1975; Lt Col Waymon L. Sinclair, 15 Mar 1976; Lt Col Oscar E. Bowles, 1 Sep 1977; Lt Col John H. Kirk, (temporary), 23 Apr 1979; Lt Col Antonio Maldonado, 18 May 1979; Lt Col Thomas J. Harris, 28 May 1980; Lt Col James E. Jardon II, 18 Aug 1981; Lt Col Gerald D. Dennis, 17 Aug 1982-1 Oct 1983. Lt Col Michael A. Kenny, 18 Jun 1987; Lt Col Karl M. Peters, 23 Oct 1988; Lt Col William D. Howell, 12 Feb 1990; Lt Col William A. Clift, Jr., 1 Sep 1991; Lt Col Robert C. Tom, 8 Jun-31 Dec 1993; Unknown, 1 Jan-30 Sep 1994; Lt Col James M. Kowalski, 1 Oct 1994; Lt Col Stephen E. Wright, 19 Jul 1996; Lt Col Joseph D. Brown IV, 2 Jul 1997-.
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 in France 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. Developed and maintained operational capability to perform long-range strategic bombardment, 1974-1983. Alert duty during end of Cold War, 1987-1991. Refocused on training objectives for conventional operations, 1991-. After move to Dyess AFB in Oct 1994, served as schoolhouse for B-1 aircrews. Flew missions against Iraq as part of 28 Air Expeditionary Group, Dec 1998.
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; 30 May 1990-29 May 1992;1 Jun 1996-31 May 1998; 1 Jun 1998-31 May 2000; 1 Jun 2002-31 May 2004; 1 Jun 2005-31 May 2007. 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.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 9 Oct 2015.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 1998.
30th Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Organized as 30 Aero Squadron on 13 Jun 1917. Demobilized on 14 Apr 1919. Reconstituted, and redesignated as 30 Bombardment Squadron, on 24 Mar 1923. Activated on 24 Jun 1932. Redesignated as: 30 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 6 Dec 1939; 30 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated as: 30 Bombardment Squadron, Medium, on 10 Aug 1948; 30 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. 19 Bombardment Group, 24 Jun 1932-1 Apr 1944 (ground echelon attached to 5 Interceptor Command, c. 20 Dec 1941-May 1942). 19 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944; 19 Bombardment Wing, 1 Jun 1953; 4133 Strategic Wing, 1 Jan 1962-1 Feb 1963. Tactical Air Command, 13 Feb 1967; USAF Tactical Fighter Weapons Center, 25 Feb 1967; 57 Fighter Weapons (later, 57 Tactical Training; 57 Fighter Weapons; 57 Fighter; 57) 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-.
Commanders: Unkn, 13 Jun 1917-14 Apr 1919. Unkn, 24 Jun 1932-1939; Maj Thomas B. Blackburn, c. 1939; Maj David R. Gibbs, May 1941; Maj Raymond V. Schwanbeck, 14 Mar 1942; Maj Dean C. Hoevet, Jul 1942; Maj John A. Rouse, Sep 1942; Maj Paul E. Cool, 14 Feb 1943; Capt Edson P. Sponable, May 1943-unkn. Unkn, 1 Apr-10 May 1944; Maj Arthur D. Sullivan, 11 May 1944; Maj Leon L. Lowry, 28 May 1944; Maj Robert B. Irwin, 1 Sep 1944-unkn; unkn, c. 1945-1947; Maj Charles J. Boise, c. 1948; Capt Richard H. Partrick, 7 Feb 1949; Maj James S. Howard, 19 May 1949; Maj Edward M. Osander, by Dec 1949-unkn; Lt Col Warren C. Stirling, c. 1952; Lt Col Ralph W. Jones, by Jan 1953; Lt Col Harold E. Brown, 23 Apr 1954; Maj Louis W. Park, c. Jul 1954 (acting); Maj William J. Gregory, c. Sep 1954 (acting); Maj Ermine L. Hales, 3 Oct 1954 (acting); Lt Col Curtis N. Youngblood, 19 Oct 1954 (acting); Lt Col Harold E. Brown, 5 Nov 1954; Lt Col Fred R. Peck Jr., by Jan 1956; Lt Col Charles W. Ryckman, 24 Jun 1957; Maj Haldene A. Cope, by May 1959-unkn; Lt Col Robert J. Horrigan, 1 Jan 1962-1 Feb 1963. Unkn, 13-24 Feb 1967; Lt Col Ralph J. Maglione Jr., 25 Feb 1967; Maj Neil L. Eddins, 4 Jun 1967; Lt Col Joseph D. Moore, c. 1969; Lt Col Thomas S. Swalm, 28 Jul 1970; Maj Roger K. Parrish, 31 Jan 1973; Maj Chris Patterakis, by Dec 1975; Lt Col Edward D. Cherry, 12 Jan 1977; Lt Col David L. Smith, 16 Apr 1979; Maj Norman L. Lowry III, 8 Sep 1981; Lt Col Shumpert C. Jones, 18 Jan 1982; Maj James D. Latham, 7 Jun 1982; Lt Col Lawrence E. Stellmon, 3 Feb 1984; Lt Col Roger D. Riggs, 7 Feb 1986; Lt Col Stephen E. Trent, 5 Feb 1988; Lt Col Charles N. Simpson, Jan 1990; Lt Col Daniel J. Darnell, 1 Jan 1992; Lt Col Stephen J. Anderson, 11 Feb 1994; Lt Col Ronald A. Mumm, 19 Jan 1996; Lt Col Brian J. Bishop, 23 Jan 1998; Lt Col John R. Venable, 21 Jan 2000; Lt Col Richard G. McSpadden, 25 Jan 2002; Lt Col Michael Chandler, c. Jan 2004; Lt Col Kevin J. Robbins, 15 Feb 2006; Lt Col Greg Thomas, 18 Jan 2008-.
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. Gained the mission of precision aerobatic demonstrations in 1967. Designated as the USAF Aerial Demonstration Squadron, the new squadron carried on the popularly known name "Thunderbirds", coined by various provisional units which had performed the aerial demonstration function prior to 1967. The first such organization, the 3600 Air Demonstration Flight (Acro-Jet), later 3600 Air Demonstration Flight (Thunder Birds) activated at Luke AFB, AZ on 25 May 1953 and performed the function until inactivation on 23 Jun 1956. At that time, a second provisional organization designated as 3595 Air Demonstration Flight (Thunderbirds) activated at Nellis AFB, NV. Following two redesignations of this unit, first to 4520th Air Demonstration Flight (Thunderbirds) and then to 4520th Air Demonstration Squadron (Thunderbirds), the Air Force decided to activate a permanent unit to perform precision aerobatics and the 4520th Air Demonstration Squadron (Thunderbirds) was discontinued on 25 Feb 1967. Since Feb 1967, when the permanent organization was organized as the USAF Air Demonstration Squadron, it has traveled the US and the world performing precision aerobatics as premier USAF ambassadors.
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; 1 Jun 1995-31 May 1997; 1 Jun 2001-31 May 2003; 1 Jun 2004-31 May 2006. Air Force Organizational Excellence Awards: 1 Jan 1984-31 Dec 1985; 1 Jan 1986-31 Dec 1987; 30 Sep 1989-30 Sep 1991; 1 Jun 1997-31 May 1998. 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.). Newest rendition approved on 1 Feb 2008.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 16 Jul 2009.
Commanders through Jan 2008, Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 2002.
93d Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
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; 307 Operations Group, 1 Jan 2011-.
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; Lt Col Henry B. Kintner, 6 Dec 1998; Lt Col Steven W. Kirkpatrick, 15 Oct 2000; Lt Col John D. Lunsford (interim), 23 Sep 2001; Lt Col Timothy W. Mers (interim), 6 May 2002; Lt Col John D. Lunsford (interim), 2 Mar 2003; Unkn, 2004-2011; Lt Col David L. Leedom, 6 Mar 2011; :Lt Col James L. Morriss, III, 28 Apr 2013; Lt Col Robert W. VanHoy II, 6 May 2014; Lt Col Brent E. Weisner, 3 Jun 2016.
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; 1 Oct 2001-1 Aug 2003; 1 Oct 2007-30 Sep 2009. 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 7 Jun 2016.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 7 Jun 2016.
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6th Bombardment Squadron
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 6 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 22 Dec 1939. Activated on 1 Feb 1940. Redesignated as 6 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 6 Air Refueling Squadron, Medium, which was constituted on 6 Apr 1951. Activated on 10 Apr 1951. Inactivated on 1 Aug 1951. Redesignated as 6 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 as 6 Air Refueling Squadron on 1 Sep 1991.
Assignments: 29 Bombardment Group, 1 Feb 1940-1 Apr 1944. 29 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-20 May 1946. Tenth Air Force, 15 Jun 1947; 482 Bombardment Group, 30 Sep 1947-27 Jun 1949. 6 Bombardment Group, 10 Apr-1 Aug 1951. Fifteenth Air Force, 1 Nov 1957; 6 Bombardment (later, 6 Strategic Aerospace) Wing, 3 Jan 1958-25 Jan 1967. 22 Air Refueling Wing, 3 Jan 1989; 22 Operations Group, 1 Sep 1991; 722 Operations Group, 1 Jan 1994; 60 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-.
Commanders: Maj Hugo Rush, 1 Feb 1940-unkn; Capt Erwin L. Tucker, unkn; Maj James S. Sutton, unkn; Maj Wray, unkn; 2Lt William B. David, by 7 Dec 1941; Capt Robert B. Sutterwhite, unkn-31 Dec 1942; Capt Thomas E. Fenton, 1 Jan 1943; Capt Benjamin Kelly, 24 May 1943; Maj Robert B. Sullivan, 2 Jun 1943; Capt James A. Anderson, 22 Jul-31 Dec 1943; unkn, Jan-Mar 1944. None (not manned), 1 Apr-3 May 1944; Capt Samuel W. Bright, 4 May 1944; Maj James D. Baird, 30 Jun 1944; Maj Gerald R. Jorgensen, by 1 Aug 1945-unkn; none (not manned), 15 Feb-20 May 1946. Lt Col James E. Bailey, c. 15 Jun 1947-unkn. None (not manned) 10 Apr-1 Aug 1951. Maj Gover E. Sims. 1 Nov 1957; Lt Col Rowland H. Worrel Jr., 7 Jan 1958; Lt Col Donald W. Brookie, Mar 1960; Lt Col Joseph R. Hanley, Nov 1961; Lt Col Keith L. Gillespie, 1 Sep 1964-25 Jan 1967. Lt Col Robert D. Glass, 3 Jan 1989, Lt Col Andrew S. Miller, 8 Jun 1990; Lt Col Ronald M. Varely, 1 Sep 1991; Lt Col Richard P. Packard, 2 Sep 1992; Lt Col Bruce E. Hurd, 23 Jun 1994; Lt Col Brooks L. Bash, 1 Aug 1995; Lt Col Raymond Torres, 10 Jun 1997; Lt Col Mark A. Stank, 12 Jul 1999; Lt Col Michael R. Mendonca, 6 Apr 2001; Lt Col Kevin J. Kilb, 4 Apr 2003; Lt Col Shaun B. Turner, 6 Jan 2005; Lt Col James H. Craft, 26 Jan 2007; Lt Col Joel D. Jackson, 16 May 2008-.
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. Stood operation alerts to support exercises of the Strategic Air Command, Jan 1964-Feb 1994. Worldwide air refueling since 1989, including deployments to Southwest Asia, 1990-1991, and humanitarian airlift to Somalia, 1992-1993. Refueling support for the Global War on Terrorism, 2001-.
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. Meritorious Unit Award: 1 Jul 2005-30 Jun 2007. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 May 1960-31 May 1962; 1 Feb-30 Jun 1989; 1 Jul 1989-30 Jun 1991; 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1995; 1 Aug 1995-30 Jul 1997; [31 Jul] 1997-30 Jun 1999; 1 Jul 1999-30 Jun 2000; 1 Jul 2000-30 Jun 2001; 1 Jul 2001-30 Jun 2003; 1 Jul 2003-30 Jun 2004; 1 Jul 2004-30 Jun 2005; 1 Jul 2005-30 Jun 2007; 1 Jul 2007-30 Jun 2009; 1 Jul 2009-30 Jun 2010; 1 Jul 2010-30 Jun 2012; 1 Jul 2012-30 Jun 2013; 1 Jul 2013-30 Jun 2014; 1 Jul 2014-30 Jun 2015; 1 Jul 2015-30 Jun 2016.
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. Modified and approved on 9 Dec 1994. Newest rendition 30 Jan 2013.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 11 Jun 2018.
Aircraft, Commanders, Operations 27 Apr 2010.
43d Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 29 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 22 Dec 1939. Activated on 1 Feb 1940. Redesignated as 43 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 13 Mar 1940. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated as 43 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, and activated, on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 20 May 1946. Redesignated as 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 as 43 Flying Training Flight, and activated in the Reserve, on 1 Apr 1997. Redesignated as 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; 14 Operations Group, 15 Dec 1991-1 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-.
Commanders: Maj William D. Old, 1 Feb 1940; unkn, c. 1 Mar-4 May 1941; Maj Robert F. Travis, 5 May 1941; Capt James H. Walsh, 21 Oct 1941; Maj C.W. Bicking, c. Mar 1942; Maj Roland J. Bernick, c. Jul 1942; Capt Chester C. Cox, 30 Jan 1943; Maj George H. Blasé, 2 Apr 1943; Capt Robert T. Marland, 16 Apr 1943; Maj Everett C. Wessman, 29 Sep 1943-c. Mar 1944. None (not manned), 1 Apr-3 May 1944; Capt William J. Barter, 4 May 1944; Maj James D. Baird, 25 May 1944; Lt Col Joseph G. Perry, 30 Jun 1944; Maj William Marchesi, Sep 1945-c. Jan 1946; none (not manned) Feb-20 May 1946. Lt Col William M. Pugh, 1 Jul 1972; Lt Col Robert L. Oliver, by Dec 1973; Lt Col William F. Hoeft, by Jun 1976; Lt Col Max L. Hearn, 13 Dec 1976-Jun 1977; unkn, Jul-30 Sep 1977. Lt Col Gregory H. Landers, 25 Jun 1990; Lt Col William H. Barker, 31 Jan-1 Oct 1992. Unkn, 1 Apr 1997-Mar 1998; Col Leonard R. Kight, 1 Apr 1998; Lt Col Roger L. Henry, 1 Aug 1998; Lt Col Dean F. Matcheck, 6 Dec 2002; Lt Col Gerard A. Rowe, 9 Dec 2004; Lt Col Michael J. Gibbons, 9 Dec 2006; Lt Col Brian S. Bowman, 8 Jan 2009 -.
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-; T-6, 2007-.
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 at Craig AFB, AL, from Jul 1972 until inactivated when the base closed in 1977 and at Columbus AFB, MS, 25 Jun 1990-1 Oct 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 Awards: 1 Jan-31 Dec 1973; 1 Oct 2001-30 Sep 2003; 1 Oct 2003-30 Sep 2004.
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.)
Emblem (current): Approved on 30 May 1973.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 2 Nov 2009.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 28 Oct 2009.
52nd Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
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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60th Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
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. Global War on Terrorism: GWOT-E. Iraq: Surge.
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 Award with Combat “V” Device: 1 Jun 2002-31 May 2003. Meritorious Unit Award: 1 Jun 2006-31 May 2007. 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; 1 Jun 2000-31 May 2002; 1 Jun 2003-31 May 2004; 1 Jun 2007-31 May 2008; 1 Jun 2011-31 May 2012; 1 Jun 2012-31 May 2013; 1 Jun 2013-31 May 2014.
Emblem: Approved on 8 May 1980.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 9 Aug 2016.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 1 Jul 1992.
61st Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 61 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated as 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 as 961 Airborne Warning and Control Support Squadron on 31 Dec 1979. Activated on 1 Oct 1979. Redesignated as: 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: 1 Lt 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; Lt Col Renee Romera, 4 Apr 2007; Lt Col Frank Samuelson. 19 May 2009-.
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. Provided airborne command and control for Commander-in-Chief, United States Pacific Command; 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; 1 Oct 2005-30 Sep 2007; 31 Oct 2009-[1 Nov] 2010; 2 Nov 2010-1 Nov 2012.
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), newest rendition approved on 7 Nov 1995; replaced emblems approved on 25 Jun 1956 (154825 A.C.) and 15 May 1942 (K 2670).
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through Feb 2014.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 31 Dec 2010.
62nd Bombardment Squadron  Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
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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457th Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
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
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
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
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 459 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 1 Jul 1942. Activated on 6 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated as 459 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, and activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 21 Dec 1945. Redesignated as 459 Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium, on 26 May 1952. Activated in the Reserve on 14 Jun 1952. Inactivated on 14 Jul 1952. Redesignated as 459 Troop Carrier Squadron, and activated, on 12 Oct 1966. Organized on 1 Jan 1967. Redesignated as 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 as 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; Lt Col Keith N. Felter, 12 Jun 2008; Lt Col Eugene L. Capone, 15 Jun 2010; Lt Col Mark A. Allen, 15 Jun 2012-.
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, 2007-; C-21, 1985-2007; 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; aeromedical evacuation, search and rescue throughout Japan and the Pacific theater, 1993-. Supported Operation Enduring Freedom in the Philippines, 2007-.
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; [2] 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; 2 Nov 2006-1 Nov 2008; 2 Nov 2008-1 Nov 2009; 2 Nov 2009-1 Nov 2011; 2 Nov 2011-1 Nov 2012. 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.). Newest rendition approved on 13 Oct 2011.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through Nov 2013.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Nov 2013.
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| Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force |
Photos courtesy of Mr. Glenn Pendleton
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15th Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: The 15 Antisubmarine Squadron (Heavy) (constituted as 520 Bombardment Squadron [Heavy] on 13 Oct 1942; activated on 18 Oct 1942; redesignated as 15 Antisubmarine Squadron [Heavy] on 29 Nov 1942; disbanded on 2 Nov 1943; reconstituted on 19 Sep 1985) consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with the 15 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy (constituted on 28 Mar 1944; activated on 1 Apr 1944; inactivated on 15 Apr 1946; activated in the Reserve on 1 Aug 1947; inactivated on 27 Jun 1949) and the 15 Special Operations Squadron (constituted as 15 Air Commando Squadron, and activated, on 13 Feb 1968; organized on 15 Mar 1968; redesignated as 15 Special Operations Squadron on 1 Aug 1968; inactivated on 31 Oct 1970). Activated on 1 Oct 1992.
Assignments: 378 Bombardment Group, 18 Oct 1942 (attached to 25 Antisubmarine Wing, 20 Nov 1942-); 26 Antisubmarine Wing, 14 Dec 1942 (remained attached to 25 Antisubmarine Wing to c. Jul 1943); Second Air Force, 17 Oct-2 Nov 1943. 16 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-15 Apr 1946. 445 Bombardment Group, 1 Aug 1947-27 Jun 1949. Pacific Air Forces, 13 Feb 1968; 14 Air Commando (later, 14 Special Operations) Wing, 15 Mar 1968-31 Oct 1970. 1 Special Operations (later, 16 Operations; 1 Special Operations) Group, 1 Oct 1992-.
Stations: Jacksonville Muni Aprt, 18 Oct 1942 (air echelon operated from Langley Field, VA, 3 Jun-3 Jul 1943 and from Drew Field, FL, Jul 1943); Batista Field, Cuba, 25 Jul 1943; Jacksonville AAFld, FL, c. 1 Oct 1943; Wendover Field, UT, 17 Oct-2 Nov 1943. Dalhart AAFld, TX, 1 Apr 1944; Fairmont AAFld, NE, 15 Aug 1944-7 Mar 1945 (air echelon operated from Boringuen Field, Puerto Rico, c. 9-25 Jan 1945); Northwest Field, Guam, 14 Apr 1945-15 Apr 1946. Hill Field, (later, AFB), UT, 1 Aug 1947-27 Jun 1949. Nha Trang AB, South Vietnam, 15 Mar 1968-31 Oct 1970. Eglin Air Force Aux Field #9 (Hurlburt Field), FL, 1 Oct 1992-.
Commanders: Maj Albert J. Wheeler, 18 Oct 1942; Maj Frederick M. O'Neill, 9 Feb 1943-unkn (at least through Sep 1943). None (unmanned), 1 Apr-10 Jul 1944; Maj William A. Garland, 11 Jul 1944; Lt Col Richard W. Kline, 1 Mar 1945- c. 27 Feb 1946; none (unmanned), c. 28 Feb-15 Apr 1946. Unkn, 1 Aug 1947-27 Jun 1949. Lt Col Dow A. Rogers Jr., 15 Mar 1968; Lt Col Thomas F. Hines, 29 Apr 1968; Lt Col Russell A. Bunn, 4 Sep 1968; Lt Col John R. Dummer, 27 Mar 1969; Lt Col John F. Newell Jr., 5 Aug 1969; Lt Col Leo W. Tubay, 23 Feb-31 Oct 1970. Lt Col William E. Saier, 1 Oct 1992; Lt Col Charles R. Lovett, 30 Jun 1994; Lt Col Clarence E. Glausier III, 24 May 1996; Lt Col Steven K. Weart, 17 Jul 1998; Lt Col David H. Sammons Jr., 1 Jun 2000; Lt Col Frank E. Fields, 4 Jun 2002; Lt Col Robert Toth, 1 Jun 2004; Lt Col Tony D. Baurenfiend, 5 Jul 2006; Lt Col Christopher J. Ireland, 22 May 2008; Lt Col David W. Diehl, 3 Jun 2009; Lt Col Patrick Wolfe, 27 Jul 2010; Lt Col Richard A. Carrell, 4 Jun 2012-.
Aircraft: O-47, 1942; B-25, 1942-1943; B-34, 1942-1943; B-24, 1943. B-17, 1944-1945; B-29, 1944-1946. C-130, 1968-1970. MC-130, 1992-.
Operations: Antisubmarine patrols, Oct 1942-Sep 1943. Combat in Western Pacific, 16 Jun-14 Aug 1945. Combat and combat rescue in Southeast Asia, 15 Mar 1968-31 Oct 1970. Conducted day and night infiltration/exfiltration, resupply, and reconnaissance missions into unfriendly territory, 1993-. Participated in numerous training exercises, 2008-2009.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan. Vietnam: 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. Afghanistan: Liberation; Consolidation I; Consolidation III. Iraq: Iraqi Liberation; Iraqi Transition; Iraqi Governance; Iraqi National Resolution; Iraqi Sovereignty; Iraqi New Dawn.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 29 Jul-6 Aug 1945. Presidential Unit
Citations (Southeast Asia): 1 Jan 1966-15 Nov 1970; 21 Jun 1968-30 Jun 1969. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat “V” Device: 15 Mar-20 Jun 1968; 1 Jul-31 Oct 1970; 1 Jun 1997-31 May 1999; 1 Jul 2003-30 Jun 2005; 1 Sep 2006-30 Jun 2007. Gallant Unit Citation: 6 Oct 2001-30 May 2003. Meritorious Unit Awards: 1 Jul 2007-30 Jun 2009; 1 Oct 2009-30 Sep 2011; 1 Oct 2011-30 Sep 2013; 1 Oct 2013-30 Sep 2015. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Oct 1992-15 Apr 1994; 1 Jun 1995-31 May 1997; 1 Jul 1999-30 Jun 2001; 1 Jul 2001-30 Jun 2003; 1 Sep 2004-31 Aug 2006. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 15 Mar 1968-31 Oct 1970.
Emblem (WWII): On a medium blue sphere, marked with white lines of latitude and longitude, within border yellow orange, a red sword winged and hilted white, striking surface of sphere with point, in bomb burst impact mark at dexter base, proper, and casting drop shadow on surface of sphere between five, like bomb bursts arranged two to dexter and three to sinister, all surmounting a large, dark blue aerial bomb, trimmed white, nose to dexter base. (Approved 13 Apr 1945.)
Emblem (Current): Azure gridlined as a globe Argent a dagger point to base Argent, hilt Or winged Silver Gray throughout above and between five flames of fire pilewise proper, all within a diminished bordure Yellow. Approved on 27 Nov 1992 (DFSC 94-01135); replaced emblem approved on 13 Apr 1945 (K 3259).
Emblem Significance: Blue represents the sky, the primary theater of Air Force operations. Yellow signifies the sun and the excellence required of Air Force personnel. The globe reflects the worldwide scope of special operations. The winged dagger is symbolic of the squadron's ability to deliver precision operations anywhere and anytime. The flames allude to bomb blasts and recall the squadron's predecessor unit (15th Bombardment Squadron). They also signify the five theater commands to which the squadron provides support and point out the specialized nature of most special operations missions.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 11 Aug 2016.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Aug 2013.
Other Sites of Interest: 15th Special Operations Squadron (Hurlburt Field website)
16th Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted 16th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 28 Mar 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 15 Apr 1946.
Assignments: 16th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-15 Apr 1946.
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.
Aircraft: B-17, 1944-1945; B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 16 Jun-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 29 Jul-6 Aug 1945.
Emblem: A large, gray, caricatured hippopotamus, winged light yellow orange, wearing a brown fatigue cap, and holding a large, brown and yellow aerial bomb under the forelegs, while running toward dexter, in front of and around a large blue sphere marked with black land areas and encircled by a yellow and brown ribbon. (Approved 3 Aug 1945.)
17th Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 17 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated o 15 Apr 1946. Consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with the 17 Tactical Missile Squadron, which was constituted on 4 May 1955. Activated on 8 Sep 1955. Inactivated on 8 Jul 1958. Consolidated (1 Jan 1993) with the 3613 Combat Crew Training Squadron (Water), which was designated, and activated on 27 Jun 1971. Redesignated as: 17 Crew Training Squadron on 8 Jan 1993; 17 Training Squadron on 1 Apr 1994. Inactivated on 2 Jan 1997.
Assignments: 16 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr 1944-15 Apr 1946. Ninth Air Force, 8 Sep 1955; 588 Tactical Missile Group, 8 Jan 1957; Thirteenth Air Force, 1 Feb-8 Jul 1958. 363 Combat Crew Training Wing (later, 336 Crew Training Group; 336 Training Group), 27 Jun 1971-2 Jan 1997.
Stations: Dalhart AAFld, TX, 1 Apr 1944; Fairmont AAFlc, NE, 15 Aug 1944-7 Mar 1945; Northwest Fld, Guam, 15 Apor 1945-15 Apr 1946. Orlando AFB, FL, 8 Sep 1955-2 Feb 1958; Tainan AB, Taiwan, 6 Feb-8 Jul 1958. Homestead AFB, FL, 27 Jun 1971; Tyndall AFB, FL, 1 Nov 1992; Pensacola NAS, FL, 17 Jun 1994-2 Jan 1997.
Aircraft & Missiles: B-17, 1944-1945; B-29, 1944-1946. T-33, 1956-1958; Matador, 1956-1958.
Operations: Combat in western Pacific, 16 Jun-14 Aug 1945. Operated tactical ground-launched missiles in Florida and Taiwan, 1956-1958. Training aircrews to survive over-water ejection/bailout situations.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 29 Jul-6 Aug 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan-31 Dec 1972; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1974; 1 Jan 1978-30 Apr 1979; 1 May 1982-30 Apr 1984; 1 May 1984-30 Apr 1986; 1 May 1986-30 Sep 1987; 1 May 1987-30 Apr 1988; 1 May 1988-30 Apr 1989; 1 May 1989-30 Apr 1990; 1 May 1990-30 Apr 1991; 1 Jul 1991-30 Jun 1993; 1 Jul 1993-30 Jun 1995.
Emblem (WWII): On a grayed emerald green disc, border gray, edged red, a silhouette, light green aerial bomb bendwise, surmounted by a white sword, winged gold, hilt, pommel, and guard of the last, set with a square red jewel at the guard, all between gray speed lines arched toward rear. (Approved 30 Jun 1945.)
Emblem (post-WWII): Approved on 11 Jun 1956 (17 Tactical Missile Squadron); 3 Jul 1972 (3613 Combat Crew Training Squadron).
Other Sites of Interest: 66th Training Squadron Det. 2
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 (Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
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355th Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 355th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 1 Jun 1942. Inactivated on 10 Apr 1944. Redesignated 355th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 27 Jun 1944. Activated on 7 Jul 1944. Inactivated on 15 Apr 1946.
Redesignated 355th Troop Carrier Squadron (Medium) on 16 May 1949. Activated in the reserve on 27 Jun 1949. Redesignated 355th Troop Carrier Squadron (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1950. Ordered to active service on 1 Jun 1951. Inactivated on 8 Jun 1951. Redesignated 355th Troop Carrier Squadron (Medium on 26 May 1952. Activated in the reserve on 14 Jun 1952. Ordered to active service on 28 Oct 1962. Relieved from active duty on 28 Nov 1962. Redesignated 355th Tactical Airlift Sq on 1 Jul 1967, 355th Special Operations Sq on 25 Jan 1970, 355th Tactical Airlift Sq on 26 Jul 71, inactivated 1 Jul 1982.
Assignments: 302d Bombardment Group, 1 Jun 1942-10 Apr 194. 331st Bombardment Group, 7 Jul 1944-15 Apr 1946. 302d Troop Carrier Group, 27 Jun 1949-8 Jun 1951. 302d Troop Carrier Group, 14 Jun 1952; 302d Troop Carrier Wing, 14 Apr 1959; 906th Troop Carrier Gp (later 906th Tactical Airlift Gp, 906th Special Operations Gp, 906th Tactical Airlift Gp) 11 Feb 1963-1 Sep 75, 302nd Tactical Airlift Wg -1 Apr 81, 906th Tactical Airlift Gp -1982.
Stations: Geiger Field, Wash, 1 Jun 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 23 Jun 1942; Wendover Field, Utah, 30 Jul 1942; Pueblo AAB, Colo, 30 Sep 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Dec 1942; Clovis, NM, 29 Jan 1943; Langley Field, Va, 17 Dec 1943; Chatham AAFld, Ga, 9 Mar-10 Apr 1944. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 7 Jul 1944; McCook AAFld, Neb, 22 Nov 1944-8 Apr 194.5; Northwest Field, Guam, 12 May 1945-15 Apr 1946. McChord AFB, Wash, 27 Jun 1949-8 Jun 1951. Clinton County AFB 14 Jun 1952-26 Jul 1971, Rickenbacker AFB (later ANGB) -1982.
Jun 1952.
Aircraft: B-24, 1942-1944. B-17, 1944; B-29,1945-1946. C-119, 1962.
Operations: Operational and later replacement training unit, 1943-1944. Combat in Western Pacific, c. 7 Jul-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: American Theater.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 22-29 Jul 1945.
Emblem (355th TCS): On an Air Force blue disc bordered white, three white parachutes palewise, carrying cargo, one large one between two smaller ones, all between four stars, one in dexter, one in chief, one in sinister, and one in base, all white; outlines and details Air Force blue throughout. Motto: On a white scroll edged and inscribed Air Force blue, YOU CALL, WE HAUL. (Approved 7 Jul 1961.)
356th Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 356 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 1 Jun 1942. Inactivated on 10 Apr 1944. Redesignated as 356 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy on 27 Jun 1944. Activated on 7 Jul 1944. Inactivated on 15 Apr 1946. Redesignated as 356 Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium on 16 May 1949. Activated in the Reserve on 27 Jun 1949. Inactivated on 28 Jan 1950. Activated in the Reserve on 14 Jun 1952. Ordered to Active Service on 28 Oct 1962. Relieved from Active Duty on 28 Nov 1962. Redesignated as: 356 Tactical Airlift Squadron on 1 Jul 1967; 356 Special Operations Squadron on 25 Jun 1970; 356 Tactical Airlift Squadron on 26 Jul 1971; 356 Airlift Squadron on 1 Feb 1992. Inactivated on 30 Jun 2006. Activated in the Reserve on 9 Jan 2007.
Assignments: 302 Bombardment Group, 1 Jun 1942-10 Apr 1944. 331 Bombardment Group, 7 Jul 1944-15 Apr 1946. 302 Troop Carrier Group, 27 Jun 1949-28 Jan 1950. 302 Troop Carrier Group, 14 Jun 1952; 302 Troop Carrier Wing, 14 Apr 1959; 907 Troop Carrier (later, 907 Tactical Airlift; 907 Special Operations; 907 Tactical Airlift) Group, 11 Feb 1963; 302 Tactical Airlift Wing, 1 Sep 1975; 907 Tactical Airlift (later, 907 Airlift) Group, 1 Apr 1981; 907 Operations Group, 1 Aug 1992; 445 Operations Group, 1 Oct 1994-30 Jun 2006. 433 Operations Group, 9 Jan 2007-.
Stations: Geiger Field, WA, 1 Jun 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, 23 Jun 1942; Wendover Field, UT, 30 Jul 1942; Pueblo AAB, CO, 30 Sep 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, 1 Dec 1942; Clovis, NM, 29 Jan 1943; Langley Field, VA, 17 Dec 1943; Chatham AAFld, GA, 27 Jan-10 Apr 1944. Dalhart AAFld, TX, 7 Jul 1944; McCook AAFld, NE, 22 Nov 1944-8 Apr 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 12 May 1945-15 Apr 1946. McChord AFB, WA, 27 Jun 1949-28 Jan 1950. Clinton County AFB, OH, 14 Jun 1952; Lockbourne (later, Rickenbacker) AFB (later ANGB), OH, 26 Jul 1971; Wright-Patterson AFB, OH, 1 Apr 1993-30 Jun 2006. Kelly Field Annex, Lackland AFB, TX, 9 Jan 2007-.
Commanders: 1Lt Ronald V. Kramer, 21 Jun 1942; Capt Earl D. Carlson, 4 Jul 1942; Capt Walter Cross, 23 Jul 1942; Capt Benjamin M. Sheldon, 23 Sep 1942; Capt Horace S. Carswell, 23 Jan 1943; Capt Frank L. Smith, 20 May 1943; Capt Zane L. Abbott, 23 Aug 1943; unkn, 5 Mar-10 Apr 1944. Maj Thomas E. Whitson, by Aug 1944; Maj Joesph S. Grimm, by Oct 1944; Capt Louis C. Carr, by Jun 1945; Maj Andrew F. Gordon, 18 Jul 1945-unkn. Unkn, 27 Jun 1949-28 Jan 1950. Unkn, 14 Jun 1952-1955; Maj Darl C. Brickner, by Dec 1955; Maj Carl B. Yerian, by Dec 1959; Lt Col Richard M. Griswold, Nov 1961; Lt Col Carl B. Yerian, by Jun 1964; Lt Col Justin L. Townsley, by Dec 1965; Lt Col James K. Riddle, by Jun 1970; Lt Col David R. Laird, 21 Jun 1972; Lt Col Richard D. Evans, Jul 1975; Col John A. Hellwege, 17 Feb 1976; Lt Col Morris J. Turkelson, 22 Oct 1979; Lt Col Virgil P. Fryburger Jr., by Jun 1981; Lt Col James Maurer, by Feb 1982-unkn; Lt Col Earnest M. Conant Jr., by Oct 1984; Lt Col Jerry E. Trott, 23 Jul 1986; Lt Col Paul M. Lavin, 1 Dec 1991; Lt Col Kirk A. Baker, 18 Aug 1992; Lt Col Robert G. Shondel, 1 Oct 1994; Lt Col Keith D. Kries, 1 Dec 1999; Lt Col Brian E. Dominguez, 1 Apr 2002-May 2005; unkn, May 2005-.
Aircraft: B-24, 1942-1944. B-17, 1944; B-29, 1945-1946. C-54, 1949-1950. C-46, 1952-1957; C-119, 1956-1973; C-123, 1972-1981; C-130, 1981-1992; C-141, 1992-2006. C-5, 2007-.
Operations: Trained aircrews for bombardment missions, Jun 1942-Apr 1944; combat in the Western Pacific, c. 1 Jul-14 Aug 1945. Trained for C-54 airlift operations, 1949-1950 and for troop carrier missions, 1952-1967. Airlifted troops and their equipment during the Cuban missile crisis, Oct-Nov 1962. Since then, except for the period 1970-1971 when the squadron trained for special operations, it trained for and flew airlift missions, participating in exercises, supporting unit deployments, taking part in special assignment airlift missions, and rotating periodically to Panama in the 1970s and 1980s. Supported liberation of Kuwait in 1991. Converted from tactical to strategic aircraft in 1992 and provided strategic airlift to 30 Jun 2006. Provided initial and advanced C-5 flight qualification training for Air Mobility Command (AMC), Air National Guard (ANG), and Air Force Reserve Command (AFRC) aircrews, 2007-.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific. Southwest Asia: Liberation and Defense of Kuwait.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 22-29 Jul 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan-31 Dec 1970; 1 Jan 1977-31 Dec 1978; 1 Oct 1999-30 Sep 2001; 1 Jan 2007-31 Dec 2008. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm, 14 Feb-11 Mar 1968.
Emblem (WWII): On a light blue green disc, edged black, a caricatured "stripped down" duck yellow orange, in flight toward dexter, with red feet, black wing tips, and light magenta eyelids, wearing a brown aviator's helmet, and having a knot tied in the neck, while holding a large black aerial bomb in the feet, and having a small, black cannon lighted at the fuse, proper, tied on back with brown string, beside six, small, black cannon balls resting on duck's back, all between a white cloud formation in chief and a like cloud formation in base. (Approved 21 Mar 1945.)
Emblem (Current): Approved on 7 Jul 1969; modified on 29 Jul 1996.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 28 Jun 2012.
Commanders through 31 Dec 2004; Aircraft, and Operations through 28 Jun 2012.
Source: Reserve Flying Squadron Inactivates (445 AW) by Maj. Ted Theopolos 445th Airlift Wing 6/6/2006 - WRIGHT-PATTERSON AIR FORCE BASE, Ohio -- The 356th Airlift Squadron furl and cased its squadron guidon during a small ceremony June 3 as the unit will inactivate on June 30. The ceremony was held this pasted drill weekend for reservists to participate and say good-bye. "The squadron leaves a tremendous legacy," said Brig. Gen. Bruce Davis, 445th Airlift Wing commander. The squadron is a subordinate unit to the 445 AW. Col. Jim Blackman, 445th Operations Group commander followed along the same lines as the wing commander. "Since 1942 the 356th AS has been in every operation since. It's never been better than the last mission you've flown. It's a great credit to the people in the squadron." The reserve airlift squadron last mobilized mission for two and half years was transporting wounded, sick and injured patients on C-141 aircraft out of the Middle East and back to the states for Operation Iraqi Freedom. The guidon was furl and cased by squadron commander Lt. Col. Steve Johnson, signifying the end of the unit's mission which serves as a final symbol of closure for those past and present that were a part of this organization. "Thank you all from the bottom of my heart for your support," said the last squadron commander. "Thank you for your service to our country." Although the 356 AS inactivated assigned pilots, loadmasters, flight engineers and support personnel will be transferred to the existing 89th Airlift Squadron to fly and operate the C-5 galaxy aircraft. The 89 AS is also assigned to the 445th Airlift Wing. (NOTE: Unit inactivated 6/30/2006 per DAF/DPM 558s, 4 Nov 2006; SO #GB-0019, Hq AFRC, 13 Mar 2006.)
357th Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted 357 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 1 Jun 1942. Inactivated on 10 Apr 1944. Redesignated 357 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy on 27 Jun 1944. Activated on 7 Jul 1944. Inactivated on 15 Apr 1946. Redesignated 357 Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium on 26 May 1952. Activated in the Reserve on 14 Jun 1952. Ordered to active duty on 28 Oct 1962. Relieved from active service on 28 Nov 1962. Redesignated: 357 Tactical Airlift Squadron on 1 Jul 1967; 357 Tactical Air Support Squadron on 25 Apr 1969; 357 Tactical Airlift Squadron on 15 Dec 1971; 357 Airlift Squadron on 1 Feb 1992.
Assignments: 302 Bombardment Group, 1 Jun 1942-10 Apr 1944. 331 Bombardment Group, 7 Jul 1944-15 Apr 1946. 302 Troop Carrier Group, 14 Jun 1952; 445 Troop Carrier Group, 16 Nov 1957; 446 Troop Carrier Group, 25 Mar 1958; 446 Troop Carrier Wing, 14 Apr 1959; 302 Troop Carrier Wing, 8 May 1961; 908 Troop Carrier (later, 908 Tactical Airlift; 908 Tactical Air Support; 908 Tactical Airlift; 908 Airlift) Group, 11 Feb 1963; 908 Operations Group, 1 Aug 1992-.
Stations: Geiger Field, WA, 1 Jun 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, 23 Jun 1942; Wendover Field, UT, 30 Jul 1942; Pueblo AAB, CO, 30 Sep 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, 1 Dec 1942; Clovis, NM, 29 Jan 1943; Langley Field, VA, 17 Dec 1943; Chatham AAFld, GA, 9 Mar-10 Apr 1944. Dalhart AAFld, TX, 7 Jul 1944; McCook AAFld, NE, 22 Nov 1944-8 Apr 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 12 May 1945-15 Apr 1946. Clinton County AFB, OH, 14 Jun 1952; Donaldson AFB, SC, 16 Nov 1957; New Orleans NAS, LA, 25 Mar 1958; Bates Field, AL, 8 May 1961; Brookley AFB, AL, 1 Oct 1964; Maxwell AFB, AL, 25 Apr 1969-.
Commanders: 1st Lt David E. Kunkel Jr., 21 Jun 1942; Capt Hugh R. Graff, unkn-c. May 1943; Capt Orville L. Buchanan, 1943; Maj Ralph E. Caldwell, Nov 1943; Capt Orville L. Buchanan, 22 Dec 1943-unkn. Maj Andrew F. Gordon, by Aug 1944; Lt Col Thaddeus L. Woltanski, 12 Oct 1944; Lt Col Gerald J. Crosson, Nov 1944-unkn. Unkn, 1952-c.1958; Lt Col Charles D. Burpee Jr., c.1958; Lt Col William A. Willis, 1961; Lt Col William G. McDowell, 1963; Lt Col Joe M. Wilson, c.1969-c.1971; Lt Col Joseph M. Davis, 1971; Maj Melvin Howe, by Mar 1972; Lt Col Prince A. Wiginton, by Sep 1972; Lt Col George D. Leadbetter, 1 Jul 1975; Lt Col Gordon W. Tyrrell, 22 Sep 1976; Lt Col David J. Turner, 31 Jul 1978; Lt Col John D. Edrington Jr., by Apr 1979; Lt Col Robert J. Osik, 9 Jan 1981; Lt Col Charles L. Burnett, 12 Feb 1982; Lt Col Hoyle B. Williams Jr., 1 Oct 1983; Lt Col Lee H. Richey, 3 Feb 1989; Lt Col Daniel J. Manix, 10 Oct 1990; Lt Col Wallace S. Drage, 1 Nov 1992; Lt Col Robert C. Martin, 3 Dec 1995; Lt Col Michael Berg, 20 Oct 1997; Lt Col Michael J. Underkofler, 4 Nov 2000; Lt Col Norman Hamm, 14 Jul 2002; Lt Col John P. Stokes, 1 May 2004; Lt Col Raymond S. Davis III, 7 May 2007; Lt Col Jerome S. Hayes, Jan 2009; Lt Col Craig W. Drescher, 5 Jun 2011; Lt Col Daniel J. Ebrecht, 6 Sep 2014-.
Aircraft: B-24, 1942-1944. B-17, 1944; B-29, 1945-1946. C-46, 1952-1957; C-119, 1956-1969; U-3, 1969-1970; O-2, 1970-1971; C-7, 1971-1983; C-130, 1983-.
Operations: Operational and later replacement training unit, 1942-1944. Combat in Western Pacific, Jul-Aug 1945. Since 1963, the squadron flew numerous, world-wide airlift missions. Provided personnel and aircraft to support operations overseas, including the Balkans during the 1990s, Iraq for Operation Iraqi Freedom in 2003, Afghanistan for Operation Enduring Freedom in 2004. Supported Operation Noble Eagle within the United States in 2001 and Hurricane Katrina relief in 2005. Provided personnel and aircraft to assist relief efforts in 2010 following an earthquake in Haiti and floods in Pakistan.
Service Streamers: World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 22-29 Jul 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1972-15 Mar 1974; 1 Jan 1976-30 Nov 1977; 1 Feb 1980-31 Jan 1982; 1 Sep 1986-31 Aug 1988; 1 Sep 1991-31 Aug 1993.
Emblem (WWII): Over and through a light turquoise blue disc, a caricatured waiter attired, proper, stalking toward dexter across a white cloud formation in base, with smug look of satisfaction on face, having a white napkin folded over the left forearm, and holding aloft with the right hand a large metal tray, supporting two, very large, red aerial bombs, banded white, resting on top, of four, varied-size aerial bombs of green, blue, yellow, and red, reading from left to right respectively, emitting wisps of vapor toward rear. (Approved 20 Nov 1945.)
Emblem (current): Approved on 26 Jun 1986.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 11 Jan 2016.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 11 Jan 2016.
Supersedes Maurer Maurer (ed.), Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II (Washington: USGPO, 1969).
30th Photo Lab (disbanded 8 Oct 48) DAF/MO Ltr 325r, 21 May 92 Subj: Redesignation of the 1369th Audiovisual Squadron (Combat Camera) reconstitutes the 30th Photo Lab, Bomb Group, Very Heavy effective 1 May 92 and consolidates it with the active 1369th Audiovisual Squadron as the 30th Audiovisual Squadron. The squadron was active at least through 1995.
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 (Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
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21st Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 21st Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 28 Mar 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 10 May 1944. Activated on 1 Jun 1944. Inactivated on 10 Jun 1946. Consolidated 19 Sep 1985 with the 21st Tactical Air Support Sq as the 21st Tactical Air Support Sq.
Assignments: 16th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr-10 May 1944. 50lst Bombardment Group, 1 Jun 1944-10 Jun 1946.
Stations: Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 1 Apr-10 May 1944. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 1 Jun 1944; Harvard AAFld, Neb, 23 Aug 1944-7 Mar 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 14 Apr 1945-10 Jun 1946.
Aircraft: B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Apparently not manned, 1 Apr-10 May 1944. Combat in Western Pacific, 16 Jun-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 6-13 Jul 1945.
Emblem: None.
41st Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 41st Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 28 Mar 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 10 May 1944. Activated on 1 Jun 1944. Inactivated on 10 Jun 1946. Activated in the reserve on 12 Ju1 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. consolidated 19 Sep 1985 with the 41st Air Refueling Sq as the 41st Air Refueling Sq.
Assignments: 6th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr-10 May 1944. 501st Bombardment Group, 1 Jun 1944-10 Jun 1946. 448th Bombardment Group, 12 Jul 1947-27 Jun 1949.
Stations: Dalhart AAFLD, Tex, 1 Apr-10 May 1944. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 1 Jun 1944; Harvard AAFld, Neb, 23 Aug 1944-7 Mar 195; Northwest Field, Guam, 14 Apr 1945-10 Jun 1946. Long Beach Mun Aprt, Calif, 12 Jul 1947-27 Jun 1949.
Aircraft: B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 16 Jun-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 6-13 Jul 1945.
Emblem: On a disc, orange in base, shaded up to sky blue, within an ultramarine blue border, a large, gray elephant with white tusks, running toward dexter, and holding aloft in the trunk a very large, red aerial bomb, in front of white, cirrus cloud formations, edged light turquoise blue, and marked red violet on under side, all leaving white vapor trails to rear. (Approved 17 Apr 1945.)
485th Bombardment Squadron  Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Organized as 73d Aero Squadron on 14 Aug 1917. Redesignated 485th Aero Squadron on 1 Feb 1918. Demobilized on 20 May 1919. Reconstituted and consolidated (1936) with 485th Bombardment Squadron which was constituted and allotted to the reserve on 31 Mar 1924. Activated, date unkn [personnel assigned, Sep 1925]. Disbanded on 31 May 1942. Reconstituted and consolidated (21 Apr 1944) with 485th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) which was constituted on 28 Feb 1944. Activated on 11 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 10 May 1944. Activated on 1 Jun 1944. Inactivated on 10 Jun 1946.
Assignments: Unkn, 14 Aug 1917-Mar 1918; Air Service Production Center No. 2, Mar 1918; Air Service Spares Depot, Sep 1918-Jan 1919; unkn, Jan- 20 May 1919. Fifth Corps Area, [1925(?)-31 May 1942]. 505th Bombardment Group, 11 Mar-10 May 1944. 501st Bombardment Group, 1 Jun 1944-10 Jun 1946.
Stations: Kelly Field, Tex, 14 Aug 1917; Camp Morrison, Va, 21 Dec 1917-4 Mar 1918; Romorantin, France, 25 Mar 1918 (detachment operated from St Nazaire to 3 Apr 1918; unit from Gievres, 17 May-9 Jun 1918; detachment from Chatenay-sur-Seine from 11 Sep 1918); Chatenay-sur-Seine, France, 21 Sep 1918; Bordeaux, France, c. 1 Feb 1919-unkn; Mitchel Field, NY, c. 2-20 May 1919. Dayton, Ohio, [1925 (?)- 31 May 1942 (?)]. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 11 Mar 1944; Harvard AAFld, Neb, 12 Mar-10 May 1944. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 1 Jun 1944; Harvard AAFld, Neb, 23 Aug 1944-7 Mar 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 14 Apr 1945-10 Jun 1946.
Aircraft: B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Constructed and maintained facilities (in Zone of Advance after Sep 1918), Mar-c. Dec 1918. Combat in Western Pacific, 23 Jun-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: Theater of Operations.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 6-13 Jul 1945.
Emblem: On a grayed, dark blue green disc, flecked with gray clouds in base and three, yellow, five-point stars at chief, sinister fess, and base points, within a black border, a caricatured, vari-colored bird in reverse flight, wearing a radio headset and peering into a radar scope while adjusting dials on set with right foot, and holding a red, blue and yellow aerial bomb in the claws of the left foot, all emitting speed lines toward dexter. (Approved 26 Jun 1945.)
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 (Courtesy of Mr. Scott Burris. Used with permission.) |
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402nd Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 12th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 15 Jan 1941. Redesignated: 402d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 22 Apr 1942; 402d Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 10 May 1944. Activated on 1 Jun 1944. Inactivated on 15 Apr 1946. Consolidated 19 Sep 1985 with the 702nd Tactical Air Support Sq as the 702nd Tactical Air Support Sq.
Assignments: 39th Bombardment Group, attached on 15 Jan 1941, and assigned 25 Feb 194-1 Apr 1944. 39th Bombardment Group, 1 Apr-10 May 1944. 502d Bombardment Group, 1 Jun 1944-15 Apr 1946.
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-10 May 1944. Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Jun 1944; Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 5 Jun 1944; Grand Island AAFld, Neb, 26 Sep 1944-7 Apr 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 12 May 1945-15 Apr 1946.
Aircraft: B-25, 1941; B-17, 1941-1942; B-24, 1942-1944. B-29, 1944-1946.
Operations: Antisubmarine patrols, Dec 1941-Jan 1942. Operational and later replacement training unit, 1942-1944. Combat in Western Pacific, 30 Jun-15 Aug. 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 5-15 Aug 1945.
Emblem: On a disc divided per fess wavy debased blue and white three gold airplanes, radiating from the middle base. (Approved 23 Oct 1941.)
411th Bombardment Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Organized as 16 Aero Squadron, c. 15 May 1917. Redesignated as 21 Aero Squadron on 13 Jun 1917. Demobilized on 14 Apr 1919. Reconstituted, and redesignated as 21 Observation Squadron, on 24 Mar 1923. Disbanded on 1 Oct 1933. Reconstituted, and consolidated (2 Dec 1936) with 21 Reconnaissance Squadron which was constituted as 21 Observation Squadron (Long Range, Amphibian), and activated, on 1 Mar 1935. Redesignated as: 21 Reconnaissance Squadron on 1 Sep 1936; 21 Reconnaissance Squadron (Long Range) on 6 Dec 1939; 21 Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940; 411 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 22 Apr 1942; 411 Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Inactivated on 10 May 1944. Activated on 1 Jun 1944. Inactivated on 15 Apr 1946. Consolidated (19 Sep 1985) with 911 Air Refueling Squadron, Heavy, which was constituted on 28 May 1958. Activated on 1 Dec 1958. Redesignated as 911 Air Refueling Squadron on 1 Jul 1992. Inactivated on 30 Jun 2007. Activated on 12 Apr 2008.
Assignments: Unkn, 1917; Third Aviation Instruction Center, 1918-unkn. 2 (later, 2 Bombardment) Wing, 1 Mar 1935 (attached to 2 Bombardment Group from 1 Sep 1936; attached to 7 Naval District for operations, Sep 1939-Aug 1940); 3 Bombardment Wing, 15 Nov 1940 (attached to Newfoundland Base Command for operations, May-Aug 1941); 29 Bombardment Group, attached 5 Sep 1941, assigned 25 Feb 1942-1 Apr 1944. 29 Bombardment Group, 1 Apr-10 May 1944. 502 Bombardment Group, 1 Jun 1944-15 Apr 1946 (attached to 6 Bombardment Group, Sep 1944-Jan 1945). 4241 Strategic Wing, 1 Dec 1958; 68 Bombardment Wing, 15 Apr 1963; 68 Air Refueling Group (later, 68 Air Refueling Wing), 30 Sep 1982; 4 Operations Group, 22 Apr 1991; 319 Operations Group, 29 Apr 1994-30 Jun 2007. 6 Operations Group, 12 Apr 2008-.
Stations: Kelly Field, TX, May 1917; Scott Field, IL, 11 Aug 1917; Garden City, NY, 23 Dec-c. 4 Jan 1918; St Maxient, France, 23 Jan 1918; Issoudun, France, 21 Feb 1918; Bordeaux, France, c. Jan-c. 18 Mar 1919; Hazelhurst Field, NY, c. 5-14 Apr 1919. Bolling Field, DC, 1 Mar 1935; Langley Field, VA, 1 Sep 1936; Miami Muni Aprt, FL, 9 Sep 1939-22 Apr 1941; Newfoundland Aprt, Newfoundland, 1 May-30 Aug 1941; MacDill Field, FL, c. 3 Sep 1941; Gowen Field, ID, 25 Jun 1942-1 Apr 1944. Pratt AAFld, KS, 1 Apr-10 May 1944. Davis-Monthan Field, AZ, 1 Jun 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, 5 Jun 1944; Grand Island AAFld, NE, 26 Sep 1944-7 Apr 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 12 May 1945-15 Apr 1946. Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, 1 Dec 1958; Grand Forks AFB, ND, 29 Apr 1994-30 Jun 2007. Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, 12 Apr 2008-.
Commanders: Sgt Tony Bruns, c. 15 May 1917; Maj Seth W. Cook, 16 Jun 1917; 2 Lt Edwin P. Doll, 21 Jul 1917; 1 Lt C. W. Connell, 27 Jul 1917, Maj C. K. Rhinehardt, 4 Aug 1917; 1 Lt C. B. Ammon, 7 Oct 1917; 1 Lt C. F. McIntosh, 10 Nov 1917; 1 Lt Gibson, 30 Dec 1917; 1 Lt Welles, 19 Feb 1918; Capt R. E. Bell, 19 Feb 1918; 1 Lt Frank L. Doty, 19 Feb 1918; Capt K. G. Pulliman Jr., c. Mar 1918-unkn; 1 Lt Frank L. Doty, unkn. Unkn, 1 Mar 1935-27 May 1940; Maj James M. Fitzmaurice, 28 May 1940; Maj James P. Hodges, 15 Jul 1940-unkn; Maj J. V. Crabb, 9 May 1941-unkn; Capt Baskin R. Lawrence Jr., 6 Apr 1942; Maj Archie J. Old, 30 May 1942; 1 Lt Francis E. Tiller, 1 Jul 1942; Capt Elliott Vandervantes, c. 27 Aug 1942; Maj Frank L. Davis, 10 Sep 1942; Capt Robert E. Smith c. 30 Jan 1943; Capt Louis M. Sowers, c. Aug 1943-unkn. Unkn, 1 Apr-10 May 1944. Capt William J. Barter, 12 Jul 1944; Capt Frank E. Boyd, c. Aug 1944; Maj Rudolph R. Seymour, c. Sep 1944-unkn. Lt Col Colin C. Hamilton, c. Mar 1959; Lt Col George F. Brodie, 15 Aug 1960; Lt Col Arnold W. Vincent, 27 Sep 1961; Lt Col Arthur G. Ray Jr., 18 Sep 1962; Lt Col Raleigh H. McQueen, 20 Jun 1964; Lt Col Leonard Reeves, 1 Nov 1964; Lt Col Robert L. Holladay, 1 Jun 1966; Lt Col Robert E. Rush, 21 Jun 1967; Lt Col Dempsey B. Clinard Jr., 16 Jul 1969; Lt Col Robert W. Dees, 15 Jan 1972; Lt Col Donald Bornkessel, Mar 1973; Lt Col James Murray, Aug 1974; Lt Col David L. Tawater, 24 Nov 1974; Lt Col Samuel G. Jewell, 20 Jul 1976; Lt Col Kenneth L. Barrett Jr., 27 Dec 1976; Lt Col Howard Kravetz, 1 Apr 1978; Lt Col Gregory A. Kuehner, 19 Mar 1980; Lt Col David Casperson, Feb 1981; Lt Col Charles Coolidge, Jun 1982; Lt Col Dennis Carpenter, Aug 1983; Lt Col Robert Burke, Mar 1985; Lt Col James G. Dickensheets Jr., 7 Oct 1985; Lt Col Charles E. Bailey, 7 Jul 1987; Lt Col Lawrence R. Keller, 23 Feb 1989; Lt Col Dennis D. Storck, 22 Apr 1991; Lt Col David R. Lefforge, 2 Jul 1992; Maj William R. Kunzweiler, 29 Apr 1994; Lt Col Timothy D. Gann, 7 Jul 1994; Lt Col Anthony L. H. Haney, 3 Jul 1996; Lt Col Stephen J. Apple, 1 Jun 1998; Lt Col Joseph T. Rohret, 15 Jun 1999; Lt Col James W. Harper, 9 Jan 2001; Lt Col Jon D. Klaus, 7 Jan 2003; Lt Col Murray R. Clark, 8 Jun 2004; Lt Col William Uptmor, 12 Apr 2008; Lt Col Bruce P. Heseltine Jr., 18 May 2010; Lt Col David L. Pike, 15 Jun 2012-.
Aircraft: In addition to Nieuport 27 and Nieuport 80, apparently included Avro 504K, 1918. O-38, 1935-1936; OA-4, YOA-5, and B-10, 1936-1937; B-18, 1937-1941 (additionally included A-17, B-17, Y1OA-8, OA-9, and apparently OA-10, 1939-1941); B-17, 1939-1943; A-29, 1941-1942; B-24, 1943-1944. B-29, 1944-1946. KC-135, 1958-1972, 1973-1985; 1993-; KC-10, 1985-1992.
Operations: Flying training unit, Feb-c. Dec 1918. Neutrality, sea search, and weather reconnaissance missions, Oct 1939-Aug 1940, Jun-Aug 1941. Antisubmarine patrols, Jan-Jun 1942. Operational and later replacement training unit, 1942-1944. Combat in Western Pacific, Jul-Aug 1945. Supported air refueling operations in Southeast Asia, May 1972-Jul 1973. Air refueling support for the invasion of Panama, Dec 1989 and for combat operations in Southwest Asia (SWA), Aug 1990-Mar 1992. Transferred to Air Mobility Command; moved without personnel or equipment to Grand Forks AFB, ND, 29 Apr 1994. During 1990s, supported operations in the Balkans and in Southwest Asia, and flights for the national leadership. After terrorists attacked the US on 11 Sep 2001, supported Operation Enduring Freedom (2001-) and Iraqi Freedom (2003-). Activated in Apr 2008 as an active-associate squadron with 916 Air Refueling Wing, Seymour Johnson AFB, NC; performed air refueling missions.
Service Streamers: World War I Theater of Operations.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific. Southwest Asia: Defense of Saudi Arabia; Liberation and Defense of Kuwait.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 5-15 Aug 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1965-30 Jun 1966; 1 Jul 1985-30 Jun 1987; 26 Apr 1989-1 Apr 1991; 23 Apr 1991-31 May 1993, 1 Oct 1993-30 Jun 1995; 1 Jun-31 Oct 1994; 1 Jul 1995-30 Jun 1997; 1 Jul 2000-30 Jun 2002; 1 Jul 2002-30 Jun 2004; 1 Jul 2004-30 Jun 2005; 1 Jul 2005-30 Jun 2006; 1 Jul 2006-30 Jun 2007; [12 Apr 2008]-30 Jun 2009; [1 Jul]-31 Jul 2009; [1 Aug] 2009-30 Jun 2010.
Emblem (WWII): On an ultramarine blue circle within a gold border a representation of the Greek god Mercury (figure, proper; helmet, sandals and purse, brown; wings and scroll, white). (Approved 7 Aug 1937.)
Emblem (Current): Per fess Celeste and Azure a barrulet Sable and overall an eagle stooping Gules, head and feet proper, all within a diminished bordure of the fourth. Approved on 16 Nov 1994; replaced emblems approved on 24 Jul 1987 (DFSC 87-11182) and on 7 Aug 1937 (10039 A.C.).
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through Sep 2013.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Jun 2012.
Supersedes published information contained in: Judy G. Endicott (ed.), USAF Active Flying, Space, and Missile Squadrons as of 1 October 1995 (Washington: USGPO, 1999).
Source: 911th Air Refueling Squadron [911th ARS] The 911th Air Refueling Squadron traces its lineage to the 16th Aero Squadron, which was organized c. 15 May 1917 at Kelly Field, TX. It was redesignated as the 21st Aero Squadron on 13 June 1917. The squadron operated as a flying training unit from February-c. December 1918, flying Nieuport 27 and Nieuport 80, and also apparently the Avro 504K. The squadron deployed to France before returning home, to Hazelhurst Field, NY, and being demobilized on 14 April 1919. The squadron was reconstituted, and redesignated 21st Observation Squadron, on 24 March 1923, before being disbanded on 1 October 1933. It was reconstituted, and consolidated (2 December 1936) with the 21st Reconnaissance Squadron which itself was constituted as the 21st Observation Squadron (Long Range, Amphibian), and activated, on 1 March 1935, at Bolling Field, DC, flying the O-38 aircraft. The squadron was assigned to the 2nd (later, 2nd Bombardment) Wing (though the squadron was attached to 2nd Bombardment Group from 1 September 1936; and to the 7th Naval District for operations, September 1939-August 1940). The squadron was redesignated as the 21st Reconnaissance Squadron on 1 September 1936, upon its move to Langley Field, VA. 1936 also saw the unit transition to the OA-4, YOA-5, and B-10 aircraft. Redesignated as the 21st Reconnaissance Squadron (Long Range) on 6 December 1939, the squadron relocated to Miami Municipal Airport on 9 September 1939 before being reassigned to the 3rd Bombardment Wing, on 15 November 1940 (but attached to Newfoundland Base Command for operations, where it deployed from 1 May-30 August 1941). A few days later, the squadron changed its designation to the 21st Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) on 20 November 1940. The squadron relocated to McDill Field, Florida c. 3 September 1941, and on 5 September, became attached to the 29th Bombardment Group, to which it became assigned on 25 February 1942. It was redesignated as the 411th Bombardment Squadron (heavy) on 22 April 1942 and as the 411th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy, on 28 March 1944. A few days later, on 1 April 1944, the squadron inactivated. That very same day, the squadron reactivated and became attached to the 29th Bombardment Group. It inactivated again on 10 May 1944 and reactivated on 1 June 1944, as part of the 502nd Bombardment Group. The squadron was briefly attached to the 6th Bombardment Group, from September 1944-January 1945. The squadron inactivated on 15 April 1946 at Northwest Field, Guam, where it had been stationed since 12 May 1945. Prior to that, the squadron had been stationed Pratt AAFld, KS (1 April-10 May 1944); Davis-Monthan Field, AZ (1 June 1944); Dalhart AAFld, TX (5 June 1944); and Grand Island AAFld, NE (26 September 1944-7 April 1945). During the course of World War II, missions with which the squadron was tasked included: Neutrality, sea search, and weather reconnaissance missions (October 1939-August 1940, June-August 1941); Antisubmarine patrols(January-June 1942); Operational and later replacement training unit (1942-1944); and combat in the Western Pacific (July-August 1945). Aircraft flown at various points by the squadron from 1937 to 1941 comprised the B-18 (1937-1941); the A-17, B-17, Y1OA-8, OA-9, and apparently OA-10 (1939-1941); the B-17 (1939-1943); the A-29 (1941-1942); the B-24 (1943-1944) and the B-29 (1944-1946). The squadron was consolidated on 19 September 1985, with the 911th Air Refueling Squadron, Heavy, which was constituted on 28 May 1958 and activated on 1 December 1958 as a unit of the 4241st Strategic Wing at Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, and flying the KC-135. The 911th was reassigned to the 68th Bombardment Wing, on 15 April 1963. The squadron supported air refueling operations in Southeast Asia, from May 1972-July 1973. Reassigned to the 68th Air Refueling Group (later, 68th Air Refueling Wing), on 30 September 1982, the 911th transitioned to the KC-10 in 1985 and provided air refueling support for the invasion of Panama, in December 1989 and for combat operations in Southwest Asia, from August 1990-March 1992. The 911th became assigned to the 4th Operations Group, on 22 April 1991. The 911th was redesignated as the 911th Air Refueling Squadron on 1 July 1992. The 911 ARS relocated to Grand Forks AFB, ND, on 29 April 1994, when it became assigned to the 319th Air Refueling Wing's Operations Group, transitioning, in the process, back to the KC-135 Stratotanker. That same year, the 911th ARS took part, at Eglin AFB, FL, and Edwards AFB, CA, in efforts to complete USAF operational testing on B-2 and C-17 weapon systems among others. The squadron subsequently deployed to Mildenhall RAF Base, United Kingdom, in support of the European Tanker Task Force. 1995 saw the squadron deploy, during the months of January and February, to the Persian Gulf in support of Operation Southern Watch, off-loading in the process more than 20 million pounds of fuel to United States' Air Force, Navy, Marine Corps and coalition forces aircraft. Thereafter, the 911th provided support, from March to June, to exercises conducted by Air Combat Command, Pacific Air Forces and Air Mobility Command, while still flying Atlantic and Pacific channel missions transporting cargo to and from Europe and the Pacific Rim. That same year, the squadron provided support of Operation Northern Viking, a multinational exercise testing NATO's ability to defend Naval Air Stations Keflavik, Iceland. That same summer, back in the United States, the 911th ARS supported a Maintainability and Availability Evaluation of the C-17 aircraft. Following this, the 911th ARS simultaneously provided support to the European Tanker Task Force for Operation Phoenix Illusion (air bridge to Jordan), Operation Provide Comfort and Operation Deliberate Force. The squadron then deployed for two months to Panama for Operations Constant Vigil and Green Clover, in support of counter-drug operations there. As 1998 ended and 1999 began, the 911th was deployed to Operation Northern Watch, at Incirlik Air Base, Turkey. As world tension increased, half of the squadron deployed to Moron Air Base, Spain, to support the Kosovo crisis in Operation Allied Force. The remaining half deployed to the desert to support Operation Southern Watch. After 1 month, this half redeployed to RAF Mildenhall to assist with Operation Allied Force. The mission of the 911th Air Refueling Squadron is to organize, train, and equip KC-135R/T aircrew members as a combat force multiplier for rapid global mobilization, worldwide deployment, aerial refueling, and airlift operations for the US and its allies. The 911th ARS enables Global Engagement by maintaining an all-weather warfighting capability in support of conventional and special operations, contingency taskings, and the nation's Single Integrated Operational Plan (SIOP).
430th Bombardment Squadron  Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Organized as 44th Aero Squadron on 30 Jun 1917. Redesignated: Squadron K, Wilbur Wright Field, Ohio, in Oct 1918; Squadron P, Wilbur Wright Field, Ohio, in Nov 1918. Demobilized on 30 Apr 1919. Reconstituted and consolidated (1924) with 44th Squadron which was authorized on 10 Jun 1922. Organized on 26 Jun 1922. Redesignated 44th Observation Squadron on 25 Jan 1923. Inactivated on 31 Jul 1927. Activated on 1 Apr 1931. Redesignated: 44th Reconnaissance Squadron on 1 Sep 1937; 44th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium Range) on 6 Dec 1939; 44th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940; 430th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 22 Apr 1942; 430th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 28 Mar 1944. Inactivated on 10 May 1944. Activated on 1 Jun 1944. Inactivated on 15 Apr 1946.
Assignments: Unkn, 1917-1919. Eighth Corps Area, 26 Jun 1922 (attached to Field Artillery School, c. Aug 1922); Air Corps Training Center, Jun-31 Jul 1927. 6th Composite Group, 1 Apr 1931 (attached to 16th Pursuit Group, c. Dec 1932); 16th Pursuit Group, assigned on 1 Sep 1937, and attached on 1 Feb 1940; 9th Bombardment Group, attached on
20 Nov 1940, and assigned 25 Feb 1942-10 May 1944. 502d Bombardment Group, 1 Jun 1944-15 Apr 1946.
Stations: Camp Kelly, Tex, 30 Jun 1917; Wilbur Wright Field, Ohio, 25 Aug 1917-30 Apr 1919. Post Field, Okla, 26 Jun 1922; March Field, Calif, 25 Jun-31 Jul 1927. France Field, CZ, 1 Apr 1931; Albrook Field, CZ, 13 May 1932; Howard Field, CZ, 8 Jul-27 Oct 1941; Atkinson Field, British Guiana, 4 Nov 1941; Orlando AB, Fla, 31 Oct 1942; Brooksville AAFld, Fla, 6 Jan 1944; Orlando AB, Fla, 25 Feb 1944; Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 6 Mar-l0 May 1944. Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Jun 1944; Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 5 Jun 1944; Grand Island AAFld, Neb, 26 Sep 1944-7 Apr 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 12 May 1945-15 Apr 1946.
Aircraft: Apparently included S J-1, JN-4, and possibly DH-4 during period 1917-1919. Included DH-4 and evidently O-2 during period 1922-1927. In addition to O-19, 1932-1937, and B-l0, 1936-1937 included OA-4 during period 1931-1939; B-18, 1938-1942; B-17, 1943-1944; B-24, 1943-1944; B-25, 1943-1944; B-26, 1943-1944; c-73, 1943-1944. B-29,1944-1946.
Operations: Evidently flying training unit during period 1917-1919. Good-will flight to Guatemala, 7-12 Feb 1938. Antisubmarine patrols, and reconnaissance of Vichy French fleet at Martinique, Dec 1941-Oct 1942. Unmanned, Nov 1942-Mar 1943. Tested equipment, Apr 1943-Feb 1944. Combat in Western Pacific, c. 1 Aug-15 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 5-15 Aug 1945.
Emblem: An Indian in war bonnet in silhouette couped at the breast, arm raised, hand shading eyes, in blue on a yellow disc piped with red. (Approved 20 Jan 1925.)
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19th Fighter Squadron
 Plaque located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force  P-26A of the 19th Pursuit Squadron National Museum of the United States Air Force Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Organized as 14 Aero Squadron on 14 Jun 1917. Redesignated as 19 Aero Squadron on 26 Jun 1917. Demobilized on 14 Apr 1919. Reconstituted, and consolidated (20 Dec 1923) with 19 Squadron, which was authorized on 30 Aug 1921. Organized on 1 Oct 1921. Inactivated on 29 Jun 1922. Redesignated as 19 Pursuit Squadron on 25 Jan 1923. Activated on 1 May 1923. Redesignated as: 19 Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 6 Dec 1939; 19 Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942; 19 Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 20 Aug 1943. Inactivated on 12 Jan 1946. Redesignated as 19 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 11 Dec 1981. Activated on 1 Apr 1982. Redesignated as 19 Fighter Squadron on 1 Nov 1991. Inactivated on 31 Dec 1993. Activated on 1 Jan 1994.
Assignments: Unkn, 14 Jun 1917-Feb 1918; Seventh Aviation Instruction Center, Feb-Dec 1918; unkn, Jan-Apr 1919. Ninth Corps Area, 1 Oct 1921-29 Jun 1922. 17 Composite Group, 1 May 1923; 5 Composite Group, 15 Jan 1924; 18 Pursuit (later, 18 Fighter) Group, Jan 1927; 318 Fighter Group, 16 Mar 1943-12 Jan 1946. 363 Tactical Fighter (later, 363 Fighter) Wing, 1 Apr 1982; 363 Operations Group, 1 May 1992-31 Dec 1993. 3 Operations Group, 1 Jan 1994; 15 Operations Group, 1 Oct 2010-.
Stations: Camp Kelly, TX, 14 Jun 1917; Wilbur Wright Field, OH, 1 Aug 1917; Garden City, NY, 31 Oct-3 Dec 1917; St Maxient, France, 1 Jan 1918; Clermont-Ferrand, France, 6 Feb 1918; Cenac-Bordeaux, France, c. 29 Dec 1918-c. 18 Mar 1919; Mitchel Field, NY, c. 5-14 Apr 1919. March Field, CA, 1 Oct 1921-29 Jun 1922. Wheeler Field, TH, 1 May 1923; Luke Field, TH, 15 Jan 1924; Wheeler Field, TH, 11 Jan 1927; Bellows Field, TH, 20 Feb 1942; Kualoa Field, TH, 22 May 1942; Bellows Field, TH, 20 Oct 1942; Barbers Point, TH, 9 Feb 1943; Kipapa Field, TH, 30 May 1943; Stanley Field, TH, 4 Sep 1943; Kualoa Field, TH, 26 Dec 1943; Bellows Field, TH, 18 Apr 1944; Saipan, 29 Jun 1944; Ie Shima, 30 Apr 1945; Okinawa, Nov-Dec 1945; Ft Lewis, WA, 11-12 Jan 1946. Shaw AFB, SC, 1 Apr 1982-31 Dec 1993. Elmendorf AFB, AK, 1 Jan 1994; Joint Base Pearl Harbor-Hickam, Hawaii, 1 Oct 2010-.
Commanders: Capt Thomas J. Hanley Jr., 1 Jun 1917; Capt Norman J. Boots, 25 Jul 1917; 1 Lt Frank P. McCreery, 16 Oct 1917; Lt James E. Woolley, 1 Feb 1918; 1 Lt Joseph I. Dise, 16 Dec 1918-16 Apr 1919. Lt Chilton F. Wheeler, Sep 1923; Capt Hugh M. Elmendorf, 20 Oct 1923; Lt Claire L. Chennault, 16 Apr 1924; Lt Arthur G. Hamilton, Jun 1925-unkn; Capt Auby C. Strickland, by Mar 1932; Lt Robert C. Oliver, 11 Mar 1932; Lt Demas T. Craw, 4 Aug 1932-unkn; Lt Glenn O. Barcus, by 1934; Capt Ray H. Clark, unkn; Capt James E. Briggs, unkn; Capt William Council, unkn; Capt James A. Ellison, c. Jul 1937; Capt Roger M. Ramey, Jul 1939; Capt Clarence F. Hegg, Jan 1940; Lt Worley, 17 Mar 1941; Maj Joseph A. Morris, 22 Mar 1941; Maj T. A. Ahola, 14 Sep 1942; Maj Harry E. McAfee, 14 Jun 1943; Maj De Jack Williams, 28 Aug 1944-12 Jan 1946. Lt Col Joseph C. Rively, 1 Jul 1982; Lt Col Jeffrey S. Pilkington, 5 Jul 1984; Lt Col Wayne A. Ivan, Oct 1986; Lt Col Thomas E. Cedel, Sep 1988; Lt Col Dale E. Irving, Jul 1990; Lt Col Rocky P. Capozzi, Jul 1992; Lt Col Michael T. Cantwell, 25 Oct-31 Dec 1993. Lt Col John E. Vandendries Jr., 1 Jan-16 Jun 1994; Lt Col Rick E. Odegard, 17 Jun 1994; Lt Col Archie D. Rippeto, 21 Mar 1996; Lt Col William G. Reese III, 21 Dec 1997; Lt Col Tod D. Wolters, 5 Jan 1999; Lt Col Kenneth S. Wilsbach, 9 Jun 1999; Lt Col George M. Henkel, 31 May 2002; Lt Col Richard A. Hand, 6 Jul 2004; Lt Col Roger J. Witek, 15 Jul 2005; Lt Col Samuel S. Fedak, 15 Jul 2007; Lt Col David E. Graff, 21 Nov 2008; Lt Col Harvey F. Newton, 4 Oct 2010; Lt Col Robert Jackson, 15 Jun 2012-.
Aircraft: Apparently included JN-6 and SE-5, 1921-1922. In addition to MB-3 and SE-5, included DH-4 and JN-6 during period 1923-1926; primarily PW-9 during period 1927-1930; primarily P-12 during period 1931-1937; in addition to P-26 and P-36, included A-12, BT-9, OA-3, and P-12 during period 1938-1941; P-40, 1941-1943; P-47, 1943-1945; P-38, 1944-1945. F-16, 1982-1993. F-15, 1994-2010; F-22, 2010-.
Operations: Maintained aircraft, 1918. Stationed at Wheeler Fld, TH during surprise attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 Dec 1941. Patroled over the Pacific and trained in Hawaii, Feb 1942-Apr 1944. Earned excellent combat record in Western Pacific, 22 Jun 1944-14 Aug 1945. Flew into Battle at Saipan from Navy escort carrier Natoma Bay, Jun 1944. From 1982-1993, trained for close ground support, air-to-air superiority and maintained a state of readiness to deploy worldwide. In Sep 1992, deployed to Southwest Asia to fly combat air patrol missions to enforce terms of UN cease fire agreement. On 1 Jan 1994, took over personnel, facilities and equipment of 43 FS at Elmendorf AFB, AK. Since 1994, mobilized, deployed, and employed fighter aircraft worldwide to accomplish air superiority in support of warfighting commanders. Received Hughes Trophy in recognition as the top air superiority squadron in the USAF for 2001. The unit also earned the 2009 Raytheon Trophy (formerly the Hughes Trophy) for 2009. The squadron moved from Alaska to Hawaii in Oct 2010 and began flying F-22s that year.
Honors
Service Streamers: World War I Theater of Operations.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Central Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; China Offensive; Air Combat, Asiatic-PacificTheater. Southwest Asia: Southwest Asia Ceasefire.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: [1 Apr 1982]-1 Jun 1983; 1 Jan 1994-31 Dec 1995; 1 Jan 1996-30 Sep 1998; 1 Jan 2000-31 Dec 2001; 1 Jan 2002-30 Sep 2003; 1 Oct 2003-30 Sep 2005; 1 Oct 2005-1 Nov 2006; 2 Nov 2006-1 Nov 2008; 2 Nov 2008-1 Nov 2009.
Emblem: Or, a gamecock rising Gules, neck and tail Sable, garnished on the wing of the first, spurred Argent; a bordure Azure charged with nineteen mullets Argent, each wreathed of five plates diminished of the like, within a diminished bordure Sable. Approved on 12 Nov 1993 (DFSC 94-02413); replaced emblems approved on 10 Dec 1981 (DFSC 82-01580), and 20 Apr 1928 (K 4522).
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through Feb 2014.
Commanders through Jun 2012; Aircraft, and Operations through Dec 2011.
Other Sites of Interest: 19th Fighter Squadron (Elmendorf AFB website)
73d Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 73 Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 4 Oct 1941. Activated on 5 Oct 1941. Redesignated as 73 Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942. Inactivated on 12 Jan 1946. Activated in the Reserve on 1 Aug 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Redesignated as 73 Strategic Reconnaissance Squadron, Heavy, on 4 Jun 1952. Activated on 16 Jun 1952. Redesignated as 73 Bombardment Squadron, Heavy, on 1 Oct 1955. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 15 Apr 1963. Redesignated as 73 Expeditionary Reconnaissance Squadron, and converted to provisional status, on 22 Jul 2010.
Assignments: 18 Pursuit (later, 18 Fighter) Group, 5 Oct 1941; 318 Fighter Group, 15 Oct 1942-12 Jan 1946. 72 Reconnaissance Group, 1 Aug 1947-27 Jun 1949. 72 Strategic Reconnaissance (later, 72 Bombardment) Wing, 16 Jun 1952; 4241 Strategic Wing, 5 Jan 1959-15 Apr 1963. Air Combat Command to activate or inactivate at any time on or after 22 Jul 2010.
Stations: Wheeler Field TH, 5 Oct 1941; Bellows Field, TH, 22 May 1942; Midway, 17 Jun 1942; Kaneohe, TH, 26 Jan 1943; Mokuleia Field, TH, 5 May 1943; Bellows Field, TH, 8 Nov 1943; Saipan, c. 23 Jun 1944; Ie Shima, 30 Apr 1945; Okinawa, Nov-Dec 1945; Ft Lewis, WA, 11-12 Jan 1946. Hamilton Field, CA, 1 Aug 1947-27 Jun 1949. Ramey AFB, PR, 16 Jun 1952; Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, 5 Jan 1959-15 Apr 1963.
Commanders: Maj John S. Evans, 1941; Maj Charles H. Chapin, 19 Apr 1943; Maj James M. Meng, 1 Nov 1943; Maj John J. Hussey Jr., 14 Apr 1944; Maj Wilmur M. McCown, 22 Jun 1945; Maj Lewis A. Nelson, 12 Aug 1945; Maj Frank A. Cronican, 4 Oct 1945; Capt Ernest J. Whittle Jr., 22 Oct 1945-unkn. Lt Col Schmid, unkn-1949. Maj R. O. Breeze, 1952; Lt Col Frederick D. Barry Jr., 1952; Lt Col Franklyn W. Haines, 15 Jun 1954; Lt Col Robert I. Langford, 2 Aug 1955; Lt Col Robert L. Jones, 16 Aug 1956; Lt Col George C. Player Jr., 1957; Lt Col William H. McVey, 26 Jun 1958; Capt Vernon C. McKenzie, 1 Sep 1958; Capt Ted C. Frey, Oct 1958; Capt Lyle B. Bordeaux, 5 Jan 1959; Maj William C. Selsor III, 23 Mar 1959; Lt Col Clarence J. Deaton, 20 Apr 1959; Lt Col Colin C. Hamilton, 15 Aug 1960; Lt Col Edgar S. Harris Jr., 11 Oct 1961-unkn.
Aircraft: P-40, 1941-1943; P-26, 1941; P-47, 1943-1945; P-38, 1944-1945. RB-36, 1952-1958; B-52, 1959-1963.
Operations: Patrols over the Pacific, Jan 1942-Apr 1944. Combat in Western Pacific, 24 Jun 1944-14 Aug 1945. Provided radar scope photography, 1952-1955. Converted to bombing mission in 1955. Conducted worldwide strategic bombardment training missions and provided nuclear deterrent, 1959-1963.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Central Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; China Offensive; Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 1 Oct 1957-1 Jun 1958.
Emblem: On an Air Force blue disc edged white, a red stylized delta-winged aircraft, chevronwise throughout, edged white, emitting upward two white lightning bolts one to dexter chief, one to sinister chief; all above an atomic symbol of two white orbits encircling a red nucleus; in base four Air Force golden yellow stylized quail in flight upward in an arched formation; in chief a ring of seven white stars encircling three Air Force golden yellow stars, all four pointed. (Approved 6 Ju1 1962.)
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through Sep 2010.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Apr 1963.
333d Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted 333d Fighter Squadron on 18 Aug 1942. Activated on 23 Aug 1942. Inactivated on 12 Jan 1946. Redesignated 131st Fighter Squadron, and allotted to ANG, on 24 May 1946.
Assignments: 18th Fighter Group, 23 Aug 1942; 318th Fighter Group, 11 Jan 1943-12 Jan 1946.
Stations: Bellows Field, TH, 23 Aug 1942; Canton, 11 Sep 1942; Hilo, TH, 6 Apr 1943; Bellows Field, TH, 28 Jul 1943; Saipan, 6 Jul 1944; Ie Shima, 30 Apr 1945; Okinawa, Nov-Dec 1945; Ft Lewis, Wash, 11-12 Jan 1946.
Aircraft: P-39, 1942-1944; P-47, 1944- 1945; P-38,1944-1945.
Operations: Patrols over the Pacific, Sep 1942-Jul 1943. Replacement training, Jul 1943-June 1944. Combat in Western Pacific, 20 Jul 1944-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; China Offensive; Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific Theater; Antisubmarine, Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
Decorations: None.
Emblem: None.
Source: Philippe's Aviation Pages The 131st Fighter Squadron (SE) was federally recognized at Barnes Field, Westfield, Mass, on February 24, 1947. The squadron traces its origins from the 333d FS constituted and activated at Bellows Field, HI, in August 1942. The squadron initially flew patrols in Hawaii, serving as a replacement training unit from July 1943 to June 1944. Equipped with P-47D/Ns, It flew combat sorties in the Western Pacific from July 1944 until VJ Day. The unit was inactivated at Ft Lewis, WA in January 1946. In May 1946, was reconstituted and redesignated the 131st FS and was allotted to the Massachusetts NG. The squadron was first equipped with P-47Ds until November 1951 when it converted to F-51Hs and was redesignated the 131st FIS. In the Spring of 1954, it converted to the F-94A/Bs. Three years later, received F-94Cs. Early 1958 saw the 131st converting to F-86Hs and redesignated 131st TFS on November 10, 1958. On October 1, 1961, the squadron was called to active duty as part of the Berlin Crisis call-up. Followed by a move to Phalsbourg AB, France in November. During August 1962, the 131st returned to state control at Barnes Field, MA. On October 1962, the unit reached group status with federal recognition of the 104th TFG. March 1964 saw the 131st converting to the F-84Fs followed by another conversion in 1971 to the F-100D/Fs. In July 1979, the unit received the A-10As to replace its old F-100s. Joined Air Combat Command in June 1992. Redesignated the 131st Fighter Squadron on October 1, 1995. The 104th Fighter Wing saw combat action over Bosnia-Herzegovina during Operation Deny Flight and Deliberate Force in 1995. In 1999, the unit deployed to Trapani AB, Italy in support of NATO's Operation Allied Force in Kosovo.
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1st Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted 1st Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 15 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 15 Oct 1946. Redesignated 1st Fighter-Day Squadron on 26 Aug 1954. Activated on 11 Nov 1954. Redesignated 1st Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 Jul 1958. Inactivated on 15 Mar 1959. Redesignated 1st Tactical Fighter Training Squadron on 14 Oct 1983. Activated on 1 Jan 1984. Redesignated 1st Fighter Squadron on 1 Nov 1991. Inactivated 15 Dec 2006.
Assignments: 413th Fighter Group, 15 Oct 1944-15 Oct 1946. 413th Fighter-Day Group, 11 Nov 1954; 413th Fighter-Day (later, 413th Tactical Fighter) Wing, 8 Oct 1957-15 Mar 1959 (attached to Sixteenth Air Force, 27 Jun-c. 12 Nov 1958). 325th Tactical Training Wing, 1 Jan 1984; 325th Operations Group, 1 Sep 1991-15 Dec 2006.
Stations: Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 15 Oct 1944; Bluethenthal Field, NC, 9 Nov 1944-7 Apr 1945; Ie Shima, 19 May 1945; Kadena AB, Okinawa, c. 17 Nov 1945; Yontan AB, Okinawa, 29 Jan-15 Oct 1946. George AFB, CA, 11 Nov 1954-15 Mar 1959 (deployed at Moron AB, Spain, 27 Jun-c. 12 Nov 1958). Tyndall AFB, FL, 1 Jan 1984-15 Dec 2006.
Aircraft: P-47, 1944-1946. F-86, 1954-1956; F-100, 1956-1959. F-15, 1984-2006.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 20 May-14 Aug 1945. Air superiority and dissimilar air combat training, 1984-. NORAD alert duty, 1988-1990. F-15 flight training, 1991-2006.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; China Offensive.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: [1 Jan 1984]-31 May 1985.
Emblem: On a Yellow disc, edged Blue, a stylized representation of one of the Furies (mythical Greek goddesses of vengeance), wearing a Black form-fitting gown, and cape trimmed on under side Red, and Red boots, seated on a large, White cloud formation in base, facing toward sinister, and holding a skull, proper, in the right hand. Originally approved on 1 Mar 1945 (K 8809) and most recently modified and reinstated in 1994; replaced emblem approved for use May 1984-Jan 1986 and Apr 1986-c. Jun 1994.
Other Sites of Interest: 1st Fighter Squadron (Tyndall AFB website) NOTE: 1st FS inactivated 15 Dec 2006 (Tyndall AFB site)
21st Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 21 Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 15 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 15 Oct 1946. Redesignated as 21 Fighter-Day Squadron on 26 Aug 1954. Activated on 11 Nov 1954. Redesignated as 21 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 Jul 1958. Inactivated on 15 Mar 1959. Redesignated as 21 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron on 27 Oct 1972. Activated on 1 Dec 1972. Redesignated: 21 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 9 Oct 1980; 21 Tactical Fighter Training Squadron on 1 Jul 1983. Inactivated on 28 Jun 1991. Redesignated as 21 Fighter Squadron, and activated, on 1 Nov 1991. Inactivated on 31 Dec 1993. Activated on 8 Aug 1996.
Assignments: 413 Fighter Group, 15 Oct 1944-15 Oct 1946. 413 Fighter-Day Group, 11 Nov 1954; 413 Fighter-Day (later, 413 Tactical Fighter) Wing, 8 Oct 1957-15 Mar 1959 (attached to Sixteenth Air Force, 14-15 Mar 1959). 35 Tactical Fighter (later, 35 Tactical Training; 35 Tactical Fighter) Wing, 1 Dec 1972-28 Jun 1991. 507 Air Control Wing, 1 Nov 1991; 363 Operations Group, 1 May 1992-31 Dec 1993. 56 Operations Group, 8 Aug 1996-.
Stations: Seymour-Johnson Field, NC, 15 Oct 1944; Bluethenthal Field, NC, 9 Nov 1944-7 Apr 1945; Ie Shima, 19 May 1945; Kadena, Okinawa, 21 Nov 1945; Yontan, Okinawa, 29 Jan-15 Oct 1946. George AFB, CA, 11 Nov 1954-10 Mar 1959; Moron AB, Spain, 11-15 Mar 1959. George AFB, CA, 1 Dec 1972-28 Jun 1991. Shaw AFB, SC, 1 Nov 1991-31 Dec 1993. Luke AFB, AZ, 8 Aug 1996-.
Commanders: Unkn, 15 Oct 1944-11 Oct 1945; Lt Col William B. Whisonant, 12 Oct 1945; Capt Francis J. Vetort, 13 Oct 1945; 1 Lt Robert W. Faas, 1 Apr 1946-unkn; Capt Samuel H. Henton, unkn-26 Sep 1946; Capt Louis A. Guin, 26 Sep 1946-unkn. Maj Stephen L. Bettinger, 11 Nov 1954-unkn. Col Roger L. Sprague, 1 Dec 1972; Lt Col William E. Whitten, c. 1 Mar 1973; Lt Col D. L. Wagner, 17 Apr 1975; Lt Col Paul Marsh, 2 May 1977; Lt Col Wallace L. Mekkers, 5 Jul 1979; unkn, c. 1980-11 Nov 1987; Lt Col Dick E. Willis, 12 Nov 1987; Lt Col Mark D. Gilson, 26 Jul 1989; Lt Col David M. McLaughlin, 9 Nov 1990-28 Jun 1991. Lt Col Bobby G. Smith, 1 Nov 1991; Lt Col John A. Neubauer, 1 Oct-31 Dec 1993. Lt Col James R. Mitchell, 8 Aug 1996; Lt Col Dean A. Profitt III, 2 Apr 1998; Lt Col Walter E. Grace III, 18 Jun 1999; Lt Col Mark J. Warner, 19 Dec 2000; Lt Col Walter G. Farrar III, 18 Jul 2002; Lt Col Christopher Roeder, 4 Dec 2003; Lt Col Thomas G. Abbot, 8 Jun 2005; Lt Col Dennis J. Malfer, 28 Apr 2006; Lt Col James G. Sturgeon, 20 Sep 2007; Lt Col William D. Bowman, 15 Jun 2009; Lt Col Sean C. Routier, 24 Jun 2011; Lt Col Paul B. Willingham, Apr 2013-.
Aircraft: P-47, 1944-1946. F-86, 1954-1956; F-100, 1956-1959. F-4, 1972-1981; F-16, 1981-1991. OA-10, 1991-1993. F-16, 1996-.
Operations: Combat in western Pacific Ocean, 20 May-14 Aug 1945. Among occupation forces in Okinawa, 1945-1946. Conducted tactical exercises, firepower demonstrations, and joint training missions, 1954-1959. Between 1972 and 1981, flew "wild weasel" radar detection and suppression practice missions with F-4s. Converted to F-16s for tactical exercises and training, 1981-1991. Between Nov 1991 and Dec 1993, practiced forward air control missions. Provided continuation training for Taiwan Air Force (TAF) pilots in TAF-owned F-16 aircraft, Aug 1996-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; China Offensive.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 2 Feb 1976-31 Mar 1977; 1 Jun 1985-31 May 1987; 1 Mar 1990-28 Jun 1991; 1 Jan 1992-31 Dec 1993; 8 Aug 1996-30 Jun 1998; 1 Jul 1998-30 Jun 2000; 1 Jul 2001-30 Jun 2003; 1 Jun 2003-30 Jun 2005; 1 Jul 2005-30 Jun 2006; 1 Jul 2006-30 Jun 2007; 1 Jul 2007-30 Jun 2008; 1 Jul 2008-30 Jun 2009; 1 Jul 2009-30 Jun 2010; 1 Jul 2010-30 Jun 2011.
Emblem (WWII): On a yellow disc, within a border equally divided red and white, a jagged, red lightning flash passing from chief to dexter fess, behind large, black head of panther, affronte, trimmed red and white, issuing from a grayed medium blue cloud formation in base, extending up and around sinister edge with small, grayed medium blue lightning flash issuing at sinister fess point. (Approved 5 Jan 1946.)
Emblem (current): Interim emblem approved subsequent to waiver of AFI 84-105 by CSAF, 20 Aug 2007. Per CSAF, emblem is to remain in effect only for duration of time the unit conducts Taiwanese Air Force (TAF) training. At cessation of TAF training, unit is to return to historical emblem. See emblem approval letter dated 21 Feb 2014.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through Feb 2014.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Apr 2013.
34th Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 34 Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 15 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 15 Oct 1946. Redesignated as 34 Fighter-Day Squadron on 26 Aug 1954. Activated on 11 Nov 1954. Redesignated 34 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 Jul 1958. Inactivated on 15 Mar 1959. Activated on 2 May 1966. Organized on 15 May 1966. Redesignated as 34 Fighter Squadron on 1 Nov 1991. Inactivated on 16 Jul 2010. Activated on 17 Jul 2015.
Assignments: 413 Fighter Group, 15 Oct 1944-15 Oct 1946. 413 Fighter-Day Group, 11 Nov 1954 (attached to Ninth Air Force, 6 Jun-c. 13 Jul 1956); 413 Fighter-Day (later, 413 Tactical Fighter) Wing, 8 Oct 1957-15 Mar 1959. Pacific Air Forces, 2 May 1966; 41 Air Division, 15 May 1966 (attached to 388 Tactical Fighter Wing, 15 May 1966-); 347 Tactical Fighter Wing, 15 Jan 1968 (remained attached to 388 Tactical Fighter Wing to 14 Mar 1971); 388 Tactical Fighter (later, 388 Fighter) Wing, 15 Mar 1971; 388 Operations Group, 1 Dec 1991-16 Jul 2010. 388 Operations Group, 17 Jul 2015-.
Stations: Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 15 Oct 1944; Bluethenthal Field, NC, 9 Nov 1944-7 Apr 1945; Ie Shima, 19 May 1945; Kadena AB, Okinawa, c. 17 Oct 1945; Yontan AB, Okinawa, 29 Jan-15 Oct 1946. George AFB, CA, 11 Nov 1954-15 Mar 1959 (deployed at Shaw AFB, SC, 6 Jun-c. 13 Jul 1956; Ramey AFB, Puerto Rico, 17-22 Jun 1957; Luke AFB, AZ, 13-26 Jul 1958). Korat RTAFB, Thailand, 15 May 1966-23 Dec 1975 (operated from Takhli RTAFB, Thailand, 1-27 Feb 1969); Hill AFB, UT, 23 Dec 1975-16 Jul 2010. Hill AFB, UT, 17 Jul 2015-.
Aircraft: P-47, 1944-1946. F-86, 1954-1956; F-100, 1956-1959. F-105, 1966-1969; F-4, 1969-1974, 1974-1975, 1976-1979; F-16, 1979-2010.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 20 May-14 Aug 1945. Combat in Southeast Asia, by 1 Jul 1966-15 Aug 1973. Combat air cover for the evacuation of Phnom Penh, Cambodia, and Saigon, Vietnam, Apr 1975. Air cover during the recovery of the SS Mayaguez and its crew, May 1975. F-16 replacement training unit for US and foreign pilots, 27 Sep 1979-1 Jul 1982. Contributed personnel and aircraft for attrition reserves in Southwest Asia at Torrejon AB, Spain, 18-27 Feb 1991. Deployed aircraft and personnel to Southwest Asia to ensure that Iraq complied with treaty terms, 13 Dec 1991-14 Jun 1992. Elements deployed to Iraq and Afghanistan during period between 2007 and 2010.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; China Offensive. Vietnam: Vietnam Air; Vietnam Air Offensive; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III; Vietnam Air/Ground; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV; TET 69/Counteroffensive; Vietnam Summer-Fall, 1969; Vietnam Winter-Spring, 1970; Sanctuary Counteroffensive; Southwest Monsoon; Commando Hunt V; Commando Hunt VI; Commando Hunt VII; Vietnam Ceasefire. Southwest Asia: Ceasefire. Afghanistan: Consolidation III. Iraq: Surge.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Presidential Unit Citation: Southeast Asia, 10 Mar -1 May 1967. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat "V" Device: 29-30 Jun 1966; 1 Jul 1966-30 Jun 1967; 1 Jul 1967-30 Jun 1968; 1 Jul 1968-15 Sep 1969; 15 Mar-20 May 1971; 18 Dec 1972-15 Aug 1973; 15 Oct 1974-12 May 1975; 13-15 May 1975; 1 Oct 1986-30 Apr 1988; 1 May 1991-30 Apr 1993; 1 Jun 2005-31 May 2007. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm: 15 May 1966-28 Jan 1973.
Emblem: On a Black disc, border Red, a jagged, Red lightning flash across chief, surmounted by a White ram's head caboshed, eyes and nostrils Red, snorting a cloud of White vapor from each nostril, and having a ring in the nose in the shape of the ace of spades, with two, Red chain segments affixed thereto. Approved on 9 Nov 1945 (151885 A.C.).
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 17 Jul 2015.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through 16 Jul 2010.
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Lineage: Established as 414 Fighter Group, Single Engine on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 15 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 30 Sep 1946. Redesignated as 414 Fighter Group (Air Defense) on 20 Jun 1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Inactivated on 31 Dec 1969. Redesignated as: 414 Tactical Fighter Group on 31 Jul 1985; 414 Fighter Group on 22 Jun 2010. Activated in the Reserve on 15 Jul 2010.
Assignments: FFirst Air Force, 15 Oct 1944; Unkn, 1 Jun-4 Aug 1945; Twentieth Air Force, 5 Aug 1945; Thirteenth Air Force, 23 Dec 1945; XIII Fighter Command, 1 Jan-30 Sep 1946. 27 Air Division, 18 Aug 1955; Los Angeles Air Defense Sector, 1 Oct 1959; 27 Air Division, 1 Apr 1966; Tenth Air Force, 19 Nov-31 Dec 1969. 482 Fighter Wing, 15 Jul 2010; 944 Fighter Wing, 1 Oct 2012-.
Squadrons: 66 Fighter-Interceptor: 1 Dec 1957-8 Jan 1958. 307 Fighter: 14 Jul 2010-. 413 Fighter: 15 Oct 1944-30 Sep 1946. 437 Fighter (later, 437 Fighter-Interceptor): 15 Oct 1944-30 Sep 1946; 18 Aug 1955-30 Sep 1968. 456 Fighter: 15 Oct 1944-25 Aug 1946. 460 Fighter-Interceptor: 30 Sep 1968-1 Dec 1969.
Stations: Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 15 Oct 1944; Selfridge Field, MI, 15 Nov 1944; Bluethenthal Field, NC, 19 Mar-11 May 1945; North Field, Iwo Jima, 7 Jul 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 23 Dec 1945-30 Sep 1946. Oxnard AFB, CA, 18 Aug 1955-31 Dec 1969. Seymour Johnson AFB, NC, 15 Jul 2010-.
Commanders: Unkn, 15-27 Oct 1944; Lt Col Robert C. Bagby, 28 Oct 1944; Col Henry G. Thorne Jr., 6 Dec 1944-unkn. Lt Col Edwin F. Carey Jr., 1955; Col Dyson W. Cox, by Jan 1958; Col Lee R. Lambert, by Jun 1959; Col Louis T. Seith, by Sep 1961; Col Roy L. Tweedie, by Jun 1963; Col Walter R. Hardee Jr., by Sep 1965; Col K. D. Dunaway, by Jun 1967; Col Henry P. Rettinger, by Jun 1968-31 Dec 1969. Col Keith A. Acree, 15 Jul 2010; Col Kevin R. Fesler, 13 Jul 2012-.
Aircraft: P-47, 1944-1945. F-94, 1955; F-89, 1955-1959; F-101, 1960-1968; T-33, 1965-1969; C-47, 1965-1969; F-106, 1968-1969. F-15, 2010-.
Operations: Served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, Jun-Aug 1945, attacked Truk Island in July and enemy airfields and other targets in Japan during August. Trained combat-ready aircrews to provide air defense for the continental United States, 1955-1969. Increased alert status during Cuban Missile Crisis, Oct-Nov 1962. Trained aircrews and assisted in maintaining F-15 aircraft, 2010-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 1 Jul 1966-30 Jun 1968.
Emblem: Shield: Azure, a bend or, between two martlets volant argent, lightning bolts gules streaming from each of their tails. (Approved 26 Jul 1956.) Emblem should be modified to meet the standards of AFI 84-105, chapter 3 (scroll lettering color).
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through Aug 2013.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Jul 2012.
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413th Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted 413th Fighter Squadron on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 15 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 30 Sep 1946. Redesignated 413th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 23 Mar 1953. Activated on 8 Jul 1954. Inactivated on 18 Aug 1955.
Assignments: 414th Fighter Group, 15 Oct 1944-30 Sep 1946. 28th Air Division, 8 Jul 1954-18 Aug 1955.
Stations: Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 15 Oct 1944; Selfridge, Field, Mich, 20 Nov 1944; Bluethenthal Field, NC, 9 Mar-5 Jun 1945; North Field, Iwo Jima, 7 Jul 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 23 Dec 1945; Floridablanca, Luzon, unkn-30 Sep 1946. Travis AFB, Calif, 8 Jul 1954-18 Aug 1955.
Aircraft: P-47, 1944-1946. F-86, 1954-1955.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 15 Jul-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates.
Decorations: None.
Emblem: On a disc gold, within a border black, a knight's helmet, surmounting a sword and olive branch in saltire, all black, detail of the first. (Approved 11 Apr 1955.)
437th Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 437th Fighter Squadron on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 15 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 30 Sep 1946. Redesignated 437th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 14 Nov 1952. Activated on 27 Nov 1952. Inactivated 29 Apr 1968; Activated 18 Jul 1968, inactivated and discontinued 30 Sep 1968.
Assignments: 414th Fighter Group, 15 Oct 1944-30 Sep 1946. 4707th Defense Wing, 27 Nov 1952; 564th Air Defense Group, 16 Feb 1953; 414th Fighter Group, 18 Aug 1955-29 Apr 1968; 414th Fighter Gp 18 Jul-30 Sep 1968.
Stations: Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 15 Oct 1944; Selfridge, Field, Mich, 21 Nov 1944; Bluethenthal Field, NC, 19 Mar-5 Jun 194-5; North Field, Iwo Jima, 7 Jul 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 23 Dec 1945; Floridablanca, Luzon, unkn-30 Sep 1946. Otis AFB, Mass, 27 Nov 1952; Oxnard AFB, Calif, 18 Aug 1955-29 Apr 1968; Oxnard AFB 18 Jul-30 Sep 1968.
Aircraft: P-47, 1944-1946. F-94, 1952-1955, 1955-1956; F-89, 1955, 1956-1960; F-101, 1960-.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 13 Jul-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates.
Decorations: None.
Emblem: On a white disk with a light green border, a tiger's face, in natural colors except for the eyes which are green with red pupils, on and over a rocket (gray with blue nose and red bands) diagonally placed on and over the disk with nose to dexter base. (Approved 1 Sep 1953.)
456th Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
"A Handbook of Air Defense Organization", Air Defense Command History Office
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 456th Fighter Squadron on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 15 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 25 Aug 1946. Redesignated 456th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 23 Mar 1953. Activated on 8 Aug 1954. Inactivated on 18 Aug 1955. Activated on 18 Oct 1955. Inactivated 18 Jul 1968.
Assignments: 414th Fighter Group, 15 Oct 1944-25 Aug 1946. 520th Air Defense Group, 8 Aug 1954-18 Aug 1955. 28th Air Division, 18 Oct 1955; San Francisco Air Defense Sector, 1 Jul 1960-1 Aug 1963, Los Angeles Air Defense Sctr 1 Aug 1963-1 Apr 1966, 26th Air Div 1 Apr 1966-1 Jul 1968, 27th Air Div 1 Jul-18 Jul 1968.
Stations: Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 15 Oct 1944; Selfridge Field, Mich, 21 Nov 1944; Bluethenthal Field, NC, 19 Mar-5 Jun 1945; North Field, Iwo Jima, 7 Ju1 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 23 Dec 1945; Floridablanca, Luzon, unkn-25 Aug 1946. Truax Fld, WI, 8 Aug 1954-18 Aug 1955. Castle AFB, Calif, 18 Oct 1955-18 Jul 1968.
Aircraft: P-47, 1944-1946. F-86, 1954-1955. F-86, 1955-1958; F-102, 1958-1959; F-106, 1959-.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 13 Jul-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates.
Decorations: None.
Emblem: Over and through an ultramarine blue disc, a caricatured, ferocious, red octopus, affronte, winged gold, having yellow eyes with green pupils, three tentacles on either side focused and emanating a golden fluid toward center base; area enclosed within tentacles and fluid of the field. (Approved 21 Mar 1945.)
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457th Fighter Squadron
 Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 457 Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 21 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 16 Dec 1945. Redesignated as 457 Strategic Fighter Squadron on 20 Nov 1952. Activated on 20 Jan 1953. Redesignated as: 457 Fighter-Day Squadron on 1 Jul 1957; 457 Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 1 Jan 1958; 457 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 Jul 1958. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1959. Activated in the Reserve on 8 Jul 1972. Redesignated as 457 Fighter Squadron on 1 Feb 1992.
Assignments: 506 Fighter Group, 21 Oct 1944-16 Dec 1945. 506 Strategic Fighter (later, 506 Fighter-Day; 506 Fighter-Bomber; 506 Tactical Fighter) Wing, 20 Jan 1953-1 Apr 1959. 506 Tactical Fighter Group, 8 Jul 1972; 301 Tactical Fighter (later, 301 Fighter) Wing, 25 Mar 1973; 301 Operations Group, 1 Aug 1992-.
Stations: Lakeland AAFld, FL, 21 Oct 1944-16 Feb 1945; North Field, Iwo Jima, 25 Apr-3 Dec 1945 (air echelon operated from Tinian, 23 Mar-11 May 1945); Camp Anza, CA, 15-16 Dec 1945. Dow AFB, ME, 20 Jan 1953; Tinker AFB, OK, 20 Mar 1955-1 Apr 1959. Carswell AFB (later, ARS) TX, 8 Jul 1972-.
Commanders: Maj Malcolm C. Watters, Oct 1944; Maj Daun G. Anthony, 12 Jun 1945; Capt Jack H. Folsom, 10 Sep 1945-unkn. 2Lt Francis E. Cabrillias III, Jan 1953; Maj John M. Porter, Feb 1953; Maj Thomas E. Stewart, Oct 1954; Maj Alfred N. King, May 1955; Maj Charles E. Francis, 1 Dec 1957; Lt Col Ralph E. Keyes, 1 Oct 1958; Maj Charles E. Francis, 12 Jan 1959; Capt Frederick T. Hiebert, 22 Jan 1959; 1Lt Douglas W. Case, 2 Feb 1959; Maj George J. Hayes, 13 Feb-1 Apr 1959. Maj Gordon W. Goodier, Jul 1972; Lt Col Jervis W. McEntee, by Dec 1973; Lt Col Leo J. Canavan, 5 Mar 1977; Lt Col Robert H. Jones, 16 Jan 1979; Lt Col Randolph S. Reynolds, by May 1984; Lt Col Frederick R. Flom, 13 Dec 1984; Lt Col Eugene L. Haggerty, by Oct 1987; Lt Col Courtlan Hazelton, Apr 1988; Lt Col Floyd G. Whitehouse III, by Oct 1990; Lt Col Michael L. Goode, 7 Mar 1992; Lt Col Carl M. Gough Jr., Mar 1993; Lt Col James M. Sluder III, 4 Jun 1994; Lt Col Thomas R. Coon, 15 Jun 1996; Lt Col Frank E. Anderson, 3 Jan 1998; Lt Col William Schauffert, 25 Apr 2001; Lt Col Kenneth Bachelor, 25 Sep 2002; Lt Col Tommy Williams, 1 Jun 2004; Lt Col Robert Mortensen, 4 Mar 2006; Lt Col Keith A. Knudson, 1 Mar 2008; Lt Col Christopher Yancy, 7 Nov 2009-.
Aircraft: P-51, 1944-1945. F-84, 1953-1957; F-100, 1957-1958. F-105, 1972-1982; F-4, 1981-1991; F-16, 1990-
Operations: Trained in the continental United States, Oct 1944-Feb 1945. Moved to western Pacific Ocean in spring of 1945. Escorted B-29 bombers in raids against Japan, and attacked targets such as enemy airfields, May-Aug 1945. Between 1953 and 1959, and again since July 1972, trained for a variety of tactical air missions. Frequently deployed for training exercises, some of them overseas. Took part in Operation Deny Flight, enforcing a no-fly zone over Bosnia, in mid-1990s. Participated in training exercises and deployments. Provided resources for Operations Northern Watch (1999-2000), Southern Watch (2001), Noble Eagle (2001- ), and Iraqi Freedom (2003- ).
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7-10 Jun 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 14 May 1992-13 May 1994; 30 Jun 1995-1 Jul 1997; 1 Oct 2000-30 Sep 2002; 1 Oct 2002-30 Sep 2004; 1 Oct 2004-30 Sep 2006; 1 Oct 2006-30 Sep 2008.
Emblem: On a white disc, flecked with irregular red patches, a caricatured, black and green mosquito, wearing yellow aviator's helmet, gloves, and white radio head set and goggles, in flight toward dexter base, holding a very large gray aerial machine gun beneath the body, with hind legs, and striking a blow with a red and white hatchet, with brown handle held aloft in right foreleg, while firing a black automatic revolver downward with the left foreleg, all emitting gray speed lines to rear. (Approved on 20 Jan 1945, modified on 27 Apr 2000.)
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, Commanders, Aircraft, and Honors through 9 Aug 2016.
458th Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted 458th Fighter Squadron on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 21 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 16 Dec 1945. Redesignated 458th Strategic Fighter Squadron on 20 Nov 1952. Activated on 20 Jan 1953. Redesignated: 458th Fighter-Day Squadron on 1 Jul 1957; 458th Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 1 Jan 1958; 458th Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 Jul 1958. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1959.
Assignments: 506th Fighter Group, 21 Oct 1944-16 Dec 1945. 506th Strategic Fighter (later Fighter-Bomber; Tactical Fighter) Wing, 20 Jan 1953-1 Apr 1959.
Stations: Lakeland AAFld, Fla, 21 Oct 1944-16 Feb 1945; North Field, Iwo Jima, 24 Apr-3 Dec 1945; Camp Anza, Calif, 15-16 Dec 1945. Dow AFB, Maine, 20 Jan 1953; Tinker AFB, Okla, 20 Mar 1955-1 Apr 1959.
Aircraft: P-51, 1944-1945. F-84, 1953-1957; F-l00,1957-1958.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 18 May-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7-10 Jun 1945.
Emblem: On a light blue disc with yellow border heavily edged in black, a black crow in cartoon style standing on a yellow lightning flash in base, his bill, feet, and scarf yellow; eyebrows and eyeballs white, eyes dark blue, wearing a pair of dark red boxing gloves and holding from the left side of his bill a brown cigar, with yellow and dark red band and red ashes, which is emitting a white atomic cloud formation; in the background seven white stars and three white clouds formations-one on the right, one on the left, and one issuing from base-extending above and in back of the Crow's right foot and lightning flash. (Approved 14 Apr 1954.)
462nd Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted 462d Fighter Squadron on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 21 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 16 Dec 1945. Redesignated 462d Strategic Fighter Squadron on 20 Nov 1952. Activated on 20 Jan 1953. Redesignated: 462d Fighter-Day Squadron on 1 Jul 1957; 462d Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 1 Jan 1958; 462d Tactical Fighter Squadron on 1 Jul 1958. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1959.
Assignments: 506th Fighter Group, 21 Oct 1944-16 Dec 1945. 506th Strategic Fighter (later Fighter-Bomber; Tactical Fighter) Wing, 20 Jan 1953-1 Apr 1959.
Stations: Lakeland AAFld, Fla, 21 Oct 1944-16 Feb 1945; North Field, Iwo Jima, 24 Apr-3 Dec 1945; Camp Anza, Calif, 15-16 Dec 1945. Dow AFB, Maine, 20 Jan 1953; Tinker AFB, Okla, 20 Mar 1955-1 Apr 1959.
Aircraft: P-51, 1944-1945. F-84, 1953-1957; F-100, 1957-1958.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 17 May-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7-10 Jun 1945.
Emblem: On a light turquoise blue disc, border yellow, a prancing, black thoroughbred horse with white face and shanks, reared up on a light turquoise blue cloud formation, edged dark blue, in base, in front of a jagged, red lightning flash striking from sinister chief toward dexter base. (Approved 12 Feb 1945.)
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463d Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted 463d Fighter Squadron on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 12 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 27 May 1946. Redesignated 198th Fighter Squadron, and allotted to ANG, on 28 May 1946.
Assignments: 507th Fighter Group, 12 Oct 1944-27 May 1946.
Stations: Peterson Field, Colo, 12 Oct 1944; Bruning AAFld, Neb, 20 Oct 1944; Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 15 Dec 1944-30 Apr 1945; Ie Shima, 24 Jun 1945; Yontan, Okinawa, 29 Jan-27 May 1946.
Aircraft: P-47, 1944-1945.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 1 Jul 1945-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; China Offensive.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Korea, 13 Aug 1945.
Emblem: None.
464th Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted 464th Fighter Squadron on 5 Oct 194. Activated on 12 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 27 May 1946. Redesignated 199th Fighter Squadron, and allotted to ANG, on 28 May 1946.
Assignments: 507th Fighter Group, 12 Oct 1944-27 May 1946.
Stations: Peterson Field, Colo, 12 Oct 1944; Bruning AAFld, Neb, 20 Oct 1944; Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 15 Dec 1944-30 Apr 1945; Ie Shima, 24 Jun 1945; Yontan, Okinawa, 29 Jan-27 May 1946.
Aircraft: P-47, 1944-1945.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 1 Jul 1945-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; China Offensive.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Korea, 13 Aug 1945.
Emblem: None.
465th Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted as 465 Fighter Squadron, Single Engine on 5 Oct 1944. Activated on 12 Oct 1944. Inactivated on 24 May 1946. Redesignated as 465 Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 3 Feb 1953. Activated on 18 Feb 1953. Inactivated on 18 Aug 1955. Activated on 8 Oct 1955. Discontinued on 15 Mar 1960. Redesignated as 465 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 4 May 1972. Activated in the Reserve on 20 May 1972. Redesignated as: 465 Fighter Squadron on 1 Feb 1992; 465 Air Refueling Squadron on 1 Apr 1994.
Assignments: 507 Fighter Group, 12 Oct 1944-24 May 1946. 567 Air Defense Group, 18 Feb 1953-18 Aug 1955. 4711 Air Defense Wing, 8 Oct 1955; 32 Air Division, 1 Mar 1956; 4727 Air Defense Group, 8 Feb 1957; Boston Air Defense Sector, 1 Jul 1959-15 Mar 1960. 507 Fighter Group, 20 May 1972; 301 Tactical Fighter Wing, 25 Mar 1973; 507 Tactical Fighter (later, 507 Fighter) Group, 17 Oct 1975; 507 Operations Group, 1 Aug 1992-.
Stations: Peterson Field, CO, 12 Oct 1944; Bruning AAFld, NE, 20 Oct 1944; Dalhart AAFld, TX, 15 Dec 1944-30 Apr 1945; Ie Shima, Ryukyu Islands, 24 Jun 1945; Yontan, Okinawa, 29 Jan-24 May 1946. McChord AFB, WA, 18 Feb 1953-18 Aug 1955. Griffiss AFB, NY, 8 Oct 1955; Laurence G. Hanscom Field, MA, 1 Jul 1959-15 Mar 1960. Tinker AFB, OK, 20 May 1972-.
Commanders: Unkn, 12-29 Oct 1944; Maj Jerome I. Stevens, 30 Oct 1944; Maj Arthur T. Rice, 13 Nov 1944; Maj Robert F. Hemphill, c. 24 Sep 1945-unkn. Capt Gordon A. Reynolds, 18 Feb 1953; Lt Col William H. Holt, 9 Mar 1953; Maj Charles V. Garino, Jul 1954-Aug 1955. Maj John S. Wallace, c. 1955; Lt Col Harold F. Knowles, 1956; Maj Stephen D. Armstrong, c. 1957; Lt Col John A. Bell, Dec 1958; Lt Col Norman W. Campion, 1 Jul 1959; Maj Carl H. Brown, 1959-c. 1960. Lt Col Carroll C. Ballard, by Jun 1973; Maj James W. Parker, by Dec 1974; Lt Col John J. Closner III, by Dec 1975; Lt Col Ronald K. Williams, by Dec 1978; Lt Col Jerry A. Wrucha, Jun 1981; Maj Mark Jensen, Jun 1983; Maj James P. Feighny, by Feb 1986; Lt Col Bruce Brandt, 16 Mar 1987; Lt Col James P. Feighny, 1 Jun 1989; Lt Col Hugh H. Forsythe, 19 Dec 1989; Lt Col Jack Ekl, 1 Oct 1991; Lt Col Charles M. Sublett, 1 Apr 1994; Lt Col David A. Ortman, 16 Jul 1995; Lt Col James Jackson, 12 Jul 1997; Lt Col William L. Erickson, 4 Nov 2000-unkn; Lt Col Michael F. Mahon, 8 Aug 2005; Lt Col William H. Mason, 6 Sep 2008; unkn, May 2010-.
Aircraft: P-47, 1944-1945. F-86, 1953-1955. F-89, 1955-1959; F-86, 1959-1960. F-105, 1972-1980; F-4, 1980-1988; F-16, 1988-1994; KC-135, 1994-.
Operations: Combat in Western Pacific, 1 Jul 1945-14 Aug 1945. Occupation duty in Okinawa, Jan-May 1946. Air defense, 1953-1960. Trained for fighter missions, 1972-1994. Worldwide air refueling missions, 1994-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; China Offensive.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Korea, 13 Aug 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan-31 Dec 1978; 1 Jul 1985-1 Jul 1986; 1 Jul 1987-31 Aug 1989; 1 Jan 1992-31 Dec 1993; 1 Jan 1994-31 Jul 1995; 1 Aug 1996-31 Jul 1998; 1 Jan 2009-1 Aug 2010.
Emblem: On an irregular shaped Air Force yellow disc, with two red lightning bolts encircling the outer edge of the disc, a stylized black falcon with spread wings, and white beak and eye; the falcon surmounted by a third red lightning bolt in the position of a sinister bend, the bolt extending over the upper left [sinister] edge of the disc. (Approved 22 Aug 1955.)
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through Sep 2011.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through May 2010.
Supersedes published information contained in Maurer Maurer (ed.), Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II (Washington: USGPO, 1984) and addendum c. 1972.
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45th Fighter Squadron
 Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted as 45 Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) on 22 Nov 1940. Activated on 1 Dec 1940. Redesignated as: 45 Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 12 Feb 1942; 45 Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942. Inactivated on 15 Oct 1946. Redesignated as 45 Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 11 Sep 1952. Activated on 1 Nov 1952. Redesignated as 45 Fighter-Day Squadron on 8 Oct 1954. Inactivated on 8 Jan 1958. Redesignated as 45 Tactical Fighter Squadron, and activated, on 17 Apr 1962. Organized on 8 May 1962. Inactivated on 1 Jul 1971. Activated on 1 Oct 1973. Redesignated as 45 Fighter Squadron on 1 Feb 1992. Inactivated on 30 Sep 1994. Activated on 1 Nov 2009.
Assignments: 15 Pursuit (later, 15 Fighter) Group, 1 Dec 1940-15 Oct 1946. 4709 Defense Wing, 1 Nov 1952; 519 Air Defense Group, 16 Feb 1953; Seventeenth Air Force, 1 Jun 1953 (attached to Air Defense Division [Prov], 8 Jun 1953); 316 Air Division, 18 Sep 1953-8 Jan 1958. Tactical Air Command, 17 Apr 1962 (attached to 12 Tactical Fighter Wing, 8 May 1962); 15 Tactical Fighter Wing, 1 Jul 1962; 1 Tactical Fighter Wing, 1 Oct 1970-1 Jul 1971. 930 Tactical Fighter Group, 1 Oct 1973; 434 Tactical Fighter Wing, 1 Jul 1975; 930 Tactical Fighter (later, 930 Fighter; 930 Operations) Group, 1 Jul 1987-30 Sep 1994. 917 Operations Group, 1 Nov 2009; 924 Fighter Group, 1 Jan 2011-.
Stations: Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii (TH), 1 Dec 1940; Haleiwa Field, TH, 21 Dec 1941; Mokuleia Field, TH, 27 Dec 1941; Hilo Field, TH, 20 Oct 1942; Stanley Field, TH, 20 Dec 1942; Bellows Field, TH, 14 Aug 1943; Baker Island, 1 Sep 1943; Nanumea, 28 Nov 1943; Abemama, 4 Jan 1944 (operated from Makin, 15 Jan-24 Mar 1944); Mokuleia Field, TH, 6 Apr 1944; Bellows Field, TH, 19 Jun 1944-5 Feb 1945; South Field, Iwo Jima, 4 Mar 1945; Bellows Field, TH, 25 Nov 1945; Wheeler Field, TH, 9 Feb-15 Oct 1946. Suffolk County AFB, NY, 1 Nov 1952; Sidi Slimane, French Morocco, 28 May 1953-8 Jan 1958. MacDill AFB, FL, 8 May 1962-1 Jul 1971. Grissom AFB, IN, 1 Oct 1973-30 Sep 1994. Davis-Monthan AFB, AZ, 1 Nov 2009-.
Commanders: Capt Aaron W. Tyer, 1 Dec 1940; Maj Harold E. Kofahl, 24 Dec 1941; Maj Thomas B. Summers, 8 May 1942; Maj George W. MacNichol, 16 Oct 1943; Capt Joseph L. Laughlin, 20 Jan 1943; Lt Col Julian E. Thomas, 1 Mar 1943; Maj Gilmer L. Snipes, 4 Apr 1944; Maj Arthur H. Bridge, 16 Apr 1945; Capt Harold A. Collins, 4 Jun 1945; Maj Robert W. Moore, 19 Jul 1945; Maj Edwin T. Bayley, 1945; Lt Col Edward S. G. Newbury, 18 Dec 1945; Maj Eugene L. Kleiderer, c. 1946; Maj James D. Catington, Sep-15 Oct 1946. Lt Col Morgan S. Tyler Jr., 1 Nov 1952; Maj Raymond A. Poerschke, 17 Jan 1955; Maj Robert O. Shimp, 30 Nov 1955; Lt Col Henry W. Brown, 8 May 1956; Maj William H. Fairbrother, Jul 1957; Lt Col Wallace B. Frank, Aug 1957-c. 1958. Lt Col Ivan L. McGuire, 1962; Lt Col William A. Alden, 1964; Capt Jack A. Giglio, 8 Oct 1965; Lt Col James Hollingsworth, 20 Nov 1965; Lt Col Paul R. Henderson Jr., 19 Jan 1966; Lt Col Frederick D. Ellis, 14 Aug 1967; Lt Col Solomon D. Whitten Jr., 24 Nov 1968; Lt Col David C. Smith, 15 Jun 1970-1 Jul 1971. Unkn, 1 Oct 1973; Maj John J. Clark Jr., c. Jan 1974; Maj Stanley Smith, c. Apr 1974; Lt Col H. Heuss, c. Jul 1975; Lt Col Henry Q. Long, c. Aug 1975; Lt Col Stanley F. Smith, c. Oct 1976; Lt Col Malcolm Jamieson, 1 Mar 1980; Lt Col Gordon C. Grieder, c. Jul 1981; Lt Col Boyd L. Ashcraft, 1 Feb 1984; Lt Col Robert A. Nester, c. Jul 1987; unkn, c. 1989-1990; Lt Col Edwin C. Girton, 19 May 1990; Lt Col Leon A. Johnson, 27 Jun 1992-30 Sep 1994.
Aircraft: P-26, 1940-1941; P-36, 1941; P-40, 1942-1944; P-47, 1944-1945; P-51, 1944-1946. F-86, 1952-1956; F-100, 1956-1957. F-84, 1962-1964; F-4, 1964-1971. A-37, 1973-1981; A-10, 1981-1994. A-10, 2009-.
Operations: Endured Japanese attack on Oahu, 7 Dec 1941. Provided air defense for Hawaiian Islands, Jan 1942-Oct 1943 and for central Pacific islands, 23 Oct 1943-11 Mar 1944 and the Western Pacific, 12 Mar-14 Aug 1945. Provided air defense in the northeastern United States, Sep 1952-Apr 1953, and in northwest Africa, Jun 1953-Feb 1956 and Jan-Oct 1957. Participated in Tactical Air Command exercises, operations and tests, Oct 1962-Jun 1971 including combat missions while on temporary duty in Southeast Asia, Apr-Aug 1965. Trained to maintain combat ready status, 1973-1994. Trained pilots to fly A-10 aircraft, 2009-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Central Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Vietnam: Winter-Spring, 1970.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers. None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7 Apr 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan 1965-1 Jun 1966; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1969; 1 Jun 1992-31 Aug 1993. Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm.
Emblem: On a lemon yellow disc, border equally divided tan and black, a caricatured red Indian, wearing light blue and white headdress and moccasins, holding forward in the right hand a red tomahawk with light green handle, trimmed white, while seated on fuselage of light green caricatured aircraft, having eye and teeth to form grinning face on nose of fuselage. (Approved 24 Aug 1944.) Current emblem approved on 19 Mar 2010.
Lineage, Assignments, Stations, and Honors through 25 Oct 2012.
Commanders through 30 Sep 1994; Aircraft, and Operations through Oct 2012.
45th Fighter Squadron to rejoin A-10 community Source: 917th Wing Website by Senior Airman Crystal Marie Jordan 917 Wing Public Affairs 12/30/2009 - Barksdale Air Force Base, La. -- The United States Air Force plans to reactivate the historic 45th Fighter Squadron at Davis-Monthan Air Force Base, Ariz., during a ceremony on base Jan. 7 at 3 pm. The reactivation of the 45th FS, by order of the Secretary of the Air Force Mr. Michael B. Donley, will place the unit under the command of the 917th Wing Operations Group on Barksdale Air Force Base, La. Retired Maj. Gen. Robert A. Nester is scheduled as the guest speaker for the event. Col. Keith D. Schultz the 917th Operations Group deputy commander will act as the presiding official for the ceremony. Also in attendance will be Lt. Gen. Charles E. Stenner, commander, Air Force Reserve Command, Big. Gen. Robert S. Arthur, vice commander, 10th Air Force, and Col. Edmund D. Walker, commander, 917th Wing. In command of the 45th Fighter Squadron is Lt. Col. Terry W. McClain. "I'm excited about the reactivation of the 45th FS mainly because my last interaction occurred while the A-10s were taken from the unit during a transitional phase," said Col. McClain. "I'm excited because I can bring the 45th FS back into the A-10 community." This unit has a rich history dating as far back as the 1941 attack on Pearl Harbor Naval Station, on the Territory of Hawaii. Throughout history, the 45th FS has aided the U.S. Armed Forces in missions at home and abroad, providing air defense during both World War II and the Vietnam War. Today, they have a new mission. The reactivation of the 45th FS will occur in support of A-10 Formal Training Unit (FTU) training. The FTU will provide Initial Qualification in the A-10 as well as Transition, Instructor Pilot Upgrade and Senior Officer Course training. Other Sites of Interest: 45th Fighter Squadron (45thfs.com no longer active) Hawgsmoke - 45th Fighter Squadron
47th Fighter Squadron
 Bench located in Memorial Park National Museum of the United States Air Force Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Constituted 47 Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) on 22 Nov 1940. Activated on 1 Dec 1940. Redesignated: 47 Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 12 Feb 1942; 47 Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942; 47 Fighter Squadron, Single Engine on 20 Aug 1944. Inactivated on 15 Oct 1946. Redesignated 47 Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 10 Oct 1952. Activated on 1 Dec 1952. Discontinued on 1 Jul 1960. Redesignated 47 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 17 Apr 1962. Organized on 1 Jul 1962. Inactivated on 1 Jul 1971. Activated in the Reserve on 1 Oct 1973. Redesignated 47 Fighter Squadron on 1 Feb 1992.
Assignments: 15 Pursuit (later, 15 Fighter) Group, 1 Dec 1940-15 Oct 1946. 4708 Defense Wing, 1 Dec 1952; 518 Air Defense Group, 16 Feb 1953; 15 Fighter Group, 18 Aug 1955-1 Jul 1960. Tactical Air Command, 17 Apr 1962; 15 Tactical Fighter Wing, 1 Jul 1962 (attached to 2 Air Division, 25 Jul-22 Nov 1965); 1 Tactical Fighter Wing, 1 Oct 1970-1 Jul 1971. 917 Tactical Fighter Group (later, 917 Tactical Fighter Wing; 917 Fighter Wing), 1 Oct 1973; 917 Operations Group, 1 Aug 1992-.
Stations: Wheeler Field, TH, 1 Dec 1940; Bellows Field, TH, 22 Feb 1942; Haleiwa Field, TH, 25 Mar 1942; Barking Sands, TH, 29 Jul 1943; Mokuleia Field, TH, 8 Nov 1943; Bellows Field, TH, 8 Jun 1944-27 Jan 1945; South Field, Iwo Jima, 27 Feb-25 Nov 1945; Bellows Field, TH, 25 Nov 1945; Wheeler Field, TH, 9 Feb-15 Oct 1946. Niagara Falls Muni Aprt, NY, 1 Dec 1952-1 Jul 1960. MacDill AFB, FL, 1 Jul 1962-1 Jul 1971 (deployed at Ubon RTAFB, Thailand, 25 Jul-22 Nov 1965). Barksdale AFB, LA, 1 Oct 1973-.
Commanders: Maj Gordon H. Austin, 1 Dec 1940; Maj Joseph F. Hunker, 12 Feb 1942; Maj Jack M. Hounsom, 16 Sep 1942; Lt Col Norval K. Heath, 6 Mar 1943; Maj Thomas W. Mackey, 16 Apr 1944; Maj John A. Piper, 11 Nov 1944; Maj Theon E. Markham, May 1945; Capt Walter H. Powell, 19 Jul 1945; Capt Ernest W. Hostetler, 31 Jul 1945; Maj Theon E. Markham, 5 Aug 1945-unkn. Maj Orrell Culwell, 1 Dec 1952; Lt Col Rufus Woody Jr., 1953; Maj James L. Price, 1955; Lt Col Harold D. Collins, 1956; Lt Col Leonard L. Thomas, 1 Jun 1958-unkn. Lt Col Maurice Morrison, 1962; Lt Col Jack A. Robinson, 1964; Lt Col Aubrey C. Edinburgh, c. Jul 1967; Lt Col William M. Conner, 20 Sep 1968; Lt Col Solomon D. Whitten Jr., 20 Apr 1970; Lt Col Donald W. Martin, 25 Nov 1970-1 Jul 1971. Unkn, 1 Oct 1973-1976; Lt Col Benjamin Voss, by Jun 1976; Lt Col Stanley F. Smith, by Mar 1980; Lt Col Gerald P. Huckabee, by Jun 1980; Lt Col William D. Tracy, 17 Oct 1981; Lt Col Gerald P. Huckabee, 1982; Maj Ty Gregory, 1982; Lt Col Francis A. Rauch Jr., Dec 1982; Maj George C. Rhymes, by Dec 1986; Lt Col Jerry D. Prather, 24 Apr 1989; Lt Col Robert L. White, 1 Jan 1991; Lt Col John H. Bordelon, 1 Oct 1993; Lt Col James W. Graves, 27 Jul 1996-.
Aircraft: P-26, 1941; P-40, 1941-1943; P-36, 1941-1943; P-47, 1943-1945; P-51, 1944-1946. F-47, 1952-1953; F-86, 1954-1958; F-102, 1958-1960. F-84, 1962-1964; F-4, 1964-1971. A-37, 1973-1980; A-10, 1980-.
Operations: Engaged enemy aircraft with P-40s during the attack on Pearl Harbor, 7 Dec 1941; patrols over the Pacific, 8 Dec 1941-Dec 1944; combat in western Pacific, 10 Mar-14 Aug 1945. Air defense in northeastern United States, 1952-1958. Combat in Southeast Asia, 26 Jul-c. 21 Nov 1965. Replacement training, 1966-1971. Trained for A-37 close air support and special operations, 1972-1980 and for A-10 close air support and battlefield interdiction, 1980-. Periodically deployed A-10s and personnel to Italy to support NATO operations in the Balkans, 1993-1996. Provided A-10 training for reserve pilots, 1996-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Central Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan; Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Vietnam: Vietnam Defensive.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7 Apr 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with the Combat "V" Device: 25 Jul-22 Nov 1965. Air Force Outstanding unit Awards: 1 Jan 1965-1 Jun 1966; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1969; 2 Jul 1993-1 Jul 1995; 1 Oct 1997-30 Sep 1999.
Emblem: Over and throught a medium blue disc, border black, the caricatured figure, TURNIP TERMITE, body yellow, face and legs orange, ears and wings yellow green, riding a large, black, jagged lightning bolt toward dexter base. (Approved 19 Sep 1944.)
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through 2 Jul 2001.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through Sep 1996.
Supersedes published information contained in Maurer Maurer (ed.), Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II (Washington: USGPO, 1969) and 1982 addendum.
78th Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Lineage: Organized as 78 Aero Squadron on 28 Feb 1918. Redesignated as Squadron A, Taliaferro Field, TX, on 23 Jul 1918. Demobilized on 15 Nov 1918. Reconstituted, and consolidated (25 Apr 1933) with 78 Observation Squadron, which was constituted on 18 Oct 1927. Redesignated as 78 Pursuit Squadron on 8 May 1929. Activated on 1 Apr 1931. Inactivated on 1 Sep 1937. Redesignated as 78 Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 22 Dec 1939. Activated on 1 Feb 1940. Redesignated as: 78 Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942; 78 Fighter Squadron, Single Engine, on 20 Aug 1943. Inactivated on 15 Oct 1946. Redesignated as 78 Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 11 Sep 1952. Activated on 1 Nov 1952. Redesignated as: 78 Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 1 Apr 1954; 78 Tactical Fighter Squadron on 8 Jul 1958. Inactivated on 1 May 1992. Redesignated as 78 Fighter Squadron on 22 Dec 1993. Activated on 1 Jan 1994. Inactivated on 30 Jun 2003. Redesignated as 78 Reconnaissance Squadron on 19 Apr 2006. Activated on 19 May 2006. Redesignated as 78 Attack Squadron on 1 Jul 2010 (DAF/A1m Ltr 204t 1 Jul 10).
Assignments: Unkn, 28 Feb-15 Nov 1918. 20 Pursuit Group (attached to 6 Composite Group), 1 Apr 1931; 3 Attack Wing (attached to 6 Composite Group), 15 Jun 1932; 16 Pursuit Group, 1 Dec 1932-1 Sep 1937. 18 Pursuit (later, 18 Fighter) Group, 1 Feb 1940; 15 Fighter Group, 16 Mar 1943-15 Oct 1946. 81 Fighter-Interceptor (later, 81 Fighter-Bomber) Group, 1 Nov 1952 (attached to 81 Fighter-Interceptor Wing, c. 22 Apr 1954-7 Feb 1955); 81 Fighter-Bomber (later, 81 Tactical Fighter) Wing, 8 Feb 1955-1 May 1992. 20 Operations Group, 1 Jan 1994-30 Jun 2003. Tenth Air Force, 19 May 2006; 926 Group, 17 Aug 2007-.
Stations: Waco, TX, 28 Feb 1918; Taliaferro Field, TX, 28 Feb-15 Nov 1918. France Field, Canal Zone, 1 Apr 1931; Albrook Field, Canal Zone, 15 Oct 1932-1 Sep 1937. Wheeler Field, Territory of Hawaii (TH), 1 Feb 1940; Kaneoke, TH, c. 9 Dec 1941; Midway, 23 Jan 1943; Barking Sands, TH, 23 Apr 1943; Haliewa Field, TH, 31 Jul 1943; Stanley Field, TH, 6 Jan 1944; Mokuleia Field, TH, c. 1 Apr 1944; Bellows Field, TH, 8 Jun 1944-24 Jan 1945; South Field, Iwo Jima, 2 Mar 1945; Bellows Field, TH, 25 Nov 1945; Wheeler Field, TH, 9 Feb-15 Oct 1946. RAF Shepherds Grove, England, 1 Nov 1952; RAF Sculthorpe, England, 31 May 1956; RAF Shepherds Grove, England, 3 May 1957; RAF Woodbridge, England, 22 Dec 1958-1 May 1992. Shaw AFB, SC, 1 Jan 1994-30 Jun 2003. Nellis AFB, NV, 19 May 2006; Creech AFB, NV, 1 Jul 2008-.
Commanders: Unkn, 28 Feb-15 Nov 1918. Unkn, 1 Apr 1931-1 Sep 1937. Capt D. W. Jenkins, Feb 1940; Capt A. J. Hanna, 20 Jul 1940; Capt W. P. Fisher, 30 Apr 1941; Maj William R. Clingerman, unkn-3 Jun 1942; Maj Sherwood E. Buckland, 3 Jun 1942; Maj Gordon R. Hyde, 25 Feb 1943; Capt William Southerland, 23 May 1943; Capt Emmett L. Kearney, 10 Dec 1943; Maj James M. Vande Hey, 14 Apr 1944; Maj James B. Tapp, 17 Apr 1945-unkn; Maj John G. Benner, c. 25 Nov 1945; Capt Edward F. Gallup, 29 Dec 1945-unkn. Lt Col Arlie J. Blood, Nov 1952; Maj Robert R. Fredette, 1 Jun 1955; Maj Herbert O. Brennan, 31 Dec 1956-unkn; Lt Col Charles E. Simpson, 30 Jun 1958; Maj Harry K. Barco, c. Jan 1960; Lt Col Ernest D. Stuyvesant, 15 Feb 1961; Maj William H. McMurray, May 1964; Lt Col Robert R. Fredette, Oct 1964; Lt Col William H. McMurray, 9 Jun 1966; Lt Col Frederick C. Kyler, 1 May 1967; Lt Col Edward A. Crimp, Mar 1970; Lt Col Donald T. Lynch, 1 May 1970; Lt Col Robert L. Cass, 1 Feb 1971; Lt Col Gary L. Dryden, 25 Sep 1971 (temporary); Lt Col Billy D. Patton, 4 Oct 1971; Lt Col George M. Decell III, 16 Nov 1972 (temporary), 20 Nov 1972 (permanent); Maj Robert R. Pedigo, 15 Jun 1973 (temporary); Lt Col William C. Hall, 27 Jul 1973; Lt Col William Baechle, 20 Jan 1975; Lt Col Sidney B. Hudson, 16 Jul 1976; Lt Col Michael W. Harris, 14 Jul 1978; Lt Col Glenn A. Profitt II, 7 Jul 1980; Lt Col Jock P. Patterson, 25 Jun 1982; Lt Col Robert O. Smith, 8 Jun 1984; Lt Col Robert S. Hinds, 2 Jun 1986; Lt Col Alvia W. Moore II, 23 Sep 1987; Lt Col Victor J. White, 3 Feb 1989; Lt Col William E. Rial, 29 May 1990; Lt Col James Fortezzo, 7 Oct 1990-15 May 1992. Lt Col Michael T. Cantwell, 1 Jan 1994; Lt Col Charles M. Dodd III, 12 May 1995; Lt Col Jon W. Armstrong, 27 Jun 1996; Lt Col Steven R. F. Searcy, 22 May 1998; Lt Col James R. Cody, 23 Jun 2000; Lt Col Charles Q. Brown Jr., 17 May 2002-30 Jun 2003. Col David L. Culbertson, c. May 2006; Lt Col Ronald J. Stefanik, 17 Apr 2008; Lt Col John E. Meyers, 2 Nov 2009-.
Aircraft: Apparently included JN-4, JN-6, and perhaps S-4, during 1918. Not equipped, 1931-1932; P-12, 1932-1936; not equipped, 1936-1937. P-26, 1940; P-36, 1940-1941; P-40, 1941-1944; P-39, 1942; P-47, 1944-1945; P-51, 1944-1946. F-86, 1952-1955; F-84, 1954-1958; F-101, 1958-1966; F-4, 1965-1979; A-10, 1979-1992. F-16, 1994-2003. MQ-1, 2006-; MQ-9, 2007-.
Operations: Pilot training, 28 Feb-15 Nov 1918. Patrols over the Pacific, Jan 1942-Dec 1944. Combat in Southwest Pacific, 10 Mar-14 Aug 1945. Flew combat patrols in no-fly zone, Southwest Asia in 1991, and performed combat operations over Kosovo, Mar-Jun 1999. Maintained combat-ready Reservists to train and equip combat Air Forces to conduct integrated and expeditionary combat operations as well as training operations in MQ-1 and MQ-9 weapons systems, 2006-.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaign Streamers: World War II: Central Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan; Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Southwest Asia: Ceasefire. Kosovo: Air Campaign.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers: None.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7 Apr 1945. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jul 1961-30 Jun 1963; 1 Jun 1966-31 May 1968; 1 Jul 1968-30 Jun 1970; 1 Jul 1976-30 Jun 1978; 1 Jul 1979-30 Jun 1981; 1 Jul 1981-30 Jun 1983; 1 Jun 1989-31 May 1991; 1 Jun 1991-[1 May 1992]; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1994; 1 Jun 1997-31 May 1999; 24 Mar-10 Jun 1999; 1 Jun 1999-31 May 2001; 27 Aug 2007-26 Aug 2009.
Emblem: On a Blue disc with a wide Yellow border a Bushmaster's head proper. Approved on 14 Sep 1933 (K 8569); newest rendition approved on 18 Jan 2008.
Lineage, Assignments, Components, Stations, and Honors through May 2011.
Commanders, Aircraft, and Operations through May 2011.
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46th Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 46th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) on 22 Nov 1940. Activated on 1 Dec 1940. Redesignated: 46th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 12 Feb 1942; 46th Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942. Inactivated on 10 Oct 1946. Redesignated 46th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron on 11 Sep 199. Activated on 1 Nov 1952. Inactivated on 1 Jul 1958. Redesignated 46th Tactical Fighter Squadron and activated 17 Apr 1962, organized 1 Jul 1962, inactivated 1 Jul 1971. Activated 1 Oct 1973, inactivated 1 Apr 1978. Redesignated 46th Tactical Fighter Training Squadron and activated 1 Oct 1983, redesignated 46th Fighter Training Squadron 1 Feb 1992, inactivated 1 Oct 1993.
Assignments: 15th Pursuit (later Fighter) Group, 1 Dec 1940; 21st Fighter Group, 15 Jun 1944-10 Oct 1946. 4710th Defense (later Air Defense) Wing, 1 Nov 1952; 4709th Air Defense Wing, 1 Mar 1956; 4621st Air Defense Wing (later New York Air Defense Sector), 1 Oct 1956; 4728th Air Defense Group, 8 Feb 1957-1 Jul 1958. Tactical Air Command, 17 Apr 1962; 15th Tactical Fighter Wing, 1 Ju1 1962-1 Oct 1970 (attached to 405th Fighter Wing May 65-Aug 65), 1 Tactical Fighter Wing 1 Oct 1970-1 Jul 1971. 931st Tactical Fighter Group 1 Oct 1973-1 Jul 1975, 434th Tactical Fighter Wing 1 Jul 1975-1 Jul 1978. 917th Tactical Fighter Group 30 Sep 1983-1 Aug 92, 917th Operations Group -1 Oct 1993.
Stations: Wheeler Field, TH, 1 Dec 1940; Hickam Field, TH, 6 Feb 1942; Mokuleia Field, TH, 22 May 1942; Hilo Field, TH, 16 Dee 1942-19 Mar 1943; Canton, 27 Mar 1943; Makin, 18 Dec 1943; Wheeler Field, TH, 17 Feb 1944; Mokuleia Field, TH, 13 Oct 1944; Iwo Jima, 26 Mar 1945; Isley Field, Saipan, 5 Dec 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 17 Apr-10 Oct 1946. Dover AFB, Del, 1 Nov 1952-1 Jul 1958. MacDill AFB, FL 1962-1971, Grissom AFB, IN 1973-1978. Barksdale AFB, LA 1983-1993.
Aircraft: OA-9, 1940; A-12, 1940; P-36, 1940-1941; P-39, 1941-1944; P-40, 1941-1943; P-38, 1944-1945; P-51, 1944-1946; P-47, 1946. F-94, 1952-1958. F-84, 1962-1964. F-4, 1964-1971. A-37, 1973-1978. A-10, 1983-1993.
Operations: Patrols over the Pacific, 7 Dec 1941-Mar 1943. Combat in Central Pacific, 18 Dec 1943-7 Feb 1944 and in Western Pacific, 28 Mar-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Central Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7 Apr 1945.
Emblem: On a blue disc a black sabre-tooth tiger passant in front of a horizontal bank of white clouds. (Approved 11 Mar 1942.)
72nd Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 72d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 4 Oct 1941. Activated on 5 Oct 1941. Redesignated 72d Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942. Inactivated on 10 Oct 1946. Redesignated 72d Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 15 Nov 1952. Activated on 1 Jan 1953. Inactivated on 8 Feb 1958. Redesignated 72d Tactical Fighter Squadron on 19 May 1958. Activated on 1 Jul 1958. Inactivated on 9 Apr 1959. Redesignated 72nd Tactical Fighter Training Sq and activated 1 Jul 1982; Redesignated 72nd Fighter Sq c. 1 Nov 1991, inactivated 19 Jun 1992.
Assignments: 15th Pursuit (later Fighter) Group, 5 Oct 1941; 318th Fighter Group, 15 Oct 1942; 21st Fighter Group, 15 Jun 1944-10 Oct 1946. 21st Fighter-Bomber Group, 1 Jan 1953-8 Feb 1958. 6200th Air Base Wing, 1 Jul 1958-9 Apr 1959. 56th Tactical Training Wg 1982-1 Nov 1991, 56th Operations Gp -1992.
Stations: Wheeler Field, TH, 5 Oct 1941; Hilo Field, TH, 25 Jul 1943; Wheeler Field, TH, 21 Oct 1943; Makin, 18 Dec 1943; Haleiwa Field, TH, 23 Apr 1944; Mokuleia Field, TH, 8 Jun 1944; Iwo Jima, 26 Mar 1945; Isley Field, Saipan, 5 Dec 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 17 Apr-10 Oct 1946. George AFB, Calif, 1 Jan 1953-26 Nov 1954; Chateauroux, France, 14 Dec 1954; Chambley AB, France, 9 Ju1 1955-8 Feb 1958. Clark AB, Luzon, 1 Jul 1958-9 Apr 1959. MacDill AFB, FL 1982-1992.
Aircraft: P-40, 1941-1943; P-39, 1943-1944; P-38, 1944-1945; P-51, 1944-1946; P-47, 1946. F-51, 1953; F-86, 1953-1957. F-100, 1958-1959.
Operations: Patrols over the Pacific, Jan 1942-Nov 1943. Combat in Central Pacific, 18 Dec 1943-14 Feb 1944, and in Western Pacific, 27 Mar-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Central Pacific; Air Offensive Japan; Eastern Mandates; Air Combat, Asiatic-Pacific Theater.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7 Apr 1945.
Emblem: On a red disc within a black border edged Air Force golden yellow, a stylized silhouette of a bird in profile, its upraised wings extending over the border in sinister chief, its claws grasping three lightning flashes, all white; in the bird's beak a green olive branch; on the border in chief three white stars, in base the motto, letters white. Motto: PAX PER AUXILIA PARATA, Peace through Readiness. (Approved 24 Nov 1958.)
531st Fighter Squadron
Combat Squadrons of the Air Force - World War II; AFHRC, Maurer Maurer, editor: (Adobe Acrobat files)
or
Air Force Historical Research Agency
Mr. Bernie Shearon
Lineage: Constituted 58th Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 22 Nov 1940. Activated on 1 Jan 1941. Redesignated: 58th Bombardment Squadron (Dive) on 19 Oct 1942; 531st Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 14 Aug 1943; 531st Fighter Squadron on 18 Feb 1944. Inactivated on 10 Oct 1946. Redesignated 531st Fighter-Bomber Squadron on 15 Nov 1952. Activated on 1 Jan 1953. Inactivated on 8 Feb 1958. Redesignated 531st Tactical Fighter Squadron on 19 May 1958. Activated on 1 Jul 1958. Inactivated 31 Jul 1970.
Assignments: Hawaiian (later Seventh) Air Force, 1 Jan 1941; 21st Fighter Group, 15 Jun 1944-10 Oct 1946. 21st Fighter-Bomber Group, 1 Jan 1953-8 Feb 1958. 21st Tactical Fighter Wing, 1 Ju1 1958; 39th Air Division, 18 Jun 1960- c. 16 Jun 1964, 3rd Tactical Fighter Wg - c. 30 Nov 1965, 834th Air Div -Dec 1965, 3rd Tactical Fighter Wg -1970.
Stations: Wheeler Field, TH, 1 Jan 1941; Bellows Field, TH, 18 Mar 1941; Hickam Field, TH, 29 Apr 1941; Bellows Field, TH, 11 Dec 1941; Wheeler Field, TH, 19 Dec 1941-18 Jun 1943; Canton, 24 Jun 1943; Makin, c. 18 Dec 1943; Bellows Field, TH, Mar 1944; Kuoloa, TH, 21 Apr 1944; Mokuleia Field, TH, 8 Oct 194; Iwo Jima, 26 Mar 1945; Isley Field, Saipan, 5 Dec 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 17 Apr-10 Oct 1946. George AFB, Calif, 1 Jan 1953-26 Nov 1954; Toul/Rosieres AB, France, 13 Dec 1954; Chambley AB, France, 14 Jun 1955-8 Feb 1958. Misawa, Japan, 1 Ju1 1958-16 Jun 1964; England AFB, LA -7 Dec 1965, Bien Hoa AB, Viet Nam -1970.
Aircraft: B-18, 1941-1942; A-20, 1942-1943; A-24, 1943-1944; P-39, 1944; P-38, 1944-1945; P-51, 1944-1946; P-47, 1946. F-51, 1953; F-86,1953-1957. F-100, 1958-.
Operations: Combat in Central Pacific, 18 Dec 1943-10 Mar 1944, and in Western Pacific, 30 Mar-14 Aug 1945.
Service Streamers: None.
Campaigns: Central Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates.
Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7 Apr 1945. Presidential Unit Citations 8 Jun 1966-18 Apr 1967, 6 Mar 1968-31 Jul 1969; AF Outstanding Unit Award with V 31 Jan 1968-5 Mar 1968, 21 Jan 1970-31 Dec 1971 [sic]; AF Outstanding Unit Award 1 May 1964-16 Jul 1965, 11 Feb 1965-16 Mar 1965, Republic of Viet Nam Gallantry Cross with Palm 25 Nov 1965-19 May 1969, 29 Jun 1966-8 Mar 1967 (award to "Fighter Sq"), 1 May 1970-31 Jul 1970, 1 Apr 1966-31 Jul 1970.
Emblem: On and over a white cloud formation edged and voided of the sky, Air Force blue, a black hawk swooping in downward flight, details of wings white, his beak and talons Air Force golden yellow, outlines and details red, grasping in each foot a red lightning streak. Motto: On an Air Force blue scroll, STRIKE AND RETURN, Air
Force golden yellow. (Approved 10 Nov 1958.)
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| Misidentified Patch |
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 This insignia, while similar to the 1st PRS insignia, is actually for the 1371st Photo Mapping Squadron. Source: usafpatches.com |
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