Air Force Combat Units of World War II

AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS
OF WORLD WAR I1
Edited by
Maurer Maurer
Office of Air Force History

Washington, D.C.
1983
Library of Congress Cataloging in Publication Data
Main entry under title:
Air Force combat units of World War 11.
Reprint. Originally published: Washington, D.C. : U.S. Govt. Print. Off.,

1961.
Includes index.
Supt. of DOCS. NO.:D 301.2:C73/3/983
1. United States. Army Air Forces-History.
2. World War, 1939-1945-Aerial operations, American.
I. Maurer, Maurer.
D790.A533 1983 940.544973 83-6001 69
ISBN 0-912799-02-1
For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office

Washington, D.C.
Foreword
Like all chronologies, bibliographies, and encyclopedias, Air Force

Combat Units of World War 11 serves a very special historical function.
It traces the lineage of each Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force
combat group or higher organization active in World War 11, from its
origins to 1956.
It is a concise official record of those units: their assignments,
subordinate organizations, stations, commanders, campaigns, aircraft,
and decorations. But it is more than that.
As an important source of ready information, this volume not only
serves as a reference tool for historians and researchers; but it also
provides commanders with a corporate memory of vital statistics. With
these facts, a unit documents its heritage, the basis for unit esprit de corps.
Originally this volume had been printed in 1961. Its worth has been
proven, and the demand for it has been great. With this reprint, it will
continue to serve the United States Air Force in all quarters in years to
come.
Richard H. Kohn
Chief, Office of Air Force History
...
1EE
United States Air Force
Historical Advisory Committee
(As of September 1, 1983)
Lt. Gen. Charles G. Cleveland, Dr. Alfred F. Hurley

USAF Brig. Gen., USAF, Retired
Commander, Air university, North Texas State University
Mr. DeWitt S . Copp Mr. David E. Place

The National Volunteer Agency T h e General Counsel, USAF
Dr. Philip A. Crow1 Gen. Bryce Poe 11, USAF, Retired

Annapolis, Maryland Alexandria, Virginia
Dr. Warren W. Hassler, Jr. Lt. Gen. Winfield W. Scott, Jr.

Pennsylvania State University Superintendent, USAF Academy
Brig. Gen. Harris B. Hull, USAF, Dr. David A. Shannon (Chairman)

Retired University of Virginia
National Aeronautics and Space
Administration
Preface
Purpose. Over a period of several years the USAF Historical

Division has received hundreds of requests for brief histories of
Air Force organizations. Air Force units ask for historical data
they can use for the orientation of new personnel and for building
morale and esprit de corps. USAF Headquarters and the commands
need historical data for organizational planning. Information ofi-
cers throughout the Air Force want historical materials for public
relations purposes. Members and former members of the Air Force
are interested in the units with which they have served. Govern-
ment agencies and private individuals, for various reasons, seek
information about Air Force units and their histories. As a result
of the great demand for and the interest in such histories, it appeared
that a book containing brief sketches of Air Force combat organi-
zations would be of value as a reference work. The task of pre-
paring such a volume was undertaken by the USAF Historical
Division as a phase of its work on World War 11.
Scope. This book is concerned primarily with the combat (or
tactical) groups that were active during the Second World War.
Although such groups had numerous designations, nearly all fell
within four major categories: bombardment, fighter, reconnaissance,
and troop carrier. The book covers both the combat groups that
served overseas and those that remained in the United States. It
also covers combat organizations above the group level. It does
not deal with provisional organizations or with air base, mainte-
nance, supply, medical, transport, and other service or support
organizations.
Although this book is devoted exclusively to organizations that
were active during World War 11, its coverage of those organiza-
tions is not confined to the World War I1 period. Instead, each
organization is traced back to its origin and forward to I January
1956, with later activations being mentioned if they took place
prior to the time the draft of the book was prepared in 1957-1958.
The organizations are presented under the designations they
carried on 2 September 1945. For each organization there is
information concerning insigne, lineage, operations, assignments,
aircraft (for groups only) , components, stations, commanders, cam-
paigns, and decorations. A guide to the way these materials are
treated is provided in the Explanatory Notes that follow this
Preface.
Revision. It is impossible to handle the vast amount of detailed
data used in the preparation of a work of this kind without spme
errors appearing in the published volume. A considerable portion
of the material in this book represents judgments that historians
made in their efforts to determine facts from conflicting data found
in various sources. Because of the nature of the volume, there was
little opportunity to employ the qualifying words and phrases that
historians normally use to indicate weaknesses in their sources or
suggest the possibility of other interpretations of available data.
Like any historical work, this book is subject to revision in the
light of evidence that may be discovered or may become available
in the future.
Sources. Most of the sources used in the preparation of this
volume are found in the archives of the USAF Historical Division.
The most important of these are histories that Air Force organiza-
tions at all echelons have forwarded periodically to the archives in
accordance with directives pertaining to the Air Force historical
program. These histories consist of narratives, plus supporting
documents, such as plans, orders, directives, operational reports,
organizational charts, statistical summaries, and correspondence.
The narratives and documents for many organizations are excellent.
Unfortunately, the coverage for some organizationi is inadequate
and in some cases is lacking for considerable periods of time. Cover-
age is especially thin, or absent, for the years before 1943, the date
the historical program became operative, and for the period im-
mediately following World War 11, when the program was dis-
vi
rupted by demobilization and by numerous changes in Air Force
organization. Lower echelons of some commands, as well as reserve
and national guard organizations not in active service, have not
forwarded narratives and documents to the archives.
Other important sources were papers of the Air Service, the Air
Corps, and the Air Staff of Army Air Forces; numbered letters of
the War Department and the Department of the Air Force; general
and special orders; reports and staff studies; statistical digests; or-
ganizational directories; personnel rosters; and station lists.
Monographs prepared by the USAF Historical Division and by
the historical ofices of the various commands were very useful.
Another secondary source of great value was the USAF Historical
Division’s seven-volume history, The Army Air Forces in World
War ZZ, edited by W. F. Craven and J. L. Cate, and published by
the University of Chicago Press.
Acknowledgments. This volume is, in a large measure, the
work of Miss Mary Frances Morgan (M.A., University of Georgia),
Miss Merlin Elaine Owen (M.A., Tulane University), Mr. Sam H.
Frank (M.A., Florida State University), Mr. Herman A. Higgins
(M.A., Peabody College), Mr. Richard C. Lukas (B.A., Florida
State University), and Mr. Wesley P. Newton, Jr. (M.A., Uni-
versity of Alabama). These young graduate students, who joined
the USAF Historical Division in the summer of 1957, were well
qualified for the task of conducting the research and preparing the
draft of the book. Each had excellent training in history and his-
torical methodology. Each proved to be a first-class researcher.
But these historians brought more than technical competence to
their job. They had enthusiasm for their work, a vast store of good
humor, and the personal qualities that enable people to work together
in the finest spirit of cooperation. When this team broke up in the
summer of 1958, Miss Morgan and Mr. Newton stayed on for
another year to finish the draft and assist with the editing.
Many other persons contributed to the production of this volume.
Miss Marguerite Kennedy and her staff in the archives of the USAF
Historical Division provided numerous services that expedited the
vii
research. Mr. David Schoem of the Air University Historical
Liaison Office in Washington assisted with many administrative
matters. Mr. Gordon W. Benson and members of his staff furnished
copies of the unit history cards maintained by the Organization
Branch, Directorate of Statistical Services, Headquarters USAF.
Miss Eleanor Cox, Chief of the Heraldic Section, Directorate of
Military Personnel, Headquarters USAF, assisted by Miss Anna D.
Osso of the Heraldic Section, supplied the insignia and their de-
scriptions. Dr. Chauncey E. Sanders, Mr. Robert T. Finney, Dr.
Wilson Howell, Dr. Edith C . Rodgers, Major Ruth P. Boehner,
Lieutenant James D. Secor, Lieutenant Eugene Pascuzzi, and other
members or former members of the USAF Historical Division who
at various times were associated with the Division’s unit history
program, prepared many unit histories that supplied valuable data
for this volume. Mrs. Lois L. Lynn maintained the voluminous
files required for the project and typed the various drafts of the
book. Although this brief note can not name all the persons who
assisted in one way or another, it should mention two men whose
interest and support were vital to the project: Col. G. C. Cobb,
Director of Research Studies Institute during the time the book was
being written; and Dr. Albert F. Simpson, Chief, USAF Historical
Division.
15 September 1959
...
Ull1
Explanatory Notes
These notes, which are designed as an aid to the use of this vol-
ume, are keyed to the various kinds of information presented in thd
historical sketches of the combat organizations.
Heading. The heading gives the numerical and general func-
tional designation of the organization at the end of World War 11.
Insigne. The insigne is the last one approved prior to the end of
World War I1 if such an insigne was available. If the organization
had no insigne at that time but had one approved after the war, the
latter is shown. A regulation issued in 1953 required each combat
group to use the insigne of the combat wing of the same number;
consequently, in this book wing insignia are given for some groups.
Lineage. The lineage, which was traced through official docu-
ments, is presented in a narrative that also covers the major activities
of the organization. Organizational actions (e.g., activation, re-
designation, etc.) relating to lineage are highlighted by means of
italics. Minor redesignations (e.g., a change from Bombardment
Group, H to Bombardment Group, Heavy), as well as organiza-
tional changes that had no effect on lineage, were omitted. The
terms used to describe actions that establish the lineage of Air Force
organizations are defined in Appendix I :Organizational Terms.
Operations. The narrative for each group gives a brief summary
of the organization’s major activities, especially its combat opera-
tions. A general statement concerning major functions or area of
operations is provided for organizations above the group level.
Assignments. The narrative includes information concerning
the organization’s assignments, or its attachments for operational
control. For World War 11, this information is generally restricted
to the numbered air forces with which the organization operated;
iX
for the post-World War I1 period, it is usually confined to the major
command. Because of peculiarities and changes in the Air Force
structure between 1946 and 1950, assignments to Air Defense, Tactical
Air, and Continental Air Command during that time are, as a gen-
eral rule, not shown. In references to Air National Guard (ANG)
organizations, names of states, shown as abbreviations in paren-
theses, indicate allotments of headquarters.
Aircraft. The narrative for each group supplies information
concerning the aircraft used by the organization.
Organizational Components. The major combat elements are
listed immediately following the narrative. The list shows only the
components at the first subordinate echelon in any particular period.
Components were omitted in some cases in which the structure of the
subject organization changed frequently and the assignments of
components usually were of brief duration. Attached components,
as well as service and support elements, were omitted. Components
of national guard organizations are given only for those periods in
which the guard organizations were on extended active service.
Only numerical designations are shown if the functional desig-
nations (e.g., fighter, bomber) of the components and subject organ-
ization were similar. For components assigned during World War
11, the numerical designation shown is the one in use at the end of the
war. If the numerical designation of a component changed during
the period of assignment to the subject Organization, the former or
later designation is supplied in parentheses.
A semicolon separating dates indicates that the subject organ-
ization was inactivated. A comma indicates that the component
was relieved of assignment and later reassigned during a period in
which the subject organization remained active.
Stations. The list of stations shows the locations and move-
ments of the organization. Temporary stations are not listed. The
name given for each base is the one in use at the time the organization
arrived. Webster’s Geographical Dictionary was used as the pri-
mary authority for the spelling of place names. For plcaces not
listed there, the NIS Gazetteers were used. For places not given
in either of those sources, it was necessary to rely on station lists
x
and other Air Force documents. Geographical place names, rather
than base names, are generally shown for stations overseas. If the
organization moved frequently, as some organizations did in the
Mediterranean and Pacific areas during World War 11, countries,
rather than specific places, are shown. Stations for national guard
organizations are given only for those periods in which the guard
organizations were on extended active service.
A single date indicates the arrival of the organization’s head-
quarters or, if that could not be determined, the arrival of the first
major element of the organization. Where double dates are given,
the second date, if followed by a semicolon, shows when the organ-
ization (or the first major element) began an extended movement
either overseas or within a theater; if followed by a period, the second
date indicates that the organization was inactivated.
Commanders. The list of commanders gives the names of the
organization’s commanding officers, the highest rank held by each
during the period of command, and the date each assumed command.
As a general rule, temporary or acting commanders are not shown.
Because of difficultiesencountered in obtaining data concerning com-
manders of reserve and national guard organizations, commanders
of such organizations are shown only for those periods the organiza-
tions were on extended active service.
Where double dates are shown, the second date, if followed by a
period, indicates that the organization was inactivated; if followed
by a semicolon, the second date indicates that there is, or may be, a
gap in the list of commanders.
Campaigns. The campaigns listed are those in which the or-
ganization participated, the determination in each instance being
based upon a careful analysis of the organization’s operations. If
the listing shows Asiatic-Pacific Theater or European-African-aid-
dle Eastern Theater, the organization served, but was not engaged
in combat, in the theater. If the listing includes American Theater,
the organization either served in the theater area outside the
United States, or was stationed in the United States for a total time
of one year or more. The theater is not shown if any campaign in
the theater is listed. When some components of the organization
xi
were engaged in activities that could not be attributed to the entire
organization, those activities are not covered by the list of the organ-
ization’s campaigns. For example, if a squadron on detached serv-
ice from a group in the European-African-Middle Eastern Theater
served in combat in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, the campaigns listed
for the group do not include the Asiatic-Pacific campaigns in which
the squadron participated. A list of all the campaigns in which Air
Force organizations have participated is provided in Appendix I1 :
Theaters and Campaigns.
It should be emphasized that the listings in this book are for
groups, wings, divisions, commands, and air forces rather than for
the headquarters of these organizations or for the squadrons. Conse-
quently, units are cautioned not to use the listings in this volume as
the basis or authority for claiming or displaying service streamers.
The Awards Branch, Personnel Services Division, Directorate of
Military Personnel, Headquarters USAF is responsible for determin-
ing what service streamers each unit is entitled to display.
Decorations. Under decorations are listed the citations and
other awards made to the organization. In cases where citations were
found to be suitable for such treatment, they are mentioned in the
narrative in connection with operations (as well as listed under
“Decorations”) in order to provide additional data about the activities
covered by the citations. In many instances dates for citations have
been omitted or have been revised and set in brackets because the
dates given in orders pertaining to the citations are obviously incor-
rect. For example, the dates given in an order may extend over a
period before or after the organization was engaged in the activity
for which it was cited. Information concerning the various citations
and other awards that have been bestowed on organizational ele-
ments of the Air Force is provided in Appendix 111: Decorations.
As in the case of the campaigns, the listings in this volume are
not to be used by units as the basis or authority for claiming or dis-
playing streamers and other devices that represent awards. The
Awards Branch determines the awards to which each unit is entitled.
xii
Contents
Page
FOREWORD ...........................................................
...
zzz
PREFACE ................................................................. V
EXPLANATORY NOTES ....................................... ix
INTRODUCTION .................................................. 1
Air Force Combat Organization .............................. 1
Commanders ........................................................ 14
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS
Groups ................................................................ 19
Wings ................................................................. 373
Divisions ............................................................. 431
Commands ........................................................... 437
Air Forces ............................................................ 457
APPENDIXES
I . Organizational Terms .................................... 475
I1. Theaters and Campaigns ................................ 478
I11. Decorations .................................................... 492
IV . Abbreviations ................................................ 493
INDEX OF UNITS .................................................. 495
...
XI12
INTRODUCTION
AIR FORCE COMBAT ORGANIZATION
At the peak of its strength in World War 11, the United States
Army Air Forces (AAF) had more than 2,400,000 men and women
in uniform. There were pilots, navigators, bombardiers, gunners,
and radio operators, clerks and typists, artists and flautists, teachers,
mechanics, statisticians, and engineers-for it took many talents and
skills to conduct and support the war in the air. All these persons,
from privates to generals, had to be welded into an organization
capable of giving direction and coordination to their diverse activ-
ities. For combat the men were formed into squadrons, and squad-
rons into groups. Above the groups were wings, and wings were
organized into commands, and commands into the 16 air forces
of the AAF. The upper part of the structure had to be built while
the war was on, but the foundation WAS old. Some of the squadrons,
two of the groups, and one wing had combat records from the First
World War. One squadron, the oldest in the Air Force, could trace
its history back to 1913.
'9'3'9'7
The Army had established an Aeronautical Division in the Signal

Corps on I August 1907 and had acquired its first plane in 1909.
Army men had learned to fly, but for some time the aviators were
not organized into units for operations. Consequently in 1913, when
relations between the United States and Mexico were strained as a
result of a revolution in Mexico, there was no aviation unit for service
along the Mexican border. The Army, however, sent some of its
flyers and planes to Texas, and on 5 March 1913 these were formed
into the 1st Aero Squadron, a provisional organization made up of
two companies. Later that year, in December, after the provisional
I
2 AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR I1
unit had moved to San Diego for training, it was organized officially
as an Army squadron. Following Pancho Villa’s raid on Columbus,
New Mexico, in March 1916, the squadron joined the force that
Brig. Gen. John J. Pershing organized to try to capture the Mexican
bandit. Thus the 1st Aero Squadron, which provided communica-
tion and reconnaissance services during the Mexican expedition, was
the first American aviation unit to take the field for a military
campaign.
Meanwhile, although war had broken out in Europe, little
progress had been made toward expanding the Army’s air arm.
Congress created an Aviation Section in the Signal Corps by an act
approved on 18 July 1914, but the legislators provided little money
for the new service. Moreover, the Signal Corps naturally used the
meager resources to develop aviation as a means of communication,
observation, and reconnaissance, rather than as an instrument for
combat. One company of the 2d Aero Squadron was organized in
1915 and sent to the Philippines. The following year plans were
made for five more squadrons. One, the 7th, was formed in February
1917 for duty in the Panama Canal Zone. Another, the 6th, was
organized in Hawaii in March 1917. Three others, the 3d, 4th, and
5th, were being formed in the United States at the time the nation
entered World War I in April 1917.
World W a r 1
Pershing, who became commander of the American Expedition-
ary Forces (AEF) soon developed a plan for the deployment of 260
combat squadrons to France. Later the plan was revised with the
number of squadrons reduced to 202, all of which were to be at the
front by 30 June 1919. In Pershing’s view, the main functions of the
AEF’s Air Service were to drive off hostile aircraft and to obtain in-
formation about enemy movements. Half of the 202 squadrons,
therefore, were to be observation units assigned to 3 armies and 16
corps. Of the remainder, 60 were to be pursuit squadrons. But the
plan also provided for 27 night-bombardment and 14 day-bombard-
ment squadrons.
The first American aviation unit to reach France was the 1st
Aero Squadron, an observation organization, which sailed from New
INTRODUCTION
York in August 1917 and arrived at Le Havre on 3 September. As

other squadrons were organized at home, they too were sent overseas,
where they continued their training. It was February 1918 before
any American aviation squadron ettered combat, but by Armistice
Day, 11 November IgI8,45 combat squadrons (20 pursuit, 18 obser-
vation, and 7 bombardment) had been assigned to the front. During
the war the aero squadrons played important roles in such famous
battles as the Aisne-Marne, St. Mihiel, and the Meuse-Argonne.
Some, like the 94th Squadron that had Captain Eddie Rickenbacker
for its commander, or the 27th that had “balloon buster” Frank Luke
as one of its aviators, made distinguished records in combat.
Observation planes frequently operated individually, and pur-
suit pilots often went out alone to attack a balloon or to meet the
enemy in a dogfight. But the tendency was toward formation flying
for pursuit as well as for bombardment operations. The dispersal
of squadrons among the various army organizations made it difficult,
however, to obtain coordination of aerial activities. Some higher
organization was required. Squadrons with similar functions were
formed into groups, the first of these being the 1st Corps Observa-
tion Group, organized in April 1918. The following month the 1st
Pursuit Group was formed, and by 11 November 1918 the AEF had
14 groups (7 observation, 5 pursuit, and 2 bombardment). In July
1918 the AEF organized its first wing, made up of the 2d and 3d Pur-
suit Groups and, later, the 1st Day Bombardment Group.
Some airmen, including William Mitchell, were advocating the
formation of an air force that would concentrate control over mili-
tary aviation for heavy blows against the enemy. In September 1918,
for the Allied assault against the German salient at St. Mihiel,
Mitchell brought together almost 1,500 American and French planes
for coordinated operations in which observation and pursuit s u p
ported ground forces, while the other two-thirds of the air force
bombed and strafed behind the lines. Later, during the Meuse-
Argonne offensive, Mitchell attained a somewhat smaller concentra-
tion of air power for use in keeping the enemy on the defensive.
In France the Air Service was part of Pershing’s expeditionary
force. In the United States the Chief Signal Officer was responsible
for organizing, training, and equipping aviation units until 21 May
1918. At that time the President created a Bureau of Aircraft Produc-

tion and made it responsible for aeronautical equipment; training of
personnel and units was the responsibility of the Division of Military
Aeronautics, which had been created by the War Department on 27
April 1918. Although the bureau and division were recognized by the
War Department on 24 May 1918 as forming the Army’s Air Service,
no Director of Air Service was appointed until 27 August 1918.
‘9’9-’939
After the war the Army quickly demobilized most of its air
arm, including the wing, all of the groups, and most of the squadrons.
Almost immediately, however, it began to create new organizations
for peacetime service. In many instances these new organizations
had no connection with those that had been active during the war.
For example, at Selfridge Field in August 1919 the Army organized
a 1st Pursuit Group that was in no way related to the AEF’s 1st
Pursuit Group, which had been demobilized in France in December
1918. A little later, however, the Army began a series of organiza-
tional actions that eventually enabled many active organizations to
trace their histories back to World War I. In the case of the 1st
Pursuit Group, for instance, the Army reconstituted the World War I
group of that name and consolidated it with the active group.
This process of reconstituting old units and consolidating them with
active units has continued up to the present time.
In 1920 an act of Congress (approved on 4 June) created the Air
Service as a combatant arm of the United States Army. But the Air
Service and the Air Corps that replaced it in 1926 (act of 2 July) did
not control the combat units, for their training and operations came
under the jurisdiction of ground forces. With this arrangement the
Air Service and Air Corps were responsible for matters relating to
personnel and materiel logistics, particularly training individual
pilots and other specialists, and developing, procuring, storing, and
distributing aeronautical equipment.
The composition, organization, and command of the combat
elements of the air arm during the 1920’sand early 1930’swere based
on principles laid down by the War Department General Staff in
1920. These principles, as they related to military aviation, were
INTRODUCTION 5
reflected in a war plan that called for the following aviation organiza-
tions as part of an expeditionary force: one observation squadron for
each of 54 divisions and one for each of 18 corps; one observation
group (four squadrons), plus one attack wing (one attack and two
pursuit groups), for each of 6 armies; one attack wing, one observa-
tion group, and one bombardment group for General Headquarters
(GHQ). Thus the war plan placed the greatest emphasis on ob-
servation aviation. It gave lesser roles to pursuit aviation, which was
to destroy enemy planes and assist in attacking enemy troops and
other objectives, and to attack aviation, which was to harass the
enemy’s ground forces. It assigned a minor place to bombardment
aviation, with the mission of destroying military objectives in the
combat theater and in the enemy’s zone of interior. Furthermore, it
placed aviation under the command of ground officers at division,
corps, army, and GHQ levels. As a result, the structure was con-
demned by Billy Mitchell and other Air Service officers who dis-
counted the importance of observation aviation, sought recognition
for bombardment as a major instrument of warfare, desired a greater
proportion of pursuit units for counter-air operations, and wanted
aviation units organized as an air force under the command of air-
men. One of the important facets of the history of the Army’s air
arm during the 1920’s and 1930’s was the conflict between air and
ground officers over the composition, organization, and command of
military aviation. While this is not the place for a detailed review
of that subject, the progress that the airmen made toward gaining
acceptance for their point of view is reflected in organizational
changes mentioned in subsequent paragraphs.
The principles behind the war plan were applied to the smaller
peacetime organization that was to be capable of rapid expansion in
an emergency. For several years the striking force based in the
United States consisted of three groups, the 1st Pursuit, the 2d Bom-
bardment, and the 3d Attack. There also was one observation group
(the gth), and there was one observation squadron for each of the
Army corps. During the same period there were three composite
groups on foreign service, the 4th being in the Philippines, the 5th in
Hawaii, and the 6th in Panama.
In 1926 the Army began to expand its air arm, and in the years
that followed new groups were activated: the 18th Pursuit (in
Hawaii) in 1927; the 7th Bombardment in 1928; the 12th Observa-
tion and 20th Pursuit in 1930; the 8th and 17th Pursuit in 1931; and
the 16th Pursuit (in the Canal Zone) and the 19th Bombardment in
1932. Consequently by the end of 1932 there were 15 groups (45
squadrons). The distribution of the squadrons by function is sig-
nificant. The number of attack squadrons (4) was the same as it
had been a decade earlier, while the strength in observation aviation
had decreased from 14 to 13 squadrons. The growth had, therefore,
been in other types of aviation, the number of bombardment squad-
rons having increased from 7 to 12, and pursuit squadrons from 7 to
16. Five more pursuit squadrons were activated in 1933, bringing the
total strength to 50 squadrons.
The most important change in the combat organization of the
air arm in the two decades between World Wars I and I1 came on I
March 1935. At that time the War Department established General
Headquarters Air Force (GHQAF) and placed it under the com-
mand of an air officer to serve as an air defense and striking force.
Some observation units remained assigned to corps areas, but all the
pursuit, bombardment, and attack units in the United States became
part of the new combat organization. The combat elements of
GHQAF were organized into three wings: the 1st Wing (with head-
quarters at March Field) had two bombardment groups, one attack
group, and three observation squadrons; the 2d Wing (Langley
Field) had two bombardment and two pursuit groups, plus three
observation squadrons; the 3d Wing (Barksdale Field) had an at-
tack and a pursuit group, plus one bombardment, one attack, and
two pursuit squadrons. The commanding general of GHQAF, who
reported to the Army’s Chief of Staff and was to report to the com-
mander of the field force in time of war, was responsible for the or-
ganization, training, and operations of this air force. The Chief of
the Air Corps still retained the responsibilities associated with per-
sonnel and materiel logistics.
The change of the 9th Group from observation to bombardment
in 1935 should be noted because that redesignation was an indication
of the decline of observation and the growth of bombardment avia-
INTRODUCTION 7
tion. Two years later the 12th Observation Group was inactivated.
And the same year (1937) the 10th Transport Group, the first group
of its kind, was activated. But there were no other significant
changes, the number of groups remaining at 15 (10 in the United
States and 5 on foreign service), until 1939.
World War 11
In January 1939 President Franklin D. Roosevelt asked Congress
to strengthen America’s air power, which, the President said, was
“utterly inadequate.” On I September 1939 Hitler attacked Poland,
and the Second World War began. In the months that followed,
as Axis forces won one victory after another, the Army’s air arm
expanded rapidly. By the end of 1940 there were 30 groups. Within
another year, that is, by the time the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor
and the United States entered the war, the number of active groups
had increased to 67, but many of them were still in the process of
being organized and few had aircraft suitable for combat.
The air arm grew even more rapidly in the months following
Pearl Harbor, and by the end of 1943 there were 269 groups. At that
time 133 of the groups were in the United States: 77 were being
manned or trained; 56, which provided the strategic reserve, served
as part of the defense force, as operational training units (OTU’s)
that prepared new units for combat, or as replacement training units
(RTU’s) that trained replacements for organizations overseas. Early
in 1944 most of the OTU’s and RTU’s were inactivated or disbanded,
the.training activities being given to base units. As a result the num-
ber of combat groups fell to 218, but the formation of new groups
brought the figure up to another peak of 243 in February 1945.
When Allied forces landed on the beaches of Normandy on 6 June
1944, the United States had 148 combat groups in the European-
African-Middle Eastern Theater for the war against Germany. By
August 1945, when combat operations in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater
came to an end, the United States had 86 groups in the war against
Japan.
In addition to the expansion, other important changes had taken
place in the air arm. By 7 December IWI more emphasis was being
placed on bombardment. Of the 67 groups active at that time, 26

were bombardment organizations; half of the 26 were heavy and the
other half were medium and light bombardment groups, the light
groups having replaced the attack organizations of an earlier time.
There also were 26 pursuit, 9 observation, and 6 transport groups.
During the war, pursuit units were redesignated fighter, observation
became reconnaissance, and transport became troop carrier. With
the development of B-29 aircraft, very heavy bombardment organ-
izations were added to the combat force. In the spring of 1945,
when America’s air strength in the overseas theaters of operations
reached its peak, the 243 combat groups of the AAF were divided
as follows: 25 very heavy, 72 heavy, 20 medium, and 8 light bombard-
ment groups; 71 fighter groups; 29 troop carrier groups; 13 recon-
naissance groups; and 5 composite groups. At the same time there
were 65 separate squadrons, mostly reconnaissance and night fighter,
which were not assigned to groups but to higher echelons of organ-
ization.
As the number of groups increased, the number of wings multi-
plied. Earlier, during World War I and in GHQAF, wings had been
composite organizations, that is, had been made up of groups with
different kinds of missions. Most of the wings of World War 11,
however, were composed of groups with similar functions.
The growth of the air arm resulted in important organizational
changes and developments above the group and wing levels. The
separation of the combat organization (GHQAF) from the logistic
organization (Air Corps) created serious problems of coordination.
To correct this condition, GHQAF was placed under the Chief of
the Air Corps, Maj. Gen. Henry H. Arnold, in March 1939. The
two organizations were separated again in November 1940, but
about the same time Arnold joined the War Department General
Staff as Deputy Chief of Staff for Air, a position that enabled him to
coordinate the two sections of the air arm. On 20 June IWI the
War Department created the Army Air Forces with the Air Corps
and GHQAF, the latter redesignated Air Force Combat Command,
as its major components and with Arnold as chief. In an Army
reorganization on g March 1942 the Air Corps and Air Force Com-
INTRODUCTION 9
bat Command were discontinued and Arnold was made Command-

ing General of Army Air Forces.
During the war most of the AAF’s combat groups and wings
were assigned to numbered air forces. The first four of these air
forces had their origins late in 1940 when GHQAF was becoming
so large that its headquarters could not exercise adequate control
over the training and operations of the various GHQAF organiza-
tions. General Headquarters Air Force was subdivided, therefore,
into four air districts (Northeast, Northwest, Southeast, and South-
west), which were redesignated First, Second, Third, and Fourth
Air Forces early in 1941. These four air forces remained in the
United States throughout the war, but others were established for
service overseas: the Fifth, Seventh, Tenth, Thirteenth, Fourteenth,
and Twentieth served in the Asiatic-Pacific Theater ; the Eighth,
Ninth, Twelfth, and Fifteenth operated in the European-African-
Middle Eastern Theater, the Eighth being redeployed to the Pacific
after the war ended in Europe; the Sixth was in the Panama Canal
Zone and the Eleventh in Alaska.
Some air forces, particularly the larger ones, had subordinate
commands (or sometimes divisions) that provided an additional eche-
lon of organization, by bringing together wings (or groups) with
similar functions. An air force, such as the Ninth, could have a
bomber, a fighter, a troop carrier, and a tactical air command, the
number and kind depending upon the size, functions, and peculiar
needs of the air force. There also were some separate commands,
such as the Antisubmarine Command, which were not assigned to
numbered air forces.
The arrangement of the various layers of organization is best
seen by looking at the organizational position of some particular
squadron, such as the 93d Bombardment Squadron, which took part
in the B-29 offensive against Japan in 1945. That squadron was
assigned to the 19th Bombardment Group, of the 314th Bombard-
ment Wing, of the XXI Bomber Command, of the Twentieth Air
Force. But the organization was much more complex than is indi-
cated by such a chain, for operational and administrative require-
ments resulted in the establishment of organizations above the num-
bered air forces. There was, for example, the U.S. Strategic Air
Forces in Europe, which had some administrative control over both

the Eighth and Ninth Air Forces (the one engaged primarily in
strategic and the other in tactical operations), and which exercised
some operational control over the two strategic air forces in Europe
(the Eighth in England and the Fifteenth in Italy). Furthermore,
American organizations sometimes became part of combined (i.e.,
Allied) commands. In April 1942, for instance, an organization
called Allied Air Forces was created in Australia to control opera-
tions of Australian, Dutch, and American air forces; and in Febru-
ary 1943 American, British, and French elements in North Africa
were combined to form the Northwest African Air Forces. The
complexity of these organizational arrangements was compounded by
the assignment of AAF units overseas to United States Army or-
ganizations, and by the relationships of those Army organizations
to joint (i.e., Army-Navy) and combined commands.
This volume is not concerned with all of this vast organization
but with the AAF structure from groups to numbered air forces.
Within those limits, the major attention is focused on the groups, the
basic operational organizations in the aerial war that America fought
in the years between the attack on Pearl Harbor on 7 December 1941
and the Japanese surrender on 2 September 1945.
Once the victory'had been gained, the United States plunged

into demobilization, just as it had done at the end of the First World
War. Ofiicers and men were sent home. Bases were closed. Air-
planes were stored or sold. And by July 1946the Air Force had only
2 groups that were ready for combat, although 52 were carried on the
list of active organizations. A new Air Force had to be built on the
ruins of demobilization, the goal being 70 groups, the strength that
was authorized for peacetime. In addition, reserve and national
guard forces would be available for active duty in an emergency.
There was much opposition, however, to a large military establish-
ment in peacetime, and to the financial burden such an establishment
placed on the nation. Consequently, the Air Force had to cut to 48
groups.
INTRODUCTION 11
Then came the Korean War, precipitated by the Communist

attack on the Republic of Korea on 25 June 1950. The United States
rushed combat forces across the Pacific to strengthen those already
present in the Far East. Others were sent to Europe to meet the in-
creasing threat of Communist aggression in that part of the world.
At home the air defense force was expanded. Under these conditions
the number of groups jumped from 48 to 87 within a year. In June
1952, when the strength was stated in terms of wings rather than
groups, the Air Force had 95. By the end of the Korean War on 27
July 1953 the number of wings had increased to 106. The expansion
had been accomplished in part by ordering reserve and national guard
organizations to active duty. Those organizations were called for 21
months, but some were relieved before the end of that period. In fact,
some reserve organizations were in active service for only a few days,
just long enough to assign their personnel to other organizations.
Most of the reserve and guard elements that served the full term of
21 months were replaced by newly-activated organizations of the
regular Air Force.
The program for expansion had first provided for 95 wings, but
that goal was revised in November 1951 when the Joint Chiefs of
Staff authorized a force of 143 wings to be attained by mid-1g55.
In 1953 the goal was reduced temporarily to 120 wings by June 1956,
but later the same year it was changed to provide for 137 wings by
June 1957. Under these changing programs the strength of the Air
Force, in terms of the number of active wings, increased steadily.
By the beginning of 1956 there were 127 wings, made up of 392
combat squadrons.
There had been many organizational changes in the period from
1946 to 1956, but the most important one in the view of the profes-
sional airmen was that which gave the Air Force its independence.
Congress provided the necessary legislation in 1947 when it created
a Department of the Air Force and established the United States Air
Force as a separate service equal to the Army and the Navy in the
nation’s military establishment. On 18 September 1947, W. Stuart
Symington became the first Secretary of the Air Force. And a week
later, on 26 September, Gen. Carl Spaatz, who had succeeded Arnold
as Commanding General of the Army Air Forces, became the first

Chief of Staff, United States Air Force.
Earlier, on 21 March 1946, Spaatz had undertaken a major re-
organization that had included the establishment of three new com-
bat commands in the United States: Strategic Air Command (soon
known everywhere as SAC), to provide a long-range striking force
capable of bombardment operations in any part of the world: Air
Defense Command (ADC), to defend the United States against
attack from the air; and Tactical Air Command (TAC), to support
the operations of ground forces. TAC and ADC were reduced from
major commands to operating commands when they were assigned
to the Continental Air Command (ConAC) at the time the latter
was established on I December 1948. ADC was discontinued on I
July 1950 but re-established as a major command on I January 1951.
A month earlier, on I December 1950, TAC had been removed from
the control of ConAC and again made a major command. As a
result of these changes ConAC became responsible mainly for super-
vising reserve and national guard affairs. In addition to its commands
in the United States, the Air Force had combat forces stationed over-
seas, with Far East Air Forces, United States Air Forces in Europe,
Caribbean Air Command, and Alaskan Air Command as the major
commands for the various areas of operations.
The World War I1 commands, which had been subordinate to
the numbered air forces, were eliminated in the reorganization of
1946, and the numbered air forces were made components of the
major commands at home and overseas. The new organizational
hierarchy thus contained the following levels : squadron, group,
wing, air force, command. In 1948, and afterward, wings were re-
designated divisions, and placed immediately below the numbered
air forces in the organizational pyramid, new wings being constituted
and activated to take the place of the ones that had been elevated to
the division level. In addition to support and service elements, each
of these new wings, as a general rule, had one combat group, which
carried the same numerical designation as the wing itself. In 1952,
however, the Air Force began to inactivate the combat groups and
assign their combat squadrons directly to the wings. Consequently
no organizations in the Air Force perpetuated the histories of the
INTRODUCTION
World War I1 combat groups that had been inictivated. The Air
Force decided, therefore, to bestow the histories of combat groups on
like-numbered wings. For example, the 9th Bombardment Wing,
created after World War 11, received the history of the 9th Bombard-
ment Group, together with the campaign credits and decorations that
had been earned by the group during the war.
Despite all the changes that had taken place since V-J Day, the
Air Force in 1956 was to a large extent made up of elements that car-
ried on the traditions of organizations that had been active during
World War 11. The history of each of those organizations had been
shaped by many forces. Domestic politics, the national economy,
and international affairs were important factors in fixing the size,
and hence the number of active groups or wings, of the Air Force.
Science and technology determined the kind of equipment available
at any particular time. Fortune, too, had a part in forming the
histories of the various organizations. It is evident, for example, that
chance, rather than design, sometimes decided which organizations
would be kept active and which would be retired. The results are
reflected in the historical sketches presented in this book. Some
groups, for instance, have lengthy records of service; others were
created at a relatively late date or have been inactive for long periods.
Some were sent overseas for combat; others were kept at home. Some
received the newest planes from the production lines; others were
forced to use old, worn-out craft.
But no organization had its life shaped entirely by forces beyond
its control, for its own people, the men and women who gave the
organization a living existence, made history in many ways. A
fighter pilot flew out to battle and came back an ace. A gunner
returned from a bombing mission to be decorated for bravery above
and beyond the call of duty. But one did not have to be a hero to
have a place in history. The mechanic armed with his wrench, the
clerk with his typewriter-each had his own important part to play.
And at their head to lead them was a commander who, by virtue
of his authority and responsibility, had a special role in the historical
process.
Thus, through the workings of numerous and diverse forces, each
organization acquired a historic character and personality of its own.
At the same time, each contributed to the development of a larger

history that goes back to a day in 1907 when the Army named a
captain to take “charge of all matters pertaining to military balloon-
ing, air machines, and all kindred subjects.”
COMMANDERS
I. Aeronautical Division, Signal corps
OAicer in Charge: Capt Charles DeF Chandler, I Aug
1907; Capt A S Cowan, I July 1910; Capt Charles DeF
Chandler, 20 Jun 1911; Lt Henry H Arnold, 18 Nov 1912;
Maj Edgar Russell, 15 Dec 1912; Lt Col Samuel Reber, 10
Sep 1913-18 Jul 1914.
11. Aviation Section, Signal Corps
Officer in Charge: Lt Col Samuel Reber, 18 Jul 1914;
Lt Col George 0 Squier, 20 May 1916; Lt Col J B Bennett,
rg Feb 1917; Maj Benjamin D Foulois, 30 Jul 1917; Brig Gen
A L Dade, 12 Nov 1917; Col Laurence Brown, 28 Feb
1918-21 May 1918.
I11 a. Division Military Aeronautics
of
Director: Maj Gen William L Kenly, 27 Apr 1918-
(under Director, Air Service after 27 Aug 1918).
I11 b. Bureau of Aircraft Production
Director: Mr John D Ryan, 21 May IgIS-(under Director,
Air Service after 27 Aug 1918).
IV. Air Service
Director: Mr John D Ryan, 27 Aug 1918; Maj Gen Charles
T Menoher, 23 Dec 1918-4 Jun 1920.
Chief: Maj Gen Charles T Menoher, 4 Jun 1920; Maj
Gen Mason M Patrick, 5 Oct 1921-2 Jul 1926.
V a. Air Corps
Chief: Maj Gen Mason M Patrick, 2 Jul 1926;Maj Gen
J E Fechet, 14 Dec 1927;Maj Gen Benjamin D Foulois, 19
Dec 1931; Maj Gen Oscar Westover, 22 Dec 1935; Maj Gen
Henry H Arnold, 22 Sep 1938;Maj Gen George H Brett, 30
May 1g41-(under Chief, AAF after 20 Jun 1941).
INTRODUCTION 15
V b. General Headquarters Air Force, redesignated Air Force

Combat Command
Commanding General: Maj Gen Frank M Andrews, I
Mar 1935; Lt Gen Delos C Emmons, I Mar 193g-(under Chief,
AAF after 20 Jun 1941).
VI. Army Air Forces
Chief: Lt Gen Henry H Arnold, 20 Jun 1g41-g Mar 1942.
Commanding General: General of the Army Henry H
Arnold, g Mar 1942; Gen Carl Spaatz, 15 Feb 1946-26 Sep
'947.
VII. United States Air Force
Chief of Staff: Gen Carl Spaatz, 26 Sep 1947; Gen Hoyt
S Vandenberg, 30 Apr 1948; Gen Nathan F Twining, 30 Jun
1953; Gen Thomas D White, I J u l 1 g 5 ~ .
AIR FORCE
COMBAT UNITS
GROUPS
1st AIR COMMANDO GROUP ply, evacuation, and liaison operations for
Allied troops in Burma until the end of the
Constituted as 1st Air Commando war. Attacked bridges, railroads, barges,
Group on 25 Mar 1944 and activated in troop positions, oil wells, and airfields in
India on 29 Mar. The group, which began Burma and escorted bombers to Rangoon
operations immediately, was organized to and other targets during the early months
provide fighter cover, bombardment strik- of 1945. Changed from P-47’s to P-51’s in
ing power, and air transportation services May 1945, the fighter squadrons being en-
for Wingate’s Raiders, who were operating gaged in training from then until the end
behind enemy lines in Burma. The or- of the war. Moved to the US in Oct 1945.
ganization consisted of a headquarters Inactivated on 3 Nov 1945. Disbanded on
plus the following sections: bomber 8 OCt 1948.
(equipped with B-25’s) ; fighter (P-51’s) ; SQUADRONS. 5th Fighter: 1944-1945. 6th
light-plane (L-I’S, L-5’s, and helicopters) ; Fighter: 1944-1945. 164th Liaison: 1944-
transport (C-47’s) ; glider (CG-4A’s and 1945. 165th Liaison: 1944-1945. 166th
TG5’s) ; and light-cargo (UG64’s). The Liaison: 1944-1945. 319th Troop Carrier:
group supported operations in Burma by
1944-1945-
landing and dropping troops, food, and STATIONS.Hailakandi, India, 29 Mar
equipment; evacuating casualties; and at- 1944; Asansol, India, 20 May 1944-6 Oct
tacking airfields and transportation facili-
1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-3 Nov 1945.
ties. Received a DUC for operations
COMMANDERS. Col Philip G Cochran, 29
against the enemy, Mar-May 1944. With-
Mar 1944; Col Clinton B Gaty, 20 May
drew from the front late in May 1944 and,
with the bomber section eliminated and 1944; Col Robert W Hall, c. 7 Apr 1945-
the P-51’s replaced by P-47’s, began a unkn.
training program. Reorganized later, CAMPAIGNS: India - Burma; Central
with the sections being eliminated and Burma.
with fighter, liaison, and troop carrier DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
squadrons being assigned. Transported tion: Burma and India, [Mar 19441-20
Chinese troops and supplies from Burma May 1944.
to China in Dec 1944, and carried out sup INSIGNE.None.
19
1st COMBAT CARGO GROUP there. Operations in China included

helping to evacuate the air base at Kweilin
during a Japanese drive in Sep 194, mov-
ing Chinese troops, and flying many sup-
ply missions, some of which involved
ferrying gasoline and materiel over the
d Hump from India. The group, partially
re-equipped with C-46's in Jun 1945,en-
gaged primarily in transporting men,
food, arms, and ammunition until the end
of the war. Redesignated 512th Troop
Carrier Group in Sep 1945. Returned tc
the US in Dec 1945. Znactivated on 24
Dec 1945.
Redesignated 512th Troop Carrier
Group (Medium) and allotted to the re-
serve. A c t i v a t e d on 2 Sep 1949.
Equipped with C-46's. Ordered to active
service on 15 Mar 1951. Znactivated on I
Constituted as 1st Combat Cargo Group
Apr 1951.
on 11 Apr 1944 and activated on 15 Apr.
Equipped with C-47's. Moved to the Allotted to the reserve. Activated on
CBI theater in Aug 1944. Began opera- 14 Jun 1952. Equipped with (2-46's.
tions in Sep 1 9 4 by transporting supplies SQUADRONS. 1st (later 326th) : 1944-
and reinforcements to and evacuating 1945;1949-1951; 1g52-. 2d (later 327th):
casualties from Imphal, Burma. Contin- 1944-1945; 1949-1951; 1952-. 3d (later
ued to support Allied operations in Burma, 328th) : 1944-1945; 1949-1951; I952-. 4th
flying in men and supplies from India, (later 329th) : 1944-1945; 1949-1951.
moving equipment required to construct STATIONS.Bowman Field, Ky, 15 Apr-
and operate airstrips, dropping dummy 5 Aug 1944; Sylhet, India, 21 Aug 1944;
cargoes to lead the enemy away from Al- Tulihal, India, 30 Nov 194; Tsuyung,
lied offensives, dropping paratroops for China, 20 Dec 194; Dohazari, India, 30
the assault on Rangoon (May 1945), and Jan 1945; Hathazari, India, 15 May 1945;
evacuating prisoners of war who were Myitkyina, Burma, Jun 1945; Liuchow,
freed by Allied advances. Meanwhile, China, 30 Aug 1945; Kiangwan, China,
part of the group had been sent' to China, g Oct-3 Dec 1945; Camp Anza, Calif, 23-
and for a short time (Dec 1944-Jan 1945) 24 Dec 1945. Reading Mun Aprt, Pa, 2
the group's headquarters was located Sept 1949; New Castle County Aprt, Del,
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS-GROUPS 21
I May 1 g p 1 Apr 1951. New Castle

County Aprt, Del, 14 Jun 1g52-.
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Robert J Rentz,
21 Apr 1944; Lt Col Walter P Briggs, 28
Apr 1945; Maj Samuel B Ward, 18 Aug
1945; Maj Maurice D Watson, g Sep 1945;
Maj Wilbur B Sprague, 18 Sep 1945; Col
J H Snyder, q Nov 1945; Capt Dixon M
Jordan, 29 Nov-c. 24 Dec 1945.
CAMPAIGNS. India-Burma ; China De-
fensive; Central Burma; China Offensive.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGN~Shield: On a shield azure,
over a sphere argent, with shading of the
field, a stylized aircraft gules, with high- America’s World War I “Ace of Aces’’
lights of the second, its road-like jet stream who served as commander of the 94th
encircling the sphere or, shaded gules, (Hat-in-the-Ring) Squadron-received
with centet dash-like markings and all the medal for action near Billy, France,
outlines of the first. (Approved 21 Jan on 25 Sep 1918 when, disregarding the
1958.) heavy odds, he attacked a flight of seven
enemy planes and shot down two of them;
1st FIGHTER GROUP 2d Lt Frank Luke Jr-the “balloon bus-
ter”-was awarded the medal for attack-
Organized as 1st Pursuit Group in ing and shooting down three German bal-
France on 5 May 1918. Began operations loons on 29 Sep 1918 before his plane was
immediately and served at the front until hit and forced to land near Murvaux,
the end of the war, using Nieuport-28, France, where he died while defending
Spad, and Sopwith Camel aircraft. Pro- himself against capture by enemy ground
tected friendly observation balloons and troops. Demobilized in France on Dec
planes, and made strafing attacks on en- 1918.
emy ground forces, but engaged primarily Reconstituted in 1 9 4 and consolidated
in counter-air patrols in which the group’s with 1st Pursuit Group that had been
pilots gained many victories over enemy organized in the US on 22 Aug 1919.
aircraft and destroyed numerous observa- Redesignated 1st Pursuit Group (Inter-
tion balloons. Two of the group’s pilots ceptor) in Dec 1939, and 1st Pursuit Group
were awarded the Medal of Honor: 1st (Fighter) in Mar IWI. Trained, partici-
Lt (later Capt) Edward V Rickenbadcer- pated in exercises and maneuvers, put‘on
demonstrations, took part in National when the group carried out a strafing at-
Air Races, tested equipment, and experi- tack on Italian airdromes, destroying great
mented with tactics, using Spad, Nieu- numbers of enemy aircraft that presented
port, DeHavilland, SE-5, MB-3, PW-8, a serious threat to the Allies’ plans for
P-I, P-6, PT-3, P-16, P-26, P-35, P-36, landing troops at Salerno. Also escorted
P-38, P-41, P-43, and other aircraft during bombers to Italy, receiving another DUC
the period 1919-1941. Was the only pur- for a mission on 30 Aug 1943 when the
suit group in the Army’s air arm for sev- group beat off enemy aircraft and thus
eral years; later, furnished cadres for new enabled bombers to inflict serious damage
units. Moved to the west coast imme- on marshalling yards at Aversa. Support-
diately after the Japanese attack on Pearl ed the invasion at Salerno in Sep and con-
Harbor and flew patrols for several weeks. tinued operations with Twelfth AF until
Redesignated 1st Fighter Group in May Nov 1943. Assigned to Fifteenth AF with
‘942. the primary mission of escorting bombers
Moved to England, Tun-Jul 1942. As- that attacked targets in Italy, France, Ger-
signed to Eighth AF. Entered combat many, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary,
with P-38 aircraft on 28 Aug and flew a Bulgaria, Rumania, Yugoslavia, and
number of missions to France before being Greece. Received third DUC for covering
assigned to Twelfth AF for duty in the the withdrawal of B-17’s after an attack
Mediterranean theater. Moved to North on Ploesti on 18 May 1944. Also flew straf-
Africa, part of the ground echelon landing ing and dive-bombing missions in an area
with the assault forces at Arzeu beach on from France to the Balkans. Supported
8 Nov 1942. The air echelon arrived a the landings at Anzio in Jan 1944 and the
few days later and the group soon began invasion of Southern France in Aug 1944.
operations, attacking enemy shipping, es- Continued operations until May 1945.
corting bombers, flying strafing missions, Znactitrated in Italy on 16 Oct 1945.
and performing reconnaissance duties dur- Activated in the US on 3 Jul 1946.
ing the campaign for Tunisia. Partici- Equipped first with P-80’s and later
pated in the reduction of Pantelleria. ( 1949) with F-86‘s. Redesignated 1st
Escorted bombers to targets in Sicily and Fighter-Interceptor Group in Apr 1950.
later aided ground forces during the con- Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952.
quest of that island by strafing and dive- Redesignated 1st Fighter Group (Air
bombing roads, motor transports, gun Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955. As-
emplacements, troop conce.ntrations, signed to Air Defense Command and
bridges, and railways. Flew missions equipped with F-86 aircraft.
against the enemy in Italy and received a SQUADRONS. z7th (formerly 147th) :
DUC for its performance on 25 Aug 1943 1918; 1919-1940. 27th: 1918; 19191945;
19461952. 7ZSt: 1941-1945; 19461952; Charles H Danforth, c. 1930; Maj George

1955-. 94th: 1918 ; 1919-1945; 1946-1952; H Brett, unkn; Lt Col Frank M Andrews,
I955-. 95th: 1918; 1919-1927. 185th: c. Jul 1933; Lt Col Ralph Royce, 1934; Maj
1918. Edwin J House, 30 Apr 1937; Col Henry B
STATIONS.Toul, France, 5 May 1918; Clagett, c. 1938; Col Lawrence P Hickey, c.
Touquin, France, 28 Jun 1918; Saints, 1939; Lt Col Robert S Israel, Jul 1941; Maj
France, 9 Jul 1918; Rembercourt, France, John 0 Zahn, I May 1942; Col John N
c. I Sep 1918; Colombey-les-Belles,France, Stone, 9 Jul 1942; Col Ralph S Garman, 7
c. 9-24 Dec 1918. Selfridge Field, Mich, Dec 1942; Maj Joseph S Peddie, 8 Sep
22 Aug 1919; Kelly Field, Tex, c. 31 Aug 1943; Col Robert B Richard, 19 Sep 1943;
1919; Ellington Field, Tex, I Jul 1921; Col Arthur C Agan Jr, 15 Nov 1944; Lt
Selfridge Field, Mich, I Jul 1922; San Col Milton H Ashkins, 31 Mar 1945; Lt
Diego NAS, Calif, 9 Dec 1941; Los An- Col Charles W Thaxton, 11 Apr 1945; Col
geles, Calif, I Feb-May 1942; Goxhill, Milton H Ashkins, 28 Apr 1g45-unkn.
England, 10 Jun 1942; Ibsley, England, 24 Col Bruce K Holloway, 3 Jul1946; Col Gil-
Aug 1942; Tafaraoui, Algeria, 13 Nov bert L Meyers, 20 Aug 1946; Col Frank S
1942; Nouvion, Algeria, 20 Nov 1942; Perego, Jan 1948; Lt Col Jack T Bradley,
Biskra, Algeria, 14 Dec 1942; Chateaudun- Jul 1950; Col Dolf E Muehleisen, Jun
du-Rhumel, Algeria, Feb 1943; Mateur, 1951; Col Walker M Mahurin, 1951; Capt
Tunisia, 29 Jun 1943; Sardinia, 31 Oct Robert B Bell, Jan-c. Feb 1952. Col Nor-
1943; Gioia del Colle, Italy, c. 8 Dec 1943; man S Orwat, 1955-.
Salsola Airfield, Italy, 8 Jan 1944; Vin- CAMPAIGNS. World War I: Lorraine;
cenzo Airfield, Italy, 8 Jan 1945; Salsola Champagne; Champagne-Marne ; Aisne-
Airfield, Italy, 21 Feb 1945; Lesina, Italy, Marne; Oise-Aisne; St Mihiel; Meuse-Ar-
Mar-16 Oct 1945. March Field, Calif, 3 gonne. World War ZZ: Air Combat,
Jul 1946; George AFB, Calif, 18 Jul 1950; EAME Theater; Air Offensive, Europe ;
GrifKss AFB, NY, 15 Aug 1950; George Algeria-French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily ;
AFB, Calif, 4 Jun 1951; Norton AFB, Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno ; Nor-
Calif, I Dec 1951-6 Feb 1952. Selfridge mandy; Northern France; Southern
AFB, Mich, 18 Aug 1g55-. France; North Apennines; Rhineland;
COMMANDERS. Maj Bert M Atkinson, 5 Central Europe; Po Valley.
May 1918; Maj Harold E Hitney, 21 DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Ci-
Aug-24 Dec 1918. Lt Col Davenport tations: Italy, 25 Aug 1943; Italy, 30 Aug
Johnson, 22-29 Aug 1919; Capt Arthur R 1943; Ploesti, Rumania, 18 May 1944.
Brooks, unkn; Maj Carl Spaatz, c. Nov INSIGNE.Shield: Vert five bendlets en-
rg21-Sep 1924; Maj Thomas G Lanphier, hanced sable fimbriated or, as many crosses
unkn; Maj Ralph Royce, 1928; Lt Col patee in bend debased three and two of the
second fimbriated argent. Crest: Upon a 6th: 1943-1944. 19th: 1943. gist: 1943-
wreath of the colors or and vert upon a 1944.
hurte wavy an arrow palewise reversed be- STATIONS.Bolling Field, DC, 10 Jun
tween two wings displayed conjoined in 1941; Peterson Field, Colo, Dec 1943;
lure or. Motto: AUT VINCERE AUT Buckley Field, Colo, Jul-5 Oct 1944.
MORI-Conquer or Die. (Approved 10 COMMANDERS. Lt Col Minton W Kaye,
Feb 1924.) 10 Tun 1941; Lt Col George G Northrup,
c. I Feb 1942; Col Paul T Cullen, 8 Jul
1st PHOTOGRAPHIC GROUP 1942; Col Minton W Kaye, c. I Jul 1943;
Col George G Northrup, c. 18 Nov 1943;
Lt Col Frank N Graves, c. I Dec 1943-
unkn.
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.Shield: Per pale, vert and
azure, a pile or debruised by a barrulet
arched of the field upon and over the pile
a camera lens proper rimmed sable.
Motto: FIDELITER ET DILIGENTER
-Faithfully and Diligently. (Approved
24 Oct 1942.)
Constituted as 1st Photographic Group 1st SEARCH ATTACK GROUP

on 15 May 1941. Activated on 10 Tun
1941. Redesignated 1st Mapping Group Constituted as 1st Sea-Search Attack
in Jan 1942, and 1st Photographic Chart- Group (Medium) on 8 Jun 1942 and
ing Group in Aug 1943. Charted and activated on 17 Jun. Redesignated 1st
mapped areas of the US and sent detach- Sea-Search Attack Group (Heavy) in Jun
ments to perform similar functions in 1943, 1st Sea-Search Attack Unit in Sep
Alaska, Canada, Africa, the Middle East, 1943, and 1st Search Attack Group in Nov
India, the Caribbean, Mexico, Central 1943. Assigned directly to AAF in Jun
and South America, and the Kurils. Used 1942; assigned to First AF in Nov
a variety of aircraft, including F-2’s, F-3’s, 1943. Tested equipment and developed
F7’s, A-29’s, B-I~’s, &IS’S, B-24’s, and techniques and tactics for use against sub-
B-25’s. Disbanded on 5 Oct 1944. marines and surface craft; also flew patrol
SQUADRONS. zst: 1941-1943. 2d: 1941- missions and searched for enemy subma-
1944. -36: 1941-1943. qth: 1941-1944. rines. Late in 1943 became concerned
primarily with radar training for combat training; in Jun the group’s C-47’s were
crews. Used B-17, B-18, and B-24 air- sent to Ledo to move road-building equip-
craft. Disbanded on TO Apr 1944. ment; during Tun-Jul most of its L-5’s
SQUADRONS. zd: 1942-1944. 3d: 1942- were turned over to Fourteenth AF. The
1944. q h (formerly 18th Antisubma- group returned to the US during Oct-Nov
rine) : 1943-1944. 1945. Inactivated on 12 Nov 1945. Dis-
STATIONS.Langley Field, Va, 17 Jun banded on 8 Oct 1948.
1942-10 Apr 1944. SQUADRONS. zst Fighter : 1944-1945.
COMMANDERS. Col William C Dolan, 2d Fighter: 1944-1945. 127th Liaison :
17 Jun 1942-10 Apr 1944. 1944-1945. 255th Liaison : 1944-1945.
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American 156th Liaison: 1944-1945. 317th Troop
Theater. Carrier: 1944-1945.
DECORATIONS. None. STATIONS. Drew Field, Fla, 22 Apr-28
INSIGNE.None. Srp 1944; Kalaikunda, India, 12 Nov
1944-4 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 11-12
NOV1945.
2d AIR COMMANDO GROUP COMMANDERS. Capt L H Couch, 22 Apr
1944; Col Arthur R DeBolt, I May 1944;
Constituted as 2d Air Commando
Col Alfred J Ball Jr, 15 May 1945-unkn.
Group on 11 Apr 1944 and activated on
CAMPAIGNS. India-Burma; Central
22 Apr. Trained for operations with P-51,
Burma.
G47, and L-j aircraft. Moved to India,
DECORATIONS. None.
SepNov 1944. Between Nov 1944 and
INSIGNE.None.
May 1945 the group dropped supplies to
Allied troops who were fighting the Japa- 2d BOMBARDMENT GROUP
nese in the Chindwin Valley in Burma;
moved Chinese troops from Burma to Organized as 1st Day Bombardment
China; transported men, food, ammuni- Group in France on 10 Sep 1918.
tion, and construction equipm$ri\, to Equipped with DH-4 and Breguet air-
Burma; dropped Gurka paratroops during craft and entered combat on 12 Sep. At-
the assault on Rangoon; provided fighter tacked troop concentrations and com-
support for Allied forces crossing the Ir- munications to interfere with the enemy’s
rawaddy River in Feb 1945; struck enemy movement of reinforcements and supplies
airfields and transportation facilities; es- to the front during the Allied offensive at
corted bombers to targets in the vicinity of St Mihiel. Also took part in the Meuse-
Rangoon; bombed targets in Thailand; Argonne campaign, attacking the enemy
and flew reconnaissance missions. After behind the line, and conducting bombing
May 1945 the fighter squadrons were in operations that helped to protect Allied
of a flood in Pennsylvania in 1936 and vic-

tims of an earthquake in Chile in 1939;
and made good-will flights to South
America in the late 1930’s. Redesignated
2d Bombardment Group (Heavy) in 1939.
Trained with B-17’s.
Served on antisubmarine duty for sev-
eral months after the US entered World
War 11. Moved to North Africa, Mar-
May 1943, and remained in the theater
until after V-E Day, being assigned first to
Twelfth and later (Dec 1943) to Fifteenth
AF. Flew many support and interdictory
missions, bombing such targets as mar-
ground forces by diverting German pursuit shalling yards, airdromes, troop concen-
planes from the battle zone. Participated trations, bridges, docks, and shipping.
in one of the great bombing raids of the Participated in the defeat of Axis forces in
war on g Oct when 353 Allied planes (in- Tunisia, Apr-May 1943; the reduction of
cluding 200 bombers) under the command Pantelleria and the preparations for the
of William Mitchell struck a concentra- invasion of Sicily, May-Jul 1943; the in-
tion point where German troops were pre- vasion of Italy, Sep 1943; the drive toward
paring for a counterattack against the Rome, Jan-Jun 1 9 4 ; the invasion of
Allied offensive in the Meuse-Argonne Southern France, Aug 1944; and the cam-
area. Demobilized in France in Nov 1918, paigns against German forces in northern
soon after the armistice. Italy, Jun Iw-May 1945. Engaged pri-
Reconstituted (in 1924) and consoli- marily in long-range bombardment of
dated with a group that was organized in strategic targets after Oct 1943, attacking
the US as 1st Day Bombardment Group oil refineries, aircraft factories, steel
on 18 Sep 1919and redesignated 2d Bom- plants, and other objectives in Germany,
bardment Group in 1921. Used LB-5A, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hun-
B-10, B-I7 (19374, B-I5 (I93&), and gary, Yugoslavia, Rumania, and Greece.
other aircraft during the 1920’s and 1930’s. En route to bomb a vital aircraft factory
Engaged in routine training; tested and at Steyr on q Feb 1944, the group was
experimented with equipment and tac- greatly outnumbered by enemy intercep-
tics; participated in maneuvers; took part tors, but it maintained its formation and
in Mitchell’s demonstrations of the effec- bombed the target, receiving a DUC for
tiveness of aerial bombardment on battle- the performance. On the following day,
ships; flew mercy missions to aid victims while on a mission to attack aircraft fac-
tories at Regensburg, it met similar opposi- 1927-Sep 1930; Capt Eugene L Eubank,
tion equally well and was awarded a 26 Dec 1933; Maj Willis H Hale, I Jul
second DUC. Served as part of the occupa- 1934; Lt Col Charles B Oldfield, 1935; Lt
tion force in Italy after V-E Day. Znacti- Col Robert C Olds, c. 1937-unkn; Lt Col
vated in Italy on 28 Feb 1946. Harold L George, Feb 1940-unkn; Lt Col
Redesignated 2d Bombardment Group Darr H Alkire, 6 Jan 1942; Col Dale 0
(Very Heavy). Activated in the US on I Smith, c. Sep 1942; Col Ford J Lauer, 29
Jul 1947. Assigned to Strategic Air Com- Oct 1942; Lt Col Joseph A Thomas, 20
mand and equipped with B-29’s. Re- Apr 1943; Col Herbert E Rice, 5 Sep 1943;
designated 2d Bombardment Group Col John D Ryan, 8 Jul 1944; Col Paul T
(Medium) in May 1948. Converted to Cullen, 25 Sep 1944; Col Robert K Martin,
B-50’s early in 1950. Znactivated on 16 Jun 23 May 1945-20 Feb 1946. Unkn, Jul-
1952. Sep 1947; Col Dalene E Bailey, 24 Sep
SQUADRONS. zzth : 1918 ; 1919-1927. 1947; Col William E Eubank Jr, 3 Aug
20th: 1918; 1919-1946; 1947-1952. 49th 1948; Col James B Knapp, Jan 1950; Col
(formerly 166th) : 1918; 1919-1946; 1947- Earl R Tash, Jan 1951; Brig Gen Frederic
1952. 96th: 1918; 1919-1946; 1947-1952. E Glantzberg, 10 Feb 1951; Col John M
429th: 1942-1946. Reynolds, c. 14 Feb-16 Jun 1952.
STATIONS. Amanty, France, 10 Sep 1918; CAMPAIGNS. World War I: St Mihiel;
Maulan, France, 23 Sep-Nov 1918. Elling- Lorraine; Meuse-Argonne. World War
ton Field, Tex, 18 Sep 1919; Kelly Field, ZZ: Antisubmarine, American Theater;
Tex, c. 25 Sep 1919; Langley Field, Va, I Air Combat, EAME Theater; Air Offen-
Jul 1922; Ephrata, Wash, 29 Oct 1942; sive, Europe; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Fog-
Great Falls AAB, Mont, 27 Nov 1942-13 gia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Normandy;
Mar 1943; Navarin, Algeria, Apr 1943; Northern France; Southern France; North
Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria, 27 Apr Apennines; Rhineland ; Central Europe;
1943; Ain M’lila, Algeria, 17 Jun 1943; Po Valley.
Massicault, Tunisia, 31 Jul 1943; Bizerte, DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Tunisia, 2 Dec 1943; Amendola, Italy, c. tions: Steyr, Austria, 24 Feb 1944; Ger-
9 Dec 1943; Foggia, Italy, 19 Nov 1945- many, 25 Feb 1944.
28 Feb 1946. Andrews Field, Md, I Jul INSIGNE.Shield: Or, in fess four aerial
1947; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 24 Sep bombs dropping bend sinisterwise azure,
1947; Chatham AFB, Ga, c. I May 1949; on a chief engrailed paly of five vert and
Hunter AFB, Ga, 22 Sep 1950-16 Jun 1952. sable a fleur-de-lis argent. Crest: A cloud
COMMANDERS. Unkn, Sep-Nov 1918. (gray) rifted disclosing the firmament
Unkn, Sep IgIg-May 1921 ;Maj Thomas J (blue) crossed by a bolt of lightning (yel-
Hanley Jr, May-Sep 1921; Maj Lewis H low) striking bend sinisterwise all proper.
Brereton, Jun 1925; Maj Hugh Knerr, Jul Motto: LIBERTATEM DEFENDI-
MUS-Liberty We Defend. (Approved CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Japan ;New

19 Jan 1924. The motto then approved Guinea; western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon;
was replaced on 15 Apr 1940 by the one Southern Philippines; Ryukyus.
shown above.) DECORATIONS. Philippine Presidential
Unit Citation.
2d COMBAT CARGO GROUP INSIGNE.None.
Constituted as 2d Combat Cargo Group 2d RECONNAISSANCE GROUP

on 25 Apr 1944. Activated on I May 1944.
Trained with C-46 and C-47 aircraft.
Moved to the Southwest Pacific, Oct-Nov
1944, and assigned to Fifth AF. Operated
from Biak to fly passengers and cargo to
US bases in Australia, New Guinea, the
Admiralties, and the Philippines. Also
dropped supplies to US and guerrilla forces
in the Philippines. Moved to Leyte in May
1945. Maintained flights to bases in Aus-
tralia, New Guinea, and the Philippines;
transported personnel and supplies to the
Ryukyus, and evacuated casualties on re-
turn flights. Moved to Okinawa in Aug Constituted as 2d Photographic Group
1945. Transported personnel and equip on I May 1942 and activated on 7 May,
ment of the occupation forces to Japan Redesignated 2d Photographic Reconnais-
and ferried liberated prisoners of war to sance and Mapping Group in May 1943;
the Philippines. Moved to Japan in Sep and 2d Photographic Reconnaissance
1945. Inactivated on 15 Jan 1946. Dis- Group in Aug 1943. Assigned first to
banded on 8 Oct 1948. Second AF, later to Third AF. Trained
SQUADRONS. 5th: 1944-1946. 6th: 1944- crews and units for photographic recon-
1946. 7th: 194-1946. 8th: 1944-1946.
naissance and mapping; occasionally pro-
STATIONS.Syracuse AAB, NY, I May
vided personnel to help man new groups
1944; Baer Field, Ind, 9-27 Oct 1944; Biak,
and squadrons. Aircraft included B-17’s,
Nov 1944; Dulag, Leyte, May 1945; Oki-
nawa, c. zo Aug 1945; Yokota, Japan, c. B-24’~, B-25’s, L-4’s, L-5’s, P-38’s, and
22 Sep 1945-15 Jan 1946.
A-20’s. Disbanded on I May 194.
COMMANDERS. Col William J Bell, May SQUADRONS. 6th: 1942. 7th: 1942-
1944; Maj Arthur D Thomas, 10 Dec 1944. zoth: 1942-1944. zzth (formerly
1~5-unkn. 5th) : 1942-1944. 29th: 1943-1944.
STATIONS.Bradley Field, Conn, 7 May forces, evacuated casualties from front-line

1942; Colorado Springs, Colo, c. 13 May strips, adjusted artillery fire, and flew
1942; Will Rogers Field, Okla, c. 7 Oct courier and mail routes. Moved to the
1943-1 May 1944- Ryukyus in Aug 1945. Flew some patrols
COMMANDERS. Capt Paul C Schauer, over Japan, made local liaison flights, and
g May 1942; Lt Col Charles P Hollstein, hauled cargo from the Philippines to
c. 13 May 1942; Lt Col David W Hutchin- Okinawa. Moved to Japan in Oct 1945.
son, c. 5 Jul 1942; Lt Col Charles P Holl- Inactivated on 25 Mar 1946. Disbanded
stein, c. 13 Aug 1942; Lt Col Hillford R on 8 Oct 1948.
Wallace, c. 11 Sep 1942; Lt Col David W SQUADRONS. 3d Fighter: 1944-1946.
Hutchinson, c. 27 Feb 1943; Lt Col Karl 4th Fighter: 1944-1946. 157th Liaison:
L Polifka, c. 13 Mar 1943;Lt Col Hillford 1944-1946. 159th Liaison: 1944-1946.
R Wallace, c. 29 Apr 1943; Lt Col Charles / 160th Liaison: 1944-1946. 318th Troop
P Hollstein, 18 Sep 1943; Lt Col Frank L ' Carrier: 1944-1946.
Dunn, 4 Dec 1g43-unkn. STATIONS.Drew Field, Fla, I May
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. 1944; Lakeland AAFld, Fla, 5 May 1944;
DECORATIONS. None. Alachua AA.Fld, Fla, c. 20 Aug 1944;
INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend nebuly and Drew Field, Fla, 6-24 Oct 1944;Leyte, Dec
azure, in sinister chief a stylized camera, 1944; Mangaldan, Luzon, c. 26 Jan 1945;
lens to base sable. Motto: IN ARDUA Laoag, Luzon, Apr 1945; Ie Shima, Aug
PETIT-He Aims at Difficult Things. 1945; Chitose, Japan, c. 27 Oct 1945-25
(Approved 12 Nov 1942.) Mar 1946.
COMMANDERS. Maj Klem F Kalberer,
3d AIR COMMANDO GROUP May 1944; Col Arvid E Olson Jr, Jun
1944; Lt Col Walker M Mahurin, Sey
Constituted as 3d Air Commando 1945; Lt Col Charles H Terhune, 20 Oct
Group on 25 Apr 1944. Activated on I 1g45-unkn.
May 1944. Moved to the Philippines late CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Japan;
in 1944. Assigned to Fifth AF for opera- China Defensive; Western Pacific; Leyte;
tions with P-~I, C-47, and L-5 aircraft. Luzon ; China Offensive.
Attacked Japanese airfields and installa- DECORATIONS. Philippine Presidential
tions in the Philippines, supported ground Unit Citation.
forces on Luzon, provided escort for mis- INSIGNE. None.
sions to Formosa and the China coast,
made raids on airfields and railways on 3d BOMBARDMENT GROUP
Formosa, and furnished cover for con-
voys. Also transported personnel, dropped Organized as Army Surveillance Group
supplies to ground troops and guerrilla on I Jul 1919. Redesignated 1st Surveil-
The group had its headquarters in

Australia until Jan 1943, but its squadrons
operated from New Guinea, bombing and
strafing enemy airfields, supply lines, in-
stallations, and shipping as the Allies
halted the Japanese drive toward Port
Moresby and drove the enemy back from
Buna to Lae. At the end of that campaign
in Jan 1943, headquarters moved to New
Guinea. For the next year and a half the
group continued to serve in the Southwest
Pacific, where it played an important role
in the offensives in which the Allies pushed
along the northern coast of New Guinea,
taking Salamaua, Lae, Hollandia, Wakde,
Biak, and Noemfoor. In Mar 1943 it took
lance Group in Aug 1919. Used DH- part in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea,
4B's to patrol the border from Brownsville, which ended Japanese attempts to send
Tex, to Nogales, Ark, until 1921. Redes- convoys to Lae. In Aug 1943, when Fifth
ignated 3d Attack Group in 1921, and 3d AF struck airfields at Wewak to neutralize
Bombardment Group (Light) in 1939. Japanese airpower that threatened the ad-
Equipped with 0-1,O-2, A-5, A-12, A-17, vance of Allied forces in New Guinea, the
A-18, A-20, A-24, and other aircraft, 1921- group made an att-ack in the face of
1941. Trained, participated in maneuvers, intense antiaircraft fire on 17 Aug, de-
tested new equipment, experimented with stroyed or damaged many enemy planes,
tactics, flew in aerial reviews, patrolled the and won a DUC for the mission. In the
Mexican border (1929)~and carried air fall of 1943the group struck Japanesenaval
mail (1934). Furnished personnel for and and air power at Rabaul to support the as-
helped to train new organizations, 1939- saults on Bougainville and New Britain.
1941. In an attack on shipping at Simpson Har-
Moved to Australia early in 1942 and bor, New Britain, on 2 Nov 1943, the 3d
became part of Fifth AF. Redesignated group encountered heavy opposition from
3d Bombardment Group (Dive) in Sep enemy fighters and from antiaircraft bat-
1942, and 3d Bombardment Group teries on the ships. In that attack Maj
(Light) in May 1943. Served in combat Raymond H Wilkins, commander of the
from I Apr 1942 until V-J Day. Used 8th squadron, sank two ships before he was
A-20, A-24, and B-25 aircraft for opera- shot down as he deliberately drew the fire
tions. of a destroyer so that other planes of his
squadron could withdraw safely-an ac- 1935-1936. 89th (formerly 10th) : 1941-
tion for which Maj Wilkins was posthu- 1946. 90th: 1919.
mously awarded the Medal of Honor. STATIONS. Kelly Field, Tex, I Jul 1919;
The group moved to the Philippines late Ft Bliss, Tex, 12 Nov 1919; Kelly Field,
in 1944. Equipped with A-~o’s, it Tex, 2 Jul 1921; Ft Crockett, Tex, I Jul
bombed and strafed airfields; supported 1926; Barksdale Field, La, 28 Feb 1935;
ground forces on Mindoro, Luzon, and Savannah, Ga, 6 Oct 1940-19 Jan 1942;
Mindanao; attacked industries and rail- Brisbane, Australia, 25 Feb 1942; Charters
ways on Formosa; and struck shipping Towers, Australia, -10 Mar 1942; Port
along the China coast. Moved to Oki- Moresby, New Guinea, 28 Jan 1943;
nawa early in Aug 1945 and flew some Dobodura, New Guinea, 20 May 1943;
missions to Japan before the war ended. Nadzab, New Guinea, 3 Feb 1944; Hol-
Moved to Japan in Sep 1945 and, as part landia, New Guinea, 12 May 1944; Dulag,
of Far East Air Forces, became part of the Leyte, 16 Nov 1944; San Jose, Mindoro,
army of occupation. c. 30 Dec 1944; Okinawa, 6 Aug 1945;
Served in combat in the Korean War Atsugi, Japan, c. 8 Sep 1945; Yokota,
from 27 Jun 1950 until the armistice on 27 Japan, I Sep 1946; Johnson AB, Japan, c.
Jul 1953. Operated first from Japan and 15 Mar 1950; Iwakuni, Japan, I Jul 1950;
later from Korea, using B-26 aircraft. Kunsan, Korea, 22 Aug 1951; Johnson
Flew most of its missions at night to at- AB, Japan, c. 5 Oct 1g54-.
tack such targets as airfields, vehicles, and COMMANDERS. Maj B B Butler, I Jul
railways. Capt John S Walmsley Jr was 1919; Maj William G Schauffler Jr, I Sep
posthumously awarded the Medal of 1919; Lt Col Henry B Clagett, 27 Sep
Honor for his actions on 14 Sep 1944: fly- 1919; Maj Leo A Walton, 20 Nov 1919;
ing a night mission in a B-26, Capt Walms- Maj Leo G Heffernan, 10 Oct 1921; Lt
Col Seth W Cook, 22 Aug 1922; Maj
ley discovered and attacked an enemy sup-
Lewis H Brereton, 5 Feb 1923; Maj Har-
ply train, and after exhausting his ammuni-
vey B S Burwell, 25 Jun 1924; Capt
tion he flew at low altitude to direct other
Joseph H Davidson, Feb 1926; Maj Frank
aircraft to the same objective; the train
D Lackland, 26 Jun 1926; Maj John H
was destroyed but Walmsley’s plane Jouett, 15 Aug 1928; Maj Davenport John-
crashed in the target area. The group re- son, 27 Feb 1930; Lt Col Horace M.
turned to Japan in 1954. Redesignated Hickam, 18 Jun 1932; Lt Col Earl L
3d Bombardment Group (Tactical) in Oct Naiden, 5 Nov 1934; Col J A Rader, Jul
1955- 1937; Maj 0 S Ferson, Aug 1938; Col John
SQUADRONS. 8th: 1919. 12th: 1919- C McDonnell, Sep 1938; Lt Col R G Breen,
1921. 13th (formerly 104th): 1919- Nov 1940;Lt Col Paul L Williams, Dec
1924; 1 9 2 ~ .26th: 1921-1929. 51st: 1940; Lt Col Phillips Melville, 18 Aug
1941; 1st Lt Robert F Strickland, 19 Jan Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Win-
1942; Col John H Davies, 2 Apr 1942; Lt ter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953.
Col Robert F Strickland, 26 Oct 1942; Maj DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Donald P Hall, 28 Apr 1943; Lt Col tions: Papua, 23 Jul 1942-23 Jan 1943;
James A Downs, 20 Oct 1943; Col John P New Guinea, 17 Aug 1943; Korea, 27
Henebry, 7 Nov 1943; Lt Col Richard H Jun-31 Jul1950; Korea, 22 Apr-8 Jul1951;
Ellis, 27 Jun 1944; Col John P Henebry, Korea, I May-27 Jul 1953. Philippine
30 Oct 1944; Col Richard H Ellis, 28 Dec Presidential Unit Citation. Republic of
1944; Col Charles W Howe, I May 1945; Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 27
Lt Col James E Sweeney, 7 Dec 1945; Maj Jun-31 Jul 1950.
L B Weigold, c. 7 Feb 1946; Col Edward INSIGNE.Shield: Party per bend vert
H Underhill, 23 Apr 1946; Lt Col John and sable in chief a cactus (prickly pear)
P Crocker, 3 Jan 1947; Col Edward H or, a bend azure fimbriated of the third,
Underhill, 28 Mar 1947; Col James R all within a bordure argent charged with
Gunn Jr, 2 Jun 1947; Lt Col Joseph E nineteen crosses patee of the second.
Payne, 27 Sep 1948; Col Donald L Clark, Crest: On a wreath of the colors an arm
3 Jan 1950; Lt Col Leland A Walker, Jr, couped near the shoulder paleways with
5 Aug 1950; Col Henry C Brady, 17 Oct hand clenched proper between two wings
1950; Col Chester H Morgan, 4 Jan 1952; conjoined in lure argent. Motto: NON
Col William G Moore, 17 Jan 1952; Col SOLUM ARMIS-Not by Arms Alone.
Sherman R Beaty, 1952; Col John G (Approved 17 Jan 1922. This insigne was
Napier, I Apr 1953; Col Straughan D modified 22 Dec 1952.)
Kelsey, 22 Jul 1953; Col William H Mat-
thews, 18 Aug 1953; Col Sam L Barr, 2 3d COMBAT CARGO GROUP
Feb 1954; Col Rufus H Holloway, 21 Sep
1954; Lt Col William D Miner, 9 Jun Constitzrted as 3d Combat Cargo Group
1955; Lt Col Charles E Mendel, 25 Jul on I Jun 1944 and activated in India on 5
1955; Col Rufus H Holloway, 17 Aug Jun. Equipped with C-47’s. Supported
1955-* ground forces during the battle for north-
CAMPAIGNS.World War ZZ: East In- ern Burma and the subsequent Allied drive
dies; Air Offensive, Japan; China De- southward. Flew Allied troops and ma-
fensive; Papua; New Guinea; Bismarck teriel to the front, transporting gasoline,
Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; oil, vehicles, engineering and signal equip-
Luzon ; China Offensive. Korean War: ment, and other items that the group
UN Defensive; UN Offensive; CCF In- either landed or dropped in Burma. Also
tervention; 1st U N Counteroffensive; evacuated wounded personnel to India.
CCF Spring Offensive; U N Summer-Fall Moved to Burma in Jun 1945. Hauled
Offensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea gasoline and other supplies to bases in
15 Apr 1946. Rhein-Main AB, Germany,

19 Nov 1948-16 Oct 1949. Sewart AFB,
Tenn, 8 Nov 1g55-.
COMMANDERS. Col Charles D Farr, 5
Jun 1944; Col Hiette S Williams Jr, 25 Oct
1944; Col G Robert Dodson, 21 Apr 1945;
Col Hugh D Wallace, 17 Jun 1945; Lt Col
George H Van Deusan, unkn-1946.
Unkn, 1948-1949. Col John R Roche, 8
NOVI955-.
CAMPAIGNS.India-Burma ; Central
Burma.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.Shield: On a shield per fesse
western China. Redesignated 513th Troop dancette azure and vert an American bald
Carrier Group in Sep 1945. Moved to eagle volant, marked with three stars, red,
China in Nov. Inactivated on 15 Apr blue, and green, wings spread upward,
1946. carrying with his talons an aircraft wing
Redesignated 513th Troop Carrier section loaded with a gun, supply box, and
Group (Special). Activated in Germany a combat soldier, all or ;in chief a lightning
on 19 Nov 1948. Assigned to United bolt of the last. Motto: SUBSIDIA
States Air Forces in Europe. Using C-54’s, FERIMUS-We Fly Men and Materiel.
transported food, coal, and other supplies (Approved 3 APr 19574
during the Berlin airlift, 1948-1949. In-
actiuated in Germany on 16 Oct 1949.
3d RECONNAISSANCE GROUP
Group (Assault, Fixed Wing). Activated Constituted as 3d Photographic Group
in the US on 8 Nov 1955. Assigned to on g Jun 1942 and activated on 20 Tun.
Tactical Air Command and equipped with Redesignated 3d Photographic Reconnais-
C-123 aircraft. sance and Mapping Group in May 1943,
SQUADRONS. 9th (later 330th): 1944- 3d Photographic Group (Reconnaissance)
1946; 1948-1949; 1g55-. zoth (later in Nov 1943, and 3d Reconnaissance
33ISt): 1944-1945; 1948-1949; I955-. 11th Group in May 1945. Moved, via England,
(later 332d) : 1944-1946; 1948-1949; 1g55-. to the Mediterranean theater, Nov-Dec
12th (later 333d) : 1944-1945; 1948-1949. 1942, and assigned to Twelfth AF. Used
STATIONS. Sylhet, India, 5 Jun 1944; Din- F-4 and F-5 aircraft. Provided photo-
jan, India, 2 Aug 194; Myitkyina, Burma, grabhic intelligence that assisted the cam-
3 Jun.1945; Shanghai, China, I Nov 1945- paigns for Tunisic, Pantelleria, Sardinia,
ero, Italy, 8 Dec 1943; Pomigliano, Italy,

4 Jan 1944; Nettuno, Italy, 16 Jun 1944;
Viterbo, Italy, 26 Jun 1 9 4 ; Corsica, c.
14 Jul 1944; Rosia, Italy, c. Sep 1944; Flor-
ence, Italy, 17 Jan 1945; Pomigliano, Italy,
26 Aug-12 Sep 1945.
COMMANDERS. Capt George H Mc-
Bride, 20 Jun 1942; Maj Harry T Eidson,
25 Jun 1942; Maj Elliott Roosevelt, 11 Jul
1942; Lt Col Furman H Limeburner, 13
Aug 1942; Col Elliott Roosevelt, 30 Sep
1942; Lt Col Frank L Dunn, c. Mar 1943;
and Sicily. Reconnoitered airdromes, Lt Col James F Setchell, c. 4 Nov 1943;
roads, marshalling yards, and harbors both Maj Hal C Tunnell, 19 Jan 1944; Maj
before and after the Allied landings at Thomas W Barfoot Jr, c. 29 May 1944;
Salerno. Covered the Anzio area early in Col Duane L Kime, 17 Sep 1944; Lt Col
1944 and continued to support Fifth Army Oscar M Blomquist, 29 May 1945; Lt Col
in its drive through Italy by determining James E Hill, 2 Aug-c. Sep 1945.
troop movements, gun positions, and ter- CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME Thea-
rain. Flew reconnaissance missions in ter; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; An-
connection with the invasion of Southern zio; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North
France in Aug 1944. Received a DUC Apennines ; Rhineland; Central Europe;
for a mission on 28 Aug 1944 when the Po Valley.
group provided photographic intelligence DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Ci-
that assisted the rapid advance of Allied tation: MTO, 28 Aug 1944.
ground forces. Also mapped areas in INSIGNE.Shield: Per chevron or and
France and the Balkans. Znactivr2ted in azure, in center chief point a stylized cam-
Italy on 12 Sep 1945. Disbanded on 6 Mar era, lens to base sable. Motto: ARCHEZ
1947. BIEN-Shoot Well. (Approved 29 Oct
SQUADRONS. 5th: 1942-1945. Z2th: 1942.)
1942-1945. 13th: 1942-1943. Z4th: 1942-
1943. Z5th: 1942-1944. 2jd: 1944-1945. 4th COMBAT CARGO GROUP
STATIONS.Colorado Springs, Colo, 20
Jun-13 Aug 1942; Membury, England, 8 Constituted as 4th Combat Cargo Group
Sep 1942; Steeple Morden, England, 26 on g Jun 1944 and activated on 13 Tun.
Oct-22 Nov 1942; La Senia, Algeria, 10 Trained with C-46 and C-47 aircraft.
' Dec 1942; Algiers, Algeria, 25 Dec 1942; Moved to India in Nov 1944. Began op-
La Marsa, Tunisia, 13 Jun 1943; San Sev- erations with G46's in Dec 1944. Trans-
ported reinforcements and supplies for

Allied forces in Burma until May 1945.
Operations included moving equipment
and materials for the Led0 Road in Dec
1944; transporting men, mules, and boats
when the Allies crossed the Irrawaddy
River in Feb 1945; and dropping Gurkha
paratroops during the assault on Rangoon
in May 1945. Moved to Burma in Jun
1945 and hauled ammunition, gasoline,
mules, and men to China until the war
ended. Returned to India in Nov 1945.
Inactivated on g Feb 1946. Disbanded on
8 Oct 1948.
SQUADRONS. 23th: 1944-1945. 14th: 1942 to Apr 1945 and destroyed more
1944-1946. 25th: 1944-1945. 16th: 1944- enemy planes in the air and on the ground
1945. than any other fighter group of Eighth
STATIONS.Syracuse AAB, NY, 13 Jun AF. Operated first with Spitfires but
194; Bowman Field, Ky, 17 Aug-6 Nov changed to P-47’s in Mar 1943 and to
1944; Sylhet, India, 28 Nov 1944; Agartala,
P-51’s in Apr 1944. On numerous oc-
India, Dec 1944; Chittagong, India, 5 Jancasions escorted bombers that attacked fac-
. 1945; Namponmao, Burma, Jun 1945; tories, submarine pens, V-weapon sites,
. Pandaveswar, India, Nov 1945; Panagarh, and other targets in France, the Low
India, 15 Jan-g Feb 1946. Countries, or Germany. Went out some-
COMMANDERS. Col Stuart D Baird, 13
times with a small force of bombers to
Jun 1~4-unkn. draw up the enemy’s fighters so they could
CAMPAIGNS. India-Burma; Central Bur-
be destroyed in aerial combat. At other
ma; China Offensive. times attacked the enemy’s air power by
DECORATIONS. None. strafing and dive-bombing airfields. Also
INSIGNE.None. hit troops, supply depots, roads, bridges,
rail lines, and trains. Participated in the
4th FIGHTER GROUP intensive campaign against the German
Air Force and aircraft industry during
Constittrted as 4th Fighter Group on 22 Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Received a
Aug 1942. Activated in England on 12 DUC for aggressiveness in seeking out and
Sep 1942. Former members of RAF Eagle destroying enemy aircraft and in attacking
Squadrons formed the nucleus of the enemy air bases, 5 Mar-24 Apr 1944. Flew
group, which served in combat from Oct interdictory and counter-air missions dur-
ing the invasion of Normandy in Jun 1944. Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 9-10 Nov 1945. Self-
Supported the airborne invasion of Hol- ridge Field, Mich, 9 Sep 1946;Andrews
land in Sep. Participated in the Battle of Field, Md, Mar 1947;Langley AFB, Va,
the Bulge, Dec 1g44-Jan 1945. Covered c. 30 Apr 1949;New Castle County Aprt,
the airborne assault across the Rhine in Del, Aug-Nov 1950;Johnson AB, Japan,
Mar 1945. Moved to the US in Nov. Zn- Dec 1950; Suwon, Korea, Mar 1951;
activmd on 10Nov 1945. Kimpo, Korea, Aug 1951;Chitose, Japan,
Activated on 9 Sep 1946. Equipped C. I NOVI954-.
with P-80’s. Converted to F-86 aircraft COMMANDERS. Col Edward W Ander-
in 1949. Redesignated 4th Fighter-Inter- son, Sep 1942; Col Chesley G Peterson,
ceptor Group in Jan 1950. Moved to Ja- Aug 1943;Col Donald J M Blakeslee, I
pan, Nov-Dec 1950, for duty with Far Jan 1944;Lt Col Claiborne H Kinnard Jr,
East Air Forces in the Korean War. Be- Nov 1944;Lt Col Harry J Dayhuff, 7 Dec
gan operations from Japan on 15 Dec 1950 1944;Col Everett W Stewart, 21 Feb 1945-
and moved to Korea in Mar 1951. unkn. Col Ernest H Beverly, Sep 1946;
Escorted bombers, made fighter sweeps, Lt Col Benjamin S Preston Jr, Aug 1948;
engaged in interdiction of the enemy’s Col Albert L Evans Jr, Jun 1949;Col John
lines of communications, flew armed re- C Meyer, c. I Sep 1950;Lt Col Glenn T
connaissance sorties, conducted counter- Eagleston, May 1951; Col Benjamin S
air patrols, served as an air defense or- Preston Jr, Jul 1951;Col Walker M Ma-
ganization, and provided close support for hurin, 18Mar 1952;Lt Col Ralph G Kuhn,
ground forces. One member of the group, 14 May 1952;Col Royal N Baker, I Jun
Maj George A Davis Jr, commander of 1952;Col Thomas D DeJarnette, 18 Mar
the 334th squadron, was awarded the 1953;Col Henry S Tyler Jr, c. 28 Dec 1953;
Medal of Honor for action on 10Feb 1952 Lt Col Dean W Dutrack, c. 19 Jul 1954;
when, leading a flight of two F-86’~~ Davis Col William D Gilchrist, c. 9 Aug 1954;
spotted twelve enemy planes (MIG’s), at- Col George I Ruddell, c. 4 May 1955-.
tacked, and destroyed three before his CAMPAIGNS. World War ZZ: Air Of-
plane crashed in the mountains. The fensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern
group returned to Japan in the fall of 1954. France; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace;
Redesignated 4th Fighter-Bomber Group Central Europe. Korean War: CCF In-
in Mar 1955. tervention; 1st UN Counteroffensive;CCF
SQUADRONS. 334th: 1942-1945; 1946. Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall Of-
335th: 1942-1945; 1946. 336th: 1942- fensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea
1945; 1946. Summer-Fall, 1952;Third Korean Win-
STATIONS.Bushey Hall, England, 12 ter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953.
Sep 1942; Debden, England, Sep 1942; DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Steeple Morden, England, Jul-Nov 1945; tions: France, 5 Mar-24 Apr 1944;Korea,
22 Apr-8 Jul 1951; Kora, g Jul-27 Nov assessment photographs and to provide
1951. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit army and navy units with intelligence on
Citations: I Nov 1951-30 Sep 1952; I Oct Japanese troop concentrations, installa-
1952-31 M a 1953. tions, shore defenses, supply routes, and
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure on a bend or, a shipping. It also produced maps of Allied
spear garnished with three eagle feathers and enemy-held territory and prepared
and shaft flammant to base all proper. navigation charts for US units. During
Crest: On a wreath of the colors, or and the last three months of the war the group
azure, a lion’s face or. Motto: FOURTH photographed Japanese positions and in-
BUT FIRST. (Approved 26 Sep 1949.) stallationson Mindanao and Borneo to aid
US and Australian operations. Moved to
4th RECONNAISSANCE GROUP Leyte in Sep 1945. Znactivated on 15 Jan
1946. Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947.
SQUADRONS. 17th : 1942-1946. 18th:
1942-1944. I g t h : 1942-1943. 20th: 1942-
1943. 38th : 1945-1946.
STATIONS.Colorado Springs, Colo, 23
Jul-24 Oct 1942; New Caledonia, 22 Nov
1942; Espiritu Santo, 22 Jan 1943; Guadal-
canal, 6 May 1944; Morotai, 12 Dec 1944;
Leyte, Sep 1945-15 Jan 1946.
COMMANDERS. 2d Lt Everett E Shaw, 23
Jul1942; Lt Col Francis L Rivard, 10 Aug
Constituted as 4th Photographic Group 1942; Lt Col Charles P Hollstein, 3 Sep
on 14 Jul 1942 and activated on 23 Jul. 1942; Col Paul C Schauer, 18 Jul 1943;
Trained for overseas duty with F-4’s. Lt Col Hillford R Wallace, 7 Jun 1944;
Moved to the South Pacific late in 1942. Maj Sidney L Hardin, 4 Aug 1944; Lt
Assigned to Thirteenth AF in Jan 1943. Col Hershel1E Parsons, 20 Jan 1945-unkn.
Redesignated 4th Photographic Reconnais- CAMPAIGNS. Guadalcanal;New Guinea;
sance and Mapping Group in May 1943, Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archipel-
4th Photographic Group (Reconnais- ago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Southern
sance) in Nov 1943, and 4th Reconnais- Philippines.
sance Group in May 1945. From Dec 1942 DECORATIONS. Philippine Presidential
to May 1945 the group, based successively Unit Citation.
on New Caledonia, Espiritu Santo, Guad- INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, three piles and
alcanal, and Morotai, flew reconnaissance three like ordinaries transposed conjoined
missions over enemy territory to supply in honor point or. (Approved 28 Nov
air force units with target and damage- 19424
5th BOMBARDMENT GROUP patrol missions off Hawaii from Dec 1941
to NOV1942.
Left Hawaii in Nov 1942 and, operating
from bases in the South and Southwest
Pacific with B-17 and B-24 aircraft,
served in combat with Thirteenth AF dur-
ing the~Allieddrive from the Solomons to
the Philippines. Flew long patrol and
photographic missions over the Solomon
Islands and the Coral Sea, attacked
Japanese shipping off Guadalcanal, and
raided airfields in the northern Solomons
until Aug 1943. Then struck enemy bases
and installations on Bougainville, New
Britain, and New Ireland. Raided the
KAY heavily defended Japanese base on Woleai
during Apr and May 1944 and received a
Aathorized as 2d Group (Observation) DUC for the action. Helped to neutralize
on 15 Aug 1919 and organized in Hawaii. enemy bases on Yap and in the Truk and
Redesignated 5th Group (Observation) in Palau Islands, Jun-Aug I ~ Mpreparatory
,
Mar 1921, 5th Group (Pursuit and Bom- to the invasion of Peleliu and Leyte. Flew
bardment) in Jun 1922, and 5th Group missions to the Netherlands Indies, receiv-
(Composite) in Jul 1922. Used DH-4, ing a DUC for an attack, conducted
MB-2, B-12, LB-5, LB-6, PW-, P-12, through heavy flak and fighter defenses, on
0-19, and other aircraft. Activities in- oil installations at Balikpapan, Borneo, on
cluded training, participating in Army- 30 Sep 1944. Completed a variety of mis-
Navy maneuvers, staging aerial reviews, sions from Oct 1944 until the end of the
sowing seeds from the air for the Terri- war, these operations including raids on
torial Forestry Division, and bombing a enemy bases and installations on Luzon,
stream of lava flowing from Mauna Loa Ceram, Halmahera, and Formosa ;support
to divert it from the city of Hilo. Re- for ground forces in the Philippines and
designated 5th Bombardment Group in Borneo; and patrols off the China coast.
Mar 1938, 5th Bombardment Group Remained in the theater as part of Far East
(Medium) in Dec 1939, and 5th Bombard- Air Forces after the war, but all personnel
ment Group (Heavy) in Nov 1940. evidently had been withdrawn by early in
Equipped with B-17’s and B-18’s by Dec 1946. Redesignated 5th Bombardment
1941. Assigned to Seventh AF in Feb Group (Very Heavy) in Apr 1946, and 5th
1942. Engaged primarily in search and Reconnaissance Group in Feb 1947. Re-
manned in Mar 1947, equipped with 1943; Lt Col Joseph E Reddoch Jr, 31 Dec
FB-q’s and F-~’s,and engaged in map- 1943; Col Thomas C Musgrave Jr, 4 Apr
ping areas of the Philippines, Formosa, 1944; Col Joseph E Reddoch Jr, 21 Apr
and the Pescadores. 1944; Col Thomas C Musgrave Jr, 15 Aug
Moved to the US in May 1949. Assigned 1944; Maj Albert W James, 28 Feb 1945;
to Strategic Air Command. Redesignated Col Isaac J Haviland, 15 Mar 1945; Lt Col
5th Strategic Reconnaissance Group in Jul Albert W James, 5 Jul 1g45-unkn; Col
1949. Equipped with RB-29’s. Redesig- Herbert K Baisley, 16 Jan 1947-unkn; Col
nated 5th Strategic Reconnaissance Group William E Basye, 1949; Col Walter E
(Heavy) in Sep 1950. Began converting Arnold, 27 Feb 1950-16 Jun 1952.
to B-36’s. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. CAMPAIGNS. Cectral Pacific; Guadal-
SQUADRONS. 6th Pursuit: 1919-1927. canal; New Guinea; Northern Solomons;
19th Pursuit: 1924-1927. 23d: 1922-1930, Eastern Mandates ;Bismarck Archipelago;
1g38-1g47, 1947-1952. 26th Attack: 1930- Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; Southern
1938. jrst: 1938-1947, 1949-1952. 38th: Philippines.
1947- 1949. 72d: 1923- 1930, 1938-1 947, DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
1949-1952- 338th: 1947-1949- 394th tions: Woleai Island, 18 Apr-15 May 1944;
(formerly 4th) : 1920-1922, 1927-1938, Borneo, 30 Sep 1944. Philippine Presi-
19391946. 431st (formerly 5oth, later dential Unit Citation.
5th) : 1930-’938,1946, 1947. INSIGNE. Shield: Party per pale nebuly
STATIONS.Luke Field, TH, 15 Aug vert and sable a death’s head argent winged
1919; Hickam Field, TH, I Jan 1939; or. Crest: On a wreath of the colors
Espiritu Santo, I Dec 1942; Guadalcanal, (argent and vert), a bull’s head caboshed
19 Aug 1943; Munda, New Georgia, 4 azure and armed or. Motto: KIA1 0 KA
Feb 1944; Momote Airfield, Los Negros, LEWA-Guardians of the Upper Regions
7 Apr 1944; Wakde, 17 Aug 1944; Noem- (Approved 21 Jun 1924.)
foor, 22 Sep 1944; Morotai, Oct 1944;
Samar, 5 Mar 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 5th RECONNAISSANCE GROUP
Dec 1945-6 May 1949; Mountain Home
AFB, Idaho, 26 May 1949; Fairfield- Constituted as 5th Photographic Group
Suisun AFB, Calif, g Nov 1949-16 Jun on 14 Jul 1942 and activated on 23 Jul.
1952. Redesignated 5th Photographic Recon-
COMMANDERS. Unkn, 1919-1938; Col naissance and Mapping Group in May
Shepler W FitzGerald, c. Sep 1g38-unkn; 1943, and 5th Photographic Reconnais-
Lt Col Edwin B Bobzien, 1941;Col Arthur sance Group in Aug 1943. Trained and
W Meehan, 1942; Col Brooke E Allen, I participated in maneuvers. Moved to the
Nov 1942; Col Marion D Unruh, 10 Aug Mediterranean theater, Jul-Sep 1943. As-
northern Italy by supplying intelligence on

enemy installations in the area. Redesig-
nuted 5th Reconnaissance Group in May
1945. Returned to the US in Oct. Inacti-
vated on 28 Oct 1945. Disbanded on 6
Mar 1947.
SQUADRONS. 15th: 1944-1945. ~ 1 s t :
1942-1943. 22d: 1942-1943. 23d: 1942-
1944. 24th: 1942-1943. 32d: 1944-1945.
37th:. Ih4-1945.
signed first to Twelfth AF and later (Oct STATIONS.Colorado Springs, Colo, 23
1944) to Fifteenth. Flew missions to Italy, Jul 1942-8 Aug 1943; La Marsa, Tunisia,
France, Germany, Austria, Czechosb 8 Sep 1943; San Severo, Italy, 8 Dec 1943;
vakia, Poland, and the Balkans, using F-5 Bari, Italy, 11 Oct 1944-Oct 1945; Camp
aircraft. Also flew some photographic Kilmer, NJ, 26-28 Oct 1945.
missions at night with B-17’s and B-25’s. COMMANDERS. 2d Lt Frederick A Wil-
Photographed areas near Anzio prior to liams, 23 Jul 1942; Maj J D Russell, 1942;
the Allied landings. Provided reconnais- Maj James F Setchell, 12 Jan 1943; Lt Col
sance of road and rail targets to support Waymond A Davis, 27 Feb 1943; Maj
US Fifth and British Eighth Army in Leon W Gray, 23 Oct 1943; Maj Lloyd R
southern Italy. Made bomb-damage as- Nuttall, 4 Feb 1944; Col Wilbur H Strat-
sessments at Cassino. Operated over ton, 21 Sep 1 9 4 ; Lt Col Bernard S
northwest France, photographing rail Hendler, g Aug 1g45-unkn.
targets to be bombed in connection with CAMPAIGNS.American Theater; Air
the invasion of Normandy. Mapped Combat, EAME Theater; Air Offensive,
coastal areas in preparation for the invasion Europe; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno;
of Southern France. Received a DUC for Normandy; Northern France; Southern
action on 6 Sep 1944 when the group France; North Apennines; Rhineland;
secured photographic intelligence of Ger- Central Europe; Po Valley.
man Air Force installations in the Balkans DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
and thus enabled fighter organizations to tion: MTO, 6 Sep 1944.
destroy large numbers of enemy transport INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, on a chevron
and fighter planes. Provided reconnais- inverted or two wings conjoined in lure
sance services for Fifteenth AF’s campaign and elevated of the field, in chief a camera
against the enemy’s oil industry, aircraft lens proper ringed of the second. Motto:
production, and communications. Also BEWARE, WE SNAP! (Approved 25
assisted the advance of ground forces in Jan 1943.)
6th BOMBARDMENT GROUP 11. Disbanded in the Canal Zone on I

NOV1943.
Reconstituted on 29 Jun 1944 and con-
solidated with 6th Bombardment Group
(Very Heavy), which had been constituted
on 28 Mar 1944 and activated in the US
on 19 Apr 1944. Equipped first with B-
17’s; later trained for combat with B-29’s.
Moved to Tinian, Nov ~g++-Feb1945.
Assigned to Twentieth AF. Commenced
operations by attacking Iwo Jima and the
Truk Islands in Feb 1945. Afterward,
struck industrial targets in Japan, flying in
daylight and at high altitude to carry out
these missions. Began incendiary raids
on area targets in Japan in Mar 1945 and
Organized as 3d Observation Group in was awarded a DUC for action on 25 May
the Panama Canal Zone on 30 Sep 1919. when the group flew at night and at low
Redesignated 6th Group (Observation) in altitude through alerted enemy defenses
1921,6th Group (Composite) in 1922,6th to drop incendiaries on Tokyo. Partici-
Bombardment Group in 1937, 6th Bom- pated in mining operations in the Shi-
bardment Group (Medium) in 1939, and monoseki Strait and received second DUC
6th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in for contributing to the blockade of the
1940. Operations, which were concerned Japanese Empire by mining harbors in
chiefly with defense of the canal, included Japan and Korea in Jul 1945. Assisted the
training, participating in maneuvers, fly- invasion of Okinawa in Apr 1945 with
ing patrol missions, .photographing the strikes on Kyushu, hitting airfields that
canal area, staging aerial reviews, making were used by kamikaze pilots. After the
good-will flights to Central and South war, dropped food and supplies to Allied
American countries, and flying mercy mis- prisoners and took part in show-of-force
sions in Jan 1939 to earthquake victims at flights over Japan. Moved to the Philip-
Santiago, Chile. Equipped with R-4’s and pknes in Jan 1946 and to the Ryukyus in
DH-q’s in 1919; used SE-5A, MB3A, and Jun 1947. Inactivated on Okinawa on 18
P-12B aircraft in the period 1922-1929; Oct 1948.
received B-IO’S in 1936 and B-18’s in 1939; Redesignated 6th Bombardment Group
used B-17, B-18, B-24, LB-30, and L-4E (Medium). Activated in the US on 2 Jan
aircraft after the US entered World War 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Com-
mand and equipped with B-29’s. Znac- DECORATIONS.

Distinguished Unit Cita-
tivated on 16 Jun 1952. tions: Tokyo, Japan, 25 May 1945; Japa-
SQUADRONS. 3d: 1940-1942. 24th: 1922- nese Empire, 9-19 Jul 1945.
1929; 1944-1948; 1951-1952. 25th: 1922- INSIGNE. Shield: Per fess debased or and
1943. 29th: 1943. 39th: 1944-1948; 1951- azure issuant against the rays of the set-
1952. 40th: 1944-1948; 1951-1952. 44th: ting sun a full rigged ship (black hull and
1930-1937. 74th: 1940-194271943. 395th: white sails), in the gaillard cut (light and
1942-1943. 397th (formerly 7th) : 1919- dark green), in chief a biplane (black)
19407 1942-1943- diving bend sinisterwise all proper. Crest:
STATIONS.France Field, CZ, 30 Sep On a wreath of the colors (or and azure)
1919; Rio Hato, Panama, 9 Dec 1941; Al- a pirate’s head and shoulders tattooed on
brook Field, CZ, 14 Jan 1943; Howard the chest with skull and bones proper,
Field, CZ, Oct-1 Nov 1943. Dalhart garbed and coifed or and sable. Motto:
AAFld, Tex, 19 Apr 1944; Grand Island PARATI DEFENDERE-Ready to De-
AAFld, Neb, 19 May-18 Nov 1944; North fend. (Approved 22 Jan 1924.)
Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1944; Clark Field,
Luzon, 28 Jan 1946; Kadena, Okinawa, I 6th RECONNAISSANCE GROUP
Jun 1947-18 Oct 1948. Walker AFB, NM,
2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952. Constituted as 6th Photographic Group
COMMANDERS.Unkn, 191p1g23; Maj on 5 Feb 1943 and activated on g Feb.
Follett Bradley, 1923-1926; Lt Col Lewis Redesignated 6th Photographic Recon-
H Brereton, Aug 1g31-c. Jun 1935; Lt Col naissance and Mapping Group in May
William 0 Butler, c. Jan. 1937-JUl 1939; 1943, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance
Lt Col Edwin J House, 193g-1940; Maj Group in Aug 1943, and 6th Reconnais-
Samuel M Connell, c. Sep 194o-Feb 1941; sance Group in May 1945. Moved to the
Col Henry K Mooney, 15 Sep 1941-20 Southwest Pacific, Sep-Oct 1943, and as-
Jan 1943; unkn, 20 Jan-1 Nov 1943. Maj signed to Fifth AF. Used F-5’s and
William E Taylor, 19 Apr 1944; Lt Col
F-7’s to photograph Japanese airfields,
harbors, beach defenses, and personnel
Howard D Kenzie, 28 Apr 1944; Col Ken-
areas in New Guinea, the Bismarcks, Bor-
neth H Gibson, 17 Jun 1944; Lt Col Theo-
neo, and the southern Philippines. Rec-
dore W Tucker, 31 Aug 1945; COl John
onnoitered target areas and enemy troop
P Kenny, 29 Aug 1946; Col Frank P positions to provide intelligence for air
Sturdivant, 4 Dec 1946unkn. Col Wil- force and army units. Received a DUC
liam K Martin, 15 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952. for unescorted flights to Leyte during Sep
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American 1944 when in a minimum period of time
Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern the group obtained information about
Mandates; Western Pacific. Japanese defenses, such information being
necessary for planning the amphibious DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-

assault on the Philippines. After moving tion: Philippine Islands, 18-25 Sep 1944.
to the Philippines in Nov 1944, flew mis- Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
sions to Formosa and China, engaged in INSIGNE.None.
mapping parts of Luzon and Mindanao,
and provided intelligence for US ground
7th BOMBARDMENT GROUP
forces concerning Japanese movements.
Moved to Okinawa in Jul 1945 and flew
some missions over Kyushu before the war
ended. Moved to Japan in Sep 1945.
Inactivated on 27 Apr 1946. Disbanded
on 6 Mar 1947.
SQUADRONS.8th: 1943-1946. 20th:
1943-1946. 25th: 1943-1946. 26th: 1943-
&-
1945. 27th: 1943. 36th: 1944-1945.
STATIONS.Colorado Springs, Colo, g
F e b Sep 1943; Sydney, Australia, 10 Oct
1943; Brisbane, Australia, 27 Nov 1943;
Port Moresby, New Guinea, 10 Dec 1943;
Nadzab, New Guinea, 17 Feb 194; Biak,
Aug 1944; Leyte, 3 Nov 1944; Clark Field,
Luzon, I May 1945; Okinawa, 31 Jul1g45;
Chofu, Japan, 27 Sep 1945; Irumagawa, Organized as 1st Army Observation
Japan, Jan-27 Apr 1946. Group on I Oct 1919. Redesignated 7th
Group (Observation) in Mar 1921. In-
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Waymond A
activated on 30 Aug 1921.
Davis, g Feb 1943; Maj Cecil Darnell, 27
Redesignated 7th Bombardment Group
Feb 1943; Col David W Hutchison, 13
in 1923. Activated on I Jun 1928. Re-
Mar 1943; Lt Col Cecil Darnell, 24 Mat designated 7th Bombardment Group
1943; Maj Arthur L Post, 24 Jul 1944; Lt (Heavy) in 1939. Trained, participated
Col Alexander Guerry, c. I Sep 1944; Lt in aerial reviews, dropped food and medi-
Col Ben K Armstrong Jr, 5 Jan 1945; Lt cal supplies to persons marooned or lost,
Col Joseph Davis Jr, 31 May 1945-unkn. and took part in maneuvers and experi-
CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Japan ; ments. Aircraft included B-IZ’S, B-18’s,
China Defensive; New Guinea; Bismarck and B-17’s.
Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; The group was on its way to the Philip-
Luzon; Ryukyus; Southern Philippines; pines when the Japanese attacked Pearl
China Offensive. Harbor on 7 Dec 1941. The ground
echelon, on board ship, was diverted to SQUADRONS. 9th: 191g-1921; 1928-1946;

Australia and later sent to Java. Six of the 1946-1952. zzdz: 191g-1921; unkn-1942.
group’s B-17’s, which had left the US on 22d: 19391942. 30th: 1928-1931. J Z S ~ :
6 Dec, reached Hawaii during the enemy 1919-1921; 1928-[1939?]. 436h (for-
attack but were able to land safely. Later merly 88th) : 1939-1946; 1946-1952. 4 p d :
in Dec the remainder of the air echelon 1942-1946; 19461952. 493d: 1942-1946.
flew B-17’s from the US to Java. From 14 STATIONS. Park Field, Tenn, I Oct 1919;
Jan to I Mar 1942, during the Japanese Langley Field, Va, 28 Oct 191p-30 Aug
drive through the Philippines and Nether- 1921. Rockwell Field, Calif, I Jun 1928;
lands East Indies, the group operated from March Field, Calif, 30 Oct 1931; Hamilton
Java, being awarded a DUC for its action Field, Calif, 5 Dec 1934; Merced Field,
against enemy aircraft, ground installa- Calif, 5 Nov 1935; Hamilton Field, Calif,
tions, warships, and transports. 22 May 1937; Ft Douglas, Utah, 7 Sep
Moved to India in Mar 1942 and as- 1940-13 Nov 1941; Brisbane, Australia, 22
signed to Tenth AF. Resumed combat Dec Igq-Feb 1942; Karachi, India, 12Mar
with B-17’s and LB-30’s; converted to 1942; Dum-Dum, India, 30 May 1942; Ka-
B-24’s late in 1942. Operations were di- rachi, India, 9 Sep 1942; Pandaveswar,
rected primarily against the Japanese in India, 12 Dec 1942; Kurmitola, India, 17
Burma, with attacks on airfields, fuel and Jan 1944; Pandaveswar, India, 6 Oct 1944;
supply dumps, locomotive works, railways, Tezpur, India, 7 Jun 1945; Dudhkundi,
bridges, docks, warehouses, shipping, and India, 31 Oct-7 Dec 1945; Camp Kilmer,
other targets. Also bombed oil refineries NJ, 5-6 Jan 1946. Ft Worth AAFld, Tex,
and railways in Thailand, hit power plants I Oct 1946-16 Jun 1952.
in China, attacked enemy shipping in the COMMANDERS. Unkn, 191p-19~1. Capt
Andaman Sea, and ferried gasoline over Frank H Pritchard, 1g28-unkn; Maj Carl
the Hump to China. Received second A Spaatz, c. May 1929-c. Oct 1931; Col
DUC for damaging the enemy’s line of Clarence I Tinker, c. Dec 1935-1938; Col
supply in southeast Asia with an attack Ralph Royce, 1938-unkn; Maj Stanley
against rail lines and bridges in Thailand K Robinson, unkn-zg Jan 1942; Maj Aus-
on 19 Mar 1945. Returned to the US in tin A Straubel, c. 29 Jan-3 Feb 1942; Col
Dec 1945. lnactivated on 6 Jan 1946. Cecil E Combs, 22 Mar 1942; Col Conrad
Redesignated 7th Bombardment Group F Necrason, I Jul 1942; Col Aubrey K
(Very Heavy). Activated on I Oct 1946. Dodson, 27 Mar 1944; Col Harvey T Al-
Assigned to Strategic Air Command. ness, 6 Nov 1944; Col Howard F Bronson
Equipped first with B-29’~~later with Jr, 24 Jun 1g45-unkn. Col John G Erik-
B-36‘s. Redesignated 7th Bombardment sen, I Oct 1946; Col Hewitt T Wheeless,
Group (Heavy) in Jul 1948. Inactivated 16 Dec 1946-unkn; Col Alan D Clark, c.
on 16 Jun 1952. Nov rgq-unkn ;Col Charles D Farr, 7 Feb
1949; Col John A Roberts, 17 Aug 1949; ditions. Prior to Jun 1944, photographed
Col Richard T Black, c. 24 Oct 1950; Col airfields, cities, industrial establishments,
John A Roberts, Feb 1951; Col George T and ports in France, the Low Countries,
Chadwell, c. May 1951; Col John A and Germany. Received a DUC for oper-
Roberts, Apr-Jun 1952. ations during the period, 31 May-30 Jun
CAMPAIGNS. Burma, 1942; East Indies; 1944, when its coverage of bridges, mar-
India-Burma; China Defensive; Central shalling yards, canals, highways, rivers,
Burma; China Offensive. and other targets contributed much to the
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- success of the Normandy campaign.
tions: Netherlands Indies, 14 Jan-1 Mar Covered missile sites in France during Jul,
1942; Thailand, 19 Mar 1945. and in Aug carried out photographic map-
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, on a bend or ping missions for ground forces advancing
three crosses pattee sable. Crest: On a across France. Provided reconnaissance
wreath of the colors (or and azure) a drop support for the airborne attack on Holland
bomb palewise sable piercing a cloud in Sep and for the Battle of the Bulge, Dec
proper. Motto: MORS AB ALTO- 1944-Jan 1945. Used P-51’s to escort its
Death from Above. (Approved 30 Jan own reconnaissance planes during the last
1933. This insigne was modified 12 Sep months of the war as the group supported
1952.) the Allied drive across the Rhine and into
Germany. Took part in the final bomb-
7th RECONNAISSANCE GROUP damage assessment following V-E Day.
Znactivated in England on 21 Nov 1945.
Constituted as 7th Photographic Group Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947.
on 5 Feb 1943. Activated on I May 1943. SQUADRONS. 13th: 1943-1945. zqth:
Redesignated 7th Photographic Recon- 1943-1945. 22d: 1943-1945. 27th: 1943-
naissance and Mapping Group in May 1945. 28th: 1943. 29th: 1943. 30th:
1943, 7th Photographic Group (Reconnais-
1943.
sance) in Nov 1943, and 7th Reconnais-
STATIONS.Peterson Field, Colo, I May-
sance Group in Jun 1945. Transferred,
7 Jul 1943; Mount Farm, England, 7 Jul
without personnel and equipment, to Eng-
1943; Chalgrove, England, Mar 1945;
land on 7 Jul 1943 and assigned to Eighth
AF. Used Spitfires and L-5’s to obtain Hitcham, England, Oct-21 Nov 1945.
information about bombardment targets COMMANDERS. Col James G Hall, 7 Jul
and damage inflicted by bombardment 1943; Col Homer L Saunders, Sep 1943;
operations; provide mapping service for Col Paul T Cullen, I Jan 1944; Lt Col
air and ground units; observe and report George A Lawson, 17 Feb 1944; Lt Col
on enemy transportation, installations, and Norris E Hartwell, 7 May 1944; Lt Col
positions; and obtain data on weather con- Clarence A Shoop, 9 Aug 1944; Col George
W Humbrecht, Oct 1944; Maj Hubert M Redesignated 8th Fighter Group in May
Childress, 18 Jun 1945-unkn. 1942. Became part of Fifth AF.
CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe; Equipped first with P-39’s, added P-38’s
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; and P-40’s in 1943, and used P-38’s after
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. May 1944.
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- Established headquarters in Australia
tion: France, 31 May-30 Jun 1944. French in Mar 1942 but sent detachments to New
Croix de Guerre With Palm: 1944. Guinea for operations. Moved to New
INSIGNE.None. Guinea in Sep 1942 and served in com-
bat until malaria forced the organization
8th FIGHTER GROUP to withdraw to Australia in Feb 1943.
Resumed operations in Apr 1943 and
served in the theater through the rest of
the war. Covered Allied landings,
escorted bombers, and attacked enemy air-
fields in New Guinea; supported opera-
tions of the US Marines at Cape Glouces-
ter, Feb-Mar 1944; flew long-range
escort and attack missions to Borneo,
Ceram, Halmahera, and the southern
Philippines; provided cover for convoys,
attacked enemy shipping, and won a DUC
far strafing a strong Japanese naval force
off Mindoro (26 Dec 1944) ;covered land-
ings at Lingayen; supported ground forces
on Luzon; escorted bombers to targets on
Authorized on the inactive list as 8th the Asiatic mainland and on Formosa;
Pursuit Group on 24 Mar 1923. Activated and, in the last days of the war, attacked
on I Apr 1931. Redesignated 8th Pursuit airfields and railways in Japan. Remained
Group (Fighter) in 1939, and 8th Pursuit in the theater after V-J Day, being based
Group (Interceptor) in 1941. Trained, in Japan far duty with Far East Air Forces.
took part in maneuvers and reviews, and Converted to P-51’s early in 1946 and to
tested planes and equipment, using PB-2, F-80’s early in 1950. Redesignded 8th
P-6, P-12, P-35, P-36, P-39, and P-40 air- Fighter-Bomber Group in Jan 1950.
craft prior to World War 11. In Dec 1941, Began operations in the Korean War on
became part of the defense force for the 26 Jun 1950 by providing cover for the
New York metropolitan area. Moved to evacuation of US personnel from Seoul.
the Asiatic-Pacific Theater early in 1942. Entered combat the following day.
Shifted to F-51 aircraft in Oct 1950 but Japan, 20 May 1946; Itazuke, Japan, Sep
converted back to F-80’s in Dec 1950. 1946; Ashiya, Japan, 13 Apr 1947; Itazukr,
Began operating from bases in Korea in Japan, 25 Mar 1949; Tsuiki, Japan, 11 Aug
Oct 1950, but resumed operations from 1950; Suwon, Korea, 7 Oct 1950; Kimpo,
Japan in Dec 1950 when Communist forces Korea, 28 Oct 1950; Pyongyang, Korea, 25
drove far south in Korea. Returned to Nov 1950; Seoul, Korea, 3 Dec 1950;
Korea in Jun 1951. Served in combat until Itazuke, Japan, 10 Dec 1950; Kimpo,
the end of the war, supporting UN ground Korea, 25 Jun 1951; Suwon, Korea, 24
forces and attacking such targets as air- Aug 1951; Itazuke, Japan, 20 Oct 1954-.
fields, supply lines, and troop concentra- COMMANDERS. Unkn, 1931-1932; Maj
tions. Maj Charles J Loring Jr was Byron Q Jones, 25 Jun 1932; Capt Albert
awarded the Medal of Honor for his action M Guidera, 31 Mar 1934; Lt Col Adlai H
on 22 Nov 1952: after his plane had been Gilkeson, I Jul 1935; Lt Col William E
hit and badly crippled as he was leading Kepner, 7 Jul 1938; Lt Col Edward M
a flight of four F-80’s against enemy ar- Morris, I Feb 1940; Lt Col Frederic H
tillery at Sniper Ridge, Maj Loring de- Smith Jr, 17 Jan 1941; Lt Col William H
liberately dived his plane into the gun Wise, 22 May 1942; Lt Col Leonard B
emplacements. The group converted to Storm, 8 Mar 1943; Lt Col Philip H Greas-
F-86’s in the spring of 1953 and returned ley, 10 Apr 1943; Lt Col Emmett S Davis,
to Japan the following year. 18 Jan 1944; Lt Col Philip H Greasley,
SQUADRONS. 33d: 1932-1941. 35th: 28 Jun 1944; Col Earl H Dunham, 8 Aug
1932-. 36th: 1931, I932-. 55th: 1931- 1944; Lt Col Emmett S Davis, 16 Jun 1945;
1932. 68th: 1945-1947. 80th: 1942-1945, Lt Col Robert L Harriger, Dec 1945; Lt
‘947-. Col Fergus C Fay, 24 May 1946; Lt Col
STATIONS.Langley Field, Va, I Apr Luther H Richmond, Jul 1946; Col Stan-
1931; Mitchel Field, NY, c. 5 Nov 1940- ley R Stewart, Feb 1947; Col Henry G
26 Jan 1942; Brisbane, Australia, 6 Mar Thorne Jr, 12 Apr 1947; Col Charles T
1942; Townsville, Australia, 29 Jul 1942; Olmstead, c. 28 May 1948; Lt Col Richard
Milne Bay, New Guinea, 18 Sep 1942; C Banbury, I8 Aug 1948; Lt Col Woodrow
Mareeba, Australia, Feb 1943; Port W Ramsey, 18 Mar 1949; Lt Col Charles
Moresby, New Guinea, 16 May 1943; D Chitty Jr, 21 May 1949; Col William T
Finschhafen, New Guinea, 23 Dec 1943; Samways, I May 1950; Col Edward 0
Cape Gloucester, New Britain, c. 20 Feb McComas, 19 May 1951; Col Harvey L
1944; Nadzab, New Guinea, 14 Mar 1944; Case Jr, 31 Jul 1951; Col Levi R Chase, 22
Owi, Schouten Islands, 17 Jun 1944; Jan 1952; Col Walter G Benz Jr, 12 Sep
Morotai, 19 Sep 1944; San Jose, Mindoro, 1952; Col John L Locke, 16 Sep 1953; Lt
20 Dec 1944; Ie Shima, 6 Aug 1945; Col Walter A Rosenfield, 13 May 1954;
Fukuoka, Japan, 22 Nov 1945; Ashiya, Col Woodrow B Wilmot, 16 Jul 1954-.
CAMPAIGNS.World War ZZ: East In- French Indochina, and Thailand. Also
dies ; Air offensive, Japan ; China Defen- bombed and strafed enemy installations
sive; Papua; New Guinea; Bismarck and provided escort for bombardment
Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; units. Redesignated 8th Reconnaissance
Luzon; Southern Philippines. Korean Group in Jun 1945. Returned to the US,
War: UN Defensive;UN Offensive ; CCF Oct-Nov 1945. Inactivated on 5 Nov 1945.
Intervention; 1st UN Counteroffensive; Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947.
CCF Spring Offensive ; UN Summer-Fall SQUADRONS. 9th: 1944-1945. 20th:
Offensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea 1944-1945. 24th: 1944-1945. 40th: 1944-
Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Win- 1945.
ter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953. STATIONS.Peterson Field, &lo, I Oct
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- 1943; Gainesville AAFld, Tex, 26 Oct
tions: Papua, [Sep] 1942-23 Jan 1943; 1943-12 Feb 1944; Bally, India, 31 Mar
Philippine Islands, 26 Dec 1944; Korea, 1944-7 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 3-5
16 Sep-2 Nov 1950. Philippine Presiden- NOV1945.
tial Unit Citation. Republic of Korea COMMANDERS. Lt Col Paul A Zartman,
Presidential Unit Citations: 27 Tun 1950- I Oct 1943; (201 Charles P Hollstein, 12
31 Jan 1951; I Feb 1951-31 Mar 1953. Dec 1943; Col James W Anderson Jr, 24
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a chevron ne- Jan 1945; Lt Col John R Gee, Oct 1945-c.
bule or. Crest: On a wreath of the colors 5 Nov 1945.
(or and azure) three fleur-de-lisor in front CAMPAIGNS. India-Burma ; China De-
of a propeller fesswise azure. Motto: AT- fensive; Central Burma.
TAQUEZ ET CONQUEREZ-Attack DECORATIONS. None.
and Conquer. (Approved 6 Sep 1934.) INSIGNE.None.
8th RECONNAISSANCE GROUP 9th BOMBARDMENT GROUP

Constituted as 8th Photographic Recon- Azlthorizcd as 9th Group (Observation)
naissance Group on 15 Sep 1943. Acti- on 19 Jul1922. Organized on I Aug 1922.
vated on I Oct 1943. Trained to provide Redesignated 9th Bombardment Group in
photographic intelligence for air and 1935,9th Bombardment Group (Medium)
ground forces. Moved to India, Feb-Mar in 1939, and 9th Bombardment Group
1944. Equipped with F-5, F-6, F7, and (Heavy) in 1940. Trained, took part in
P-40 aircraft. Conducted photographic- maneuvers, and participated in air shows,
reconnaissance, photographic - mapping, during the period 1922-1940. Equipped
and visual-reconnaissance m i s s i o n s. with B-10’s and B-18’s in the late 1930’s
Produced maps, mosaics, terrain models, and early 1940’s. Moved to Panama late
and target charts of areas in Burma, China, in 1940 to serve as part of the defense force
force. Also conducted mining operations

against Japanese shipping, receiving sec-
ond DUC for such actions in the Inland
Sea during May 1945. After the war,
dropped food and supplies to Allied pris-
oners and took part in show-of-force mis-
sions over the Japanese home islands.
Moved to the Philippines in Apr 1946 and
to the Marianas in Jun 1947. Znactivated
on Guam on 20 Oct 1948.
Redesignated 9th Strategic Reconnais-
sance Group. Activated in the US on I
May 1949. Assigned to Strategic Air
Command. Equipped primarily with
B-29's although a few B-36's were as-
for the canal. Used B-17's for antisub- signed during 1949-1950. Redesignated
marine operations in the Caribbean. Re- 9th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in Apr
turned to the US in 1942. Equipped with 1950, and 9th Bombardment Group (Me-
B-17, B-24, and B-26 aircraft. Trained dium) in Oct 1950. Znactivated on 16
cadres for bombardment units and tested Jun 1952.
equipment. SQUADRONS. zst: 1922-1923; 1929-1948;
Redesignated 9th Bombardment Group 1949-1952. 5th: 1922-1923; 1929-1948;
(Very Heavy) in Mar 1944. Prepared for 1949-1952. 99th: 1929-1948 ; 1949-1952.
combat with B-29's. Moved to the Pacific 430th: '943-1944-
theater, Nov 1g44-Feb 1945, and assigned STATIONS.Mitchel Field, NY, I Aug
to Twentieth AF. Commenced opera- 1922-6 Nov 1940; Rio Hato, Panama, 12
tions late in Jan 1945 with attacks against Nov 1940; Waller Field, Trinidad, 30 Oct
Japanese-held Maug. After that, struck 1941; Orlando AB, Fla, 31 Oct 1942; Dal-
industrial targets in Japan, conducting the hart AAFld, Tex, g Mar 1944; McCook
missions in daylight and at high altitude. AAFld, Neb, 19 May-18 Nov 1944; North
Received a DUC for bombing the indus- Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1944; Clark Field,
trial area of Kawasaki in Apr 1945. Be- Luzon, 15 Apr 1946; Harmon Field,
ginning in Mar 1945 the group carried Guam, 9 Jun 1947-20 Oct 1948. Fairfield-
out incendiary raids at night on area tar- Suisun AFB, Calif, I May 1949-16 Tun
gets in Japan. During Apr and May it 1952.
assisted the Allied assault on Okinawa by COMMANDERS. Unkn, 1922-1929; Maj
hitting airfields that the Japanese were William 0 Ryan, ~pg-unkn;Col Follett
using,to launch planes against the invasion Bradley, Jun 1g33-May 1934; Col Walter
H Frank, Aug 1934-1936; Lt Col Carl W units for photographic reconnaissance and
Connell, I Sep 1936-unkn; Col Ross F combat mapping. Aircraft included B-
Cole, Apr 1940; Maj Charles F Born, Aug 17’s, B-24’~, F-4’s, F-5’s, F-7’s, and A-
1941-unkn; Lt Col Stuart P Wright, 1942; 20’s. Disbanded on 6 May 1944.
Lt Col Gerald E Williams, 1942; Col SQUADRONS. (See narrative.)
Harry G Montgomery, 10 Nov 1942; Col STATIONS.Will Rogers Field, Okla, I
James T Connally, 15 Dec 1942; Col Don- Oct 1943-6 May 1944.
ald W Eisenhart, I May 1944; Col Henry COMMANDERS. Lt Col Paul A Zartman,
C Huglin, 6 Mar-Aug 1945; Col David 11 Nov 1943; Lt Col Hiette S Williams
Wade, Sep 1945-c. 25 Apr 1947; unkn, Jr, c. 5 Dec 1943-unkn.
Apr 1947-20 Oct 1948. Lt Col Walter Y CAMPAIGNS. None.
Lucas, I May 1949; Col Donald W Eisen- DECORATION. None.
hart, 24 Aug 1949; Col William P. Brett, INSIGNE.None.
27 Mar 1950; Lt Col Walter Y Lucas, 24
Jun 1950; Col Clifford J Heflin, 6 Jul 10th RECONNAISSANCE
1950-16 Jun 1952. GROUP
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American
Theater; Air Offensive, Japan ; Western
Pacific.
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Ci-
tations: Kawasaki, Japan, 15/16 Apr 1945;
Japan, 13-28 May 1945.
INSIGNE.Shield: 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.)
Constituted as 73d Observation Group
9th RECONNAISSANCE GROUP on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on I Sep 1941.
Engaged in training activities, participat-
Constituted as 9th Photographic Recon- ing in the Tennessee M ~ ~ e u v e in r s 1943.
naissance Group on 15 &p 1943. A& Redesignated 73d Reconnaissance Group
vuted on I Oct 1943. Assigned to Third in Apr 1943, 73d Tactical Reconnaissance
AF. With*squadrons attached but nonc Group in Aug 1943, and 10th Photo-
assigned, the group trained crews and graphic Group (Reconnaissance) in Dec
1943. Moved to the European theater, sonnel and equipment, to the US in Jun
Jan-Feb 1944, for duty with Ninth AF. 1947. Remanned and equipped with RF-
Used F-3, F-5, F-6, L-I, L-4, and L-5 51’s. Redesignated 10th Tactical Recon-
aircraft for operations, Feb 1944-May 1945. naissance Group in Jun 1948. Inactivated
Photographed airfields, coastal defenses, on I Apr 1949.
and ports, and made bomb-damage assess- Activated in’Germany on 10 Jul 1952.
ment photographs of airfields, marshalling Assigned to United States Air Forces in
yards, bridges, and other targets, in prep- Europe. Equipped with RB-26, RB-57,
aration for the Normandy invasion; re- RF-80, and RF-84 aircraft.
ceived a DUC for flying at low altitude to SQUADRONS. Z S t : 1945-1949; 1952-.
photograph the coast from Blankenberghe 12th: 1941-1942, 1944-1946. 14th: 1943.
to Dunkirk and from Le Touquet to St- zgth (formerly Observation) : 1942-1943,
Vaast-la-Hougue, 6-20 May 1944. Sup- 1944-19457 1947-1949- 15th (formerly
ported the invasion in Jun by making Photographic) : 1947. ~ 6 t h : 1941-1942.
visual and photographic reconnaissance 22d: 1941-1942. 30th: 1944. 3zst: 1944-
of bridges, artillery, road and railroad 1945. 32d: 1952-. 33d: 1944. 34th:
junctions, traffic centers, airfields, and 1944, 1945. 36th (formerly 28th) : 1942-
other targets. Assisted the Allied drive 1943. 38th: I952-. 39th: 1945. 42d:
toward the German border during the I952-. 9ZSt: 1941-1942, 1942-1943.
summer and early fall of 1944 by flying zzzth: 1945. z p d : 1943. 155th (for-
daylight and night photographic missions; merly 4qd, later 45th) : 1944-1945, 1945-
also performed tactical reconnaissance for 1947. 160th: 1945-1947. z62d: 1945.
ground and air units, directing artillery STATIONS.Harrisburg, Pa, I Sep 1941;
to enemy positions and -fighter-bombers Godman Field, Ky, c. 7 Nov 1941 ; Camp
to opportune targets. Aided Third Army Campbell AAFld, Ky, c. 23 Jun 1943; Key
and other Allied organizations in the bat- Field, Miss, Nov 1943-Jan 1944; Chal-
tle to breach the Siegfried Line, SepDec grove, England, Feb 1944; Rennes/St-
1944. Participated in the Battle of the Jacques, France, c. 11 Aug 1944; Chateau-
Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, by flying recon- dun, France, c. 24 Aug 1944; St-Dizier/
naissance missions in the combat zone. Robinson, France, Sep 1944; Conflans/
From Feb 1945 to V-E Day, assisted the Doncourt, France, Nov 1944; Trier/Evren,
advance of Third Army across the Rhine, Germany, Mar 1945; Ober Olm, Germany,
to Czechoslovakia, and into Austria. Re- c. 5 Apr 1945; Furth, Germany, c. 28 Apr
mained in Germany after the war as part 1945; Furstenfeldbruck, Germany, Apr-
of the army of occupation, being assigned Jun 1947; Langley Field, Va, 25 Jun 1947;
to United States Air Forces in Europe. Lawson Field, Ga, c. 8 Sep 1947; Pope
Redesignated 10th Reconnaissance Group Field, “2, c. 27 Sep 1947-1 Apr 1949.
in Jun 1945. Transferred, without per- Furstenfeldbruck AB, Germany, 10 Jul
1952; Toul/Rosiere AB, France, Nov Ceaseless Watch. (Approved 29 Dec

1952; Spangdahlem AB, Germ’any, May I944
1953-.
COMMANDERS. Maj Edgar M Scatter- 10th TROOP CARRIER GROUP
good Jr, I Sep 1941; Lt Col John C Ken-
nedy, c. 6 Nov 1941;Capt Phillip H Hatch,
c. 24 Jan 1942; Lt Col Robert M Lee, c. 9
Feb 1942; Maj Burton L Austin, c. 26 DPC
1942; Lt Col Bernard C Rose, c. 19 Jan
1943; Lt Col Crawford H Hollidge, c. 28
Jan 1943; Maj William A Daniel, c. 4 Aug
1943; Col William B Reed, g Sep 1943;Col
Russell A Berg, 20 Jun 1944-unkn; Lt
Col W D Hayes Jr, 1945; Col Marvin S
Zipp, 11 Jan 1946-19 Jun 1947; Lt Col 1
James L Rose, I Oct 1947;Lt Col Harrison
R Christy Jr, 16 Dec 1947; Lt Col Edward
0 McComas, 6 Jan 1948; Col William A Constituted on the inactive list as 1st
Daniel, 26 Jan 1g48-unkn. Lt Col Barnie Transport Group on I Oct. 1933. Con-
B McEntire Jr, 10 Jul 1952; Col Willie 0 solidated with the 10th Observation Group
Jackson Jr, Dec 1952; Lt Col Steven R (which had been constituted on the inac-
Wilkerson, c. 22 Sep 1953; Col Howard J tive list on I Oct 1g33), redesignated 10th
Withycombe, 23 Feb 1954; Col Arthur E Transport Group, and activated, on 20 May
Smith, 13 Jul 1954; Col Fred W Dyer, c. 1937. Trained with C-27’s and C-33’s.
23 Jun 1955-a As part of the logistic organization, as-
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater ; Air signed first to Ofice of Chief of the Air
Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern Corps and later ( 1941) to Air Service a m -
France ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace; mand, the group transported supplies,
Central Europe. materiel, and personnel within the US.
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- Assigned to Air Transport Command
tion: France, 6-20 May 1944. (later I Troop Carrier Command) in Apr
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure a sphere or, 1942. Rcdesignated 10th Troop Carrier
latitude and longitude lines sable, in chief Group in Jul 1942. Converted to G47’s.
the head and arms of the Greek mythical Trained cadres for troop carrier groups
god Argus, head facing base, arms fesswise and in 1943 was given the additional duty
both hands toward dexter of the second, of training replacement crews. Disbanded
outlined of the field. Motto: ARGUS- on 14 Apr 1944.
SQUADRONS. 1st: 1937-1943. 2d: 1937-
1943. 3d: 1g3F1g40. 4th: 1937-1940.
5th: 1937-1944. 27th: 1942-1943, 1943-
1944. 38th: 1942-1944. 307th: 1943-
1944. 308th: 1943-1944.
STATIONS. Patterson Field, Ohio, 20 May
1937; Wright Field, Ohio, 20 Tun 1938;
Patterson Field, Ohio, 17 Jan 1941; Gen-
eral Billy Mitchell Field, Wis, 25 May
1942; Pope Field, NC, 4 Oct 1942; Dunnel-
lon AAFld, Fla, 13 Feb 1943; Lawson
Field, Ga, 30 Nov 1943; Grenada AAFld,
Miss, 21 Jan 1944; Alliance AAFld, Neb, 8
Mar-14 Apr 1944. Hawaii on I Feb 1940. Redesignated I Ith
COMMANDERS. Maj Hugh A Bevins, Bombardment Group (Heavy) in Nov
May 1937; Capt Lyman Whitten, Jun 1940. Assigned to Seventh AF in Feb
1938;Maj Fred Borum, 1939;Capt Murray 194’. Trained with B-18’s; received
E Woodbury, Jan ~ g ;qCapt Theodare Q B-17’s for operations. Flew patrol and
Graff, 2 Sep 1941; Capt Maurice Beach, I search missions off Hawaii after the Japa-
Apr 1;gp; Maj Loren Cornell, I Aug 1942; nese attacked Pearl Harbor. Moved to the
Maj Douglas M Swisher, 30 Aug 1942; Lt New Hebrides in Jul 1942. Became part
Col Boyd R Ertwine, 25 Oct 1942; Lt Col of Thirteenth AF. Struck airfields, supply
Erickson S Nichols, 28 Jan 1943; Lt Col dumps, ships, docks, troop positions, and
Henry P King, 12 May 1943-14 Apr 1 9 4 . other objectives in the South Pacific, Jul-
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. Nov 1942, and received a DUC for those
DECORATIONS. None. operations. Continued operations, attack-
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, ten bendlets or ing Japanese airfields, installations, and
surmounted by a torteau fimbriated of the shipping in the Solomons, until late in
second charged with a wheel winged bend Mar 1943. Returned to Hawaii, reassigned
sinisterwiseof the like. Motto: ALATUM to Seventh AF, and trained with B-24’s.
SERVITIUM-Winged Service. (Ap- Resumed combat in Nov 1943 and par-
proved g Dec 1941.) ticipated in the Allied offensive through
the Gilberts, Marshalls, and Marianas,
while operating from Funafuti, Tarawa,
1 lth BOMBARDMENT GROUP
and Kwajalein. Moved to Guam in Oct
Constituted as 11th Observation Group 1944 and attacked shipping and airfields
in 1933. Redesignated I I th Bombardment in the Volcano and Bonin Islands. Moved
Group (Medium) in 1938. Activated in to Okinawa in Jul 1945 to take part in
the final phases of the air offensive against Col Frank F Everest, Dec 1942; Col Wil-
Japan, bombing railways, airfields, and liam J. Holzapfel Jr, 26 Apr 1943; Col
harbor facilities on Kyushu and striking Russell L. Waldron, 7 Jul 1944; Col John
airfields in China. After the war, flew J Morrow, Mar 1945-c. Dec 1945; Col
reconnaissance and surveillance missions Vincent M Miles Jr, 20 May 1946; Capt
to China and ferried liberated prisoners of Thomas B Ragland Jr, Nov 1946; Capt
war from Okinawa to Luzon. Remained Thomas B Hoxie, 27 Dec 1947-20 Oct
in the theater as part of Far East Air 1948. Maj Russell F Ireland, Dec 1948;
Forces but had no personnel assigned after Lt Col Harry E Goldsworthy, 11 Jan 1949;
mid-Dec 1945 when the group was trans- Col Richard H Carmichael, May 1949;
ferred to the Philippines. Redesignated Col Bertram C Harrison, 4 Mar 1950; Col
11th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) Thomas P Gerrity, 3 Apr 1950-16 Jun
in Apr 1946. Transferred to Guam in May 1952.
1946,remanned, and equipped with B-29's. CAMPAIGNS. Central Pacific; Air Of-
Terminated training and operations in fensive, Japan; Guadalcanal; Northern
Oct 1946. Znactivated on Guam on 20 Solomons; Eastern Mandates; Western
Oct 1948. Pacific ; Ryukyus ; China Offensive.
Redesignated I rth Bombardment Group DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
(Heavy). Activated in the US on I Dec tion: South Pacific, 31 Jul-30 Nov 1942.
1948. Assigned to Strategic Air Com- INSIGNE. Shield: Azure (Air Force
mand. Equipped with B-36 aircraft. blue), on a bend or (Air Force yellow),
Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. three grey geese volant proper (in their
SQUADRONS. Z#h: 1940-1941. 26th: natural colors). Crest: On a wreath or
1940-1948; 1948-1952. 42d: 194-1948; and azure a grey goose proper with wings
1948-1952. 98th: 1941-1948; 1948-1952. displayed and inverted. Motto: PRO-
43ZSt.' 1942-1946. GRESSIO SINE T I M O R E A U T
STATIONS.Hickam Field, TH, I Feb PRAEJUDICIO-Progress without Fear
IWO; New Hebrides, Jul 1942; Hickam or Prejudice. (Approved I I Jun 1941.)
Field, TH, 8 Apr 1943; Funafuti, Nov
1943; Tarawa, 20 Jan 1944; Kwajalein, 5 1l t h PHOTOGRAPHIC GROUP
Apr 1944; Guam, 25 Oct 1944; Okinawa,
2 Jul 1945; Manila, Dec 1945; Guam, May Constituted as I Ith Photographic Group
1946-20 Oct 1948. Carswell AFB, Tex, I (Mapping) on 19 Nov 1943. Activated on
Dec 1948-16 Jun 1952. I Dec 1943. Engaged in photographic
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Walter F Kraus, mapping in the US and sent detachments
Feb 1940; Lt Col St Clair Streett, 15 Jun to carry out similar operations in Africa,
1940;Lt Col Albert F Hegenberger, I Apr the CBI theater, the Near and Middle
1941; Col Laverne G Saunders, Mar 1942; East, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and the
Caribbean. Used B-17, B-24, B-25, AF. Attacked storage areas, motor trans-
B-29, F-2, F-g, F-10, and A-20 aircraft. ports, troop concentrations, airdromes,
Disbanded on 5 Oct 1944. bridges, shipping, marshalling yards, and
SQUADRONS. zst: 1943-1944. 3d: 1943- other targets in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia,
1944. 19th: 1943-1944. Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Crete, Sicily, and
STATIONS.Reading AAFld, Pa, I Dec Italy, Aug 1942-Jan 1944. Supported the
1943; MacDill Field, Fla, Jan-5 C-t 1944. Allied drive from Egypt to Tunisia, Oct
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Thomas D 1g42-Apr 1943. Early in 1943 two squad-
Brown, 8 Jan-5 Oct 1944. rons operated with Twelfth AF, assisting
CAMPAIGNS. None. Allied forces moving eastward across
DECORATIONS. None. North Africa, while the other squadrons
INSIGNE.None. continued operations with Ninth AF,
bombing enemy defenses along the
Mareth Line. Received a DUC for action
12th BOMBARDMENT GROUP against the enemy in North Africa and
Sicily from Oct 1942 to Aug 1943. While
attached to Twelfth AF, Jun-Aug 1943,
the group operated from bases in Tunisia
and Sicily against targets in Pantelleria,
Lampedusa, Sicily, and Italy. Assigned to
Twelfth A F in Aug 1943 and operated
primarily against targets in Italy until Jan
1944. Flew some missions to Albania and
Yugoslavia.
Moved to India, Feb-Apr 1944, and
assigned to Tenth AF. Engaged chiefly
in missions against the enemy in Burma,
Apr 19q-May 1945. Bombed communi-
Constituted as 12th Bombardment
Group (Light) on 20 Nov '1940. Acti- cations, military installations, and other
vated on 15 Jan 1941. Trained with B-18, objectives. Delivered ammunition to
B-23, and PT-17 aircraft. Patrolled the Allied forces at Imphal. Also attacked
west coast after the Japanese attack on some targets in China. Began training
Pearl Harbor. Redesignated 12th Bom- with A-26 aircraft in the summer of 1945.
bardment Group (Medium) in Dec 1941. Returned to the US, Dec 1945-J"" 1946.
Using B-25'~, began training early in 1942 Inactivated on 22 Jan 1946.
for duty overseas. Moved to the Middle Redesignated 12th Bombardment Group
East, jul-Aug 1942, and assigned to Ninth (Light). Activated on 19 May 1947. Not
manned during IgqpI948. Inactivgted A Gayle, 20 Nov 1950; Col Cy Wilson,

on 10 Sep 1948. Feb 1951; Col Charles A Gayle, Apr-16
R e d e s i g n a t e d 12th Fighter-Escort Jun 1952.
Group. Activated on I Nov 1950. As- CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME Thea-
signed to Strategic Air Command. ter; Egypt-Libya; Tunisia; Sicily ; Naples-
Trained with F-84’s. Znactivated on 16 Foggia; Rome-Arno; India-Burma; China
Jun 1952. Defensive ; Central Burma.
SQUADRONS. 8zst: 1941-1946; 1947-1948. DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
82d: 1941-1946; 1947-1948. 83d: 1941- tion: North Africa and Sicily, Oct 1942-
1946; 1947-1948. 434th (formerly 94th) : I 7 Aug 1943.
1941-1943, 1942-1946. 559th: 1950-1952. INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a sword point
560th: 1950-1952. 561st: 1950-1952. to base or, hilt flamant proper; a bordure
STATIONS.McChord Field, Wash, 15 gyronny of twelve of the second and the
Jan 1941;Esler Field, La, c. 21 Feb-3 Jul first. Motto: SPIRITUS OMNIA VIN-
1942; Deversoir, Egypt, c. 31 Jul 1942; CET-The Spirit Conquers All. ( A p
Egypt and Libya, Oct 1942; Medenine, proved 3 Feb 1942.)
Tunisia, 3 Apr 1943; Sfax, Tunisia, c. 15
Apr 1943; Hergla, Tunisia, 2 Jun 1943; 13th BOMBARDMENT GROUP
Ponte Olivo, Sicily, c. 2 Aug 1943; Ger-
bini, Sicily, c. 22 Aug 1943; Foggia, Italy, Constituted as 13th Bombardment
c. 2 Nov 1943; Gaudo Airfield, Italy, 19 Group (Medium) on 20 Nov 1940. Acti-
vated on 15 Jan 1941. After the US en-
-
J a n 4 Feb 1944;Tezgaon, India, c. 21 Mar
1944; Pandaveswar, India, 13 Jun 1944; tered the war the group searched for
Fenny, India, 16 Jul 194.1; Pandaveswar, enemy U-boats and covered friendly con-
India, 8 Jun 1945;Karachi, India, 15 Nov- voys off the east coast of the US. Served
24 Dec 1945;Ft Lawton, Wash, 21-22 Jan with First AF and later with AAF Anti-
1946. Langley Field, Va, 19 May 1947-
10 Sep 1948. Turner AFB, Ga, I Nov
1950; Bergstrom AFB, Tex, Dec 1950-16
Jun 1952.
COMMANDERS. Unkn, Jan-May 1941;
Col Charles G Goodrich, 6 May 1941;
Col Edward N Backus, 16 Sep 1942; Lt
Col William W Wilcox, 21 Sep 1943; Col
Lloyd H Dalton Jr, c. 29 Sep 1944; Lt Col
Samuel C Galbreath, 4 Sep 1945; Lt Col
Lewis B Wilson, 23 Sep 1945-22 Jan 1946.
Capt H Carney, Nov 1950; Col Charles
submarine Command, using B-18, B-25,

and A-29 aircraft for operations. Inacti-
vated on 30 Nov 1942.
SQUADRONS. 3d Antisubmarine (for-
merly 39th Bombardment) : 1941-1942.
4t./2 Antisubmarine (formerly 40th Bom-
bardment) : 1941-1942. 5th Antisubma-
rine (formerly 41st Bombardment) : 1941-
1942. 6th Antisubmarine (formerly 393d
Bombardment) : 1942.
STATIONS.Langley Field, Va, 15 Jan
1941; Orlando, Fla, c. 6 Jun 1941; West-
over Field, Mass, 20 Jan-30 Nov 1942. Eighth AF in Oct 1942, escorting bombers
COMMANDERS. Brig Gen Westside T to targets in France. Arrived in North
Larson, 21 Jan 1941; Col Walter G Bryte Africa shortly after the campaign for
Jr, c. 4 Mar 1942; Col John G Fowler, c. 2 Algeria and French Morocco (8-11 Nov
May-c. Nov 1942. 1942) had ended, and remained in the
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American Mediterranean theater until the end of the
Theater. war, being assigned first to Twelfth AF
DECORATIONS. None. and later (Nov 1943) to Fifteenth.
INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend azure and or, Flew escort, strafing, and reconnaissance
a sword point to base with wings displayed missions from the middle of Nov 1942
and inverted argent, that portion to base to late in Jan 1943 and then withdrew
fimbriated of the first. Motto: ALERT from combat, some of the men and
DAY OR NIGHT. (Approved 2 Jan planes being reassigned. Resumed op-
1942.1 erations in May. Flew dive-bombing
missions during the Allied assault on Pan-
14th FIGHTER GROUP telleria. Helped prepare for and support
the invasions of Sicily and Italy. Engaged
Constituted as 14th Pursuit Group primarily in escort work after Nov 1943,
(Fighter) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on flying many missions to cover bombers en-
15 Jan INI. Trained with P-40's and gaged in long-range operations against
P-43's. Converted to P-38's, which were strategic objectives in Italy, France, Ger-
used in flying patrols on the west coast of many, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary,
the US after the Japanese attack on Pearl Yugoslavia, Rumania, and Bulgaria. Re-
Harbor. Redesignated 14th Fighter ceived a DUC for a mission on 2 Apr 1944
Group in May 1942. Moved to England, when the group, by beating off attacks by
Jul-Aug 1942. Began operations with enemy fighters, enabled bombers to strike
important ball-bearing works in Austria. Lt Col Troy Keith, 28 Jan 1943; Col Oliver
Also provided escort for reconnaissance B Taylor, 26 Sep 1943; Col Daniel S
operations, supported the invasion of Campbell, 18 Jul 1944; Col Thomas B
Southern France in Aug 1944, and on Whitehouse, Mar 1g45-unkn. Lt Col
numerous occasions flew long-range mis- Lewis W Chick Jr, 24 Dec 1946; Col Lor-
sions to strafe and dive-bomb motor ing F Stetson Jr, 7 Jan 1948;Col George A
vehicles, trains, bridges, supply areas, air- McHenry, Jul 1949; Lt Col Arvie E Olson
dromes, and troop concentrations in an Jr, Aug 1g4g-unkn. Col Harry L Down-
area extending from France to the Bal- ing, 1955-.
kans. Znactivated in Italy on g Sep 1945. CAMPAIGNS.Air Combat, EAME
Activated in the US on 20 Nov 1946. Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Tunisia;
Equipped first with P-47’s and later with Sicily ; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno ; Nor-
F-84’s. Inactivated on 2 Oct 1949. mandy; Northern France; Southern
Redesignated 14th Fighter Group (Air France; North Apennines; Rhineland ;
Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955. As- Central Europe; Po Valley.
signed to Air Defense Command and DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Ci-
equipped with F-86 aircraft. tation: Austria, 2 Apr 1944.
SQUADRONS. 37th: 1943-1945 ; 1946- INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend argent and
1949; I955-. 48th: 1941-1945 ; 1946-1949. sable. Motto: T O FIGHT T O DEATH.
49th: 1941-1945; 1946-1949. 50th: 1941- (Approved 17 Jun 1942.)
1942.
STATIONS. Hamilton Field, Calif, 15 Jan 15th FIGHTER GROUP
1941; March Field, Calif, c. 10 Jun 1941;
Hamilton Field, Calif, 7 Feb-16 Jul 1942; Constituted as 15th Pursuit Group
Atcham, England, 18 Aug-Nov 1942; (Fighter) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated in
Tafaraoui, Algeria, 15 Nov 1942; Maison Hawaii on I Dec 1940. Redesignated 15th
Blanche, Algeria, 18 Nov 1942; Youks-les-
Bains, Algeria, 22 Nov 1942; Berteaux, Al-
geria, g Jan 1943; Mediouna, French Mo-
rocco, 5 Mar 1943; Telergma, Algeria, 5
\
May 1943; El Bathan, Tunisia,,3 Jun 1943;

-
Ste-Marie-&-Zit, Tunisia, 25 Jul 1943;
Triolo Airfield, Italy, 12 Dec 1943; Lesina,
Italy, Sep-g Sep 1945. Dow Field, Maine,
20 Nov 1946-2 Oct 1949. Ethan Allen
AFB, Vt, 18 Aug 1g55-.
COMMANDERS. 1st Lt Troy Keith, 15
Jan 1941;Col Thayer S Olds, 18 Apr 1941;
Pursuit Group (Interceptor) in Feb 1942, tories, gun positions, and hangars in the
and 15th Fighter Group in May 1942. Bonins and Japan. Assigned to Twenti-
Served as part of the defense force for the eth AF during the summer of 1945. Con-
Hawaiian Islands, using A-12, OA-g, tinued its fighter sweeps against Japanese
B-12, P-36, P-39, and P-40 aircraft. The airfields and other targets, and flew long-
Japanese attack on Hawaii on 7 Dec 1941 range escort missions to Japanese cities
caused numerous casualties in the group until the end of the war. Transferred,
and destroyed many of its aircraft; never- without personnel and equipment, in Nov
theless, during the raid several of the 1945 to Hawaii, where the group was re-
group’s pilots succeeded in taking off and manned and re-equipped. Inactivated on
in destroying some enemy planes, includ- 15 Oct 1946.
ing four shot down by Lt George Welch Redesignated 15th Fighter Group (Air
and two credited to Lt Kenneth M Taylor. Defense). Activated in the US on 18 Aug
Afterward the group, which was re- 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command.
manned, reorganized, and assigned to SQUADRONS. 6th: 1943-1944. 12th:
Seventh AF, remained part of the Ha- 1942. 18th: 1943-1944. 45th: 1940-1946.
waiian defense system. Sent squadrons 46th: 1940-1944. 47th: 1940-1946; 1955-.
(including some that had been attached) 78th: 1943-1946.
to the Central or South Pacific at various STATIONS.Wheeler Field, TH, I Dec
times for operations against the Japanese. 1940; Bellows Field, TH, 3 Jun 1944-5
Began training in Apr 1944 for very-long- Feb 1945; South Field, Iwo Jima, 6 Mar
range escort missions. Obtained P-51 air- 1945; Bellows Field, TH, 25 Nov 1945;
craft late in 1944. Moved to Iwo Jima in Wheeler Field, TH, 9 Feb-15 Oct 1946.
Feb 1945. Supported the invasion force Niagara Falls Mun Aprt, NY, 18 Aug
on Iwo early in Mar by bombing and
1955-.
strafing trenches, cave entrances, troop
COMMANDERS. Maj Clyde K Rich, I Dec
concentrations, and storage areas. Began
1940; Maj Lorry N Tindal, 6 Dec 1940;
strikes against enemy airfields, shipping,
Lt Col Paul W Blanchard, 20 Sep 1941; Lt
and military installations in the Bonin
Islands by the middle of Mar. Flew its Col William S Steele, 12 Feb 1942; Lt Col
first mission to Japan on 7 Apr 1945, re- Sherwood E Buckland, 5 Mar 1943; Col
ceiving a DUC for escorting BS29’s that James 0 Beckwith Jr, 27 Sep 1943; Lt Col
bombed the Nakajima aircraft plant near DeWitt S Spain, 16 Apr 1945; Lt Col
Tokvo. Struck Tapanese airfields on
- a
Julian E Thomas, 17 May 1945; Col John
Kyushu late in Apr and early in May 1945 W Mitchell, 21 Jul 1945; Col William
to curtail the enemy’s suicide attacks Eades, c. Nov 1945; Coi Oswald W Lunde,
against the invasion force at Okinawa. 25 Nov 1945-15 Oct 1946. Col Stanley E
Also hit enemy troop trains, small fac- Matthews, 1955-.
CAMPAIGNS. Central Pacific; Air Of- STATIONSDalhart AAFld, Tex, I Apr
fensive, Japan. 1944; Fairmont AAFld, Neb, 15 Aug
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- 19447 Mar 1945; Northwest Field, Guam,
tion: Japan, 7 Apr 1945. 14 Apr 1945-15 Apr 1946.
INSIGNE.Shield: Or, on a bend azure, COMMANDERS. Unkn, Apr-Jun 1944;
two (2) terrestrial lightning flashes issuant
Capt William W Hosler Jr, 24 Jun 1944;
from base of the first, over all a gunsightMaj Richard W Lavin, I Jul 1944; Col
counterchanged. Motto : PROSEQUOR Samuel C Gurney Jr, 11 Jul 1944; Lt Col
ALIS-I Pursue with Wings. (Approved Andre F Castellotti, 11 Jul 1945-1946.
5 Oct 1942.) CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Japan;
Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
16th BOMBARDMENT GROUP DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
tion: Japan, 29 Jul-6 Aug 1945.
Constituted as 16th Bombardment INSIGNE.None.
Group (Very Heavy) on 28 Mar 1944.
Activated on I Apr 1944. Trained for 16th FIGHTER GROUP
combat with B-29's. Moved to Guam,
Mar-Apr 1945, and assigned to Twentieth Authorized on the inactive list as 16th
AF. Entered combat on 16 Jun 1945 with Pursuit Group on 24 Mar 1923. Acti-
a bombing raid against an airfield on vated in the Panama Canal Zone on I Dec
Moen. Flew first mission against the 1932. Served as a part of the defense force
Japanese home islands on 26 Jun 1945 and for the canal. Used various types of air-
afterwards operated principally against craft, including P-IZ'S,P-26's, P-36's, and
the enemy's petroleum industry. Flying
unescorted in the face of severe enemy at-
tack, the 16th bombed the oil refinery at
Shimotsu, the Mitsubishi refinery and oil
installations at Kawasaki, and the coal
liquefaction plants at Ube, Jul-Aug 1945,
and was awarded a DUC for the missions.
After the war the group dropped food and
supplies to Allied prisoners gf war in
Japan, Manchuria, and Korea, and partici-
pated in several show-of-force missions
over Japan. Znactiuated on Guam on 15
Apr 1946.
SQUADRONS. zsth: 1944-1946. 16th:
1944-1946. 17th: 1944-1946. zzst: 1944.
P-39’s, prior to World War 11; equipped

with P-40’s in 1941. Redesignated 16th
Pursuit Group (Interceptor) in 1939, and
16th Fighter Group in 1942. Disbanded
in the Canal Zone on I Nov 1943.
SQUADRONS. 2#h: 1932’1943. 29th.’
1933-1943. 43d: 1940-1943. 44th: 1938-
1939. 74th: 1934-1938. 78th: 1932-1937.
STATIONS. Albrook Field, CZ, I Dec
1932-1 NOV1943.
COMMANDERS. Unkn, 1932-1933; Maj
Robert L Walsh, c. 2 Sep 1933-c. 14 Aug
1935; Lt Col Willis H Hale, c. 11 Jul
1938-c. 8 Aug 1939; Maj Arthur L Bump,
c. 193g-c. Feb 1941 ;Capt Roger J Browne,
24 Feb 1941; Lt Col Otto P Weyland, 20 p-26 (1931-1934, A-I7 (1933-19391, and
May 1941 ; Lt Col Philip B Klein, 10 AprB-18 (1940-1941) aircraft. Used B-25’~
1942; Lt Col Hiette S Williams Jr, Sep for patrol duty on the west coast after the
1942; Maj James K Johnson, 1943; Maj Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and later
Erwin Bishop Jr, 25 Sep 1943-unkn. patrolled the Gulf of Mexico and the At-
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. lantic coast. Converted to B-26’s in the
DECORATIONS. None. summer of 1942.
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, four lightning Moved to North Africa late in 1942 and
flashes bendwise or. Crest: On a wreath began operations on 30 Dec. Served in
combat in the Mediterranean theater until
of the colors (or and azure) a portcullis
or. Motto: PURGAMUS COELUM- the end of the war, being assigned first to
We Clear the Skies. (Approved 4 Dec Twelfth AF, then to Fifteenth (Nov
1934.) 1943), and again to Twelfth (Jan 1944).
Flew interdictory and close-support mis-
17th BOMBARDMENT GROUP sions, bombing bridges, rail lines, mar-
shalling yards, harbors, shipping, gun em-
Authorized as 17th Observation Group placements, troop concentrations, and
on 18 Oct 1927. Redesignated 17th Pur- other targets. Helped to bring about the
suit Group in 1929. Activated on 15 Jul defeat of Axis forces in North Africa in
1931. Redesignated 17th Attack Group May 1943; assisted in the reduction of Pan-
in 1935, and 17th Bombardment Group telleria and Lampedusa in Jun 1943; par-
(Medium) in 1939. Trained and participated in the invasions of Sicily in Jul
ticipated in maneuvers, using P-IZ and and of Italy in Sep 1943; and took part in
the drive toward Rome, receiving a DUC Field, La, 23 Jun-Nov 1942; Telergma,
for a bombing attack on airdromes at Algeria, Dec 1942; Sedrata, Algeria, c. 10
Rome on 13 Jan I N . Also received the May 1943; Djedeida, Tunisia, 23 Jun 1943;
French Croix de Guerre with Palm for Sardinia, Nov 1943; Corsica, c. 14 Sep
operations in Italy, Apr-Jun 1944. Took 1944; Dijon, France, c. 20 Nov I W ; Hor-
part in the invasion of Southern France sching, Austria, Jun 1945; Clastres, France,
in Aug 1944,and continued bombardment c. 3 Oct-Nov 1945; Camp Myles Standish,
operations in northern Italy, France, and Mass, Nov-26 Nov 1945. Langley Field,
later in Germany. Received second DUC Va, 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. Pusan,
for bombing attacks on enemy defenses Korea, 10 May 1952; Miho, Japan, 10 Oct
near Schweinfurt on 10 Apr 1945. As- 1954-16 Mar 1955; Eglin AF Aux Field
sisted in the disarmament of Germany aft- No 9, Apr '955-.
er V-E Day. Returned to the US in Nov. COMMANDERS. Capt Frank O'D Hun-
Znactivated on 26 Nov 1945. ter, 193x-unkn; Lt Col Walter R Peck,
Redesignated 17th Bombardment Group Mar 1941; L; Col William C Mills, Feb
(Light). Activated on 19 May 1947. Ap- 1942; Lt Col Flint Garrison, 16 Jun 1942;
parently did not become operative. Zn- Lt Col Curtis D Sluman, 26 Jun 1942; Lt
activated on 10 Sep 1948. Col Karl E Baumeister, 11 Mar 1943; Lt
Activated in Korea on 10 May 1952. Col Charles R Greening, 25 May 1943; Lt
Assigned to Far East Air Forces and Col Robert A Zaiser, 18 Jul 1943; Col
equipped with B-26's for service in the Donald L Gilbert, 14 Oct 1943; Col R 0
Korean War. Engaged in interdiction Harrell, 21 Jul 1944; Col Wallace C Bar-
and provided close support for U N ground rett, 20 Mar 1945; Lt Col Stanford W
forces until the armistice in Jul 1953. Gregory, I Jun 1945-unkn. Unkn, 1947-
Moved to Japan in Oct 1954; returned to 1948. Col James D Kemp, 10 May 1952;
the US, Mar-Apr 1955. Assigned to Tac- Col William C Lindley Jr, 11 Jul 1952;
tical Air Command and equipped with Col Robert E Keating, 14 Feb 1953; Col
B-57 aircraft. Redezignated 17th Bom- Gordon D Timmons, 8 Apr 1953; Col
bardment Group (Tactical) in Oct 1955. George D Hughes, 1954; Col Norton W
SQUADRONS. 34th: 1931-1945; 1947- Sanders, 1954-.
1948; 1952-. 37th: 1931-1945; 1947-1948; CAMPAIGNS.World War ZZ: Antisub-
1952-. 73d: 1947-1948; 1952-. 95th: marine, American Theater; Air Combat,
1931-1945; 1947-194; I952-. 432d: 1942- EAME Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-
1945- Foggia ; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern
STATIONS. March Field, Calif, 15 Jul France; North Apennines; Rhineland;
1931;McChord Field, Wash, 24 Jun 1940; Central Europe. Korean War: Korea
Pendleton, Ore, 29 Jun 1941; Lexington Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Win-
County Aprt, SC, 9 Feb 1942; Barksdale ter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953.
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- in joint Army-Navy maneuvers, using

tions: Italy, 13 Jan 1944; Schweinfurt, Ger- DH-4, PW-g, P-12, P-26, P-36, and other
many, 10 Apr 1945; Korea, I Dec 1952-30 aircraft. When the Japanese attacked
Apr 1953. French Croix de Guerre with Pearl Harbor on 7 Dec 1941, the group,
Palm: Apr, May, and Jun 1944. Republic which had recently converted to P-qO’S,
of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 24 sustained severe losses. The two planes
May 1952-31 Mar 1953. that its pilots were able to get into the air
INSIGNE.Shield: Or, seven crosses pat- during the attack were quickly shot down.
tee in pale sable. Crest: On a wreath of the The group, assigned to Seventh AF in Feb
colors (or and sable) a griffin rampant of 1942, had to be re-equipped before it could
the first, beaked, fore-legged and winged resume training and begin patrol missions.
of the second, and langued gules. Motto: Moved to the South Pacific in Mar 1943.
TOUJOURS AU DANGER-Ever Into Assigned to Thirteenth AF. Began op-
Danger. (Approved 19 Jan 1934.) erations from Guadalcanal. Flew protec-
tive patrols over US bases in the Solomons;
18th FIGHTER GROUP later, escorted bombers to the Bismarcks,
supported ground forces on Bougainville,
Organized as 18th Pursuit Group in Ha-
and attacked enemy airfields and installa-
waii in Jan 1927. Redesignated 18th Pur-
tions in the northern Solomons and New
suit Group (Interceptor) in 1939, and 18th
Britain. Used P-38, P-39, P-61, and P 7 0
Fighter Group in 1942. Before World
aircraft. Moved to New Guinea in Aug
War I1 the group engaged in routine fly-
1944. Equipped with P-38’s. Escorted
ing and gunnery training and participated
bombers to targets in the southern Philip-
pines and Borneo, and attacked enemy
airfields and installations in the Nether-
lands Indies. Received a DUC for actions
at Ormoc Bay: on 10 Nov 1944 the group
withstood intense flak and vigorous oppo-
sition from enemy interceptors to attack a
Japanese convoy that was attempting to
bring in additional troops for use against
American forces that had landed on Leyte;
on the following day a few of the group’s
planes returned to the same area, engaged
a large force of enemy fighters, and de-
stroyed a number of them. Moved to
the Philippines in Jan 1945. Supported
ground forces on Luzon and Borneo, at-
tacked shipping in the central Philippines, Aug 1944; Lingayen, Luzon, c. 13 Jan
covered landings on Palawan, attacked 1945; San Jose, Mindoro, c. I Mar 1945;
airfields and railways on Formosa, and Zamboanga; Mindanao, 4 May 1945; Pala-
escorted bombers to such widely-scattered wan, 10 Nov 1945; Floridablanca, Luzon,
targets as Borneo, French Indochina, and Mar 1946; Clark Field, Luzon, 16 Sep
Formosa. 1947; Taegu, Korea, 28 Jul 1950; Ashiya,
Remained in the Philippines as part of Japan, 8 Aug 1950; Tongnae, Korea, 8
Far East Air Forces after the war. Flew Sep 1950; Pyongyang, Korea, c. 21 Nov
patrols and trained with F-80’s. Lost all 1950; Suwon, Korea, I Dec 1950; Chinhae,
personnel in Mar 1947 but was remanned Korea, 9 Dec 1950; Hoengsong, Korea, 26
in Sep 1947. Equipped first with F-47’~, Dec 1952; Osan-Ni, Korea, 11 Jan 1953;
later with F-~I’s,and still later (1949) Kadena AB, Okinawa, I Nov 1954-.
with F-80’s. Redesignated 18th Fighter- COMMANDERS. Unkn, 1927-1940; Maj
Bomber Group in Jan 1950. Kenneth M Walker, 22 Mar 1940; Maj
Moved to Korea in Jul 1950 and entered William R Morgan, 1941;Lt Col Aaron W
combat, using F-51’s. Supported UN Tyer, Dec 1941; Lt Col W H Councill, 10
ground forces and attacked enemy instal- Dec 1943; Col Milton B Adams, 8 Jul1944;
lations and supply lines. Maj Louis J Col Harry L Donicht, 24 May 1945; Lt Col
Sebille was posthumously awarded the Bill Harris, I Aug 1945; Lt Col Wilbur J
Medal 9f Honor for his action on 5 Aug Grumbles, 18 Oct 1945-unkn; Col Victor
1950: although his plane was badly dam- R Haugen, 1946; Col Homer A Boushey,
aged by flak while attacking a concentra- 7 Aug 1946-Mar 1947; Maj Kenneth M
tion of enemy trucks, Maj Sebille con- Taylor, 16 Sep 1947; Lt Col Joseph J Kru-
tinued his strafing passes until he crashed zel, I Oct 1947; Col Marion Malcolm, 3
into an armored vehicle. The group con- Sep 1948;Lt Col Henry H Norman Jr, 24
verted to F-86‘s early in 1953 and remained Jul 1949; Col Ira L Wintermute, 16 Jun
in Korea for some time after the war. 1950; Lt Col Homer M Cox, 20 Feb 1951;
Moved to Okinawa in Nov 1954. Col William P McBride, May 1951; Col
SQUADRONS. 6th: 1927-1943. 12th: Ralph H Saltsman Jr, 5 Jun 1951; Col Sey-
I943-. 19th.’ 1927-1943. 36th: 1931-1932. mour M Levenson, 30 Nov 1951;( 3 1 Shel-
#h: 1941-1942, I943-. 55th: 1931. don S Brinson, 17 May 1952; Lt G l Albert
67th: 1g45-. 68th: 1945-. 70th: 1943-1945. J Freund Jr, 25 Nov 1952; Col Maurice L
73d: 1929-1931, 1941-1942. 74th: 1929- Martin, 24 Jan 1953; Lt Col Edward L
1932. 78th: 1940-1943. 333d: 1942-1943. Rathbun, 17 Dec 1953; Col John H Buck-
419th: 1943-1944. ner, I Feb 1954; Lt Col Edward L Rath-
STATIONS. Wheeler Field, TH, Jan 1927; bun, 24 May 1954; Lt Col Clifford P Pat-
Espiritu Santo, 11 Mar 1943; Guadalcanal, ton, 17 Aug 1954; Col Nathan J Adams,
17 Apr 1943; Sansapor, New Guinea, 21 7 Sep 1954;Col Tohn B Murohv. I Nov
1954; Lt Col Clifford P Patton, 10 Nov

1954; Col Paul E Hoeper, I Jan 1955; Lt
Col Joseph E Andres, 22 Jul 1955; Col Leo
C Moon, 21 Nov 1g55-.
CAMPAIGNS.World War ZZ: Central
Pacific; China Defensive; New Guinea;
Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archi-
pelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon;
Southern Philippines. Korean War: UN
Defensive ; UN Offensive; CCF Interven-
tion; 1st UN Counteroffensive; CCF
Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall Of-
fensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea
Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Win-
ter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953.
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- B-18’s, and still later (in 1941) with B-17’s.
tions: Philippine Islands, 10-11 Nov 1944; Moved to the Philippine Islands, Sep-Nov
Korea, 3 Nov 1950-24 Jan 1951;Korea, 22 1941.
Apr-8 Jul 1951. Philippine Presidential On 7 Dec 1941 (8 Dec in the Philip-
Unit Citation. Republic of Korea Presi- pines), when the Japanese first attacked
dential Unit Citations: 24 Jul 1950-31 Jan Clark Field, the group suffered numerous
1951; I Feb 1951-31 Mar 1953. casualties and lost many planes. The
INSIGNE.Shield: Or, a fighting cock
93d squadron, however, was on maneuvers
with wings displayed sable wattled and
at Del Monte and therefore missed the
combed gules. Crest: On a wreath or and
attack. S.upplies and headquarters were
sable two wings conjoined and displayed
tenne (orange). Motto: UNGUIBUS ET hastily moved from Clark Field to com-
ROSTRO-With Talons and Beak. ( A p paratively safe points nearby, and planes
proved 21 Feb 1931.) that had not been too heavily damaged
were given emergency repairs and dis-
19th BOMBARDMENT GROUP patched to Del Monte. There the 19th
began reconnaissance and bombardment
Authorized as 19th Observation Group operations against Japanese shipping and
on 18 Oct 1927. Redesignated 19th Bom- landing parties. Sustaining heavy losses,
bardment Group in 1929. Activated on the group ceased these actions after about
24 Jun 1932. Redesignated 19th Bom- two weeks, and the ground personnel
bardment Group (Heavy) in 1939. joined infantry units in fighting the in-
Equipped first with B-IO’S, later with vaders. Some of the men were evacuated,
66 AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS O F WORLD WAR I1
some escaped, but most were either killed he maintained his position in the forma-
or captured. tion and withstood enemy attacks until his
Meanwhile, late in Dec 1941 the air bombs had been released on the objective;
echelon moved to Australia to transport in the air battle that continued after the
medical and other supplies to the Philip- bombers left the target, Capt Pease’s air-
pine Islands and evacuate personnel from craft fell behind the formation and was
that area. The men in Australia moved lost. The group returned to the US late
to Java at the end of 1941 and, flying B-17, in 1942 and served as a replacement train-
LB-30, and B-24 aircraft, earned a DUC ing unit. Inactivated on I Apr 1944.
for the group by attacking enemy aircraft, Redesignated 19th Bombardment Group
ground installations, warships, and trans- (Very Heavy). Activated on I Apr 1944.
ports during the Japanese drive through Trained for combat with B-29’s. Moved
the Philippines and Netherlands Indies to Guam, Dec 1944-Feb 1945, for duty
early in 1942. The men returned to Aus- with Twentieth AF. Entered combat on
tralia from Java early in Mar 1942, and 12 Feb 1945 with an attack against a Japa-
later that month the group evacuated nese airfield on Rota. Flew its first mis-
Gen Douglas MacArthur, his family, and sion against the Japanese home islands by
key members of his staff from the Philip- striking Tokyo on 25 Feb 1945. Con-
pines to Australia. After a brief rest the ducted daylight raids against strategic ob-
group resumed combat operations, par- jectives, bombing aircraft factories, chemi-
ticipating in the Battle of the Coral Sea cal plants, oil refineries, and other targets
and raiding Japanese transportation, com- in Japan. Participated in incendiary
munications, and ground forces during thc operations, receiving one DUC for its low-
enemy’s invasion of Papua. From 7 to 12
altitude attacks on the urban industrial
Aug 1942 the 19th bombed airdromes,
areas of Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, and Osaka,
ground installations, and shipping near
in Mar 1945, and another DUC for strik-
Rabaul, New Britain, being awarded
ing the industrial section of Kobe on 5
another DUC for these missions. Capt
Jun. Struck airfields from which the
Harl Pease Jr was posthumously awarded
enemy was launching kamikaze planes
the Medal of Honor for his actions during
67 Aug 1942: when one engine of his against the invasion force at Okinawa,
bomber failed during a mission over New Apr-May 1945. Dropped supplies to Al-
Britain, Capt Pease returned to Australia lied prisoners and took part in show-of-
to obtain another plane; unable to find force missions over Japan after the war.
one fit for combat, he selected the most Remained overseas as part of Far East Air
serviceable plane at the base and rejoined Forces. Trained, participated in sea-
his squadron for an attack on a Japanese search operations, and flew photographic-
airdrome near Rabaul; by skillful flying mapping missions. Redesignated 19th
Bombardment Group (Medium) in Aug Col James T Connally, 15 Apr 1942; Lt

1948- Col Richard N Carmichael, 10 Jul 1942;
On 28 Jun 1950 the group flew its first Lt Col Felix M Hardison, I Jan 1943; Lt
mission against the North Korean forces Col Elbert Helton, 13 Feb 1943; Col Louie
that had invaded the Republic of Korea. P Turner, 5 May 1943; Lt Col Frank P
It moved to Okinawa early in Jul1950 and Sturdivant, 27 Jan 1944; Col Bernard T
continued operations against the enemy Castor, 11 Feb-1 Apr 1944. Maj Joseph
until 1953. Targets included troops, s u p H Selliken, 28 Apr 1944; COl John G Fow-
ply dumps, airfields, steel mills, hydro- ler, 20 May 1944; Lt Col John C Wilson,
electric plants, and light metal industries. 29 May 1944; Lt Col Philip L Mathewson,
Inactivated on Okinawa on I Jun 1953. 30 Jun 1944; Col John A Roberts Jr, 16 Jul
SQUADRONS. Z#h: 1941-1942. 23d: 1944; Lt Col George T Chadwell, Sep
1935-1938. 28th: 1941-1944; 1944-1953. 1945; Col Vincent M Miles Jr, I Mar 1946;
30th: 1932-1944; 1944-1953. 32d: 1932- Col Elbert D Reynolds, 13 Apr 1946; Col
1941. 76th: 1932-1936. 93d: 19391944; David Wade, 26 Apr 1947; COl Francis C
1944-1953. 435th: (formerly 40th) : 1941- Shoemaker, 8 Nov 1947; Col Robert V
'944. DeShazo, 2 Dec 1947; Lt Col Clarence G
STATIONS. Rockwell Field, Calif, 24 Jun Poff, 1949; Col Theodore Q Graff, 17 Sep
1932; March Field, Calif, 25 Oct 1935; 1949; Col Payne Jennings, 26 Sep 1950;
Albuquerque, NM, 7 Jul-29 Sep 1941; Col Donald 0 Tower, 29 Mar 1951; Col
Clark Field, Luzon, 23 Oct 1941; Batche- Adam K Breckenridge, 26 Jul 1951; Col
lor, Australia, 24 Dec 1941;Singosari, Java, Julian M Bleyer, 6 Feb 1952; Col Willard
30 Dec 1941; Melbourne, Australia, 2 Mar W Smith, 8 Jul 1952; Col Harvey C Dor-
1942; Garbutt Field, Australia, 18 Apr ney, 24 Dec 1952-1 Jun 1953.
1942; Longreach, Australia, 18 May 1942; CAMPAIGNS. World War ZZ: American
Mareeba, Australia, 24 Jul-23 Oct 1942; Theater; Philippine Islands; East Indies;
Pocatello, Idaho, 9 Dec 1942; Pyote AAB, Air Offensive, Japan ; Papua; Guadal-
Tex, I Jan 1943-1 Apr 1944. Great Bend #anal; Western Pacific. Korean War:
AAFld, Kan, I Apr? Dec 1944; North UN Defensive; UN Ofiensive; CCF In-
Field, Guam, 16 Jan 1945; Kadena, Oki- tervention; 1st UN Counteroffensive; CCF
nawa, 5 Jul 1950-1 Jun 1953. Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall Of-
COMMANDERS.Lt Col Harold M Mc- fensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea
Clelland, c. 24 Jun 1932-1934; Col Harvey Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Win-
S Burwell, 1939; Col Eugene L Eubank, 2 ter ; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953.
Apr 1940; Maj David R Gibbs, 10 Dec DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
1941; Maj Emmett O'Donneli Jr, 12 Dec tions: Philippine Islands, 7 Dec 1941-10
1941; Lt Col Cecil E Combs, Jan 1942; Lt May 1942; Philippine Islands, 8-22 Dec
Col Kenneth B Hobson, 14 Mar 1942; Lt 1941; Philippine Islands and Netherlands
68 AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR II
Indies, I Jan-1 Mar 1942; Philippine Pursuit Group (Fighter) in 1939, 20th
Islands, 6 Jan-8 Mar 1942; Papua, 23 Jul- Pursuit Group (Interceptor) in 1941, and
[Oct 19421; New Britain, 7-12 Aug 1942; 20th Fighter Group in 1942. Equipped
Japan, g-19 Mar 1945; Kobe, Japan, 5 Jun successively with P-12, P-26, and P-36
1945; Korea, 28 Jun-15 Sep 1950. Philip- aircraft prior to World War 11; used P-
pine Presidential Unit Citation. Repub 39’s and P-q’s during the early part of
lic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: the war; converted to P-38’s in Jan 1943.
7 Jul 195*[1953I* Traified, participated in maneuvers and
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, within the tactical exercises, and took part in aerial
square of the constellation of Pegasus, a reviews and demonstrations during the
winged sword, point to base, all or. Crest: period 1930-1939. Provided personnel for
On a wreath of the colors (or and azure) and helped to train new units during
an osprey guardant, rising, wings elevated 1940-1941. Served as an air defense or-
and addorsed proper. Motto: IN ALIS ganization after the Japanese attack on
VINCIMUS-On Wings We Conquer. Pearl Harbor. Began intensive training
(Approved 19 Oct 1936.) late in 1942 for combat duty overseas.
Moved to England in Aug 1943 and be-
20th FIGHTER GROUP came part of Eighth AF. Entered combat
with P-38’s late in Dec 1943 and for sev-
Authorized on the inactive list as 20th eral months was engaged primarily in
Balloon Group on 18 Oct 1927. Redesig- escorting heavy and medium bombers to
nated 20th Pursuit Group in 1929. Acti- targets on the Continent. Frequently
vated on 15 Nov 1930. Redesignated 20th strafed targets of opportunity while on
escort missions. Retained escort as its
primary function until the end of the war,
but in Mar 1944 began to fly fighter-bom-
ber missions, which became almost as fre-
quent as escort operations. Strafed and
dive-bombed airfields, trains, vehicles,
barges, tugs, bridges, flak positions, gun
emplacements, barracks, radio stations,
and other targets in France, Belgium, and
Germany. Became known as the “Loco
Group” because of its numerous and suc-
cessful attacks on locomotives. Received
a DUC for performance on 8 Apr 1g44
when the group struck airfields in central
Germany and then, after breaking up an
attack by enemy interceptors, proceeded 1955. 78th: 1931-1932. 79th: 1933-1945;

to hit railroad equipment, oil facilities, 1946-1955. 87th: 1935-1936.
power plants, factories, and other targets. STATIONS. Mather Field, Calif, 15 Nov
Flew patrols over the Channel during the 1930; Barksdale Field, La, Oct 1932; Mof-
invasion of Normandy in Jun 1944. Sup- fett Field, Calif, Nov 1939; Hamilton
ported the invasion force later that month Field, Calif, Sep 1940; Wilmington, NC,
by escorting bombers that struck inter- c. 2 Feb. 1942; Morris Field, NC, Apr
dictory targets in France, Belgium, and 1942; Paine Field, Wash, Sep 1942; March
Holland, and by attacking troops, trans- Field, Calif, Jan-c. 11 Aug 1943; Kings
portation targets, and airfields. Converted Cliffe, England, c. 26 Aug 1943-c. 11 Oct
to P-51’s in Jul 1944 and continued to fly 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 16-18 Oct 1945.
escort and fighter-bomber missions as the Biggs Field, Tex, 29 Jul1946; Shaw Field,
enemy retreated across France to the Sieg- SC, Oct 1946; Langley AFB, Va, Nov
fried Line. Participated in the airborne 1951-May 1952; Wethersfield, England, c.
attack on Holland in Sep 1944. Escorted I Jun 1952-8 Feb 1955.
bombers to Germany and struck rail lines, COMMANDERS. Maj Clarence L Tinker,
trains, vehicles, barges, power stations, and c. 15 Nov 1930; Capt Thomas Boland,
other targets in and beyond the Siegfried c. 14 Oct 1932; Lt Col Millard F Harmon,
Line during the period Oct-Dec 1944. c. 31 Oct 1932-unkn; Maj Armin F
Took part in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec Herold, c. 7 Oct 1g36-unkn; Lt Col Ross G
1g44-Jan 1945, by escorting bombers to Hoyt, 1937; Col Ira C Eaker, c. 16 Jan
the battle area. Flew patrols to support 1941 ; Maj Jesse Auton, c. I Sep 1941 ;Maj
the airborne attack across the Rhine, Mar Hamer A Boushey, Jan 1942; Lt Col Ed-
1945. Carried out escort and fighter- ward W Anderson, c. g Mar 1942; Lt Col
bomber missions as enemy resistance col- Jesse Auton, Aug 1g42-unkn; Col Barton
lapsed in Apr 1945. Returned to the US M Russell, 1943; Lt Col Mark E Hubbard,
in Oct. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1945. 2 Mar 1944; Maj Herbert E Johnson Jr,
Activated on 29 Jul 1946. Equipped 19 Mar 1944; Lt Col Harold J Rau, 20
first with P-51’s and later with F-84’s. Mar 1944; Lt Col Cy Wilson, Jun 1944;
Redesignated 20th Fighter-Bomber Group Col Harold J Rau, 27 Aug 1944; Col Rob-
in Jan 1950. Moved to England in 1952 ert P Montgomery, 18 Dec 194; Maj Jack
and became part of the United States Air C Price, 3 Oct 1g45-unkn. Col Joseph L
Forces in Europe. Znactivated in England Laughlin, 29 Jul 1946; Col Archie J
on 8 Feb 1955. Knight, c. 3 Feb 1947; Col William 7
SQUADRONS. 24th: 1930-1932. 55th: Cummings, 31 Jul 1947; Col George R
1930-1931, 1932-1945; 19461955. 74th: Bickell, Aug 1g48-unkn; Col John A
1932. 77th: 1930-1932, 1932-1945 ; 1946- Dunning, 1949; Lt Col Jack R Brown, c.
22 Oct 1951; Col William D Ritchie, 29 STATIONS.Bowman Field, Ky, I Feb

Apr 1952-unkn. 1942; Jackson AAB, Miss, 8 Feb 1942;
CAMPAIGNS.American Theater; Air Columbia AAB, SC, 21 Apr 1942; Key
Offensive, Europe ; Normandy ; Northern Field, Miss, 24 May 1942; MacDill Field,
France ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace; Fla, 27 Jun 1942-10 Oct 1943.
Central Europe. COMMANDERS. Col Robert D Knapp, g
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- Feb 1942; Col William L Lee, 26 Apr
tion: Central Germany, 8 Apr 1944. 1942; Lt Col John F Batjer, 13 Aug 1942;
INSIGNE.Shield: Per fess azure and Col Carl R Storrie, 5 Oct 1942; Col Guy
gules, a fess nebule or. Crest: On a L McNeil, 7 Nov 1942; Col Don 2 Zim-
wreath of the colors (or and azure) a sun merman, 19 Apr 1943; Lt Col L F Brown-
in splendor proper radiating from the cen- field, 6 June 1943; Col Richard T Coiner
ter thereof thirteen darts gules. Motto: Jr, 6 Jul-10 Oct 1943.
VICTORY BY VALOR. (Approved 18 CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American
Dec 1934.) Theater.
DECORATIONS. None.
21st BOMBARDMENT GROUP INSIGNE.Shield: Per fess nebule azure
Constituted as 21st Bombardment
and or, three drop bombs, two and one,
Group (Medium) on 13 Jan 1942. Acti- counterchanged. Motto: ALIS E T AN-
vated on I Feb 1g42. Began training with IMO-With Wings and Courage. (Ap-
B-25's; later converted to B-26's. Served proved 26 Nov 1942.)
as an operational training unit in Third
AF; also flew some antisubmarine patrols 21st FIGHTER GROUP
over the Gulf of Mexico. Disbanded on
I 0 OCt 1943. Constituted as 21st Fighter Group on
SQUADRONS. 3Z3th: 1942-1943. j I # h : 31 Mar 1944. Activated in Hawaii on 21
1942-1943. 3 ~ 5 t h : 1942-1943. 398th: Apr 1944. Assigned to Seventh AF and
'942-1943- served as part of the defense force for the
Hawaiian Islands. Equipped first with
1I
P-39, later with P-38, and still later (Jan
1945) with P-51 aircraft. Moved to Iwo
Jima, Feb-Mar 1945. Sustained some
casualties when Japanese troops attacked
the group's camp on the night of 26/27
Mar 1945,but flew first combat mission the
following day, bombing and strafing air-
fields on Haha Jima. Flew its first mission
SQUADRONS. 46th: 1944-1946. 72d:

/’
\
\ 1944-1946; I953-. 416th: I953-. 5 j I S t :
\ 1944-1946; 1953-*
STATIONS.Wheeler Field, TH, 21 Apr
1944; Mokuleia Field, TH, 13 Oct 1944-9
Feb 1945; Central Field, Iwo Jima, 26 Ma-
1945; South Field, Iwo Jima, 16 Jul 1945;
Isley Field, Saipan, Dec 1945; Northwest
Field, Guam, 17 Apr-Io Oct 1946. George
AFR, Calif, I Jan 1953-26 Nov 1954;
Chambley AB, France, 13 Dec 1954-.
COMMANDERS. Col Kenneth R Powell,
21 Apr 1944; Col Charles E Taylor, 14 Jun
1945; Lt Col Charles E Parsons, 15 Oct
to Japan on 7 Apr, being awarded a DUC
1945; Col William Eades, 25 Nov 1945;
for escorting B-29’s that struck the heavily-
Col Lester S Harris, Feb-Io Oct 1946.
defended Nakajima aircraft factory near
Col Paul P Douglas Jr, I Jan 1953; Col
Tokyo. Operations from Iwo Jima in-
Verl D Luehring, 26 Apr 1954; Col R C
cluded attacking airfields that the enemy
Franklin Jr, 27 Apr 1955; Lt Col Ira M
was using to launch suicide planes against
Sussky, 6 May 1955; Col R C Franklin Jr,
the Allied forces on Okinawa; striking
I Aug I955-.
enemy barracks, airfields, and shipping in
CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Japan.
the Bonins and Japan; and escorting B-29’s
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
that bombed Japanese cities. Assigned to
tion: Japan, 7 Apr 1945.
Twentieth AF during the summer of
INSIGNE. Shield: Azure, a broad sword
1945. Trained, participated in aerial re-
argent, shaded silver, hilt and pommel or,
views, and served as a part of the defense
shaded yellow, outlined of the field, be-
force for Iwo Jima, Saipan, and Guam
tween four red lightning streaks proper,
after the war. Re-equipped with P-47’s
two and two, bendwise. Motto: FORTI-
during the summer of 1946. Znactivated
TUDO ET PREPARATIO-Strength
on Guam on 10 Oct 1946.
and Preparedness. (Approved 23 Jul
Redesignated 21st Fighter-Bomber
19574
Group. Activated in the US on I Jan
1953. Assigned to Tactical Air Command.
Equipped for a few months with F-~I’s, 22d BOMBARDMENT GROUP
later with F-86‘s. Moved to France, Nov- Constituted as 22d Bombardment
Dec 1954, and assigned to United States Air Group (Medium) on 22 Dec 1939. Acti-
Forces in Europe. vated on I Feb 1940. Trained with B-18
72 AIR FORCE COMBAT IJNITS OF WORLD WAR I1
paration for the invasion of Leyte. From

Dec 1944 to Aug 1945, struck airfields and
installations on Luzon, supported Aus-
tralian ground forces on Borneo, and
bombed railways and industries in For-
mosa and China. Moved to Okinawa in
Aug 1945 and flew some armed recon-
naissance missions over southern Japan.
Remained in the theater after the war
as part of Far East Air Forces. Transfer-
red, without personnel and equipment, to
the Philippines in Nov 1945. Redesig-
nated z2d Bombardment Group (Very
Heavy) in Apr 1946. Transferred to
and B-26 aircraft, and used the latter to fly Okinawa in May 1946, remanned in Jun,
antisubmarine patrols off the west coast, and equipped with B-29’s. Moved to the
Dec 1g41-Jan 1942. Moved to the South- US in May 1948. Assigned to Strategic
west Pacific early in 1942, became part of Air Command. Redesignated 22d Bom-
Fifth AF, and served in combat in that area bardment Group (Medium) in Jul 1948.
until V-J Day. Attacked enemy shipping, Moved temporarily to Okinawa in Jul
installations, and airfields in New Guinea 1950 and attached to Far East Air Forces
and New Britain and supported ground for duty in the Korean War. Began com-
forces in New Guinea, using B-26‘s until bat immediately, and until Qct 1950 at-
Oct 1943 when B-25’s were added. Con- tacked marshalling yards, bridges, high-
tinued to support the Allied offensive in ways, airfields, and industries and
New Guinea, striking troop concentra- supported U N ground forces in Korea.
tions, installations, and shipping, being Returned to the US, Oct-Nov 1950. Zn-
awarded a DUC for knocking out enemy activated on 16 Jun 1952.
entrenchments ( 5 Nov 1943) that were SQUADRONS. 2d: 1g4+1952. 19th: 1940-
preventing the. advance of Australian 1952. 33d: 1940-1952. 408th: 1942-1952.
ground forces. Redesignated 22d Bom- STATIONS.Mitchel Field, NY, I Feb
bardment Group (Heavy) in Feb 1944. 1940; Langley Field, Va, 14 Nov 1940;
Equipped with B-24’s, bombed Japanese Muroc, Calif, c. g Dec 1941-31 Jan 1942;
airfields, shipping, and oil installations in Brisbane, Australia, 25 Feb 1942; Ipswich,
Borneo, Ceram, and Halmahera. Began Australia, 7 Mar 1942; Townsville, Aus-
attacking the southern Philippines in Sep tralia, 7 Apr 1942; Woodstock, Australia,
1944 to neutralize Japanese bases in pre- 5 Jul 1942; Iron Range, Australia, 29 Sep
1942; Woodstock, Australia, 4 Feb 1943; China Offensive. Korean War: UN De-
Dobodura, New Guinea, Oct 1943; Nad- fensive; U N Offensive.
zab, New Guinea, Jan 1944;Owi, Schouten DECORATIONS. ’ Distinguished Unit Ci-
Islands, 17 Aug 1944; Leyte, 15 Nov 1944; tations: Papua, 23 Jul 1942-23 Jan 1943;
Angaur, 26 Nov 1944; Samar, 21 Jan 1945; New Guinea, 5 Nov 1943. Philippine
Clark Field, Luzon, Mar 1945; Okinawa, Presidential Unit Citation.
15 Aug 1945; Luzon, Nov 1945; Okinawa, INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a cougar’s left
15 May 1946-May 1948; Smoky Hill AFB, gamb erased palewise claws to base or
Kan, May 1948; March AFB, Calif, May armed gules. Motto: DUCEMUS-We
1949-16 Jun 1952. Lead. (Approved 19 Jun 1941.)
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Ross F Cole, Feb
1940; Lt Col John L Moore, 1940; Maj 23d FIGHTER GROUP
Lewis M Merrick, 20 Feb 1941; Maj Mark
L Lewis Jr, Oct 1941; Lt Col Millard L
Haskin, 10 Dec 1941; Lt Col Dwight D
Divine 11, 19 May 1942; Lt Col George R
Anderson, Mar 1943; Lt Col Roger E
Phelan, Jun 1943; Col Richard W Robin-
son, c. Feb 1944; Col Leonard T Nichol-
son, 21 Jan 1945; Lt Col James E Sweeney,
24 Sep 1945; Lt Col Charles W Johnson,
7 Oct 1945; Maj John E Pryor, c. 17 Oct
1g45-unkn; Col Joseph F Carroll, Jun
1946; Lt Col Alvin J H Mueller, Jan 1947;
Col Francis L Rivard, Oct 1947; Col Wal-
ter E Arnold, 19 Dec 1947; Lt Col Paul L
Barton, 7 Jun 1948; Capt William L Constituted as 23d Pursuit Group (In-
Lemme, 29 Jun 1948; Maj John W Swan- terceptor) on 17 Dec 1941. Redesignated
son, 3 Jul 1948; Lt Col Payne Jennings Jr, 23d Fighter Group in May 1942. Acti-
7 Jul 1948; Col James V Edmundson, 19 vated in China on 4 Jul 1942. Chennault’s
Aug 1949; Col John B Henry Jr, Mar-16 American Volunteer Group supplied ex-
Jun 1952. perienced pilots and a name-“Flying
CAMPAIGNS. World War ZZ: Antisub- Tigers.” Using P-40’s and later P-~I’s,the
marine, American Theater; East Indies; 23d group provided air defense for the
Air Offensive, Japan ; China Defensive ; Chinese terminus of the Hump route from
Papua; New Guinea; Bismarck Archi- India; conducted a counter-air campaign
1 pelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; to whittle down Japanese air strength by
destroying enemy planes in the air and on Redesignated 23d Fighter-Interceptor

the ground; strafed and bombed Japanese Group. Activated in the US on 12 Jan
forces, installations, and transportation; 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Command
escorted bombers ;and flew reconnaissance and equipped with F-86’s. Inactivated on
missions. It intercepted Japanese planes 6 Feb 1952.
that attempted to bomb Allied airfields; Redesignated 23d Fighter Group (Air
attacked Japanese airdromes; strafed and Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955.
bombed river craft, troop concentrations, Assigned to Air Defense Command.
supply depots, and railroads; and pro- Equipped with F-89 aircraft.
tected bombers that attacked Hong Kong, SQUADRONS 16th: 1942-1943. 74th:
Canton, Shanghai, and other targets. Its 1942-1946; 1946-1949; 1951-1952. 75th:
area of operations extended beyond China 1942-1946; 1946-1949; 1951-1952; I955-.
to Burma, French Indochina, and For- 76th: 1942-1946; 1946-1949; 1955-. 132d:
mosa. The “Flying Tigers” operated 1951. I34th: 1951.
against the Japanese during the enemy’s STATIONS. Kunming, China, 4 Jul 1942;
drive toward Changsha and Chungking Kweilin, China, c. Sep 1943; Liuchow,
in May 1943, supported Chinese forces China, 8 Sep 1944; Luliang, China, 14 Sep
during the Japanese offensive in the 1944; Liuchow, China, Aug 1945; Hang-
Tungting Hu region in Nov 1943, and took chow, China, c. 10 Oct-12 Dec 1945; Ft
part in the effort to halt a Japanese force Lewis, Wash 3-5 Jan 1946. Guam, 10 Oct
that pushed down the Hsiang Valley in 1946; Howard AFB, CZ, 25 Apr-24 Sep
Jun 1944. In the latter battle the group, 1949. Presque Isle AFB, Maine, 12 Jan
despite bad weather and heavy flak, re- 1951-6 Feb 1952. Presque Isle AFB,
peatedly struck boats, trucks, aircraft, Maine, I8 Aug 1955-.
troops, and other objectives, receiving a COMMANDERS. Col Robert L Scott Jr,
4 Jul 1942; Lt Col Bruce K Holloway, 9
DUC for its operations. The 23d helped
Jan 1943; Lt Col Norval C Bonawitz, 16
to turn the enemy’s offensive in the spring
Sep 1943; Col David L Hill, 4 Nov 1943;
of 1945 and then harassed the retreating
Lt Col Philip C Loofbourrow, 15 Oct 1944;
Japanese by strafing and bombing their
Col Edward F Rector, 12 Dec 1944-c. Dec
columns. Remained in China until Dec
1945. Col Lester S Harris, 10 Oct 1946;
1945. Moved to the US. Inactivated on Maj Leonard S Dysinger, I Nov 1947; Lt
5 Jan 1946. Col Hadley V Saehlenou, Nov 1947-unkn;
Activated on 10 Oct 1946 on Guam. Col Louis R Hughes Jr, I Sep 1g48-unkii.
Assigned to Far East Air Forces and Unkn, Jan-Jul 1951; Col Norval K Heath,
equipped with P-47 aircraft. Moved to c. Jul 1951-6 Feb 1952. Col Frank Q
the Panama Canal Zone in Apr 1949. In- O’Connor, 1955; Lt Col Frank J Keller,
activated on 24 Sep 1949. Dec 1955-.
CAMPAIGNS. India-Burma; China De- was Lt Boyd D “Buzz” Wagner, who al-
fensive; Western Pacific; China Offensive. ready had become the first AAF ace of
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- World War 11. The remaining pilots con-
tion: Hunan Province, China, 17-25 Jun tinued operations in the Philippines with
‘944. the few planes that were left. Eventually
INSIGNE. Shield: Azure, over a bolt of all of the men, except the few who had
lightning, in pale, or, a Flying Tiger gone to Australia, were either killed or
proper, tongue red, winged argent; all out- captured by the enemy. Although not re-
lines black; a diminutive border silver- manned, the group was carried on the list
grey. (Approved 24 Jan 1957.) of active organizations until after the war.
Iizactivated on 2 Apr 1946.
SQUADRONS. 3d: 1941-1946. 17th: 1941-
24th PURSUIT GROUP
1946. 20th: 1941-1946.
Constituted as 24th Pursuit Group (In- STATIONS. Clark Field, Luzon, I Oct
terceptor) on 16 Aug 1941. Activated in 1941 ;Mariveles, Luzon, c. I Jan-May 1942.
the Philippine Islands on I Oct 1941. Aug- COMMANDERS. Col Orrin L Grover, I
mented by two attached squadrons (21st Oct 1941-Apr 1942.
and 34th) and equipped with P-35 and CAMPAIGNS. Philippine Islands.
P-40 aircraft, this group comprised the en- DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
tire pursuit force in the Philippines in Dec tions: Philippines, 7 Dec 1941-10 May
1941. When enemy aircraft were reported 1942; Philippines, 8-22 Dec 1941 ; Philip-
to be approaching Luzon on the morning pines, 6 Jan-8 Mar 1942. Philippine Presi-
of 8 Dec (7 Dec in the US), the 24th group dential Unit Citation.
attempted to intercept but failed because INSIGNE. None.
radar and visual sighting facilities were
inadequate. Later that day, after the 25th BOMBARDMENT GROUP
group’s planes either had landed for re-
fueling or had run so low on fuel that they Constituted as 25th Bombardment
could not fight, the Japanese attacked and Group (Heavy) on 22 Dec 1939. Acti-
inflicted heavy losses on the organization. vated on I Feb 1940. Trained with A-17’s
In the days that followed, the group’s and B-18’s. Moved to the Caribbean late
strength declined rapidly, but the 24th flew in 1940. Redesignated 25th Bombardment
some patrol and reconnaissance missions, Group (Medium) in May 1942. Flew
engaged the enemy in the air, and attacked antisubmarine patrols, escorted convoys,
enemy airfields and shipping. By late in and served as part of the defense force of
Dec the ground personnel were absorbed the area. Aircraft; B-18’s (1940-1942),
by infantry units and some pilots were A-20’s (1942-1943), and B-25’s (1943-
evacuated to Australia. One of these pilots 1944). Returned to the US early in 1944,
76 AIR FOR(:E COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR I1
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, issuing out of
sinister side an arm embowed grasping a
trident bend sinisterwise prongs to base or,
on and over the junction of the shaft and
prongs a compass rose of the first on a
background of the second. Motto:
GUARD WITH POWER. (Approved
3 OCt 1940.)

(RECONNAISSANCE)
assigned to Second AF, and equipped with
B-17’s. Disbanded on 20 Jun 1944. Constituted as 25th Bombardment
SQUADRONS.loth: 1940-1943. 12th: Group (Reconnaissance) on 17 Jul 1944.
1940-1944. 35th: 1940-1944. 59th: 1943- Activated in England on g Aug 1944.
1944. 417th: 1942-1944. Served with Eighth AF until V-E Day.
STATIONS. Langley Field, Va, I Feb-26 Used various aircraft, including B-17’s
Oct 1940; Borinquen Field, PR, I Nov B-24’~, B-25’~, B-26‘s, P-38’s, and L-5’s.
1940; Edinburgh Field, Trinidad, I Nov Operations included reconnaissance over
1942; Ft Amsterdam, Curacao, I Aug 1943; the waters adjacent to the British Isles and
Borinquen Field, PR, 5 Oct 1943-24 Mar occasionally to the Azores to obtain mete-
1944; Alamogordo AAFld, NM, 6 Apr- orological data; flights over the Continent
20 Jun 1944. for weather information needed in plan-
COMMANDERS. Maj Theodore J Koenig, ning operations; night photographic mis-
I Feb 1940; Maj William B Sousa, unkn;
sions to detect enemy activity; and day-
Lt Col Caleb V Haynes, 7 Jan 1941; Maj
light photographic and mapping missions
Alva L Harvey, I Jun 1941; Maj Neil B
over the Continent. Occasionally engaged
Harding, 10 Sep 1941; Maj Jasper N Bell,
in scout missions to target areas for last-
unkn; Lt Col Robert Alan, unkn; Maj
Mathew J McKeever Jr, unkn; Maj Milton minute weather information that was fur-
E Lipps, unkn; Maj Howard A Cheney, nished to approaching bomber formations,
unkn; Col Charles F Born, 1942; Maj John on-the-scene visual evaluation of bombard-
J Mullen, unkn; Col Kenneth 0 Sanborn, ment strikes, and electronic-countermeas-
I Aug 19437 Apr 1944; unkn, Apr-Jun ure missions in which chaff was spread
‘944. to confuse enemy defenses during Allied
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American attacks. Moved to the US, Jul-Aug 1945.
Theater. Inactivated on 8 Sep 1945.
SQUADRONS. 652d: 1944-1945, 653d: 1941; flew antisubmarine patrols off the
1944-1945- 654th: 1944-1945* east coast after the US entered the war;
STATIONS.Watton, England, g Aug took part in the Tennessee Maneuvers in
1944-23 Jul 194.5; Drew Field, Fla, Aug- the fall of 1942; later participated in exer-
8 SeP 1945. cises and provided air support for training
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Joseph A Sten- ground forces. Aircraft: O-46‘~, 0-47’s,
glein, g Aug 1944; Col Leon W Gray, 23 O-52’~, L-4’s, A-~o’s, B-25’s, and P-39’s.
Sep 1 9 4 ; Lt Col John R Hoover, 14 Apr Disbanded on 11 Nov 1943.
.1gqj; Maj Ernest H Patterson, 19 Jun Reconstituted, redesignated 26th Recon-
I 9Ly5-u” kn. naissance Group, and allotted to the re-
CAMPAIGNS.Northern France; Rhine- serve, on 27 Dec 1946. Activated on 23 Oct
land; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. 1947. Inactivated on 27 Tun 1949.
DECORATIONS. None. SQUADRONS. 4th: 1947-1949. loth:
INSIGNE. None. 1947-1949. 14th.‘ 1942-1943. 72d: 1943.
gZSt: 1943. ZOZSt: 1941-1943. ZO3d: 1941-
1943. z52d: 1941-1943.
26th RECONNAISSANCE
GROUP STATIONS. Ft Devens, Mass, I Sep IWI ;
Providence, RI, c. 12 Sep 1941; Quonset
Constituted as 26th Observation Group Point, RI, Jun 1942; Hyannis, Mass, Jul
on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on I Sep 1941. 1942; Harrisburg Mun Aprt, Pa, Sep 1942;
Assigned to First and later to Third AF. Reading AAFld, Pa, Tun-11 Nov 1943.
Redesignated 26th Reconnaissance Group Niagara Falls Mun Aprt, NY, 23 Oct 1947;
in Apr 1943, and 26th Tactical Reconnais- Buffalo, NY, c. 17 Feb 1948-27 Jun 1949.
sance Group in Aug 1943. Participated COMMANDERS. Col Louis E Boutwell, c.
in the Carolina Maneuvers in the fall of I Sep 1941; Lt Col Paul D Myers, Aug
1942; Lt Col James R Gunn Jr, Jun 1943-
unkn.
Theater.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.Shield: Bendy of eight azure
tenne, a camera lens proper, ringed argent,
superimposed on two electrical flashes in
saltire of the last. Motto: INVENI ET
RENUNTIATE-Reconnoiter and Re-
port. (Approved 28 Oct 1942. This in-
signe was modified 4 Sep 1953.)
27th FIGHTER GROUP to North Africa. Converted to A-36 air-

craft. Began operations with Twelfth AF
in Jun 1943 and served in the Mediter-
ranean theater until the end of the war.
Converted to P-40’s in Jan 1944 and to
P-47’s in Jun 1944. Redesignated 27th
Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943, and
27th Fighter Group in May 1944. Par-
ticipated in the reduction of Pantelleria
and Lampedusa. Supported ground
forces during the conquest of Sicily. Cov-
ered the landings at Salerno and received
a DUC for preventing three German
armored divisions from reaching the
Group (Light) on 22 Dec 1939. Acti-
Salerno beachhead, 10 Sep 1943. Sup-
vated on I Feb 1940. Sailed for the Phil-
ported Fifth Army during the Allied drive
ippine Islands on I Nov 1941 and arrived
toward Rome. Took part in the invasion
at Manila on 20 Nov. The group’s planes
of Southern France and assisted Seventh
(A-24’s), which had not arrived by 7 Dec,
Army’s advance up the Rhone Valley, re-
were diverted to Australia after the Japa-
ceiving a DUC for helping to disrupt the
nese attack on the Philippines. The
German retreat, 4 Sep 1944. Took part
group’s commander and 20 pilots who
in the interdiction of the enemy’s com-
were flown from Luzon to Australia
munications in northern Italy, and as-
to get the aircraft did not return because
sisted in the Allied drive from France into
of the deterioration of the situation in the
Germany during the last months of the
Philippines; some of these pilots saw serv-
war. Returned to the US, Oct-Nov 1945.
ice in Java, Feb-May 1942, before they Znactivated on 7 Nov 1945.
were assigned to another group. The Activated in Germany on 20 Aug 1946.
men left on Luzon served as infantrymen Assigned to United States Air Forces in
in the battles of Bataan and Corregidor; Europe and equipped with P-47’s. Trans-
though a few managed to escape, most ferred, without personnel and equipment,
were either killed or taken prisoners of to the US in Jun 1947. Assigned to Stra-
war by the Japanese. The 27th group was tegic Air Command. Equipped with
transferred, without personnel and equip P-51’s in 1947, F-82’s in 1948, and F-84’s
ment, from Australia to the US in May in 1950. Redesignated 27th Fighter-Es-
1942. cort Group in Feb 1950. Moved to the
Remanned and equipped with A-20’s. Far East late in 1950 for temporary duty
Trained in the US until Nov 1942. Moved with Far East Air Forces during the Ko-
rean War. Operated first from a base in Davies, unkn-c. Apr 1942; Lt Col Harry
Korea and later from Japan, supporting F Van Leuven, 14 Jul 1942; Lt Col John D
ground forces, escorting bombers, and fly- Stevenson, 11 Apr 1943; Col Dorr E New-
ing armed reconnaissance missions and ton Jr, 6 Aug 1943; Col Stephen B Mack,
counter-air patrols. Returned to the US 22 Apr 1944; Lt Col William R Nevitt,
in Jul 1951. Znactiuated on 16 Jun 1952. 10 Sep 1944-c. Nov 1945. Col Clarence
SQUADRONS. Z5th: 1940-1941. 465th: T Edwinson, c. 20 Aug 1946; Col Robert
1942. 522d (formerly 16th) : 1940-1945; P Montgomery, Nov 1946; Col Clarence
1946-1952. 523d (formerly 17th) : 1940- T Edwinson, Feb 1947; Col Edwin A
1945; 1946-1952. 524th (formerly 91st) : DOSS,15 Aug 1947; Col Ashley B Packard,
1941-1945; 1946-1952. 21 Jan 1948; Col Cy Wilson, c. Mar 1948;
STATIONS.Barksdale Field, La, I Feb Col Donald J M Blakeslee, 7 Dec 1950;
1940; Hunter Field, Ga, 7 Oct 1940-21 Lt Col William E Bertram, 3 Mar 1951-
Oct 1941 ; Philippine Islands, 20 Nov 16 Jun 1952.
1941 ; Batchelor, Australia, Mar-4 May CAMPAIGNS. World War ZZ: Philippine
1942; Hunter Field, Ga, 4 May 1942; Key Islands; Air Combat, EAME Theater;
Field, Miss, Jul 1942; Hattiesburg, Miss, Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Ar-
15 Aug 1942; Harding Field, La, 25 Oct- no; Northern France; Southern France;
21 Nov 1942; Ste-Barbe-du-Tlelat,Algeria, North Apennines; Rhineland; Central
26 Dec 1942; Nouvion, Algeria, Jan 1943; Europe. Korean War: CCF Intervention;
Ras el Ma, French Morocco, Apr 1943; 1st UN Counteroffensive; CCF Spring Of-
Korba, Tunisia, Jun 1943; Sicily, Jul 1943; fensive.
Italy, Sep 1943; Corsica, Jul 1944; South- DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
ern France, Aug 1944; Italy, c. Sep 1944; tions: Philippine Islands, 7 Dec 1941-10
St-Dizier, France, 22 Feb 1945; Toul/ May 1942; Philippine Islands, 8-22 Dec
Ochey, France, Mar 1945; Biblis, Ger- 1941; Philippine Islands, 6 Jan-8 Mar 1942;
many, Apr 1945; Sandhofen, Germany,
Italy, 10 Sep 1943; France, 4 Sep 1944;
Jun 1945; Echterdingen, Germany, 15
Korea, 26 Jan-21 Apr 1951. Philippine
Sep2o Oct 1945; Camp Shanks, NY, 6-7
Presidential Unit Citation. Republic of
Nov 1945. Fritzlar, Germany, 20 Aug
Korea Presidential Unit Citation: [Dec]
1946; Bad Kissingen, Germany, 25 Jun
1947; Andrews Field, Md, 25 Jun 1947; 1950-31 May 1951.
Kearney AAFld, Neb, 16 Jul 1947; Berg- INSIGNE. Shield: Per bend azure and or,
strom AFB, Tex, 16 Mar 1949-16 Jun in sinister chief a right clenched fist coup-
ed at the wrist in dexter base a magnolia
1952.
COMMANDERS. Col Clarence L Tinker, blossom leaved all argent, fimbriated sable.
I Feb 1940; Lt Col W Wright, unkn; Col Motto: INTELLIGENT STRENGTH.
Guy L McNeil, Jul 1941; Col John H (Approved 12 Sep 1940.)
28th BOMBARDMENT GROUP Aug 1945 when the group’s attacks on

the Kurils caused Japan to divert some of
her air power to that northern area, thus
weakening Japanese opposition to Allied
forces in the south. Flew its last bombing
mission on 13 Aug 1945 but continued
reconnaissance operations in the Kurils
after the war. Inactivated in Alaska on
20 October 1945.
(Very Heavy). Activated in the US on
4 Aug 1946 as part of Strategic Air Com-
mand. Equipped with B-29 aircraft.
Was stationed in Alaska from Oct 1946
to Apr 1947. Redesignated 28th Bombard-
ment Group (Medium) in May 1948.
Constituted as 28th Composite Group (Heavy) in May 1949 and equipped with
on 22 Dec 1939. Activated on I Feb 1940. RB-36‘s in Jul. Redesignated 28th Stra-
Redesignated 28th Bombardment Group tegic Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1950,
(Composite) in Dec 1943. Aircraft in- and 28th Strategic Reconnaissance Group
cluded P-38’s, P-39’s, P-~o’s,B-26‘s and (Heavy) in Jul 1950. Inactivated on 16
LB-3o’s during 1941-1943, and B-q’s and Jun 1952.
B-25’s during 1944-1945. SQUADRONS.zzth Pursuit: 1942. 18th
Operated in Alaska from Feb 1941 until Pursuit: 1941-1942. 34th Pursuit: 1940.
after the war. Trained for Arctic warfare 36th: 1940-1943. 37th: 1940-1941. 73d:
in 1941 and served as part of the defense 1941-1943- 77th: 1942-1945 ; 1946-199-
system for the region. Helped to force 404th: 1942-1945. 717th: 1946-1952.
the withdrawal of Japanese ships that at- 718th: 1946-1952.
tacked Dutch Harbor in Jun 1942. Flew STATIONS.March Field, Calif, I Feb
missions against Kiska until the Japanese 1940; Moffett Field, Calif, 10 Dec 1940-12
evacuated that island in Aug 1943. Feb 1941; Elmendorf Field, Alaska, 23
Bombed and strafed shipping, harbor Feb 1941; Adak, 14 Mar 1943; Shemya,
facilities, canneries, fisheries, and military 26 Feb 1944-20 Oct 1945. Grand Island
installations in the Kurils. Also flew pho- AAFld, Neb, 4 Aug-6 Oct 1946; Elmen-
tographic reconnaissance missions to dorf Field, Alaska, 20 Oct 1946-24 Apr
obtain material for planning operations. 1947; Rapid City AAFld, SD, 3 May 1947-
Received a DUC for the period Apr 1944- 16 Jun 1952.
COMMANDERS. Col William H Crom, I THE NORTH. (Approved 14 Nov
Feb 1940; Lt Col Lotha A Smith, 12 Feb 1941.)
1940; Maj William 0 Eareckson, I Sep
1940; Maj Donald W Titus, 20 Oct 1940;
Maj William 0 Eareckson, 26 May 1941; 29th BOMBARDMENT GROUP
Maj Norman D Sillin, 7 Nov 1941; Col
Earl H DeFord, 23 Jan 1943; Maj Robert
C Orth, 19 Mar 1943; Lt Col Jack N
Donohew, 27 Mar 1943; Lt Col Ralph W
Rodieck, 18 Apr 1943; Lt Col John W
Massion, 27 Oct 1943; Lt Col Alexander W
Bryant, 4 Jan 1944; Col Robert H Herman,
I Apr 194; Col Walter L Wheeler, 21 Jul
1945; Lt Col John C Larson, 27 Sep-20
Oct 1945. Col Richard M Montgomery,
4 Aug 1946; Col Thomas J Gent Jr, 23 Aug
1946; Lt Col Donald W Lang, 15 Aug
1947; Lt Col Everett W Best, 24 Dec 1947;
Lt Col Frank W Iseman Jr, 16 Apr 1948;
Lt Col Solomon Cutcher, 27 Jun 1948; Col Constituted as 29th Bombardment
John B Henry Jr, 10 Jul 1948; Lt Col Group (Heavy) on 22 Dec 1939. Acti-
Everett W Best, 25 Apr 1949; Col William vated on I Feb 1940. Equipped with
P Brett, 2 May 1949; Lt Col Solomon B-17’s and B-18’s. Trained and took part
Cutcher, 21 Mar 1950; Col Donald W in aerial reviews. Flew patrol missions in
Eisenhart, 3 Apr 1950; Col Frank W Ise- the Caribbean area, Dec 1g41-Jun 1942.
man Jr, 24 Jul 1950; Col Bertram C Harri- Equipped with B-24’s in 1942. Functioned
son, 18 Oct 1950; Col Richard E Ellsworth, as an operational training and later as a
10 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952. replacement training unit. Inactivated on
CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Japan; I Apr 194.
Aleutians. Redesignated 29th Bombardment Group
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita. (Very Heavy). Activated on I Apr 1944.
tion: Kuril Islands, I Apr 1944-13 Aug Prepared for overseas duty with B-29’s.
1945. Moved to Guam, Dec 1g44-Feb 1945, and
INSIGNE.Shield: Per pale nebuly or assigned to Twentieth AF. Flew its first
and azure. Crest: On a wreath of the mission against Japan with an attack on
colors, or and azure, a flew-delis vert the Tokyo on 25 Feb 1945. Conducted a num-
outer leaves terminated in the form of ber of missions against strategic targets in
wings or. Motzo: GUARDIAN OF Japan, operating in daylight and at high
altitude to bomb factories, refineries, and COMMANDERS. Maj Vincent J Meloy, I

other objectives. Beginning in Mar 1945, Feb 1940; Maj Charles W Lawrence, 15
carried out incendiary raids on area tar- Jan 1941; Lt Col James P Hodges, I Feb
gets, flying at night and at low altitude to 1941; Maj Frank H Robinson, I Oct 1941;
complete the assignments. S/Sgt Henry E Lt Col James M Fitzmaurice, I Dec 1941;
Erwin was awarded the Medal of Honor Lt Col Robert F Travis, 30 Mar 1942; Lt
for action that saved his B-29 during a Col William B David, 28 Aug 1942; Maj
mission over Koriyama, Japan, on 12 Apr Henry H Covington, 2 Feb 1943; Lt Col
1945. When a phosphorous smoke bomb Walter E Arnold Jr, 20 Feb 1943; Lt Col
exploded in the launching chute and shot Horace M Wade, 20 Sep 1943-1 Apr 1944.
back into the plane, Sgt Erwin picked up 2d Lt Philip J Lamm, 21 Apr 1944; Capt
the burning bomb, carried it to a window, Samuel W Bright, 28 Apr 1944; Maj
and threw it out. During the Allied as- Quinn L Oldaker, 2 May 1944; Col Carl
sault on Okinawa, the group bombed air- R Storrie, 28 May 1944; Col Robert L
fields from which the enemy was sending Mason, 23 Jul 1945; Lt Col Loran D
out suicide planes against the invasion Briggs, g Oct 1945-unkn; Col Vincent M
force. Received a DUC for an attack on Miles Jr, 1946.
an, airfield at Omura, Japan, on 31 Mar CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American
1945. Received second DUC for strikes Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Western
on the industrial area of Shizuoka, the Pacific.
Mitsubishi aircraft plant at Tamashima, DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
and the Chigusa arsenal at Nagoya, in Jun tions: Japan, 31 Mar 1945; Japan, 19-26
1945. After the war, dropped food and Jun 1945.
supplies to Allied prisoners and partici- INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a drop bomb
pated in several show-of-force missions and lightning flash saltirewise or. Motto:
over Japan. Znmtiuated on Guam on 20 POWER FOR PEACE. (Approved 14
May 1946. OCt 1940.)
SQUADRONS. 6th: 1940-1944; 1944-1946.
43d (formerly 29th) : 1940-1944; 1944-
1946. 52d: 1940-1944; 1944-1946. 411th:
1942-1944. 76zst (later 9th Reconnais- Constituted as 30th Bombardment
sance) : 1945-1946. Group (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940. Act;-
STATIONS.Langley Field, Va, I Feb vated on 15 Jan 1941. Trained with B-18's
1940; MacDill Field, Fla, 21 May 1940; and A-29's. Equipped with B-24's for op-
Gowen Field, Idaho, 25 Jun 1942-1 Apr erations. Patrolled the west coast, 1942-
1944. Pratt AAFld, Kan, I Apr? Dec 1943, and trained crews for other organiza-
1944; North Field, Guam, 17 Jan 1945-20 tions. Moved to Hawaii in Oct 1943, as-
May 1946. signed to Seventh AF, and sailed for the
Central Pacific in Nov. Began operations COMMANDERS. Capt Budd J Peaslee, 15

from the Ellice Islands in Nov 1943. As- Jan 1941; Maj Thomas W Steed, 10 Feb
sisted the invasion of the Gilberts by at- 1941; Lt Col Newton Longfellow, 1941;
tacking enemy installations on those Maj Thomas W Steed, c. Dec 1941; Lt Col
islands and by raiding airfields in the Mar- Jack Wood, 21 Aug 1942; Col Robert 0
shalls to help prevent the launching of Cork, May 1943; Col Edwin B Miller Jr,
Japanese planes against the amphibious 30 Aug 1943; Col John J Morrow, c. 2 Nov
assault on Tarawa. After moving to the 1944; Lt Col Elliott T Pardee, Mar 1945;
Gilberts in Jan 1944, bombed installations Col Elder Patteson, I Jul 1g45-unkn.
in the Marshall Islands in preparation for CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American
the invasion. Moved to Kwajalein in Mar Theater; Central Pacific; Air Offensive,
1944 and raided airfields and navy bases Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.
in the Truk Islands to keep them neutral- DECORATIONS. None.
ized before and during the amphibious INSIGNE.None.
attack on the Marianas; also bombed
Wake Island, Guam, and Saipan. Moved 3 1st FIGHTER GROUP
to Saipan in Aug 1944 and attacked air-
fields and shipping in the Bonin and Vol- Constittrted as 31st Pursuit Group (In-
cano Islands until Iwo Jima was occupied terceptor) on 22 Dec 1939. Activated on
early in 1945. Struck bypassed islands in I Feb 1940. Trained with P-39’s and par-
the Carolines and Marianas. Returned to ticipated in maneuvers. Redesiglzated 31st

Oahu in Mar 1945. Trained and flew pa- Fighter Group in May 1942. Moved to
trol missions. Inactivated in Hawaii on England, May-Jun 1942. Assigned to
25 Jun 1946. Eighth AF and equipped with Spitfires.
SQUADRONS. 2 I S t : 1941-1943. 27th: Entered combat in Aug 1942. Supported
1941-1946. 38th: 1941-1946. p d : 1942-
1945. 819th: 1943-1945.
STATIONS.March Field, Calif, 15 Jan
1941;New Orleans, La, c. Jun 1941; Mu-
roc, Calif, 24 Dec 1941;March Field, Calif,
7 Feb 1942-28 Sep 1943; Hickam Field,
TH, 20 Oct 1943; Nanumea, Ellice Islands,
12 Nov 1943; Abemama, 4 Jan 1944; Kwa-
jalein, c. 20 Mar 1944; Saipan, 4 Aug 1944;
Wheeler Field, TH, Mar 1945; Kahuku,
TH, 29 Sep 1945;Wheeler Field, TH, Feb-
25 Jun 1946.
a raid made by Canadian, British, Ameri- tria, Hungary, Bulgaria, Rumania, YugG
can, and French forces at Dieppe on 19 slavia, and Greece. In addition provided
Aug. Escorted bombers and flew patrol escort for reconnaissance aircraft and for
and diversionary missions until Oct. As- C-47’s engaged in the airborne operation
signed to Twelfth AF for the invasion of connected with the invasion of Southern
North Africa, the pilots of the group flying France. Also flew strafing missions
Spitfires from Gibraltar to Algeria on 8 against airdromes and communications
Nov 1942 and the ground echelon land- targets. Took part in an operation in
ing at Arzeu beach the same day. At- which a task force from Fifteenth AF at-
tacked motor transports, gun positions, tacked targets in Rumania while flying
and troop concentrations during the three- to Russia on 22 Jul 1944 and while re-
day campaign for Algeria and French turning to Italy on 26 Jul; on 25 Jul, after
Morocco. Helped to defeat Axis forces in escorting P-38’s from a base in Russia for
Tunisia by supporting ground troops and a raid on an airdrome in Poland, the 31st
providing cover for bomber and fighter group made attacks on a convoy of Ger-
aircraft. During May and Jun 1943, pro- man trucks and on a force of German
vided escort for bombers on raids to Pan- fighter-bombers, being awarded a DUC
telleria and cover for naval convoys in for its performance. Strafed rail and
the Mediterranean. Supported the land- highway traffic in norchern Italy in Apr
ings on Sicily in July and took part in the 1945 when Allied forces were engaged in
conquest of that island. Covered the land- their final offensive in that area. Returned
ings at Salerno early in Sep 1943 and at to the US in Aug. Inactivated on 7 Nov
Anzio in Jan 1944. Also operated in close 1945.
support of Allied ground forces in Italy Activated in Germany on 20 Aug 1946.
and flew patrol and escort missions. Assigned to United States Air Forces in
Assigned .to Fifteenth AF in Apr 1944, Europe. Transferred, without personnel
converted to P-~I’s,and thereafter en- and equipment, to the US in Jun 1947.
gaged primarily in escort work. Received Assigned to Tactical Air Command and
a DUC for a mission on 21 Apr 1944 when equipped with P-51’s. Converted to
the group, despite the severe weather that F-84’s in 1948. Redesignated 31st Fighter-
was encountered, provided cover for a Bomber Group in Jan 1950. Assigned to
force of heavy bombers during a raid on Strategic Air Command in Jul 1950. Re-
production centers in Rumania. On designated 31st Fighter-Escort Group.
numerous other occasions escorted bomb- Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.
ers that attacked objectives in Italy, France, SQUADRONS. 39th: 1940-1942. 40th:
Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Aus- 1940-1942, 4 1 S t : 1940-1942. 307th: 1942-
1945; 19461952. 308th: 1942-1945; 1946- H LeFebre, Jan 1947; Maj Arland Stanton,
1952. 309th: 1942-1945; 1946-1952. Feb 1947; Col Dale D Fisher, Mar 1947;
STATIONS. Selfridge Field, Mich, I Feb Lt Col Donald J M Blakeslee, May 1947;
1940; Baer Field, Ind, 6 Dec 1941; New Maj Leonard P Marks, 22 Oct 1947; Col
Orleans AB, La, Feb-19 May 1942; Carroll W McColpin, I Nov 1947; Col
Atcham, England, 11 Jun 1942; West- Earl H Dunham, c. Dec 1949; Col David
hampnett, England, I Aug 1942; Tafa- C Schilling, I Jun 1951-16 Jun 1952.
raoui, Algeria, 8 Nov 1942; La Senia, CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME The-
Algeria, c. 12 Nov 1942; Thelepte, Tunisia, ater; Air Offensive, Europe; Algeria-
c. 7 Feb 1943; Tebessa, Algeria, 17 Feb French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-
1943; Youks-les-Bains, Algeria, 21 Feb Foggia ;*Anzio; Rome-Arno; Normandy ;
1943; Kalaa Djerda, Tunisia, c. 25 Feb Northern France; Southern France; North
1943; Thelepte, Tunisia, 11 Mar 1943; Apennines; Rhineland ; Central Europe;
Djilma, Tunisia, 7 Apr 1943; Le Sers, Po Valley.
Tunisia, 12 Apr 1943; Korba, Tunisia, 15 DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
May 1943; GOZO,c. 30 Jun 1943; Ponte tions: Rumania, 21 Apr 1944; Poland, 25
O h o , Sicily, c. 13 Jul 1943; Agrigento, Jul 1944.
Sicily, 21 Jul 1943; Termini, Sicily, 2 Aug INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend nebule or and
1943; Milazzo, Sicily, 2 Sep 1943; Monte- azure, in chief a wyvern, sans legs, wings
corvino, Italy, 20 Sep 1943; Pomigliano, endorsed of the second. Motto: RETURN
Italy, 14 Oct 1943; Caste1 Volturno, Italy, WITH HONOR. (Approved 28 Jun
19 Jan 1944; San Severo, Italy, 2 Apr 1944; I944
Mondolfo, Italy, 3 Mar 1945; Triolo Air-
field, Italy, 15 Jul-Aug 1945; Drew Field, 32d FIGHTER GROUP
Fla, Aug? Nov 1945. Giebelstadt, Ger-
many, 20 Aug 1946; Kitzingen, Germany, Constituted as 32d Pursuit Group on 22
30 Sep 1946; Langley Field, Va, 25 Jun Nov 1940. Activated in Panama on I Jan
1947; Turner Field, Ga, 4 Sep 1947-16 Jun 1941. Redesignmed 32d Fighter Group
1952. in May 1942. Trained and served as part
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Harold H George, of the defense force for the Panama Canal,
Feb 1940; Col John R Hawkins, I Jul using P-26, P-36, P-38, P-39, and P-40 air-
1941; Col Fred M Dean, 5 Dec 1942; Lt craft. Disbanded in the Canal Zone on I
Col Frank A Hill, c. Jul 1943; Col Charles NOV1943.
M McCorkle, c. Sep 1943; Col Yancey S Reconstituted and redesignated 32d
Tarrant, 4 Jul 1944; Col William A Daniel, Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 11 Dec
4 Dec 1~4-unkn. Lt Col Horace A 1956. Activated in the US on 8 Feb 1957.
Hanes, Aug 1946unkn; Lt Col Frederick Assigned to Air Defense Command.
SQUADRONS. 5ZSt: 1941-1943. 52d: 1942. Moved to North Africa, part of

1941-1943. 53d: 1941-1943- the group (including the pilots and their
STATIONS. Rio Hato, Panama, 1 Jan planes) arriving with the invasion force on
1941; France Field, CZ, 9 Dec 1941-1 Nov 8 Nov 1942, and the remainder arriving
1913. Minot AFR, ND, 8 Feb 1957-. shortly afterwards. Operated with
COMMANDERS. Capt Roger J Browne, Twelfth AF in the Mediterranean theater
I Jan 1941; Capt James B Buck, 16 Apr until Feb 1944. Provided close support
1941; Lt Col Roger J Browne, 4 Aug 1941; for ground forces and flew bombing and
Lt Col William R Robertson Jr, 23 Aug strafing missions against personnel con-
1943-unkn. Maj Joe E Roberts, 1957-. centrations, port installations, fuel dumps,
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. bridges, highways, and rail lines during
DECORATIONS. None. the campaigns in North Africa. Received
INSIGNE.None. a DUC for action on 15 Jan 1943: when
enemy aircraft attempted to knock out the
group’s base in Tunisia, the 33d drove off
33d FIGHTER GROUP the enemy’s escort and destroyed most of
the bombers. Took part in the reduction
Constituted as 33d Pursuit Group (In-
of Pantelleria and flew patrol missions
terceptor) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on
while Allied troops landed after the
15 Jan 1941. Began training with P-39’s
enemy’s garrison had surrendered. Par-
but soon changed to P-40’s. Served as part
ticipated in the invasion and conquest of
of the defense force for the east coast after
Sicily. Supported landings at Salerno,
the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor.
Allied operations in southern Italy, and
Redesignated 33d Fighter Group in May
the beachhead at Anzio.
Moved to India in Feb 1944. Assigned
to Tenth AF. Trained with P-38 and
P-47 aircraft. Moved to China in Apr,
became part of Fourteenth AF, continued
training, and flew some patrol and inter-
ception missions. Returned to India in
Sept 1944 and, as part of Tenth AF, flew
dive-bombing and strafing missions in
Burma until the Allied campaigns in that
area had been completed. Returned t
the US, Nov-Dec 1945. Inactivated on 8
Dec 1945.
Activated in Germany on 20 Aug 1946.
Assigned to United States Air Forces in
Europe and equipped with P-51’s. Trans- 1948-6 Feb 1952. Otis AFR, Mass, 18 Aug
ferred, less personnel and equipment, to ‘955--
the US in 1947. Remanned and equipped COMMANDERS. Maj Minthorne W
with P-51’s; converted to F-84’s in Jun Reed, c. Jan 1941; Col Elwood R Quesada,
1948 and F-86’s in Feb 1949. Redesig- 7 Oct 1941; Col William W Momyer, 29
nated 33d Fighter-Interceptor Group in Jun 1942; Col Loring F Stetson Jr, 17 Oct
Jan 1950. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. 1943; Lt Col Oliver G Cellini, 7 Jun 1944;
Redesignated 33d Fighter Group (Air Col David D Terry Jr, 9 Sep 1944; Col
Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Frank L Dunn, 2 Mar 1945-unkn. Col
Assigned to Air Defense Command. Barton M Russell, 20 Aug 1946; Lt Col
SQUADRONS. 58th: 1941-1945; 1946- Albert A Cory, unkn; Col Gwen G Atkin-
1952; 1955-. 59th: 1941-1945; 19461952. son, Jan 1948;Lt Col Woodrow W Korges,
60th: 1941-1945; 19461952; I955-. c. May 1949; Col Charles H MacDonald,
STATIONS.Mitchel Field, NY, 15 Jan c. Aug 1949; Col Harrison R Thyng, 15
1941; Philadelphia, Pa, 13 Dec 1941-0ct Jun 1950; Lt Col Willard W Millikan, c.
1942; Port Lyautey, French Morocco, 10 Aug 1951-6 Feb 1952. Col Fred G Hook
Nov 1942; Casablanca, French Morocco, c. Jr, 1955-s
13 Nov 1942; Telergma, Algeria, 24 Dec CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME The-
1942; Thelepte, Tunisia, 7 Jan 1943; ater; Algeria-French Morocco; Tunisia;
Youks-les-Rains, Algeria, 8 Feb 1943; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-
Telergma, Algeria, c. 20 Feb 1943; Ber- Arno; India-Burma; China Defensive;
teaux, Algeria, c. 2 Mar 1943; Ebba Ksour, Central Burma.
Tunisia, c. 12 Apr 1943; Menzel Temime, DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Tunisia, 20 May 1943; Sousse, Tunisia, 9 tion: Central Tunisia, 15 Jan 1943.
Jun 1943; Pantelleria, 19 Jun 1943; Licata, INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, on a pale
Sicily, c . 18 Jul 1943; Paestum, Italy, 13 nebuly or a sword point to chief in pale
Sep 1943; Santa Maria, Italy, 18 Nov 1943; of the field, flammant gules, all within a
Cercola, Italy, c. I Jan-Feb 1944; Karachi, border of the second. Motto: FIRE
India, c. 20 Feb 1944; Shwangliu, China, c. FROM T H E CLOUDS. (Approved 21
18 Apr 1944; Pungchacheng, China, 9 May Feb 1942.)
1944; Nagaghuli, India, 3 Sep 1944; Sah-
maw, Burma, 26 Dec 1944; Piardoba, 34th BOMBARDMENT GROUP
India, 5 May-c. 15 Nov 1945; Camp
Shanks, NY, 7-8 Dec 1945. Neubiberg, Constituted as 34th Bombardment
Germany, 20 Aug 1946; Bad Kissingen, Group (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940. Acti-
Germany, Jul-25 Aug 1947; Andrews vated on 15 Jan 1941. Using B-I~’s,
Field, Md, 25 Aug 1947; Roswell AAFld, trained and participated in maneuvers
NM. 16 SeD I O ~ Otis : AFB. Mass. 16 Nov until Dec 1041. Flew Datrol missions
fields in Munster, Neumunster, and

Frankfurt. During this period the group
also supported ground forces during the
Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1g44-Jan 1945.
In Mar 1945, with few industrial targets
remaining and with Allied armies advanc-
ing across Germany, the 34th turned
almost solely to interdicting enemy com-
munications and supporting Allied ground
forces. After V-E Day it carried food to
flooded areas of Holland and transported
prisoners of war from German camps to
along the east coast after the Japanese at- Allied centers. Returned to the US in the
tacked Pearl Harbor. Later became part summer of 1945. Inactivated on 28 Aug
of the defense force for the west coast. 1945.
Served as a replacement training unit from SQUADRONS. 4th: 1941-1945. 7th: 194.1-
mid-1942 until the end of 1943, and then 1945. 18th: 1941-1945. 39ISt: 1942-1945.
began preparing for overseas duty with STATIONS.Langley Field, Va, 15 Jan
B-24’s. Moved to England in Apr 1944 1941; Westover Field, Mass, 29 May 1941;
for operations with Eighth AF. Pendleton Field, Ore, c. 27 Jan 1942;
Entered combat in May 194. Helped to Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, c. 13 May
prepare for the invasion of Normandy by 1942; Geiger Field, Wash, 4 Jul 1942;
bombing airfields in France and Germany, Ephrata, Wash, I Dec 1942; Blythe, Calif,
and supported the landing in Jun by at- 15 Dec 1g42-Apr 1944; Mendlesham, Eng-
tacking coastal defenses and communica- land, c. 26 Apr 1g44-c. 25 Jul 1945; Sioux
tions. Continued to take part in the cam- Falls AAFM, SD, Aug-28 Aug 1945.
paign in France by supporting ground COMMANDERS. Maj John W Monahan,
forces at St Lo, 24-25 Jul, and by striking 15 Jan 1941; Lt Col Harold D Smith, c.
V-weapon sites, gun emplacements, and I Mar 1941;Maj Ford J Lauer, g Jan 1942;
supply lines throughout the summer of Col Ralph E Koon, 12 Feb 1942; Maj
1944. Converted to B-17’s and engaged Irvine A Rendel, 21 Jul 1942; Maj John
primarily in bombardment of strategic ob- A Rouse, 24 Feb 1943; Lt Col John E
jectives from Oct 1944 to Feb 1945. Tar- Carmack, 15 Sep 1943; Col Ernest F Wack-
gets included marshalling yards in Lud- witz Jr, c. 5 Jan 1944; Col William E
wigshaven, Hamm, Osnabruck, and Creer, Sep 1 9 4 ; Lt Col Eugene B Lebailly,
Darmstadt ; oil centers in Bielefeld, Merse- 29 May-c. Aug 1945.
burg, Hamburg, and Misburg; factories in CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American
Berlin, Dalteln, and Hannover; and air- Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Nor-
mandy ;Northern France; Rhineland; Ar- moved from the US to Australia and were
dennes-Alsace; Central Europe. training for “combat with P-39’s. Head-
DECORATIONS. None. quarters was transferred back to Austra-
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a compass rose lia, without personnel and equipment, in
or. Motto: VALOR T O VICTORY. May 1942.
(Approved 4 Nov 1941.) Redesignated 35th Fighter Group.
Served in combat with Fifth AF, operating
35th FIGHTER GROUP successively from bases in Australia, New
Guinea, Owi, Morotai, and the Philip-
Constituted as 35th Pursuit Group (In- pines. First used P-38’s and P-39’s;
terceptor) on 22 Dec 1939. Activated on equipped with P-47’s late in 1943and with
I Feb 1940. Trained with P-35, P-36, P-51’s in Mar 1945. Helped to halt the
P-39, and P-40 aircraft. Two squadrons Japanese advance in Papua and took part
(21st and 34th) moved to the Philippines in the Allied offensive that recovered the
in Nov 1941. Headquarters and another rest of New Guinea, flying protective pa-
squadron (70th) sailed for Manila on 5 trols over Port Moresby, escorting bombers
Dec but because of the Japanese attack and transports, attacking Japanese air-
on Pearl Harbor they returned to the US fields and supply lines, and providing cover
where the squadron flew some patrols. for Allied landings. In 1944 began long-
Headquarters and the 70th squadron sailed range missions against enemy airfields and
for Australia on 12 Jan 1942. Three days installations in the southern Philippines,
later all the combat squadrons were re- Halmahera, and Borneo, preparatory to
lieved and three others, still in the US, the US invasion of the Philippines. Be-
were assigned. Headquarters reached ginning in Jan 1945, operated in support
Australia in Feb 1942 and moved on to of ground forces on Luzon. Also escorted
India. Meanwhile the squadrons had bombers and completed some fighter
sweeps to Formosa and China. Bombed
and strafed railways and airfields in Kyu-
shu and Korea after moving to Okinawa
in Jun 1945. Moved to Japan in Oct 1945
and, as part of Far East Air Forces, trained,
3
took part in maneuvers, and flew surveil-
t + lance patrols over Honshu. Redesignated
35th Fighter-Interceptor Group in Jan
1950. Equipped with F-80’s.
Entered combat in the Korean War in
_- Jul 1950 and almost immediately began
converting from F-80’s to F-51’s. Oper- Col Richard A Legg, 12 Mar 1942; Lt Col
ated from bases in Japan and Korea in sup- Malcolm A Moore, 26 Jul 1943; Lt Col
port of U N ground forces, bombing and Edwin A DOSS,23 Oct 1943; Lt Col Furlo
strafing enemy supply lines, troop concen- S Wagner, 12 Feb 1944;Col Edwin A DOSS,
trations, and communications. Trans- 4 May 1944; Col Harney Estes Jr, 27 Jul
ferred without personnel and equipment 1945; Col Raymond P Todd, 22 Mar 1946;
to Japan in May 1951. Remanned and Lt Col Richard D Dick, c. 13 Sep 1946;
equipped with F-51’s and F-80’s. Pro- Col James R Gunn Jr, c. 11 Feb 1947; Col
vided air defense for Japan. Converted to Ford J Lauer, 28 Apr 1947; Col Ray W
F-86 aircraft in 1955. Clifton, I Sep 1947; Col Edgar M Scatter-
SQUADRONS. 28th: 1940. 20th: 1940. good Jr, 21 Jun 1948; Lt Col Bert W Mar-
~ 1 s t :1940-1942. 34th: 1940-1942. 39th: shall Jr, Aug 1948; Lt Col Archie M
1942-. 40th: I942-. 4ZSt: I9*-. 70th: Burke, 13 May 1949; Lt Col Jack D Dale
1941-1942. Jr, Nov 1949; Col William P McBride, 22
STATIONS.Moffett Field, Calif, I Feb Feb 1951; Lt Col Homer M Cox, May
1940; Hamilton Field, Calif, 10 Sep 1940- 1951; Col John C Habecker, 25 Jun 1951;
5 Dec 1941 and 9 Dec 1941-12 Jan 1942; Col John R Propst, 6 Jun 1952; Lt Col Al-
Brisbane, Australia, I Feb 1942; New bert S Aiken, Feb 1955; Col Maurice L
Delhi, India, Mar 1942; Sydney, Australia, Martin, Jun 1955; Col Raymond M Geh-
4 May 1942; Port Moresby, New Guinea, rig, Aug 1955-.
22 Jul 1942; Tsili Tsili, New Guinea, 15 CAMPAIGNS.World War ZZ: East In-
Aug 1943; Nadzab, New Guinea, 5 Oct dies; Air offensive, Japan; China De-
1943; Gusap, New Guinea, 7 Feb 1944; fensive; Papua; New Guinea; Bismarck
Owi, Schouten Islands, 22 Jul 1944; Moro- Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Lu-
tai, 27 Sep 1944; Mangaldan, Luzon, c. 20 zon ; Ryukyus ; China Offensive. Korean
Jan 1945; Lingayen, Luzon, c. 10 Apr War: U N Defensive; U N Offensive; CCF
1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 19 Apr 1945; Intervention; 1st UN Counteroffensive;
Okinawa, 28 Jun 1945; Irumagawa, Japan, CCF Spring Offensive.
Oct 1945; Yokota, Japan, 16 Mar 1950; DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Ashiya, Japan, 8 Jul 1950; Pohang, Korea, tion: Papua, 23 Jul 1942-23 Jan 1943.
14 Jul 1950; Tsuiki, Japan, 13 Aug 1950; Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. Re-
Pohang, Korea, 3 Oct 1950; Yonpo, Korea, public of Korea Presidential Unit citation:
18 Nov 1950; Pusan, Korea, c. 3 Dec 1950; 7 Sep 1 9 5 Feb~ 1951.
Johnson AB, Japan, 25 May 1951;Yokota, INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a dexter cubit
Japan, 14 Aug 1954-. arm or grasping a dagger point to base
COMMANDERS. Maj 0 R Strickland, gules. Motto: ATTACK TO DEFEND
1940;Col George P Tourtellot, 194o-unkn; (Approved 21 Feb 1941.)
36th FIGHTER GROUP preparation for the invasion of Normandy.
Participated in the invasion in Jun 1944 by
patrolling the air over the landing zone
and by flying close-support and interdic-
tory missions. Moved to France, Jul-Aug
1944. Supported the breakthrough at St
Lo in Jul and the thrust of Third Army
toward Germany in Aug and Sep. Re-
ceived a DUC for operations on I Sep 1944
when, in a series o€ missions, the group at-
tacked German columns south of the h i r e
in order to disrupt the enemy’s retreat
across central France to Dijon. Moved to
Belgium in Oct and supported Ninth
Constituted as 36th Pursuit Group (In- Army. Participated in the Battle of the
terceptor) on 22 Dec 1939. Activated on I Bulge, Dec 1944- Jan 1945, by flying armed
Feb 1940. Trained with P-36‘s. Moved to reconnaissance and close-support missions.
Puerto Rico in Jan 1941. Equipped with Aided First Army’s push across the Roer
P-39 and P-40 aircraft. Served as part of River in Feb 1945. Supported operations
the defense force for the Caribbean area at the Remagen bridgehead and during the
and Panama Canal, and flew antisub- airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar.
marine patrols. Redesignated 36th Received second DUC for performance on
Fighter Group in May 1942. Returned to 12 Apr 1945 when the group, operating
the US, May-Jun 1943. Trained with through intense antiaircraft fire, relent-
P-47’s. lessly attacked airfields in southern Ger-
Moved to England, Mar-Apr 1944. many, destroying a large hangar and
Assigned to Ninth AF. Served in combat numerous aircraft. Remained in Europe
in the European theater from May 1944 to for several months after V-E Day.
May 1945. Operated primarily as a Transferred, without personnel and
fighter-bomber organization, strafing and equipment, to the US in Feb 1946, the
dive-bombing armored vehicles, trains, group’s squadrons being inactivated in
bridges, buildings, factories, troop concen- Mar. Headquarters was transferred, with-
trations, gun emplacements, airfields, and out personnel and equipment, to the Pan-
other targets. Also flew some escort mis- ama Canal Zone in Sep, and the squad-
sions. Began operations from England in rons were activated in Oct. Equipped
May 1944 with armed reconnaissance, with P-47’s; converted to F-80’s in Dec
escort, and interdictory missions in 1947. Moved to Germany, Jul-Aug 1948,
and became part of United States Air 1944; Lt Col Paul P Douglas Jr, Apr 1945;
Forces in Europe. Redesignated 36th Lt Col John L Wright, 30 Jun 1945; Maj
Fighter-Bomber Group in Jan 1950, and Arthur W Holderness Jr, c. 25 Sep 1945;
36th Fighter-Day Group in Aug 1954. Lt Col William T McBride, 9 Nov 1945-
Equipped successively with F-80, F-84, unkn; Col Henry R Spicer, c. 15 Oct 1946-
F-86, and F-IOOaircraft-after arriving in unkn; Col Hubert Zemke, 1949; Col Wil-
Europe in 1948. liam A Daniel, c. I Dec 1949; Lt Col
SQUADRONS. 22d: 1940-1946, 1946. George F Ceuleers, Dec 1950; Col George
23d: 1940-1946, 1946-. 32d: 1940-1943; T Lee, Mar 1951; Col Seth J McKee, Dec
1955-. 53d: '943-1946, 1946. 1951; Col Marvin E Childs, May 1953;
STATIONS.Langley Field, Va, I Feb Col Edward A McGough 111, Dec 1954-.
1940-2 Jan 1941; Losey Field, PR, Jan CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American
1941-May 1943; Morrison Field, Fla, May Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Nor-
1943; Mitchel Field, NY, c. 3 Jun 1943; mandy; Northern France; Rhineland;
Charleston, SC, 23 June 1943; Alamogordo Ardennes-Alsace;Central Europe.
AAFld, NM, Sep 1943; Scribner AAFld, DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Neb, Nov 1943-Mar 1944; Kingsnorth, tions: France, I Sep 1944; Germany, 12
England, Apr 1944; Brucheville, France, Apr 1945. Cited in the Order of the Day,
Jul1944; Le Mans, France, c. 23 Aug 1944; Belgian Army: I Oct 1944-; I8 Dec 1944-
Athis, France, Sep 1944; Juvincourt, 15 Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.
France, c. I Oct 1944; Le Culot, Belgium, INSIGNE.Shield: Or, an arrow point
c. 23 Oct 1944; Aachen, Germany, 28 Mar palewise gules on a chief azure a wing
1945; Niedermennig, Germany, c. 8 Apr
argent. (Approved 19 Jun 1940.)
1945; Kassel/Rothwesten, Germany, c. 21
Apr 1945-15 Feb 1946; Bolling Field, DC,
15 Feb-Sep 1946; Howard Field, CZ, Oct 37th FIGHTER GROUP
1946-Jul 1948; Furstenfeldbruck AFB,
Constituted as 37th Pursuit Group (In-
Germany, Aug 1948; Bitburg AB, Ger-
many, 17 Nov 1952-. terceptor) on 22 Dec 1939. Activated in
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Ned Schramm, the Panama Canal Zone on I Feb 1940.
c. I Feb 1940; Maj Charles A Harrington, Redesignated 37th Fighter Group in May
c. 15 Jul 1941; Lt Col Glenn 0 Barcus, 1942. Served as part of the defense force
c. I Nov 1941; Maj Richard P Klocko, for the Panama Canal. Equipped first
c. 20 Feb 1942; Maj James B League Jr, with P-26'~~ later with P-40's. Disbanded
c. 18 Jul 1942; Maj William L Curry, c. I in the Canal Zone on I Nov 1943.
Sep 1942; Maj [Earl H ( ?)] Dunham, c. Reconstituted and redesignated 37th
I Oct 1942; Lt Col William L Curry, c. 14 Fighter-Bomber Group, on 3 Mar 1953.
Jan 1943; Lt Col Van H Slayden, 12 Jan Activated in the US on 8 Apr 1953. As-

Group (Medium) on 20 Nov 1940. Acti-
vated on 15 Jan 1941. Trained with B-18,
B-25, and B-26 aircraft. The ground
echelon moved to Australia, Jan-Feb 1942,
while the air echelon remained in the US
for further-training. Air echelons of two
squadrons arrived in Hawaii in May 1942
and took part in the Battle of Midway;
they did not rejoin the group and eventu-
ally were reassigned. Air echelons of the
other squadrons arrived in Australia in
Aug 1942. Assigned to Fifth AF and
equipped with B-25's, the group operated
signed to Tactical Air Command. Znacti- from bases in Australia, New Guinea, and
vated on 25 Jun 1953. Biak, Sep 1942-Oct 1944, attacking Japa-
SQUADRONS. 28th: 1940-1943; 1953. nese airfields and shipping and supporting
30th: 1940-1943; 1953. jZSt.' 1940-1943. ground forces in New Guinea and the
Bismarck Archipelago. Maj Ralph Cheli
33d: 1953.
STATIONS.Albrook Field, CZ, I Feb was awarded the Medal of Honor for ac-
1940; Howard Field, CZ, 30 S e p I Nov tion on 18 Aug 1943: while leading the
405th squadron to attack a heavily de-
1943. Clovis AFB, NM, 8 Apr-25 Jun
fended airdrome on New Guinea, his
1953.
COMMANDERS. Capt Russell E Randall, plane was severely hit by enemy fire;
I Feb 1940; Maj Milo N Clark, 27 May
1940; Lt Col Morley F Slaght, 1942; Maj
Ernest H Beverly, 2 Sep ~ g p u n k n . Col
George W Larson, 1953.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a saltire or.
Crest: On a wreath of the colors, or and
azure, a griffin sejant azure armed and
winged or. Motto: DEFENDERS OF
THE CROSSROADS. (Approved 23
Jun 1941.)
rather than disrupt the formation, Maj Bombardment Group (Tactical) in Oct
Cheli remained in position and led the 1955-
attack on the target before his bomber SQUADRONS. 69th: 1941-1943. 70th:
crashed into the sea. The group was 1941-1943. 7 Z S t : 1941-1949; I953-. 89th:
awarded a DUC for bombing and strafing 1946-1949- 405th: 1942-1949; 1953-.
Japanese troops and fortifications on Cape 822d: 1943-1946; 1 9 5 ~ .823d: 1943-1946.
Gloucester, New Britain, Dec 1943, pre- STATIONS.Langley Field, Va, 15 Jan
paratory to the Allied invasion. Received 1941; Jackson AAB, Miss, c. 5 Jun 1941-18
another DUC for two missions over New Jan 1942; Doomben Field, Australia, 25
Guinea, 16 and 17 Jun 1944, against Japa- Feb 1942; Ballarat, Australia, 8 Mar 1942;
nese airfields, merchant ships, and naval Amberley Field, Australia, 30 Apr 1942;
vessels. Moved to the Moluccas in Oct Eagle Farms, Australia, c. 10 Jun 1942;
1944 and bombed airfields, ground in- Breddan Field, Australia, 7 Aug 1942;
stallations, harbors, and shipping in the Townsville, Australia, 30 Sep 1942; Port
southern Philippines in support of the US Moresby, New Guinea, Oct 1942; Nadzab,
invasion of Leyte. Struck a large enemy New Guinea, 4 Mar 1944; Biak, I Oct
convoy in Ormoc Bay in Nov 1944 to pre- 1944; Morotai, 15 Oct 1944; Lingayen,
vent the landing of reinforcements, being Luzon, c. 29 Jan 1945; Okinawa, 25 Jul
awarded a DUC for the mission. After 1945; Itazuke, Japan, c. 22 Nov 1945;
moving to the Philippines in Jan 1945, Itami, Japan, 26 Oct 1946-1 Apr 1949.
supported US ground forces on Luzon, Laon AB, France, I Jan 1953-.
bombed industries on Formosa, and at- COMMANDERS. Lt Col Robert D Knapp,
tacked shipping along the China coast. 15 Jan 1941; Col Fay R Upthegraye, c. 18
Stationed temporarily on Palawan in Jun Jan 1942-unkn; Lt Col Brian O’Neill, 19
1945 for participation in the preinvasion Oct 1942; Lt Col Lawrence Tanberg, I Oct
bombing of Japanese installations on 1943; Lt Col Carl C Lausman, Jul 1944;
Borneo. Moved to Okinawa in Jul 1945 Maj Howard M Paquin, 18 Aug 1944; Col
and conducted several attacks on indus- Edward M Gavin, g Nov 1944; Lt Col
tries, railways, and shipping in southern Edwin H Hawes, 16 Mar 1945; Lt Col
Japan. Moved to Japan in Nov 1945 as Vernon D Torgerson, 9 Aug 1945; Lt Col
part of Far East Air Forces. Redesignated Bruce T Marston, 12 Sep 1945; Lt Col
38th Bombardment Group (Light) in May Joseph P Gentile, 17 Mar 1946; Lt Col
1946. Equipped with A-26 aircraft. Zn- John P Crocker, 16 May 1946; Col C J
activated in the Far East on I Apr 1949. Bondley Jr, 2 Jul 1946; Col Dale D Bran-
Activated in France on I Jan 1953. As- non, 12 Nov 1946; Col C J Bondley Jr, 13
signed to United States Air Forces in Dec 1946; Col John J Hutchison, 25 Jan
Europe. Equipped with B-26 and later 1947; Col Donald D Fitzgerald, 26 Feb
with B-57 aircraft. Redesignated 38th 1948; Col Preston P Pender, 7 May 1948;
Lt Col Charles R Johnson, 18 Jul 1948-1 1945. Conducted its first mission against
Apr 1949. Lt Col Max H Mortensen, I the Japanese home islands by hitting the
Jan 1953; Col Glen W Clark, 16 Mar 1953; Hodagaya chemical plant at Koriyama on
Col Broadus B Taylor, 6 Jun 1955-. 12 Apr. Supported the Allied invasion of
CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Japan ; Okinawa, Apr-May 1945, by attacking
China Defensive; Papua; New Guinea; airfields that served as bases for kami-
Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; kaze pilots. Bombed military and indus-
Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines; trial targets in Japan and participated in
China Offensive. incendiary raids on urban areas from mid-
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- May until the end of the war. Received a
tions: Papua, [Sep] 1942-23 Jan 1943; New DUC for an attack against the Otake oil
Britain, 24-26 Dec 1943; New Guinea, 16- refinery and storage area on Honshu in
17 Jun 1944; Leyte, 10 Nov 1944. Philip- May 1945. Received second DUC for
pine Presidential Unit Citation. bombing industrial and dock areas in
INSIGNE. Shield: Azure a winged sword Yokohama and manufacturing districts in
p i n t downward argent, the hilt and pom- Tokyo, 23-29 May 1945. Dropped food
mel charged with a torteau, a pomeis, and and supplies to Allied prisoners and took
a bezant, a fleur-de-lis fretting the blade or, part in show-of-force missions over Japan
between two cloud formations of the sec- after V-J Day. Returned to the US, Nov-
ond issuing from dexter and sinister base. Dec 1945. lnactiuated on 27 Dec 1945.
(Approved 16 Apr 1954.) SQUADRONS. 60th: 1941-1944; 1944-1945.
6rst: 1941-1944; 1944-1945. 62d: 1941-
39th BOMBARDMENT GROUP 1944; 1944-1945- 402d: 1942-1944; 1944-
STATIONS.Ft Douglas, Utah, 15 Jan
Constituted as 39th Bombardment 1941; Geiger Field, Wash, 2 Jul 1941;
Group (Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940. Acti- Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 5 Feb 1942-1
vated on 15 Jan 1941. Assigned to Second Apr 1944. Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, I
AF. Equipped with B-17's. Patrolled Apr 1944-8 Jan 1945; North Field, Guam,
the northwest coast of the US after the 18 Feb-17 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, Calif,
nation entered the war. Equipped with 15-27 Dec 1945.
B-24's in 1942. Served as an operational COMMANDERS. Maj Newton Longfel-
training and later as a replacement train- low, 15 Jan IWI ; Capt Maurice A Preston,
ing unit. Inactivated on I Apr 1944. I Feb 1941 ; Lt Col Elmer E Adler, 17 Mar
Redesignated 39th Bombardment Group 1941; Capt George W Hansen, 13 May
(Very Heavy). Activated on I Apr 194-1. 1941; Maj Charles B Overacker Jr, 12 Nov
Trained with B-29's. Moved to Guam 1941; Lt Col George W Hansen, 25 Jan
early in 1945 for duty with Twentieth AF. 1942; Col James H Wallace, 16 Feb 1942;
Bombed enemy-held Maug early in Apr. Col Fay R Upthegrove, 12 Jul 1942; Lt
Col Samuel C Mitchell, 13 Sep 1942; Maj

Marden M Munn, 17 Dec 1942; Lt Col
Horace D Aynesworth, I Mar 1943; Lt
Col Charles A Watt, I Jul 1943; Lt Col
Frank R Pancake, 25 Nov 1943; Col Clyde
K Rich, I Dec 1943-1 Apr 1944. Capt
Claude J Hilton, 28 Apr 1944; Maj Gordon
R Willis, 6 May 1944; Maj Campbell Weir,
11 May 194; Lt Col Robert W Strong Jr,
10 Jun 1944; Col Potter B Paige, 15 Jun
1944; Col John G Fowler, 22 Feb 1945;
Col George W Mundy, 16 Mar 1945; Col
James E Roberts, 16 Aug 1945; Lt Col Jun 194. Transported supplies over the
James C Thompson, g Oct 1945; Col Hump to staging bases in China before
Robert J Mason, 13 Oct 1~5-unkn. entering combat with a strike on railroad
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; Air shops at Bangkok, Thailand, on 5 Jun
Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific. 1944. On 15 Jun participated in the first
DECORATIONS. AAF attack on Japan since the Doolittle
tions: Japan, 10 May 1945; Tokyo and raid in 1942. Operating from bases in
Yokohama, Japan, 23-29 May 1945. India, and at times staging through fields
INSIGNE.None. in China, the group struck such targets as
transportation centers, naval installations,
40th BOMBARDMENT GROUP iron works, and aircraft plants in Burma,
Thailand, China, Japan, Indonesia, and
Constituted as 40th Bombardment Formosa, receiving a DUC for bombing
Group (Medium) on 22 Nov 1940. Acti- iron and steel works at Yawata, Japan, on
uated in Puerto Rico on I Apr 1941. Re- 20 Aug 1944. From a staging field in
designated 40th Bombardment Grobp Ceylon, it mined waters near the port of
(Heavy) in May 1942. Trained and Palembang, Sumatra, in Aug 1944.
patrolled the Caribbean area, using B-17 Moved to Tinian, Feb-Apr 1945, for
and B-26 aircraft. Operated first from further operations against Japan. Made
Puerto Rico and later from the Panama daylight attacks from high altitude on
Canal Zone. strategic targets, participated in incendiary
Moved to the US in Jun 1943. Redesig- raids on urban areas, and dropped mines
nated 40th Bombardment Group (Very in Japanese shipping lanes. Received a
Heavy) in Nov 1943. After training with DUC for attacking naval aircraft factories
B-zg’s, moved to India, via Africa, Mar- at Kure, oil storage facilities at Oshima,
Jun 1944. Assigned to Twentieth ,AF in and the industrial area of Nagoya, in May
1945. Raided light metal industries in pan; China Defensive; Western Pacific;
Osaka in Jul 1945, being awarded another Central Burma.
DUC for this mission. After V-J Day, DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
dropped food and supplies to Allied pris- tions: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Japan,
oners in Japan, Korea, and Formosa, and 5-14 May 1945; Japan, 24 Jul 1945.
took part in show-of-force missions. Re- INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, on a bomb burst
turned to the US in Nov 1945. Assigned proper fimbriated argent four drop bombs
to Strategic Air Command on 21 Mar 1946. in cross or. (Approved 28 Mar 1942. This
Inactivated on I Oct 1946. insigne was replaced 6 Jan 1954.)
SQUADRONS. 25th: 1943-1946. 29th:
1941-1943. 44th: 1941-1946. 45th: 1941- 41st BOMBARDMENT GROUP
1946. 74th: 1942-1943. 343d: 1945-1946.
395th: 1942-1946. Constituted as 41st Bombardment
STATIONS. Borinquen Field, PR, I Apr Group (Medium) on 20 Nov 1940. Ac-
1941; Howard Field, CZ, 16 Jun 1942; Al- tivated on 15 Jan 1941. Trained with B-18’s
brook Field, CZ, 16 Sep 1942; Howard and A-29’s; later equipped with B-25’s.
Field, CZ, 3-15 Jun 1943; Pratt AAFld, Patrolled the west coast during 1942 and
Kan, I Jul 1943-12 Mar 1944; Chakulia, 1943. Moved to Hawaii in Oct 1943 and
India, 2 Apr 1944-25 Feb 1945; West Field, assigned to Seventh AF. Completed final
Tinian, 4 A p r 7 Nov 1945; March Field, training and moved to Tarawa in the Cen-
Calif, 27 Nov 1945; Davis-Monthan Field, tral Pacific in Dec 1943. Attacked enemy
Ariz, 8 May-1 Oct 1946. installations, airfields, and shipping in the
COMMANDERS. Lt Col William B Sousa, Marshalls in preparation for the invasion
I Apr 1941; Maj George W McGregor, by US forces, and after Feb 1944 staged
29 Apr 1941 ; Col Ivan M Palmer, 26 Nov through captured fields on Eniwetok to
1941; Col Vernon C Smith, 19 Jan 1943; attack shipping in the Caroline Islands.
Col Henry K Mooney, 16 May 1943; Col In Apr 1944 moved to Makin where its
Lewis R Parker, I Jul 1943; Lt Col Louis missions were directed primarily against
E Coira, 24 Feb 1944; Col Leonard F shipping and bypassed islands in the Mar-
Harman, 10 Apr 1944; Col William H shalls and Carolines. Returned to Hawaii
Blanchard, 4 Aug 1944; Col Henry R in Oct 1944 for training with rockets and
Sullivan, 16 Feb 1945; Col William K new B-25’s. Moved to Okinawa, May-
Skaer, 27 Feb 1945; Lt Col Oscar R Schaaf, Tun 1945. Bombed airfields, railways, and
21 Mar 1946; Col Alva L Harvey, 4 May harbor facilities on Kyushu until Aug 1945.
1946; Lt Col Oscar R Schaaf, 21 Aug 1946; Also flew some missions against airfields
1st Lt William F Seith, 21 Sep-1 Oct 1946. in China. Moved to Manila in Dec 1945.
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American Inactivated in the Philippines on 27 Jan
Theater; India-Burma; Air Offensive, Ja- 1946.
98 AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WQRLD WAR I1
SQUADRONS. 46th: 1941-1943. 47th:

1941-1946.48th: 1941-1946. 76th: 1943.
396th: 1942-1946. 406th: 1943. 820th:
1943-1946-
STATIONS.March Field, Calif, 15 Jan
1941;Tucson, Ariz, May 1941;Muroc,
Calif, c. 10 Dec 1941;Hammer Field, Calif,
Feb 1942-29Sep 1943;Hickam Field, TH,
16Oct 1943;Tarawa, 17Dec 1943;Makin,
24 Apr 1944;Wheeler Field, TH, 14 Oct
1944;Okinawa, 7 Jun 1945;Manila, Dec
1945-27 Jan 1946.
COMMANDERS. Capt Lawrence H Dou-
thit, 15 Jan 1941;Lt Col Archibald Y Solomons. Engaged primarily in the neu-
Smith, 2 Jun 1941; Lt Col Charles B tralization of enemy airfields and harbor
Dougher, 1942;Col Murray A Bywater, facilities on New Britain from Jan to Jul
18 Aug 1g43-c.Nov 1945. 1944,but also supported ground forces on
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American Bougainville and attacked shipping in the
Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern northern Solomons and the Bismarcks.
Mandates; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; Later, beginning in Aug 1944, bombed
China Offensive. airfields and installations on New Guinea,
DECORATIONS. None. Celebes, and Halmahera, and flew photo-
INSIGNE.None. graphic reconnaissance missions, while
operating from bases in New Guinea and
42d BOMBARDMENT GROUP Morotai. Moved to the Philippines in
Mar 1945. Attacked shipping along the
Constituted as 42d Bombardment China coast, struck targets in French Indo-
Group (Medium) on 20 Nov 1940. Acti- china, bombed airfields and installations
vated on 15Jan 1941. Trained with B-18, in the Philippines, and supported ground
B-25, and B-26 aircraft. Patrolled the operations on Mindanao. Also supported
west coast during 1942. Moved to the Australian forces on Borneo during May
Pacific theater, Mar-Apr 1943, and as- and Jun 1945,receiving a DUC for its pre-
signed to Thirteenth AF. Entered com- invasion bombing of Balikpapan, 23-30
bat in Jun 1943,using B-25’s and operating Jun. Brought its combat service to an
from bases in the Solomon Islands. At- end, Jul and Aug 1945,by attacking iso-
tacked Japanese airfields, personnel areas, lated Japanese units on Luzon. Ferried
gun positions, and shipping in the central troops and equipment to Manila after the
war. Moved to Japan in Jan 1946 as part two aerial bombs palewise of the second.
of the occupation force. Znactivated in Motto: AETHERA NOBIS-The Skies
Japan on 10 May 1946. for Us. (Approved 11 Mar 1942.)
SQUADRONS. 69th: 1943-1946. 70th:
1943-1946- 75th: 1941-1946* 76th: I94I- 43d BOMBARDMENT GROUP
1943. 77th: 1941-1942. Z O O t h : 1945.
390th: 1942-1946. 406th: 1942-1943.
STATIONS.Ft Douglas, Utah, 15 Jan
1941; Boise, Idaho, c. 3 Jun 1941; Mc-
Chord Field, Wash, c. 18 Jan 1942-15 Mar
1943; Fiji Islands, 22 Apr 1943; Guadal-
canal, 6 Jun 1943; Russell Islands, Oct
1943; Sterling, Solomon Islands, 20 Jan
1944; Hollandia, Aug 1944; Sansapor,
New Guinea, Sep 1944; Morotai, Feb
1945; Puerto Princesa, Palawan, Mar
1945; Itami, Japan, Jan-zo May 1946.
COMMANDERS. Col John V Hart, 15
Jan 1941; Col Harry E Wilson, Jul 1942;
Constituted as 43d Bombardment Group
Maj Edwin J Latoszewski, 14 Dec 1942;
(Heavy) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on
Lt Col Guy L Hudson, Jan 1943; Col
15 Jan 1941. Trained with B-17, B-18,
Harry E Wilson, 22 Apr 1943; Col Charles
A-29, and LB-30 aircraft. Flew some
C Kegelman, 16 Nov 1944; Lt Col Harry
antisubmarine patrols along the New
C Harvey, 15 Mar 1945; Col Paul F Hel-
mick, 10May 1945; Lt Col Harry E Golds- England coast, Dec 1g41-Feb 1942.
worthy, Sep 1945; Maj Thomas B Waddel, Moved to the Southwest Pacific, via
Mar-Io May 1946. Capetown, Feb-Mar 1942. Became part
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American of Fifth AF. Equipped first with B-I~’s,
Theater; China Defensive; New Guinea; but converted to B-24’s, May-Sep 1943.
Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archi- Operated from Australia, New Guinea,
pelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; and Owi Island, Aug 1942-Nov 1944, mak-
Southern Philippines; China Offensive. ing numerous attacks on Japanese ship-
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-. ping in the Netherlands East Indies and
tion : Balikpapan, Borneo, 23-30 Jun 1945. the Bismarck Archipelago. Experimented
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. with skip bombing and used this method
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, on a bend en- for some shipping strikes, including at-
grailed or, four annulets gules, between tacks on Japanese vessels during the Bat-
tle of the Bismarck Sea, 2-4 Mar 1943; Redesignated 43d Bombardment Group
received a DUC for participation in this (Very Heavy). Activated in the US on I
latter action in which repeated air attacks Oct 1946. Assigned to Strategic Air Com-
destroyed a large enemy convoy carrying mand. Redesignated 43d Bombardment
reinforcements to New Guinea. Other Group (Medium) in Ju1 1948. Equipped
operations during this period included first with B-29’s, then with B-50’s. Trained
support for ground forces on New and conducted long-range test missions,
Guinea; attacks on airfields and installa- including the first nonstop flight around
tions in New Guinea, the Bismarck Archi- the world (26 Feb-2 Mar 1949), accom-
pelago, Celebes, Halmahera, Yap, Palau, plished in “Lucky Lady 11,” a B-50 com-
and the southern Philippines; and long- manded by Capt James G Gallagher. In-
range raids against oil refineries on Ceram activated on 16 Jun 1952.
and Borneo. Capt Jay Zeamer Jr, pilot, SQUADRONS. 63d: 1941-1946; 1946-1952.
and 2d Lt Joseph R Sarnoski, bombardier, 64th: 1941-1946; 1946-1952. 65th: 1941-
each won the Medal of Honor for action 1946; 1946-1952. 403d: 1942-1946.
during a photographic mapping mission STATIONS.Langley Field, Va, 15 Jan
over the Solomon Islands on 16 Jun 1943: 1941; Bangor, Maine, 28 Aug 1941-17 Feb
when the mission was nearly completed, 1942; Sydney, Australia, 28 Mar 1942;Tor-
their aircraft was assaulted by about 20 rens Creek, Australia, c. I Aug 1942; Port
interceptors ;although painfully wounded, Moresby, New Guinea, 14 Sep 1942; Dobo-
Lt Sarnoski remained at the nose guns dura, New Guinea, 10 Dec 1943; Nadzab,
and fired at the enemy until he died at his New Guinea, 4 Mar 1944; Owi, Schouten
post; sustaining severe injuries, Capt Islands, 2 Jul 1944; Tacloban, Leyte, c. 15
Nov 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, 16 Mar
Zeamer maneuvered the plane until the
1945; Ie Shima, 26 Jul 1945; Ft William
enemy had broken combat, then directed
McKinley, Luzon, 10 Dec 1945-29 Apr
the flight to a base more than 500 miles
1946. Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, I Oct
away. After moving to the Philippines in
1946-16 Jun 1952.
Nov 1944, the group atttacked shipping COMMANDERS. Lt Col Harold D Smith,
along the Asiatic coast; struck industries, 15 Jan 1941; Lt Col Francis B Valentine, I
airfields, and installations in China and Mar 1941; Maj Conrad H Diehl Jr, 18
Formosa; and supported ground forces on Feb 1942; Col Roger M Ramey, 21 Oct
Luzon. Moved to Ie Shima in Jul 1945 1942; Lt Col John A Roberts, 30 Mar 1943;
and conducted missions against airfields Col Harry J Hawthorne, 24 May 1943; Lt
and railways in Japan and against ship- Col Edward W Scott Jr, 18 Nov 1943; Col
ping in the Inland Sea and the Sea of Harry J Hawthorne, 8 Feb 1944; Col James
Japan. Returned to the Philippines in T Pettus Jr, 18 Sep 19q4; Maj Paul B Han-
in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 29 Apr 1946. sen, 8 Sep 1945-unkn. Col James C Selser
Jr, 5 Oct 1946; Col William E Eubank Jr, submarine duty. In Jul1942 began inten-
Apr 1948; Col Dalene Bailey, Jul1948; Col sive preparations for combat. Moved to
Alvan N Moore, 3 Jan 1949-16 Jun 1952. England, Aug-Oct 1942, for service with
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American Eighth AF. Operations consisted prima-
Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; China De- rily of assaults against strategic targets in
fensive; Papua; New Guinea; Bismarck France, Belgium, Holland, Germany, Italy
Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Rumania, Austria, Poland, and Sicily.
Luzon; Southern Philippines; Ryukyus; Pounded submarine installations, indus-
China Offensive. trial establishments, airfields, harbors,
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- shipyards, and other objectives in France
tions: Papua, [Aug] 1942-23 Jan 1943; and Germany, Nov 1 ~ 2 - J u n1943. Re-
Bismarck Sea, 2-4 Mar 1943. Philippine ceived a DUC for an extremely hazardous
Presidential Unit Citation. mission against naval installations at Kiel
INSIGNE.Shield: Per fess nebuly or and on 14 May 1943: with its B-24’s carrying
azure, a drop bomb counterchanged. incendiaries to be dropped after three B-17
Motto: WILLING, ABLE, READY. groups had released high explosive bombs,
(Approved 31 Jan 1942.) the 44th flew in the wake of the main
formation; thus the B-24’s were particu-
44th BOMBARDMENT GROUP larly vulnerable because they had no pro-
tection from fire power of the main force,
Constituted as 4 t h Bombardment and this vulnerability increased when the
Group (Heavy) on 20 Nov IWO. Acti- group had to open its own formation for
vated on 15 Jan 1941. Trained with the attack; but the 44th blanketed the
B-24’s. Became an operational training target with incendiaries in spite of the
unit in Feb 1942. Also served on anti- concentrated flak and continuous inter.
ceptor attacks it encountered. Late in
Jun 1943 a large detachment moved to
North Africa to help facilitate the invasion
of Sicily by bombing airfields and mar-
shalling yards in Italy. The detachment
also participated in the famous low-level
raid on the Ploesti oil fields on I Aug 1943.
The group was awarded a DUC for its
part in this raid and its commander, Col
Leon Johnson, was awarded the Medal of
Honor for his daring and initiative in lead-
ing his men into smoke, flame, and alerted
fighter and antiaircraft opposition over the
target, which already had been bombed last combat mission on 25 Apr 1945. Re-
in error by another group. Before return- turned to the US in Jun 1945. Redesig-
ing to England at the end of Aug, the nated 44th Bombardment Group (Very
detachment bombed an aircraft factory in Heavy) in Aug 1945. Trained with
Austria and supported ground forces in B-29's. Assigned to Strategic Air Com-
Sicily. In Sep the group struck airfields mand on 21 Mar 1946. lnactivated on 12
in Holland and France and convoys in the Jul 1946.
North Sea. Also in Sep, a detachment Activated on I Jul 1947. Assigned to
was sent to North Africa to support the Strategic Air Command. Not manned
Salerno operations. The detachment re- during 1947 and 1948. Inactivated on 6
turned to England in Oct and from Nov Sep 1948.
1943 to Apr 1945, the entire group carried Redesignated 44th Bombardment Group
out operations against targets in western (Medium). Activated on 2 Jan 1951. As-
Europe, concentrating on airfields, oil in- signed to Strategic Air Command and
stallations, and marshalling yards. Took equipped with B-29's. lnactivated on 16
part in the intensive campaign of heavy Jun 1952.
bombers against the German aircraft SQUADRONS. 66th: 1941-1946; 1947-
industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. 1948; 1951-1952. 67th: 1941-1946; 1947-
Sometimes flew support and interdictory 1948; 1951-1952. 68th: 1941-1946; 1947-
missions. Struck airfields, railroads, and 1948; 1951-1952. p&k: 1942. 506th:
V-weapon sites in preparation for the 1943-1946-
Normandy invasion; supported the inva- STATIONS.MacDill Field, Fla, 15 Jan
sion in Jun 1944 by attacking strong points 1941; Barksdale Field, La, Feb 1942; Will
in the beachhead area and transportation Rogers Field, Okla, Jul-c. 28 Aug 1942;
targets behind the front lines. Aided the Shipham, England, Oct 1942-c. 15 Jun
Caen offensive and the St Lo breakthrough 1945; Sioux Falls AAFld, SD, c. 27 Jun
in Jul. Dropped'food, ammunition, and 1945; Great Bend AAFld, Kan, 25 Jul
other supplies to troops engaged in the 1945; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 14 Dec
airborne attack on Holland in Sep. 1945-12 Jul 1946. Andrews Field, Md, I
Helped to check the enemy offensive dur- Ju1 1947-6 Sep 1948. March AFB, Calif,
ing the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 2 Jan 1951; Lake Charles AFB, La, c. I
1945, by striking bridges, tunnels, choke Aug 1951-16 Jun 1952.
points, rail and road junctions, and com- COMMANDERS. Lt Col Melvin B Asp,
munications in the battle area. Attacked c. 15 Jan 1941; Lt Col Hugo P Rush, May
airfields and transportation in support of 1941; Col F H Robinson, c. I Apr 1942;
the advance into Germany, and flew a Col Leon W Johnson, c. 15 Jan 1943; Lt
resupply mission during the airborne as- Col James T Posey, c. 3 Sep 1943; Col
sault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Flew Frederick R Dent, Dec 1943; Col John H
Gibson, c. I Apr 1944; Col Eugene H -- I
I
1
1
Snavely, Aug 1944; Col Vernon C Smith,
Apr 1945-unkn; Lt Col Henry C Coles, c.
6 Aug 1945; Col William J Cain Jr, c. 30
Aug 1945; Lt Col James F Starkey, c. 8
Jan 1946-unkn. Unkn, 1947-1948. Col
Howell M Estes Jr, Feb 1951; Col Carlos
J Cochrane, 7 Mar 1951-16 Jun 1952.
Theater; Air Combat, EAME Theater;
Air Offensive, Europe; Sicily; Naples-
Foggia; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace; Central 8fih Antisubmarine (formerly 79th Bom-
Europe. bardment) : 1941-1942. 9th Antisubma-
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- rine (formerly 80th Bombardment) : 1941-
tions: Kiel, Germany, 14 May 1943; Plo- 1942. zoth Antisubmarine (formerly 433d
esti, Rumania, I Aug 1943. Bombardment) : 1941-1942.
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a bomb, point STATIONS.Savannah, Ga, 15 Jan 1941;
downward, between eight stars, four and Manchester, NH, 18 Jun 1941;Dover, Del,
four, or, all bendwise. Motto: AGGRES- 16 May 1942; Miami, Fla, I Aug-8 Dec
SOR BEWARE. (Approved 15 May
1942.
1951.) COMMANDERS. Lt Col James E Duke
Jr, Jan 1941; Lt Col George A McHenry,
45th BOMBARDMENT GROUP I Apr 1941; Lt Col Charles W Haas, c.
Sep-Dec 1942.
Constituted as 45th Bombardment CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American
Group (Light) on 20 NQV 1940. Acti- Theater.
vated on 15 Jan IWI. Trained with B-18's DECORATIONS. None.
and A-20's. Redesignated 45th Bombard- INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, three aerial
ment Group (Medium) in Dec 1941. bombs or, a chief potentee of the last.
Flew patrol and search missions off the Motto: DE ASTRA-From the Stars.
Atlantic and Gulf coasts, serving with (Approved 6 Jan 1942.)
First AF and later with AAF Antisub-
marine Command. Used B-18, B-34, and
D B 7 aircraft for operations. Znactiirated
on 8 Dec 1942. Constituted as 46th Bombardment
SQUADRONS. 7th Antisubmarine (for- Group (Light) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated
merly 78th Bombardment) : 1941-1942. on 15 Jan 1941. Trained with A-20's and
Harold L Mace, 13 Sep 1943; Lt Col Rob-

ert V DeShazo, 21 Oct 1943-1 May 1944.
Theater.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.Shield: Or, a bend invected
azure. Motto: CUSTOS LIBERTATE-
Guardians of Liberty. (Approved 14 Jul
1942.)

participated in maneuvers. Flew some Group (Light) on 20 Nov 1940. A d -
antisubmarine patrols over the Gulf of uuted on 15 Jan 1941. Patrolled the west
Mexico early in 1942. Assigned to Second coast for several weeks after Japan attacked
AF in Aug 1942 and to Third AF in Nov Pearl Harbor, then trained for duty over-
1942. Served as an operational training seas. Moved to North Africa, Oct-Nov
unit until late in 1943, then became a re- 1942. Assigned to Twelfth AF. Served
placement training unit. Disbanded on I in the Mediterranean theater until the end
May 1944. of the war, using A-20's and (after Jan
SQUADRONS. 50th: 1941-1944. 5ISt: 1945) some A-26's for support and inter-
1941-1944. 53d: 1941-1944. 87th: 1941- dictory operations in which the group at-
1944. tacked such targets as tanks, convoys,
STATIONS.Savannah, Ga, 15 Jan 1941; bivouac areas, troop concentrations, supply
-- .
Bowman Field, Ky, 20 May 1941; Barks-
dale Field, La, Feb 1942; Galveston Mun
Aprt, Tex, c. I Apr 1942; Blythe AAB,
Calif, 23 May 1942; Will Rogers Field,
Okla, Nov 1942; Drew Field, Fla, Oct
1943;Morris Field, NC, 6 Nov 1943-1 May
'944.
COMMANDERS. Maj Guy L McNeil, 15
Jan 1941; Maj Otto C George, 18 Apr
1941; Col Richard H Lee, g May 1941; Lt
Col Robert D Gapen, I Nov 1942; Lt Col
Martin P Crabtree, 11 Apr 1943; Lt Col
Robert V DeShazo, 21 Jul 1943; Col
dumps, roads, pontoon bridges, rail lines, B-45’s. Moved to England, May-Jun
and airfields. Also flew numerous night 1952, and assigned to United States Air
intruder missions after Tun 1 9 4 . Began Forces in Europe. Inactivated on 8 Feb
operations by flying low-level missions 1955.
against the enemy in North Africa during SQUADRONS. 84th: 1941-1949; 1951-1955.
the period Dec 1~2-May 1943. When 85th: 1941-1949; 1951-1955. 86th: 1941-
Axis forces broke through at Kasserine 1949; 1954-1955. 97th: 1941-1946. 422d:
Pass in Feb 1943, the 47th Group, though 1953-1954.
undermanned and undersupplied, flew STATIONS.McChord Field, Wash, 15
eleven missions on 22 Feb to attack the Jan 1941;Fresno, Calif, 14 Aug 1941;Will
advancing armored columns and thus to Rogers Field, Okla, c. 16 Feb 1942; Greens-
help stop the enemy’s offensive-an action boro, NC, c. 16 Jul-18 Oct 1942; Mediouna,
for which the group was awarded a DUC. French Morocco, 18 Nov 1942; Youks-les-
Remained active in combat during Mar Bains, Algeria, 7 Jan 1943; Canrobert,
and Apr 1943 while training for medium- Algeria, 6 Mar 1943; Thelepte, Tunisia,
level bombardment. Participated in the 30 Mar 1943; Souk-el-Arba, Tunisia, 13
reduction of Pantelleria and Lampedusa in Apr 1943; Soliman, Tunisia, c. I Jul 1943;
Jun 1943 and the invasion of Sicily in Jul. Malta, 21 Jul 1943; Torrente Comunelli,
Bombed German evacuation beaches near Sicily, g Aug 1943; Gerbini, Sicily, 20 Aug
Messina in Aug. Supported British Eighth 1943; Grottaglie, Italy, 24 Sep 1943; Vin-
Army during the invasion of Italy in Sep. cenzo Airfield, Italy, 15 Oct 1943; Vesuvius
Assisted the Allied advance toward Rome, Airfield, Italy, c. 10 Jan 1944; Capodichino,
Sep 1943-J~” 1944. Supported the in- Italy, 22 Mar 1944; Vesuvius Airfield,
vasion of Southern France, Aug-Sep 1944. Italy, 25 Apr 1944; Ponte Galeria, Italy,
Attacked German communications in c. 10 Jun 1944; Ombrone Airfield, Italy,
northern Italy, Sep 1 ~ 4 - A p r 1945. Re- 27 Jun 1944; Corsica, 11 Jul 1944; Salon,
ceived second DUC for performance from France, 7 Sep 1944; Follonica, Italy, 18
21 to 24 Apr 1945 when, in bad weather Sep 1944; Rosignano Airfield, Italy, Oct
and over rugged terrain, the group main- 1944; Grosseto, Italy, 11 Dec 1944; Pisa,
tained operations for 60 consecutive hours, Italy, Jun-24 Jun 1945; Seymour Johnson
destroying enemy transportation in the Field, NC, 11 Jul 1945; Lake Charles
Po Valley to prevent the organized with- AAFld, La, Sep 1945; Biggs Field, Tex,
drawal of German forces. Returned to 20 Oct 1946; Barksdale AFB, La, 19 Nov
the US in July 1945. Trained and par- 1948-2 Oct 1949. Langley AFB, Va, 12
ticipated in maneuvers. Equipped with Mar 1951-12 May 1952; Sculthorpe, Eng-
B-45’s in 1948. Inactivated on 2 Oct 1949. land, I Jun 1952-8 Feb 1955.
Activated on 12 Mar 1951. Assigned to COMMANDERS. Maj William A Schul-
Tactical Air Command and equipped with gen, 15 Jan 1941; Lt Col Hilbert M Witt-
106 AIR FORCE COMBAT U ~ I T SOF WORLD WAR 11
kop, unkn; Col Frederick R Terrell, Jail
1942; Col Malcolm Green Jr, 17 May 1943;
Lt Col Kenneth S Wade, I Apr 1945; Col
Marvin S Zipp, 28 Aug 1g45;.Col Robert
J Hughey, 23 Nov 1945; Lt Col Broadus B
Taylor, 27 Aug 1946; Col Gerald E Wil-
liams, 30 Aug 1946; Lt Col Stebbins W
Griffith, 5 Jun 1947; Lt Col Frederick E
Price, Aug 1947; Col Willis F Chapman,
10 Oct 1947-2 Oct 1949. Col Benjamin C
Willis, 12 Mar 1951; Col David M Jones,
Sep 1951; Col Galen B Price, 20 Feb 1952;
Lt Col Hubert M Blair, unkn; Col Galen
B Price, 1954-c. Feb 1955. A-20, A-24, A-31, A-35, A-36, P-39,
CAMPAIGNS.American Theater; Al- P-40, and other aircraft between 1942 and
geria-French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily; 1944. Served as a replacement training
Naples-Foggia; Anzio ; Rome-Arno; unit, participated in maneuvers, and for
Southern France; North Apennines; Po a brief time engaged in coastal patrol
Valley. work.
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- Moved overseas, arriving in England in
tions: North Africa, 22 Feb 1943; Po Mar 1944. Assigned to Ninth AF.
Valley, 21-24 Apr 1945. Trained with P-47’s. Began operations
INSIGNE.Shield: Or, in chief, a bomb on 20 Apr 1944 by making a fighter sweep
sable, point downward, winged gules, sur- over the coast of France. Redesignated
mounting an arc, reversed and couped, 48th Fighter Group in May 1944. Flew
azure, all above a stylized cloud indica- escort and dive-bombing missions to help
tion, of the second, emitting four lightning prepare for the invasion of Normandy.
flashes gules toward base. (Approved 26 Bombed bridges and gun positions on 6
Oct Igy.) Jun and attacked rail lines and trains, mo-
tor transports, bridges, fuel dumps, and
48th FIGHTER GROUP gun positions during the remainder of the
Normandy campaign. Moved to France,
Constituted as 48th Bombardment Jun-Jul 1944. Helped Allied forces break
Group (Light) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated through the German lines at St Lo in Jul,
on 15 Jan 1941. Redesignated 48th Bom- supported the Allied drive across France
bardment Group (Dive) in Sep 1942, and in Aug and Sep, and assisted the airborne
48th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943. attack on Holland in Sep. Cited by the
Used A-20’s and B-18’s during 1941, and Belgian Government for close coopera-
tion with Allied armies during the period 28 Jun 1942; William Northern Field,
Jun-Sep 1944. Moved to Belgium and Tenn, 20 Aug 1943; Waterboro AAFld,
operated from there in the fall and win- SC, 27 Jan-13 Mar 1944; Ibsley, England,
ter of 1944-1945, being awarded second 29 Mar 1944; Deux Jumeaux, France, 18
Belgian citation for operations during that Jun 1944; Villacoublay, France, 29 Aug
time. Received a DUC for action on 6 1944; Cambrai/Niergnies, France, 15 Sep
Dec 1944: facing intense enemy fire while 1944; St Trond, Belgium, 30 Sep 1944;
flying below a heavy overcast, the group Kelz, Germany, 26 Mar 1945; Kassel, Ger-
struck buildings, entrenchments, and troop many, 17Apr 1945; Illesheim, Germany, 29
concentrations to assist the advance of Apr 1945; Laon, France, 5 Jul-Aug 1945;
ground forces against an enemy strong- Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 9 S e w Nov
hold north of Julich. Supported ground 1945. Chaumont AB, France, 10 J u l 1 9 p .
operations during the Battle of the Bulge COMMANDERS. Lt Col Bernard S
(Dec 1944-Jan 1945) and received third Thompson, 1941; Col Norman R Burnett,
Belgian citation for relentless assaults unkn; Lt Col Preston P Pender, c. 1943;
against the enemy during that battle. Lt Col Charles C Kegelman, c. Apr 1943;
Continued tactical air operations from G l Dixon M Allison, c. 8 Nov 1943; Col
bases on the Continent, supporting ground George L Wertenbaker Jr, 23 Apr 1944;
forces until the end of the war. During Col James K Johnson, c. Oct 1944; Lt Col
combat, also flew patrol, escort, weather- Harold L McNeely, 8 Tun 1945; Lt Col
reconnaissance, and leaflet missions ; on Paul P Douglas Jr, 28 Jun rg45-unkn.
one occasion carried blood plasma that Col Chesiey G Peterson, 10 Jul 1952; Lt
was dropped in belly tanks to ground Col Arthur D Thomas, c. I Jun 1953; Col
troops. Moved to the US during Aug- Frank A Hill, c. Sep 1953; Col Arthur D
Sep 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945. Thomas, c. Jul 1954; Lt Col John D Mc-
Redesignated 48th Fighter-Bomber Farlane, 1955-.
Group. Activated in France on 10 Jul CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American
1952. Assigned to United States Air Theater; Air Offensive, Europe ; Nor-
Forces in Europe. Equipped with F-84’s mandy; Northern France; Rhineland ;
and later with F-86 aircraft. Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
SQUADRONS. 492d (formerly 55th) : DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
1941-1945; 1952-. 493d (formerly 56th) : tion: Germany, 6 Dec 1944. Cited in the
1941-1945; 1952-. 494th (formerly 57th) : Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6 Jun-
1941-1945; 1 9 5 ~ .495th (formerly 88th) : 30 Sep 1944; I Oct 1944-; 18 Dec 1944-15
194I-I444* Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.
STATIONS.Savannah, Ga, 15 Jan 1941; INSIGNE.Shield: Argent, on a pale en-
Will Rogers Field, Okla, 22 May 1941; grailed azure a dexter hand couped at the
Savannah, Ga, 7 Feb 1942; Key Field, Miss, wrist grasping a sword or. Motto: VUL-
NERATUS NON VICTUS-Uncon- Allied ground forces. Participated in the

quered even though Wounded. (Approved Allied offensive that pushed the Japanese
12 Jan 1942.) back along the Buna trail, took part in the
Battle of the Bismarck Sea (Mar 1g43),
49th FIGHTER GROUP fought for control of the approaches to
Huon Gulf, and supported ground forces
during the campaign in which the Allies
eventually recovered New Guinea. Cuv-
ered landings on Noemfoor and had a
part iri the conquest of Biak. After hav-
ing used P-38, P-40, and P-47 aircraft,
c
c.
was equipped completely in Sep 1944 with
P-38’s, which were used to fly long-range
escort and attack missions to Mindanao,
Halmahera, Ceram, and Borneo. Ar-
rived in the Philippines in Oct 1944,
shortly after the assault landings on Leyte.
Engaged enemy fighters, attacked ship-
Constituted as 49th Pursuit Group (In- ping in Ormoc Bay, supported ground
terceptor) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on forces, and covered the Allied invasion of
15 Jan 1941. Trained with P-35’s. Luzon. Maj Richard I Bong, who be-
Moved to Australia, Jan-Feb 1942,and became AAF’s top ace of World War 11, was
came part of Fifth AF. Redesignated awarded the Medal of Honor for volun-
49th Fighter Group in May 1942. Re- tarily flying in combat from 10 Oct to 15
ceived P-40’s in Australia and, after train- Nov 1944, a period for which he was
ing for a short time, provided air defense credited with the destruction of eight
for the Northern Territory, being awarded enemy aircraft in the air. For intensive
a DUC for engaging the enemy in fre- operations against the Japanese on Leyte,
quent and intense aerial combat while the group was awarded a DUC. Other
operating with limited materiel and facil- missions from the Philippines included
ities, Mar-Aug 1942. strikes against industry and transportation
Moved to New Guinea in Oct 1942 to on Formosa and against shipping along
help stall the Japanese drive southward the China coast. Moved to Okinawa in
from Buna to Port Moresby. Engaged Aug 1945 and to Japan in Sep. Trained,
primarily in air defense of Port Moresby; took part in maneuvers, and flew surveil-
also escorted bombers and transports, and lance patrols, as part of Far East Air
attacked enemy installations, supply lines, Forces. Equipped with P-51’s in 1946,
and troop concentrations in support of with F-80’s being added in 1948. Redes-
ignated 49th Fighter-Bomber Group in COMMANDERS. Maj Glenn L Davasher,

Feb 1950. 16 Jan 1941; Maj John F Egan, 10 Feb
Began operations in the Korean War in 1941; Maj George McCoy Jr, 2 May 1941;
Jun 1950. Covered the evacuation of ci- Col Paul B Wurtsmith, 11 Dec 1941; Col
vilian personnel from Kimpo and Suwon. Donald R Hutchinson, 11 Nov 1942; Lt
Then flew missions in support of U N Col Robert L Morrissey, 30 Jan 1943; Col
ground forces, hitting gun positions, troop James C Selman, Jul 1943; Lt Col David
concentrations, and other objectives. A Campbell, 25 Jan 1944; Lt Col Furlo S
Later, struck interdiction targets in North Wagner, 3 Jun 1944; Col George A
Korea. In combat, operated first from Walker, 19 Jul 1944; Lt Col Gerald R
Japan and later from Korea, beginning Johnson, 10 Mar 1945; Lt Col Clay Tice
operations with F-51’s and F-80’s and Jr, 16 Jul 1945; Lt Col Wallace R Jordan,
completing conversion to F-84’s in Sep 4 Feb 1946; Lt Col Charles H Terhune Jr,
1951. Remained in Korea for a time after c. 18 Feb 1946; Col Herbert L Grills, 25
the armistice. Returned to Japan in Nov Mar 1946; Col Merrill D Burnside, 20 Jul
1953. 1946; Lt Col Clay Tice Jr, 11 Sep 1946; Col
SQUADRONS. 7th: 1941-. 8th: 1941-. Louis R Hughes, I Sep 1947; Lt Col Robert
9th: IgqI-. E Kirtley, 18 Aug 1948; Lt Col Niven K
STATIONS.Selfridge Field, Mich, 15 Jan Cranfill, 11 Mar 1949; Lt Col John R Mur-
1941; Morrison Field, Fla, 25 May 1941-4 phy, I Sep 1949; Lt Col James A Rippin,
Jan 1942; Melbourne, Australia, 2 Feb 31 Oct 1949; Col Wilbur H Stratton, 10
1942; Bankstown, Australia, 16 Feb 1942; Nov 1949; Col Stanton T Smith Jr, 20 Jan
Darwin, Australia, c. 16 Apr 1942; Port 1950; Col John R Murphy, 21 Oct 1950;
Moresby, New Guinea, 9 Oct 1942; Dobo- Col Wilbur J Grumbles, 20 May 1951; Col
dura, New Guinea, Mar 1943; Gusap, New William L Mitchell, 4 Nov 1951; Lt Col
Guinea, 20 Nov 1943; Finschhafen, New Gordon F Blood, 20 May 1952; Col
Guinea, 19 Apr 1944; Hollandia, New Charles G Teschner, 1952; Col Robert H
Guinea, c. 17 May 1944; Biak, 3 Jan 1944; Orr, Sep 1952; Col Richard N Ellis, 17 Jan
Tacloban, Leyte, 24 Oct 1944; San Jose, 1953; Col Charles G Teschner, I Apr
Mindoro, c. 30 Dec 1944; Lingayen, Lu- 1953; Col Gilbert L Pritchard, Aug 1953-.
zon, c. 25 Feb 1945; Okinawa, 16 Aug CAMPAIGNS.World War ZZ: East In-
1945; Atsugi, Japan, 15 Sep 1945; Chitose, dies; Air Offensive, Japan; China Defen-
Japan, 18 Feb 1946; Misawa, Japan, 20 Mar sive; Papua; New Guinea; Bismarck Ar-
1948; Itazuke, Japan, 9 Jul 1950; Taegu, chipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Lu-
Korea, I Dec 1950; Kunsan, Korea, I Apr zon; China Offensive. Korean War: UN
1953; Komaki, Japan, 2 Nov 1953; Na- Defensive; UN Offensive; CCF Interven-
goya, Japan, 16 Sep 1954-. tion; 1st UN Counteroffensive; CCF
Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall Of-

fensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea
Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Win-
ter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953.
tions: Australia, 14 Mar-25 Aug 1942;
Papua, [Oct] 1942-23 Jan 1943; Philippine
Islands, 27 O c t 7 Dec 1944; Korea [Junl-
25 Nov 1950; Korea, g Jul-27 Nov 1951.
Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. Re-
public of Korea Presidential Unit Cita-
tions: [Jun] 19501 Feb 1951; 8 Feb 1951-
31 Mar 1953.
INSIGNE.Shield: A gyronny of three Used P-40’s and P-47’s, plus some DB-fs,
gules, or and azure, a bolt of lightning, P-~I’s, and P70’s.
bend sinisterwise argent, in chief, a Moved to England, Mar-Apr 1944. As-
knight’s helmet, winged of the last, in signed to Ninth AF and, using P-47’s,
.dexter chief, five stars (Southern ’Cross) began operations by making a fighter
argent, two on gules, and three on azure, sweep over France on I May. Engaged
in sinister base a covered wagon, trees and primarily in escort and dive-bombing mis-
road scene, all proper. Motto: TUTOR sions for the next month. Covered the
E T ULTOR-I Protect and Avenge. beach during the invasion of Normandy
(Approved 29 Dec 1951.) on 6 and 7 Jun, and moved to the Con-
tinent late that month. Attacked bridges,
roads, vehicles, railways, trains, gun em-
50th FIGHTER GROUP placements, and marshalling yards during
Constituted as 50th Pursuit Group (In- the Normandy campaign. Bombed tar-
terceptor) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on gets in the St Lo region in Jul and support-
15 Jan 1941. Redesignated 50th Fighter ed the subsequent drive across France.
Group in May 1942. Functioned as part Assisted in stemming the German offen-
of the Fighter Command School, testing sive in the Saar-Hardt area early in Jan
equipment and conducting training in air 1945, engaged in the offensive that reduced
defense operations; also trained pilots and the Colmar bridgehead in Jan and Feb
furnished cadres to night fighter units. 1945, and supported the drive that
Later operated with AAF School of Ap- breached the Siegfried Line and resulted
plied Tactics, training personnel in fighter in the movement of Allied forces into
tactics under simulated combat conditions. southern Germany in Mar and Apr 1945.
Received a DUC for close cooperation land, 5 Apr 1944; Carentan, France, 25
with Seventh Army in Mar during the as- Jun 1944; Meautis, France, 16 Aug 1944;
sault on the Siegfried Line; in spite of the Orly, France, 4 Sep 1944; Laon, France,
hazards of enemy opposition and difficult 15 Sep 1944; Lyons/Bron, France, 28 Sep
weather conditions, the group struck en- 1944; Toul/Ochey, France, 3 Nov 1944;
emy defenses and isolated battle areas by Giebelstadt, Germany, 20 Apr 1945;
destroying bridges, communications, sup- Mannheim, Germany, 21 May-c. Jun
ply areas, and ammunition dumps. Re- 1945; La Junta AAFld, Colo, Aug-7 Nov
ceived second DUC for a mission on 25 1945. Otis AFB, Mass, I Jun 1949-2 Jun
Apr 1945 when, despite intense antiair- 1951. Clovis AFB, NM, *I Jan-22 Jul
craft fire, the group destroyed or damaged 1953; Hahn AB, Germany, 10Aug 1953-.
many enemy aircraft on an airfield south- COMMANDERS. Capt George McCoy Jr,
east of Munich. Ended operations in 16 Jan 1941 ; Col Allen R Springer, I May
May 1945. Returned to the US in Aug. 1941; Lt Col John C Crosthwaite, I Apr
Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945. 1942; Lt Col Murray C Woodbury, 15 May
Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 1942; Lt Col T Alan Bennett, 23 Jul 1942;
I Jun 1949. Redesignated 50th Fighter- Lt Col Walter B Putnam, 29 Jan 1943; Lt
Interceptor Group in Mar 1950. Ordered Col Robert S Quinn, 9 Nov 1943; Col
into active service on I Jun 1951. Inacti- William D Greenfield, I Dec 1943; Col
vated on 2 Jun 1951. Harvey L Case Jr, Nov 1944-1945. Col
Redesignated 50th Fighter-Bomber Gerald J Dix, I Jan 1953; Col Albert W
Group. Activated on I Jan 1953. As- Schinz, I Jun 1953; Lt Col Edward A
signed to Tactical Air Command. McGough 111, 2 Apr 1954; Col James F
Equipped with F-51's; converted to Hackler Jr, 23 Apr 1954; Lt Col Chester
F-86's early in 1953. Moved to Germany, L VanEtten, May 1955-.
Jul-Aug 1953, and assigned to United CAMPAIGNS. American Theater ;Air Of-
States Air Forces in Europe. fensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern
SQUADRONS. '0th: 1941-1945; 1953-. France ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace ;
22th: 1941-1942. Z2th: 1941-1942. Central Europe.
8ISt.' 1942-1945; 1949-1951 ; I953-. DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
323th: 1942-1945. 4'7th: 195s. 445th: tions: ETO, 13-20 Mar 1945; Germany, 25
1943-1944s Apr 1945. Cited in the Order of the Day,
STATIONS. Selfridge Field, Mich, 15 Jan Belgian Army: 6 Jun-30 Sep 1944.
1941; Key Field, Miss, 3 Oct 1941; Or- INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, an Opinicus
lando AB, Fla, 22 Mar 1943; Alachua passant argent. Motto: MASTER OF
AAFld, Fla, 20 Nov 1943; Orlando AB, THE SKY. (Approved 9 Jan 1942.
Fla, I Feb-13 Mar 1944; Lymington, Eng- This insigne was replaced 23 Aug 1956.)
5 1st FIGHTER GROUP Chinese ground forces in their drive along

the Salween River. Returned to India in
the fall of 1945 and sailed for the US in
Nov. Znactivhd on 13 Dec 1945.
Activated on Okinawa on 15 Oct 1946.
Assigned to Far East Air Forces.
Equipped with P-47’s and P41’s in 1946,
and with F-80 and F-82 aircraft in 1948.
Trained, served as part of the occupation
force, and provided air defense for the
Ryukyus. Redesignated 51st Fighter-
Interceptor Group in Feb 1950. Moved to
Japan in Sep 1950 and, operating from
bases in Japan and Korea, served in combat
Constituted as 51st Pursuit Group (In- against Communist forces until the end of
terceptor) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on the Korean War. Used F-80’s until Nov
15 Jan 1941. Assigned to Fourth AF and 1951 and then converted to F-86 aircraft.
equipped with P-40’s. Redesignated 51st Supported ground forces and flew patrol,
Pursuit Group (Fighter) in Mar 1941. escort, interdictory, and reconnaissance
While training for combat, served as part missions. Frequently engaged the enemy’s
of the defense force for the west coast. jet (MIG) fighters and reported numerous
Left the US in Jan 1942, stopped in victories in aerial combat, Capt Joseph Mc-
Australia and Ceylon, and arrived in India Connell Jr becoming the leading ace of
in Mar 1942. Assigned to Tenth AF. the Korean War. Returned to Okinawa
Redesignated 51st Fighter Group in May in Aug 1954.
1942. Defended the Indian terminus of SQUADRONS. 16th: 1941-1945; 1946.
the Hump route and airfields in that area. 25th: 1941-1945; 1946. 26th: 1941-1945;
Flew strafing, bombing, reconnaissance, 1946. 449th: 1943-1945-
and patrol missions in support of Allied STATIONS.Hamilton Field, Calif, 15
ground troops during a Japanese offensive Jan 1941;March Field, Calif, 20 Jun 1941-
in northern Burma in 1943. Moved to 11 Jan 1942; Karachi, India, 14 Mar 1942;
China in Oct 1943 and assigned to Four- Dinjan, India, 10 Oct 1942; Kunming,
teenth AF. Used P-38’s, P-~o’s, and (in China, 2 Oct 1943; India, Sep-Nov 1945;
1945) P-51’s to defend the eastern end of Ft Lewis, Wash, 12-13 Dec 1945. Yontan,
the route over the Hump, guard air bases Okinawa, 15 Oct 1946; Naha, Okinawa,
in the Kunming area, harass Japanese ship- 22 May 1947; Itazuke, Japan, 22 Sep 1950;
ping in the Red River delta, and support Kimpo, Korea, 24 Oct IMO; Itazuke, Ja-
pan, 3 Jan 1951;Tsuiki, Japan, 20 Jan 1951; DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Suwon, Korea, 27 Jul 1951; Naha, Oki- tion: Korea, 28 Nov 1951-30 Apr 1953.
nawa, I Aug 1g54-. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Cita-
COMMANDERS.Col Homer L Sanders, tions: [Sep] 1950-30 Tun 1951; I Jul 1951-
1941; Col John F Egan, 23 Mar 1943; Lt 31 Mar 1953.
Col Samuel B Knowles Jr, 20 Sep 1943; INSIGNE.Shield: Per fess nebuly abased
Col Louis R Hughes Jr, 27 May 1944; Lt azure and or, issuing from partition line
Col William E Blankenship, Feb-13 Dec a demi-pegasus argent with a machine gun
1945. Col Loring F Stetson Jr, 15 Oct in each wing bendwise sable, gun fire
1946; Col Homer A Boushey, 12 Apr 1947; p r o p e r . Motto: DEFTLY AND
Lt Col James F McCarthy, I Aug 1947; SWIFTLY. (Approved 5 Feb 1942.
Col Homer A Boushey, unkn; Lt Col This insigne was modified 2 May 1956.)
Bruce D Biddlecome, Jun 1948; Lt Col
Kenneth L Garrett, 7 Mar 1949; Lt Col 52d FIGHTER GROUP
Robert F Worley, 24 May 1949; Col John
T Shields, I Jul 1949; Lt Col Irwin H
Dregne, Jun 1950; Col Oliver G Cellini,
1950; COl Irwin H Dregne, 24 Apr 1951;
Lt Col John M Thacker, 21 Jul 1951; Lt
Col George L Jones, 13 Nov 1951; Lt Col
William M Shelton, Mar 1952; Lt Col Al-
bert S Kelly, Jun 1952; Col Robert P
Baldwin, Jan 1953; Lt Col Harold C Gib-
son, Aug 1953; Col Malcolm E Norton,
Oct 1953; Lt Col Harold G Shook, 23 Mar
1954; Lt Col William A Campbell, g Jul
Constituted as 52d Pursuit Group (In-
1954; Col George V Williams, 10 Aug
terceptor) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on
I954-. 15 Jan 1941. Redesignated 52d Fighter
CAMPAIGNS. World War ZZ: India- Group in May 1942. Trained with P-39
Burma; China Defensive; China Offen- and P-40 aircraft, and participated in
sive. Korean War: UN Offensive; CCF maneuvers. Moved to the British Isles, the
Intervention; 1st UN Counteroffensive; air echelon arriving in Jul 1942 and the
CCF Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall ground echelon in Aug. Received Spitfire
Offensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea aircraft and, as part of Eighth AF, flew
Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Win- missions from England to France during
ter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953. Aug and Sep. The pilots of the group
flew Spitfires from Gibraltar to Algeria sonnel and equipment, to the US in Jun
during the invasion of North Africa on 8 1947. Redesignated 52d Fighter Group
Nov 1942; the remainder of the group, (All Weather) in May 1948, and 52d
moving by ship from England, arrived Fighter-Interceptor Group in May 1951.
after the campaign for Algeria-French Equipped with P-~I’sin 1947, F-82’s in
Morocco had ended. Assigned first to 1948, and F-94’s in 1950. Inactivated on
Twelfth AF and later (after May 1944) to 6 Feb 1952.
Fifteenth, the group served in combat in Redesignated 52d Fighter Group (Air
the Mediterranean theater until the end of Defense). Activated on I8 Aug 1955. As-
the war. Flew escort, patrol, strafing, and signed to Air Defense Command and
reconnaissance missions to help defeat Axis equipped with F-86 aircraft.
forces in Tunisia. Took part in the con- SQUADRONS. 2d: 1941-1945; 1946-1952;
quest of Sicily. Attacked railroads, high- 1955-. 4th.‘ 1941-1945. 5th.’ 1941-1945;
ways, bridges, coastal shipping, and other 19464952; 1955-.
targets to support Allied operations in STATIONS.Selfridge Field, Mich, 15 Jan
Italy. Converted to P-51’s during Apr- 1941; Norfolk, Va, I8 Dec 1941; Selfridge
May 1944 and afterwards engaged pri- Field, Mich, Jan 1942; Florence, SC, I8
marily in escorting bombers that attacked Feb 1942; Wilmington, NC, 27 Apr 1942;
objectives in Italy, France, Germany, Grenier Field, NH, 14-24 Jun 1942; North-
Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Ru- ern Ireland, c. 13 Jul 1942; Goxhill, Eng-
mania, and Yugoslavia. Received a DUC land, c. 26 Aug-Oct 1942; Tafaraoui,
for a mission of 9 Jun 1944 when the group Algeria, 9 Nov 1942; La Senia, Algeria,
protected bombers that struck aircraft 14 Nov 1942; Orleansville, Algeria, c. I
factories, communications centers, and Jan 1943; Telergma, Algeria, c. 17 Jan
supply lines in Germany. In addition to
1943; Youks-les-Bains, Algeria, c. 9 Mar
escorting bombers of Fiffienth AF, the
1943; Le Sers, Tunisia, 14 Apr 1943; La
group made strafing attgcks on important
Sebala, Tunisia, 21 May 1943; Bocca-
targets in Italy, France, central Europe, and
the Balkans. Received second DUC for a difalco, Sicily, 30 Jul 1943; Corsica, 1 Dec
strafing raid in which the group destroyed 1943; Madna Airfield, Italy, 14 May 1944;
a great number of fighter and transport Piagiolino Airfield, Italy, 21 Apr 1945;
planes on a landing ground in Rumania Lesina, Italy, 8 Jul-Aug 1945; Drew Field,
on 31 Aug 1944. Returned to the US in Fla, 25 Aug-7 Nov 1945. Schweinfurt,
Aug 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945. Germany, 9 Nov 1946; Bad Kissingen,
Activated in Germany on 9 Nov 1946. Germany, 5 May 1947-25 Jun 1947;
Assigned to United States Air Forces in Mitchel Field, NY, 25 Jun 1947; McGuire
Europe and organized as an all-weather AFB, N J, 10 Oct 1949-6 Feb 1952. Suffolk
fighter group. Transferred, without per- County AFB, NY, I8 Aug 1955-.
COMMANDERS. Maj Earl W Barnes, 16

Jan 1941; Lt Col Robert L Schoenlein, 15
May 1941; Col Dixon M Allison, 27 Feb
1942; Lt Col Graham W West, I Mar
1943; Lt Col James S Coward, 24 Jun
1943; Lt Col Richard A Ames, I Sep 1943;
Col Marvin L McNickle, 6 Sep 1943; Lt
Col Robert Levine, 25 Feb 1944; Col
Marion Malcolm, 27 Aug 1944-1945. Col
Carroll W McColpin, c. 14 Dec 1946; Col
Oliver G Cellini, unkn; Col Benjamin S and P-40's. Moved to the Panama Canal
Zone in Dec 1941 and equipped with
Preston Jr, 6 Jul 1950; Col Royal N Baker,
1951-6 Feb 1952. Col James H Hancock, P-39's for operations as part of the defense
1955-. force for the canal. Returned to the US
CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME Thea- in Nov 1942 and assigned to Third AF.
ter; Air Offensive, Europe; Algeria- Trained replacement pilots in P-39, P-47,
French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-and P-51 aircraft. Disbanded on I May
Foggia; Rome-Arno; Normandy; North- 1944.
err1 France; Southern France; North Reconstituted and redesignated 53d
Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe; Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun
Po Valley. 1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. As-
DECORATIONS. signed to Air Defense Command.
tions: Germany, g Jun 1944; Rumania, 31 Equipped first with F-Ws, later with
Aug 1944. F-89's.
INSIGNE. Shield: Quarterly per fess SQUADRONS. Z3th: 1941-1944; I955-.
nebuly, first and fourth argent, each I#h.' 1941-1944; I955-. 15th: 1941-1944.
438th: 1943-1944.
charged with a dagger in pale point down-
ward gules, hilt and pommel of the same, STATIONS.MacDill Field, Fla, 15 Jan
1941; Tallahassee, Fla, 8 May-8 Dec 1941;
grip or; second quarter azure; third quar-
ter, sable. Motto: SEEK, ATTACK, DE- Howard Field, CZ, I Jan-Io Nov 1942;
STROY. (Approved 11 Jan 1951.) Dale Mabry Field, Fla, 26 Nov 1942; Drew
Field, Fla, 7 Jan 1943; Ft Myers, Fla, 5
Feb 1943-1 May 1944. Sioux City Mun
53d FIGHTER GROUP
Aprt, Iowa, 18 Aug 1g55-.
Constituted as 53d Pursuit Group (In- COMMANDERS. Maj Hugo P Rush, 15
terceptor) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on Jan 1941; Maj Eugene C Fleming, g May
15 Jan 1941. Redesignated 53d Fighter 1941; Col Earl W Barnes, I Jun 1941; Lt
Group in May 1942. Trained with P-35's Col Don L Wilhelm Jr, 28 Jun 1942; Col
116 AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS O F WORLD WAR I1
Morley F Slaght, 11 Apr 1943; Lt Col An- echelon, equipped with P-39’s, served in
thony V Grossetta, 22 Sep 1943; Col Bryan Alaska against the Japanese forces that in-
B Harper, Oct 1943-1 May 1944. Col Mal- vaded the Aleutian Islands during the
colm A Moore, Aug 1g55-. summer of 1942, and for these operations
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. the group received a DUC. The air
DECORATIONS. None. echelon returned to the US in Dec 1942
INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend azure and or, and rejoined the group, which had been
in chief an ancient Norse winged helmet assigned to Third AF, and which became
argent, in base a palm tree proper. Motto: a replacement training unit for P-51
DEFENSE BY OFFENSE. (Approved pilots. Disbanded on I May 1944.
8 Jan 1943. This insigne was modified 26 Reconstituted and redesignated 54th
Jul 1956.) Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun
1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. As-
54th FIGHTER GROUP signed to Air Defense Command and
equipped with F-86’~.
SQUADRONS. 42d: 1p41-1944; 1g55-.
56th: 1941-1944. 57th: 1941-1944.
STATIONS. Hamilton Field, Calif, 15
Jan 1941; Everett, Wash, 26 Jun 1941;
Harding Field, La, 31 Jan 1942; Bartow
AAFld, Fla, 11 May 1943-1 May IN.
Greater Pittsburgh Aprt, Pa, 18 Aug
1955-.
COMMANDERS. Capt Harry A Ham-
mond, 15 Jan IWI ;Col Phineas K Morrill,
Feb 1941; Col Charles M McCorkle, 12
Sep 1942; Lt Col George B Greene Jr, 11
Aug 1943; Lt Col Ward W Harker, 17 Sep
1943; Col Joseph S Holtoner, 6 Mar-1 May
1944. Col Edward F Roddy, 1g55-.
Constituted as 54th Pursuit Group (In- DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
terceptor) on 20 Nov IWO. Activated on tion: Aleutian Islands, [Junl-4 Nov 1942.
15 Jan IWI. Trained with P-40’s. Served INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend of the light
as a part of the defense force for the north- blue sky and azure, over a bomb, bend
west Pacific coast during the first few sinisterwise, a lightning flash, palewise,
months of the war. Redesignated 54th gules, fimbriated argent ;a bend of the last
Fighter Group in May 1942. The air superimposed over all and charged with a
jet aircraft, in chief, sable, with vapor trail of the Bulge, Dec 1 ~ 4 - J a n1945. Also
of the third; all between an increscent patrolled the air over the Channel and
moon and a radiant sun in fess all of the bombed bridges in the Tours area during
fourth. (Approved 8 Mar 1957.) the invasion of the Continent in Jun 194;
patrolled the Arnhem sector to support the
55th FIGHTER GROUP airborne invasion of Holland in Sep 194;
strafed trucks, locomotives, and oil depots
near Wesel when the Allies crossed the
Rhine in Mar 1945. Received a DUC for
eight missions to Germany between 3 and
13 Sep 1944 when the group not only de-
stroyed enemy fighters in the air to protect
the bombers it was escorting, but also de-
scended to low levels, in spite of intense
antiaircraft fire, to strafe airdromes and
to destroy enemy aircraft on the ground.
Received second DUC for operations on
19 Feb 1945 when the organization flew
a sweep over Germany to hit railway
tracks, locomotives, oil cars, goods wagons,
Constituted as 55th Pursuit Group (In- troop cars, buildings, and military vehi-
terceptor) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on cles. Flew last combat mission on 21 Apr
15 Jan 1941. Trained with P-43’s. Re- 1945. Moved to Germany in Jul 1945 as
designated 55th Fighter Group in May part of the occupation forces. Assigned
1942. Converted to P-38’s and prepared to United States Air Forces in Europe.
for combat. Moved to England, Aug- Trained with P-51 and P-80 aircraft. Zn-
Sep 1943. Assigned to Eighth AF. Began activated in Germany on 20 Aug 1946.
operations with P-38’s on 15 Oct 1943; Redesignated 55th Reconnaissance
converted to P-51’s in Jul 1944. Engaged Group (Very Long Range, Mapping).
primarily in escorting bombers that at- Activated in the US on 24 Feb 1947. As-
tacked such targets as industries and signed to Strategic Air Command. Re-
marshalling yards in Germany, and air- designated 55th Strategic Reconnaissance
fields and V-weapon sites in France. Pro- Group in Jun 1948. Aircraft included
vided cover for B-17’s and B-24’s that RB-I~’sand B- and RB-29’s. Znactivated
bombed aircraft plants during Big Week on 14 Oct 1949.
in Feb 1944, gun emplacements during Redesignated 55th Strategic Reconnais-
the St Lo breakthrough in Jul 194, and ance Group (Medium). Activated in
transportation facilities during the Battle Puerto Rico on I Nov 1950. Assigned to
Strategic Air Command. Equipped with CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; Air Of-
RB-29 and RB-50 aircraft. Znactivated on fensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern
16 Jun 1952. France; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace;
SQUADRONS. 7th Geodetic: 1949. 37th: Central Europe.
1941-1943. 38th: 1941-1946; 1949; 1950- DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
1952. 54th: 1941-1942. 338th: 1942-1946; tions: ETO, 3-13 Sep 1944; Germany, 19
1949; 1950-1952. 343d: 1943-1946; ‘947- Feb 1945.
I949 ; 1950-1952- INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, on a fess in-
STATIONS.Hamilton Field, Calif, 15 dented or a similar bar gules. Motto:
Jan 1941; Portland, Ore, 21 May 1941; PURSUIT T O DEFEND. (Approved 18
Paine Field, Wash, 10 Feb 1942; McChord Feb 1942. This insigne was replaced 4
Field, Wash, 22 Jul 1942-23 Aug 1943; Feb 1954.)
Nuthampstead, England, 14 Sep 1943;
Wormingford, England, 16 Apr 1944; 56th FIGHTER GROUP
Kaufbeuren, Germany, 22 Jul 1945; Gie-
belstadt, Germany, 29 Apr-20 Aug 1946.
MacDill Field, Fla, 24 Feb 1947; Topeka
AFB, Kan, 30 Jun 1948-14 Oct 1949.
Ramey AFB, PR, I Nov 1950-16 Jun 1952.
COMMANDERS. Capt Kenneth S Wade,
15 Jan 1941; Maj James W McCauley, I
May 1941; Lt Col Karl K Bowen, I May
1942; Maj Jack S Jenkins, I Aug 1942;
Maj Ernest W Keating, 13 Nov 1942; Lt
Col Frank B James, 15 May 1943; Col
Jack S Jenkins, 6 Feb 1944; Col George T
Crowell, 10 Apr 1944; Lt Col Elwyn C
Righetti, 22 Feb 1945;Col Ben Rimerman,
22 Apr 1945;Lt Col Jack W Hayes Jr, 21 Constituted as 56th Pursuit Group (In-
May 1945; Lt Col Horace A Hanes, Jul terceptor) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on
Igq6-unkn. Capt Daniel W Burrows, 24 15 Jan 1941. Equipped with P-39’s and
Feb 1947; Lt Col Albert M Welsh, 20 May P-40’s. Trained, participaxed in maneu-
1g47-unkn; Lt Col George Humbrecht, vers, served as an air defense organization,
26 Oct 1g48-unkn; Col Herbert K Baisley, and functioned as an operational training
unkn-1949. Col Richard T King, I Nov unit. Redesignated 56th Fighter Group
1950; Brig Gen Sydney D Grubbs Jr, 20 in May 1942. Received P-47’s in Jun and
Dec 1950; Col Alfred K Kalberer, 18 Feb- began training for combat. Moved to
16 Jun 1952. England, Dec 1g42-Jan 1943. Assigned to
Eighth AF. Continued training for sev- Redesignated 56th Fighter Group (Air
eral weeks. Entered combat with a fighter Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955.
sweep in the area of St Omer on 13 Apr Assigned to Air Defense Command and
1943, and during the next two years de- equipped with F-86's.
stroyed more enemy aircraft in aerial SQUADRONS. 6zst: 1941-1945; 1946-
combat than any other fighter group of 1952. 62d: 1941-1945; 1946-1952; I955-.
Eighth AF. Flew numerous missions 63d: 1941-1945; 19461952; I955-.
over France, the Low Countries, and Ger- STATIONS.Savannah, Ga, 15 Jan 1941;
many to escort bombers that attacked in- Charlotte, NC, May 1941; Charleston, SC,
dustrial establishments, V-weapon sites, Dec 1941; Bendix, NJ, Jan 1942; Bridge-
submarine pens, and other targets on the port, Conn, c. 7 Jul-Dec 1942; Kings Cliffe,
Continent. Also strafed and dive-bombed England, Jan 1943; Horsham St Faith,
airfields, troops, and supply points; at- England, c. 6 Apr 1943; Halesworth, Eng-
tacked the enemy's communications; and land, c. 9 Jul 1943; Boxted, England, c. 19
flew counter-air patrols. Engaged in Apr 1944-0ct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, c.
' counter-air and interdictory missions dur- 16-18 Oct 1945. Selfridge Field, Mich, I
ing the invasion of Normandy in Jun 1944. May 1946-6 Feb '952. O'Hare Intl Aprt,
Supported Allied forces for the break- Ill, 18 Aug 1955-.
through at St Lo in Jul. Participated in COMMANDERS. Unkn, Jan-Jun 1941;Lt
the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Col Davis D Graves, Jun 1941; Col John C
Helped to defend the Remagen bridge- Crosthwaite, c. I Jul 1942; Co! Hubert A
head against air attacks .in Mar 1945. Re- Zemke, Sep 1942; Col Robert €3 Landry, 30
ceived a DUC for aggressiveness in seeking Oct 1943; Col Hubert A Zernke, 19 Jan
1944; Col David C Schilling, 12 Aug 1944;
out and destroying enemy aircraft and for
Lt Col Lucian A Dade Jr, 27 Jan 1945; Lt
attacking enemy air bases, 20 Feb? Mar
Col Donald D Renwick, Aug 1945-unkn.
1944. Received another DUC for strikes Col David C Schilling, May 1946; Lt Col
against antiaircraft positions while s u p Thomas D DeJarnette, Aug 1948; Lt Col
porting the airborne attack on Holland Irwin H Dregne, 1949; Lt Col Francis S
in Sep 1944. Flew last combat mission on Gabreski, 1950; Col Earnest J White Jr,
21 Apr 1945. Returned to the US in Oct. 1951-unkn. Unkn, 1955-.
Inactivated on 18 Oct 1945. CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; Air
Activated on I May 1946. Equipped Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern
with P-47 and P-51 aircraft; converted to France ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace;
F-80's in 1947. Redesignated 56th Fighter- Central Europe.
Interceptor Group in Jan 1950. Con- DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
verted to F-86 aircraft. Inactivated on 6 tions: ETO, 20 Feb-g Mar 1944; Holland,
Feb 1 ~ 5 2 .
/ / 18 Sep 1944.
INSIGNE.Shield: Tenne on a chevron ceived a DUC for performance on 18 Apr

azure fimbriated or two lightning flashes 1943 when the group destroyed more than
chevronwise of the last. Motto: CAVE 70 of the enemy’s transport and fighter
TONITRUM-Beware of the Thunder- planes in an aerial battle over the Gulf of
bolt. (Approved 4 Apr 1942.) Tunis. Participated in the reduction of
Pantelleria (May-Jun 1943) and the con-
57th FIGHTER GROUP quest of Sicily (Jul-Aug 1943). Received
another DUC for front-line operations in
direct support of British Eighth Army
from the Battle of El Alamein to the capit-
ulation of enemy forces in Sicily. Assigned
to Twelfth AF in Aug 1943 and continued
operations in the Mediterranean theater
until the end of the war. Supported
British Eighth Army’s landing at Termoli
and subsequent operations in Italy (Oct
1g43-Feb 1944) by flying dive-bombing,
I
i
i strafing, patrol, and escort missions. Con-
verted to P-47’s early in 1 9 4 and used the
new aircraft for interdictory operations in
Italy, receiving a DUC for a series of dev-
Constituted as 57th Pursuit Group (In- astating attacks on rail lines, trains, motor
terceptor) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on vehicles, bridges, and other targets in the
15Jan 1941. Trained with P-40’s. Served
Florence-Arezzo area on 14 Apr 1944.
as part of the defense force on the east
Participated in the French campaign
coast after the Japanese attack on Pearl
against Elba in Jun 1944 and in the inva-
Harbor. Redesignated 57th Fighter
Group in May 1942. Moved to the Mid- sion of Southern France in Aug. Engaged
dle East, Jul-Aug 1942. Trained with in interdictory and support operations in
RAF. Began operations in Oct rgp. northern Italy from Sep 1944 to May 1945.
Took part in the Battle of El Alamein and, Returned to the US in Aug 1945. Znac-
as part of Ninth AF, supported British tivated on 7 Nov 1945.
Eighth Army’s drive across Egypt and Activated in Alaska on 15 Aug 1946.
Libya, escorting bombers and flying Assigned to Alaskan Air Command.
strafing and dive-bombing missions Redesignded 57th Fighter-Interceptor
against airfields, communications, and Group in Jan 1950. Equipped successively
troop concentrations until the defeat of with P-38, P-51,F-80, and F-94 aircraft.
Axis forces in Tunisia in May 1943. Re- Znactivated in Alaska on 13 Apr 1953.
SQUADRONS. 64th: 1941-1945; 1946-1953. Naples-Foggia ; Rome-Arno; Southern

65th: 1941-1945; 1946-1953. 66th: 1941- France; North Apennines; Po Valley.
1945; 1946-1953- DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
STATIONS.Mitchel Field, NY, 15 Jan tions: North Africa and Sicily, Oct
1941;Windsor Locks, Conn, 19 Aug IWI ; 1942-17 Aug 1943; Tunis and Cape Bon
Boston, Mass, 8 Dec 1gq1-c. I Jul 1942; Area, 18 Apr 1943; Italy, 14 Apr 1944.
Muqeibile, Palestine, c. 20 Jul 1942; Egypt, INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, on a chevron
16 Sep 1942; Libya, 12 Nov 1942; Tunisia, embattled or, between three pyramids of
Mar 1943;Malta, Jun 1943;Sicily, Jul1g43; the last, as many mullets gules. Motto:
Southern Italy, Sep 1943; Gioia Airfield, FIRST IN T H E BLUE. (Approved 2
Italy, c. 25 Sep 1943; Foggia, Italy, Oct Feb 1950.)
1943; Amendola, Italy, c. 27 Oct 1943;
Cercola, Italy, Mar 1944; Corsica, Mar
1944; Ombrone Airfield, Italy, Sep IW;
58th FIGHTER GROUP
Grosseto, Ita!y, Sep 1944; Villafranca di
Verona, Italy, 29 Apr 1945; Grosseto, Italy,
7 May 1945; Bagnoli, Italy, 15 Jul-5 Aug
1945; Drew Field, Fla, 21 A u g 7 Nov 1945.
Shemya, Alaska, 15 Aug 1946; Elmendorf
AFB, Alaska, Mar 1947-13 Apr 1953.
COMMANDERS. Maj Reuben C Moffat,
c. 15 Jan 1941; Maj Clayton B Hughes,
unkn; Maj Minthorne W Reed, 12 Dec
1941; Lt Col Frank H Mears, 1942; Col
Arthur G Salisbury, 20 Dec 1942; Col
Archibald J Knight, 23 Apr 1944; Lt Col
William J Yates, 23 May 1g45-unkn. Maj
Benjamin H King, 15 Aug 1946; Lt Col Constituted as 58th Pursuit Group (In-
Gilmore V Norris, 26 Dec 1946; Lt Col terceptor) on 20 Nov INO. Activated on
Harry L Downing Jr, 10 Jan 1947; Col 15 Jan 1941. Redesignated 58th Fighter
Morton D Magofin, 14 Nov 1947; Col Group in May 1942. Used P-35, P-36,
Bingham T Kleine, 22 Jan 1949; Col John P-39, and P-40 aircraft while serving as a
W Mitchell, c. Nov 1950; Lt Col Ollie replacement training unit for pilots until
0 Simpson, 19 Nov 1951; Col Thomas H 1943. Prepared for combat with P-47’s.
Beeson, 21 Nov 1951; unkn, I Jul 1952-13 Moved to New Guinea, via Australia,
APr 1953. Oct-Dec 1943. Assigned to Fifth AF.
CAMPAIGNS.Air Combat, EAME Began operations in Feb 1944, flying pro-
Theater ; Egypt-Libya ; Tunisia ; Sicily ; tective patrols over US bases and escorting
transports. After that, covered bombers 310th: 1942-1946; I952-. 311th: 1942-
on raids over New Guinea, attacked Japa- 1946; I952-.
nese airfields and installations, and es- STATIONS. Selfridge Field, Mich, 15 Jan
corted convoys to the Admiralty Islands. 1941; Baton Rouge, La, 5 Oct 1941; Dale
Moved to Noemfoor in Aug 1944, and Mabry Field, Fla, 4 Mar 1942; Richmond
until Nov bombed and strafed enemy air- AAB, Va, 16 Oct 1942; Philadelphia Mun
fields and installations on Ceram, Halma- Aprt, Pa, 24 Oct 1942; Bradley Field,
hera, and the Kai Islands. After moving Conn, c. 3 Mar 1943; Green Field, RI, 28
to the Philippines in Nov 1944, conducted Apr 1943; Grenier Field, NH, 16 Sep-22
fighter sweeps against enemy airfields, Oct 1943; Sydney, Australia, 19 Nov 1943;
supported ground forces, and flew patrols Brisbane, Australia, 21 Nov 1943; Dobo-
over convoy and transport routes. Re- dura, New Guinea, 28 Dec 1943; Saidor,
ceived a DUC for strafing a Japanese naval New Guinea, c. 3 Apr 1944; Noemfoor,
force off Mindoro on 26 Dec 1944 to pre- 30 Aug 1944; San Roque, Leyte, 18 Nov
vent destruction of the American base on 1944; San Jose, Mindoro, c. 30 Dec 1944;
that island. Moved to Okinawa in Jul Mangaldan, Luzon, 5 Apr 1945; Porac,
1945 and attacked railways, airfields, and Luzon, 18 Apr 1945; Okinawa, 10 Jul
installations in Korea and Kyushu before 1945; Japan, 26 Oct 1945; Ft William Mc-
V-J Day. Remained in the theater after Kinley, Luzon, 28 Dec 1945-27 Jan 1946.
the war as part of Far East Air Forces. Taegu, Korea, 10 Jul 1952; Osan-Ni,
Flew some reconnaissance and surveil- Korea, 15 Mar 1955-.
lance missions over Japan. Moved to COMMANDERS. Capt John M Sterling,
Japan in Oct and returned to the Philip- 15 Jan 1941-unkn; Maj Louis W Chick,
pines in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 27 Jan Jr, unkn; Col Gwen G Atkinson, 8 Dec
1946. 1942; Lt Col Edward F Roddy, 12 Mar
Redesignated 58th Fighter-Bomber 1945-unkn. Col Charles E Jordan, 1952;
Group. Activated in Korea on 10 Jul1952. Col Frederick J Nelander, 1953; Col
Assigned to Tactical Air Command but George V Williams, 1954; Col William
attached to Far East Air Forces for R Brown, 1954; Col Clifford D Nash, I
operations in the Korean War. Using NOVI955-.
F-84'~~bombed and strafed enemy air- CAMPAIGNS. World War 11: American
fields and installations and supported UN Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; New
ground forces. Remained in Korea after Guinea; Bismarck Archipelago; Western
the armistice. Equipped with F-86's in Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; China Offensive.
1954. Korean War: Korea Summer-Fall, 1952;
SQUADRONS. 67th: 1941-1942. 68th: Third Korean Winter; Korea Summer-
1941-1942. 69th: 1941-1946; 1 9 p . Fall, 1953.
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- Activated on I Mar 1943. Assigned to

tions: Philippines, 26 Dec 1944; Korea, I Third AF. Redesignated 59th Recon-
May-27 Jul 1953. Philippine Presidential naissance Group in Apr 1943, and 59th
Unit Citation. Republic of Korea Presi- Fighter Group in Aug 1943. Trained
dential Unit Citation: 10 Jul 1952-31 Mar pilots, using P-39 aircraft, with part of the
1953. group converting to P-40's in Apr 1944.
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, on clouds in Disbanded on I May 1944.
base a representation of the Greek mytho- SQUADRONS. 34th (formerly 126th) :
logical goddess Artemis with quiver and 1941-1942 ; 1943. IO3d: 1941-1942.
bow, in her chariot drawn by the two deer,447th: 1943-1944, 488th (formerly 9th) :
all or. Motto: NON REVERTAR IN- 1942; 1943-1944. 489th (formerly 104th) :
ULTUS-I Will Not Return Unavenged. 1941-1942; 1943-1944. 490th (formerly
(Approved 10 Aug 1942.) I 19th) : 1942; 1943-1944.
STATIONS.Newark, NJ, I Sep 1941;

59th FIGHTER GROUP ?ope Field, NC, c. Oct 1941; Ft Dix, NJ,
Dec 1941-18 Oct 1942. Ft Myers, Fla, I
Mar 1943; Thomasville AAFld, Ga, c. 30
Mar 1943-1 May 194.
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Victor Dallin,
1941;Lt Col Chester A Charles, Jan 1942-
unkn. Naj Leland S McGowan, c. 24
Mar 1943; Lt Col William R Clingerman
Jr, 14 Apr 1943; Col James B League Jr,
Oct 1943; Lt Col James Van G Wilson, 11
Mar-c. I May 1944.
Theater.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure issuant fanwise
Constituted as 59th Observation Group from clouds in sinister base proper five
rays, in dexter chief a mullet or. Motto:
on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on I Sep 1941.
EXEMPLAR-An Example. (Approved
Assigned to First AF. Participated in
24 Nov 1942.)
maneuvers and after the outbreak of war
engaged in patrol activity along the east
60th TROOP CARRIER GROUP
coast of the US. Used BC-IA, L-59,
0-46, 0-47, 0-49, and 0-52 aircraft. Zn- Constituted as 60th Transport Group on
activated on I8 Oct 1942. 20 Nov 1940. Activated on I Dec 1940.
I24 AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR I1
ern Italy in Oct 1943 to drop supplies to

men who had escaped from prisoner-of-
war camps. Received a DUC for support-
ing the partisans in the Balkans, Mar-Sep
1944: flew at night, unarmed, over unfa-
miliar and mountainous enemy territory
and landed on small, poorly-constructed
airfields to provide guns, ammunition,
clothing, food, medical supplies, gas, oil,
jeeps, mail, and mules for underground
forces in Yugoslavia, Albania, and Greece;
evacuated wounded partisans and escaped
prisoners; also dropped propaganda leaf-
lets. Moved to Trinidad in Jun 1945 and
Prepared for duty overseas with C-47’s.
assigned to Air Transport Command.
Moved to England in Jun 1942. Redesig-
Znactivated on 31 Jul1945.
nated 60th Troop Carrier Group in Jul
Activated in Germany on 30 Sep 1946.
1942. Received additional training in
England, then assigned to Twelfth AF for
Europe. Equipped first with C-47’s, then
operations in the Mediterranean theater.
(late in 1948) with G54’s. Participated in
Flew its first mission on 8 Nov 1942, trans-
the Berlin airlift, Jun 1g48-Sep 1949. Re-
porting paratroops from England and
designated 60th Troop Carrier Group
dropping them at Oran during the early
(Medium) in Jul1948,6oth Troop Carrier
hours of the invasion of North Africa.
Group (Heavy) in Nov 1948, and 60th
Operated from bases in Algeria, Tunisia,
Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in Nov
Sicily, and Italy until after V-E Day. Par-
1949. Re-equipped with C-82 aircraft in
ticipated in the battle for Tunisia, drop-
1949 and with C-IIg’s in 1953.
ping paratroops near the combat area on
SQUADRONS. 20th: 1940-1945; 1946.
two occasions. Trained with gliders dur-
2 I t h : 1940-1945; 1946. 22th: 1940-1945;
ing Jun 1943, then towed gliders to
1946. 28th: 1942-1945.
Syracuse and dropped paratroops behind
STATIONS.Olmsted Field, Pa, I Dec
enemy lines at Catania when the Allies 1940; Westover Field, Mass, c. 20 May
invaded Sicily in Jul. Dropped paratroops 1g41-Jun 1942; Chelveston, England, Jun
at Megava during the airborne invasion 1942; Aldermaston, England, Aug 1942;
of Greece in Oct 1944. When not en- Tafaraoui, Algeria, 8 Nov 1942; Relizane,
gaged in airborne operations, the group Algeria, 27 Nov 1942; Thiersville, Algeria,
transported men and supplies and evacu- May 1943; El Djem, Tunisia, Jun 1943;
ated wounded personnel. Flew to north- Gela, Sicily, c. 30 Aug 1943; Gerbini,
Sicily, 29 Oct 1943; Brindisi, Italy, 26 Mar INSIGNE.Shield: Azure a pale of seven
1944; Pomigliano, Italy, 8 Oct 1g44-May variegated pallets proper, black, yellow,
1945;Waller Field, Trinidad, 4 Jun-31 Jul red, white, ‘blue, orange, and green, the
1945. Munich, Germany, 30 Sep 1946; pale fimbriated and surmounted by three
Kaufbeuren AB, Germany, 14 May 1948; symbols of flight or, in bend, all within a
Wiesbaden AB, Germany, 15 Dec 1948; narrow border of the last. Motto: TER-
Rhein/Main AB, Germany, 26 Sep 1949; MINI NON EXISTENT-Boundaries
Dreux AB, France, 22 Sep 1g55-. Do Not Exist, (Approved 7 Sep 1955.)
COMMANDERS.Lt Col Samuel C Eaton
Jr, I Dec 1940; Capt Arthur L Logan, 16
May 1941;Lt Col Russell L Maughan, 28 6lst TROOP CARRIER GROUP
Jul 1941; Lt Col A J Kerwin Malone, 15
Apr 1942, Lt Col T J Schofield, 11 Oct
1942; Lt Col Julius A Kolb, 2 Dec 1942;
Lt Col Frederick H. Sherwood, 29 Mar
1943; Col Clarence J Galligan, 26 Jul1943;
Lt Col Kenneth W Holbert, 8 Dec I N ; Lt
Col Charles A Gibson Jr, 11 Jan 1945-
unkn. Col Casper P West, 30 Sep 1946;
Col Bertram C Harrison, Sep 1947; Col
Theron H Coulter, Dec 1948; Lt Col
Lawrence G Gilbert, Jan 1949; Col Robert
D Forman, Mar rg4g; Lt COl Reesor M
Lawrence, 26 Aug 1950; Col Jay D Bogue,
5 Dec 1950; Col Donald J French, 29 Feb Constituted as 61st Transport Group on
1952;Lt Col John W Osborn, 14 Jun 1952; 20 Nov 1940. Activccted on I Dec 1940.
Go1 Lorris W Moomaw, 25 May 1953; Lt Redesignated 6rst Troop Carrier Group
in Jul 1942. Used (2-47’s to prepare for
Col Robert L Olinger, 13 Jun 1954; Col
operations with Twelfth AF. Moved to
Howard J Withycombe, I Jul 1954; Col
North Africa in May 1943 and, after a
Randolph E Churchill, c. 5 Jul 1955-.
period of special training, began opera-
CAMPAIGNS.Air Combat, EAME tions on the night of g Jul by dropping
Theater; Algeria-French Morocco; paratroops near Gela during the invasion
Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome- of Sicily. Received a DUC for completing
Arno; Southern France; North Apen- a reinforcement mission two nights later
nines; Po Valley. when the group sustained heavy attack by
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- ground and naval forces. Moved to Sicily,
tion: MTO, 28 Mar-15 Sep 1944. Aug-Sep 1943, for participation in the in-
vasion of Italy; dropped paratroops north transporting supplies for UN forces in

of Agropoli on 13 Sep 1943 and flew a Korea. Moved to Japan in Dec 1950, at-
reinforcement mission to the same area tached to Far East Air Forces, and engaged
on 14 Sep. Also transported cargo and in transport operations between Japan and
evacuated patients while in the Mediter- Korea. Returned to the US in Nov 1952
ranean theater. Joined Ninth AF in Eng- to join Tactical Air Command, to which
land in Feb 1944 to prepare for the Nor- the group had been assigned in Oct 1951.
mandy invasion. Received a DUC for Converted from C-54 to C-124 aircraft.
dropping paratroops and supplies near SQUADRONS. Zj’th: 1940-1942. Z#th:
Cherbourg on 6 and 7 Jun 1944. Dropped 1940-1945; 1946. Z5th: 1940-1945; 1946.
British paratroops at Arnhem on 17 Sep 53d: 1942-1945; 1946. 59th: 1942-1945.
1944 during the air attack on Holland; STATIONS.Olmsted Field, Pa, I Dec
released gliders carrying reinforcements 1940; Augusta, Ga, c. 9 Jul 1941; Pope
to that area on succeeding days. Moved Field, NC, 26 May 1942; Lubbock, Tex, 23
to France in Mar 1945 for the airborne Sep 1942; Pope Field, NC, 26 Feb-4 May
assault across the Rhine, dropping British 1943; Lourmel, French Morocco, 15 May
paratroops near Wesel on 24 Mar. Also 1943; Kairouan, Tunisia, 21 Jun 1943;
provided transport services in the Euro- Licata, Sicily, I Sep 1943; Sciacca, Sicily,
pean theater, hauling gasoline, ammuni- 6 Oct 1943-12 Feb 1944; Barkston, Eng-
tion, food, medicine, and other supplies, land, 18 Feb 1944-13 Mar 1945; Abbeville,
and evacuating wounded personnel. France, 13 Mar-19 May 1945; Waller
Moved to Trinidad in May 1945. As- Field, Trinidad, 29 May-31 Jul 1945.
signed to Air Transport Command. Used Eschborn AB, Germany, 30 Sep 1946;
C-47’s to transport troops returning to the Rhein/Main AB, Germany, 8 Feb 1947-
US. Znactivated in Trinidad on 31 Jul 21 Jul 1950; McChord AFB, Wash, 26 Jul-
1945. 5 Dec 1950; Ashiya, Japan, 10 Dec 1950;

Activated in Germany on 30 Sep 1946. Tachikawa, Japan, 26 Mar-18 Nov 1952;
Assigned to United States Air Forces in Larson AFB, Wash, 21 Nov 1952; Donald-
Europe. Redesignated 61st Troop Car- son AFB, SC, 25 Aug 1954-.
rier Group (Medium) in Jul1948, and 61st COMMANDERS. Unkn, I Dec 1940-1 Feb
Troop Carrier Group (Heavy) in Aug 1941; Capt John Waugh, I Feb 1941; 1st
1948. Participated in the Berlin Airlift Lt Thompson F DOW,c. I Jul 1941; Maj
from Jun 1948 to May 1949, using G54’s Lorin B Hillsinger, 11 Jul 1941; [rst(?)]
to ferry coal, flour, and other cargo into Lt Charles A Inskip, unkn; [rst(?)] Lt
West Berlin. Moved to the US shortly Allen L Dickey, unkn; Capt John C Ben-
after the outbreak of war in Korea for duty nett, 26 May 1942; Lt Col Ralph J Moore,
with Military Air Transport Service. Op- unkn; Maj Donald French, 6 Mar 1943;
erated on the northern route to Japan, Col Willis W Mitchell, II Mar 1943; Col
Edgar W Hampton, 12 Apr 1g45-unkn.

Maj Charles E Pickering, 30 Sep 1946; Lt
Col Henry J Lawrence, 6 Dec 1946; Maj
Richard C Brock, 13 Jan 1947;Maj Dace T
Garrison, 11 Apr 1947; Lt Col John C
Evers, c. 21 Apr 1948; Col Richard W
DaVania, 28 Aug 1948; Lt Col Jay D
Bogue, Aug 1949; Col Frank Norwood,
I Oct 1949; Lt Col Hal E Ercanbrack Jr,
14 Feb 1952; Col Lionel F Johnson, 29 Jul
1953;Lt Col Jerome M Triolo, 7 Feb 1954;
Col Leland W Johnson, 1954; Col William
G Forwood, 13 Dec 1g54-.
CAMPAIGNS. World War ZZ: American
Theater; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-
1942. Moved to England, Aug-Sep 1942,
Arne; Normandy; Northern France; and engaged in further training. As-
Rhineland; Central Europe. Korean signed to Twelfth AF and moved to North
War: CCF Intervention; 1st UN Counter- Africa take part in the battle for Tu-
offensive; CCF Spring Offensive; UN nisia. Began operations on 29 Nov 1942
Summer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean by dropping paratroops to attack enemy
Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1952. airdromes in Tunisia. Trained with
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- gliders for several months, hen towed
tions: Sicily, 11 JUl '943; France, [WI gliders to Syracuse and also dropped
'944; '3 1950-21 IFr' paratroops behind enemy lines at Catania
Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Cita-
during the Allied invasion of Sicily in Jul
tion: [ I Jul 1951-19521.
INSIGNE.Shield: Barry of six, or and 1943. Operated from bases in Sicily and
Italy from Sep 1943 until after the war.
azure, a pale nebuly, all counterchanged.
(Approved 20 Aug 1951.) Dropped paratroops in northern Italy in
Jun 1 9 4 to harass the retreating enemy
and to prevent the Germans from destroy-
62d ing bridges over which their forces had
Constituted as 62d Transport Group p n withdrawn. Flew two missions in connec-
20 Nov 1940, Activated on 11 Dec I ~ tion
~ with
. the invasion of Southern France
Transported military freight and supplies in Aug 1944, releasing gliders and para-
in North and South America and trained troops in the battle area. Transported
with C-47 and (2-53 aircraft. Redesig- paratroops and towed gliders to Greece
nated 62d Troop Carrier Group in Jul during the Allied assault in Oct 1944. In
addition to the airborne operations, the 1943; Tunisia, Jul 1943; Ponte Olivo,
group transported men and supplies in the Sicily, 6 Sep 1943; Brindisi, Italy, Feb 1944;
Mediterranean theater and to the front Ponte Olivo, Sicily, 20 Mar 1944; Gaudo
lines during the campaigns for Tunisia, Airfield, Italy, 8 May 1944; Galera Air-
Italy, and southern France. Also evacu- field, Italy, 30 Jun 1944; Malignano Air-
ated wounded personnel and flew missions field, Italy, 30 Sep 1944; Tarquinia, Italy,
behind enemy lines in Italy and the 8 Jan 1945; Rosignano Airfield, Italy, 25
Balkans to haul guns, ammunition, food, May 1945;Naples, Italy, c. 17 Sep14 Nov
clothing, medical supplies, and other ma- 1945. Bergstrom Field, Tex, 7 Sep 1946;
terials to the partisans and to drop propa- McChord Field, Wash, c. Aug 1947; Kelly
ganda leaflets. Aided in the redeployment AFB, Tex, 9 May 1950; McChord AFB,
of personnel after the war and also hauled Wash, 27 Jul 1950; Larson AFB, Wash, 9
freight and mail. Inactivated in Italy on May 1 9 p .
14 NOV1945. COMMANDERS. Lt Col Bernard J Too-
Activated in the US on 7 Sep 1946. Re- her, 11 Dec 1940; Maj Donald E Shugart,
designated 62d Troop Carrier Group unkn; Col Samuel J Davis, I Jul 1942; Lt
(Medium) in Jun 1948, and 62d Troop Col Aubrey S Hurren, 27 Mar 1943; Col
Carrier Group (Heavy) in Oct 1949. Gordon L Edris, 15 May 1944; Lt Col Wil-
Used C-82, C-54, and C-124 aircraft. Car- liam M Massengale Jr, 13 Dec 1944; Col
ried out some special ,missions that in- Gordon L Edris, 23 Feb 1945; Col Paul A
cluded aiding flood-stricken areas in Ore- Jones, 27 May 1945; Lt Col Riley B
gon in 1948, dropping food to cattle snow- Whearty, 3 Jun 1945; Lt Col Oliver K
bound in Nevada in 1949, flying to Japan Halderson, 20 Jul 1945-unkn. Col Don-
with mail for troops in Korea in 1952, and ald J French, 7 Sep 1946; Col Adriel N
participating in the airlift of medical sup- Williams, I Mar 1948; Col George S
plies to flooded areas in Pakistan in 1954. Brown, c. Jul 1950; Col Richard Jones, c.
Received the AFOUA for transporting Aug I951-.
French troops and equipment from France CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME Thea-
to Indochina, Apr-May 1954. ter ; Tunisia ; Sicily ; Naples-Foggia;
SQUADRONS. #h: 1940-1945; 1946-. Rome-Arno; Southern France; North
7th: 1940-1945; 1946. 8th: 1940-1945; Apennines; Po Valley.
1 9 4 6 . 5ISt.' 1942-1945. DECORATIONS. Air Force Outstanding
STATIONS.McClellan Field, Calif, I I Unit Award: 19 Apr-5 May 1954.
Dec 1940; Kellogg Field, Mich, c. 30 May INSIGNE.Shield: Medium blue, in chief,
1942; Florence, SC, I Jul-14 Aug 1942; silhouetted land mass argent, in fess a sun,
Keevil, England, Sep 1942; Tafaraoui, Al- the rays radiating upward all proper, in
geria, 15 Nov 1942; Nouvion, Algeria, 24 base a golden winged sword, tip upward,
Dec 1942; Matemore, Algeria, 16 May in pale, hilt and pommel or, blade cd the
second, all between two branches of olive on I May 1951. Inactivated on g May
proper. Motto: IN OMNIA PARA- 1951.
TUS-In All Things Ready. (Approved Redesignated 63d Troop Carrier Group
18 Aug 19554 (Heavy). Activated on 20 Jun 1953.
Assigned to Tactical Air Command and
63d TROOP CARRIER GROUP equipped with C-124’s. Trained, trans-
ported personnel and supplies, and par-
ticipated in exercises and maneuvers with
airborne troops. In 1955 transported con-
struction equipment from bases in Can-
ada to points north of the Arctic Circle
for use in setting up a warning network in
the Canadian Arctic; for this operation,
accomplished in severe weather and with-
out adequate navigational equipment, the
group received an AFOUA.
SQUADRONS. 3d: 1940-1944; 1949-1951;
I953-. 6th: 1940-1942, 9th: 194~-1943;
1949-1951 ; 1953-. 52d: 1942-1944; 1949-
Constituted as 63d Transport Group on 1951; I953-. 600th: 1942-1944; 1949-1951.
2 0 Nov 1940. Activated on I Dec 1940. STATIONS.Wright Field, Ohio, I Dec
Trained with C-33, C-34, and C-50 air- 1940; Patterson Field, Ohio, 17 Feb 1941 ;
craft; later equipped with C-47’s and Brookley Field, Ala, g Sep 1941; Camp
C-53’s. Transported supplies, materiel, Williams, Wis, 3 May 1942; Dodd Field,
and personnel in the US and the Carib- Tex, c. 18 Sep 1942; Victorville, Calif, c.
bean area. Became part of Air Transport 18 Nov. 1942; Lawson Field, Ga, 7 May
Command (later I Troop Carrier Com- 1943;Grenada AAFld, Miss, c. 3 Jun 1943;
mand) in Apr 1942. Redesignated 63d Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 19 Jan-14 Apr 1944.
Troop Carrier Group in Jul 1942. Be- Floyd Bennett NAS, NY, 27 Jun 1949-9
came a training organization, preparing May 1951. Altus AFB, Okla, 20 Jun 1953;
cadres for troop carrier groups. Began Donaldson AFB, SC, 15 Oct I953-.
training replacement crews in Jul 1943. COMMANDERS. Capt James L Jackson,
Disbanded on 14 Apr 1944. I Dec 1940; Maj Herman E Hurst, 30
Reconstituted, allotted to the reserve, Apr 1942; Lt Col Edward P Dimmick, 3

and redesignated 63d Troop Carrier Group Oct 1942-14 Apr 1944. Col Kenneth L
(Medium), on 10 May 1949. Activated Johnson, 20 June 1953; Col Horace A
on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered to active service Crosswell, 1g55-.
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. Twelfth AF. Moved to the Mediterrane-

DECORATIONS. Air Force Outstanding an theater, Nov-Dec 1942. Flew first mis-
Unit Award: 2 Mar-31 May 1955. sion on 11 Nov, landing paratroaps at
INSIGNE.Shield: Light blue with a Maison Blanche. Dropped paratroops to
green embattled base, a red lightning flashcapture airfields during the battle for
striking from upper right corner and cross-Tunisia. Released paratroops near Gela
ing the corner of one embattlement and and Catania when the Allies invaded Sic-
a white parachute with shroud lines touch- ily in Jul 1943. Dropped paratroops near
ing the tip of the flash; above the para- Avellino during the invasion of Italy in
chute three white aircraft, on the green Sep 1943to destroy a bridge on the enemy’s
base a circle of six yellow stars at the left
supply line to Salerno. Participated in the
and a triangle of three yellow stars. assault on southern France in Aug 1944
Motto: OMNIA, UBIQUE, SEMPER- by releasing gliders and paratroops in the
Anything, Anywhere, Anytime. (Ap- battle zone. Supported the partisans in
proved 2 Oct 1953.) northern Italy early in 1945 by dropping
paratroops, supplies, and propaganda leaf-
64th TROOP CARRIER GROUP lets behind enemy lines. When not en-
gaged in airborne operations, the group
Constittcted as 64th Transport Group continually transported men and supplies
on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 4 Dec 1940. to the front lines and evacuated wounded
Used C-47’s for training and flying trans- personnel. Most of the group was on
port missions in the US. Redesignated detached service in the CBI theater, Apr-
64th Troop Carrier Group in Jul 1942. Jun 1944, while a skeletan force remained
Moved to England in Aug 1942 and re- in Sicily. With its squadrons operating
ceived additional training. Assigned to from separate bases in India, the 64th
group aided the Allied offensive in Burma,
being awarded a DUC for flying unarmed
over rugged enemy territory to carry food,
clothing, medical supplies, guns, ammuni-
tion, and mules to the combat zone and
to evacuate waunded personnel. Moved
to Trinidad in Jun 1945. Assigned to Air
Transport Command. Znactiuated on 31
Jul 1945.
Actiuated in the US on 19 May 1947.
Not manned during 1947-1948. Znacti-
uated on 10 Sep 1948.
Redesignated 64th Troop Carrier Group INSIGNE,Shield: Azure, an eagle's leg

(Medium). Activated on 14 Jul 1952. a la cuisse or charged with a mullet of the
Assigned to Tactical Air Command. field. Motto: FLYING SUPPORT. (Ap-
Used C-82 aircraft and later (after Jul proved 16 Jun 1942.)
1953) C-119's. Znactivated on 21 Jul 1954.
SQUADRONS. 16th: 194-1945; 1947-1948. 65th RECONNAISSANCE
17th: 194-1945; 1947-1948; 1952-1954- GROUP
18th: 1940-1945; 1952-2954. 35th: 1942-
1945; 1952-1954. 54th: 1942. Constituted as 65th Observation Group
STATIONS.Duncan Field, Tex, 4 Dec on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on I Sep 1941.
1940; March Field, Calif, c. 13 Jul 1941;Equipped with O-47'~, O-~$S,O-52's, and
other observation aircraft. Supported
Hamilton Field, Calif, c. I Feb 1942; West-
over Field, Mass, c. 8 Jun-31 Jul 1942; ground units during the Carolina Maneu-
Ramsbury, England, Aug-Nov 1942; vers in the fall and winter of 1941. Flew
Blida, Algeria, Dec 1942; Kairouan, Tu- antisubmarine patrols off the east coast
after Pearl Harbor. Znactiuated on 18 Oct
nisia, 28 Jun 1943; El Djem, Tunisia, 26 Jul
1943; Comiso, Sicily, 29 Aug 1943; Ciam- 1942-
pino, Italy, 10 Jul 1944; Rosignano Air- Activated on I Mar 1943. Redesignated
field, Italy, 10 Jan-23 May 1945; Waller 65th Reccnnaissance Group in Apr 1943.
Field, Trinidad, 4 Jun-31 Jul 1945. Lang-Served as a training organization for crews
ley Field, Va, 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. that changed from observation aircraft to
Donaldson AFB, SC, 14 Jul 1952-21 17. B-25's. Disbanded on 15 Aug 1943.
Reconstituted, allotted to the reserve,
1954-
and activated, on 27 Dec 1946. Znacti-
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Malcolm S Law-
vated on 27 Jun 1949.
ton, c. Dec 1940; Col Tracey K Dorsett,
Redesignated 65th Troop Carrier Group
unkn; Lt Col Claire B Collier, c. I Mar
(Medium) and allotted to the reserve.
1943; Col John Cerny, 16 May 1943-1945. Actiuated on 14 Jun 1952. Equipped with
Col Steward H Nichols, c. Jul 1952; Col C-46's. Inactivated on I Apr 1953.
David E Kunkel Jr, c. Nov 1953; Lt Col SQUADRONS. 2d: 1947-1949; 1952-1953.
William G Forwood, unkn-1954. I # Z : 1947-1949; 1952-1953. Z4th: 1947-
CAMPAIGNS.American Theater; Al- 1949; 1952-1953. 18th: 1942; 1943.
geria-French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily; IO5t.th.' 1941-1942; 1943. 112th: 1941-
Naples-Foggia ; Rome-Arno; Southern 1942. 22ZSt: 1941-1942.
France; North Apennines; Po Valley; Tn- STATIONS.Columbia, SC, I Sep 1941;
dia-Burma. Langley Field, Va, Dec 1941-18 Oct 1942.
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- Columbia AAB, SC, I Mar 1943; Florence
tion: CBI Theater, 7 Apr-15 Jun 1944. AAFld, SC, c. 15 Apr-15 Aug 1943.
~-
Rome AAFld, NY, 27 Dec 194.6-27 Jun and the Second Army Maneuvers of 1943-
1949. Mitchel AFB, NY, 14 Jun 1952- 1944. Trained personnel in aerial recon-
I Apr 1953. naissance and artillery adjustment
COMMANDERS. Col Dache M Reeves, methods. Also flew antisubmarine patrols
1941; Lt Col Walter M Williams, c. 21 off the east coast, Jan-Aug 1942. Dis-
Feb-18 Oct 1942. Lt Col Blaine B Camp- banded on 20 Apr 1944.
bell, 1943. Reconstituted, redesignated 66th Recon-
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American naissance Group, allotted to the reserve,
Theater. and actiuated, on 27 Dec 1946. Equipped
DECORATIONS. None. with RB-26‘s and RF-80’s. Redesignated
INSIGNE.None. 66th Strategic Reconnaissance Group in
Jun 1949. Called to active duty on I May
66th RECONNAISSANCE 1951. Inactivated on 16 May 1951.
GROUP Redesignated 66th Tactical Reconnais-
sance Group. Activated on I Jan 1953.
Assigned to Tactical Air Command.
Equipped with RB-26‘s and RF-80’s.
Moved to Germany, Jun-Jul 1953, and as-
signed to United States Air Forces in
Europe. Transitioned to RB-57’s and RF-
84’s7 1954-1955-
SQUADRONS.18th: 1947-1949. 19th
Liaison : 1942-1943. 19th Reconnaissance:
1947-1949, 20th: 1947-1949, 194!3-1951.
23d: 1943. 30th: 1947-1951; I953-.
97th: 1941-1943. 106th: 1941-1943.
118th: 1941-1943. 302d: 1g53-. 303d:
19537
Constituted as 66th Observation Group STATIONS.Jacksonville, Fla, I Sep 1941 ;
on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on I Sep 1941. Charleston, SC, Jan 1942; Jacksonville
Redesignated 66th Reconnaissance Group Mun Aprt, Fla, Mar 1942; Pope Field, NC,
in Apr 1943, and 66th Tactical Reconnais- May 1942; Tullahoma, Tenn, Sep 1942;
sance Group in Aug 1943. Equipped at Morris Field, NC, Nov 1942; Camp Camp-
various times with 0-46, 0-47, A-20, bell, Ky, Apr 1943; Aiken AAFld, SC,
P-39, P-40, B-25, L-5, and L-6 aircraft. Jun 1943; Lebanon, Tenn, Oct 1943-20
Supported ground units on maneuvers, in- Apr 1944. Newark AAB, NJ, 27 Dec
cluding the Carolina Maneuvers of 1942, 1946; McGuire AFB, NJ, 27 Jun 1949;
the Tennessee Maneuvers of 1942 and 1943, Barksdale AFB, La, 10 Oct 1949-16 May
1951. Shaw AFB, SC, I Jan-1 Jul 1953;

Sembach AB, Germany, c. 7 Jul 1g53-.
COMMANDERS. Maj Harry W Generous,
4 Nov 1941; Lt Col Charles A Masson, c.
26 May 1942; Lt Col Theron Coulter, 6
Dec 1942; Maj Edward 0 McComas, c.
31 Aug 1943; Lt Col Frederick L Moore,
c. 16 Oct 1943-20 Apr 1944. Lt Col Stan-
ley W Irons, Jan 1953; Col Harvey E Hen-
derson, Jul 1953-.
Theater.
DECORATIONS. None. ment, weather-reconnaissance,bomb-dam-
INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend gules and age assessment, photographic-reconnais-
azure, a bend nebule argent between a sance, and visual-reconnaissance missions.
sprig of goldenrod or, and a sprig of moun- Received a DUC for operations along
tain laurel vert, fimbriated of the fourth. the coast of France, 15 Feb-20 Mar 194,
Motto: OMNIA CONSPICIMUS-We when the group flew at low altitude in
Observe All. (Approved 5 Jan 1943.) the face of intense flak to obtain photo-
graphs that aided the invasion of the Con-
67th RECONNAISSANCE tinent. Flew weather missions, made
GROUP visual reconnaissance for ground forces,
and photographed enemy positions to s u p
Constituted as 67th Observation Group port the Normandy campaign and later to
on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on I Sep 1941. assist First Army and other Allied forces
Flew antisubmarine patrols along the east in the drive to Germany. Took part in the
coast of the US after the Japanese attacked offensive against the Siegfried Line, Sep-
Pearl Harbor. Began training in Jan 1942 Dec 1944, and in the Battle of the Bulge,
for duty overseas. Moved to the European Dec 1g44-Jan 1945. From Jan to May
theater, Aug-Oct 1942. Assigned first to 1945, photographed dams on the Roer
Eighth and later (Oct 1943) to Ninth AF. River in preparation for the ground of-
Redesignated 67th Reconnaissance Group fensive to cross the river, and aided the
in May 1943,67th Tactical Reconnaissance Allied assault across the Rhine and into
Group in Nov 1943, and 67th Reconnais- Germany. Returned to the US, Jul-Sep
sance Group in Jun 1945. Trained in Eng- 1945. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.
land for more than a year before begin- Activated on 19 May 1947. Assigned to
ning operations in Dec 1943. Used P-38's, Tactical Air Command. Equipped with
P-~I's, and F-5's to fly artillery-adjust- RB-26's and RF-Bo's. Redesignated 6/th
Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Jun c. 10Apr-Jul 1945; Drew Field, Fla, c. 21

1948. Inactivated on 28 Mar 1949. Sep 1945; MacDill Field, Fla, Dec 1945;
Activated in Japan on 25 Feb 1951. As- Shaw Field, SC, Feb-31 Mar 1946. Lang-
signed to Far East Air Forces. Moved to ley Field, Va, 19 May 1947; March Field,
Korea in Mar 1951 and served in the Calif, c. 25 Jul 1947-28 Mar 1949. KO-
Korean War until the armistice. Used maki, Japan, 25 Feb 1951; Taegu, Korea,
RB-26, RF-51, RF-80, RF-86, and RF-84 Mar 1951;Kimpo, Korea, Aug 1951; Itami,
aircraft. Made photographic reconnais- Japan, c. I Dec 1954-.
sance of front lines, enemy positions, and COMMANDERS. Unkn, Sep-Nov 1941;
installations; took pre-strike and bomb- Lt Col Oliver H Stout, c. 2 1 Nov 1941;
damage assessment photographs; made Col Frederick R Anderson, c. 4 May 1942;
visual reconnaissance of enemy artillery Col George W Peck, 6 Dec 1943; Lt Col
and naval gun positions; and flew weather Richard S Leghorn, 11 May 1945-unkn.
missions. Received an AFOUA for the Unkn, May-Jul 1947; Maj Edwin C Lar-
period I Dec 1952-30 Apr 1953 when, in son, 25 Jul 1947; Lt Col Arvis L Hilpert,
the face of enemy opposition and adverse 15 Aug 1947; Col Leon W Gray, 16 Aug
weather, the group performed reconnais- 1947; Lt Col Royal B Allison, 20 Mar
sance missions on a 24-hour-a-day, 7-day-a- 1948; Col Horace A Hanes, 22 Mar 1948;
week basis to provide valuable intelligence Col Loren G McCollom, c. 16 Jan 1949
for UN forces. Returned to Japan, Nov- unkn. Col JacobW Dixon, c. 28 Feb 1951 ;
Dec 1954. Lt Col [?I Stone, c. 29 Aug 1951; Col
SQUADRONS.zzth: 1946; 1947-1949; Charles C Andrews, Sep 1951; Col Robert
1953-. 12th: 1942-1944; 1947-1949; I95I-. R Smith, May 1952; Lt Col George T
15th (formerly Observation) : 1944; 1g51-. Prior, Oct 1952; Col John G Foster, 1952-
15th (formerly Photographic) : 1947. unkn; Col John C Egan, c. 22 Oct 1953;
30th: 1944-1945. 33d: 1944, 1945. 45th: Lt Col Hartwell C Lancaster, 8 May 1954;
I95I-. ZO7th: 1941-1945. ZO@: 1941- Col Loren G McCollom, I June 1954; Col
1945. zz3th: 1941-1942. z53d: 1941- Prescott M Spicer, 11 Aug 1954; Lt Col
1944. z6zst: 1945. Joseph C Smith, 24 Nov 1954-unkn; Col
STATIONS.Esler Field, La, I Sep 1941; John W Baer, 31 Aug 1955-.
Charleston, SC, Dec 1941; Esler Field, La, CAMPAIGNS.World War ZI: Antisub-
Jan-Aug 1942; Membury, England, Sep marine, American Theater; Air Offensive,
1942; Middle Wallop, England, Dec 1943; Europe ; Normandy; Northern France ;
Le Molay, France, Jul 1944; Toussus le Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace ; Central
Noble, France, Aug 1944; Gosselies, Bel- Europe. Korean War: 1st UN Counter-
gium, Sep 1944; Vogelsang, Germany, offensive; CCF Spring Offensive; UN
Mar 1945; Limburg an der Lahn, Ger- Summer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean
many, c. 2 Apr 1945;Eschwege, Germany, Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1952; Third
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS-GROUPS
Korean Winter; Korea Summer-Fall,

1953.
tions: Le Havre and Straits of Dover,
15 Feb-20 Mar 1944; Korea, 25 Feb-21
Apr 1951; Korea, g Jul-27 Nov 1951;
Korea, I May-27 Jul 1953. Cited in the
Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6 Tun-
30 Sep 1944; 16 Dec 1944-25 Jan 1945.
Belgian Fourragere. Republic of Korea
Presidential Unit Citation: [Mar] 1951-
31 Mar 1953. Air Force Outstanding Unit
Award: I Dec 1952-30 Apr 1953. the group began operations most of its
INSIGNE. Shield: Per bend sinister, sky squadrons were detached for separate duty
proper (light blue) and azure between a in order to carry out diverse activities over
lightning bolt gules, fimbriated sable, in a wide area. Operating from bases in
bend sinister, the quarter section of a sun, North Africa until Nov 1943, the group, or
issuing from the dexter chief, or, fimbri- elements of the group, engaged in patrol-
ated sable, in sinister four stars argent, ling the Mediterranean; strafing trucks,
one, two and one, all the shield within a tanks, gun positions, and supply dumps to
diminutive border sable. Motto: LUX support ground troops in Tunisia; train-
EX TENEBRIS-Light from Darkness. ing fighter pilots and replacement crews;
(Approved 20 Mar 1952.) and flying photographic and visual recon-
naissance missions in Tunisia, Sicily, and
68th RECONNAISSANCE Italy to provide information needed to
GROUP adjust artillery fire. Moved to Italy and
assigned to Fifteenth AF, in Nov 1943.
Constituted as 68th Observation Group
Continued visual and photographic recon-
on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on I Sep 1941.
naissance and began flying weather recon-
Redesignated 68th Reconnaissance Group
in May 1943, and 68th Tactical Reconnais- naissance missions in Italy, France, .
sance Group in Nov 1943. Flew patrols Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the
over the Gulf of Mexico and along the Balkans. Also engaged in electronic-
Mexican border after the Japanese attacked countermeasure activities, investigating
Pearl Harbor. Began training in Feb radar equipment captured from the enemy,
1942 for duty overseas. Moved to the flying ferret missions along the coasts of
Mediterranean theater, Oct-Nov 1942, and Italy and southern France, and accom-
assigned to Twelfth AF. Shortly after panying bomber formations to detect ap-
proaching enemy fighters. Used P-38, gene C Woltz, 13 Mar 1943; Col Charles
P-39, P-40, P-51, A-20, A-36, B-17, and D Jones, 8 Aug 1943-c. 15 Jan 1944; Capt
B-24 aircraft for operations. Returned to Harper L McGrady, unkn; Col [ ?]Smith,
North Africa in Apr 1944. Disbanded on unkn; Col Monro MacCloskey, Mar-c.
15 Jun 1944. May 1944. Col Lowell G Sidling, 26 Oct
Reconstituted, redesignated 68th Recon- 1951-c. 16 Jun 1952.
naissance Group, and allotted to the re- CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American
serve, on 10 Mar 1947. Activated in the Theater; Air Combat, EAME Theater; Al-
US on g Apr 1947. Znactivated on 27 Tun geria-French Morocco ; Naples-Foggia;
‘949. Rome-Arno.
Redesignated 68th Strategic Reconnais- DECORATIONS. None.
sance Group (Medium). Activated on INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, an eye of the
10 Oct 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air first surmounting a tuft of six feathers,
Command. Trained with B-29’s. Zn- imposed on a tuft of eight feathers, be-
activated on 16 Jun 1952. tween and at the base of two wings con-
SQUADRONS. 16th: 1942-1944. 24th: joined in the form of a “V” or, Motto:
1947-1949; 1951-1952. 5’st: 1947-1949; VICTORIA PER OBSERVATIAM-
1951-1952. 52d: 1947-1949; 1951-1952. Victory through Observation. (Approved
Z Z Z ~ 1942-1944.
~ : ~ 2 2 d : 1941-1944. 17 Sep 1942. This insigne was replaced
Z25dl: 1941-1942. I27th: 1941-1942. 3 OCt 1952.)
IjGh: 1941-1944.
STATIONS. Brownwood, Tex, I Sep 1941 ; 69th RECONNAISSANCE
New Orleans AB, La, 17 Dec 1941;Daniel GROUP
Field, Ga, 8 Feb 1942; Smith Reynolds
Aprt, NC, 9 Jul 1942; Morris Field, NC, Constituted as 69th Observation Group
c. 17 Aug-18 Oct &2; Casablanca, French on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 3 Sep 1941.
Morocco, Nov 1942; Oujda, French Mo- Redesignated 6gth Reconnaissance Group
rocco, c. Nov 1942; Berrechid Airfield, in Apr 1943, and 69th Tactical Recon-
French Morocco, 24 Mar 1943; Berteaux, naissance Group in Aug 1943. Used
Algeria, 5 Sep 1943; Massicault, Tunisia, 0-38, 0-46, 0-47, 0-52, L-I, L-2, L-3,
Oct 1943; Manduria, Italy, Nov 1943; L-4, L-5, L-49, P-39, P-40, B-25, A-20,
Blida, Algeria, c. Apr-15 Jun 1944. Ham- and other aircraft. Flew antisubmarine
ilton Field, Calif, 9 Apr 1947-27 Jun 1949. patrols along the Pacific coast after Pearl
Lake Charles AFB, La, 10 Oct 1951-16 Harbor. Engaged primarily in air-
Jun 1952. ground training during 1943 and 1944.
COMMANDERS. Unkn, Sep-Dec 1941; Lt Began training with F 4 s in Jan 1945 for
Col Guy L McNeil, 15 Dec 1941; Maj duty overseas. Moved to France, Feb-
John R Fordyce, 30 Jun 1942; Lt Col Eu- Mar 1945. Assigned to Ninth AF. Flew
visual-reconnaissance and photographic 70th RECONNAISSANCE

missions to provide intelligence for GROUP
ground and air units. Redesignated 69th
Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1945. Re-
turned to the US, Jul-Aug 1945. Trained
with F-6 and A-26 aircraft. Znactivated
on 29 Jul1946.
SQUADRONS.zoth: 1942-1946. 22d:
1945-1946. J Z S ~ :1942-1945, 1945-1946.
34th: 1945. 37th: 1943-1944. 39th: 1946.
82d: 1941-1942. zozst (formerly 39th) :
1944-1945. ~ 0 2 d : 1942-1944. ZZZ~~.’
1945. ZZ5t’J: 1941-1943. Constituted as 70th Observation Group
STATIONS.Paso Robles, Calif, 3 Sep on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 13 Sep 1941.
1941; Salinas, Calif, c. 3 Oct 1941; San Redesignated 70th Reconnaissance Group
Bernardino, Calif, Dec 1941 ; Ontario, in Apr 1943, and 70th Tactical Reconnais-
Calif, c. I Jun 1942; Laurel, Miss, Nov sance Group in Aug 1943. Aircraft:
1942; Esler Field, La, Mar 194.3; Abilene O-46’~, 0-q’s, B-25’s, A-~o’s, P-39’s,
AAFld, Tex, Sep 1943; Esler Field, La, L-2’s, L-4’s, Lg’s, and L-6’s. Provided
Nov 1943; Key Field, Miss, Jan-Feb 1945; artillery adjustment, reconnaissance, and
Nancy, France, c. 22 Mar 1945; Haguenau, fighter and bomber support to ground
France, c. 2 Apr-c. 30 Jun 1945; Drew forces in training and on maneuvers along
Field, Fla, Aug 1945; Stuttgart AAFld, the west coast. Also flew antisubmarine
Ark, Nov 1945; Brooks Field, Tex, Dec patrols off the west coast from 7 Dec 1941
1945-29 Jul 1946. through Sep 1942. Disbanded on 30 Nov
COMMANDERS. Maj William C Sams, 1943.
3 Oct 1941; Col John N Jeffers, g Dec 1941; Reconstituted, redesignated 70th Recon-
Col Kenneth R Crosher, 8 Nov 1942; Maj naissance Group, and allotted to the re-
Cecil E West, 12 May 1943; Lt Col Eugene serve, on 10 Mar 1947. Activated on 26
C Woltz, 29 Sep 1943; Lt Col Arthur Fite Apr 1947. Znactivated on 27 Jun 1949.
Jr, 26 Oct 1944; Col John T Shields, 21 Jan SQUADRONS, 26th Tactical Reconnais-
1945; Lt Col Richard A Morehouse, c. 20 sance: 1942-1943. 26th Photographic
Feb 1946; Col Russell A Berg, c. 10 Mar- Reconnaissance: 1947-1949. 57th: 1947-
29 Jul 1946. 1949. 6zst: 1947-1949. 112th: 1943.
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American zz6th: 1941-1943. 123d: 1941-1943.
Theater; Central Europe. STATIONS.Gray Field, Wash, 13 Sep
DECORATIONS. None. 1941; Salinas AAB, Calif, Mar 1943; Red-
INSIGNE. None. mond AAFld, Ore, 15 Aug 1943; Corval-
lis AAFld, Ore, Oct 1943; Will Rogers and the Admiralties to provide target and
Field, Okla, c. 14-30 Nov 1943. Hill Field, damage-assessment photographs for air
Utah, 26 Apr 1947-27 Jun 1949. force units, Also bombed and strafed
COMMANDERS. Maj Hillford R Wallace, Japanese installations, airfields, and ship-
Sep 1941; Maj Wallace J O’Daniels, c. I ping; supported Allied forces on New
Apr 1942; Maj G Robert Dodson, c. 3 May Guinea and Biak; flew courier missions;
1942; Col Don W Mayhue, c. 9 May 1942; participated in rescue operations; and
Lt Col G Robert Dodson, c. 3 Nov 1942; hauled passengers and cargo. Moved to
Lt Col Stanley R Stewart, c. 3 Dec 1942; the Philippines in Nov 1944. Flew recon-
Lt Col G Robert Dodson, c. 3 Jan 1943- naissance missions over Luzon to provide
unkn. information for US forces as to Japanese
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American troop movements, gun positions, and
Theater. supply routes. Also supported ground
DECORATIONS. None. forces on Luzon, photographed and
INSIGNE. Shield: Azure, on a bend bombed airfields in Formosa and China,
nebuly between six billets or, two crowing and attacked enemy shipping off the
cocks palewise gules. Motto: WE Asiatic coast. Maj William A Shomo was
WATCH O U T FOR YOU. (Approved awarded the Medal of Honor for action
5 Jan 1943.) on 11 Jan 1945: sighting a formation of
thirteen Japanese aircraft while leading 3
7 1st RECONNAISSANCE two-plane flight, Maj Shomo attacked the
GROUP superior enemy force and destroyed seven
planes. After moving to Ie Shima in Aug
Constituted as 71st Observation Group 1945, the group attacked transportation
on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on I Oct 1941. targets on Kyushu and flew over southern
Trained with B-25, P-38, P-39, and P-40 Japan to locate prisoner of war camps, to
aircraft. Flew antisubmarine patrols off assess bomb damage, and to obtain infor-
the west coast, Dec 1941-Jan 1943. Re- mation on Japanese military movements.
designated 71st Reconnaissance Group in Moved to Japan in Oct 1945. Inactivated
Apr 1943, 71st Tactical Reconnaissance on I Feb 1946.
Group in May 1944, and 71st Reconnais- Activated in Japan on 28 Feb 1947. As-
sance Group in May 1945. signed to Far East Air Forces. Manned
Moved to the Southwest Pacific, Sep- in Nov 1947 and equipped with RB-17,
Nov 1943, and assigned to Fifth AF. RB-29, RF-51, RF-61, and RF-80 aircraft.
Equipped with B-25, P-38, P-39, L-4, L-5, Photographed areas of Japan and South
and later some L-6 aircraft. Based on Korea. Redesignated 71st Tactical Recon-
New Guinea and Biak, flew reconnaissance naissance Group in Aug 1948. Znactivated
missions over New Guinea, New Britain, in Japan on I Apr 1949.
SQUADRONS.8th: 1947-1949. 17th: 7 2d RECONNAISSANCE

1942-1946. 25th Liaison: 1942-1945. 25th GROUP
Reconnaissance: 1947-1949. 82d: 1942-
1946; 1947-1949. 102d: 1941-1942. 110th: Constituted as 72d Observation Group
I 94 1-1 946. I 28th : 194I- 1942. on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 26 Sep
STATIONS. Birmingham, Ala, I Oct 1941. Redesignated 72d Reconnaissance
1941; Salinas AAB, Calif, 21 Dec 1941; Group in 1943. Used 0-47, 0-49, 0-52,
Rice, Calif, 18 Aug 1942; Salinas AAB, L-I, L-4, B-18, P-39, and other aircraft.
Calif, 19 Oct 1942; Esler Field, La, 24 Jan Moved to the Panama Canal Zone, Dec
1943; Laurel AAFld, Miss, 31 Mar-24 Sep 1941-Jan 1942. Flew patrol missions, car-
1943; Port Moresby, New Guinea, 7 Nov ried mail, searched for missing aircraft,
1943; Nadzab, New Guinea, 20 Jan 1944; provided reconnaissance support to ground
Biak, 8 Aug 1944; Leyte, 5 Nov 1944; forces, and occasionally did photographic-
Binmaley, Luzon, 2 Feb 1945; Ie Shima, mapping work. Disbanded in the Canal
Aug 1945; Chofu, Japan, 6 Oct 1945; Zone on I Nov 1943.
Tachikawa, Japan, 23 Oct 1945; Iruma-
Reconstituted and allotted to the reserve,
gawa, Japan, c. 15 Jan-1 Feb 1946. Itami,
on 13 May 1947. Activated on 12 Jul1947.
Japan, 28 Feb 1947; Johnson AAB, Japan,
Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.
15Apr 1947; Yokota, Japan, 31 Oct 1947-1
SQUADRONS. ZSt: 1941-1943. 4th:
APr 1949.
COMMANDERS. Unkn, to Feb 1942; Col 1942-1943. 39th: 1942-1943. 60th: 1947-
William C Sams, Feb 1942; Col Henry C 1949. 73d Fighter: 1947-1949. 108th:
Thompson, Oct 1944; Maj Jowell C Wise, I94 I- 1943. I q t h : I94 I .
12 Oct 1945; 1st Lt Wilburn H Ohle, 21 STATIONS.Shreveport, La, 26 Sep 1941;
Oct 1945-unkn. Lt Col William L Gray, Little Rock, Ark, Oct 1941 ; Marshall
3 Nov 1947; Lt Col Ben K Armstrong, 23 Field, Kan, 11-c. 27 Dec 1941; Howard
Feb 1948; Lt Col Donald Lang, 25 Feb Field, CZ, c. 18 Jan 1942-1 Nov 1943.
1948; Col William E Basye, 5 Jun 1948; Lt Hamilton Field, Calif, 12 Jul 1947-27 Jun
Col Ben K Armstrong, 25 Mar-1 Apr 1949.
1949.
CAMPAIGNS.Antisubmarine, American COMMANDERS. Lt Col Jasper K Mc-
Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; China De-
Duffie, Oct 1941 ; Col Perry B Griffin, c. I
fensive; New Guinea; Bismarck Archi-
Feb 1942; Col Vernon C Smith, 19 May-I
pelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon:
NOV1943.
China Offensive.
DECORATIONS. Philippine Presidential CAMPAIGNS. American Theater.
Unit Citation. DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE. None. INSIGNE.None.
74th RECONNAISSANCE Col Clarence D Wheeler, c. 7 Apr 1942;

GROUP Lt Col James R Gunn Jr, 26 Oct 1943; Lt
Col Herbert A Bott, c. 10 Nov 1943; Maj
Constituted as 74th Observation Group Woodrow Ramsey, 23 Apr 1944; Lt
on 5 Feb 1942 and activated on 27 Feb. Col Richard A Morehouse, 22 Sep 1944;
Redesignated 74th Reconnaissance Group Col Yancey S Tarrant, Aug 1945; Col John
in Apr 1943, and 74th Tactical Reconnais- T Shields, 26 S e w Nov 1945.
sance Group in Aug 1943. Equipped at CAMPAIGNS. American Theater.
various times with O-52’s, GI’s, L4’s, DECORATIONS. None.
L-g’s, B-25’~, A-~o’s, 9-39’s, P-~o’s, and INSIGNE. None.
P-51’s. Flew reconnaissance, mapping,
artillery adjustment, bombing, dive-bomb-
ing, and strafing missions to support 75 th RECONNAISSANCE
ground units in training or on maneuvers; GROUP
trained personnel in aerial reconnaissance,
medium bombardment, and fighter tech-
niques. Znactiuated on 7 Nov 1945.
Redesignated 74th Reconnaissance
Group, allotted to the reserve, and acti-
vated, on 27 Dec 1946. Znactiuated on 27
Tun 1949.
SQUADRONS.5th: 1943. 8th: 1945.
IIth: 1942-1945. Z3th: 1942-1945. 2 I S t :
1947-1949. 22d Tactical Reconnaissance :
1942-1945. 22d Photographic Reconnais- Constituted as 75th Observation Group
sance: 1947-1949. 33d (formerly 31st) : on 5 Feb 1942 and wtiuated on 27 Feb.
1947-1949. 36th: 1943-1944, IOISt.’ 1945. Redesignated 75th Reconnaissance Group
STATIONS.Lawson Field, Ga, 27 Feb in Apr 1943, and 75th Tactical Reconnais-
1942; DeRidder, La, c. 10 Apr 1942; Esler sance Group in Aug 1943. Used B-25’s,
Field, La, c. 13 Dec 1942; Desert Center, A-~o’s,L-I’S, L-~’s,L-q’s, O-q’s, O-52’~,
Calif, c. 28 Dec 1942; Morris Field, NC, P-39’s, P-~o’s,and P-51’s. Until the fall
Sep 1943; Camp Campbell AAFld, Ky, of 1942 the group aided ground units with
Nov 1943; DeRidder AAB, La, Apr 1944; their training by flying reconnaissance,
Stuttgart AAFld, Ark, Feb? Nov 1945. artillery adjustment, strafing, and dive-
Stewart Field, NY, 27 Dec 1946-27 Tun bombing missions; one squadron (124th)
1949. flew antisubmarine patrols over the Gulf
COMMANDERS. Capt Austin H Burleigh, of Mexico. In the fall of 1942 the group
1942; Maj George G Finch, c. 27 Mar 1942; participated in the Louisiana Maneuvers.
Beginning early in 1943 it functioned pri-

marily as a replacement training unit.
Disbanded on I May 1944.
SQUADRONS. 2ZSt: 1942-1944. 30th:
1942-1944. 124th: 1942-1944. 127th:
1942-1943-
STATIONS.Ellington Field, Tex, 27 Feb
1942; Birmingham, Ala, Mar 1942; Tulla-
homa, Tenn, Nov 1942; Key Field, Miss,
Aug 1943-1 May 1944.
C O M M A N D Col
~ S . Frederick A Bacher,
c. 30 Mar 1942; Col John E Bodle, 5 Apr
in maneuvers with ground forces in the
1943; Maj Delwin B Avery, 15 Sep 1943; California-Arizona desert training area
Lt Col George C P Gifford, 17 Sep 1943; beginning in Sep 1943. Disbanded on 15
Lt Col John R Dyas, I Jan-1 May 1944. APr 1944.
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. SQUADRONS. 20th: 1942-1943.
DECORATIONS. None. 1942-1943, 1943-1944- 24th: 1942-1943-
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure on a ship’s 70th: 1943. g I S t : 1943. 97th: 1943-1944.
Iozst.* 1943-1944. ~ 0 2 d1944.106th:
: 1943.
Crow’s nest issuant from base an albatross
Z2ZSf: 1943.
sejant or, holding in its beak a mullet
gules. Motto: APPERCEPTION. (Ap- STATIONS.MacDill Field, Fla, 27 Feb
proved 23 Sep 1942.) 1942; Key Field, Miss, c. 3 Mar 1942; Pope
Field, NC, c. 28 Mar 1942; Vichy, Mo,
Dec 1942; Morris Field, NC, May 1943;
76th RECONNAISSANCE Thermal AAFM, Calif, Sep 1943-15 Apr
GROUP 1944.
Constituted as 76th Observation Group COMMANDERS. Lt Col H N Burkhalter,
on 5 Feb 1942 and activated on 27 Feb. Mar 1942; Maj James E Ilgenfritz, c. 21
Redesignated 76th Reconnaissance Group Jan 1943; Lt Col John T Shields, c. 18 Sep
in Apr 1943, and 76th Tactical Reconnais- 1g43-unkn; Maj Klem F Kalberer, 1944.
sance Group in Aug 1943. Aircraft in- CAMPAIGNS. American Theater.
cluded P-39’~~P-~o’s,A-ZO’S,B-25’~~ L-I’S, DECORATIONS. None.
L-4’s, L-~’s,and L-6‘s. Trained in aerial INSIGNE. Shield: Azure a drop bomb
reconnaissance and air support techniques argent surmounted by a pair of binoculars
and aided ground units in their training, bendwise gules winged or. Motto: OUR
Feb 1g42-May 1943; assisted Second Army OBSERVATION, YOUR SECURITY.
on maneuvers, May-Sep 1943;participated (Approved 5 Nov 1942.)
77th RECONNAISSANCE STATIONS.Salinas AAB, Calif, 2 Mar

GROUP 1942; Brownwood, Tex, c. 17 Mar 1942;
DeRidder AAB, La, 25 Jul 1942; Alamo
Airfield, Tex, 28 Sep 1942; Abilene
AAFld, Tex, 6 Apr 1943; Esler Field, La,
13 Sep 1943; Birmingham AAFld, Ala,
14-30 NOV1943.
COMMANDERS. Maj Harrison W Well-
man, Mar 1942; Lt Col Christopher C
Scott, c. 3 Apr 1942; Col J C Kennedy,
1942-unkn; Lt Col Joseph E Barzynski,
c. 19 Apr 1~3-unkn.
Constituted as 77th Observation Group DECORATIONS. None.
on 5 Feb 1942. Activated on 2 Mar 1942. INSIGNE.Shield: Or, a broad-winged
Redesignated 77th Reconnaissance Group hawk volant proper holding in its beak a
in Apr 1943, and 77th Tactical Reconnais- mullet gules and emitting from its eyes
sance Group in Aug 1943. Aircraft in- seven flashes of the last, issuant from base
cluded P-39’s, P-~o’s, A-zo’s, Fb25’s, a mountain range of seven peaks azure.
O-q’s, O-52’~, and L-5’s. Supported
Motto: ALL SEEING. (Approved 28
ground units in training by flying recon-
Feb 1943.)
naissance, artillery adjustment, fighter,
and bomber missions, and in the process
trained reconnaissance personnel who 78rh FIGHTER GROUP
later served overseas. One squadron Constituted as 78th Pursuit Group (In-
(113th) flew antisubmarine patrols over terceptor) on 13 Jan 1942. Activated on
the Gulf of Mexico from Mar until Jun 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated 78th Fighter
1942 when it was relieved by another Group in May 1942. Trained for combat
squadron (128th). Still another squadron with P-38’s and served as part of the air
(120th) patrolled the Mexican border, defense organization. Moved to England,
Mar-Jul 1942. A detachment of the 77th Nov-Dec 1942. Assigned to Eighth AF.
served in India from Feb until Jul 1943. Lost its P-38’s and most of its pilots in
The group was disbanded on 30 Nov 1943. Feb 1943 when they were assigned to
SQUADRONS. 5th: 1942-1943. 27th: Twelfth AF for service in North Africa.
1942-1943. 35th: 1943. 113th: 1942-1943. Began operations from England with
120th: 1942-1943. 125th: 1942-1943. P-47’s in Apr 1943, converted to P-51’s
128th: 1942-1943. in Dec 1944, and continued combat until
ment operations and carried out strafing

and dive-bombing missions. Received
second DUC for destroying numerous air-
craft on five airfields near Prague and
Pilsen on 16 Apr 1945. Returned to the
US in Oct. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1945.
Europe for duty with the occupation force.
Transferred, without personnel and equip-
ment, to the US in Jun 1947 and had few,
if any, personnel assigned until Nov 1948.
Equipped with F-84’s in the spring of
1949. Redesignated 78th Fighter-Inter-
ceptor Group in Jan 1950. Znactivated on
Apr 1945. Flew many missions to escort 6 Feb 1952.
bombers that attacked industries, subma- Redesignated 78th Fighter Group (Air
rine yards and docks, V-weapon sites, and Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955. As-
other targets on the Continent. Also en- signed to Air Defense Command.
gaged in counter-air activities and on nu- SQUADRONS. 82d: 1942-1945; 1946-1952.
merous occasions strafed and dive-bombed 83d: 1942-1945; 1946-1952; 1g55-. 84th:
airfields, trains, vehicles, barges, tugs, 1942-1945; 1946-1952; 1955-.
canal locks, barracks, and troops. In addi- STATIONS. Baer Field, Ind, 9 Feb 1942;
tion to other operations, participated in the Muroc, Calif, c. 30 Apr 1942; Hamilton
intensive campaign against the German Field, Calif, May-Nov 1942; Goxhill, Eng-
Air Force and aircraft industry during Big land, Dec 1942; Duxford, England, Apr
Week, 20-25 Feb 1944; helped to prepare 1943-0Ct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 16-18
the way for the invasion of France; sup- Oct 1945. Straubing, Germany, 20 Aug
ported landings in Normandy in Jun 1944; 1946-Jun 1947; Mitchel Field, NY, Jun
contributed to the breakthrough at St Lo 1947; Hamilton AFB, Calif, Nov 1948-6
in Jul 1944; participated in the Battle of Feb 1952. Hamilton AFB, Calif, 18 Aug
the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and sup- 1g55-.
ported the airborne assault across the COMMANDERS. Col Arman Peterson,
Rhine in Mar 1945. Received a DUC for May 1942; Lt Col Melvin F McNickle, Jul
activities connected with the airborne at- 1943; Col James J Stone Jr, 31 Jul 1943;
tack on Holland in Sep 1944 when the Col Frederic C Gray Jr, 22 May 1944; Lt
group covered troop carrier and bombard- Col Olin E Gilbert, 29 Jan 1945; Col John
D Landers, c. 22Feb 1945; Lt Col Roy B 79th took part in the Allied operations that
Caviness, I Jul 1945-unkn. Col Robert defeated Axis forces in North Africa, cap-
P Montgomery, c. 20 Aug 1946-unkn; Col tured Pantelleria, and conquered Sicily,
Earl H Dunham, 1946-unkn; Col John €3 the group being awarded a DUC for its
Patrick, c. I Apr 1947; Col Earl H Dun- support of British Eighth Army during
ham, c. I May 1947; Col Robert W that period, Mar-Aug 1943. Assigned to
Stephens, c. I Jun 1947-unkn ; Col Barton Twelfth AF in Aug 1943 and continued
M Russell, c. 8 Dec 1948; Col Brian to support British Eighth Army by at-
O’Neill, Aug ~gqg-unkn;Col Jack W tacking troop concentrations, gun posi-
Hayes Jr, 1951-unkn. Col Wilton H tions, bridges, roads, and rail lines in
Earle, 1955-. southern Italy. Operated in the area of
CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Europe; the Anzio beachhead, Jan-Mar 1944.
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Participated in the drive on Rome, Mar-
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Jun 1944, and converted to P-47’s during
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- that time. Flew escort and strafing mis-
tions: Holland, 17-23 Sep 1944; Czecho- sions in southern France during Aug and
slovakia, 16 Apr 1945. Sep 1944, and afterward engaged in inter-
INSIGNE. Shield: Per pale indented dictory and close support operations in
northern Italy. Received second DUC for
azure and gules, in chief five chain lengths
conjoined fesswise or. Motto: ABOVE numerous missions flown at minimum
THE FOE. (Approved 26 Sep 1942.) altitude in intense flak to help pierce the
enemy line at the Santerno River in Italy,
16-20 Apr 1945. Remained overseas as part
79th FIGHTER GROUP
of United States Air Forces in Europe
Constituted as 79th Pursuit Group (In- after the war. Transferred, without per-
terceptor) on 13 Jan 1942. Activated on sonnel and equipment, to the US in Jun
9 Feb 1942. Redesignated 79th Fighter 1947. lnactivated on 15 Jul 1947.
Group in May 1942. Moved to the Middle Redesignated 79th Fighter Group (Air
East, Oct-Nov 1942, and became part of Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955. As-
Ninth AF. Trained with P-40’s while signed to Air Defense Command.
moving westward in the wake of the Brit- SQUADRONS. 85th: 1942-1947. 86th: 1942-
ish drive across Egypt and Libya to 1947; 1955-. 87th: 1942-1947.
Tunisia. Although many of the group’s STATIONS. Dale Mabry Field, Fla, 9 Feb
pilots flew combat missions with other or- 1942; Morris Field, NC, c. I May 1942;
ganizations, the 79th group itself did not Hillsgrove, RI, c. 22 Jun 1942; Bedford,
begin operations until Mar 1943. By Mass, 2 Jul-28 Sep 1942; Egypt, 18 Nov
escorting bombers, attacking enemy ship- 1942; Libya, c. 25 Jan 1943; Tunisia, c. 12
ping, and supporting ground forces, the Mar 1943; Sicily, 16 Jul 1943; Southern
AIR FORCE C O M ~ A TUNITS-GROUPS 14.5
Italy, c. 15 Sep 1943; Foggia, Italy, c. 9 Oct

1943; Madna Airfield, Italy, 19 Nov 1943;
Capodichino, Italy, Jan 1944; Pomigliano,
Italy, I May 1944; Corsica, Jun 1944;
Southern France, c. 25 Aug 1944; Iesi, Italy,
Oct 1944; Fano, Italy, c. 5 Dec 1944;
Cesenatico, Italy, c. 20 Mar 1945; Horsch-
ing, Austria, Jul 1945-25 Jun 1947; Lang-
ley Field, Va, 25 run-15 Jul 1947. Youngs-
town Mun Aprt, Ohio, 18 Aug 1955-.
COMMANDERS. 2d Lt Thomas G. for combat and to serve as part of the de-
Mitchell, 11 Feb 1942; Lt Col J Stanley fense force for the northeastern US. Sailed
Holtoner, 17 Feb 1942; Lt Col Peter Mc- for India, via Brazil, Cape of Good Hope,
Goldrick, 1942; Col Earl E Bates, Nov and Ceylon, in May 1943. Assigned to
1942; Col Charles W Stark, Apr 1944; Lt Tenth AF. Began operations in Sep 1943
Col Melvin J Neilson, May 1944; Col with P-38 and P-40 aircraft; later used
Gladwyn E Pinkston, 28 Nov 1944; Lt Col P-47’s. Supported Allied ground forces
John F Martin, 17 May 1945; Col German during the battle for northern Burma and
P Culver, May 1946; Lt Col Bascom A the push southward to Rangoon, bombing
Brooks, 4 Feb 1947; Lt Col John M and strafing troop concentrations, supply
Thacker, Apr 1947-unkn. Col Benjamin dumps, lines of communication, artillery
H Emmert Jr, 1955-. positions, and other objectives. Defended
CAMPAIGNS.Air Combat, EAME the Indian terminus of the Hump route
Theater; Egypt-Libya; Tunisia; Sicily; by striking Japanese airfields and by pa-
Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; trolling Allied airfields to safeguard them
Southern France; North Apennines; Po from attack. Received a DUC for inter-
Valley. cepting a formation of enemy planes and
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- preventing its attack on a large oil refinery
tions: North Africa and Sicily, Mar-17 in Phssam, India, on 27 Mar 1944. Re-
Aug 1943; Italy, 16-20 Apr 1945. turned to the US in Oct 1945. Znactivated
INSIGNE.None. on 3 d o v 1945.
S Q U A ~ O N 88th:
S. 1942-1945. 89th:
1942-1945. 90th: 1942-1945. 459th: 1943-
80th FIGHTER GROUP
1944.
Constituted as 80th Pursuit Group (In- STATIONS. Selfridge Field, Mich, g Feb
terceptor) on 13 Jan 1942. Activated on 1942; Farmingdale, NY, 5 Jul 1942; Mitch-
9 Feb 1942. Redesignated 80th Fighter el Field, NY, 9 Mar-30 Apr 1943; Karachi,
Group in May 1942. Used P-47’s to train India, 28 Jun 1943; Nagaghuli, India, Oct
1943; Tingkawk Sakan, Burma, 29 Aug

1944; Myitkyina, Burma, 20 Jan 1945;
Dudhkundi, India, 24 M a y 4 Oct 1945;
Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-3 Nov 1945.
COMMANDERS. Unkn, Feb-May 1942;
Col John C Crosthwaite, c. 20 May 1942;
Maj Albert L Evans Jr, I Jul 1942; Col
Ivan W McElroy, 14 Jul 1943; Col Albert
L Evans Jr, 13 Apr 1944; Col Sydney D
Grubbs Jr, I Feb 1945; Cal Hiette S Wil-
liams Jr, c. 29 Apr 1945-unkn.
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; India- shipping in the Mediterranean Sea, Apr-
Burma; Central Burma. Jul 1943. Provided cover for the convoys
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- that landed troops on Pantelleria on 11
tion: Assam, India, 27 Mar 1944. Jun and on Sicily on 10 Jul 1943. Sup-
ported the landings at Anzio on 22 Jan
INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend azure and
1944 and flew patrols in that area for a
a bend raguly Or’ Motto’ ANGELS
short time, Moved to India, Feb-Mar
ON OUR (Approved I4 Oct 1944, and began training with P-40 and
1942.) P-47 aircraft. Moved to China in May
and became part of Fourteenth AF. Con-
81st FIGHTER GROUP tinued training and on occasion flew pa-
trol and escort missions before returning
Constit~&edas 8ISt Pursuit Group (In- to full-time combat’duty in Jan 1945. At-
tercePter) on I3 Jan 1942. Activated on 9 tacked enemy airfields and installations,
Feb 1942- Redesignated 8Ist Fighter flew escort missions, and aided the opera-
Group in May 1942. Trained with P-~$s. tions of Chinese ground forces by attack-
Moved overseas, Oct 1942-Feb 1943, the ing troop concentrations, ammunition
ground echelon arriving in French Moroc- dumps, lines of communications, and
co with the force that iniaded North Afri- other targets to hinder Japanese efiorts
ca on 8 Nov, and the air echelon, which to move men and materiel to the front.
had trained for a time in England, arriv- Inactivated in China on 27 Dec 1945.
ing in North Africa between late Dec Activated in Hawaii on 15 Oct 1946.
1942 and early Feb 1943. Began combat Equipped with P-51’s; converted to F-47’s
with Twelfth AF in Jan 1943. Supported early in 1948. Moved to the US in 1949
ground operations during the Allied drive and converted to jet aircraft, receiving
against Axis forces in Tunisia. Patrolled F-80’s at first but changing to F-86‘s soon
the coast of Africa and protected Allied afterward.
Redesignated 81st Fighter-Interceptor 15 Jul 1943; Col Philip B Klein, 26 Aug

Group in Jan 1950. Moved to England, 1943; Lt Col Fred G Hook Jr, 27 Sep 1944;
Aug-Sep 1951. Assigned to United States Col Oliver G Cellini, 24 Oct 1944-unkn.
Air Forces in Europe. Redesignated 81st Col Oswald W Lunde, [c. 19461; Col
Fighter-Bomber Group in Apr 1954. Zn- Gladwyn E Pinkston, [c. 19481; Lt Col
activated in England on 8 Feb 1955. Clay Tice Jr, c. Apr 1950; Lt Col Lucius
SQUADRONS. 78th: 1952-1955. 9ZSt: D Clay Jr, 1950; Lt Col Clay Tice Jr, c.
1942-1945 ; 1946-1955. 92d: 1942-1945; Feb 1951; Col Robert J Garrigan, c. Aug
'946-1955. 93d: 1942-1945; 1946-1951. 1951; Col Benjamin B Cassiday Jr, c. Jul
116th: 1951-1952. 1953; Col Walter L Moore, I Dec 1954-
STATIONS.Morris Field, NC, 9 Feb 1955-
1942; Dale Mabry Field, Fla, c. I May CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME The-
194.2; Muroc, Calif, c. 28 run-4 Oct 1942; ater; Algeria-French Morocco; Tunisia;
Mediouna, French Morocco, c. 5 Jan 1943; Sicily ; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-
Thelepte, Tunisia, 22 Jan 1943; Le Kouif Arno; China Defensive; China Offensive.
Airfield, Algeria, 17 Feb 1943; Youks-les- DECORATIONS. None.
Bains, Algeria, 22 Feb 1943 ;Le Kouif Air- INSIGNE.Shield: Or, a dragon salient
field, Algeria, 24 Feb 1943; Thelepte, wings displayed and addorsed azure,
Tunisia, c. 'Mar 1943; Algeria, c. 3 Apr armed and langued gules, incensed proper,
1943; Monastir, Tunisia, c. 26 May 1943; holding in its dexter claw a stylized boll
Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia, 10Aug 1943; Castel- weevil sable. Motto: LE NOM-LES
vetrano, Sicily, 12 Oct 1943; Montecor- ARMES-LA LOYAUTE-The Name,
vino Airfield, Italy, c. Feb 1944; Karachi, The Arms, and Loyalty. (Approved 2
India, c. 2 Mar 1944; Kwanghan, China, 12 Mar '943.)
May 1944; Fungwansham, China, Feb
1945; Huhsien, China, Aug-Dec 1945. 82d FIGHTER GROUP
Wheeler Field, TH, 15 Oct 1946-21 May
1949; Kirtland AFB, NM, 17 Jun 1949; Constituted as 82d Pursuit Group (In-
Moses Lake AFB, Wash, c. I May 1950-21 terceptor) on 13 Jan 1942. Activated on
Aug 1951; Rentwaters RAF Station, Eng- 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated 82d Fighter
land, 3 Sep 1951-8 Feb 1955. Group in May 1942. Trained with P-38's.
COMMANDERS. Unkn, Feb-May 1942; Moved to Northern Ireland during Sep-
C a p Harry E Hammond, 5 May 1942; Oct 1942 for further training. Moved to
Capt John D Sureau, 10 May 1942; Lt Col North Africa in Dec 1942 and served with
Paul M Jacobs, 22 May 1942; Lt Col Ken- Twelfth AF until Nov 1943. Took part
neth S Wade, c. Jul 1942; Col Philip B in the defeat of Axis forces in Tunisia, the
Klein, May 1943; Lt Col Michael J Gor- reduction of Pantelleria, the conquest of
don. 2 Tul 1042: Mai Frederick S Hanson. Sicilv. and the invasion of Italv. ODerated
Ploesti and then strafed targets of oppor-

tunity while returning to base. Engaged
primarily in escort work, however, from
Oct 1943 to May 1945, covering the opera-
tions of heavy bombers that attacked air-
craft industries, oil refineries, and other
targets in France, Germany, Czecho-
slovakia, Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia,
Rumania, and Bulgaria. Inactivated in
Italy on 9 Sep 1945.
Activated in the US on 12 Apr 1947.
Assigned to Strategic Air Command and
equipped with P-51’s. Assigned to Con-
tinental Air Command in Aug 1949. Zn-
against the enemy’s air transports; flew activated on 2 Oct 1949.
dive-bombing and strafing missions; Redesignated 82d Fighter Group (Air
escorted medium bombers in their attacks Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955.
on enemy shipping and their raids on Assigned to Air Defense Command and
Naples and Rome; and gave direct s u p equipped with F-94 aircraft.
port to the ground forces during the in- SQUADRONS. 95th.’ 1942-1945; 1947-
vasion of Italy. Received a DUC for a 1949. 96th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949; 1955-*
low-level strafing raid against enemy air- 97th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949; 1955-*
craft concentrations at Foggia on 25 Aug STATIONS.Harding Field, La, 9 Feb
1943. Received second DUC for perform- 1942; Muroc, Calif, 30 Apr 1942; Los
ance on 2 Sep 1943 when the group pro- Angeles, Calif, May 1942; Glendale, Calif,
tected a formation of bombers that c. 16 Aug-16 Sep 1942; Northern Ireland,
encountered strong opposition from enemy Oct 1942; Telergma, Algeria, Jan 1943;
interceptors during an attack on marshal- Berteaux, Algeria, 28 Mar 1943; Souk-el-
ling yards near Naples. Arba, Algeria, 13 Jun 1943; Grombalia,
Moved to Italy in Oct 1943. Assigned Tunisia, 3 Aug 1943; San Pancrazio, Italy,
to Fifteenth AF in Nov. Continued to c. 3 Oct 1943; Lecce, Italy, 10 Oct 1943;
function occasionally as a fighter-bomber Vincenzo Airfield, Italy, II Jan 1944;
organization, supporting Allied armies, Lesina, Italy, c. 30 Aug-g Sep 1945. Gre-
flying interdictory missions, and attacking nier Field, NH, 12 Apr 1947-2 Oct 1949.
strategic targets. Received third DUC for New Castle County Aprt, Del, 18 Aug
performance on 10 Jun 1944 when the 82d 1955-.
Group braved head-on attacks by hostile COMMANDERS. 1st Lt Charles T Duke,
fighers to dive-bomb an oil refinery at Feb 1942; Col Robert Israel Jr, May 1942;
Lt Col William E Covington Jr, 17 Jun

1942; Col John W Weltman, 4 May 1943;
Lt Col Ernest C Young, 2 Aug 1943; Lt
Col George M MacNicol, 26 Aug 1943;
Col William P Litton, Jan 1944; Lt Col
Ben A Mason Jr, 4 Aug 1944; Col Clarence
T Edwinson, 28 Aug 1944; Col Richard A
Legg, 22 Nov 1944; Col Joseph S Holtoner,
4 Jun 1945; Lt Col Robert M Wray, 16
Jul 1g451unkn. Maj Leland R Raphun,
c. Apr 1947; Lt Col Gerald W Johnson, 2
Tun 1947; Col Henry Viccellio, 14 Jun
1947; Col William M Banks, 5 Nov 1948-c.
Oct 1949. Col Clay D Albright Jr, 1955-. signed to First AF. Served as a replace-
CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME Thea- ment training unit to train pilots for duty
ter ;Air Offensive, Europe ;Tunisia ;Sicily ;
in P-47’s. Disbanded on 10 Apr 1944.
Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Normandy ; Reconstituted, redesignated 83d Fighter-
Northern France; Southern France; North Day Group, and assigned to Tactical Air
Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe; Command, on 24 Feb 1956. Activated on
Po Valley. 8 Jul 1956.
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-(This group is not related to an 83d
tions: Italy, 25 Aug 1943; Italy, 2 Sep Pursuit Group (Interceptor) that was
1943; Ploesti, Rumania, 10 Tun 1944. constituted on 13 Jan 1942; activated at
INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend or and New Orleans by Third AF on 9 Feb 1942;
azure a lightning bolt in bend throughoutassigned the 301st, 302d, and 303d squad-
point to base, with two beviles, per bend
rons; and disbanded a few days later in
argent, gules and or, between three fleurs-
order to bring AAF within the authorized
de-lis, two and one, of the second, and
number of pursuit groups.)
eleven stars in bend, six and five, of the
SQUADRONS. 448th: 1943-1944. 532d:
first; over all in dexter chief a roundle per
fess, wavy of two, sable and vert. Motto: 1943-1944; 1956- 533d: 1943-1944; 1956.7
ADORIMINI-“Up and at ’em!” (Ap- 534th: 1943-1944; 1956.
proved 4 Nov 1957.) STATIONS.Richmond AAB, Va, 25 Sep
1943; Dover AAFld, Del, 22 Nov 1943-10
Apr 1944. Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC,
83d FIGHTER GROUP 8 Jul 1956.
Constituted as 83d Fighter Group on 18 COMMANDERS. Lt Col Woodrow W
Sep 1943 and activated on 25 Sep. As- Korges, 25 Sep 1943; Lt Col Ernest H Bev-
erly, 23 Feb-Io Apr 1944. Maj Amos H 1944). Served as an operational training
Domberger 11, Jul 1956. and a replacement training unit. Also
CAMPAIGNS. None. participated occasionally in demonstra-
DECORATIONS. None. tions and maneuvers. Disbanded on I
INSIGNE.Shield: Per pile transposed APr 1944.
azure and or; over all on an escutcheon per Reconstituted, redesigiaated 84th Fighter
bend gules and medium blue, a bend em- Group (All Weather), and allotted to the
battled inverted, vert, fimbriated through- reserve, on 26 May 1949. Activated on I
out argent; superimposed over the chief Jun 1949. Ordered into active service on I
area of the escutcheon a stylized demi fal- Jun 1951. Inactivated on 2 Jun 1951.
con bendwise, in profile, sable, his head Redesignated 84th Fighter Group (Air
and wings raised upward above the es- Defense). Activated on 18Aug 1955. As-
cutcheon; his eye gules, the falcon fimbri- signed to Air D e f e n s e Command.
ated throughout argent. (Approved 29 Equipped with F-86 aircraft.
Mar 1957.) SQUADRONS. 49zst (formerly 304th) :
1942-1944. 496th (formerly 301st) : 1942-
1944; 1g4g-1951. 497th (formerly 302d) :
84th FIGHTER GROUP 1942-1944; 1g55-. 498th (formerly 303d) :
1942-1944 ; 1955-.
STATIONS. Savannah AB, Ga, 10 Feb
1942; Drew Field, Fla, c. 7 Feb 1943;
Harding Field, La, 4 Oct 1943-1 Apr 1944.
Mitchel AFB, NY, I Jun 1949; McGuire
AFB, NJ, 10Oct 1g4g-2 Jun 1951. Geiger
Field, Wash, 18 Aug qyj-.
COMMANDERS. Maj Augustus Nelson,
10 Feb 1942; Col Philo G Meisenholder,
Mar 1942; Lt Col Harry R Melton Jr,
Aug 1942; Lt Col John R Kelly, Dec 1942;
Lt Col Paul A Zartman, 31 Jan 1943; Col
Constituted as 84th Bombardment Reginald F C Vance, 15 Aug 1943; Lt Col
Group (Light) on 13 Jan 1942. Activated William D Gilchrist, Sep 1943-1944. Col
on 10 Feb 1942. Redesignated 84th Bom- Grover C Willcox Jr, 18 Aug 1g55-.
bardment Group (Dive) in Jul 1942, and CAMPAIGNS. American Theater.
84th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943. DECORATIONS. None.
Assigned to Third AF and later (Nov INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a flash in pale
1943) to Second AF. Aircraft included between in dexter chid a gun sight and
A-24’s (1942-1943) and P-47’s (1943- in sinister base a drop bomb palewise, all
/
or. Motto: CURSUM PERFICIO-I Ac- STATIONS. /Savannah AB, Ga, 10 Feb
complish My Course. (Approved 22 Jan 1942; Bowman Field, Ky, c. 16 Feb 1942;
1943.) Hunter Field, Ga, 9 Jun 1942; Waycross,
Ga, 15 Aug 1942; Gillespie Field, Tenn, 3
Oct 1942; Blythe AAB, Calif, 2 Nov 1942;
85th FIGHTER GROUP
Rice, Calif, c. 11 Dec 1942; Harding Field,
La, c. 9 Apr 1943; Waycross AAFld, Ga,
1 c. 27 Aug 1943-1 May 1944.

COMMANDERS. 2d Lt Benson M Sher-
man, 18 Feb 1942; Capt Orren L Briggs, 23
Feb 1942; Capt Joseph Ralph Deming, 31
Mar 1942; Lt Col Arnold L Schroeder, 13
Jun 1942; Lt Col William R Clingerman
Jr, 10 Oct 1943; Col James E Ellison, 13
Nov 1943; Col Joseph S Holtoner, 26 Jan
1944; Lt Col Thomas A Holdiman, 4 Mar
1944; Lt Col Robert C Bagby, 20 Mar 1944;
Col Joseph S Holtoner, I Apr-1 May 1944.
Constituted as 85th Bombardment DECORATIONS. None.
Group (Light) on 13 Jan 1942. Activated INSIGNE. Shield: Azure, five drop bombs
on 10 Feb 1942. Redesignated 85th Bom- or, arranged one large in pale, two to dex-
bardment Group (Dive) in Jul 1942, and ter bendwise in pale, and two to sinister
85th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943. bend sinisterwise in pale, a chief indented
Assigned to Third AF, then to Second, and of eight points of the last. Motto: COUP
again to Third. Equipped first with V 7 2 DE MAIN-A Sudden (Unexpected) At-
aircraft; converted to A-24’s in Aug 1942, tack. (Approved 6 Nov 1942.)
A-36’s early in 1943, and P-40’s early in
1944, receiving a few P-47’s in Mar 1944.
Participated in maneuvers in California 86th FIGHTER GROUP
during fall and winter of 1942-1943 and in Coatituted as 86th Bombardment
Kentucky in April 1943. Afterward served Group (Light) on 13 Jan 1942. Activated
as a replacement training unit. Dis- on 10 Feb 1942. Redesignated 86th Bom-
banded on I May 1944. bardment Group (Dive) in Sep 1942~86th
SQUADRONS. 499th (formerly 305th) : Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943, and
1942-1944. 500th (formerly 306th) : 1942- 86th Fighter Group in May 1944. Moved
1944. 501st (formerly 307th) : 1942-1944. to North Africa, Mar-May 1943. Trained
502d (formerly 308th) : 1942-1944. until Jul, then began combat with Twelfth
20 Apr 1945 to disorganize the enemy’s

withdrawal from that area. Remained in
Germany after the war as part of United
States Air Forces in Europe. Transferred,
without personnel and equipment, to the
US in Feb 1946. Znuctivated on 31 Mar
1946.
Europe. Redesignuted 86th Composite
AF. Engaged primarily in close support Group in May 1947, 86th Fighter Group
of ground forces, with the group moving in Jan 1948, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group
forward to bases in Sicily, Italy, Corsica, in Jan 1950, and 86th Fighter-Interceptor
France, and Germany as the battle line Group in Aug 1954. Equipped successive-
changed. Also flew patrol and interdic- ly with F-47, F-84, and F-86 aircraft.
tory missions. Used A-36, P-40, and P-47 SQUADRONS.45th: 1947-1948. 3 ~ 1 t h :
aircraft to attack convoys, trains, ammuni- 1942-1943. 525th (formerly 309th) : 1942-
tion dumps, troop and supply columns, 1946; 1946. 526th (formerly 310th) :
shipping, bridges, rail lines, and other 1942-1946; 1g46-. 527th (formerly
objectives. Participated in the softening 312th) : 1942-1946; 1946-1947,1948-.
up of Sicily and supported the invasion by STATIONS. Wal Rogers Field, Okla, 10
Seventh Army in Jul 1943. Provided Feb 1942; Hunter Field, Ga, c. 20 Jun 1942;
cover for the landings at Salerno in Sep Key Field, Miss, c. 7 Aug 1942-19 Mar
1943. Assisted the Allied advance toward 1943; La Senia, Algeria, c. 12 May 1943;
Rome during Jan-Jun 194. Supported French Morocco, 3 Jun 1943; Tafaraoui,
the invasion of Southern France in Aug Algeria, 11 Jun 1943; Korba, Tunisia, 30
1944. Operated against enemy communi- Jun 1943; Gela, Sicily, 20 Jul 1943; Barce-
cations in northern Italy from Sep 1944 to lona, Sicily, 27 Aug 1943; Sele Airfield,
Apr 1945. Attacked enemy transporta- Italy, 22 Sep 1943; Serretella Airfield, Italy,
tion in Germany during Apr and May 12 Oct 1943; Pomigliano, Italy, 19 Nov
1945. Received two DUC’s: for action on 1943; Marcianise, Italy, 30 Apr 1944;
25 May 1944 when the group repeatedly Ciampino, Italy, c. 12 Jun 1944; Orbetello,
dived through intense flak to destroy Italy, c. 19 Jun 1944; Corsica, c. 12 Jul
enemy vehicles and troops as German 1944; Grosseto, Italy, c. 17 Sep 1944; Pisa,
forces tried to stop the Allies short of Italy, 23 Oct 1944; Tantonville, France, c.
Rome; for activity against convoys and air- 20 Feb 1945; Braunschardt, Germany, c.
field installations in northern Germany on 18 Apr 1945; Schweinfurt, Germany, 26
Sep 19\45-15 Feb 1946; Bolling Field, TUS PERDURAT-Courage Will En-
DC, 15 Feb-31 Mar 1946. Nordholz, dure. (Approved 17 Oct 1942. This in-
Germany, 20 Aug 1946; Lechfeld, Ger- signe was replaced 27 Jul 1956.)
many, c. I Dec 1946; Bad Kissingen, Ger-
many, 5 Mar 1947; Neubiberg AB, Ger- 87th FIGHTER GROUP
many, 12 Jun 1947; Landstuhl AB, Ger-
many, 9 Aug 1952-. Constituted as 87th Fighter Group on
COMMANDERS. Unkn, Feb 1942-Feb 24 Sep 1943. Activated on I Oct 1943.
1943; Maj Clinton U True, 10 Feb 1943; Assigned to First AF. Trained replace-
Lt Col Robert C Paul, 7 Aug 1943; Col ment pilots, using P-47's. Disbanded on
Harold E Hofahl, 4 Dec 1943; Col Earl E 10 Apr 1944.
Bates Jr, 2 Aug 1944; Lt Col George T Reconstituted on 16 May 1949 and al-
Lee, 14 Feb 1945; Maj John H Buckner, lotted to the reserve. Activated on 27
23 Sep 1945-c. 14 Feb 1946. Col Adolphus Jun 1949. Redesignated 87th Fighter-
R McConnell, 20 Aug 1946; Col Clarence Escort Group in Mar 1950. Ordered into
T Edwinson, 15 Dec 1946; Col Maurice L active service on I May 1951. Inactivated
Martin, Feb 1947; Maj John B England, on 25 Jun 1951.
c. Jul 1947; Col Clarence T Edwinson, c. Redesignated 87th Troop Carrier Group
Aug 1947; Col Michael J Ingelido, Jul (Mediuni) and allotted to the reserve.
1948; Lt Col James G Thorsen, May 1949; Activated on 15 Jun 1952. Inactivated on
Col William H Councill, Jun 1949; Col I Feb 1953.
George T Lee, 25 Sep 1950; Col Richard (This group is not related to an 87th
0 Hunziker, 6 Mar 1951; Col George
Pursuit Group (Interceptor) that was
Laven Jr, 18 Oct 1951; Col George R Bick-
constituted on 13 Jan 1942; activated at
ell, 26 Apr 1952; Col George B Simler,
Selfridge Field by Third AF on 10 Feb
14 Jun 1952-1954; Col Robin Olds, Oct
1942; assigned the 304th, 305th, and 306th
19557
CAMPAIGNS.American Theater; Air squadrons; and disbanded a few days later
Combat, EAME Theater; Sicily; Naples- in order to bring AAF within the au-
Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern thorized number of pursuit groups.)
France ; North Apennines: Rhineland; SQUADRONS. 450th: 1943-1944. 535th:
Central Europe. 1943-1944; 1949-1951 ; 1952-1953. 536th:
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- 1943-1944; 1952-1953- 537th: 1943-1944;
tions: Italy, 25 May 1944; Germany, 20 1952-1953.
APr 1945- STATIONS.Richmond AAB, Va, I Oct
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, on a pile or a 1943; Camp Springs AAFld, Md, 21 Jan-
drop bomb palewise gules. Motto: VIR- 10Apr 1944. Bergstrom AFB, Tex, 27 Jun
1949-25 Jun 1951. Atterbury AFR, Ind, Rapid City AAR, SD, c. 28 Oct 1942;
15 Jun 1952-1 Feb 1953. Walla Walla, Wash, c. 28 Nov 1942; Avon
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Robert N Park AAFld, Fla, Nov 1943-1 May 1944.
Maupin, Oct 1943- 1944. COMMANDERS. Lt Col Edgar M Wittan,
CAMPAIGNS. None. I Sep 1942; Lt Col Hewitt T Wheless, I
DECORATIONS. None. Mar 1943; Lt Col William K Kincaid, 28
INSIGNE. None. Oct 1943-1 May 1944.
88th BOMBARDMENT GROUP DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE. Shield: Azure, a glass through-
out shattered, argent. Motto: POWER
TO SHATTER. (Approved 7 Jan 1943.)
89th TROOP CARRIER GROUP

Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1g42. Acti-
vated on 15 Jul1g42, but not manned until
Sep. Equipped with B-17’s. Served for Constituted as 89th Transport Group on
a short time as an dperational training unit 19 Jan 1942. Activated on I Feb 1942.
and afterward as a replacement training Assigned to Air Transport Command
unit. Assigned to Second and later to (later I Troop Carrier Command) in Apr
Third AF. Inactivated on I May 1944. 1942. Redesigizated 89th Troop Carrier
SQUADRONS. 316th: 1942-1944. 317th: Group in Jul 1942. Provided transition
1942-1944. 318th: 1942-1944. 399th: training for pilots, using Dc-3’~and later
‘942-1944- C-47’s. D e p n training replacement crews
STATIONS. Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, in Mar 1944. Disbaitded on 14 Apr 1944.
15 Jul 1942; Geiger Field, Wash, I Sep Reco izstituted, a 1lot ted to the reserve,
1942; Walla Walla, Wash, 21 Sep 1942; and redesignated 89th Troop Carrier
Group (Medium), on 10 May 1949. Ac- 90th BOMBARDMENT GROUP

tivated on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered to active
service on I May 1951. Inactivated on 10
May 1951.
Redesignated 89th Fighter-Bomber
Group and allotted to the reserve. Acti-
SQUADRONS. 24th: 1942-1944; 1949
1951; I952-. 25th: 1942-1944; 1949-1951;
I952-. 26th: 1942-1944; 1949-1951 ; I952-.
27th: 1942. 28th: 1942. 30th: 1942-1944;
1949-1951. 3Zst: 1942-1944.
STATIONS.Daniel Field, Ga, I Feb 1942; Constituted as 9 t h Bombardment
Harding Field, La, 8 Mar 1942; Camp Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Acti-
Williams, Wis, 20 Jun 1942; Sedalia, Mo, vated on 15 Apr 1942. Prepared for corn-
8 Sep 1942; Del Valle, Tex, 14 Dec 1942-14 bat with B-24'S. h k ~ e dto Ek~Waiiin SeP
Apr 1944. Hanscom Aprt, Mass, 27 Jun I942 and assigned to Seventh AF. Corn-
1949-10 May 1951. Laurence G Hanscom Pleted training, moved to the Southwest
Field, Mass, 14 Jun 1952-. Pacific in Nov 1942, and assigned to Fifth
COMMANDERS. Capt William C Allen, AF. Entered combat immediately, and
I Feb 1942; Col Julian M Chappell, 8 Apr
from Nov 1942 to Jan 1945 operated from
1942; Lt Col Ralph J Gibbons, 4 Apr 1943- Australia, New Guinea, and Biak, attack-
ing enemy airfields, troop concentrations,
I4 APr 1944.
ground installations, and shipping in New
Guinea, the Bismarck Archipelago, Palau,
DECORATIONS. None.
and the southern Philippines. Received a
INSIGNE.Shield: Or, upon and over a
DUC for strikes, conducted through heavy
bendlet gu1es.a stylized radial motor azure,
flak and fighter opposition, on Japanese
that portion over the second fimbriated of at Wewak, New Guinea, in Sep
the field surmounted by a torteau fim- 1943. Other operations included partici-
briated argent, 2nd charged with a winged pation in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea in
head Of a soldier CouPed Of the Mar 1943 and long-range raids on oil re-
last. Motto: CUM pLuRIMIS- fineries at Balikpapan, Borneo, in Sep and
First the Most k h . (Approved 5 Oct 1943. Moved to the Philippines in Jan
Jan 1943. This insigne ~ C X an ~ X 1945. Supported ground forces on Luzon,
merit Of a new insigne approved 12 Mar attacked industries on Formosa, and
'953.) bombed railways, airfields, and harbor
facilities on the Asiatic mainland. Moved COMMANDERS. 1st Lt Newman W En-

to Ie Shima in Aug 1945, and after the loe, 17 Apr 1942; Lt Col Eugene P Mus-
war flew reconnaissance missions over sett, 17 May 1942; Col Roger M Ramey,
Japan and ferried Allied prisoners from 14 Sep 1942; Lt Col Eugene P Mussett,
Okinawa to Manila. Returned to the 16 Oct 1942; Col Arthur Meehan, 21 Oct
Philippines in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 27 1942; Lt Col Arthur H Rogers, 16 Nov
Jan 1946. 1942; Col Ralph E Koon, 18 Nov 1942;
Redesignated 90th Bombardment Group Col Arthur H Rogers, 11 J u 1943;
~ Lt col
(Very Heavy). Activated in the US on I Harry J Bullis, C. 20 Dec 1943; (201 Carl
Jul 1947. Assigned to Strategic Air Corn- A Brandt, 16 Mar 1944; Col Edward w
mantf. Probably not manned during 1947 Scott Jr, 10 Tun 1944; Lt c01Wilson H
and 1948. Znactivated on 6 Sep 1948. Banks, 8 Dec 1944; Col Ellis L Brown, 24
Redesignated 90th Bombardment Feb 1945-U”kn. Unkn, 1947-1948. Lt
Group (Medium). Activated on 2 Jan COl William L Gray, Jan I951 ; (201 Con-
rad F Necrason, Feb ‘!%‘-I6 JUn
1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Corn-
mand and equipped with B-29’s. lnacti- CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Japan;
China Defensive; Papua; New Guinea;
Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific;
SQUADRONS. 319th: 1942-1946; 1947-
Leyte; Luzon; China Of-fensive.
1948; 1951-1952. 320th: 1942-1946; 1947-
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Ci-
1948; 1951-1952. 3 2 1 s ~ :1942-1946; 1947-
tations: Papua, [Nov] 1942-23 Jan 1943;
1948; 1951-1952. 400th: 1942-1946.
New Guinea, 13 and 15 Sep 1943. Philip-
STATIONS.Key Field, Miss, 15 A P ~ pine Presidential Unit Citation.
La, ‘7 ‘94’; INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a pterodactyl
Greendle AAB, SC, 21 Jun 1942; YPSi- (Dimorphodon Macronyx) volant or
lante, Mich, 9-C. 18 Aug 19.12; €kkam langued gules, eyed vert. Motto: IMPA-
Field, TH, 12 Sep 1942; Iron Range, Am- VIDE-Undauntedly. (Approved 22 Sep
tralia, Nov 1942; Port Moresby, New 1942.)
Guinea, 10 Feb 1943; Dobodura, New
Guinea, Dec 1943; Nadzab, New Guinea, 9ist BOMBARDMENT GROUP
23 Feb 1944; Biak, 10Aug 1944; San Jose,
Mindoro, 26 Jan 1935; Ie Shima, c. 10Aug Constituted as 91st Bombardment
1915; Ft William McKinley, Luzon, Dec Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated
1945-27 Jan 1946. Andrews Field, Md, on 15 Apr 1942. Trained with B-17’s.
I Jul 1947-6 Sep 1948. Fairchild AFB, Moved to England, Aug-Oct 1942, and as-
Wash, 2 Jan 1951; Forbes AFB, Kan, 14 signed to Eighth AF. Operated primarily
Mar 1951-16 Jun 1952. as a strategic bombardment organization
aircraft factories; participating in this

operation, the 91st group successfully
bombed its targets in spite of bad weather,
inadequate fighter cover, and severe enemy
attack, being awarded a DUC for the per-
formance. Expanding its operations to in-
clude interdictory and support missions,
the group contributed to the Normandy
invasion by bombing gun emplacements
and troop concentrations near the beach-
head area in Jun 1944; aided the St Lo
breakthrough by attacking enemy troop
positions, 24-25 Jul 1944; supported troops
throughout the war. Entered combat in on the front lines near Caen in Aug 1944;
Nov 1942 and concentrated its attacks on attacked communications near the battle
submarine pens, ship-building yards, har- area during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec
bors, and dock facilities until mid-1943. 1944-Jan 1945; and assisted the push across
During this period, also struck airdromes, the Rhine by striking airfields, bridges, and
factories, and communications. Attacked railroads near the front lines in the spring
the navy yard at Wilhelmshaven on 27 of 1945. Evacuated prisoners from Ger-
Jan 1943 when heavy bombers of Eighth man camps after the war ended. Returned
AF first penetrated Germany. Received a to the US, Tun-Jul 1945. Inactivated on 7
DUC for bombing marshalling yards at NOV1945.
Hamm on 4 Mar 1943 in spite of adverse Redesignated gIst Reconnaissance
weather and heavy enemy opposition. Group. Activated on I Jul 1947. Assigned
From the middle of 1943 until the war to Strategic Air Command. Redesignated
ended, engaged chiefly in attacks on air- 91st Strategic Reconnaissance Group in
craft factories, airdromes, and oil facili- Nov 1948. Used a variety of aircraft, in-
ties. Specific targets included airfields at cluding B- and RB-I~’s, B- and RB-q’s,
Villacoublay and Oldenburg, aircraft fac- and R-50’s. Redesignated 91st Strategic
tories in Oranienburg and Brussels, chemi- Reconnaissance Group (Medium) in Jul
cal industries in Leverkusen and Peene- 1950. Equipped with RR-45’s. Znacti-
munde, ball-bearing plants in Schweinfurt, vnted on 28 May 1952.
and other industries in Ludwigshafen, Ber- SQUADRONS. 7th Geodetic: 194p1g50.
lin, Frankfurt, and Wilhelmshaven. On 9 I S t : 1949-1950. 322d: 1942-1945; 1947-
I I Jan 1944 organizations of Eighth AF 1948, 1949-1952. 324th: 1942-1945; 1947-
went into central Germany to attack vital 1952. 4 O I S t : 1942-1945.
STATIONS.Harding Field, La, 15 Apr 92d BOMBARDMENT GROUP

1942; MacDill Field, Fla, 16 May 1942;
Walla Walla, Wash, c. 26 Jun-24 Aug
1942; Kimbolton, England, Sep 1942; Bas-
singbourn, England, c. 14 Oct 1942-23
Jun 1945; Drew Field, Fla, 3 J u l 7 Nov
1945. Andrews Field, Md, I Jul 1947;
McGuire AFB, NJ, 20 Jul 1948; Barksdale
AFB, La, I Oct 1949; Lockbourne AFB,
Ohio, c. 5 Sep 195~-28May 1952.
COMMANDERS. 1st Lt Edward R Eckert,
15Apr 1942; Col Stanley T Wray, 15 May Constituted as 92d Bombardment
1942; Lt Col Baskin R Lawrence Jr, c. Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Acti-
25 May 1943; Lt Col Clemens L Wurz- vated on I Mar 1942. Trained with B-17’s
bach, 25 Jun 1943; Col Claude E Putnam, and performed antisubmarine duty.
Dec 1943; Col Henry W Terry, 17 May Moved to England, Jul-Aug 1942, and
1944; Lt Col Donald E Sheeler, 30 May assigned to Eighth AF. Flew a few com-
1945-unkn. Col Frank L Dunn, 1948; bat missions in Sep and Oct 1942, then
Lt Col Robert S Kittel,+IoNov 1948; Col trained replacement crews. Began bom-
Charles R Greening, 4 Juri 1949; Maj bardment of strategic objectives in May
James I Cox, 23 Aug 1949; Col Jean R 1943 and engaged primarily in such op-
Byerly, I Oct 1949; Col Lewis E Lyle, 25 erations throughout the war. Targets
Nov 1g5o-c. Aug 1951;Col Joseph A Pres- from May 1943 to Feb 1944 included ship-
ton, c. Aug 195r-28 May 1952. yards at Kiel, ball-bearing plants at
CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Europe; Schweinfurt, submarine installations at
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland ; Wilhelmshaven, a tire plant at Hannover,
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. airfields near Paris, an aircraft factory at
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- Nantes, and a magnesium mine and re-
tions: Hamm, Germany, 4 Mar 1943; ducing plant in Norway. Flight Officer
Germany, 11 Jan 1944. John C Morgan, co-pilot, received the
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure (sky blue), a Medal of Honor for action aboard a B-17
lightning flash issuing from dexter base during a mission over Europe, [26] Jul
and pointing to an eye proper on a cloud 1943: when the aircraft was attacked by
issuing from the sinister chief, on the enemy fighters, the pilot suffered a brain
flash in dexter base a sphere proper in an injury which left him in a crazed condi-
orbit argent; over all a bend azure fim- tion; for two hours Morgan flew in forma-
briated argent. (Approved 23 Dec 1952.) tion with one hand at the controls and
the other holding off the struggling pilot Redesignated 92d Bombardment Group
who was attempting to fly the plane; fi- (Very Heavy). Activated in the US on 4
nally another crew member was able to Aug 1946. Assigned to Strategic Air Com-
relieve the situation and the B-17 made a mand and equipped with B-29’s. Re-
safe landing at its base. Although handi- designated 92d Bombardment Group
capped by weather conditions, enemy fire, (Medium) in May 1948. Temporarily
and insufficient fighter protection, the stationed in Japan and attached to Far
group bombed aircraft factories in central East Air Forces for duty in the Korean
Germany on 11 Jan 1944 and received a War. Served in combat against the com-
DUC for the mission. Took part in the munist forces from 12 Jul to 20 Oct 1950.
intensive campaign of heavy bombers Bombed strategic and interdictory targets,
against the German aircraft industry dur- including factories, refineries, iron works,
ing Big Week, 20-25 Feb 194.4. After that, airfields, bridges, tunnels, troop concen-
attacked V-weapon sites in France; air- trations, barracks, marshalling yards, road
fields in France, Germany, and the Low junctions, rail lines, supply dumps, docks,
Countries; and industrial targets in and vehicles. Returned to the US, Oct-
France, Germany, and Belgium, making Nov 1950. Redesignated 92d Bombard-
concentrated strikes on oil and transpor- ment Group (Heavy) in Jun 1951. Con-
tation facilities after Oct 1944. In addi- verted to B-36 aircraft. Inactivated on 16
tion to strategic missions, performed some Jun 1952.
interdictory and support operations. As- SQUADRONS. 325th: 1942-1946; 1946-
sisted the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944 1952. 326th: 1942-1946; 1946-1952.
by hitting gun emplacements, junctions, 327th: 1942-1946; 1946-1952. 407th: 1942-
and marshalling yards in the beachhead 1946.
area. Supported ground forces at St Lo STATIONS.Barksdale Field, La, I Mar
during the breakthrough in Jul 1944. 1942; MacDill Field, Fla, c. 26 Mar 1942;
Bombed gun positions and bridges to aid Sarasota, Fla, May-Jul 1942; Bovingdon,
the airborne assault on Holland in Sep England, Aug 1942; Alconbury, England,
1944. Participated in the Battle of the Jan 1943; Podington, England, Sep 1943;
Bulge, Dec 194-Jan 1945, by attacking Istres, France, Jun 1945-28 Feb 1946. Ft
bridges and marshalling yards in and near Worth AAFld, Tex, 4 Aug 1946; Smoky
the battle area. Bombed airfields near the Hill AAFld, Kan, Oct 1946; Spokane
landing zone to cover the airborne assault AAFld, Wash, Jun 1947-16 Jun 1952.
across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Moved COMMANDERS. Col James S Sutton, c.
to France in Jun 1945 and transported 27 Mar 1942; Lt Col Baskin R Lawrence
troops from Marseilles to Casablanca for Jr, c. 2 May 1943 ; Col William M Reid, c.
return to the US. Inactivated in France 23 May 1943; Col James W Wilson, 27 Sep
on 28 Feb 1946. 1344; Lt Col Albert L Cox, Aug 1945; Lt
Col James A Smyrl, c. 12 Oct 1945; Maj

Victor A Cherbak Jr, c. 18 Oct 1945-unkn.
Col John G Eriksen, 4 Aug 1946; Col
Brooks A Lawhon, Oct 1946; Capt Wil-
liam M Carrithers, Dec 1946-unkn; Lt Col
Frank A Sharp, 14 Jul 1947; Col Albert J
Shower, Jul1947; Lt Col Richard J Fry, 18
Nov 1947; Col George A Blakey, Apr
1948; Col Salvatore E Manzo, c. I Jul
1948; Col Claude E Putnam Jr, 3 Oct 1949;
Col Conrad F Necrason, c. Feb 1951; Col
Claude E Putnam Jr, c. 14 Apr 1951; Col
Kenneth B Hobson, c. Jun 1951 ;Col David
Wade, c. 9 Feb-16 Jun 1952. Moved to England, Aug-Sep 1942, and
CAMPAIGNS.World War ZZ: Antisub- assigned to Eighth AF. Entered combat
marine, American Theater ;Air Offensive,on 9 Oct 1942 by attacking steel and engi-
Europe; Normandy; Northern France; neering works at Lille. Until Dec 1942,
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central operated primarily against submarine pens
Europe. Korean War: UN Defensive; in the Bay of Biscay. A large detachment
UN Offensive. was sent to North Africa in Dec 1942, the
DECORATIONS. group receiving a DUC for operations in
tion: Germany, 11 Jan 1944. that theater, Dec 1942-Feb 1943, when,
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a pterodactylwith inadequate supplies and under the
most difficult desert conditions, the de-
(pteranodon) volant, in bend or, langued
gules, eyed vert. Motto: HIGHER- tachment struck heavy blows at enemy
STRONGER-FASTER. (Approved gshipping and communications. The de-
Mar 1943. This insigne was replaced 21 tachment returned to England, Feb-Mar
1943, and until the end of Jun the group
Nov 19574 bombed engine repair works, harbors,
power plants, and other targets in France,
93d BOMBARDMENT GROUP the Low Countries, and Germany. A de-
tachment returned to the Mediterranean
Constituted as 93d Bombardment Group
theater, Jun-Jul 1943, to support the inva-
(Heavy) on 28 ian 1942. Activated on I sion of Sicily and to participate in the
Mar 1942. Prepared for combat with famous low-level attack on enemy oil in-
8-24’s. Engaged in antisubmarine opera- stallations at Ploesti on I Aug. Having
tions over the Gulf of Mexico and the followed another element of the forma-
Caribbean Sea, May-Jul 1942. tion along the wrong course to Ploesti, the
93d hit targets that had been assigned Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and flew two
to other groups, but it carried out its bomb- missions on 24 Mar 1945 during the air-
ing of the vital oil installations despite borne assault across the Rhinc, dropping
heavy losses inflicted by attacks from the supplies to troops near Wesel and bomb-
fully-alerted enemy and was awarded a ing a night-fighter base at Stormede.
DUC for the operation. Lt Col Addison Ceased operations in Apr 1945. Returned
E Baker, group commander, and Maj John to the US, May-Jun 1945.
L .Jerstad, a former member of the group Redesignated 93d Bombardment Group
who had volunteered for this mission, (Very Heavy) in Jul 1945. Assigned to
were posthumously awarded the Medal of Strategic Air Command on 21 Mar 1946.
Honor for action in the Ploesti raid: re- Trained with B-29's. Redesignated 93d
fusing to make a forced landing in their Bombardment Group (Medium) in M2y
damaged B-24, these men, as pilot and 1948. Converted to B-50 aircraft in 1949.
co-pilot of the lead plane, led the group to Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.
bomb the oil facilities before their plane SQUADRONS. 328th: 1942-1952. 329th:
crashed in the target area. After the de- 1942-1952. 330th: 1942-1952. 409th:
tachment returned to England in Aug I 942- I946.
1943, the group flew only two missions STATIONS.Barksdale Field, La, I Mar
before the detachment was sent back to the 1942; Ft Myers, Fla, 15 May-2 Aug 1942;
Mediterranean to support Fifth Army at Alconbury, England, 7 Sep 1942; Hard-
Salerno during the invasion of Italy in wick, England, 6 Dec 1942-19 May 1945;
Sep 1943. The detachment rejoined the Sioux Falls AAFld, SD, Jun 1945; Pratt
group in Oct 1943, and until Apr 1945 the AAFld, Kan, 24 Jul 1945; Clovis AAFld,
93d concentrated on bombardment of NM, 13 Dec 1945; Castle Field, Calif, 21
strategic targets such as marshalling yards, Jun 1946-16 Jun 1952.
aircraft factories, oil refineries, chemical COMMANDERS. 1st Lt Robert M Tate, I
plants, and cities in Germany. In addi- Mar 1942; Col Edward J Timberlake Jr,
tion it bombed gun emplacements, choke 26 Mar 1942; Lt Col Addison E Baker, 17
points, and bridges near Cherbourg dur- May 1943; Col Leland G Fiegel, 9 Aug
ing the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944; 1943; Lt Col Harvey P Barnard Jr, 27 Sep
attacked troop concentrations in northern 1944; Col William R Robertson Jr, 5 Dec
France during the St Lo breakthrough in 1944; Lt Col Therman D Brown, 6 Apr
Jul 1944; transported food, gasoline, water, 1945; Maj Jacob A Herrmann, 29 Jul1945;
and other supplies to the Allies advancing Lt Col William W Amorous, 6 Aug 1945;
across France, Aug-Sep 1944 ; dropped Col Henry W Dorr, c. 5 Oct 1945-unkn;
supplies to airborne troops in Holland on Lt Col Kenneth Grunewald, 1946; Maj
18 Sep 1944; struck enemy transportation Arthur R Pidgeon, 1946; Maj Loyd D
and other targets during the Battle of the Griffin, 1946; CWO Steve Stanowich,
1946; Capt Joe W Moore Jr, Oct 1946;

Capt Allen Milnes, 1946-unkn; Lt Col
John C Thrift, Aug 1947; Col Glendon P
Overing, I Sep 1948; Lt Col Colin E An-
derson, 3 Nov 1949; Col John E Dough-
erty, I Dec 1949; Brig Gen Robert H Ter-
rill, Feb 1951; Col Richard H Carmichael,
16 Apr 1951; Col John E Dougherty, 19
Oct 1951-16 Jun 1952.
Egypt-Libya; Air Offensive, Europe ;
Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Nor-
mandy; Northern France; Rhineland ;
Ardennes-Alsace;Central Europe. bombing an airdrome at St Omer. After
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- that, attacked such strategic objectives as
tions: North Africa, 17 Dec 1942-20 Feb the port of St Nazaire, shipyards at Kiel,
1943; Ploesti, Rumania, I Aug 1943. an aircraft component parts factory st
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, in front of a Kassel, a synthetic rubber plant at Hanno-
bend parti per bend sable and argent be- ver, a chemical factory at Ludwigshafen,
tween two globes of the last with latitude marshalling yards at Frankfurt, oil facili-
and longitude lines of the second, the one ties at Merseburg, and ball-bearing works
in chief bearing a wreath vert and the one at Eberhausen. Withstood repeated as-
in base bearing a cross of four arrows, saults by enemy interceptors to bomb an
aircraft factory at Regensburg on 17 Aug
points out of the first, gules, or and of the
fifth, a lightning flash bend sinisterwise 1943, being awarded a DUC for the mis-
or. (Approved 4 Sep 1953.) sion. Braving adverse weather, heavy flak,
and savage fighter attacks, the group com-
pleted a strike against an aircraft parts
94th BOMBARDMENT GROUP factory in Brunswick on 11 Jan 1944 and
Constituted as 94th Bombardment received another DUC for this operation.
Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated Took part in the campaign of heavy
on 15 Jun 1942. Trained for duty over- bombers against the enemy aircraft indus-
seas with B-17’s. Moved to England, try during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944.
Apr-May 1943, and assigned to Eighth Sometimes operated in support of ground
AF. Served chiefly as a strategic bom- forces and flew interdictory missions.
bardment organization throughout the Prior to D-Day in Jun 1944, helped to
war. Flew its first mission on 13 Jun 1943, neutralize V-weapon sites, airdromes, and
other military installations along the coast England, 15 Jun 1943-c. 12 Dec 1945;
of France. On 6 Jun bombed enemy posi- Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 20-21 Dec 1945.
tions in the battle area to support the in- Marietta AAFld, Ga, 29 May 1947-20 Mar
vasion of Normandy. Struck troops and 1951. Dobbins AFB, Ga, 14 Jun 1952;
gun batteries to aid the advance of the Scott AFB, Ill, 18 May 1955-.
Allies at St Lo in Jul and at Brest in COMMANDERS. Col John G Moore,
Aug. Covered the airborne attack on Hol- 1942; Col Frederick W Castle, Jun 1943;
land in Sep. Hit marshalling yards, air- Col Charles B Dougher, 17 Apr 1944; Col
fields, and strong points near the combat Nicholas T Perkins, 16 Mar 1945; Lt Col
area during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec Ernest B Maxwell,. 3 Jun 1945-unkn.
1944-Jan 1945. Bombed transportation, CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Europe ;
communications, and oil targets in the Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland ;
final push over the Rhine and across Ger- Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
many. After V-E Day, dropped leaflets DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
to displaced persons and German civilians. tions: Germany, 17 Aug 1943; Germany,
Returned to the US in Dec 1945. Inacti- 11 Jan 1944.
vated on 21 Dec 1945. INSIGNE.Shield: O n a shield azure,

Redesignated 94th Bombardment Group over a cloud formation argent, a chimeri-
(Very Heavy). Allotted to the reserve. cal creature, with the body of a panther,
Activated on 29 May 1947. Redesignated the head of a buffalo all sable, horns, talons,
94th Bombardment Group (Light) in Jun and eyes proper, and eagle's wings or,
1949. Called to active duty on 10 Mar crouching over the top of a sphere of the
1951. Inactivated on 20 Mar 1951. last, lined of the third, the creature snort-
Redesignated 94th Tactical Reconnais- ing fire proper. Motto: CUNNING-
sance Group. Allotted to the reserve. R U G G E D-COURAGEOUS. (Ap-
Activated on 14 Jun 1952. Redesignated proved 6 Apr 1956.)
94th Bombardment Group (Tactical) in
May 1955. 95th BOMBARDMENT GROUP
SQUADRONS. j3ISt: 1942-1945 ; 1947-
1951; I952-. 332d.' 1942-1945; 1947-1951; Constituted as 95th Bombardment
1952-0 333d: 1942-1945; 1947-1951 ; 1952- Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Acti-
1955. 4IOtk: 1942-1945; 1947-1951. vated on 15 Jun 1942. Used B-17's in
STATIONS.MacDill Field, Fla, 15 Jun preparing for duty overseas. Moved to
1942; Pendleton Field, Ore, c. I Jul 1942; England, Mar-May 1943, and assigned to
Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, Aug 1942; Eighth AF. Entered combat on 13 May
Biggs Field, Tex, I Nov 1942; Pueblo 1943 by attacking an airfield at St Omer.
AAB, Colo, Jan-Apr 1943; Earls Colne, During the next two months, made re-
England, May 1943; Bury St Edmunds, peated attacks against V-weapon sites and
dense clouds, and severe enemy attack.

The group interrupted its strategic opera-
tions to strike coastal defenses and com-
munications during the invasion of
Normandy in Jun 1944; hit enemy troop
concentrations and thus assist the Allied
breakthrough at St Lo in Jul 1944; drop
ammunition, food, and medical supplies
to Polish troops in Warsaw on 18 Sep 1944;
attack enemy transportation during the
Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945;
airfields in France. Began bombing stra-
and bomb airdromes in support of the
tegic objectives in Germany in Jul 1943 Allied assault across the Rhine in Mar
and engaged primarily in such operations
1945. Flew its last combat mission, an
until V-E Day. Targets included harbors, attack on marshalling yards at Oranien-
industries, marshalling yards, and cities.
burg, on 20 Apr 1945. Dropped food to
Received a DUC for maintaining a tight the Dutch during the first week in May.
defensive formation in spite of severe as- After V-E Day, transported liberated pris-
sault by enemy fighters and bombing the oners and displaced persons from Austria
aircraft assembly plant at Regensburg on to France and England. Returned to the
17 Aug 1943. Withstanding concentrated US, Tun-Aug 1945. Inactivated on 28
attacks by fighters during the approach to
Aug 1945.
the target and intense antiaircraft fire Redesignated 95th Bombardment
directly over the objective, the group ef- Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the re-
fectively bombarded marshalling yards at serve. Activated on 29 May 1947. Inac-
Munster on 10 Oct 1943, being awarded tivated on 27 Tun 1949.
a DUC for the performance. Participated SQUADRONS. 334th: 1942-1945 ; 1947-
in the intensive campaign of heavy bomb-
1949. 335th: 1942-194s ; 1947-1949.
ers against the German aircraft industry 336th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 412th: 1942-
during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Re-
I945 ; 1947-1949.
ceived another DUC for action during an STATIONS.Barksdale Field, La, 15 Jun
attack by AAF bombers on Berlin on 4 1942; Pendleton Field, Ore, 26 Jun 1942;
Mar 1944: while many participating or- Geiger Field, Wash, 28 Aug 1942; Ephra-
ganizations, because of weather condi- ta, Wash, 31 Oct 1942; Geiger Field, Wash,
tions, either abandoned the operation or 24 Nov 1942; Rapid City AAB, SD, 14
struck other targets, the 95th proceeded to Dec 1942-11 Mar 1943; Framlingham,
Berlin and successfully bombed a suburb England, 12May 1943; Horham, England,
of the German capital despite snowstarms, 15 Jun 1943-19 Jun 1945; Sioux Falls
AAFld, SD, 14-28 Aug 1945. Memphis

Mun Aprt, Tenn, 29 May 1947-27 Jun
1949.
COMMANDERS. Col Alfred A Kessler Jr,
23 Oct 1942; Col John K Gerhart, 22 Jun
1943; Col Chester P Gilger, c. 29 Jan 1944;
Col Karl Truesdell Jr, 10 May 1944; Col
Jack E Shuck, Dec 1944; Lt Col Robert
H Stuart, 28 Apr 1g45-unkn.
CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe;
Normandy ;Northern France ;Rhineland ; withstanding severe assault by enemy
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. fighters to bomb the vital aircraft factories
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- at Regensburg on 17 Aug 1943. Received
tions: Germany, 17 Aug 1943; Munster, another DUC for leading the 45th Wing
Germany, 10 Oct 1943; Berlin, Germany, a great distance through heavy clouds and
4 Mar 1944. intense antiaircraft fire to raid important
INSIGNE. Shield: Azure, a Justin cross aircraft component factories in Poland on
throughout or, over all a feather in bend g Apr 1944. Other significant targets in-
gules. Motto: JUSTICE WITH VIC- cluded airdromes in Bordeaux and Augs-
TORY. (Approved 26 Feb 1943. This burg; marshalling yards in Kiel, Hamm,
insigne was modified 3 Sep 1957.) Brunswick, and Gdynia; aircraft factories
in Chemnitz, Hannover, and Diosgyor ;
96th BOMBARDMENT GROUP oil refineries in Merseburg and Brux; and
chemical works in Weisbaden, Ludwigs-
Constituted as 96th Bombardment hafen, and Neunkirchen. In addition to
Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. A&- strategic operations, missions included
vated on 15 Jul 1942. Trained with B-17’s bombing coastal defenses, railway bridges,
and also served as an operational training gun emplacements, and field batteries in
unit. Moved to England, Apr-May 1943, the battle area prior to and during the in-
for duty with Eighth AF. Entered com- vasion of Normandy in Jun 1944; attack-
bat in May 1943 and functioned primarily ing enemy positions in support of the
as a strategic bombardment organization breakthrough at St Lo in Jul 1944; aiding
throughout the war. Attacked shipyards, the campaign in France in Aug by striking
harbors, railroad yards, airdromes, oil re- roads and road junctions, and by dropping
fineries, aircraft factories, and other indus- supplies to the Maquis; and attacking,
trial targets in Germany, France, Holland, during the early months of 1945, the com-
Belgium, Norway, Poland, Hungary, and munications supplying
~- German armies on
Czechoslovakia. Received a DUC for the western front. After V-E Day, flew
166 AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD W A R I1
food to Holland and hauled redeployed fimbriated of the second. Motto: E

personnel to French Morocco, Ireland, SEMPRE L‘ORA-It Is Always the Hour.
France, and Germany. Returned to the (Approved I8 Feb 1943.)
US in Dec. Inactivated on 21 Dec 1945.
(Very Heavy). Allotted to the reserve.
Activated on 29 May 1947. Inactivated
on 27 Jun 1949.
SQUADRONS. 337th: 1942-1945 ; 1947-
1949. 338th: 1942-1945; 1947- 339th:
1942-1945; 1947. 413th: 1942-1945; 1947-
1949. 546th: 1947-1949. 547th: 1947-
1949.
STATIONS.Salt Lake City AAB, Utah,
15 Jul 1942; Gowen Field, Idaho, 6 Aug
1942; Walla Walla, Wash, 14 Aug 1942;
Rapid City AAB, SD, 30 Sep 1942; Poca- Constituted as 97th Bombardment Group
tello, Idaho, 30 Oct 1942; Pyote AAB, Tex, (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 3
Jan-Mar 1943; Great Saling, England, Feb 1942. Trained with B-17’s; also flew
May 1943; Snetterton Heath, England, 12 some antisubmarine patrols. Moved to
Jun 1943-12 Dec 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, England, May-Jul 1942, for duty with
20-21 Dec 1945. Gunter Field, Ala, 29 Eighth AF. Entered combat on 17 Aug
May 1947-27 Tun 1949. 1942 by bombing a marshalling yard at
COMMANDERS. Col Archie J Old Jr, 6 Rouen, the first mission flown by AAF’s
Aug 1942; Col James L Travis, c. 6 Sep heavy bombers based in England. After
1943; Col Robert W Warren, Jun 1944; that, attacked airfields, marshalling yards,
Lt Col Robert J Nolan, c. 27 May 1945- industries, naval installations, and other
unkn. targets in France and the Low Countries.
CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe; Moved to the Mediterranean theater in
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Nov 1942, being assigned first to Twelfth
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. and later (Nov 1943) to Fifteenth AF.
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- Struck shipping in the Mediterranean and
tions: Germany, 17 Aug 1943; Poznan, airfields, docks, harbors, and marshalling
Poland, g Apr 1944. yards in North Africa, southern France,
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure a falcon’s head Sardinia, Sicily, and southern Italy, Nov
erased or, holding in its beak a drop bomb 1942-May 1943, in the campaign to cut
bendwise gules, that portion over the first supply lines to German forces in North
Africa. Helped to force the capitulation through the Po Valley. Znactivated in

of Pantelleria in Jun 1943. Bombed in Italy on 29 Oct 1945.
preparation for and in support of the in- Redesignated 97th Bombardment Group
vasions of Sicily and southern Italy in the (Very Heavy). Activated in the US on 4
summer and fall of 1943. From Nov 1943 Aug 1946. Assigned to Strategic Air
to Apr 1945, engaged chiefly in long-range Command. Equipped with B-29’s. Re-
missions to targets in Italy, France, Ger- designated 97th Bombardment Group
many, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, (Medium) in May 1948. Converted to
Rumania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and R-50’s in 1950. Znactivated on 16 Jun
Greece, attacking oil refineries, aircraft 1952.
factories, marshalling yards, and other SQUADRONS. 340th: 1942-1945 ; 1946-
strategic objectives. Received a DUC for 1952. j41st: 1942-1945; 1946-1952. 342d:
leading a strike against an aircraft factory 1942-1945; 1946-1952. 4’4th: 1942-1945.
at Steyr on 24 Feb 1944 during Big Week, STATIONS.MacDill Field, Fla, 3 Feb
the intensive air campaign against the 1942; Sarasota, Fla, 29 Mar-c. 16 May 1942;
German aircraft industry. 2d Lt David Polebrook, England, c. 13 Tun-c. 9 Nov
R Kingsley, bombardier, was awarded the 1942; Maison Blanche, Algeria, c. 13 Nov
Medal of Honor for saving the life of a 1942; Tafaraoui, Algeria, c. 22 Nov 1942;
wounded gunner on 23 Jun 1944: during Biskra, Algeria, c. 25 Dec 1942; Chateau-
a mission to Ploesti, Kingsley’s B-17 was dun-du-Rhumel, Algeria, c. 8 Feb 1943;
seriously crippled and the tail gunner was Pont-du-Fahs, Tunisia, c. I Aug 1943;
injured; when the crew was ordered to Depienne, Tunisia, c. 15 Aug 1943; Cerig-
bail out, Kingsley gave his parachute to nola, Italy, c. 20 Dec 1943; Amendola,
the gunner, whose own had been dam- Italy, 16 Jan 1944; Marcianise, Italy, c. I-
aged, and assisted him in bailing out; 29 Oct 1945. Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 4
Kingsley died a few moments later when Aug 1946; Biggs AFB, Tex, 17 May 1948-
his bomber crashed and burned. The 16 Jun 1952.
group received its second DUC for a COMMANDERS. Col Cornelius W Cous-
devastating raid against one of the Plo- land, Feb 1942; Col James H Walsh, c. Jul
esti refineries on 18 Aug 1944. Other 1942; Col Frank A Armstrong Jr, c. 2 Aug
operations of the 97th included pounding 1942; Brig Gen Joseph H Atkinson, c. 27
enemy communications, transportation, Sep 1942; Col Stanley J Donovan, 5 Jan
and airfields in support of Allied forces 1943; Col Leroy A Rainey, 29 Jun 1943;
at Anzio and Cassino; bombing coastal Col Frank Allen, Nov 1943; Col Jacob E
defenses in preparation for the invasion of Smart, 7 Apr 1944; Col Frank Allen, 11
Southern France; and assisting US Fifth May 1944; Col Elmer J Rogers Jr, Tun 1944;
and British Eighth Army in their advance Col Nils 0 Ohman, 22 Aug 1944; Col Wil-
liam K Kincaid, May 1945-unkn. Col

Walter S Lee, c. 4 Aug 1946; Lt Col Wil-
liam D Bacon, c. 27 Aug 1946; Col William
E McDonald, g Oct 1946; Col George L
Robinson, 10 Sep 1g47-unkn; Col George
L Robinson, 30 Sep 1948; Col Dalene E
Bailey, 20 Apr 1949; Col Harvey C Dor-
ney, Feb 1951; Col John D Ryan, 16 Jul
1951-16 Jun 1952.
Air Offensive, Europe ; Tunisia; Sicily ; (FORCE
--
7
FOIL
- _.___/
-?
FRmJo_r”
Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Nor- enemy supply lines to Africa. Also hit air-
mandy; Northern France; Southern dromes and rail facilities in Sicily and
France; North Apennines; Rhineland ; Italy. Received a DUC for action against
Central Europe; Po Valley. the enemy in the Middle East, North
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- Africa, and Sicily from Aug 1942 to Aug
tions: Steyr, Austria, 24 Feb 1944; Ploesti, 1943. Awarded another DUC for partici-
Rumania, 18 Aug 1944. pation in the low-level assault on oil re-
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a spear in pale fineries at Ploesti on I Aug 1943: although
or, point to base flammant and embrued its target had already been attacked by an-
proper. Motto: VENIT HORA-The other group, the 98th proceeded through
Hour Has Come. (Approved 5 Mar dense smoke and intense flak to bomb its
19434 assigned objective. Col John R Kane,
group commander, received the Medal of
98th BOMBARDMENT GROUP Honor for leading the 98th to complete
this attack despite the hazards of oil fires,
Constituted as 98th Eombardment delayed-action bombs, and alerted de-
Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Acti- fenses. Afterward the group flew many
vated on 3 Feb 1942~Trained with B-24’s. long-range missions to Italy, France, Ger-
Moved to the Mediterranean theater, Jul- many, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary,
Aug 1942, and served in that area until the and the Balkans to bomb such strategic
end of the war. Assigned to Ninth AF in targets as industries, airdromes, harbors,
Nov IW,to Twelfth AF in Sep 1943, and and communications, and engaged pri-
to Fifteenth AF in Nov 1943. Entered marily in such operations until Apr 1945.
combat in Aug 1942. Bombed shipping 1st Lt Donald D Pucket, one of the group’s
and harbor installations in Libya, Tunisia, pilots, was awarded the Medal of Honor
Sicily, Italy, Crete, and Greece to cut for action during a mission against oil re-
fineries at Ploesti on 9 Jul 1944: just after STATIONS.MacDill Field, Fla, 3 Feb
bombing the target, Lt Pucket’s plane was 1942; Barksdale Field, La, Feb 1942; Ft
crippled by antiaircraft fire and crew mem- Myers, Fla, 30 Mar 1942; Drane Field, Fla,
bers were wounded; he calmed the crew, c. 15 May-3 Jul 1942; Ramat David, Pales-
administered first aid, surveyed the dam- tine, 25 Jul 1942; Fayid, Egypt, c. 11 Nov
age, and, realizing it was impossible to 1942; Benina, Libya, c. 9 Feb 1943; Hergla,
reach friendly territory, gave the order to Tunisia, c. 21 Sep 1943; Brindisi, Italy, c.
abandon ship; refusing to desert three men 18 Nov 1943; Manduria, Italy, 19 Dec 1943;
who were unable to leave the bomber, Lt Lecce,*Italy, 17 Jan 1944-19 Apr 1945;
Pucket stayed with the plane that a few Fairmont AAFld, Neb, c. 6 May 1945; Mc-
moments later crashed on a mountainside. Cook AAFld, Neb, 25 Jun-ro Nov 1945.
In addition to strategic operations, the 98th Andrews Field, Md, I Jul 1947; Spokane
also flew interdictory and support missions. AAFld, Wash, 24 Sep 1947-16 Jun 1952.
Aided Allied forces at Anzio and Cas- COMMANDERS. Lt Col Frank H Robin-
sino. Participated in the invasion of son, c. Feb 1942; Col Hugo P Rush, 1942;
Southern France. Assisted the Russian Col John R Kane, c. 29 Dec 1942; Lt Col
advance in the Balkans. Returned to the Julian M Bleyer, I Nov 1943; Col William
US, Apr-May 1945. Redesignated 98th E Karnes, 18 Nov 1943; Lt Col Marshall
Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) in R Gray, 13 Jan 1944; Col Salvatore E Man-
May. Inactivated on 10 Nov 1945. zo, c. Jul 1944-unkn; Col John G Eriksen,
Activated on I Jul 1947. Assigned to 25 Tun-c. Sep 1945; unkn, SepNov 1945.
Strategic Air Command. Trained with Unkn, Jul-Oct 1947; Lt Col Joseph D
White, 20 Oct 1947; Col William D
B-29’s. Redesign ated 98t h Bombard ment
Cairnes, 12 Apr 1948; Col Richard D Dick,
Group (Medium) in May 1948. Moved
20 Jan 1949; Col Richard H Carmichael,
to Japan in Aug 1950 and attached to Far
c. Apr 1950; Col David Wade, c. 31 Mar
East Air Forces for duty in the Korean 1951; Col Edwin F Harding Jr, Sep 1951;
War. Engaged primarily in interdicting Col Lewis A Curtis, Nov 1951;Col Winton
enemy communications but also operated R Close, May-16 Jun 1952.
in support of UN ground forces. Targets CAMPAIGNS. World War ZI: Air Com-
included marshalling yards, oil centers, bat, EAME Theater; Egypt-Libya; Air
rail facilities, bridges, roads, troop concen- Offensive, Europe; Tunisia; Sicily;
trations, airfields, and military installa- Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Nor-
tions. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952 while mandy; Northern France; Southern
on temporary duty in Japan. France; North Apennines; Rhineland;
SQUADRONS. 343d: 1942-1945; 1947- Central Europe; Po Valley. Korean War:
1952. 344th: 1942-1945; 1947-1952. 345th: UN Defensive; U N Offensive; CCF Inter-
1942-1945 ; 1947-1952. 4Z5th: 1942-1945. vention; 1st U N Counteroffensive; CCF
170 AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF \VORLD WAR I1
Spring Offensive ; UN Summer-Fall Of- targets as airdromes, harbor facilities, ship-

fensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea ping, railroads, viaducts, and bridges in
Summer-Fall, 1952. Tunisia, Sardinia, Sicily, Pantelleria, and
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- Italy until Dec 1943. Received a DUC for
tions: North Africa and Sicily, Aug 1942- performance on 5 Jul1943when the group
17 Aug 1943; Ploesti, Rumania, I Aug helped to neutralize fighter opposition
1943. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit prior to the invasion of Sicily by pene-
Citation : [Aug 1950-Jun 19521. trating enemy defenses to bomb planes,
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a bend m- hangars, fuel supplies, and ammunition
dented between a dexter mailed hand dumps at the Gerbini airfield. Assigned
couped at the wrist, in bend, grasping a to Fifteenth AF in Nov 1943 and moved
drop bomb and an olive wreath, all or. to Italy in Dec. Flew long-range missions
Motto: FORCE FOR FREEDOM. (Ap- to attack such strategic objectives as oil re-
proved 29 Jul 1942.) fineries, marshalling yards, aircraft fac-
tories, and steel plants in Italy, France,
99th BOMBARDMENT GROUP Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Aus-
tria, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria, Yugo-
slavia, and Greece. Received another
DUC for withstanding severe fighter as-
saults to bomb the vital aircraft factory
and facilities at Wiener Neustadt on 23
Apr 1944. Other operations included as-
sisting ground forces at Anzio and Casino,
Feb-Mar 1944; participating in the pre-
invasion bombing of southern France,
Aug 1944; and supporting the Allied of-
fensive in the Po Valley, Apr 1945. Znacti-
vated in Italy on 8 Nov 1945.
Redesignated ggth Bombardment Group
(Very Heavy). Allotted to the reserve.
Constituted as ggth Bombardment Activated on 29 May 1947. Inactivated on
Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Acti-
27 Jun 1949.
vated on I Jun 1942. Trained with B-17's.
SQUADRONS. 346th: 1942-1945; 1947-
Moved to North Africa, Feb-May 1943,
1949. 347th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949-
and assigned to Twelfth AF. Entered
348th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 4'6th:
combat in Mar 1943 and bombed such
1942-1945; 1947-1949-
STATIONS. Orlando AB, Fla, I Jun 1942; with eyelid of the like, and a globe of the
MacDill Field, Fla, I Jun 1942; Pendleton last with lines of the fifth encircled by a
Field, Ore, 29 Jun 1942; Gowen Field, motion picture film silver. Motto: SIGHT
Idaho, 28 Aug 1942; Walla Walla, Wash, WITH MIGHT. (Approved 3 Nov 1943.
c. 30 Sep 1942; Sioux City AAB, Iowa, 17 This insigne was replaced 7 Feb 1958.)
Nov 1942-3 Jan 1943; Navarin, Algeria, c.
23 Feb 1943; Oudna, Tunisia, 4 Aug 1943;
Tortorella Airfield, Italy, c. 11 Dec 1943;
,
Marcianise, Italy, Oct-8 Nov 1945. Bir-
mingham Mun Aprt, Ala, 29 May 1947-
27 Jun 1949.
COMMANDERS. Unkn, Jun-Sep 1942;
Col Fay R Upthegrove, c. Sep 1942; Lt
Col Wayne E Thurman, 24 Nov 1943;
Col Charles W Lawrence, 19 Dec 1943;
Lt Co1 Wayne E Thurman, 26 Jan 1944;
Col Ford J Lauer, 15 Feb 1944; Col
Trenholm J Meyer, Jul 1944; Lt Col James
A Barnett, Aug 1944; Col Ford J Lauer,
Sep 1944; Col Raymond V Schwanbeck,
Jan 1945; Lt Col Robert E Guay, 8 Oct
1945; Maj Joseph D Russell, 11 Oct 1945;
Maj John S Giegel, 16 Oct 1945-unkn. Constituted as 100th Bombardment
CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME Thea- Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated
ter; Air Offensive, Europe; Tunisia; Si- on I Jun 1942. Used B-17’s to prepare
cily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; for duty overseas. Moved to England,
Normandy; Northern France; Southern May-Jun 1943, and assigned to Eighth
France; North Apennines; Rhineland; AF. Operated chiefly as a strategic bom-
Central Europe; Po Valley. bardment organization until the war
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- ended. From Jun 1943 to Jan 1944, con-
tions: Sicily, 5 Jul 1943; Austria, 23 Apr centrated its efforts against airfields in
1944. France and naval facilities and industries
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, issuant from in France and Germany. Received a DUC
sinister chief a cloud argent emitting a for seriously disrupting German fighter-
lightning flash to dexter base or between plane production with an attack on an
an eye of the second with pupil sable aircraft factory at Regensburg on 17 Aug
represented as a radar scope of the third 1943. Bombed airfields, industries, mar-
172 AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR 11
shalling yards, and missile sites in western STATIONS. Orlando AB, Fla, I Jun 1942 ;
Europe, Jan-May 1944. Operations in this Barksdale Field, La, c. 18 Jun 1942; Pen-
period included participation in the Allied dleton Field, Ore, c. 26 Jun 1942; Gowen
campaign against enemy aircraft factories Field, Idaho, 28 Aug 1942; Walla Walla,
during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Com- Wash, c. I Nov 1942; Wendover Field,
pleted a series of attacks against Berlin Utah, c. 30 Nov 1942; Sioux City AAB,
in Mar 1944 and received a DUC for the Iowa, c. 28 Dec 1942; Kearney AAFld,
missions. Beginning in the summer of Neb, c. 30 Jan-May 1943; Thorpe Abbotts,
1944, oil installations became major tar- England, 9 Jun 1943-Dec 1945; Camp
gets. In addition to strategic operations, Kilmer, NJ, c. 20-21 Dec 1945. Miami
the group engaged in support and inter- AAFld, Fla, 29 May 1947-27 Jun 1949.
dictory missions, hitting bridges and gun COMMANDERS. Unkn, Jun-Nov 1942;
positions in support of the Normandy Col Darr H Alkire, c. 14 Nov 1942; Col
invasion in Jun 1944; bombing enemy posi- Howard M Turner, c. 28 Apr 1943; Col
tions at St Lo in Jul and at Brest in Aug Harold Q Huglin, Jun 1943; Col Neil B
and Sep; striking transportation and Harding, c. Jul 1943; Col Robert H Kelly,
ground defenses in the drive against the 19 Apr 1944; Col Thomas S Jeffery, c. g
Siegfried Line, Oct-Dec 1944; attacking May 1944; Col Frederick J Sutterlin, 2 Feb
marshalling yards, defended villages, and 1945; Lt Col John B Wallace, 23 Jun
communications in the Ardennes sector I 945-unkn.
during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-
Jan 1945; and covering the airborne as-
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland ;
sault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Re-
Ardennes-Alsace ; Central Europe.
ceived the French Croix de Guerre with
Palm for attacking heavily defended in-
stallations in Germany and for dropping tions: Germany, 17 Aug 1943; Berlin, Ger-
supplies to FrenGh Forces of the Interior, many, 4,6, 8 Mar 1944. French Croix de
Jun-Dec 1g,-.14. Returned to the US in Guerre with Palm, 25 Jun-31 Dec 1944.
Dec 1945. lnactivated on 21 Dec 1945. INSIGNE.Shield: Gray, issuing from a
Redesignated 100th Bombardment base nebuly azure bearing in fcss arched
Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the reversed six mullets argent, nine billets in
reserve. Activated on 29 May 1947. In- chevron sable, surmounted by two lions
activated on 27 Jun 1949. respectant or langued gules, grasping in
SQUADRONS. 349th: 1942-1945 ; 1947- saltire a palm branch bend sinisterwise
'949. 350th: 194-1945 ; 1947-1949. vert and a lightning flash of the sixth.
35ZSt: 1942-1945 ; 1947-1949. 418th: 1942- M o t t o : PEACE THROUGH
I945 ; 1947-1949- STRENGTH. (Approved 22 Nov 1957.)
301st BOMBARDMENT GROUP strategic targets as oil centers, communi-

cations, and industrial areas in Italy,
France, Germany, Poland, Czechosb
vakia, Austria, Hungary, Rumania, Bul-
garia, Yugoslavia, and Greece. Received
another DUC for a mission to Germany on
25 Feb 1944 when, in spite of vicious en-
counters with enemy fighters, the group
bombed aircraft production centers at
Regensburg. Other operations for the
group during 1944-1945 included flying
w,,
___ \ r r .. .-
missions in support of ground forces in the
_I
Constituted as 301st Bombardment Anzio and Cassino areas, supporting the

Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Acti- invasion of Southern France, knocking
vated on 3 Feb 1942. Trained with B-17’s. out targets to assist the Russian advance
Moved to England, Jul-Aug 1942, and in the Balkans, and aiding the1 Allied drive
assigned to Eighth AF. Began combat in through the Po Valley. Returned to the
Sep 1942 and attacked submarine pens, US in July 1945. Redesignated 301st Bom-
airfields, railroads, bridges, and other tar- bardment Group (Very Heavy) in Aug.
gets on the Continent, primarily in France. Inactivated on 15Oct 1945.
Operated with Twelfth AF after moving Activated on 4 Aug 1946. Assigned to
to North Africa in Nov 1942. Bombed Strategic Air Command. Equipped with
docks, shipping facilities, airdromes, and B-29’s. Redesignated 301s Bombardment
railroad yards in Tunisia, Sicily, and Sar- Group (Medium) in May 1948. Inacti-
dinia. Attacked enemy shipping between vated on 16 Jun 1952.
Tunisia and Sicily. Received a DUC for SQUADRONS. 32d: 1942-1945 ; 1946-1952.
action on 6 Apr 1943 when the group with- 3fi2d: 1942-1945; 1946-1952. 353d: 1942-
stood intense antiaircraft fire from shore 1945; 19461952. 354th: 1942. 419th:
defenses and nearby vessels to attack a con- 1942-1945
voy of merchant ships off Bizerte and thus STATIONS.Geiger Field, Wash, 3 Feb
destroy supplies essential to the Axis de- 1942; Alamogordo, NM, 27 May 1942;
fense of Tunisia. Assaulted gun positions Richard E Byrd Field, Va, 21 Tun-19 Jul
on Pantelleria during May-Jun 1943.Flew 1942; Chelveston, England, 9 Aug 1942;
numerous missions to Italy, Jul-Oct 1943. Tafaraoui, Algeria, c. 26 Nov 1942; Maison
Assigned to Fifteenth AF in Nov 1943, Blanche, Algeria, 5 Dec 1942;Biskra, Al-
moved to Italy in Dec, and afterward di- geria, c. 16 Dec 1942;Ain Mlila, Algeria,
rected most of its attacks against such c. 17 Jan 1943; St-Donat, Algeria, 6 Mar
1943; Oudna, Tunisia, 6 Aug 1943; Cerig- 302d BOMBARDMENT GROUP

nola, Italy, c. 7 Dec 1943; Lucera, Italy, I
Feb 1944-1945; Sioux Falls AAFld, SD:
28 Jul1945; Pyote AAFld, Tex, 23 Aug-15
Oct 1945. Clovis AAFld, NM, 4 Aug
1946; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 16 Jul
1947; Barksdale AFB, La, 7 Nov 1949-16 I+-- 'i /
Jun 1952.
COMMANDERS. Col Ronald R Walker,
Feb 1942; Lt Col Samuel J Gormly Jr, c.
Feb 1943; Col John K Brown Jr, 3 Sep
1943; Col Jean R Byerly, q Nov 1943; Lt
Col Karl T Earthelmess, 25 Dec 1943; Col Constituted as 302d Bombardment
John F Batjer, 3 Mar 1944; Lt Col John D Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Acti-
Moorman, Sep 1944; Col Ernest S Holmes vated on I Jun 1942. Assigned to Second
Jr, 8 Dec 1944; Lt Col Robert H Allyn, AF, later (Dec 1943) to First AF. Using
1945;Col Raymond L Winn, 31 Aug 1945- B-24's, served first as an operational train-
unkn. Unkn, Aug Ig46Aug 1947; Col ing and later as a replacement training
George L Robinson, I Aug 1947; Lt Col unit. Znactivated on 10 Apr 1944.
Frank W Ellis, Sep 1947; Lt Col Thomas Redesignated 302d Troop Carrier Group
J Classen, 20 Jun 1949; Col Harris E Rog- (Medium) and allotted to the reserve.
Activated on 27 Jun 1949. Redesignated
ner, 21 Jul1949; Col Chester C Cox, 15 Dec
302d Troop Carrier Group (Heavy) in
1950; Col Horace M Wade, Mar 1951-16
Jan 1950. Ordered to active duty on I Jun
Jun 1952.
1951. Inactivated on 8 Jun ISI.
CAMPAIGNS.Air Combat, EAME Redesignated 302d Troop Carrier Group
Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Tunisia; (Medium) and allotted to the reserve.
Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome- Activated on 14 Jun 1952.
Arno; Normandy; Northern France; SQUADRONS. 355th: 1942-1944; 1949-
Southern France; North Apennines; 1951; I952-. 356th: 1942-1944; 1949
Rhineland; Central Europe; Po Valley. 1951; I952-. 357th: 1942-1944; 1949-195';
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- 1952-. 420th: 1942.
tions: Tunisia, 6 Apr 1943; Germany, 25 STATIONSGeiger Field, Wash, I Jun
Feb 1944. 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 23 Jun
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, three ravens 1942; Wendover Field, Utah, 30 Jul 1942;
pendent from a spear fessways or. Motto: Pueblo AAB, Colo, 30 Sep 1942; Davis-
WHO FEARS? (Approved 11 Aug Monthan Field, Ariz, I Dec 1942; Clovis,
'942.) NM, 29 Jan 1943; Langley Field, Va, 17
Dec 1943-10Apr 1944. McChord AFB, submarine pens in France until 1943.
Wash, 27 Jun 194g-8 Jun ISI. Clinton Began bombardment of industries, mar-
County AFB, Ohio, 14 Jun 1952-. shalling yards, cities, and other strategic
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Joseph J Nazzaro, objectives in Germany in Jan 1943, and
I Jun 1942;Col Eugene H Beebe, 12 Jul engaged primarily in such operations
1942; Lt Col Joseph J Nazzaro, 15 Sep until V-E Day. Took part in the first
1942; Lt Col William K Martin, I Jan penetration into Germany by heavy
1943;Maj Horace S Carswell, 15 Oct 1943; bombers of Eighth AF by striking the
Lt Col Thomas J Gent 6, 2 Nov 1943; U-boat yard at Wilhelmshaven on 27 Jan
Lt Col Carlos J Cochrane, 3 Jan-Apr 1943. Other targets included ball-bearing
1944. plants at Schweinfurt, shipbuilding yards
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. at Bremen, a synthetic rubber plant at
DECORATIONS. None. Huls, an aircraft engine factory at Ham-
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a thunderbolt burg, industrial areas of Frankfurt, an air-
in pale irradiated or, inflamed proper, drome at Villacoublay, and a marshalling
winged, gules. Motto: JUSTUM ET yard at Le Mans. Flying through intense
TEWACEM-Just and Resolute. ( A p antiaircraft fire during an attack on Vege-
proved 27 Feb 1943.) sack on 18Mar 1943,Ist Lt Jack W Mathis,
the leading bombardier of his squadron,
303d BOMBARDMENT GROUP was knocked from his bombsight;
although mortally wounded, he returned
to his position and released the bombs;
for this action, which ensured an accurate
attack against the enemy, Lt Mathis was
posthumously awarded the Medal of
Honor. T/Sgt Forrest L Vosler, radio
operator and gunner, received the Medal
of Honor for a mission to Bremen on 20
Dec 1943: after bombing the target, Sgt
Vosler’s plane was hit by antiaircraft fire
that knocked out two engines, damaged
Constituted as 303d Bombardment the radio equipment, seriously injured the
Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Acti- tail gunner, and wounded Sgt Vosler in
vated on 3 Feb 1942. Prepared for combat the legs and thighs; the burst of another
with B-17’s. Moved to England, Aug- 2o-mm shell nearly blinded the sergeant;
Sep 1942, and assigned to Eighth AF. nevertheless, he maintained a steady stream
Entered combat in Nov 1942 and raided of fire to protect the tail of the aircraft;
targets such as airdromes, railroads, and when the pilot announced that the plane
176 AIR FORCE COMlBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR I1
would ditch, Sgt Vosler, working entirely mand and equipped with B-29’s. Znmti-
by touch, repaired the radio and sent out vated on 16 Jun 1952.
distress signals; after the plane went down SQUADRONS.358th: 1942-1945; 1947-
in the Channel, the sergeant secured the 1948; 1951-1952. 359h: 1942-1945; 1947-
tail gunner and himself on the wing; Sgt 1948; 1951-1952. 360th: 1942-1945; 1947-
Vosler’s radio signals brought help, and 1948; ISI-1952. 427th: 1942-1945.
the entire crew was rescued. The organi- STATIONS.Pendleton Field, Ore, 3 Feb
zation received a DUC for an operation on 1942; Gowen Field, Idaho, 11 Feb 1942;
11 Jan 1944 when, in spite of continuous Alamogordo, NM, 17 Jun 1942; Biggs
attacks by enemy fighters in weather that Field, Tex, 7-23 Aug 1942; Molesworth,
prevented effective fighter cover from England, 12 Sep 1942; Casablanca, French
reaching the group, it successfully struck Morocco, c. 31 May-25 Jul1945. Andrews
an aircraft assembly plant at Oschersleben. Field, Md, I Jul 1947-6 Sep 1948. Davis-
Sometimes the group engaged in support Monthan AFB, Ariz, 4 Sep 1951-16 Jun
and interdictory missions. Attacked gun 1952.
emplacements and bridges in the Pas de COMMANDERS. Col Ford J Lauer, Feb
Calais area during the invasion of Nor- 1942; Col Warren H Higgins, c. 29 May
mandy in Jun 194. Bombed enemy 1942; Col James H Wallace, c. 14 Jul1942;
troops to support the breakthrough at St Col Charles E Marion, c. 12 Feb 1943; Col
Lo in Jul 1944. Struck airfields, oil depots, Kermit D Stevens, Jul 1943; Col William
and other targets during the Battle of the S Raper, Oct 1944; Lt Col William C Sipes,
Bulge, Dec ~w-Jan 1945. Bombed mili- 19 Apr 1945; Capt Bernard Thompson,
tary installations in the Wesel area to aid Jun-25 Jul 1945. Unkn, 1947-1948. Maj
Joe Maddalena Jr, Sep 1951; Col David
the Allied assault across the Rhine in Mar
Wade, g Oct 1951; Col John K Hester,
1945. Flew last combat mission, an attack
Jan-16 Jun 1952.
on armament works in Pilsen, on 25 Apr
CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Europe;
1945. Moved to French Morocco, May- Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland;
Jun 1945. Inactivated on 25 Jul 1945. Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Redesignated 303d Bombardment DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Group (Very Heavy). Activated in the tion: Germany, 11 Jan 1944.
US on I Jul 1947. Assigned to Strategic INSIGNE. Shield: Azure, a diminutive
Air Command. There is no evidence that pile between four flashes of lightning, two
the group was manned during 1947 and issuant palewise from chief and one from
1948. Znactivated on 6 Sep 1948. dexter and sinister chief sides chevronwise
Redesignated 303d Bombardment inverted, issuant from base a burst of five
Group (Medium). Activated on 4 Sep rays, all or. Motto: MIGHT IN
1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Com- FLIGHT. (Approved g Jan 1943.)
304th BOMBARDMENT GROUP INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, seme of drop

bombs or. Motto: AQUILA NON
I I
'I
CAPTAT MUSCAS-The Eagle Does
Not Catch Flies. (Approved 7 Nov 1942.)
P'
-
cJd 1 4 H i i & S U 5 @ *
-

Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated
on 15 Jul 1942. Assigned to Second AF.
Received personnel in Sep and began train-
ing on the west coast. Later, operated with
A M Antisubmarine Command, using
such planes as B-17'4 B-IB's, B-q's,
B-34's, and A-20's to fly patrols along the
east coast. Also trained crews for duty
overseas. Inactivated on 30 Dec 1942.
SQUADRONS. zst Antisubmarine (form-
Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Acti-
erly 361st Bombardment) : 1942. ~ 8 t h
vated on I Mar 1942. Trained for duty
Antisubmarine (formerly 362d Bombard-
overseas with B-17's. Moved to England,
ment) : 1942. 19th Antisubmarine (for- Aug-Oct 1942,and assigned to Eighth AF.
merly 363d Bombardment) : 1942. 42zst Began combat on 17 Nov r g p and oper-
Bombardment: 1942. ated chiefly as a strategic bombardment
STATIONS.Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, organization until Apr 1945. Until mid-
15 Jul 1942; Geiger Field, Wash, 15 Sep 1943, attacked such targets as submarine
1942; Ephrata, Wash, I Oct I*; Langley pens, docks, harbors, shipyards, motor
Field, Va, 29 Oct-30 Dec 1942. works, and marshalling yards in France,
COMMANDERS. Col Ford J Lauer, q Sep Germany, and the Low Countries.
1942; Lt Col Dale 0 Smith, c. 29 Oct 1942; Bombed the navy yards at Wilhelmshaven
Maj Francis H Matthews, Nov-Dec 1942. on 27 Jan 1943 when heavy bombers of
CAMPAIGNS. Antisubmarine, American Eighth AF made their first penetration
Theater. into Germany. Received a DUC for a
DECORATIONS. None. mission on 4 Apr 1943 when an industrial
target in Paris was bombed with precision strongholds near the battle area. Attacked
in spite of pressing enemy fighter attacks enemy positions in advance of ground
and heavy flak. During the second half of forces at St Lo in Jul 1944. Struck antiair-
1943, began deeper penetration into enemy craft batteries to cover the airborne in-
territory to strike heavy industry. Signifi- vasion of Holland in Sep. Took part in
cant objectives included aluminum, mag- the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1 ~ 4 - J a n1945,
nesium, and nitrate works in Norway, by bombing military installations in the
industries in Berlin, oil plants at Merse- battle zone. Supported the airborne as-
burg, aircraft factories at Anklam, ship- sault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Some-
ping at Gdynia, and ball-bearing works at times flew missions at night to bomb
Schweinfurt. Received another DUC for enemy installations or to drop propaganda
withstanding severe opposition to bomb leaflets. Flew its last combat mission on
aircraft factories in central Germany on 25 Apr 1945. Remained in the theater as
11 Jan 1944. Participated in the intensive part of United States Air Forces in Europe
campaign of heavy bombers against the after V-E Day; and, from stations in
German aircraft industry during Big Belgium and Germany, engaged in photo-
Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. 1st Lt William graphic mapping missions over parts of
R Lawley Jr, and 1st Lt Edward S Michael, Europe and North Africa. lnactivated in
pilots, each received the Medal of Honor Germany on 25 Dec 1946.
for similar performances on 20 Feb and 11 Redesignated 305th Bombardment
Apr 1944, respectively; in each case a B-17 Group (Very Heavy). Activated in the
was severely damaged by fighters after it US on I Jul 1947. Assigned to Strategic
had bombed a target in Germany, crew Air Command. Few, if any, personnel
members were wounded, and the pilot were assigned. Inactivated on 6 Sep 1948.
himself was critically injured; recovering Redesignated 305th Bombardment
in time to pull his aircraft out of a steep Group (Medium). Activated on 2 Jan
dive, and realizing that the wounded men 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Com-
would be unable to bail out, each pilot flew mand and equipped with B-29’s. Znm-
his plane back to England and made a tivated on 16 Jun 1952.
successful crash landing. In addition to SQUADRONS.364th: 1942-1946; 1947-
bombardment of strategic targets, the 1948; 1951-1952. 365th: 1942-1946; 1947-
group often flew interdictory missions and 1948; 1951-1952. 366th: 1942-1946; 1947-
supported infantry units. Prior to the 1948; 1951-1952. 422d: 1942-1946.
Normandy invasion in Jun 1944, it helped STATIONS.Salt Lake City, Utah, I Mar
to neutralize enemy installations such as 1942; Geiger Field, Wash, c. 10 Jun 1942;
V-weapon sites, airfields, and repair shops; Muroc, Calif, c. 31 Jun-Aug 1942; Grafton
and on D-Day, 6 Jun, bombed enemy Underwood, England, Sep 1942; Chelves-
ton, England, Dec 1942; St Trond, Bel-

gium, Jul 1945; Lechfeld, Germany, Dec
1945-25 Dec 1946. Andrews Field, Md,
I Jul 1947-6 Sep 1948. MacDill AFB, Fla,
2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952.
COMMANDERS.Capt John H deRussy,
c. 15 Mar 1942; Lt Col Ernest H Lawson,
c. I Apr 1942; Lt Col Fay R Upthegrove,
c. 27 May 1942; Col Curtis E LeMay, c. 2
Jun 1942; Lt Col Donald K Fargo, 18
May 1g43-unkn; Col Ernest H Lawson, ing combat, Oct 1g42-Apr 1945, operated
Nov 1943; Col Anthony Q Mustoe, Jun primarily against strategic targets, striking
1944; Col Henry G MacDonald, Oct 1944; locomotive works at Lille, railroad yards
Col Paul L Barton, 22 Apr 1946; COl G M at Rouen, submarine pens at Bordeaux,
Palmer, Sep Ig46-unkn. Unkn, 1947- shipbuilding yards at Vegesack, ball-bear-
1948. Lt Col James B Irwin, c. 2 Jan 1951; ing works at Schweinfurt, oil plants at
Col Elliot Vandevanter Jr, c. I Feb ISI- Merseburg, marshalling yards at Stuttgart,
16 Jun 1952. a foundry at Hannover, a chemical plant
CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe; at Ludwigshafen, aircraft factories at
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Leipzig, and other objectives on the Con-
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. tinent. Took part in the first penetration
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- into Germany by heavy bombers of Eighth
tions: France, 4 Apr 1943; Germany, 11 AF on 27 Jan 1943 by attacking U-boat
Jan 1944. yards at Wilhelmshaven. Sgt Maynard
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, in pale a bomb H Smith received the Medal of Honor for
proper, winged or, in base a target proper, his performance on I May 1943: when the
all within a bordure of the second. aircraft on which he was a gunner was hit
Motto: CAN DO. (Approved 23 Apr by the enemy and fires were ignited in the
1951.) radio compartment and waist sections, the
sergeant threw exploding ammunition
306th BOMBARDMENT GROUP overboard, manned a gun until the Ger-
man fighters were driven off, administered
Constituted as 306th Bombardment first aid to the wounded tail gunner, and
Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated extinguished the fire. Without fighter
on I Mar 1942. Trained for combat with escort and in the face of powerful opposi-
B-17’s. Moved to England, Aug-Sep tion, the 306th completed an assault
1942, and assigned to Eighth AF. Dur- against aircraft factories in central Ger-
many on 11 Jan 1944, being awarded a SQUADRONS. 367th: 1942-1946; 1 9 4 ~

DUC for the mission. Received another 1952. 368th: 1942-1946; 1947-1952.
DUC for action during Big Week, the in- 369th: 1942-1946; IwTI952. 423d.‘ 1942-
tensive campaign against the German 1946.
aircraft industry, 20-25 Feb 1944:although STATIONS.Gowen Field, Idaho, I Mar
hazardous weather forced supporting ele- 1942; Wendover Field, Utah, c. 6 Apr-
ments to abandon the mission, the group I Aug 1942; Thurleigh, England, Sep
effectively bombarded an aircraft assembly 1942; Giebelstadt, Germany, Dec 1945; Is-
plant at Bernberg on 22 Feb. Often s u p tres, France, Feb 1946; Furstenfeldbruck,
ported ground forces and attacked inter- Germany, 16 Aug 1946; Lechfeld, Ger-
dictory targets in addition to its strategic many, 13 Sep-25 Dec 1946. Andrews
operations. Helped to prepare for the Field, Md, I Jul 1947; MacDill AFB, Fla,
invasion of Normandy by striking airfields Aug 1948-16 Jun 1952.
and marshalling yards in France, Belgium, COMMANDERS, Col Charles B Overacker
and Germany; backed the assault on 6 Jun Jr, c. 16 Mar 1942; Col Frank A Arm-
1944 by raiding railroad bridges and strong Jr, 3 Jan 1943; Col Claude E Put-
coastal guns. Assisted ground forces dur- nam, 17 Feb 1943; Col George L Robin-
ing the St Lo breakthrough in Jul. Cov- son, c. 20 Jun 1943; Col James S Sutton,
ered the airborne invasion of Holland in Sep 1944; Col Hudson H Upham, c. 16
Sep. Helped stop the advance of German Apr 1945;Col Robert F Harris, May 1946;
armies in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec Lt Col Earl W Kesling, Jun Igq6-unkn.
Ig44-Jan 1945, by attacking airfields and Lt Col Charles R Heffner, 13 Aug 1948;
marshalling yards. Bombed enemy posi- Lt Col Loran D Briggs, c. I Nov 1948;
tions in support of the airborne assault Col John A Hilger, I Sep 1949; Col Mi-
across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Remained chael N W McCoy, Mar 1950-16 Jun 1952.
in the theater after V-E Day as part of CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe;
United States Air Forces in Europe, and Normandy ;Northern France ;Rhineland ;
engaged in special photographic mapping Ardennes-Alsace;Central Europe.
duty in western Europe and North Africa. DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Inactivated in Germany on 25 Dec 1946. tions: Germany, 11 Jan 1944; Germany,
Redesignated 306th Bombardment 22 Feb 1944.
Group (Very Heavy). Activated in the INSIGNE.Shield: Per fess enhanced dan-
US on I Jul 1947. Assigned to Strategic cette azure and or, in base the Indian idio-
Air Command. Not manned until Aug gram for the jaws of a rattlesnake gules.
1948. Redesignated 306th Bombardment Motto: ABUNDANCE O F STRENGTH.
Group (Medium) in Aug 1948. Equipped (Approved 6 Jan 1943. This insigne be-
with B-29’s and later with B-50’s. In- came an element of a new insigne ap-
activated on 16 Jun 1952. proved 2 Oct 1951.)
307th BOMBARDMENT GROUP against the Netherlands Indies by hitting

airfields, shipping, and installations. Re-
ceived a DUC for an unescorted mission
against vital oil refineries at Balikpapan,
Borneo, on 3 Oct 1944. Supported Aus-
tralian forces on Borneo and bombed tar-
gets in French Indochina during the last
three months of the war. Flew patrol
missions along the Asiatic mainland and
ferried liberated prisoners from Okinawa
to Manila after V-J Day. Returned to the
US, Dec 1~5-Jan 1946. Znactivated on
18 Jan 1946.
C~~nstitz&edas 307th E h h r d m e n t Redesignated 307th Bombardment
Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. A d - Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 4
On 15 APr 1942. Trained and flew Aug 1946. Assigned to Strategic Air Com-
patrols off the west coast, first in B-IfS mand. Equipped with B-29’~. Trained
and later in B - q ’ S . M ~ e dto Hawaii, and developed antisubmarine tactics. Re-
Oct-NOv 1942, and assigned to Seventh designated 307th Bombardment Group
AF. Trained and flew patrol and search (Medium) in May 1948. Based tempo-
missions. Attacked Wake Island, Dec rarily on Okinawa and attached to Far
I942-b 19439 by staging through Mid- East Air Forces for operations during the
way. h k ~ e dto Chdalcanal in Feb I943 Korean War. Attacked strategic objec-
and assigned to Thirteenth AF. Served in tives in North Korea, Aug-Sep 1950. Aft-
combat, Primarily in the South and south- er that, struck interdictory targets, includ-
west Pacific, until the war eded. At- ing communications and supply centers,
tacked Japanese airfields, installations, and and supported UN ground forces by hit-
shipping in the !hhnons and b n a r c k s - ting gun emplacements and troop concen-
Helped to neutralize enemy bases On Yap trations. Znmtivated on 16 Jun 1952.
and in the Truk and Palau Islands. Re- SQUADRONS. 370th; 1942-1946;
ceived a DUC for an unescorted, daylight 1952. 37zstFt: 1942-1946; IM&Is2.
attack on heavily defended airfields in the 3 2 d : 1942-1945; 1946-1952. 424th;
Truk Islands on 29 Mar 1944. Supported 1942-1945.
operations in the Philippines by striking STATIONS. Geiger Field, Wash, 15 Apr
Japanese shipping in the southern Philip- Iw;Ephrata, Wash, 28 May 1942;Sioux
Pines and bY bombing airfields On LeYte, City AAB, Iowa, 30 Sep-20 Oct 1942;
Luzon, Negros, Ceram, and Halmahera. Hickam Field, TH, 1 Nov 1942;Guadal-
Also took part in Allied air operations canal, Feb 1943; New Georgia, 28 Jan 194;
Los Negros, c. 29 Apr 1944; Wakde, q INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a four-petalled

Aug 1944; Morotai, c. 18 Oct 1944; Clark dogwood bloom slipped or. (Approved 21
Field, Luzon, SepDec 1945; Camp Stone- Dec 1942.)
man, Calif, 1 6 1 8Jan 1946. MacDill Field,
Fla, 4 Aug 194616Jun 1952.
COMMANDERS. Capt Bill Jarvis, I May
1942; Col William A Matheny, 22 May
1942; Col Oliver S Picher, 19 Aug 1943;
Col Glen R Birchard, 27 Oct 19.43; Col
Robert F Burnham, 28 Mar 1944; Col Clif-
ford H Rees, Nov Ipqq-unkn. Col Rich-
ard T King Jr, 4 Aug 1946; Lt Col Clyde
G Gillespie, 25 Aug 1946; Lt Col Frank L
Davis, Sep 1946; Col John G Eriksen, 13
Jan 1947; Col Clifford J Heflin, 12 Aug
1947; Lt Col John P Proctor, 15 Feb 1950;
Col John A Hilger, 13 Mar 1950; Col John
M Reynolds, Mar 1951; Col William H
Hanson, Aug 1951; Col John C Jennison
Jr, 14 Feb 1952; Col Raymond L Winn,
May-16 Jun 1952. Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. A d -
CAMPAIGNS. World Way ZZ: Central vated on 15 Apr 1942. Trained with
Pacific; Guadalcanal; New Guinea; B-q's. Moved to China early in 1943,
Northern Solomons; Eastern Mandates; with the air echelon flying its planes by
Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; way of Africa, and the ground echelon
Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines; traveling by ship across the Pacific. As-
China Offensive. Korean War: UN De- signed to Fourteenth AF. Made many
fensive; UN Offensive; CCF Intervention; trips over the Hump to India to obtain
1st UN Counteroffensive; CCF Spring Of- gasoline, oil, bombs, spare parts, and
fensive; UN Summer-Fall Offensive; Sec- other items the group needed to prepare
ond Korean Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, for and then to sustain its combat opera-
1952. tions. The 308th Group supported Chi-
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- nese ground forces ;attacked airfields, coal-
tions: Truk, 29 Mar 1944; Borneo, 3 Oct yards, docks, oil refineries, and fuel dumps
1944. Philippine Presidential Unit Cita- in French Indochina; mined rivers and
tion. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit ports; bombed shops and docks at Ran-
Citation: [Aug] 1950- [Jun 19521. goon; attacked Japanese shipping in the
East China Sea, Formosa Strait, South 1942-1946. 512th: 1947-1948, 1949.
China Sea, and Gulf of Tonkin. Received 513th: 1947-1948, 1949-150.
a DUC for an unescorted bombing attack, STATIONS. Gowen Field, Idaho, 15 Apr
conducted through antiaircraft fire and 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 20 Jun
fighter defenses, against docks and ware- 1942;Wendover Field, Utah, I Oct-28 Nov
houses at Hankow on 21 Aug 1943. Re- 1942; Kunming, China, 20 Mar 1943;
ceived second DUC for interdiction of Hsinching, China, 10 Feb 1945; Rupsi,
Japanese shipping during 194-1945. Maj India, 27 Jun-15 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer,
Horace S Carswell Jr was awarded the NJ, 5-6 Jan 1946. Morrison Field, Flay 17
Medal of Honor for action on 26 Oct 1944 Oct 1946; Fairfield-Suisun AAFld, Calif,
when, in spite of intense antiaircraft fire, I Jul 1947; Tinker AFB, Okla, 10 Nov
he attacked a Japanese convoy in the South 1949-5 Jan 1951. Forbes AFB, Kan, 10
China Sea; his plane was so badly damaged Oct 1951; Hunter AFB, Ga, 11 Apr-16
that when he reached land he ordered the Jun 1952.
crew to bail out; Carswell, however, re- COMMANDERS. Capt Harris K McCau-
mained with the plane to try to save one ley, 11 May 1942; Col Fay R Upthegrove,
man who could not jump because his para- 5 Jun 1942; Maj Leroy A Rainey, 15 Jul
chute had been ripped by flak; before 1942; Col Eugene H Beebe, 16 Sep 1942;
Carswell could attempt a crash landing, Col William P Fisher, c. 3 Nov 1943; Col
the plane struck a mountainside and John G Armstrong, 19 Oct 1944; Col Wil-
burned. The group moved to India in liam D Hopson, I Jul 1~5-unkn. Col
Jun 1945. Ferried gasoline and supplies Richard E Ellsworth, 17 Oct Igq6-unkn;
over the Hump. Sailed for the US in Dec Col Hervey H Whitfield, Apr 1949-unkn.
1945. Znativated on 6 Jan 1946. Col George L Newton Jr, 5 Nov 1951;
Redesignated 308th Reconnaissance Col Maurice A Preston, 10 May-16 Jun
Group (Weather). Activated on 17 Oct 1952.
1946. Assigned to Air Weather Service CAMPAIGNS.India-Burma; China De-
and equipped with B-29’s. Inactivated fensive; New Guinea; Western Pacific;
on 5 Jan 1951. China Offensive.
Redesignated 308th Bombardment DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Group (Medium). Activated on 10 Oct tions: China, 21 Aug 1943; East and South
1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Cum- China Seas, Straits of Formosa, and Gulf
mand and equipped with B-29 aircraft. of Tonkin, May 1944-28 Apr 1945.
Znactivated on 16 Jun 1952. INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, between a pale
SQUADRONS. 53d: 19461947. 59th: argent thereon three pallets gules, on the
19461947. 373d: 1942-1945; 1951-1952. dexter a star of twelve points white,
374th: 1942-1946; 1947-1950; 1951-1952. charged with an annulet azure; on the
375th: 1942-1946; 1951-1952. 425th: sinister a thundercloud proper with three
lightning flashes or; in chief per chevron, 20 Feb 1951. Ardmore AFB, Okla, 8 Jul
inverted and enhanced sable, three bombs 1959.
points downward or, between a semee of COMMANDERS. Maj Henry G Silleck,
fifteen stars argent. Motto: NON SIBI, 1942;Lt Col Flint Garrison Jr, 2 June 1942;
SED ALIIS-Not for Self, But for Others. Col William C Mills, 26 Jun 1942; Col
(Approved Aug 1952) John L Nedwed, 3 Aug 1942;Lt Col Mil-
ton E Lipps, 2 Feb-c. I May 1944. Col
309th BOMBARDMENT GROUP William c Bentley, 8 Jul 19557
Constituted as 309th Bombardment DECORATIONS. None.
Group (Medium) on 28 Jan 1942. A d - INSIGNE.None.
w e d on 15 Mar 1942. Assigned to Third
AF. Trained medium bombardment -3 loth BOMBARDMENT GROUP
groups and later trained replacement
crews, using B-25 aircraft in both the
operational and the replacement training
programs. Disbanded on I May 1944.
Reconstituted, redesignated 309th Troop ?
Carrier Group (Medium), and allotted to
the reserve, on 16May 1949. Activated on
26 Jun 1949. Znactivated on 20 Feb I ~ I .
Redesignated 309th T r o o p Carrier
Group (Assault, Fixed Wing). Activated
on 8 Jul 1955. Assigned to Tactical Air
Command. Using C-122 and C-123 air-
craft, the group trained to airlift troops,
equipment, and supplies for assault land-
ings.
SQUADRONS. 376th: 1942-1944; 1949-1951;
IBS-. 377th: 1942-1944; I949-1s0;
1955-. 378th: 1942-1944; 1955-. ~ 6 t h : Constituted as 310th Bombardment
1942-'g#. Group (Medium) on 28 Jan 1p42. A d -
STATIONS.Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, w e d on 15 Mar 1942. Used B-25's in
15 Mar 1942;Jackson AAB, Miss, 15 Mar preparing for duty overseas. Moved to the
1942; Key Field, Miss, c. 26 Apr 1942; Mediterranean theater, Oct-Dec rgp, and
Columbia AAB, SC, 16 May IWI May assigned to Twelfth AF. Engaged pri-
1944. Smyrna AFB, Tenn, 26 Jun 1949- marily in support and interdictory opera-
tions in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, Corsica, Sar- ~ ~ : ;1947-1949. 428th: 1942-

3 8 ~ 1942-1945
dinia, and southern France; also flew some 1945.
missions to Austria and Yugoslavia. At- STATIONS.Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz,
tacked harbors and shipping to help defeat 15 Mar 1942; Jackson AAB, Miss, 15 Mar
Axis forces in North Africa, Dec 1942- 1942;Key Field, Miss, Apr 1942; Columbia
May 1943. Bombed airdromes, landing AAB, SC, 16 May 1942; Walterboro, SC,
grounds, and gun emplacements on Pan- 14Aug 1942; Greenville AAB, SC, 18 S e p
telleria, Lampedusa, and Sicily, May-Jul 17 Oct 1942; Mediouna, French Morocco,
1943. Supported the Allied landing at c. 18 Nov 1942; Telergma, Algeria, 21 Dec
Salerno, Sep 1943. Assisted the drive to- 1942; Berteaux, Algeria, I Jan 1943; Dar
ward Rome, Jan-Jun 1944. Supported the el Koudia, Tunisia, c. 6 Jun 1943; Menzel
invasion of Southern France, Aug 1944. Temime, Tunisia, c. 5 Aug 1943;Philippe-
Struck G e r m a n communications- ville, Algeria, 10 Nov 1943; Corsica, c. 10
bridges, rail lines, marshalling yards, via- Dec 1943; Fano, Italy, 7 Apr 1945; Pomig-
ducts, tunnels, and road junctions-in liano, Italy, c. Aug-12 Sep 1945. Bedford
Italy, Aug q3-Apr 1945. Also dropped AAFld, Mass, 27 Dec 1946-27 Jun 1949.
propaganda leaflets behind enemy lines. COMMANDERS. Lt Col William E Lee,
Received a DUC for a mission to Italy on 15 Mar 1942; Lt Col Flint Garrison Jr, 21
27 Aug 1943 when, in spite of persistent Apr 1942; Capt James A Plant, 19 May
1942; Col Anthony G Hunter, c. 17 Jun
attacks by enemy interceptors and antiair-
1942; Col Peter H Remington, c. 7 Oct
craft artillery, the group effectively
1944; Col William M Bower, J u k . Sep
bombed marshalling yards at Benevento
and also destroyed a number of enemy '945.
CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME The-
planes. Received second-DUCfor another ater ; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia;
mission in Italy on 10 Mar 1945 when the Rome-Arno; Southern France; North
group, maintaining a compact formation Apennines; Central Europe; Po Valley.
in the face of severe antiaircraft fire, DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
bombed the railroad bridge at Ora, a vital tions: Italy, 27 Aug 1943; Ora, Italy, 10
link in the German supply line. Znacti- Mar 1945.
vated in Italy on 12 Sep 1945. INSIGNE. Shield: On a blue shield be-
Redesignated 310th B o m b a r dment tween two yellow 45' triangles with the
Group (Light). Aliotted to the reserve. long sides facing each other and placed
Activated in the US on 27 Dec 1946. Inac- diagonally from upper right to lower left,
tivated on 27 Jun 1949. three white stars; in the upper triangle a
SQUADRONS. 379th: 1942-1945; 1947- white mailed right hand grasping a red
I949- J8Oth: '942-1945 j 1947-1949. lightning flash and in the lower triangle a
white dove in flight to base carrying a Bhamo; and conducted patrol and rccon-
green and black olive branch in its beak, naissance missions to help protect transport
hand and dove outlined in black; in a row planes that flew the Hump route between
across the bottom of shield ten small white India and China. Moved to Burma in
stars; the shield and triangles bordered Jul 1944 and continued to support ground
with black, edged with white against the forces, including Merrill's Marauders; also
blue. (Approved 7 Jan 1954.) flew numerous sweeps over enemy airfields
in central and southern Burma. Moved to
311th FIGHTER GROUP China in Aug 1944and assigned to Four-
teenth AF. Escorted bombers, flew inter-
ception missions, struck the enemy's
communications, and supported ground
operations, serving in combat until the end
of the war. Ferried P-51's from India for
Chinese Air Force in Nov 1945. Returned
to the US in Dec 1945. Znactivated on 6
Jan 1946.
Redesignated IoIst Fighter Group. Al-
lotted to ANG (Maine) on 4 May 1946.
Extended federal recognition on 4 Apr
1947. Ordered to active service on I Feb
1951. Assigned to Air Defense Com-
mand. Redesignated IoIst Fighter-lnter-
ceptor Group in Feb 1951. Inactivated on
Constituted as -311th Bombardment 6 Feb 1952. Relieved from active service,
Group (Light) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated returned to ANG (Maine), and activated,
on 2 Mar 1942. Redesignated 311th Bom- on I Nov 1952. ANG allotment changed
bardment Group (Dive) in J u l ~ w311th
, in 1954 (withdrawn from Maine on 30
Fighter-Bomber Group in Sep 1943, and Apr and allotted to Vt on I Jun). Ex-
311th Fighter Group in May 1944. tended federal recognition on I Jun 1954.
Trained with V 7 2 aircraft. Moved to SQUADRONS. zj6th: 199-1952. 385th:
India, via Australia, Jul-Sep 1943. As- 1942-1943. 528th (formerly 382d, later
signed to Tenth AF. Operating from 132d) : 19,42-1946; 1951-1952. 52ph (for-
India and using A-36's and P-~I's, the merly 383d, later 133d) : 1942-1946; 1951-
group supported Allied ground forces in 1952. 530th (formerly 384th, later 134th) :
northern Burma; covered bombers that at- 1942-1946; IBI-1952.
tacked Rangoon, Insein, and other targets; STATIONS.Will Rogers Field, Okla, 2
bombed enemy airfields at Myitkyina and Mar 1942; Hunter Field, Ga, 4 Jul 1942;
AIR FORCE COMBAT U N I T M R O U P S 187
Waycross, Ga, 22 Oct 1942-18 Jul 1943; r

-
-
Nawadih, India, 14 Sep 1943; Dinjan,

India, 11 Oct 1943; Tingkawk Sakan,
Burma, 6 Jul 1944; Pungchacheng, China,
28 Aug 1944-14 Dec 1945; Ft Lawton,
Wash, 5-6 Jan 1946. Dow AFB, Maine, I
Feb 1951;Grenier AFB, NH, 23 Apr 1951;
Larson AFB, Wash, 2 Aug 1951-6 Feb
1952.
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Clinton U True,
1942; Lt Col John R Kelly, 10 Aug 1942;
Col Harry R Melton Jr, 26 Nov 1942; Col
Charles G Chandler Jr, 25 Nov 1943;
Col John S Chennault, 12 Feb 1945; Col Oct-Dec 1943, and assigned to Fifth AF.
Gabriel P Disosway, q May 1945; Col Redesignated 312th Bombardment Group
Allen R Springer, 5 Aug 1545-unkn. (Light) in Dec 1943. Began operations
Col George J Labreche, 1951-1952. in New Guinea, flying patrol and escort
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; India- missions with P-40’s. Completed conver-
Burma; China Defensive; China Offen- sion to A-20’s in Feb 1944. Until Nov
sive. 1944, attacked airfields, troop concentra-
tions, gun positions, bridges, and ware-
DECORATIONS. None.
houses on the northern and western coasts
INSIGNE.Shield: Or a tornado issuant
of New Guinea, and also supported amphi-
from base throughout azure, a demi-In-
bious operations on that island and in
dian issuant from chief proper, with war Palau. After moving to the Philippines
bonnet of the like and shootingfrom a bow in Nov 194, provided support for ground
sable a drop bomb gules. Motto: FLJL- troops and struck airfields and transpor-
MINAT-It (He) Strikes as Lightning. tation facilities. Received a DUC for com-
(Approved 13 Nov 1942.) pleting eight strikes against butanol plants
on Formosa from 25 Mar to 4 Apr 1945.
312th BOMBARDMENT GROUP Began transition to B-32’~, and made test
flights over Luzon and Formosa in Jun
Constituted as 312th Bombardment 1945. Redesignated 312th Bombardment
Group (Light) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated Group (Heavy) in Jul 1945. Moved to
on 15 Mar 1942. Redesignated 312th Bom- Okinawa in Aug 1945 and sailed for the
bardment Group (Dive) in Jul 1942. US in Dec. Inactivated on 6 Jan 1946.
Trained with A-3, A-31, A-36, and P-40 Redesignated 312th Bombardment
aircraft. Moved to the Southwest Pacific, Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the
reserve. Activated on 30 Jul 1947. Zn- bomb argent, fire exhaust proper, and a
activated on 27 Jun 1949. branch of olive vert. (Approved 30 Nov
Redesignated 312th Fighter-Bomber 1956.)
Group. Activated on I Oct 1954. As-
signed to Tactical Air Command.
Equipped with F-84’s. Converted to F-
3 13th TROOP CARRIER GROUP
86‘s in 1955.
SQUADRONS.386th: 1942-1945; 1947
1949; I954-. 387th: 1942-1946; 1947-
1949; 1g54-. 388th: 1942-1946; 1947-1949;
1954-. 389th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949.
STATIONS.Bowman Field, Ky, 15 Mar
1942; Will Rogers Field, Okla, Jun 1942;
Hunter Field, Ga, Aug 1942; DeRidder
AAB, La, 20 Feb 1943;Rice AAFld, Calif,
13 Apr 1943; Salinas AAB, Calif, 15 Aug- Constituted as 313th Transport Group
24 Oct 1943; Gusap, New Guinea, c. I Jan on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 2 Mar 1942.
1944; Hollandia, New Guinea, Jun 1944; Redesignated 313th Troop Carrier Group
Tanauan, Leyte, 19Nov 1944;Mangaldan, in Jul 1942. Trained for overseas duty
Luzon, 10 Feb 1945; Floridablanca, Lu- with C-47’s and C-53’s. Moved to North
zon, 19 Apr 1945; Okinawa, 13 Aug-13 Africa, Apr-May 1943, and assigned to
Dec 1945;Vancouver, Wash, 3-6 Jan 1946. Twelfth AF. Trained for the invasion of
Ellington Field, Tex, 30 Jul 1947-27 Jun Sicily and entered combat on the night of
1949. Clovis AFB, NM, I Oct 1954-. g Jul 1943 by dropping paratroops near
COMMANDERS. Col Robert H Strauss, I Gela. Although attacked by ground and
Sep ~ g pLt ; Col Selmon W Wells, 10 Mar naval forces while carrying reinforcements
1945; Col Frank R Cook, c. 25 Aug 1945- to Sicily on the night of 11 Jul, the group
unkn. Lt Col Charles A Appel, 1954; Lt completed the mission and received a
Col John E Vogt,2 Feb 1955; Col Emmett DUC for the performance. Transported
S Davis, 8 Jul ~gyj-. supplies and evacuated wounded in the
CAMPAIGNS.American Theater; Air Mediterranean area until late in Aug when
Offensive, Japan; New Guinea; Western the group moved to Sicily for the invasion
Pacific; Leyte; Luzon. of Italy. Dropped paratroops of 82d Air-
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- borne Division south of Salerno on the
tion: Formosa, 25 Mar-4 Apr 1945. Phil- night of 13 Sep 1943 and flew a reinforce-
ippine Presidential Unit Citation. ment mission the following night. Re-
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure an eagle volant sumed transport activities in the theater
or, carrying with his talons a futuramic until Feb 1944, and then joined Ninth AF
in England. Prepared for the invasion of Redesignated 313th Troop Carrier

France and on D-Day 1944, released para- Group (Medium) . Activated in the US on
troops near Picauville; dropped reinforce- I Feb 1953. Assigned to Tactical Air Com-
ments over the same area on 7 Jun, being mand. Trained with GI 19’s. Znactivated
awarded second DUC for its part in the on 8 Jun 1955.
invasion. Dropped paratroops near SQUADRONS.29th: 1942-1945; 1946-
Arnheim and Nijmegen on 17 Sep during 1949; 1953-1955. 47th: 1942-1945; 1946-
the airborne attack on Holland and re- 1949; 1953-1955. 48th: 1942-1945; 1946-
leased gliders carrying reinforcements to 1949; 1953-1955- 49th: 1942-1945-
that area on 18 and 23 Sep. Moved to STATIONS. Daniel Field, Ga, 2 Mar 1942;
France, Feb-Mar 1945, and received G Bowman Field, Ky, 21 Jun 1942;Florence,
46‘s for the airborne assault across the SC, 4 Aug 1942; Maxton, NC, 13 Dec
Rhine; dropped paratroops of 17th Air- 1942-3 Apr 1943; Oujda, French Moroc-
borne Division near Wesel on 24 Mar. co, g May 1943; Kairouan, Tunisia, 16 Jun
When not engaged in airborne operations 1943; Sciacca, Sicily, 23 Aug 1943;
the group evacuated wounded personnel Trapani/Milo Airfield, Sicily, 3 Oct 1943;
and ex-prisoners of war, and also trans- Folkingham, England, 4 Feb 1944; Achiet,
ported cargo such as ammunition, gasoline, France, 28 Feb-5 Aug 1945; Baer Field,
medical supplies, and food until after V-E Ind, 14 Sep15 Nov 1945. Tulln AB,
Day. Returned to the US, Aug-Sep 1945. Austria, 30 Sep 1946-25 Tun 1947;Langley
Inactivated on 15 Nov 1945. Field, Va, 25 Jun 1947; Bergstrom Field,
Activated in Austria on 30 Sep 1946. Tex, 15 Jul 1947-22 Oct 1948; Fassberg,
Assigned to United States Air Forces in Germany, g Nov 1948-18 Sep 1949.
Europe and equipped with C-47 and C-54 Mitchel AFB, NY, I Feb 1953; Sewart
aircraft. Transferred, without personnel AFB, Tenn, 2 Oct 1953-8 Jun 1955.
and equipment, to the US on 25 Jun 1947 COMMANDERS. Capt Fred W Nelson, 7
and assigned to Tactical Air Command. Mar 1942;Col James J Roberts Jr, 26 Jun
Trained with gliders and C-82’s. Re- 1942;Lt Col William A Filer, 18 Mar 1945;
designated 313th Troop Carrier Group, Lt Col Paul W Stephens, 26 Mar 1945; Lt
(Heavy) in Jul1948. Moved to Germany, Col Carl W Campbell, c. Aug-15 Nov
Oct-Nov 1948, and joined United States 1945. Col Clinton W Davies, 30 Sep 1946;
Air Forces in Europe for participation in Lt Col Walter R Washburn Jr, 15 Aug
the Berlin airlift. Transported cargo such 1947; Col Frank P Bostrom, 3 Dec 1947;
as coal, food, and medicine into West Ber- Lt Col Conway S Hall, unkn-Sep 1949.
lin from Nov 1948 to Sep 1949. Redesig- Col Benton R Baldwin, Feb 1953; Col
nated 313th Troop Carrier Group (Spe- Steward H Nichols, I Oct 1953-1955.
cial) in Feb 1949. Znactivated in Germany CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; Sicily;
on 18 Sep 1949. Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Normandy ;
Northern France; Rhineland; Central naval forces. Took part in the invasion
Europe. of Italy by dropping paratroops and s u p
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- plies near Salerno on 14 and 15 Sep 1943.
tions :Sicily, I I Jul1943; France, [671 Jun Moved to England in Feb 1944 for opera-
1944- tions with Ninth AF. Trained for the
INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend azure and invasion of western Europe. Dropped
gules, the silhouette of a stylized winged paratroops in Normandy on 6 Jun 1944
aircraft or, charged with a mullet of the and flew a resupply and reinforcement
first between six mullets, three and three mission the following day, receiving a
of the third. (Approved 3 Feb 1943.) DUC for these operations. Released para-
troops over Holland during the airborne
3 14th TROOP CARRIER GROUP attack in Sep and flew follow-up missions
to provide reinforcements and supplies.
Moved to France, Feb-Mar 1945. Re-
leased gliders carrying troops and equip-
ment to the Wesel area on Mar 1945
when the Allies launched the airborne as-
sault across the Rhine. Continually trans-
ported freight in the Mediterranean and
European theaters, when neither training
for, nor participating in airborne opera-
tions; hauled supplies such as food, cloth-
ing, gasoline, aircraft parts, and ammuni-
Constituted as 314th Transport Group
tion. Also carried wounded personnel to
on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 2 Mar 1942.
rear-zone hospitals. After V-E Day, evac-
Redesignated 314th Troop Carrier Group
uated Allied prisoners from Germany, and
in Jul 1942. Used C-47's and (2-53's in
later made scheduled flights to transport
preparing for duty overseas. Moved to
freight and personnel in Europe. Trans-
the Mediterranean theater in May 1943
ferred, without personnel and equipment,
and assigned to Twelfth AF for partici-
to the US in Feb 1946.
pation in two airborne operations. Flew
Moved to the Canal Zone, Sep-Oct 1946,
two night missions during the invasion
and assigned to Caribbean Air Command.
of Sicily in Jul 1943: released paratroops
Operated air terminals in the Panama and
of 82d Airborne Division near Gela on g
Antilles areas. Redesignated 314th Troop
Jul; dropped reinforcements in the area
Carrier Group (Heavy) in Jun 1948. Re-
on 11 Jul, receiving a DUC for carrying
turned to the US in Oct 1948 and assigned
out this second mission in spite of bad to Tactical Air Command. Redesignated
weather and heavy attack by ground and 314th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in
Nov 1948. Trained with C-47, C-82, and Tunisia, 26 Jun 1943; Castelvetrano, Sic-
GI19 aircraft. ily, 24 Aug 1943-13 Feb 1944; Saltby,
Moved to Japan, Aug-Sep 1950, and England, Feb 1944; Poix, France, Feb
attached to Far East Air Forces for duty 1945; Villacoublay, France, 15 Oct 1945-
in the Korean War. Operated primarily 15 Feb 1946; Bolling Field, DC, 15 Feb-
with C-119 aircraft. Transported troops Sep 1946; Albrook Field, CZ, I Oct 1946;
and supplies from Japan to Korea and Curundu Heights, CZ, 10 Mar-Oct 1948;
evacuated wounded personnel. Partici- Smyrna AFB, Tenn, 21 Oct 1g48-Aug
pated in two major airborne operations: 1950; Ashiya, Japan, Sep 1950-15 Nov
dropped paratroops and equipment over 1954; Sewart AFB, Tenn, 15 Nov 1954-.
Sunchon in Oct 1950 in support of the UN COMMANDERS.2d Lt L C Lillie, z Mar
assault om Pyongyang; dropped para- 1942; 2d Lt J W Blakeslee, 14 May 1942;
troops over Munsan-ni during the airborne Maj Leonard M Rohrbough, 26 Tun 1942;
attack across the 38th Parallel in Mar 1951. COl Clayton Stiles, g Apr 1943; Lt Col
Remained in Japan after the armistice to Halac G Wilson, 22 Aug 1945; Col Charles
transport supplies to Korea and evacuate W Steinmetz, 29 Nov 1945-c. Feb 1946;
prisoners of war. Col Richard W Henderson, 8 Oct 1948;
Transferred, without personnel and Col William H DeLacey, 27 Aug 1951;
equipment, to the US in Nov 1954. Col David E Daniel, 28 Sep 1951; Lt Col
Manned, and equipped with C-1x9's. Re- Harold L Sommers, I May 1952; Col Wil-
ceived an AFOUA for an airborne exer- liam H DeLacey, Nov 1g54-.
cise, Jan-Feb 1955, when the group trans- CAMPAIGNS. World War ZZ: American
ported elements of a regimental combat Theater; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-
team from Tennessee to Alaska, dropped Arno; Normandy; Northern France;
paratroops over the exercise area, and Rhineland; Central Europe. Korean
completed the return airlift. War: UN Defensive; UN Offensive; CCF
SQUADRONS. 20th: 19461949. 30th: Intervention; 1st UN Counteroffensive;
1942. 3ZSt: 1942. 32d: 1942-1945. CCF Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall
50th: 1942-1946, I949-. 6zs.t: 1943-1945, Offensive ; Second Korean Winter ; Korea
I**. 62d: 1943-1946,194*. 3ozst: 1945- Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Win-
1946. 302d: 1945-1946. p z s t : 1945-1946, ter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953.
1955-. 323d: 1945-1946. 334th: I 9 4 6 DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
1949. tions: Sicily, 11 Jul 1943; France, [67]
STATIONS. Drew Field, Fla, 2 Mar 1942; Jun 1944; Korea, 28 NOV-10 Dec 1950.
Bowman Field, Ky, 24 Jun 1942; Knob- Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Cita-
noster, Mo, 4 Nov 1942; Lawson Field, tion: I Jul 1951-27 Jul 1953. Air Force
Ga, c. 20 Feb-4 May 1943; Berguent, Outstanding Unit Award: 11 Jan-14 Feb
French Morocco, May 1943; Kairouan, '9559
INSIGNE.ShieZd: Or, on clouds in fess, gliders. A detachment was sent to Al-
azure, two boots passant of the field, geria in May 1943, and although not par-
ornamented, gules. Motto: VIRI ticipating in the airborne phase of the
VENIENTE-Men Will Come. (Ap- invasions of Sicily and Italy, it did s u p
proved 17 Aug 1942. This insigne was port those operations by transporting sup-
replaced 17 Jun 1954.) plies in the theater. In Mar 1 9 4 the de-
tachment returned to England and re-
3 15th TROOP CARRIER GROUP joined the group, which had been assigned
to Ninth AF in Oct 1943. Prepared for
the invasion of the Continent, and dropped
paratroops near Cherbourg early on D-
Day in Jun 1944, receiving a DUC for its
action in the Normandy invasion.
Dropped paratroops of 82d Airborne Divi-
sion on 17 Sep 1944 when the Allies
launched the air attack on Holland; flew
reinforcement missions on succeeding
days, landing at Grave on 26 Sep to unload
paratroops and supplies. Released British
paratroops near Wesel during the airborne
assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Fol-
Constituted as 315th Transport Group lowing each airborne operation, the group
on 2 Feb 1942 and activated on 14 Feb. resumed transport activities, hauling cargo
Redesignated 315th Troop Carrier Group such as medical supplies, signal equipment,
in Jul 19q2. Trained for combat opera- rations, and gasoline, and evacuating
tions with G47’s and C-53’~. Departed wounded personnel. Moved to France in
the US, Oct-Nov 1942, for assignment to Apr 1945. Transported cargo and evacu-
Eighth AF in England. Encountering ated prisoners of war until after V-E Day.
bad weather while flying the North At- Moved to Trinidad in May 1945 and as-
lantic route, the air echelon was detained signed to Air Transport Command. Used
for about a month in Greenland, where (2-47’s to transport troops returning to the
it searched for missing aircraft along the US. Inactivated in Trinidad on 31 Jul
east coast and dropped supplies to crews. 1945
After the air and ground echelons were Activated in the US on 19 May 1947.
united in England in Dec, the group be- Apparently was not manned. Inactivated
gan ferrying cargo in the British Isles on 10 Sep 1948.
and training with airborne troops and Redesignated 315th Troop Carrier
Group (Medium). Activated in Japan on
10 Jun 1952. Assigned to Far East Air mandy; Northern France; Rhineland;
Forces for operations in the Korean War. Central Europe. Korean WM: Korea
Used G 4 6 aircraft to participate in the air- Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Win-
lift between Japan and Korea. Trans- ter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953.
ported cargo such as vegetables, clothing, DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
ordnance supplies, and mail; evacuated tion: France, [6] Jun 1944. Republic of
patients and other personnel. Remained Korea Presidential Unit Citation: [ 10 Jun
in the theater after the armistice and con- 19521-27 Jul 1953.
tinued to fly transport missions until 1955. INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a winged pack-
Inactivated in Japan on 18 Jan 1955. ing box bend sinisterwise or. Motto:
SQUADRONS.zgth: 1952-1955. 33d: ADVENIAM-I Will Arrive. ( A p
1942. 34th: 1942-1945; 1947-1948; 1952- proved 22 May 1942.)
1955. 35th: 1942. 43d: 194-1945;1947-
1948; 1952-1955. 54th: 1942. 309th: 316th TROOP CARRIER GROUP
1944-1945. 3~0th: 1944-1945. 344th:
1952-1955.
STATIONS.Olmsted Field, Pa, 14 Feb \
1942; Bowman Field, Ky, 17 Jun 1942; 1
I
,
Florence, SC, 3 Aug-11 Oct 1942; Alder-

maston, England, c. I Dec 1942; Welford, i
England, 6 Nov 1943; Stanhoe, England,
7 Feb 1944; Amiens, France, 6 Apr-May
1945;Waller Field, Trinidad, May-31 Jul
1945. Langley Field, Va, 19 May 1947-
b
10 Sep 1948. Brady AB, Japan, 10 Jun
1952-18 Jan 1955.
COMMANDERS. Capt Thomas J Scho-
field, 14 Feb 1942; Col Hamish McLel- Constituted as 316th Transport Group
land, 17 Apr 1942; Col Howard B Lyon, on 2 Feb 1942 and activated on 14 Feb.
27 Sep 1944; Lt Col Robert J Gibbons, 27 Redesignated 316th Troop Chrier Group
Mar 1~5-unkn. Unkn, May 1~7-Sep in Jul1942. Trained with C-47 and C-53
1948. Lt Col Jack L Crawford, 10 Jun aircraft. Moved to the Mediterranean
1952; Lt Col Gene I Martin, 5 Dec 1952; theater, assigned to Ninth AF, and began
Col Kenneth L Glassburn, 11 Aug 1953; operations, in Nov 1942. Transported
Lt Col Jacob P Sartz Jr, g Nov 1954-18 supplies and evacuated casualties in sup-
Jan 1955. port of the Allied drive across North
CAMPAIGNS. World War ZZ: American Africa. In May 1943 began training for
Theater; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Nor- the invasion of Sicily; dropped paratroops
over the assault area on the night of 9 Jul. nel and equipment, to Japan on 15 Nov
Carried reinforcements to Sicily on 11 Jul 1954. Assigned to Far East Air Forces,
and received a DUC for carrying out that manned, and equipped with GI 19’s.
mission although severely attacked by SQUADRONS. 16th: 1950-1954. j6th:
ground and naval forces. Received an- 1942-. 37th: I942-. 38th: 1942. #h:
other DUC for supporting aerial and 1942-1945. 45th: 1942-1945. 75th: 1945-
ground operations in Egypt, Libya, Tu- 1949,1952-. 77th: 19453946.
nisia, and Sicily, 25 Nov 1942-25Aug 1943, STATIONS.Patterson Field, Ohio, 14
by transporting reinforcements and sup- Feb 1942; Bowman Field, Ky, 17 Jun
plies. Assigned to Twelfth AF and moved 1942;Lawson Field, Ga, 9 Aug 1942;Del
to Sicily to take part in the invasion of Valle, Tex, 29 Sep-12 Nov 1942;Deversoir,
Italy; dropped paratroops over the beach- Egypt, 23 Nov 1942;El Adem, Egypt, 10
head south of the Sele River on the night Dec 1942; Fayid, Egypt, Jan 1943;
of 14 Sep 1943. Transported cargo in the Nouvion, Algeria, 9 May 1943; Guercif,
theater until Feb 1944,then joined Ninth French Morocco, 29 May 1943; Enfida-
AF in England and prepared for the in- ville, Tunisia, 21 Jun 1943;Mazzara, Sicily,
vasion of France. Dropped paratroops 3 Sep 1943;Borizzo, Sicily, 18Oct 1943-12
near Ste-Mere-Eglise on D-Day 1944 and Feb 1944; Cottesmore, England, 15 Feb
flew a reinforcement mission on 7 Tun, re- 1g44-May 1945;Pope Field, NC, 25 May
ceiving a third DUC for these operations. 1945;Greenville AAB, SC, 25 Aug 1947;
During the air attack on Holland in Sep Smyrna AFB, Tenn, 4 Nov 194g-15Nov
1944, dropped paratroops and released 1954;Ashiya, Japan, 15 Nov 1954-.
gliders carrying reinforcements. Dropped COMMANDERS. Col Jerome B McCauley,
paratroops near Wesel on 24 Mar 1945 14 Feb 1942;Lt Col Burton R Fleet, 12
when the Allies made the airborne as- Aug 1943; Col Harvey A Berger, c. 13
sault across the Rhine. Also provided
May 1944;Lt Col Walter R Washburn, 2
transport services in Europe while not en-
Sep 1945;Lt Col Leonard C Fletcher, 17
gaged in airborne operations. Hauled
Sep 1945;Col Jerome B McCauley, 5 Oct
supplies such as ammunition, gasoline,
water, and rations; evacuated wounded 1945;Col Clarence J Galligan, 2 Feb 1946;
personnel to rear-zone hospitals. Lt Col Leroy M Stanton, 31 Sep 1946;Col
Returned to the US in May 1945. Clarence J Galligan, I Nov 1946;Col John
Trained with C-82 and G 1 1 9 aircraft. H Lackey Jr, c. Apr 1947;Col Edgar W
Redesignated 316th Troop Carrier Group Hampton, 20 Sep 1947;Col Norton H Van
(Medium) in Jun 1948,316thTroop Car- Sicklen 111, I Aug 1950;Maj Dwight E
rier Group (Heavy) in Oct 1949, and Maul, 31 Aug 1950;Maj Gordon F Blood,
316th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) 6 Sep 1950;Col Norton H Van Sicklen
in Tan IO~O.
I ,, Transferred. without Derson-
- > - . ~ 111,28 Dec 1950; Col William H DeLacey,
IJun 1952; Col Richard P Carr, Nov 1954; port reinforcements and supplies to Wau,
Col William C Lindley, 19 Mar 1955-. New Guinea, where enemy forces were
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; Egypt- threatening a valuable Allied airdrome.
Libya ; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia ; Exchanged its new C-47’s for old G39’s,
Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern C-47’s, C-49)s, C-do’s, B-17’s, and LB-~o’s
France; Rhineland ; Central Europe. in New Guinea and began operating from
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- Australia, where the group had main-
tions: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Sicily, 25 Nov tained its headquarters, Flew troops and
1942-25 Aug 1943; Sicily, 11 Jul 1943; equipment to New Guinea, established
France, [67]Jun 1944. courier and passenger routes in Australia,
INSIGNE. Shield: Azure, nine parachutes and trained with airborne troops.
argent, three, two, three, and one, all Equipped with C-47’s and moved to New
within a bordure per bend or and gules. Guinea in Sep 1943. Took part in the first
Motto: VALOR WITHOUT ARMS. airborne operation in the Southwest Pa-
(Approved 17 Aug 1951.) cific on 5 Sep, dropping paratroops at
Nadzab, New Guinea, to cut supply lines
3 17th TROOP CARRIER GROUP and seize enemy bases. Until Nov 1944,
transported men and cargo to Allied bases
on New Guinea, New Britain, Guadal-
canal, and in the Admiralty Islands. Also
dropped reinforcements and supplies to
US forces on Noemfoor, 3-4 Jul IN.
After moving to the Philippines in Nov
1944, transported supplies to ground forces
on Luzon, Leyte, and Mindoro, and sup
plied guerrillas on Mindanao, Cebu, and
Panay. Participated in two airborne o p
erations during Feb 1945: on 3 and 4 Feb
Constituted as 317th Transport Group dropped paratroops south of Manila to
on 2 Feb 1942 and activated on 22 Feb. seize highway routes to the city, and on
Redesignated 317th Troop Carrier Group 16 and 17 Feb dropped the 502d Regiment
in Jul 1942. Trained‘ with G47’s. on Corregidor to open Manila Bay to US
Moved to Australia, Dec 1g42-Jan 1943, shipping; received a DUC for the latter
and assigned to Fifth AF. Operated in operation, performed at low altitude over
New Guinea for a short time early in 1943. small drop zones in a heavily defended
Received a DUC for making numerous area. Completed two unusual missions
flights in unarmed planes over the Owen on 12 and 15 Apr 1945 when this troop
Stanley Range, 30 Jan-1 Feb 1943, to trans- carrier organization bombed Carabao
Island with drums of napalm. Dropped 1945; Kimpo, Korea, 31 Oct 1945; Tachi-
part of 511th Regiment near Aparri on 23 kawa, Japan, c. 15 Jan 1g46-c. 21 Sep 1948;
Jun 1945 to split Japanese forces in the Wiesbaden AB, Germany, c. 30 Sep 1948;
Cagayen Valley and prevent a retreat to Celle RAF Station, Germany, 15 Dec
the hills in northern Luzon. Remained 1948-14 Sep 1949. Rhein-Main AB, Ger-
in the theater as part of Far East Air many, 14 Jul 1952; Neubiberg AB, Ger-
Forces after the war; used C-46 and C-47 many, 21 Mar 1g53-.
aircraft, the latter being replaced in 1947 COMMANDERS. Col Samuel V Payne, 22
with C-54's. Flew courier and passenger Feb 1942; Col Robert L Olinger, 21 Jun
routes to Japan, Guam, Korea, and the 1944; Col John H Lackey Jr, 2 Oct 1944;
Philippines, and transported freight and Lt Col Robert I Choate, 31 Aug 1945; Col
personnel in the area. Redesignated 317th Dwight B Schannep, Oct 1945-unkn; Col
Troop Carrier Group (Heavy) in May Marshall S Roth, Jan 1946; Col Othel R
1948. Moved, via the US, to Germany in Deering, Jan 1947; Col Thomas K Hamp-
Sep 1948 and became part of United States ton, 19 May 1948; Lt Col James M John-
Air Forces in Europe for service in the son, 18 Aug 1948; Col Bertram C Harrison,
Berlin airlift. Used C-54's to transport
Oct 1948; Lt Col James M Johnson, 24
coal, food, and other supplies to the block-
Nov 1948; Lt Col Walter E Chambers, 11
aded city. Znactivated in Germany on 14
Mar 1949; Lt Col Robert J DuVal, 13
SeP 1949.
Redesignated 317th Troop Carrier Jun INg-unkn. Col Lucion N Powell,
Group (Medium). Activated in Germany 14 Jul 1952; Lt Col James E Bauley, I
on 14 Jul 1952. Assigned to United States Mar 1954; Col Harry M Pike, May 1g54-.
Air Forces in Europe and equipped with CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Japan ;New
C-119's. Guinea; Northern Solomons; Bismarck
SQUADRONS. 39th: 1942-1949; I952-. Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte;
40th: 1942-1949; I952-. 4ZS$: I942-1949; Luzon.
I952-. 46th: 1942-1949. DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
STATIONS.Duncan Field, Tex, 22 Feb tions: New Guinea, 30 Jan-1 Feb 1943;
1942; Bowman Field, Ky, 19 Tun 1942; Philippine Islands, 16-17 Feb 1945. Philip-
Lawson Field, Ga, 11 Oct 1942; Maxton, pine Presidential Unit Citation.
NC, 3-12 Dec 1942; Townsville, Australia, INSIGNE.Shield: Or issuant from chief
23 Jan 1943; Port Moresby, New Guinea, a dexter arm, fist clenched inflamed prop-
c. 30 Sep 1943; Finschhafen, New Guinea, er, in base a fire of seven tongues of the
Apr 1944; Hollandia, New Guinea, Jun last, on a chief nebuly azure, three piles of
1944; Leyte, 17 Nov 1944; Clark Field, the first. Motto: I GAIN BY HAZARD.
Luzon, c. 17 Mar 1945; Okinawa, zq Aug (Approved 22 Dec 1942.)
=
318th FIGHTER GROUP US, Dec 1~5-Jan1946. Znactiuated on 12
Jan 1946.
Redesignated 102d Fighter Group. Al-
lotted to ANG (Mass) on 24 May 1946.
Extended federal recognition on u Oct
1946. Redesignated 102d Fighter-Inter-
ceptoj Group in Aug 1952.
SQUADRONS. 19th: 1943-1946. Mh:
1942-1943. 72d: 1942-1944. 73d: 19q2-
1 1946. 333d: 1943-1946.
STATIONS.Hickam Field, TH, 15 Oct
1942; Bellows Field, TH, g Feb 1943;
Saipan, Jun 1944; Ie Shim, c. 30 Apr 1945;
Okinawa, Nov-Dec 1945;Ft Lewis, Wash,
11-12 Jan 1946.
COMMANDERS. Col Lorry N Tindal, 20
Oct 1942; Lt Col Charles B Stewart, 3 Mar
Constituted as 318th Pursuit Group (In- I943; cO1 Lewis M Sanders,21 Aug I943;
terceptor) on 2 Feb 1942. Redesignated Lt c O 1 Harry c McAfee, 31 JUl 1945; Maj
318th Fighter Group in May 1942. A& Kramer, 5 Oct 1945; Maj Burton
vated in Hawaii on 15 Oct 1942. Assigned M Woodward, 22 Oct 1945-unkn.
to Seven& AF. Trained and flew patrols, CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Japan;
using P-39, P-40, and P-47 aircraft. Moved Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific;
to the Marianas in Jun 1944. Supported Ryukyus; China Offensive.
ground forces on Saipan, Tinian, and DECORATIONS. None.
Guam; attacked enemy airfields; flew pro- INSIGNE. Shield: The upper part blue,
tective patrols Over US bases; and, using with One small aircraft gray with white
some P-38's acquired in Nov 194, flew trail; the center part a portion of the globe
missions to the Volcano and Truk Islands showing the Northeastern Portion of the
to escort bombers and to attack Japanese Western in Peenand light
bases. Moved to h e Ryukyu Islands in blue with the North Pole in white and
Apr 1945. Used P-47's to bomb and strafe across it the front Part of a gray aircraft
airfields, railroad bridges, and industrial with white outline and cockpit, firing
plants in Japan, escort bombers to China, three black rockets, tail flashes red, trails
and provide air defense for US bases in the white, all headed toward upper right; in
Ryukyus. Assigned to Eighth AF in Aug lower part on a bank of white clouds two
1945, shortly after V-J Day. Moved to the small black aircraft climbing vertically, all
within a red border. Motto: OMNIS VIR capital. Received another DUC for strik-
TIGRIS-Every Man a Tiger. (Approved ing marshalling yards in Florence on 11
11 Jan 1954.) Mar 1944 to disrupt rail communications
between that city and Rome. Received
319th BOMBARDMENT GROUP the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for
action in preparation for and in support
Constituted as 319th Bombardment of the Allied offensive in Italy, APr-JU
Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942 and. 1944- From Jul to Dec 1944, bombed
activated on 26 Jun. Trained with B-26's. bridges in the Po Valley, supported the
Moved via England to the Mediterranean invasion of Southern France, hit targets
theater, Aug-Nov 1942,with part of the in northern Italy, and flew some missions
group landing at Arzeu beach during the to Yugoslavia, converting in the mean-
invasion of North Africa on 8 Nov. time, in Nov, to B-25 aircraft. Returned
Operated with Twelfth AF until Jan 1945, to the US in Jan 1945. Redesignated
except for a brief assignment to Fifteenth, 319th Bombardment Group (Light) in
Nov 1943-Jan 1944. Began combat in Feb. Trained with A-26 aircraft. Moved
Nov 1942, attacking airdromes, harbors, to Okinawa, Apr-Jul 1945,and assigned
rail facilities, and other targets in Tunisia to Seventh AF. Flew missions to Japan
until Feb 1943. Also struck enemy and China, attacking airdromes, shipping,
shipping to prevent supplies and reinforce- marshalling yards, industrial centers, and
ments from reaching the enemy in North other objectives. Returned to the US,
Africa. After a period of reorganization Nov-Dec 1945. Inactivated on 18 Dec
and training, Feb-Jun 1943,the group re-
1945.
sumed combat and participated in the Allotted to the reserve. Activated on
reduction of Pantelleria and the campaign 27 Dec 1946. Inactivated on 2 Sep 1949.
for Sicily. Directed most of its attacks
Allotted to the reserve. Activated on
against targets in Italy after the fall of
10 Oct 1949. Ordered to active duty on
Sicily in Aug 1943. Hit bridges, air-
10 Mar 1951. Inactivated on 22 Mar 1951.
dromes, marshalling yards, viaducts, gun
sites, defense positions, and other objec- Redesignated 319th Fighter-Bomber
tives. Supported forces at Salerno in Sep Group. Allotted to the reserve. Activated
1943 and at Anzio and Cassino during on 18 May 1955.
Jan-Mar 1944. Carried out interdictory SQUADRONS. 46th: 1947-1949; 1949-
operations in central Italy to aid the ad- 19.51; 1955-. 50th: 1947-1949; 1949-1951.
vance to Rome, being awarded a DUC for 5ZSt: 1947-1949; Ip49-1951. 59th: 1947-
a mission on 3 Mar 1944when the group, 1949; 1949-1951- 437th: 1942-1945.
carefully avoiding religious and cultural 438th: 1942-1945. 439th: 1942-1945.
monuments, bombed rail facilities in the 440th: 1942-1945.
STATIONS.Barksdale Field, La, 26 Jun Guerre with Palm: Apr, May, and Jun
1942; Harding Field, La, 8-27 Aug 1942; 1944.
Shipdham, England, 12 Sep 1942; Hors- INSIGNE.None.
ham St Faith, England, c. 4 Oct 1942; St-
Leu, Algeria, c. 11 Nov 1942; Tafaraoui, 320th BOMBARDMENT GROUP
Algeria, 18 Nov 1942; Maison Blanche,
Algeria, q Nov 1942; Telergma, Algeria,
c. 12 Dec 1942; Oujda, French Morocco,
3 Mar 1943; Rabat Sale, French Morocco,
25 Apr 1943; Sedrata, Algeria, I Jun 1943;
Djedeida, Tunisia, 26 Jun 1943; Sardinia,
c. I Nov 1943; Corsica, c. 21 Sep 1944-1
Jan 1945; Bradley Field, Conn, 25 Jan
1945; Columbia AAB, SC, c. 28 Feb-27
Apr 1945; Kadena, Okinawa, c. 2 Jul1945;
Machinato, Okinawa, 21 Jul-21 Nov 1945;
Ft Lewis, Wash, 17-18 Dec 1945. Mitchel Constituted as 320th Bombardment
Field, NY, 27 Dec 1946; Reading Mun Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942 and
Aprt, Pa, 27 Jun-2 Sep 1949. Birming- activated on 23 Jun. Trained with B-26
ham Mun Aprt, Ala, 10 Oct 1949-22 Mar aircraft. Most of the group moved to
1951. Memphis Mun Aprt, Tenn, 18 May North Africa via England, Aug-Dec 1942;
1955-. crews flew their planes over the South
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Alvord Ruther- Atlantic route and arrived in North Afri-
ford, 26 Jun 1942; Lt Col-Sam W Agee ca, Dec 1g42-Jan 1943. Began combat
Jr, 27 Nov 1942; Maj Joseph A Cunning- with Twelfth AF in Apr 1943 and oper-
ham, 5 Dec 1942;Lt Col Wilbur W Aring, ated from bases in Algeria, Tunisia, Sar-
c. 11 Jan 1943; Col Gordon H Austin, 6 dinia, and Corsica until Nov 1944. During
Jul 1943;Col Joseph R Holzapple, 13 Aug the period Apr-Jul 1943, flew missions
1943-1945. against enemy shipping in the approaches
CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME Thea- to Tunisia, attacked installations in Sar-
ter; Algeria-French Morocco; Tunisia; Sic- dinia, participated in the reduction of Pan-
ily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; telleria, and supported the invasion of
Southern France; North Apennines; Air Sicily. Then bombed marshalling yards,
Offensive, Japan ; Ryukyus ; China Off en- bridges, airdromes, road junctions, via-
sive. ducts, harbors, fuel dumps, defense posi-
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- tions, and other targets in Italy. Support-
tions: Rome, Italy, 3 Mar 1944; Florence, ed forces at Salerno and knocked out tar-
Italy, 11 Mar 1944. French Croix de gets to aid the seizure of Naples and the
crossing of the Volturno River. Flew mis- 1942-1945; 947-1949. w h : 1942-1945;

sions to Anzio and Cassino and engaged 1947-1949-
in interdictory operations in central Italy STATIONS.MacDill Field, Fla, 23 Jun
in preparation for the advance toward 1942; Drane Field, Fla, 8-28 Aug 1942;
Rome. Received the French Croix de Hethel, England, 12 Sep 1942; La Senia,
Guerre with Palm for action in prepara- Algeria, c. 2 Dec 1942; Tafaraoui, Algeria,
tion for and in support of Allied offensive 28 Jan 1943; Montesquieu, Algeria, g Apr
operations in central Italy, Apr-Jun 1944. 1943; Massicault, Tunisia, 29 Jun 1943; El
Received a DUC for a mission on 12 May Bathan, Tunisia, 28 Jul 1943; Sardinia, c.
1944 when, in the face of an intense anti- I Nov 1943; Corsica, c. 18 Sep 1944;
aircraft barrage, the group bombed enemy Dijon/Longvic, France, 11 Nov 1944;
troop concentrations near Fondi in sup- Dole/Tavaux, France, I Apr 1945; Her-
port of Fifth Army’s advance toward zogenaurach, Germany, 18 Jun 1945;
Rome. From Jun to Nov 1 9 4 operations Clastres, France, c. Oct-Nov 1945; Camp
included interdictory missions in the Po Myles Standish, Mass, 3-4 Dec 1945.
Valley, support for the invasion of South- Mitchel Field, NY, g Jul1g47-27 Jun 1949.
ern France, and attacks on enemy com- COMMANDERS. Maj John F Batjer, I Jul
munications in northern Italy. Moved 1942; Col John A Hilger, c. 5 Aug 1942;
to France in Nov 1944 and bombed Col Flint Garrison Jr, 25 Oct 1942; Lt Col
bridges, rail lines, gun positions, barracks, John Fordyce, 15 Feb 1943; Col Karl E
supply points, ammunition dumps, and Baumeister, 25 May 1943; Lt Col Stanford
other targets in France and Germany until
Gregory, 25 Sep 1943; Col Eugene B
V-E Day. Received a DUC for opera-
Fletcher, 25 Oct 1943; Col Ashley E Wool-
tions on 15 Mar 1945 when the group
ridge, 2 Nov 1944; Lt Col Blaine B
bombed pillboxes, trenches, weapon pits,
and roads within the Siegfried Line to Campbell, 28 May 1~5-unkn.
enable a breakthrough by Seventh Army. CAMPAIGNS.Air Combat, EAME
Moved to Germany in Jun 1945 and par- Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia ;
ticipated in the disarmament program, Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern France;
Returned to the US, Nov-Dec. Inacti- North Apennines; Rhineland; Central
vated on 4 Dec 1945. Europe.
Redesignated 320th Bombardment DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. tions: Italy, 12 May 1944; ETO, 15 Mar
Activated on g Jul 1947. Znactivated on 27 1945. French Croix de Guerre with Palm:
Jun 1949. Apr, May, and Jun 1944.
SQUADRONS. #‘St: 1942-1945; 1947- INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, an alligator
I P Q ~ .qqzd: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. ~ 3 d : volant in bend or, winged and armed
gules, speed lines sinisterward of the sec- Rome during Jan-Jun 1944, the invasion
ond. Motto: FOREVER BATTLING. of Southern France in Aug 1944, and the
(Approved 3 Mar 1943. This insigne was Allied operations in northern Italy from
replaced 22 Jan 1953.) Sep 1944 to Apr 1945. Received two
DUC's: for completing a raid on an air-
321st BOMBARDMENT GROUP drome near Athens, 8 Oct 1943, in spite
of intense flak and attacks by numerous
enemy interceptors; and for bombing a
battleship, a cruiser, and a submarine in
Toulon harbor on 18 Aug 1944 to assist
the Allied invasion of Southern France.
Znactivated in Italy on 12 Sep 1945.
Redesignated 321st Bombardment
Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve.
Activated in the US on 29 Jun 1947. Inac-
tivated on 27 Jun 1949.
SQUADRONS. #5th: 1942-1945; 1947-
Constituted as 321st Bombardment 1949. 446th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949-
Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942 and 447th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 448th:
activated on 26 Jun. Prepared for over- 1942-1945 ; 1947-1949.
seas duty with B-25's. Moved to the STATIONS.Barksdale Field, La, 26 Jun
Mediterranean theater, Jan-Mar 1943, and 1942; Columbia AAB, SC, c. I Aug 1942;
assigned to Twelfth AF. Engaged pri- Walterboro, SC, Sep 1942; DeRidder
marily in support and interdictory opera- AAB, La, c. I Dec 1942-21 Jan 1943; Ain
tions, bombing marshalling yards, rail M'lila, Algeria, 12 Mar 1943; Souk-el-
lines, highways, bridges, viaducts, troop Arba, Tunisia, c. I Tun 1943; Soliman,
concentrations, gun emplacements, ship- Tunisia, 8 Aug 1943; Grottaglie, Italy, 3
ping, harbors, and other objectives in Oct 1943;Amendola, Italy, c. 20 Nov 1943;
North Africa, France, Sicily, Italy, Bul- Vincenzo Airfield, Italy, 14 Jan 1944;
garia, Yugoslavia, and Greece. Sometimes Gaudo Airfield, Italy, Feb 1944; Corsica,
dropped propaganda leaflets behind 23 Apr 1944; Falconara, Italy, c. I Apr
enemy lines. Took part in the Allied 1945; Pomigliano, Italy, c. Sep12 Sep
operations against Axis forces in North 1945. Mansfield, Ohio, 29 Jun 1947-27 Jun
Africa during Mar-May 1943, the reduc- 1949.
tion of Pantelleria and Lampedusa in Jun, COMMANDERS. Unkn, Jun-Aug 1942;
the invasion of Sicily in Jul, the landing at Col William C Mills, 3 Aug 1942; Col
Salerno in Sep, the Allied advance toward Robert D Knapp, Sep 1942; Lt Col Charles
T Olmsted, 5 Dec 1943; Lt Col Peter H France, and Belgium. Began combat on
Remington, 18 Mar 1944; Col Richard H 14 May when it dispatched 12 planes for
Smith, 26 Mar 1944; Lt Col Charles F a minimum-level attack on a power plant
Cassidy Jr, 28 Jan 1945-unkn. in Holland. Sent 11 planes on a similar
CAMPAIGNS.Air Combat, EAME mission three days later: one returned
Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; early; the others, with 60 crewmen, were
Rome-Amo; Southern France; North lost to flak and interceptors. Trained for
Apennines; Central Europe; Po Valley. medium-altitude operations for several
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- weeks and resumed combat on 17 Jul 1943.
tions: Athens, Greece, 8 Oct 1943; France, Received a DUC for the period 14 May
18 Aug 1944. 1943-24 Jul 1944, during which its combat
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, six drop bombs, performance helped to prove the effective-
three, two, and one or. Motto: PERSE- ness of the medium bombers. Enemy air-
VERANCE, VISION, AND DUTY. fields in France, Belgium, and Holland
(Approved 7 Nov 1942. This insigne was provided the principal targets from Jul
replaced 30 Aug 1954.) 1943 through Feb 1944, but the group also
attacked power stations, shipyards, con-
322d BOMBARDMENT GROUP struction works, marshalling yards, and
other targets. Beginning in Mar the 322d
bombed railroad and highway bridges, oil
tanks, and missile sites in preparation for
the invasion of Normandy; on 6 Jun 1944
it hit coastal defenses and gun batteries;
afterward, during the Normandy cam-
paign, it pounded fuel and ammunition
dumps, bridges, and road junctions. Sup-
ported the Allied offensive at Caen and
the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul. Aided
the drive of Third Army across France in
Constituted as p2d Bombardment
Aug and Sep. Bombed bridges, road junc-
Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942. Acti- tions, defended villages, and ordnance
vated on 17 Jul 1942. Trained with B-26
depots in the assault on the Siegfried Line,
aircraft. Part of the group moved over-
Oct-Dec 1944. Flew a number of missions
seas, Nov-Dec 1942; planes and crews fol-
against railroad bridges during the Battle
lowed, Mar-Apr 1943. Operated with
of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Then
Eighth AF until assignment to Ninth in
concentrated on communications, mar-
Oct 1943. Served in combat, May 1943- shalling yards, bridges, and fuel dumps
Apr 1945, operating from England, until its last mission on q Apr 1945.
Moved to Germany in Jun 1945. Engaged DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-

in inventorying and disassembling Ger- tion: ETO, 14 May 1943-24 J u l ~ w .
man Air Force equipment and facilities. INSIGNE.Shield: Tierce per fess azure
Returned to the US, Nov-Dec 1945. In- and or, five piles, three conjoined between
activated on 15 Dec 1945. two transposed counterchanged. Motto:
Redesignated 322d Bombardment RECTO FACIENDO NEMINEM
Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. TIMEO-I Fear None in Doing Right.
Activated on g Aug 1947. Inactivated on
(Approved 9 Jan 1943.)
27 Jun 1949.
Redesignated 322d Fighter-Day Group.
Activated on I Jul1g54. Assigned to Tac- 323d BOMBARDMENT GROUP
tical Air Command. Equipped first with
F-86 and later with F-100 aircraft.
SQUADRONS. 35th: 1947-1949. #&'
I
7
I
1942-1945; 1947-1949. 450th: 1942-1945;
1947-1949; I954-. 45zst: 1942-1945; 1947-
1949; 1954-. 452d: 1942-1945; 1947-9949;
I954-.
STATIONS.MacDill Field, Fla, 17 Jul
1942; Drane Field, Fla, 22 SepNov 1942;
Rougham, England, c. I Dec 1942; Great
Saling, England, Jan 1943;Beauvais/Tille,
France, Sep 14; Le Culot, Belgium, Mar
Constituted as 323d Bombardment
1945; Fritzlar, Germany, Jun-Sep 1945;
Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942. Acti-
Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 14-15 Dec 1945.
Reading AAFld, Pa, g Aug 1947-27 Jun vated on 4 Aug 1942. Trained with B-26's.
Moved to England, Apr-Jun 1943. As-
1949. Foster AFB, Tex, I Jul 1g54-.
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Jacob J Brogger, signed first to Eighth AF and, in Oct
c. 8 Aug 1942; Col Robert R Selway Jr, 1943, to Ninth AF. Began operations in
c. 21 Oct 1942; Lt Col John F Batjer, c. Jul 1943, attacking marshalling yards, air-
22 Feb 1943; Lt Col Robert M Stillman, c. dromes, industrial plants, military instal-
17 Mar 1943; Col Glenn C Nye, c. 19 May lations, and other targets in France,
1943; Col John S Samuel, Jul 1 9 4 ; Maj Belgium, and Holland. Then carried out
John L Egan, c. 12 Jul 1945-unkn. Col numerous attacks on V-weapon sites along
Carlos M Talbott, I Jul 1g3-. the coast of France. Attacked airfields at
CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe; Leeuwarden and Venlo in conjunction
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; with the Allied campaign against the Ger-
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. man Air Force and aircraft industry dur-
ing Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Helped 1955-- 455th: 1942-1945; 1949-1951 ;
to prepare for the invasion of Normandy I955-. 456th: 1942-1945; 1947-1951.
by bombing coastal defenses, marshalling STATIONS.Columbia AAB, SC, 4 Aug
yards, and airfields in France; struck roads 1942; MacDill Field, Fla, 21 Aug 1942;
and coastal batteries on 6 Tun 1944. Par- Myrtle Beach Bombing Range, SC, 2 Nov
ticipated in the aerial barrage that assisted 1942-25 Apr 1943; Horham, England, 12
the breakthrough at St LA in Jul. Flew May 1943; Earls Colne, England, 14 Jun
its first night mission after moving to the 1943; Beaulieu, England, 21 Jul 1944;
Continent in Aug, striking enemy batteries Lessay, France, 26 Aug 1944; Chartres,
in the region of St Malo. Carried out other France, 21 Sep 1944; Laon/Athies, France,
night missions during the month to hit 13 Oct 1944; Denain/Prouvy, France, g
fuel and ammunition dumps. Eliminated Feb 1945; Gablingen, Germany, 15 May
strong points at Brest early in Sep and 1945; Landsberg, Germany, 16 Jul 1945;
then shifted operations to eastern France Clastres, France, Oct-Dec 1945; Camp
to support advances against the Siegfried Myles Standish, Mass, 11-12 Dec 1945.
Line. Received a DUC for actions (24-27 Tinker Field, Okla, 9 Sep 1947-17 Mar
Dec 1944) during the Battle of the Bulge 1951. Bunker Hill AFB, Ind, 8 Aug
when the group effectively hit transparta- 19.55-*
tion installations used by the enemy to COMMANDERS. Col Herbert B Thatcher,
bring reinforcements to the Ardennes. Sep 1942; Col Wilson R Wood, c. 13 Nov
Flew interdictory missions into the Ruhr 1943; Col Rollin M Winingham, 14 Feb
and supported the drive into Germany by 1945; Lt Col George 0 Commenator,
attacking enemy communications. Ended Aug 1945-unkn. Col John C Haygood,
combat in Apr 1945 and moved to Ger- 1955-.
many in May to participate in the dis- CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe;
armament program. Returned to the US Normandy ; Northern France; Rhine-
in Dec. Inactivated on 12 Dec 1945. land; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Redesignated 323d Bombardment Group DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
(Light). Allotted to the reserve. Acti- tion: Belgium and Germany, 24-27 Dec
va.ted on 9 Sep 1947. Ordered to active 1944.
duty on 10 Mar 1951. Inactivated on 17 INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend gules and
Mar 1951. azure, a bend between a mailed dexter
Redesignated 323d Fighter-Bomber gauntlet grasping a dagger and the winged
Group. Activated on 8 Aug 1955. As- hat of Mercury argent. Motto: VINCA-
signed to Tactical Air Command. MUS SINE TIMORIS-Without Fear
SQUADRONS. 453d: 1942-1945; 194y We Conquer. (Approved 16 Feb 1943.
1951; 1955-* 454th: 1942-1945; 1949-1951; This insigne was replaced 21 Jun 1957.)
324th FIGHTER GROUP and protected convoys during the assault

on Anzio in Jan 1944. Aided the Allied
offensive in Italy during May 1944, receiv-
ing another DUC for action from 12 to 14
May when the group bombed an enemy
position on Monastery Hill (Casino), at-
k
tacked troops massing on the hill for a
counterattack, and hit a nearby stronghold
to force the surrender of an enemy garri-
son. Continued to give close support to
vy ground forces until the fall of Rome in Jun
1944. Converted to P-47’s in Jul and sup-
ported the assault on southern France in
Aug by dive-bombing gun positions,
bridges, and radar facilities, and by patrol-
. .Jf
ling the combat zone. Attacked such
Constituted as 324th Fighter Group on targets as motor transports, rolling stock,
24 Jun 1942. Activated on 6 Jul 1942. rail lines, troops, bridges, gun emplace-
Moved to the Middle East, Oct-Dec 1942, ments, and supply depots after the inva-
for operations with Ninth AF. Trained sion, giving tactical support to Allied
for several weeks with P-40 aircraft. forces advancing through France. Aided
While headquarters remained in Egypt, the reduction of the Colmar bridgehead,
squadrons of the group began operating Jan-Feb 1945, and supported Seventh
with other organizations against the Army’s drive through the Siegfried de-
enemy in Tunisia. Reunited in Jun 1943, fenses in Mar. Received the French Croix
the 324th group engaged primarily in es- de Guerre with Palm for supporting
cort and patrol missions between Tunisia French forces during the campaigns for
and Sicily until Jul1943. Received a DUC Italy and France, 1944-1945. Moved to
for action against the enemy from Mar the US, Oct-Nov 1945. Inactivated on 7
1943 to the invasion of Sicily. Trained Nov 1945.
during Jul-Oct 1943 for operations with Redesignated 103d Fighter Group. Al-
Twelfth AF. Resumed combat on 30 Oct lotted to ANG (Conn) on 24 May 1946.
1943 and directed most of its attacks Extended federal recognition on 7 Aug
against roads, bridges, motor transports, 1946. Ordered to active duty on I Mar
supply areas, rolling stock, gun positions, 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Com-
troop concentrations, and rail facilities in mand. Redesignated 103d Fighter-Inter-
Italy until Aug 1944. Patrolled the beach ceptor Group in Mar 1951. Used F-47
aircraft. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Re- INSIGNE.Shield: Or, a representation of

turned to the control of ANG (Conn) on a Connecticut colonial secretary running
I Dec 1952. with the Colony’s Charter in his left hand
SQUADRONS. 118th: 1951-1952. 3Z#h: proper (hat, coat, and breeches-blue;
1942-1945. 315th: 1942-1945. 316th: hair, vest, tie, shoes, and stockings-black ;
1942-1945. face, hands, shirt collar, shoe buckles, and
STATIONS.Mitchel Field, NY, 6 Jul charter-white) ; all within a diminished
1942; Baltimore Mun Aprt, Md, 6 Jul-28 bordure tri-parted black, white, and black,
Oct 1942; El Amiriya, Egypt, Dec 1942; the white part separated to chief to form in
El Kabrit, Egypt, 2 Feb 1943; Kairouan, code the letters FEA. (Approved I May
Tunisia, 2 Jun 1943; El Haouaria, Tunisia, 19532
c. 18 Jun 1943; Menzel Heurr, Tunisia, 3
Oct 1943; Cercola, Italy, 25 Oct 1943; 325th FIGHTER GROUP
Pignataro Maggiore, Italy, 6 May 1944;
Le Banca Airfield, Italy, 6 Jun 1944; I
Montalto Di Castro, Italy, 14 Jun 1944;

Corsica, 19 Jul 1 9 4 ; Le Luc, France, 25
i
Aug 1944; Istres, France, 2 Sep 1944;
Amberieu, France, 6 Sep 1944; Tavaux,
France, m Sep 1944; Luneville, France,
4 Jan 1945; Stuttgart, Germany, 8 May-
20 Oct 1945; Camp Shanks, NY, &/ Nov
1945. Bradley Field, Conn, I Mar IMI;
Suffolk County Aprt, NY, I Jun 1951-6
Feb 1952.
COMMANDERS. Col William K Mc-
Nown, c. Jul 1942;Col Leonard C Lydon, Constituted as 325th Fighter Group on
25 Dec 1943; Lt Col Franklin W Horton, q Jun 1942. Activated on 3 Aug 1942.
23 May-Nov 1945. Col Glenn T Eagles- Trained with P-40’s. Moved to North
ton, 1g51-c. Feb 1952. Africa during Jan-Feb 1943. Assigned to
CAMPAIGNS. Tunisia; Sicily; Naples- Twelfth AF. Entered combat on 17 Apr.
Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Northern Escorted medium bombers, flew strafing
France; Southern France; Rhineland; missions, and made sea sweeps from bases
Central Europe. in Algeria and Tunisia. Participated in
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- the defeat of Axis forces in Tunisia, the
tions: North Africa and Sicily, Mar-[ Jul1 reduction of Pantelleria, and the conquest
1943; Cassino, 12-14 May 1944. French of Sicily. Received a DUC for action over
Croix de Guerre with Palm. Sardinia on 30 Jul 1943 when the group,
using diversionary tactics, forced a su- 61’s in 1947, F-82’s in 1948, and F-94’~
perior number of enemy planes into the in 1950. Znactivuted on 6 Feb 1952.
air and destroyed more than half of them. Redesignaed 325th Fighter Group (Air
Flew no combat missions from the end of Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955.
Sep to mid-Dec 1943, a period in which Assigned to Air Defense Command and
the group changed aircraft and moved to equipped with F-86 aircraft.
Italy. Began operations with Fifteenth SQUADRONS. 317th: 1942-1945; 1947-
AF on 14 Dec, and afterward engaged 1952; I955-. 318th: 1942-1945; 1947-
primarily in escort operations, using P-47’s 1952; I955-. 319th: 1942-1945; 1947-1952.
until they were replaced by P-51’s in May STATIONS.Mitchel Field, NY, 3 Aug
1944. Escorted heavy bombers during 1942; Hillsgrove, RI, c. 31 Aug 1942-23
long-range missions to attack the Messer- Jan 1943; Tafaraoui, Algeria, 28 Feb 1943;
schmitt factory at Regensburg, the Daim- Montesquieu, Algeria, 5 Apr 1943; Souk-
ler-Benz tank factory at Berlin, oil re- el-Khemis, Tunisia, 3 Jun 1943; Mateur,
fineries at Vienna, and other targets, such Tunisia, 19 Jun 1943; Soliman, Tunisia,
as airfields, marshalling yards, and com- 4 Nov 1943; Foggia, Italy, 11 Dec 1943;
munications in Italy, France, Germany, Lesina, Italy, 29 Mar 1944; Rimini, Italy,
Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Ru- c. 5 Mar 1945; Mondolfo, Italy, Apr 1945;
mania, and Yugoslavia. Also covered op- Vincenzo Airfield, Italy, Ju1-g Oct 1945;
erations of reconnaissance aircraft and Camp Kilmer, NJ, 26-28 Oct 1945. Mit-
strafed such targets as trains, vehicles, and chel Field, NY, 21 May 1947; Hamilton
airfields. Received second DUC for a Field, Calif, 2 Dec 1947; Moses Lake AFB,
mission on 30 Jan 1944 when the group Wash, 26 Nov 1948; McChord AFB,
flew more than 300 miles at very low Wash, 23 Apr 1950-6 Feb 1952. McChord
altitude to surprise the enemy fighters that
AFB, Wash, 18 Aug 1g55-.
were defending German airdromes near
COMMANDERS. Maj Leonard C Lydon,
Villaorba; by severely damaging the
enemy’s force, the 325th group enabled 3 Aug 1942; Lt Col Gordon H Austin, 10
heavy bombers to strike vital targets in the Dec 1942; Lt Col Robert L Baseler, 5 Jul
area without encountering serious opposi- 1943; Col Chester L Sluder, I Apr 1944;
tion. Continued combat operations until Lt Col Ernest H Beverly, 11 Sep 1944; Col
May 1945. Returned to the US in Oct. Felix L Vidal, 2 Mar 1945; Lt Col Wyatt
Inactivated on 28 Oct 1945. P Exum, 6 Jun 1945; Lt Col Wilhelm C
Activated on 21 May 1947. Organized Freudenthal, c. 30 Aug 1945-unkn. Unkn,
as an all-weather fighter group. Redesig- May-Dec 1947; Lt Col Gordon D Tim-
nated 325th Fighter Group (All Weather) mons, 2 Dec 1947; Col Harold E Kofahl,
in May 1498, and 325th Fighter-Interceptor c. Jan 1948; Lt Col Walter C Hearne,
Group in May 1951. Equipped with P- 1948; Lt Col Kermit A Tyler, 6 Mar 1950;
Col George W Prentice, 27 Mar 1950- pilots for combat duty in P-47’s. Dis-
unkn; Col Raymond K Gallagher, 1951- banded on 10Apr 1944.
c. Feb 1952. Unkn, 1955-. Reconstituted and redesignated 326th
CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME Thea- Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun
ter; Air Offensive, Europe; Tunisia; Sic- 1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. A s
ily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; signed to Air D e f e n s e Command.
Normandy; Northern France; Southern Equipped with F-86‘~.
France; North Apennines; Rhineland; SQUADRONS. 320th: 1942-1943. jzzst:
Central Europe; Po Valley. 1942-1944; 1g55-. 322d: 1942-1944. +pd:
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita. 1943. 538tli: 1943-1944. 539th: 1943-
tions: Sardinia, 30 Jul 1943; Italy, 30 Jan 1944.
1944. STATIONS.Mitchel Field, NY, 19 Aug
INSIGNE.Shield: Per fess, sable and 1942; Bradley Field, Conn, I Sep 1942;
azure, a fess arched, argent, upper line Westover Field, Mass, I Nov 1942; Sey-
nebuly, over all a lightning flash or, issu- mour Johnson Field, NC, 13 Oct 1943-10
ing from dexter chief. Motto: LOCARE Apr 1944. Paine AFB, Wash, 18 Aug
E T LIQUIDARE-Locate and Liquidate. 1955-.
(Approved I Oct 1951.) COMMANDERS. Lt Col Gilbert L Meyers,
c. 24 Aug 1942; Lt Col William S Steele,
c. 14 Jun 1943-10 Apr 1944. Col Ira F
326th FIGHTER GROUP Wintermute, 1g55-.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a cockatrice
volant or crested and beaked gules.
Motto: FORTITER E T SINCERE-
Boldly and Sincerely. (Approved 31 Dec
19424
327th FIGHTER GROUP

Constituted as 326th Fighter Group on Constituted as 327th Fighter Group on
q Jun 1942. Activated on 19 Aug 1942. 24 Jun 1942. Activated on 25 Aug 1942.
Assigned to First AF. Became part of the Assigned to First AF. Became part of the
air defense force and also served as an air defense force and also served as an
operational training unit. Later became operational training unit, using P-40’s
a replacement training unit, preparing until Feb 1943 when they were replaced
,IR FORCE COMBAT UNITS-GROUPS 209
328th FIGHTER GROUP
r
7
by P-47's. In 1944 began training replace- \ *i
ment pilots for combat duty. Disbanded -_ -;* , F - L , u ~ o ~ l > ,
FA:,T
z-
on 10 Apr 1944. Constituted as 328th Fighter Group on

Reconstituted and redesignated 327th 24 Jun 1942. Activated on 10 Jul 1942.
Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun Assigned to Fourth AF. Served as part
1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. As- of the air defense force and also trained
signed to Air Defense Command and replacement pilots in P-39 aircraft. Dis-
equipped with F-86's. banded on 31 Mar 1944.
SQUADRONS. 323d: 1942-1944; I955-. Reconstituted and redesignated 328th
324th: 1942-1944. 325th: 1942-1944; Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun
1955-* 443d: 943-1944. 1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. As-
STATIONS.Mitchal Field, NY, 25 Aug signed to Air Defense Command.
1942; Philadelphia Mun Aprt, Pa, 27 Aug Equipped with F-86's.
1942; Richmond AAB, Va, c. 2.2 Sept SQUADRONS. 326th: 1942-1944 ; I%5-.
1942-10 Apr 1944. Truax Field, Wis, 18 327th: 1942-1944. 329th: 1942-1944.
Aug 1955-0 444th: 1943-1944.
COMMANDERS. Col Nelson P Jackson, STATIONS. Hamilton Field, Calif, 10
unkn; Lt Col Frederick J Nelander, unkn. Jul 1942-31 Mar 1944. Grandview AFB,
Col Oris B Johnson, ~gyj-. Mo, 18 Aug 1955-.
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. COMMANDERS. Maj F r e d e r i c k D
DECORATIONS. None. Granbo, 10Jul1942; Lt Col Harry N Ren-
INSIGNE.Shield: Or, the head of the shaw, Ir Jan 1943; Lt Col Milton B
mythical Gorgon Medusa affronte azure, Adams, 7 Jul 1943; Lt Col Kyle L Riddle,
armed gules. Motto: NE DEFICIT 13 Nov 1943; Col J C Crosthwaite, 4 Jan
ANIMUS-Courage Does Not Fail Me. 1944; Col John W Weltman, 31 Jan-31
(Approved 27 Feb 1943. This insigne was
Mar 1944. Col Richard F Weltzin, 19yj-.
replaced 16 May 1958.) CAMPAIGNS. American Theater.
DECORATIONS. None. dale, Calif, 11 Sep 1942; Ontario AAFld,
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a natural pan- Calif, 27 Feb-31 Mar 1944. Stewart AFB,
ther rampant affronte or, incensed proper. NY, 18 Aug 1g55-.
Motto: FAST AND FURIOUS. (Ap- COMMANDERS. Maj Ernest W Keating,
proved 23 Feb 1943. This insigne was re- 12 Jul 1942; Maj Harold E Kofahl, 8 Nov
placed 24 Nov 1958.) 1942; Maj Leo F Dusard, 18 Dec 1942; Lt
Col Paul W Blanchard, c. 14 Feb 1943; Lt
329th FIGHTER GROUP Col Leo F Dusard, 11 May 1943; Lt Col
John P Randolph, 26 Oct 1943-31 Mar
1944. Col Emil L Sluga, 1g55-.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.Shield: On a background of
the sky proper, a sinister arm embowed,
fessways, issuing from sinister, habited
k azure, with leather falconer's glove proper,
Y a falcon or, perched for flight on the gloved

hand. (Approved 25 Jul 1957.)

Constituted as 329th Fighter Group on Group (Heavy) on I Jul 1942 and a&-
24 Jun 1942. Activated on 10 Jul1g42. As- vated on 6 Jul. Assigned to Second AF.
signed to Fourth AF. Used P-38's to train Functioned as an operational training and
replacement pilots. Also provided cadres later as a replacement training unit, using
for fighter groups. Disbanded on 31 Mar B-24 aircraft. Inactivated on I Apr 1944.
19440 Redesignated 330th Bombardment
Reconstituted and redesignated 329th Group (Very Heavy). Activated on I
Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun Apr 1944. Prepared for combat with B-
1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. As- 29's. Moved to Guam, Jan-Apr 1945, and
signed to Air Defense Command and assigned to Twentieth AF. Entered com-
equipped with I$86's. bat on 12 Apr 1945 with an attack on the
SQUADRONS. 330th .' 1942-1944 ; I955-. Hodogaya chemical plant at Koriyama,
33ZSt.' 1942-1944; I%5-. 332d: 1942-1944. Japan. From Apr to May 1945, struck
337th: 1942-1944. airfields from which the Japanese were
STATIONS.Hamilton Field, Calif, 10 Jul launching suicide planes against the in-
1942; Paine Field, Wash, 14 Jul1g4; Glen- vasion force at Okinawa. After that,
operations were principally concerned COMMANDERS. Maj Leroy A Rainey, I

with incendiary attacks against urban-in- Aug 1942; Lt Col John R Sutherland, 15
dustrial areas of Japan. Received a DUC Sep 1942; Lt Col John A Way, I Dec 1942;
for incendiary raids on the industrial sec- Lt Col Samuel C Mitchell, 6 Mar 1943;
tions of Tokushima and Gifu and for a Lt Col Frank P Bostrom, 15 May 1943; Lt
strike against the hydreelectric power cen- Col Troy W Crawford, 27 Jul 1943; Col
ter at Kofu, Japan, in Jul 1945. Received Frank P Bostrum, 11 Nov 1943; Lt Col
another DUC for attacking the Nakajima- Troy W Crawford, 27 Nov 1943-1 Apr
Musashino aircraft engine plant near 1944. 1st Lt James J Shaffner, 29 Apr
Tokyo in Aug 1945. Dropped food and 1944; Maj John G Reiber, 3 May 1944; Lt
supplies to Allied prisoners and partici- Col Estleg R Farley, 26 May 1944; Col
pated in several show-of-force missions Elbert D Reynolds, 23 Jun 1944; Col
over Japan after the war. Returned to the Douglas C Polhamus, 12 Aug 1~4-unkn.
US, Nov-Dec 1945. Znactivated on 3 Jan Unkn, I May-16 Jun 1951.
1946. CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; Air Of-
Redesignated 330th Bombardment fensive, Japan; Western Pacific.
Group (Medium). Allotted to the re- DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
serve. Activated on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered tions: Japan, 3-9 Jul 1945;Tokyo, Japan,
to active duty on I May 1951. Znactivated
8 Aug 1945.
on 16 Jun ISI. INSIGNE. None.
Group (Medium) and allotted to the re-
serve. Activated on 14 Jun 1952. Znac- 331st BOMBARDMENT GROUP
tivated on 14 Jul 1952.
SQUADRONS. 457th: 1942-1944; 1944-
‘945 ; 1949-1951; 1952. 458th: 1942-1944;
1944-1945; 19.52. 459h: 1942-1944; 1944-
1945; 1952. 460th: 1942-1944; 1944.
6 Jul1g42; Alamogordo, NM, I Aug 1942;
Biggs Field, Tex, 5 Apr 1943-1 Apr 1944.
Walker AAFM, Kan, I Apr 1 9 4 4 7 Jan
1945;North Field, Guam, 18 Feb-15 Nov
1945; Camp Stoneman, Calif, unkn-3 Jan Constittlted as 331st Bombardment
1946. March AFB, Calif, 27 Jun 1949-16 Group (Heavy) on I Jul1942 and activated
Jun 1951. Greater Pittsburgh Aprt, Pa, 14 on 6 Jul. Assigned to Second AF.
Jun-14 Jul 1952. Equipped
- -- with B-17’s and B-4’s for duty
as a replacement training unit. Znacti- Willard W Wilson, 26 Jul 1944; Lt Col

vated on I Apr 1944. Hadley V Saehlenou, 30 Jul 1944; Col
Redesignated 33I st Bombardment Hoyt L Prindle, 19 Aug 1944; Col James
Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 12 N Peyton, 24 Jan 1945; Lt Col Roland J
Jul 1944. Assigned to Second AF. Barnick, Oct 1945-15 Apr 1946.
Trained for combat with B-29’s. Moved CAMPAIGNS. American Theater ; Air
to Guam, Apr-Jun 1945, and assigned to Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates;
Twentieth AF. Bombed Japanese-held Western Pacific.
Truk late in Jun 1945. Flew first mission DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
against the Japanese home islands on g Jul- tion: Japan, 22-29 Jul 1945.
1945 and afterward operated principally INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, three sea gulls
against the enemy’s petroleum industry on volant or, on a chief of the last a thunder-
Honshu. Despite the hazards of bad bolt gules, irradiated of the field. Motto:
weather, fighter attacks, and heavy flak, IMPARIDO PECTORE-With Un-
the 331st bombed the coal liquefaction daunted Heart. (Approved 22 Dec 1942.)
plant at Ube, the Mitsubishi-Hayama pe-
troleum complex at Kawasaki, and the oil
332d FIGHTER GROUP
refinery and storage facilities at Shimotsu,
in Jul 1945, and received a DUC for the
missions. After the war the group
dropped food and supplies to Allied
prisoners of war in Japan. Znactivated on
Guam on 15Apr 1946.
SQUADRONS. 355th: 1944-1946. 356th:
1944-1946. 357th: 1944-1946. 46zst:
1942-1944. 462d: 1942-1944. 463d:
1942-1944. &&h: I p I g 4 . 4 .
6 Jul 1942; Casper AAFM, Wyo, 15 Sep Constituted as 332d Fighter Group on 4
1942-1 Apr 1944. Dalhart AAFM, Tex, Jul 1942. Activated on 13 Oct 1942.
12 Jul 194; McCook AAFld, Neb, 14 Nov Trained with P-39 and P-40 aircraft.
1944-6Apr 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, Moved to Italy, arriving early in Feb 1944.
12 May 1915-15 Apr 1946. Began operations with Twelfth AF on 5
COMMANDERS. Unkn, Jul-Sep 1942; 2d Feb. Used P-39’s to escort convoys, pro-
Lt William B Moeser, 17 Sep 1942; Lt Col tect harbors, and fly armed reconnaissance
Frank P Hunter Jr, 29 Sep 1942; Lt Col missions. Converted to P-47’s during
William Lewis Jr, 5 Mar 1943; Lt Col Mar- Apr-May and changed to P-y’s in Jun.
cus A Mullen, I Feb-1 Apr 1944. Maj Operated with Fifteenth AF from May
1944 to Apr 1945, being engaged primarily erts, 3 Nov 1944; Col Benjamin 0 Davis
in protecting bombers that struck such ob- Jr, 24 Dec 1944; Maj George S Roberts,
jectives as oil refineries, factories, airfields, 9 Jun 1945-unkn. Unkn, I Jul-28 Aug
and marshalling yards in Italy, France, 1947; Maj William A Campbell, 28 Aug
Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Aus- 1947-1 Jul 1949.
tria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Rumania, CAMPAIGNS.American Theater; Air
Bulgaria, and Greece. Also made strafing Combat, EAME Theater; Rome-Arno;
attacks on airdromes, railroads, highways, Normandy; Northern France; Southern
bridges, river traffic, troop concentrations, France; North Apennines; Rhineland;
radar facilities, power stations, and other Central Europe; Po Valley.
targets. Received a DUC for a mission on DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
24 Mar 1945 when the group escorted tion: Germany, q Mar 1945.
B-17’s during a raid on a tank factory at INSIGNE.Shield: Azure on a fess nebule
Berlin, fought the interceptors that at- or, a panther passant sable armed and
tacked the formation, and strafed trans- incensed gules. Motto: SPIT FIRE. (Ap-
portation facilities while flying back to the proved 15 Jan 1943.)
base in Italy. Returned to the US in Oct
1945. Znactivated on 19 Oct 1945.
Activated on I Jul1947. .Equipped with 333d BOMBARDMENT GROUP
P-47’s. Znactivated on I Jul 1949. Constituted as 333d Bombardment
SQUADRONS. 99th: 1944-1945 ; 1947- Group (Heavy) on 9 Jul1942 and activated
1949. Z O O t h : 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 3OZSt:
on 15 Jul. Assigned to Second AF and
1942-1945; 1947-1949- 3 0 d : 1942-1945. equipped with B-17’s. Served first as an
STATIONS.Tuskegee, Ala, 13 Oct 1942;
operational training and later as a re-
Selfridge Field, Mich, 29 Mar 1943;
Oscoda, Mich, 12 Apr- 1943; Selfridge placement training unit. Znactivated on I
Field, Mich, 9 Jul-22 Dec 1943; Monte- APr 1944.
corvino, Italy, 3 Feb 1944; Capodichino, Redesignated 333d Bombardment
Italy, 15 Apr 1944; Ramitelli Airfield, Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 7 Jul
Italy, 28 May 1944; Cattolica, Italy, c. 4 1944. Assigned to Second AF. Trained
May 1945; Lucera, Italy, c. 18 Jul-Sep for combat with B-29 aircraft. Moved to
1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 17-19 Oct 1945. the Pacific theater, Jun-Aug 1945, and as-
Lockbourne AAB, Ohio, I Jul 1947-1 Jul signed to Eighth AF. AAF operations
1949. against Japan terminated before the group
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Sam W West- could enter combat. For a time after the
brook Jr, 19 Oct 1942; Col Robert R Sel- war the group ferried Allied prisoners of
way Jr, 16 May 1943; Col Benjamin 0 war from Japan to the Philippine Islands.
Davis Jr, 8 Oct 1943; Maj George S R o b Inactivated on Okinawa on 28 May 1946.
SQUADRONS. 435th: 1944-1946. 460th: Equipped with B-25's. Trained replace-

1944-1946. 466th: 1942-1944. 467th: ment crews for combat. Disbanded on I
1942-1944. 468th: 1942-1944. 469th: May 1944.
1942-1944. 507th: 194-1946. SQUADRONS. 470th: 1942-1944. 471St:
STATIONS.Topeka, Kan, 15 Jul 1942; 1942-1944. 472d: 1942-1944. 4731:
Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 22 Feb 1943-1 Apr 1942-1944.
1944. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 7 Jul 1944; STATIONS.Greenville AAB, SC, 16 Jul
Great Bend AAFld, Kan, 13 Jan-18 Jun 1942-1 May 1944.
1945; Kadena, Okinawa, 5 Aug 1945-28 COMMANDERS. 1st Lt Francis M Whit-
May 1946. lock Jr, I8 Jul 1942; Col A J Bird Jr, 5
COMMANDERS. Unkn, Jul-Aug 1942; Aug 1g42-Apr 1944.
Col Leo W De Rosier, c. 25 Aug 1942; Lt CAMPAIGNS. American Theater.
Col Ted Faulkner, 1943; Lt Col Donald DECORATIONS. None.
W Saunders, Sep 1943; Maj Walter D INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, on a fess or be-
Atkins, 3 Jan 1944-unkn. Capt Harry J tween in chief three drop-bombs and in
Whelchel, 26 Jul 194; Col Milton F Sum- base four of the like of the second, three
merfelt, 11 Aug 1944; Lt Col Ray H Mar- similar bombs of the first. Motto: AUX-
tin, 15 Aug 1g45-unkn. ILIAM AB ALTO-Aid from Above.
CAMPAIGNS.American Theater; Asi- (Approved 18 Feb 1943.)
atic-Pacific Theater.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.None. 335th BOMBARDMENT GROUP

Group (Medium) on g Jul 1942 and acti-
vated on 17 Jul. Assigned to Third AF.
Constituted as 334th Bombardment Equipped with B-26's. Served as a re-
Group (Medium) on g Jul 1942 2nd acti- placement training unit. Disbanded on
vated on 16 Jul. Assigned to Third AF. I May 1944.
SQUADRONS. 474th: 1942-1944. 475th: CAMPAIGNS.American Theater.

1942-1944. 476th: 1942-1944. 477th: DECORATIONS. None.
1942-1944. I N S ~ N ENone.
.
STATIONS.Barksdale Field, La, 17 Jul
1942-1 May 1944.
COMMANDERS. Col Millard Lewis, 17 337th FIGHTER GROUP
July 1942; Col Roland 0 S Akre, 10 Feb
1943; Lt Col Joe R Brabson, 12 May 1943;
Col Joe W Kelly, 26 Jun 1943; Lt Col
George R Anderson, 6 Nov 1943-1 May
1944-
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, from a fess
nebuly a demi lion rampant issuant or.
Motto: FIDUS E T FORTIS-Faithful
and Brave. (Approved 19 Nov 1942.1

Constituted as 337th Fighter Group on
Constituted as 336th Bombardment 16 Jul 1942 and activated on 23 Jul. As-
Group (Medium) an g Jul 1942 and ac- signed to Third AF. Equipped with a
tivated on 15 Jul. Assigned to Third AF. variety of aircraft, primarily P-40’s (1942-
Served as a replacement training unit for 1943) and P-51’s (1944). Trained re-
B-26 crews. Disbanded on I May 1944. placement crews for duty overseas. Dis-
SQUADRONS. 478th: 1942-1944. 479th: banded on I May 1944.
1942-1944. ,480th: 1942-1944. 481st: Reconstituted and redesignated 337th
1942-1944. Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun
STATIONS.MacDill Field, Fla, 15 Jul 1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. As-
1942; Ft Myers, Fla, 10 Aug 1942; Avon signed to Air Defense C o m m a n d.
Park, Fla, 13 Dec 1942; MacDill Field, Equipped with F-86‘~.
Fla, 13 Oct 1943; Lake Charles AAFld, SQUADRONS. 98th: 192-1944. 303d:
La, 6 Nov 1943-1 May 1 9 4 . 1942-1944. 304th: 1942-1944. 440th:
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Joshua T Win- 1943-1944. 460th: I955-.
stead, 8 Aug 1942; Col Guy L McNeil, STATIONS.Morris Field, NC, 23 Jul
3 Sep 1942; Lt Col Joshua T Winstead, 7 1942; Drew Field, Fla, 7 Aug 1942; Sara-
Oct 1942; Lt Col Hugh B Manson, 10 Dec sota, Fla, c. 3 Jan 1943-1 May 1 9 4 . Port-
1943-1 May 1944. land Intl Aprt, Ore, 18 Aug 1955-.
COMMANDERS. Lt Col James Ferguson, Activated on 12 Jun 1947. Znactivated on

27 Jul 1942; Col Charles Kegelman, 12 27 Jun 1949.
Nov 1943-1 May 1944. Col George F SQUADRONS. 42d: 1947-1949. 305th:
Ceuleers, 1g55-. 1942-1944. 306th: 1942-1944. 3’2th:
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. 1942-1944. #ZSt.* 1943-1944. 569th:
DECORATIONS. None. 1947-1949. 5 6 ~ ~ t :1947-1949. 562d:
INSIGNE.Shield: Per fess abaisse embat- 1947-1949- 563d: 1947-1949-
tled, and per pale, in the first quarter two STATIONS. Dale Mabry Field, Fla, 22 Jul
stylized delta wing aircraft flying in close 1942-1 May 1944. Orchard Place Aprt,
formation, noses to dexter chief, a contrail Ill, 12 Jun 1 9 4 ~ 2 Jun
7 1949.
from the two aircraft, bendwise across the COMMANDERS. 2d Lt Alfred T Bishop,
shield to the embattlement; four stars 23 Jul 1942; Maj Robert B Richard, 7 Sep
arched over the sinister chief, all colors 1942; Col Lee Q Wasser, 18 Sep 1942; Lt
counterchanged, or and sable. (Approved Col Robert B Richard, 5 May 1943; Lt Col
26 Tun 1957.) Oswald W Lunde, 10 Aug 1943; Lt Col
Dale D Brannon,-11 Jan-1 May 194.
338th FIGHTER GROUP CAMPAIGNS. American Theater.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, issuing from a
fess nebuly debased, a winged lion rampant
or. Motto: AD METAM-To the Goal.
(Approved 14 Nov 1942.)
,4 . -
339th FIGHTER GROUP
Co,nstituted as 339th Bombardment
Group (Dive) on 3 Aug 1 9 4 and activated
on 10 Aug. Equipped with A-24’s and
Constituted as 338th Fighter Group on A-25’s; converted to P-39’s in Jul 1943.
16 Jul 1942 and activated on 22 Jul. As- Redesignated 339th Fighter-Bomber
signed to Third AF. Trained replacement Group in Aug 1943. Trained and partici-
crews, using a variety of aircraft (P-39’s, pated in maneuvers. Moved to England,
P-~o’s,P-47’s, and P-51’s) during the first Mar-Apr 1944. Assigned to Eighth AF
year and P-47’s after Sep 1943. Dis- and equipped with P ~ I ’ s .Began opera-
banded on I May 1944. tions with a fighter sweep on 30 Apr. Re-
Reconstituted, redesignated 338th Bom- designated 339th Fighter Group in May
bardment Group (Very Heavy), and al- 1944. Engaged primarily in escort duties
lotted to the reserve, on 5 May 1947. during its first five weeks of operations,
AIR FORCE COMBAT uNITs--GROUPS 217
countered heavy fire but were able to de-

stroy or damage many of the aircraft
parked on the field. The group provided
fighter cover over the Channel and the
coast of Normandy during the invasion of
b France in Jun 1944. Strafed and dive-
bombed vehicles, locomotives, marshalling
yards, antiaircraft batteries, and troops
while Allied forces fought to break out
of the beachhead in France. Attacked
transportation targets as Allied armies
drove across France after the breakthrough
at St Lo in Jul. Flew area patrols during
the airborne attack on Holland in Sep.
Escorted bombers to, and flew patrols over
the battle area during the German counter-
Calif, Sep 1943-Mar 194; Fowlmere, Eng-

land, 4 Apr IW-Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer,
NJ, c. 16-18 Oct 1945.
COMMANDERS. 2d Lt Harold Garret, c.
18 Aug 1942-unkn; Lt Col Marvin S Zipp,
Feb 1943; Maj Harry L Galusha, 19 Feb
1943; Col John B Henry Jr, Aug 1943;
Lt Col Harold W Scruggs, c. I Oct 1944;
Lt Col Carl T Goldenberg, 24 Dec 1944;
Col John B Henry Jr, 29 Dec 1944; Lt Col
William C Clark, 14 Apr 1945-unkn.
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; Air
Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern
France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Aug 1943) to Twelfth. Served in combat
Central Europe. from Apr 1943 to Apr 1945. Engaged
chiefly in support and interdictory mis-
tion: Germany, IC+II Sep 1944. sions, but sometimes bombed strategic ob-
INSIGNE.Shield: Per fess enhanced em-
jectives. Targets included airfields, rail-
battled light blue and azure (dark blue)
roads, bridges, road junctions, supply de-
fimbriated argent in sinister base a mailed
pots, gun emplacements, troop concen-
fist proper grasping a lance bendwise or,
trations, marshalling yards, and factories
enfiling a cockatrice proper (light green)
in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, France, Austria,
armed, combed, wattled, and scaled or, all
Bulgaria, Albania, Yugoslavia, and Greece.
between two clouds of the third. Crest:Also dropped propaganda leaflets behind
A dexter hand proper, grasping a wingedenemy lines. Participated in the reduction
torch or, flamed proper, above a wreathof Pantelleria and Lampedusa in Jun 1943,
of the colors, argent and arzure. Motto:
the bombing of German evacuation
STRENGTH THROUGH ALERT- beaches near Messina in Jul, the establish-
NESS. (Approved 30 Jul 1954.) ment of the Salerno beachhead in Sep,
the drive for Rome during Jan-Jun 1944,
340th BOMBARDMENT GROUP the invasion of Southern France in Aug,
and attacks on the Brenner Pass and other
Constituted as 3 0 t h Bombardment German lines of communication in north-
Group (Medium) on 10 Aug 1942 and ern Italy from Sep 1941 to Apr 1945. Re-
activated on 20 Aug. Trained with B- ceived a DUC for the period Apr-Aug
25’s for duty overseas. Arrived in the 1943 when, although handicapped by dif-
Mediterranean theater in Mar 1943. As- ficult living conditions and unfavorable
signed first to Ninth AF and later (in weather, the group supported British
Eighth Army in Tunisia and Allied forces zio; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North
in Sicily. Received second DUC for the Apennines; Central Europe; Po Valley.
destruction of a cruiser in the heavily DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
defended harbor of La Spezia on 23 Sep tions: North Africa and Sicily, [Apr]-17
1944 before the ship could be used by the Aug 1943; Italy, 23 Sep 1944.
enemy to block the harbor's entrance. Re- INSIGNE.Shield: Per fess nebuly, azure
turned to the US, Jul-Aug 1945. Inac- and argent, in chief two cloud formations
tivated on 7 Nov 1945. proper, one issuing from the dexter and
Redesignated 340th Bombardment one issuing from the sinister, in base three
Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. stars of five points, of the first, two and
Activated on 31 Oct 1947. Inactivated on one, all surmounted in fess, with an ear
I9 Aug 1949. of wheat proper and a lightning flash,
SQUADRONS. 486th: 1942-1945; 1947- gules in saltire, an edge around the shield
1949. 487th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949- sable. Motto: ANYWHERE-ANY-
488th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 489th: 1942- TIME. (Approved 12 Sep 1955.)
I945 ; 1947-1949-
STATIONS.Columbia AAB, SC, 20 Aug
341st BOMBARDMENT GROUF
1942; Walterboro, SC, 30 Nov 1942-30 Jan
1943; El Kabrit, Egypt, Mar 1943; Me-
denine, Tunisia, Mar 1943; Sfax, Tunisia,
Apr 1943; Hergla, Tunisia, 2 Jun 1943;
Comiso, Sicily, c. 2 Aug 1943; Catania,
Sicily, 27 Aug 1943; San Pancrazio, Italy,
c. 15 Oct 1943; Foggia, Italy, 19 Nov 1943;
Pompeii, Italy, c. 2 Jan 1944; Paestum,
Italy, 23 Mar 1944; Corsica, c. 14 Apr 1944;
Rimini, Italy, c. 2 Apr-27 Jul 1945; Sey-
mour Johnson Field, NC, g Aug 1945; Co-
lumbia AAB, SC, 2 Oct-7 Nov 1945.
Tulsa Mun Aprt, Okla, 31 Oct 194719
Aug 1949-
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Adolph E Tokaz, Constituted as 341st Bombardment
3 Sep 1942; Col William C Mills, 21 Sep Group (Medium) on 14 Aug 1942. Acti-
1942; Lt Col Adolph E Tokaz, 7 May 1943; vated in India on 15 Sep 1942. Equipped
Col Charles D Jones, 8 Jan 1944; Col Willis with B-25's. Entered combat early in
F Chapman, 16 Mar 19447 Nov 1945. 1943 and operated chiefly against enemy
CAMPAIGNS. Air Combat, EAME Thea- transportation in central Burma until 1944.
ter; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; An- Bombed bridges, locomotives, railroad
yards, and other targets to delay move- DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
ment of supplies to the Japanese troops tion: French Indochina, 11 Dec 1944-12
fighting in northern Burma. Moved to Mar 1945.
China in Jan 1944. Engaged primarily in INSIGNE.Shield: Per fess nebuly azure
sea sweeps and attacks against inland and argent a semee of stars in chief of the
shipping. Also bombed and strafed such last, over all in pale a sheathed sword
targets as trains, harbors, and railroads proper (white, silver gray shading and
in French Indochina and the Canton- deep gray outlines), the rim of the sheath
Hong Kong area of China. Received a and winged hilt and pommel or (outlines
DUC for developing and using a special and detail deep gray) ; the blade entwined
(glip) bombing technique against enemy with a girdle of the last; the sword point
bridges in French Indochina. Moved to downward between two bolts of lightning
the US in Oct 1945. Znactivated on 2 Nov radiating upward gules; over all, in base
1945. a branch of olive vert, detail vein lines
Redesignated 34ISt Bombardment or. Motto: PAX ORBIS PER ARMA
Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. AERIA-World Peace through Air
Activated on 27 Dec 1946. lnactivated on Strength. (Approved 5 Jun 1957.)
27 Jun 1949.
SQUADRONS. loth: 1947-1949. xxth: 342d COMPOSITE GROUP
1942-1945. 12th: 1947-1949. 22d: 1942-
'945. 490th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. Constituted as 342d Composite Group
49'St.. 1942-1945 ; 1947-1949. on 29 Aug 1942. Activated on 11 Sep 1942
STATIONS. Karachi, India, 15 Sep 1942; in Iceland. Equipped with P-38's, P-39's,
Chakulia, India, 30 Dec 1942; Kurmitola, P-~o's, and a B-18, the group served as
India, Jun 1943; Kunming, China, 7 Jan part of the island's defense force, intercept-
1944; Yangkai, China, 13 Dec 1944-unkn; ing and destroying some of the German
Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-2 Nov 1945. West- planes that on occasion attempted to attack
over Field, Mass, 27 Dec 1946-27 Jun 1949. Iceland or that appeared in that area on
COMMANDERS. Col Torgils G Wold, 15 reconnaissance missions. Also conducted
Sep 1942; Col James A Philpott, 21 Sep antisubmarine patrols in the North Atlan-
1943; Col Torgils G Wold, 2 Nov 1943; tic and provided cover for convoys on the
Col Morris F Taber, 23 Nov 1943; Col run to Murmansk. Disbanded on 18 Mar
Joseph B Wells, 11Apr 1944; Col Donald 1944.
L Clark, c. I Dec 1944; Col James W New- Reconstituted and redesignated 342d
some, 16 Apr ~g+j-unkn. Fighter-Day Group, on 7 May 1956. Ac-
CAMPAIGNS. India-Burma; China De- tivated on 25 Jul1956. Assigned to Tacti-
fensive; China Offensive. cal Air Command.
SQUADRONS. 33d Fighter: 1942-1944; on Kiska; escorted bombers that struck

1g56-. 50th Fighter: 1942-1944. 337th enemy airfields, harbor facilities, and
Fighter: 1942. 5 p d : 1956. 573d: 1g56-. shipping. Flew its last combat mission
STATIONS. Iceland, 11 Sep 1942-18 Max in Oct 1943, but carried out patrol and
1944. Myrtle Beach AFB, SC, 25 Jul1g56. reconnaissance assignments in the area un-
COMMANDERS.Lt Col J S Holtoner, 11 til the end of the war. Later trained, car-
Sep 1942;Lt COl W W Korges, 2 Jun 1943; ried mail, and served as part of the defense
Lt Col Cy Wilson, 10 Aug 1~3-unkn. force for Alaska. Used P-38’s and P-~o’s,
Maj Charles S Boster, Jul 1g56-. and later (1946) P ~ I ’ S . Znactivated in
CAMPAIGNS.Air Combat, EAME Alaska on 15Aug 1946.
Theater. Redesignated 343d Fighter Group (Air
DECORATIONS. None. Defense) on 20 Jun 1955. Activated in
INSIGNE. None. the US on I$ Aug 1955. Assigned to Air
Defense Command and equipped with F-
89’s.
343d FIGHTER GROUP
SQUADRONS. rrth: 1942-1946; 1955-
18th: 1942-1946. 5qh: 1942-1946. 344th:
I
1942-1946.
/
STATIONS. Elmendorf Field, Alaska, 11
Sep 1942; Ft Glenn, Alaska, Sep 1942;
Elmendorf Field, Alaska, 3 Dec 1942;
Adak, 7 Mar 1943; Amchitka, 25 Jul1943;
Alexai Point, Alaska, 22 Jan 1944; Shemya,
5 Oct 1945-15 Aug 1946. Duluth Mun
Aprt, Minn, 18 Aug 1g55-.
COMMANDERS. Lt Col John S Chen-
nault, 11 Sep 1942;Lt Col Edgar A Boad-
way, 16 Nov 1942;Maj Edgar A Romberg,
10 Dec 1942; Lt Col Anthony V Grossetta,
19 Mar 1943; Lt Col James R Watt, 19
Constituted as 343d Fighter Group on Apr 1943; Maj Edgar A Romberg, 25 May
3 Sep 1942and activated in Alaska on 11 1943; Lt Col William E Elder, 3 Jun 1943;
Sep. Assigned to Eleventh AF. Began Col Robert H Jones, 17 Oct 1943; Lt Col
operations immediately. Provided air de- Dean Davenport, 18 Oct 1945; Maj Ben-
fense for the Aleutians; bombed and jamin H King, 19 Jul-15 Aug 1946. Col
strafed Japanese camps, antiaircraft em- George L Hicks 111, 18 Aug 1g55-.
placements, hangars, and radio stations CAMPAIGNS. Aleutian Islands.
DECORATIONS.
None. at Cherbourg; during the remainder of
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, fimbriated ar- Jun, supported the drive that resulted in
gent, within a diminutive border gules, an the seizure of the Cutentin Peninsula.
Indian arrow issuing from base, in pale, Bombed defended positions to assist Brit-
the shaft or, the arrowhead proper, mark- ish forces in the area of Caen. Received a
ings and outline black, the thong fasten- DUC for three-day action against the en-
ing of the third, superimposed over the emy, 24-26 Jul 1944, when the group
arrowhead a missile, in bend sinister, the struck troop concentrations, supply dumps,
power stream swirling upward to dexter a bridge, and a railroad viaduct to assist
chief all of the second, a sound barrier advancing ground forces at St Lo.
symbol in sinister chief sable. (Approved Knocked out bridges to hinder the en-
3 Feb 1956.) emy's withdrawal through the Falaise gap,
and bombed vessels and strong points at
344th BOMBARDMENT GROUP Brest, Aug-Sep 1944. Attacked bridges,
rail lines, fortified areas, supply dumps,
and ordnance depots in Germany, Oct-
Nov 1944. Supported Allied forces during
the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1g44-Jan
1945, and continued to strike such targets
as supply points, communications centers,
bridges, marshalling yards, roads, and oil
storage tanks until Apr 1945. Made train-
ing flights and participated in air demon-
strations after the war. Moved to Ger-
many in Sep 1945 and, 9 s part of United
Constituted as 344th Bombardment States Air Forces in Europe, served with
Group (Medium) on 31 Aug 1942. Ac- the army of occupation. Began training
tivated on 8 Sep 1942. Equipped with B- in A-26 but continued to use B-26 air-
26's and served as a replacement training craft. Redesignated 344th Bombardment
unit. Moved to England, Jan-Feb 1944. Group (Light) in Dec 1945. Transferred,
Began operations with Ninth AF in Mar, without personnel and equipment, to the
attacking airfields, missile sites, marshal- US on 15 Feb 1946. Inactivated on 31
ling yards, submarine shelters, coastal de- Mar 1946.
fenses, and other targets in France, Bel- Redesignated 126th Bombardment
gium, and Holland. Beginning in May, Group (Light). Allotted to ANG (Ill)
helped prepare for the Normandy in- on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recog-
vasion by striking vital bridges in France. nition on 29 Jun 1947. Redesignated 126th
On D-Day 1944 attacked coastal batteries Composite Group in Nov 1950, and 126th
Bombardment Group (Light) in Feb R Norton, 25 Jun 1951; Lt Col Max H

1951. Ordered to active service on I Apr Mortensen, 21 Jul1g52;Col Glen W Clark,
1951 and assigned to Tactical Air Com- 5 Aug 1952; Lt Col Max H Mortensen, 18
mand. Moved to France, Nov-Dec 1951, Nov 1g52-c. I Jan 1953.
and assigned to United States Air Forces CAMPAIGNS.American Theater; Air
in Europe. Used B-26's for training and Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern
maneuvers. Relieved from active duty France ; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace;
and transferred, without personnel and Central Europe.
equipment, to the control of ANG (Ill), DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
on I Jan 1953. Redesignated 126th tion: France, 24-26 Jul 1944.
Fighter-Bomber Group. INSIGNE. Shield: Azure, a bend nebule
SQUADRONS. ~ 0 8 t h :1951-1953. ZZ5th: or, between four spears, points to base, two
1951. 168th: 1951-1953. 180th: 1951-1953. and two of the last, inflamed proper.
494th: 1942-1946. 495th: 1942-1946. Motto: WE WIN OR DIE. (Approved
496th: 1942-1946. 497th: 1942-1945. 9 Jan 1943.)
STATIONS.MacDill Field, Fla, 8 Sep
1942; Drane Field, Fla, 28 Dec 1942; 345th BOMBARDMENT GROUP
Hunter Field, Ga, 19 Dec 1943-26 Jan
1944; Stansted, England, g Feb 1944; Cor-
meilles-en-Vexin, France, 30 Sep 1944;
Florennes/ Juzaine, Belgium, 5 Apr 1945;
Schleissheim, Germany, c. 15 Sep 1945-15
Feb 1946; Bolling Field, DC, 15 Feb-31
Mar 1946. O'Hare Intl Aprt, Ill, I Apr
1951; Langley AFB, Va, 25 Jul-Ig Nov
1951; Bordeaux AB, France, 7 Dec 1951;
Laon AB, France, c. 25 May 1952-1 Jan
19536
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Jacob J Brogger,
10 Oct 1942; Col Guy L McNeil, 2 Nov Constituted as 345th Bombardment
1942; Col John A Hilger, 7 Nov 1942; Lt Group (Medium) on 3 Sep 1942 and acti-
Col Vernon L Stintzi, 20 Jul 1943; Maj vated on 8 Sep. Trained for overseas duty
Robert W Witty, c. 6 Aug 1943; Col Regi- with B-25's. Moved to New Guinea, via
nald F C Vance, 19 Sep 1943; Col Robert Australia, Apr-Jun 1943, and assigned to
W Witty, 7 Nov 1 9 4 ; Lt Col Lucius D Hfth AF. Entered combat on 30 Jun
Clay Jr, 18 Aug 1945-15 Feb 1946. Col 1943. Operations until Jul 1944 included
Russell B Daniels, I Apr 1951;Lt Col Carl bombing and strafing Japanese airfields
and installations in New Guinea and the c. I Jan 1945; San Marcelino, Luzon, 13
Bismarck Archipelago; attacking shipping Feb 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 12 May
in the McCluer Gulf, Ceram Sea, and 1945; Ie Shima, 25 Jul-Io Dec 1945; Camp
Bismarck Sea; supporting ground forces Stoneman, Calif, 27-29 Dec 1945. Langley
in the Admiralties; dropping supplies to AFB, Va, 19 Jul1g54-.
ground troops; and flying courier and re- COMMANDERS. Col Jarred V Crabb, 11
connaissance missions in the area. Re- Nov 1942; Col Clinton U True, 19 Sep
ceived a DUC for a series of attacks against 1943; Col Chester A Coltharp, q Jun
Aak positions, shore installations, and bar- 1944; Col Glenn A Doolittle, 28 Jun 1945-
racks at Rabaul, New Britain, on 2 Nov unkn. Col John G Napier, 19 Jul 1954".
1943. Operated from Biak, Jul-Nov 1944, CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Japan ;
striking airfields and shipping in the China Defensive; New Guinea; Bismarck
southern Philippines and the Celebes. In Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte;
Nov 1944 moved to the Philippines where Luzon; Southern Philippines; China Of-
targets included Japanese airfields and fensive.
communications on Luzon, industries and DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
communications on Formosa, and ship- tion: Rabaul, New Britain, 2 Nov 1943.
ping along the China coast. After moving Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
to Ie Shima in Jul1g45, flew some missions INSIGNE. ORa disc azure, an orle argent,
over Kyushu and the Sea of Japan. Re- surmounting all the head, in profile, of an
turned to the US in Dec 1945. Inactivated Apache, proper, wearing a feathered head-
on 29 Dec 1945. dress of the second, with markings gules,
Redesignated 345th Bombardment and a string of animal's teeth of the second.
Group (Tactical). Activated on 19 Jul Motto: AIR APACHES. (Approved 21
1954. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. May 19544
Equipped with B-26's and later with B-
57's. 346th BOMBARDMENT GROUP
SQUADRONS. 498th: 1942-1945; 1954-.
499th: 1942-1945; 1954-. 500th: 1942- Constituted as 346th Bombardment
1945; I954-. 5OZstt: 1942-1945. Group (Heavy) on 3 Sep 1942 and =ti-
STATIONS.Columbia AAB, SC, 8 Sep vated on 7 Sep. Assigned to Second AF.
1942; Walterboro AAFld, SC, 6 Mar-16 Equipped with B-17's and B-24's. Served
Apr 1943; Port 'Moresby, New Guinea, 5 first as an operational training and later
Jun 1943; Dobodura, New Guinea, 18 Jan as a replacement training unit. Znactivated
1944; Nadzab, New Guinea, c. 16 Feb on I Apr 1944.
1944; Biak, Jul 1944; Leyte, 12 Nov 1944; Redesignated 346th Bombardment
Dulag, Leyte, Dec 1944; Tacloban, Leyte, Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 18
Aug 1944. Assigned to Second AF. Pre- 347th FIGHTER GROUP

pared for combat with B-29's. Moved to
the Pacific theater, Jun-Aug 1945, and as- Constitz&d as 347th Fighter Group On
signed to Eighth AF. The war ended 29 SeP 1942. A c t i ~ ~ t eindNew aledonia
before the group could begin combat op- on 3 Oct 1942. I k ~ h m e n t Ofs the group,
erations. After the war the group par- which was assigned to Thirteenth AF in
ticipated in several show-of-force missionsJan 1943, were Sent to Guadacanal, where
over Japan and for a time ferried Allied they used p-39 and p-400 aircraft to fly
prisoners of war from Okinawa to the Protective Patrols, Support ground forces,
Philippine Islands. Znactivated on Oki- 2nd attack Japanese shipping. When the
nawa on 30 Jun 1946. Allied campaign to recover the central and
SQUADRONS. 46zst: 1944-1946. 462d: northern ~ O h n o n Sbegan in Feb 19433 the
1944-1946. 463d: 1944-1946. 502d: 1942- detachments, still operating from Guadal-
1944. 503d: 1942-1944. 5O#h.' 1942- canal and using P-38 and P-39 aircraft,
1944. 505th: 1942-1944. escorted bombers and attacked enemy
STATIONS.Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, bases on New Georgia, the Russell Islands,
and Bougainville. Headquarters moved
7 Sep 1942; Smoky Hill AB, Kan, 3 Oct
up from New Caledonia at the end of 1943,
1942; Dyersburg AAFld, Tenn, 26 Feb
and the following month the group moved
1943-1 Apr 1944* Dalhart AAF1d, Tex' from Guadalcanal to Stirling Island to
I* A'g '944; Pratt AAFM3Kany I8 Jan- support ground forces on Bougainville,
29 Jun 1945; 'aden', Okinawa, 7 AUg assist in neutralizing enemy bases at Ra-
1945-30 Jun 1946. baul, and fly patrol and search missions in
COMMANDERS. ( 3 1 Budd J Peaslee, 6 the northern Solomons. Moved to New
Oct 1942; Lt Col Samuel C Mitchell, 20 Guinea in Aug 1944. Equipped com-
Dec 1942-1943; Lt Col John D Moorman, pletely with P-38's. Escorted bombers to
Mar 1943; Col Samuel C Gurney Jr, Oct oil refineries on Borneo; bombed and
1943-1 Apr 1944. Maj James A Gibb Jr, strafed airfields and installations on
2 1 Aug 1944; Lt Col Charles E Dewey, 23 Ceram, Amboina, Boeroe, Celebes, and
Aug 1944; Col William M Canterbury, 13 Halmahera. Received a DUC for a series
Sep 1944; Col Ben I Funk, 3 Jan 1945; of long-range bombing and strafing raids,
Col Joseph F Carroll, 30 Nov 1945-30 Jun conducted through intense flak and fighter
1946. defense, on the airfield and shipping at
CAMPAIGNS.American Theater; Asi- Makassar, Celebes, in Nov 1944. Moved to
atic-Pacific Theater. the Philippines in Feb 1945. Supported
DECORATIONS. None. landings on Mindanao in Mar 1945,
INSIGNE.None. bombed and strafed enemy installations
226 AIR FORCE COMBAT W I T S OF WORLD WAR I1
and supported Australian forces on Bor- Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines;

neo, attacked Japanese positions in north- China Offensive.
ern Luzon, and flew escort missions to the DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Asiatic mainland. Moved to the US in tion: Netherlands East Indies, 7, 20, and
Dec 1945. Inactivated on I Jan 1946. 22 Nov 1944. Philippine Presidential Unit
Redesignated 347th Fighter Group (All Citation.
Weather). Activated in Japan on 20 Feb INSIGNE.None.
1947. Assigned to Far East Air Forces:
Equipped with F-~I’sand later with
348th FIGHTER GROUP
F-82’s. Inactivated on 24 Jun 1950.
SQUADRONS. ph: 1947-1950. 67th:
1942-1945. 68th: 1942-1945 ; 1947-1950.
70th: 1942-1943, 1945. 339th: 1942-1946;
1947-1950.
STATIONS.New Caledonia, 3 Oct 1942;
Guadalcanal, 29 Dec 1943; Stirling, Treas-
ury Islands, 15 Jan 1944; Sansapor, New
Guinea, 15 Aug 1944; Middleburg, New
Guinea, 19 Sep 1944; San Jose, Mindoro,
22 Feb 1945; Puerto Princesa, Palawan, 6
Mar-Dec 1945;Camp Stoneman, Calif, 30
Dec 1945-1 Jan 1946. Nagoya, Japan, 20
Feb 1947; Itazuke, Japan, 25 Sep 1947; Constituted as 348th Fighter Group on
Bofu, Japan, 15 Oct 1948; Ashiya, Japan, 24 Sep 1942 and activated on 30 Sep. Pre-
6 May 1949; Nagoya, Japan, I Apr-4 Jun pared for combat with P-47’s. Moved to
1950- the Southwest Pacific, May-Jun 1943, and
COMMANDERS. Lt Col George M Mc- assigned to Fifth AF. Operated from New
Neese, 3 Oct 1942; Col Leo F Dusard Jr, Guinea and Noemfoor until Nov 1944.
Jan 1944; Lt Col Leonard Shapiro, 25 Jun Flew patrol and reconnaissance missions
1g45-unkn. Unkn, Feb 1g47-Aug 1948; and escorted bombers to targets in New
Maj Elmer G DaRosa, Aug 1948; Maj Al- Guinea and New Britain. Col Nee1 E
den E West, Sep 1948;Lt Col John L Mc- Kearby was awarded the Medal of Honor
Ginn, Oct 1gq8-unkn; Lt Col Clyde A for action over New Guinea on 11 Oct
Thompson, unkn-Jun 1950. 1943: after leading a flight of four fighters
CAMPAIGNS. China Defensive; Guadal- to reconnoiter the enemy base at Wewak,
canal; New Guinea; Northern Solomons; Col Kearby sighted a Japanese bomber
Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; formation escorted by more than 30 fight-
ers; despite the heavy odds and a low fuel SQUADRONS. 149th: 1951-1952. I53d:
supply, and although his mission had been 1951-1952. 340th: 1942-1946. 341st (later
accomplished, Kearby ordered an attack, 141st) : 1942-1946; 1951-1952. 342d: 1942-
personally destroying six of the enemy 1946. 460th: 1944-1946.
planes. For covering Allied landings and STATIONS.Mitchel Field, NY, 30 Sep
supporting ground forces on New Britain, 1942; Bradley Field, Conn, 4 Oct 1942;
16-31 Dec 1943, the group was awarded Westover Field, Mass, 29 Oct 1942; Prov-
a DUC. In 1944 began to attack airfields, idence, RI, c. 3 Jan 1943; Westover Field,
installations, and shipping in western New Mass, 28 Apr-g May 1943; Port Moresby,
Guinea, Ceram, and Halmahera to aid in New Guinea, 23 Jun 1943; Finschhafen,
neutralizing those areas preparatory to the New C-inea, 16 Dec 1943; Saidor, New
US invasion of the Philippines. After Guinea, 29 Mar 1944; Wakde, 22 May
moving to the Philippines in Nov 1944, 1944; Noemfmr, 26 Aug 1944; Leyte, 16
provided cover for convoys, flew patrols, Nov 1944; San Marcelino, Luzon, 4 Feb
escorted bombers, attacked enemy air- 1945; Floridablanca, Luzon, 15 May 1945;
fields, and supported ground forces. Re- Ie Shima, g Jul 1945; Itami, Japan, Oct
ceived a DUC for withstanding assaults by 1945-10 May 1946. Newark Mun Aprt,
enemy fighters to cover bombers raiding NJ, I Mar 1951; Turner AFB, Ga, 14
Clark Field on 24 Dec 1944. Also attacked Mar 1951; Godman AFB, Ky, g Dec 1951-
shipping along the China coast and es- I Dec 1952.
corted bombers to Formosa and the Asiatic COMMANDERS. Col Nee1 E Kearby, Oct
mainland. Moved to the Ryukyus in Jul 1942; Col Robert R Rowland, 17Nov 1943;
1945 and completed some escort and attack Lt Col William M Banks, 8 Jun 1945; Maj
missions to Kyushu before the war ended. Walter G Benz, 26 Nov 1945-unkn. Maj
Moved to Japan in Oct 1945 as part of J D Zink, Mar 1951; Col Alvan C Gillem
Far East Air Forces. Znactivuted on 10 11, Jun 1951; Col Carl W Stapleton, c.
May 1946. Nov 1951; Col Donald J Strait, 14 Jan
Redesignated 108th Fighter Group. Al- 1952; Col George Laven Jr, 4 Aug-1 Dec
lotted to ANG (NJ) on 24 May 1946. Ex- 1952.
tended federal recognition on 16 Oct 1946. CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Japan;
Called to active duty on I Mar 1951. Re- China Defensive; New Guinea; Bismarck
designated 108th Fighter-Bomber Group. Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte;
Assigned first to Strategic Air Command Luzon ; China Offensive.
and later to Tactical Air Command. DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Equipped with F-47’s. Relieved from actions: New Britain, 16-31 Dec 1943; Phil-
tive service on I Dec 1952 and returned to ippine Islands, 24 Dec 1944. Philippine
the control of ANG (NJ). Presidential Unit Citation.
INSIGNE.ShieZd: Azure, within a bor- operate C-46 aircraft. Inactivated on 7

dure dimidiated, gules, hand gauntleted Sep 1946.
in armour proper, encircled with wreath Redesignated 349th Troop Carrier
of laurel, vert, grasping a torch argent, Group (Medium). Allotted to the re-
flamant proper. Motto: PER CAELUM serve. Activated on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered
VICTORIAE-Through the Skies to Vic- to active duty on I Apr 1951. loactivated
tory. (Approved 15 Aug 1951.) on 2 Apr 1951.
349th TROOP CARRIER GROUP Group. AIlotted to the reserve. Acti-
vated on 13 Tun 1952.
SQUADRONS. 23d: 1944-1946. 311th:
1943-1944; 1949-1gy. 3~2th:1943-1946;
1949-1951; I952-. 313th: 1943-1946;
194g-1951; I952-. 314th: 1943-1946;
1949-1951 ; IM2-.
STATIONS. Sedalia AAFld, Mo, I
Nov 1943; Alliance AAFld, Neb, 19 Jan
1944; Pope Field, NC, 8 Mar 1944; Baer
Field, Ind, 4-15 Mar 1945; Barkston, Eng-
land, 30 Mar 1945; Roye/Amy Airfield,
France, 18 Apr-13 Jul 1945; Bergstrom
Field, Tex, 17 Sep 19457 Sep 1946. Ham-
ilton AFB, Calif, 27 Jun 1 9 4 ~ Apr
2 1951.
Hamilton AFB, Calif, 13 Jun 1g52-.
COMMANDERS. Maj Elmer F Estrumse,
Constituted as - 3 9 t h Troop Carrier
I Nov 1943; Col Leonard J Barrow Jr, 26
Group on 23 Oct 1943. Activated on I
Nov 1943. Equipped successively with Nov 1943; Lt Col Benjamin M Tarver Jr,
C-53, C-47, and C-46 aircraft. Trained 29 Aug? Sep 1946.
and participated in various maneuvers. CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; EAME
Moved to the European theater, Mar-Apr Theater.
1945, and assigned to IX Troop Carrier DECORATIONS. None.
Command. Used C-46's to transport ve- INSIGNE. Shield: Per bend sky blue and
hicles, gasoline, and other supplies in azure; in bend a lightning bolt gules,
western Europe and to evacuate patients fimbriated argent, between three aircraft
and prisoners of war. Ceased operations in flight, and a representation of the golden
on 15 Jun 1945. Returned to the US, Jul- gate bridge or; the shield edged of the
Aug 1945. Trained Chinese crews to last. Motto: FACTA, NON VERBA-
Deeds, Not Words. (Approved 26 Jul of Algeria during the summer and fall of
1956.) 1943. Afterward, operated primarily in
support of Allied forces in Italy until the
350th FIGHTER GROUP end of the war, bombing and strafing rail
facilities, shipping docks, radar and trans-
former stations, power lines, bridges,
motor transports, and military installa-
tions. Received a DUC for action in west-
ern Italy on 6 Apr 1944 when, despite
intense flak and attacks by numerous
enemy interceptors, the group flew ten
missions, hitting troops, bridges, vehicles,
barracks, and air warning installations.
Also covered Allied landings on Elba in
Jun 1944 and supported the invasion of
Southern France in Aug. 1st Lt Raymond
L Knight was awarded the Medal of
Honor for missions on q and 25 Apr
1945: voluntarily leading attacks, through
Activated in England on I Oct 1942 by intense antiaircraft fire, against enemy air-
special authority granted to Eighth AF dromes in northern Italy, Lt Knight was
prior to constitution as 350th Fighter responsible for eliminating more than 20
Group on 2 Oct 1942. The air echelon German planes intended for assaults on
moved from England to North Africa, Allied forces; attempting to return his
Jan-Feb 1943; the ground echelon, which shattered plane to base after an attack on
had been formed in the US, arrived in 25 Apr, Lt Knight crashed in the Apen-
North Africa about the same time. The nines. The group moved to the US, Jul-
group operated with Twelfth AF from Aug 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.
Jan 1943 until the end of the war, flying Redesignated I 12th Fighter Group. Al-
patrol and interception missions, protect- lotted to ANG (Pa) on 4 May 1946. Ex-
ing convoys, escorting aircraft, flying tended federal recognition on 22 Apr 1949.
reconnaissance missions, engaging in in- Redesignated I 12th Fighter-Interceptor
terdictory operations, and providing close Group in Oct 1952, and 112th Fighter-
support for ground forces. Used P-39’s, Bomber Group in Dec 1952.
P-~OO’S, and a few P-38’s before convert- SQUADRONS. 345th: 1942-1945. 346th:
ing to P-47’s during Aug-Sep 194. Oper- 1942-1945. 347th: 1942-1945.
ated against targets in Tunisia until the STATIONS.Bushey Hall, England, I Oct
end of that campaign. Defended the coast 1942; Duxford, England, Oct 1942; Oujda,
French Morocco, 6 Jan 1943; Oran, Al- Apr-May 1943. Served in combat with
geria, 14 Feb 1943; Maison Blanche, Al- Eighth AF from May 1943 to Apr 1945.
geria, May 1943; Rerhaia, Algeria, c. 17 Operated primarily against strategic ob-
Jul 1943; Sardinia, 5 Nov 1943; Corsica, 6 jectives in Germany, striking such targets
Feb 1944; Tarquinia, Italy, 8 Sep 1944; as ball-bearing plants at Schweinfurt, com-
Pisa, Italy, 2 Dec 1944-14 Jul 1945; Sey- munications at Mayen, marshalling yards
mour Johnson Field, NC, 25 Aug? Nov at Koblenz, a locomotive and tank factory
'945- at Hannover, industries at Berlin, bridges
COMMANDERS. Lt Col Richard P Klocko, at Cologne, an armaments factory at
14 Oct 1942; Maj Ariel W Nielsen, 24 Feb Mannheim, and oil refineries at Hamburg.
1943; Lt Col Marvin L McNickle, I Mar Also struck harbor facilities, submarine in-
1943; Lt Col Ariel W Nielsen, c. Sep 1943; stallations, airfields, V-weapon sites, and
Lt Col John C Robertson, 22 Oct 194+; power plants in France, Belgium, Holland,
Col Ariel W Nielsen, c. Feb 1945;Col John and Norway. Received a DUC for per-
C Robertson, 20 Jun 1g45-unkn. formance of g Oct 1943 when an aircraft
CAMPAIGNS.Air Combat, EAME factory in Germany was accurately
Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; bombed in spite of heavy flak and pressing
Rome-Arno; Southern France; North enemy interceptors. Received another
Apennines; Po Valley. DUC for its part in the successful attack
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- of 11 Jan 1944 on aircraft factories in cen-
tion :Italy, 6 Apr 1944. tral Germany. Participated in the inten-
INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend azure and or, sive air campaign against the German air-
on a bend sable between a Pegasus salient craft industry during Big Week, 20-25
argent and a keystone charged with a Feb 1944. 2d Lt Walter E Truemper,
ruffed grouse proper, a group of four vols navigator, and Sgt Archibald Mathies, en-
with upper edges of wings parallel to the gineer, were each awarded the Medal of
edge of the ordinary, each vol overlapping Honor for action on 20 Feb 1944: when
the next from dexter to sinister alternating their aircraft received a direct hit that
of the fourth and second, a diminished killed the co-pilot and wounded the pilot,
border of the third. Motto: IN COM- Truemper and Mathies managed to fly the
MON CAUSE. (Approved 10 Sep 1954.) plane until other crew members could
bail out; on the third attempt to land the
35 1st BOMBARDMENT GROUP plane in an effort to save the pilot, the
B-17 crashed and the men were killed.
Constituted as 351st Bombardment In addition to its strategic missions, the
Group (Heavy) on 25 Sep 1942. Acti- group often operated in support of ground
vated on I Oct 1942. Trained for duty forces and attacked interdictory targets.
overseas with B-17's. Moved to England. Bombed in sumort of the Normandv in-
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS-GROUPS 23 1
vasion in Jun 1944 and the St Lo break- 3S2d FIGHTER GROUP

through in Jul. Hit enemy positions to
cover the airborne attack on Holland in
Sep 1944. Struck front-line positions,
communications, and airfields to help stop
the German counteroffensive in the Battle
of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Flew
missions in support of the airborne assault
across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Returned to
:the US soon after V-E Day. Inactivated i
on 28 Aug 1945.
Redesignated 35ISt Bombardment
Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the re-
serve. Activated on g Apr 1947. Inacti- \/
SQUADRONS. 508th: 1942-1945; 1947-
Constittrted as 352d Fighter Group on
29 Sep 1942. Activated on I Oct 1942.
1949. 509th: 1942-1945; 1947-1948.
Served as part of the air defense force for
5IOth: 1942-1945; 1947-1948. 5IZth:
the US while training with P-47~ for
1942-1945; 1947-1949. 434th: 194&’949. duty overseas. Moved to England, Jun-
Jul 1943. Assigned to Eighth AF. Op-
I Oct 1942; Geiger Field, Wash, Nov 1942;
erated against the enemy in air combat
Siggs Field, Tex, Dec 1942; Pueblo AAB, over Europe from Sep 1943 to May 1945,
&lo, c. I Mar-c. 12 Apr 1943; Polebrook, using P-47’s before converting to P - ~ I ’ s
England, c. I May 1943-J~” 1945; Sioux in Apr 1944. Flew numerous escort mis-
Falls AAFld, SD, Jul-28 Aug 1945. Scott sions to cover the operations of bombers
Field, Ill, g Apr 1947-27 Jun 1949. that attacked factories, V-weapon sites,
COMMANDERS.COl William A Hatcher submarine pens, and other targets on the
Jr, Nov 1942; Col Eugene A Romig, c. Continent. Escorted bombers that struck
I Jan 1944;Col Robert W Burns, Oct 1944; German aircraft factories during Big
Col Merlin I Carter, 30 Mar 1~5-unkn. Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Received a DUC
CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Europe; for performance in Germany on 8 May
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; 1944: while escorting bombers to targets
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. in Brunswick, the group routed an at-
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- tack by a numerically superior force of
tions: Germany, g Oct 1943; Germany, 11 German interceptors and then continued
Jan 1944. the battle against the enemy planes until
INSIGNE. None. lack of ammunition and shortage of fuel
forced the group to withdraw and return Extended federal recognition on 2 Nov
to its base. Also flew counter-air patrols, 1946. Ordered to active duty on I Feb
and on many occasions strafed and 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Command.
dive-bombed airfields, locomotives, ve- Redesignated I 13th Fighter-Interceptor
hicles, troops, gun positions, and var- Group. Used F-84’s during 1951; con-
ious other targets. Supported the invasion verted to F-94 aircraft in 1952. Inactivated
of Normandy in Jun 1944 by strafing and on 6 Feb 1952. Relieved from active duty,
dive-bombing enemy communications, as- returned to control of ANG (DC) ,and ac-
sisted the Allies in breaking through the tivated, on I Nov 1952. Redesignated
German line at St Lo in Jul, and partici- 113th Fighter-Bomber Group in Dec 1952.
pated in the airborne attack on Holland SQUADRONS. Z2ZJt: 1951-1952. 2426:
in Sep. After the Germans launched a 1951-1952. 148th: 1951-1952. 328th:
counteroffensive in the Ardennes in Dec 1942-1945, 486th (formerly 21st) : 1942-
1944, the group’s planes and pilots were 1945. 487th (formerly 34th) : 1942-1945.
sent to Belgium and placed under the con- STATIONS.Mitchel Field, NY, I Oct
trol of Ninth AF for operations in the 1942; Bradley Field, Conn, Oct 1942;
Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1g44-Jan 1945). Westover Field, Mass, Nov 1942; Trum-
During that battle, on I Jan 1945, action bull Field, Conn, c. 15 Jan 1943; Republic
by the detachment earned for the group Field, NY, c. g Mar-Jun 1943; Bodney,
the French Croix de Guerre with Palm: England, 7 Jul1g43; Chievres, Belgium, c.
just as 12 of the detachment’s planes were 27 Jan 1945; Bodney, England, c. 14 Apr-
taking off for an area patrol, the airdrome 3 Nov 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. g-10
was attacked by about 50 German fighters; Nov 1945. Andrews AFB, Md, I Feb 1951;
in the aerial battle that followed, the 352d New Castle County Aprt, Del, 16 Feb
shot down almost half the enemy planes 1951-6 Feb 1952.
without losing any of its own. In Feb COMMANDERS. Lt Col Edwin M Ram-
1945 the remainder of the group joined the age, c. Oct 1942; Col Joe L Mason, 17 May
detachment in Belgium for operations 1943; Col James D Mayden, 17 Nov 1944-
under the control of Eighth AF. While unkn. Col Joseph Myers, 1951-unkn.
based on the Continent, the group par- CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe;
ticipated in the airborne assault across the Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland ;
Rhine (Mar 1945). Returned to England Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
in Apr and continued operations until a DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
few days before V-E Day. Returned to tion: Brunswick, Germany, 8 May 1944.
the US in Nov. Znactivated on 10 Nov French Croix de Guerre with Palm: I Jan
1945. 1945.
Redesignated I 13th Fighter Group. Al- INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a stylized air-
lotted to ANG (DC) on 24 May 1946. craft bendwise above and between two
clouds issuing from dexter and sinister dive-bombed buildings, troops, flak bat-
base all argent, the dexter cloud pierced by teries, barges and tug boats, locomotives
two lightning flashes saltirewise or; in and rail lines, vehicles, bridges, and air-
chief two mullets gules, fimbriated of the fields; also flew numerous counter& mis-
second and in base three of the like. sions. From Aug 1943 to Feb 1944, pro-
Motto: CUSTODES PRO DEFEN- vided escort for bombers that attacked
SIONE-Guardians for Defense. (A p targets in western Europe, made counter-
proved g Mar 1954.) air sweeps over France and the Low Coun-
tries, and dive-bombed targets in France.
353d FIGHTER GROUP Participated in the intensive campaign
against
- the German Air Force and aircraft
- - -__
I _I ..
_._ _ -_ industry during Big Week, 2e25 Feb 1944.
--- .--- -
_._
I
. _
_ _ _ ~
- --- Increased its fighter-bomber activities,
T- +
-
-
-- -
/
Mar-May 1944. Provided cwer over the
beachhead and close support for the Nor-
mandy invasion in Jun 1944. Supported
the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul. Re-
ceived a DUC for supporting the airborne
attack on Holland, when the group con-
tributed to the operation by protecting
bombers and troop carriers and by strafing
and dive-bombing ground targets during
the period 17-23 Sep 1944. Continued its
~
fighter-bomber, escort, and counter-air ac-
tivities, participating in the Battle of the
Constituted as 353d Fighter Group on Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945) and the air-
29 Sep 1942. Activattd on I Oct 1942. borne attack acrosbthe Rhine (Mar 1945).
Trained for duty overseas and at the same Remained in the theater until Oct. Znac-
time served as an air defense organization. tivated in the US on 18 Oct 1945.
Moved to England, May-Jun 1943. As- Redesignated 116th Fighter Group. Al-
signed to Eighth AF. Operated against lotted to ANG (Ga) on 24 May 1946.
the enemy in combat over Europe from Extended federal recognition on g Sep
Aug 1943 to Apr 1945, using P-47’s until 1946. Ordered to active duty on 10 Oct
conversion to P ~ I ’ in
s Oct 1944. Regu- 1950. Redesignated 116th Fighter-Bomber
larly escorted bombers that attacked in- Group in Nov 1950. Assigned to Tactical
dustrial establishments, marshalling yards, Air Command. Trained with F-80’s and
submarine installations, V-weapon sites, converted to F-84 aircraft in the spring of
and other targets; frequently strafed and 1951. Moved to Japan in Jul 1951 and at-
tached to Far East Air Forces for opera- Lt Col Daniel F Sharp, c. 31 Jan 1952-
tions in the Korean War. Flew interdic- unkn.
tory and close-support missions, strafing CAMPAIGNS. World War ZZ: Air Offen-
and dive-bombing power plants, buildings, sive, Europe; Normandy; Northern
mine entrances, gun positions, bunkers, France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace;
troops, rail lines, trains, bridges, and vehi- Central Europe. Korean War: UN Sum-
cles. During the same period, also pro- mer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean Win-
vided air defense for Japan. Relieved ter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1952.
from active duty, returned to control of DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
ANG (Ga) without personnel and equip- tion: Holland, 17-23 Sep 1944.
ment, and redesignated 116th Fighter-In- INSIGNE.Shield: Per fess embattled de-
terceptor Group, on 10Jul 1952. Redesig- based azure and argent, three chevronels
nated 116th Fighter-Bomber Group in reversed of the second, the base chevronel
Dec 1952. fimbriated, forming a frazure at its apex
SQUADRONS. 196th: 1950-1952. 350th: over the embattlement azure; in chief four
1942-1945. 351st (later 158th) : 1942-1945; darts of the second in formation chevron-
1950-1952. 352d (later 159th) : 1pp-1945; wise points downward, one in fess point,
1950-1952- two in sinister, all within a diminutive
STATIONS.Mitchel Field, NY, I Oct border argent. Motto: VINCET AMOR
1942; Richmond AAB, Va, c. 7 Oct 1942; PATRIAE-Love of Country Shall Con-
Baltimore, Md, c. 26 Oct 1942-C. 27 May quer. (Approved 6 Jun 1952.)
1943; Goxhill, England, Jun 1943; Met-
field, England, 3 Aug 1943; Raydon, Eng- 354th FIGHTER GROUP
land, Apr 1g44-0ct 1945; Camp Kilmer,
NJ, c. 16-18 Oct 1945. Dobbins AFB, Ga, Constituted as 354th Fighter Group on
10 Oct 1950; George AFB, Calif, c. 25 Oct 12 Nov 1942 and activated on 15 Nov.
1g5bJd 1951; Misawa, Japan, c. 25 Jul Trained with P-39’s and served as part
1951-10 Jul 1952. of the air defense force. Moved to Eng-
COMMANDERS. Lt C d Joseph A Morris, land, Oct-Nov 1943. Assigned to Ninth
c. 15 Oct 1942; Lt Col Loren G McCollom, AF and engaged in combat from Dec 1943
18 Aug 1943; Col Glenn E Duncan, 25 to May 1945, using P-51’s except for the
Nov 1943; Col Ben Rimerman, 7 Jul 1944; period from Nov 1944 to Feb 1945 when
Col Glenn E Duncan, 22 Apr 1945; Lt Col the group operated with P-47’s. Received
William B Bailey, g Sep 1945; Lt Col a DUC for its activities up to mid-May
Robert A Elder, 24 Sep 1g45-unkn. Col 1944, a period in which the 354th was in-
Charles M Ford Jr, 10 Oct-1 Nov 1950; strumental in the development and execu-
Lt Col Howard L Galbreath, 11 Nov 1950; tion of long-range missions to escort heavy
Lt Col Ralph G Kuhn, 8 May 1951-unkn; bombers on raids deep into enemy terri- I
to support the airborne attack on Holland

in Sep 1944. Attacked and destroyed
many enemy barges, locomotives, vehicles,
buildings, and troops to assist the Allied
assault on the Siegfried Line. Participated
in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1g44-Jan
1945, by supporting ground forces and by
conducting armed reconnaissance opera-
tions to destroy enemy troops, tanks,
artillery, and rail lines. Assisted ground
forces in their advance to and across the
. _
2
\Q$* cy *-
Rhine, Feb-May 1945. After V-E Day,
served with the army of occupation, being
dr
assigned to United States Air Forces in
tory. During that same period Maj James Europe. Transferred, without personnel
H Howard won the Medal of Honor for and equipment, to the US in Feb 1946.
his single-handed efforts to defend a Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.
bomber formation that was attacked by (NOTE:The 354th Fighter Group was
a large force of enemy planes while on a redesignated 117th Fighter Group and al-
mission over Germany on 11 Jan 1944. lotted to ANG (Ala), on 24 May 1946.
In addition to its escort work, the group The redesignation and the allotment were,
began fighter-bomber operations, strafing however, revoked and nullified on 26 Sep
and dive-bombing enemy airfields, gun 1956; at the same time the 117th group was
positions, marshalling yards, and vehicles constituted and allotted to ANG, effective
in France, Belgium, and Holland. Sup- 24 May 1946. Thus the 117th group is
porting the Normandy invasion in Jun not related in any way to the 354th group.)
1944 by escorting gliders on D-Day and
Redesignated 354th Fighter-Day Group.
by dive-bombing and strafing bridges and
Activded on 19 Nov 1956. Assigned to
railways near the front lines for the next
Tactical Air Command.
few days. Moved to the Continent in Sun SQUADRONS. 353d: 1942-1946; 1956.
and assisted the Allied drive across France 355th: 1942-1946; 1956. 356th: 1942-
by flying close-support, armed-reconnais- 1946; 1956.
sance, fighter-sweep, dive-bombing, straf- STATIONS.Hamilton Field, Calif, 15
ing, and escort missions. Received second Nov 1942; Tonopah, Nev, c. 18 Jan 1943;
DUC for a series of fighter sweeps in Santa Rosa AAFld, Calif, c. I Mar 1943;
which the group destroyed a large number Portland AAB, Ore, c. 2 run-Oct 1943;
of enemy aircraft in the air and on the Greenham Common, England, c. 4 Nov
ground on 25 Aug 1944. Flew missions 1943; Boxted, England, c. 13 Nov I W ~ ;
Lashenden, England, Apr 1944; Crique-

ville, France, Jun 1944; Gael, France, Aug
1944;Orconte, France, Sep 1944;Meurthe-
et-Moselle, France, c. I Dec 1944; Ober
r-l
Olm, Germany, c. 8 Apr 1945; Ansbach,
Germany, c. 30 Apr 1945; Herzogenau-
rach, Germany, May 1945-15 Feb 1946;
Bolling Field, DC, 15 Feb-31 Mar 1946.
Myrtle Beach AFB, SC, 19 Nov 1956.
COMMANDERS. Col Kenneth R Martin, to. England in Jul 1943 and assigned to
c. 26 Nov 1942; Col James H Howard, 12 Eighth AF. Flew its first combat mis-
Feb 1944;Col George R Bickell, Apr 1944; sion, a fighter sweep over Belgium, on 14
Lt Col Jack T Bradley, May 1945; Maj Sep 1943 and afterward served primarily
Robert A Ackerly, Nov 1945; Lt Col as escort for bombers that attacked indus-
David L Lewis, Dec 1945-1946. Col trial areas of Berlin, marshalling yards at
James F Hackler Jr, 19 Nov 1956. Karlsruhe, an airfield at Neuberg, oil re-
CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe ;fineries at Misburg, synthetic oil plants at
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Gelsenkirchen, locks at Minden, and other
Ardennes-Alsace;Central Europe. objectives. Also flew fighter sweeps, area
DECORATIONS. patrols, and bombing missions, striking
tions: ETO, [Dec] 1943-15 May 1944; such targets as air parks, locomotives,
France, 25 Aug 1944. French Croix de bridges, radio stations, and armored cars.
Guerre with Palm: I Dec 1943-31 Dec On 5 Apr 1944, shortly after converting
1944. from P-47’s to P-~I’s,the group success-
INSIGNE.Shield: Argent, four bendletsfully bombed and strafed German air-
dromes during a snow squall, a mission
light blue, azure, gules and vert between
a delmi-horse rampant of the fourth and for which the group was awarded a DUC.
Provided fighter cover for Allied forces
two swords saltirewise proper grip and
landing in Normandy on 6 Jun 1944, and
guard of the third fimbriated or. Motto:
afterward hit uansportation facilities to
VALOR IN COMBAT. (Approved 18
cut enemy supply lines. Hit fuel dumps,
Oct 1957.) locomotives, and other targets in support
of ground forces during the breakthrough
355th FIGHTER GROUP at St Lo in Jul. Continued operations un-
til 25 Apr 1945 and remained in the the-
Constituted as 355th Fighter Group on ater after the war for duty with United
12 Nov 1942 and activated the same day. States Air Forces in Europe. Moved to
Prepared for combat with P-47’s. Moved Germany in Jul 1945as part of the army of
occupation. Transferred, without person- 356th FIGHTER GROUP
nel and equipment, to the US on I Aug
1946. Inactivated on 20 Nov 1946. /---
Redesignated 355th Fighter Group (Air

Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955.
Assigned to Air Defense Command and
equipped with F-86 aircraft.
SQUADRONS. 354th: 1942-1946; 1g55-.
357th: 1942-1946. 358th (later 56th) :
1942-1946. 469th: 1g55-.
STATIONS.Orlando AB, Fla, 12 Nov
1942; Richmond AAB, Va, 17 Feb 1943;
Philadelphia Mun Aprt, Pa, 4 Mar-16 Jun
/
1943; Steeple Morden, England, g Jul
1943; Gablingen, Germany, 3 Jul 1945;
Schweinfurt, Germany, 15 Apr 1946;
Mitchel Field, NY, I Aug-20 Nov 1946.
McGhee-Tyson Aprt, Tenn, 18 Aug 19yj-. Constituted as 356th Fighter Group on
COMMANDERS. Col William J Cum- 8 Dec I ~ G and activated on 12 Dec.
mings Jr, 12 Nov 1942; Lt Col Everett W Moved to England, Aug-Sep 1943, and
assigned to Eighth AF. Served in com-
Stewart, 4 Nov 1944; Lt Col Claiborne H
bat from Oct 1943 to May 1945, partici-
Kinnard Jr, 21 Feb 1945; Lt Col William
pating in operations that prepared for the
D Gilchrist, 7 Jun 1945; Lt Col John L
invasion of the Continent, and supporting
Elder, Oct 1945;Col Carroll W McColpin, the landings in Normandy and the s u b
14 Mar 1g46-unkn. Col William A Lan- sequent Allied drive across France and
ford, 18 Aug 1g55-. Germany. Used P-47’s until they were
CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe ; replaced by P-51’s in Nov 194. From Oct
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; 1943 until Jan 1944, operated as escort for
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. bombers that attacked such objectives as
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- industrial areas, missile sites, airfields, and
tion: Germany, 5 Apr 1944. communications. Engaged primarily in
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure on a pile issu- bombing and strafing missions after 23
ant from sinister throughout or, flames of Jan 1944, with its targets including U-boat
fire proper charged with a dagger fesswise installations, barges, shipyards, airdromes,
point to dexter of the second. Motto: hangars, marshalling yards, locomotives,
OUR MIGHT ALWAYS. (Approved trucks, oil facilities, flak towers, and radar
16 Mar 1943.) stations. Bombed and strafed in the
, 238 AIR FOR( :E COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR I1
Arnheim area on 17,18, and 23 Sep 1944 to Col Einar A Malmstrom, 28 Nov 1943; Lt
neutralize enemy gun emplacements; re- Col Philip E Tukey Jr, 24 Apr 1944; Lt Col
ceived a DUC for this contribution to the Donald A Baccus, 3 Nov 1944; Col Philip
airborne attack on Holland. Flew its last E Tukey Jr, 11 Jan 1945-unkn. Lt Col
combat mission, escorting B-17’s dropping Enoch B Stephenson, I Apr 1951; Lt Col
propaganda leaflets, on 7 May 1945. Re- William J Johnson Jr, May 1951; Lt Col
turned to the US in Nov. lnactivated on Ralph F Newman, 16 Aug 1951; Col James
10 NOV1945. L Rose, Jan 1952; Lt Col Stanley W Irons,
Redesignated 118th Fighter Group. 2 Jun 1952; Col Robert R Smith, Nov
Allotted to ANG (Tenn) on 24 May 1946. 1g52-unkn.
Extended federal recognition on 2 Oct CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe;
194.7. Redesignated 118th Composite Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland ;
Group in Nov 1950, and 118th Tactical Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Reconnaissance Group in Feb 1951. DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Ordered to active duty on I Apr 1951 and tion: Holland, 17, 18, and 23 Sep 1944.
assigned to Tactical Air Command. INSIGNE.On a blue oval with a yellow
Used RF-47, RF-51, RF-80, and RB-26 border an aerial camera supporting
aircraft for training and maneuvers. Re- binoculars and a torch, the whole group
lieved from active service and returned, winged, all yellow with flame proper and
without personnel and equipment, to con- lenses blue and white, above the torch and
trol of ANG (Tenn) on I Jan 1953. between the tips of the wings three white
SQUADRONS. 106th: 1951-1953. 285th: stars. (Approved 5 Jan 1954.)
1951-1953. 359th (later 155th) : 1942-
1945; 1951-1953. 360th: 1942-1945. 357th FIGHTER GROUP
3 6 I S t : 1942-1945.
STATIONS.Westover Field, Mass, 12 Constituted as 357th Fighter Group on
Dec 1942; Groton AAFld, Conn, 12 Mar I Dec 1942 and activated the same day.
1943; Mitchel Field, NY, 30 May 1943; Used P-39’s in preparing for duty overseas.
Grenier Field, NH, 4 Jul-15 Aug 1943; Moved to England in Nov 1943 and be-
Goxhill, England, 27 Aug 1943; Martle- came part of Eighth AF. Trained with
sham, England, 5 Oct 1943-4 Nov 1945; P-51’s and began operations on 11 Feb
Camp Kilmer, NJ, g-10 Nov 1945. Berry 1944 by making a fighter sweep over
Field, Tenn, I Apr 1951; Memphis Mun Rouen. Served primarily as an escort or-
Aprt, Tenn, 12 Apr 1951; Shaw AFB, SC, ganization, providing penetration, target,
15 Jan 1952-1 Jan 1953. and withdrawal support for bombers that
COMMANDERS. 2d Lt Joseph Moris Jr, attacked strategic objectives on the Con-
28 Dec 1942; Capt Harold J Lister, 29 Dec tinent. Participated in the assault against
1942; Lt Col Harold J Rau, 9 Feb 1943; the German Air Force and aircraft indus-
Jan 1945; and the airborne assault across

the Rhine in Mar 1945. Flew its last mis-
sion, an escort operation, on 25 Apr 1945.
Moved to Germany in Jul and assigned to
United States Air Forces in Europe for
duty with the army of occupation. Inac-
tivated in Germany on 20 Aug 1946.
Redesignated 121st Fighter Group. Al-
lotte'd to ANG (Ohio) on 21 Aug 1946..
Extended federal recognition on 26 Jun
21 1948. Redesignated 121st Fighter-Bomber
Group on 16 Oct 1952.
SQUADRONS.362d: 1942-1946. 363d:
1942-1346. 364th (later 166th) : 1942-
try during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. 1946.
Received a DUC for two escort missions STATIONS. Hamilton Field, Calif, I Dec
in which heavy opposition was encoun- 1942; Tonopah AAFld, Nev, 4 Mar 1943;
tered from enemy fighters: on 6 Mar 1944 Santa Rosa AAFld, Calif, 3 Jun 1943; Oro-
provided target and withdrawal support ville AAFld, Calif, 18 Aug 1943; Casper
during the first attack that heavy bombers AAFld, Wyo, 7 Oct-9 Nov 1943; Raydon,
of Eighth AF made on Berlin; on 29 Jun England, 30 Nov 1943; Leiston, England,
1944 protected bombers that struck tar- 31 Jan 1944-8 Jul 1945; Neubiberg, Ger-
gets at Leipzig. Received second DUC many, 21 Jul 1945-20 Aug 1946.
for operations on 14 Jan 1945 when the COMMANDERS. Lt Col Loring F Stetson
group, covering bombers on a raid to Der- Jr, I Dec 1942; Lt Col Edwin S Chickering,
ben, broke up an attack by a large force 7 Jul 1943; Col Henry R Spicer, 17 Feb
of interceptors and in the ensuing aerial 1944; Col Donald W Graham, 7 Mar 1944;
battle destroyed a number of the enemy Lt Col John D Landers, 11 Oct 1944; Col
planes. In addition to escort the group Irwin H Dregne, 2 Dec 1944; Lt Col An-
conducted counter-air patrols, made drew J Evans Jr, 21 Jul1945; Lt Col Wayne
fighter sweeps, and flew strafing and dive- E Rhynard, c. 20 Nov 1945; Col Barton M
bombing missions in which it attacked air- Russell, Apr Igq6-unkn.
dromes, marshalling yards, locomotives, CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Europe;
bridges, barges, tugboats, highways, ve- Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland;
hicles, fuel dumps, and other targets. Ardennes-Alsace ; Central Europe.
Participated in the invasion of Normandy DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
in Jun 1944; the breakthrough at St Lo tions: Germany, 6 Mar and 29 Jun 1944;
in Jul; the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944- Derben, Germany, 14 Jan 1945. French
Croix de Guerre with Palm: 11 Feb 1944- Peninsula on 6 and 7 Jun, and attacked
15 Jan 1945. bridges, rail lines and trains, vehicles, and
INSIGNE. Shield: Per fess nebuly azure troop concentrations during the remainder
and or, in chief a chaplet azure and argent of the month. Moved to the Continent in
winged or, in base a cubit arm in armor Jul and took part in operations that re-
brandishing a sword proper hilted bronze. sulted in the Allied breakthrough at St
Motto: SEMPER OMNIA-A11 Things Lo. Continued to fly escort, interdictory,
at All Times. (Approved 27 May 1953.) and close-support missions during the
Allied drive across France and into Ger-
358th FIGHTER GROUP many, earning four citations before the
end of the war. Received first DUC for
operations from 24 Dec 1944 to 2 Jan 1945
when the group not only supported
Seventh Army by attacking rail lines and
rolling stock, vehicles, buildings, and
artillery, but also destroyed numerous
3
fighter planes during a major assault by
the German Air Force against Allied air-
fields. Received second DUC for 19-20
Mar 1945, a period in which the 358th
destroyed and damaged large numbers of
motor transports and thus hampered the
evacuation of German forces that were
Constituted as 358th Fighter Group on withdrawing from the area west of the
u) Dec 1942. Activated on I Jan 1943. Rhine. Received third DUC for perform-
Trained with P-47’s. Moved to England ance between 8 and 25 Apr 1945 when
during SepOct 1943. Began operations the group attacked enemy airfields in the
on 20 Dec 1943 and served in combat with region of Munich and Ingolstadt, engaged
Eighth and, later, Ninth AF until V-E the enemy in aerial combat, and supported
Day. Engaged in escort work until Apr advancing ground forces by attacking such
1944 to cover the operations of bombers targets as motor transports, tanks, loco-
that the AAF sent against targets on the motives, guns, and buildings. Received
Continent. Dive-bombed marshalling fourth citation, the French Croix de
yards and airfields during Apr to help pre- Guerre with Palm, for assisting in the
pare for the invasion of Normandy. Con- liberation of France. Returned to the US
tinued attacks on enemy communications in Jul 1945. Znactivated on 7 Nov 1945.
and flew escort missions during May. Redesignated 122d Fighter Group. A1-
Escorted troop carriers over the Cotentin lotted to ANG (Ind) on 24 May 1946.
Extended federal recognition on g Dec France ; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace;

1946. Ordered into active service on I Feb Central Europe.
1951. Assigned to Air Defense Com- DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
mand. Redesignated 122d Fighter-Inter- tions: Ardennes, 24 Dec 1944-2 Jan 1945;
ceptor Group. Trained with F-51 and ETO, 19-20 Mar 1945; Germany, 8-25
F-84 aircraft. Inactivated on 7 Feb 1952. Apr 1945. French Croix de Guerre with
Relieved from active service, returned to Palm.
ANG (Ind), redesignated 122d Fighter- INSIGNE.Shield: Azure (light blue) a
Bomber Group, and activated, on I Nov bordure or (Air Force yellow), overall and
1952. saltirewise an escutcheon in prospect, (per
SQUADRONS. 223th: 1951-1952. 266th: bend or and sable, in chief four mullets of
1951-1952. 365th (later 163d) : 1943-1945; the last) and a jet type aircraft with ex-
1951-1952. 366th: 1943-1945. 367th: haust fire all proper. Motto: CONQUER
1943-1945- ABOVE. (Approved 28 Jul 1954.)
STATIONS.Richmond AAB, Va, I Jan
1943; Baltimore, Md, 28 Apr 1943; Camp 359th FIGHTER GROUP
Springs AAFld, Md, 28 May 1943; Phila-
delphia Mun Aprt, Pa, 16 Jun 1943; Rich-
mond AAB, Va, 13 Aug-25 Sep-3;
Goxhill, England, 20 Oct 1943; Leiston,
4 1
England, 29 Nov 1943; Raydon, England,
31 Jan 1944; High Halden, England, 13
Apr 1944; Cretteville, France, 3 Jul 1 9 4 ;
Pontorson, France, 14 Aug 1944; Vitry-le-
Francois, France, 14 Sep 1 9 4 ;Mourmelon,
France, 16 Oct 1944; Tohl, France, 9 Nov
1944; Sandhofen, Germany, 2 Apr 1945;
Reims, France, c. 23 Jun-Jul 1945; La
Junta AAFld, &lo, 3 Aug? Nov 1945.
Stout Field, Ind, I Feb 1951; Baer Field,
Ind, 10 Mar 19517Feb 1952. Constituted as 359th Fighter Group on
COMMANDERS. Col Cecil L Wells, I Jan 20 Dec 1942. Activated on 15 Jan 1943.
1943; Col James B Tipton, 20 Sep 1944- Apparently not manned until Mar 1943.
unkn; Lt Col John M Thacker, 1945. Col Moved to England in Oct 1943and became
John A Carey, 1g51-c. Feb 1952. part of Eighth AF. Entered combat in
CAMPAIGNS.American Theater; Air mid-Dec, after some of the pilots had al-
Offensive, Europe ; Normandy; Northern ready flown combat missions with another
fighter group. Began operations with Redesignated 123d Fighter Group. Al-
P-47’s; converted to P-51’s in Apr 1944. lotted to ANG (Ky) on 24 May 1946. Ex-
In combat, Dec 1g43-May 1945, flew tended federal recognition on 20 Sep 1947.
escort, patrol, strafing, dive-bombing, and Ordered into active service on 10Oct 1950.
weather-reconnaissance missions. At first, Redesignated 123d Fighter-Bomber
engaged primarily in escort activities to Group. Assigned to Tactical Air Com-
cover bombers that attacked airfields in mand. Trained with F-51’s until late in
France. Expanded area of operations in 1951. Converted to F-84’s in Nov and
May 1944 to provide escort for bombers moved to England to become part of
that struck rail centers in Germany and United States Air Forces in Europe.
oil targets in Poland. Supported the in- Transferred to the US without personnel
vasion of Normandy (Jun 1g44), patrol- and equipment, relieved from active duty,
ling the English Channel, escorting bom- returned to control of ANG (Ky), and ye-
bardment formations to the French coast, designated 123d Fighter-Interceptor
and dive-bombing and strafing bridges, Group, on 10 Jul1g52. Redesignated 123d
locomotives, and rail lines near the battle Fighter-Bomber Group in Jan 1953.
area. During the period Jul 1g44-Feb SQUADRONS. 156th: 1950-1952, 368th
1945, engaged chiefly in escorting bombers (later 165th) : 1943-1945; 1g50-1g52.
to oil refineries, marshalling yards, and 369th (later 167th) : 1943-1945; 1950-1952.
other targets in such cities as Ludwig- -
370th .- 1943- I945
shafen, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Berlin, STATIONS. Westover Field, Mass, 15 Jan
Merseburg, and Brux. Received a DUC 1943; Grenier Field, NH, 7 Apr 1943; Re-
for operations over Germany on 11 Sep public Field, NY, 11 Jul 1943; Westover
1944 when the group protected a forma- Field, Mass, 23 Aug-2 Oct 1943; East
tion of heavy bombers against large num- Wretham, England, Oct 1g43-Nov 1945;
bers of enemy fighters. In addition to its Camp Kilmer, N J, 9 1 0Nov 1945. Standi-
escort duties, the group supported cam- ford Mun Aprt, Ky, 10Oct 1950; Godman
paigns in France during Jul and Aug 1944, AFB, Ky, c. 20 Oct 1950-15 Nov 1951;
bombed enemy positions to support the Manston RAF Station, England, 10 Dec
airborne invasion of Holland in Sep, and 1951-10 Jul 1952.
participated in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec COMMANDERS. Col Avelin P Tacon Jr,
1944-Jan 1945). Flew missions to support Jan 1943; Col John P Randolph, 12 Nov
the assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945, 1944; Lt Col Donald A Baccus, 8 Apr 1945;
and escorted medium bombers that at- Lt Col Daniel D McKee, c. 16 Sep 1945-
tacked various communications targets, unkn. Col Philip P Ardery, 10 Oct 1950;
Feb-Apr 1945. Returned to the US in Lt Col William J Payne, 26 Oct 1950; Lt
Nov 1945. Znactiuated on 10 Nov 1945. Col Chesley G Peterson, 20 Apr 1951; Lt
Col Delynn E Anderson, 4 Aug IggI-Jul 361st FIGHTER GROUP

1952.
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland;
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
tion: Germany, 11 Sep 1944.
INSIGNE,Shield: Per chevron, azure and
or; in base a star argent over a hurt, be-
tween a bar voided per roundle azure;
three rays issuing from the hurt to three
winged plates argent, over three billets or,
in chief; over all a chevron, per chevron,
of the last and gules; the shield edged in Constituted as 361st Fighter Group on
chief or. Motto: FORTES FORTUNA 28 Jan 1943. Activated on 10 Feb 1943.
JUVAT-Fortune Assists the Brave. (Ap- Joined Eighth A F in England in Nov
proved 20 Dec 1951.) 1943. Entered combat with P-47 aircraft
on 21 Jan 1944 and converted to P-51’s
360th FIGHTER GROUP in May 1944. Operated from England
during 1944 but sent a detachment to
Constituted as 360th Fighter Group on France for operations in the Battle of the
20 Dec 1942. Activated on 15 Jan 1943. Bulge (Dec 1 ~ 4 - J a n 1g45), moved to
Assigned to Fourth AF. Used P-38’s to Belgium in Feb 1945, and returned to
train replacement crews for combat. Dis- England in Apr 1945. Served primarily
banded on 31 Mar 1944. as an escort organization, covering the
SQUADRONS. 372St: 1943-1944. 372d.’ penetration, attack, and withdrawal of
1943-194. 373d: 1943-1944. 4 6 t h : bomber formations that the AAF sent
1943-1944. against targets on the Continent. Also
STATIONS.Glendale, Calif, 15 Jan 1943; engaged in counter-air patrols, fighter
Muroc AAB, Calif, 14 Apr 1943; Salinas sweeps, and strafing and dive-bombing
AAB, Calif, 22 Sep 1943; Santa Maria missions. Attacked such targets as air-
AAFld, Calif, 11 Jan-31 Mar 1944. dromes, marshalling yards, missile sites,
COMMANDERS.Maj Frederick C industrial areas, ordnance depots, oil re-
Grambo, 19 Jan 1943; Lt Col John S fineries, trains, and highways. During its
Chennault, May 1943-31 Mar 1944. operations, participated in the assault
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. against the German Air Force and aircraft
DECORATIONS. None. industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb
INSIGNE. None. 1944; the Normandy invasion, Jun 1944;
the St Lo breakthrough, Jul 1944; the air- 1944; Lt Col Roy B Caviness, 3 Nov 1944;
borne attack on Holland, Sep 1944; and Col Junius W Dennison Jr, 2 Dec 1 9 4 ;
the airborne assault across the Rhine, Mar Lt Col Roy B Caviness, 15 Apr 1945; Col
1945. Flew last combat mission on 20 Apr John D Landers, 29 Jun 1945-unkn. Col
1945. Returned to the US in Nov. Inacti- David T McKnight, 1951; Col Maurice L
vated on 10 Nov 1945. Martin, 6 Aug 1951-unkn.
Redesignated 127th Fighter Group. Al- CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Europe;
lotted to ANG (Mich) on 24 May 1946. Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland;
Extended federal recognition on 29 Sep Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
1946. Ordered into active service on I Feb DECORATIONS. None.
1951. Assigned to Air Training Com- INSIGNE.Shield: Gules (scarlet) a bend-
mand. RedeJignated 127th Pilot Training let divided per bend into five equal parts,
Group in Mar 1951. Used F-51, F-80, the center azure, and the outer two or, and
and F-84 aircraft while serving as a train- of the first (dark red), between in chief
ing organization. Relieved from active three fleur-de-lis in pale, of the third, and
duty and returned to ANG (Mich), on I in base a giant (Saguaro) cactus footed to
Nov 1952. Redesignated 127th Fighter- the sinister by an apple blossom stemmed
Bomber Group. both proper. Motto: PARATI STA-
SQUADRONS. 207th: 1951-1952. I97th: MUS-We Stand Ready. (Approved 30
1951-1952. 374th (later 171st) : 1943- Jul 1954.)
1945; 1951-1952- 375th: 1943-1945,
376th: 1943-1945. 362d FIGHTER GROUP
STATIONS. Richmond AAB, Va, 10 Feb
1943; Langley Field, Va, 26 May 1943; Constituted as 362d Fighter Group on
Millville AAFld, NJ, 20 Jul 1943; Camp 11 Feb 1943. Activated on I Mar 1943.
Springs AAFld, Md, 28 Aug 1943; Rich- Trained for combat with P-47’s. Moved
mond AAB, Va, 20 Sep-11 Nov 1943; Bot- to England in Nov 1943. Assigned to
tisham, England, 30 Nov 1943; Little Ninth AF. Flew first mission, escorting
Walden, England, 26 Sep 1 9 4 ; Chievres, B-24’s that attacked V-weapon launching
Belgium, I Feb-Apr 1945; Little Walden, sites near Pas de Calais, on 8 Feb 1 9 4 .
England, g Apr-3 Nov 1945; Camp Kil- Until Apr 1944, engaged chiefly in escort-
mer, N J, 9-10 Nov 1945. Detroit-Wayne ing bombers that struck factories, rail-
Major Aprt, Mich, I Feb 1951; Luke AFB, roads, airfields, and other targets on the
Ariz, 23 Feb 1951-1 Nov 1952. Continent. Repeatedly attacked com-
COMMANDERS.Col Thomas J J Chris- munications in northern France and in
tian Jr, 10Feb 1943; Col Ronald F Fallows, Belgium during Apr and May, in prepa-
14 Aug 1944; Lt Col Roy B Caviness, 31 ration for the invasion of Normandy.
Aug 1944; Lt Col Joseph J Kruzel, 20 Sep Escorted C-47’s that dropped paratroops
despite the intense antiaircraft fire encoun-

tered while flying armed reconnaissance
in close cooperation with infantry forces
in that area on 16 Mar 1945, the group hit
enemy forces, equipment, and facilities,
its targets including motor transports, ar-
mored vehicles, railroads, railway cars, and
gun emplacements. Continued operations
until I May 1945. Returned to the US,
Aug-Sep 1945. Trained with P-51's. Zn-
i activated on II Aug 1946.
Redesignatled 128th Fighter Group. Al-
lotted to AN6 (Wis) on 2 Aug 1946.
over Normandy on 6 and 7 Jun. After- 1948. Ordered to active duty on I Feb
ward, engaged primarily in interdictory 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Com-
and close-support activities, flying strafing mand. Redesignated 128th Fighter-In-
and dive-bombing missions designed to terceptor Group. Inactivated on 6 Feb
assist the operations of ground forces. 1952. Relieved from active duty, returned
Moved to the Continent early in Jul 1944 to ANG (Wis), and activated, on I Nov
and bombed enemy troops to aid the Al- 1952.
lied breakthrough at St Lo later that SQUADRONS. 226th: 1951-1952. Z 7 d :
month. Supported the subsequent ad- 1951-1952. 176dz: 1951-1952. 377th.'
vance of ground forces toward the Rhine 1943-1946. 378th: 1943-1946. 379th:
by attacking railroads, trucks, bridges, 1943-1946.
power stations, fuel dumps, and other fa- STATIONS.Westover Field, Mass, I Mar
cilities. Received a DUC for a mission 1943; Bradley Field, Conn, 22 Jun 1943;
against the harbor at Brest on 25 Aug 1944 Groton Field, Conn, 2 Aug 1943; Mitchel
when, in spite of heavy overcast and in- Field, NY, 19 Oct-12 Nov 1943; Worm-
tense enemy fire, the group attacked at ingford, England, 30 Nov 1943; Head-
low altitude, hitting naval installations, corn, England, 13 Apr 1944; Lignerolles,
cruisers, troop transports, merchant ves- France, 2 Jul1944;Rennes, France, 10Aug
sels, and other objectives. Bombed and 1944; Prosnes, France, 19 Sep 1944;
strafed such targets as flak positions, ar- Rouvres, France, 5 Nov 1944; Frankfurt,
mored vehicles, and troop concentrations Germany, 8 Apr 1945;Furth, Germany, 30
during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944- Apr 1945; Illesheim, Germany, 3 May
Jan 1945. Received second DUC for ac- 1945; Straubing, Germany, 12 May-Aug
tion over the Moselle-RhineRiver triangle : 1945; Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 5 Sep
1945; Biggs Field, Tex, 3 Dec 1945-1 Aug

1946. General Billy Mitchell Field, Wis, I
Feb 1951; Truax Field, Wis, 16 Feb 1951-6 \
/’ - \
Feb 1952.
COMMANDERS. Col Morton D Magoffin,
I Mar 1943; Col Joseph L Laughlin, 10
Aug 194-1 Aug 1946. Col Paul Fojtik,
1g51-Feb 1952.
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater; Air
Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern
France; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace;
Central Europe.
tions: Brelst, France, 25 Aug 1944; Mo- ‘i‘
selle-Rhine River Triangle, 16 Mar 1945. positions, and other targets on the Conti-
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a bend or be- nent. Supported the invasion of Nor-
tween in chief, two barbs (triple pronged) mandy in Jun 1944 by escorting troop car-
of the last and a cumulo nimbus cloud riers and gliders and by attacking enemy
proper issuing from base. Over all from positions near the front lines, and moved
dexter base, two parallel piles point to sin- to the Continent at the end of Jun to take
ister chief, gules, points, sable. Motto: part in the Allied drive to the German
SURSUM PRORSUSQUE-Upward and border.
Onward. (Approved 21 Apr 1954.) Redesignated 363d Tactical Reconnais-
sance Group in Sep 1944. Equipped with
363d RECONNAISSANCE F-5 and F-6 aircraft. Flew photographic
GROUP missions to support both air and ground
operations; directed fighter-bombers to
Constittrted as 363d Fighter Group on railway, highway, and waterway traffic,
11 Feb 1943. Activated on I Mar 1943. bridges, gun positions, troop concentra-
Trained with P-39’s and served as part of tions, and other opportune targets; ad-
the air defense force. Moved to England justed artillery fire; and took photographs
in Dec 1943 for duty with Ninth AF. to assess results of Allied bombardment
Equipped with P-51’s in Jan 1944 and en- operations. Received two Belgian cita-
tered combat in Feb. Escorted bombers tions for reconnaissance activities, includ-
and fighter-bombers to targets in France, ing the group’s support of the assault on
Germany, and the Low Countries; strafed the Siegfried Line and its participation
and dive-bombed trains, marshalling yards, in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 194-Jan
bridges, vehicles, airfields, troops, gun 1945). Assisted Ninth Army’s drive across
the Rhine and deep into Germany during Apr 1943; Col John R Ulricson, 5 Jun 1943;
the period from Feb 1945 to V-E Day. Col James B Tipton, 7 May 1944; Col
Redesignated 363d Reconnaissance Group James M Smelley, c. I Sep 1944; Lt Col
in Jun 1945. Returned to the US in Dec. Seth A Mize, May 1945-unkn. Col Rus-
Inactivated on 11 Dec 1945. sell A Berg, 29 Jul 1946; Col John R Dyas,
Activated on 29 Jul 1946. Equipped c. 23 Aug 1946; Col James M Smelley, 5
initially with RF-80 and RB-26 aircraft, Nov 1947; Lt Col Walter W Berg, 30 Jun
and later with RF-84 and RB-57 aircraft. 1949; Col Willis F Chapman, 31 Oct 1949;
Redesignated 363d Tactical Reconnais- Col Benjamin G Willis, 7 Sep 1950; Maj
sance Group in Jun 1948. Charles N Keppler, c. 13 Mar 1951; Col
SQUADRONS. 9th: 1953-. 12th: 1946- WiIlie 0 Jackson Jr, 2 Apr 1951; Lt Col
1947. 17th: 1951-. 3 ~ ~1945.
t : 33d: 1945. Robert R Smith, I Nov 1951; Lt Col
39th: 1945. 155th: 1945. 160th (formerly Robert R Evans, 5 Mar 1952; Col John
380th, later 16th) : 1943-1945; 1947-1949, M McNabb, 17 Mar 1952; Col Robert R
1 9 p . r6zst (formerly 381st, later 18th) : Smith, c. 4 Mar 1953; Col Paul A Petti-
1943-1945; 1946-1949, 1951-. z62d (for- grew, c. 16 Mar 1955-.
merly 382d) : 1943-1944; 1946-1950. CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe;
STATIONS. Hamilton Field, Calif, I Mar Normandy; Northern France; Rhine-
1943; Santa Rosa AAFM, Calif, Aug 1943; land ; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Sacramento, Calif, Oct-c. 3 Dec 1943; DECORATIONS. Cited in the Order of the
Keevil, England, c. 23 Dec 1943; Riven- Day, Belgian Army: I Oct 1g44-; 18 Dec
hall, England, Jan 1944; Staplehurst, 1944-15 Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.
England, Apr 1944; Maupertuis, France, INSIGNE.Shield: Quarterly, first quar-
c. I Jul 1944; Azeville, France, Aug 1944; ter checky, argent and gules; second and
Le Mans, France, Sep 1944; Luxembourg, third quarters, azure; fourth quarter gules,
Luxembourg, c. I Oct 1944; Le Culot, a lion rampant or, armed and langued
Belgium, c. 29 Oct 1944; Venlo, Holland, azure, all within a diminutive of the
Mar 1945; Gutersloh, Germany, c. 15 Apr border or. Wreath of the colors, argent
1945; Brunswick, Germany, c. 22 Apr and gules. Motto: VOIR CEST SAV-
1945; Wiesbaden, Germany, May 1945; OIR-To See is To Know. (Approved 16
Eschwege, Germany, Aug 1945; D a m - Jun 1952.)
stadt, Germany, Sep-c. 2 Dec 1945; Camp
Kilmer, NJ, c. g-11 Dec 1945. Brooks 364th FIGHTER GROUP
Field, Tex, 29 Jul1946; Langley Field, Va,
Dec 1947; Shaw AFB, SC, c. 2 Apr 1951-. Constituted as 364th Fighter Group on
COMMANDERS. Lt Col John R Ulricson, 25 May 1943. Activated on I Jun 1943.
c. I Mar 1943; Capt Dave H Culberson, c. Trained with P-38's. Moved to England,
8 Apr 1943; Maj Theodore C Bunker, c. 27 Jan-Feb 1944. Began operations with
in patrol activities, and continued to sup-

port ground forces as the battle line moved
through France and into Germany. Took
part in the effort to invade Holland by air,
Sep 1944; the Battle of the Bulge, Dec
1g44-Jan 1945; and the assault across the
Rhine, Mar 1945. After the war, remained
in England until Nov 1945. Returned to
the US. lnactiuated on 10 Nov 1945.
Redesignated 131st Fighter Group. Al-
lotted to ANG (Mo) on 24 May 1946.
Extended federal recognition on 15 Jul
1946. Redesignated 131st Composite
Group in Nov 1950, and 131st Fighter
Eighth AF in Mar. Flew escort, dive- Group in Feb 1951. Ordered into active
bombing, strafing, and patrol missions in service on I Mar 1951. Assigned to
France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. Strategic Air Command. Redesignated
At first, operated primarily as escort for 131st Fighter-Bomber Group in Apr 1951.
heavy bombers. Patrolled the English Assigned to Tactical Air Command in
Channel during the Normandy invasion Nov 1951. Trained with F-~I’s. Re-
in Jun 1944, and, while continuing escort lieved from active duty and returned to
operations, supported ground forces in ANG (Mo), on I Dec 1952. Redesig-
France after the invasion by strafing and nated 131st Bombardment Group (Light).
bombing locomotives, marshalling yards, SQUADRONS. Z Z O t h : 1951-1952. Z7Oth:
bridges, barges, and other targets. Con- 1951-1952. zgzd: 1951-1952. 383d: 1943-
verted from P-38’s to P-51’sin the sum- 1945. 384th: 1943-1945. 385th: 1943-
mer of 1944 and from then until the end 1945.
of the war flew many long-range escort STATIONS. Glendale, Calif, I Jun 1943;
missions for B-17’s that attacked oil re- Van Nuys, Calif, 12 Aug 1943; Ontario
fineries, industries, and other strategic AAFld, Calif, 11 Oct 1943; Santa Maria
objectives at Berlin, Regensburg, Merse- AAFld, Calif, c. 7 Dec 1g43-c. 11 Jan 1944;
burg, Stuttgart, Brussels, and elsewhere. Honington, England, Feb 1g44-c. Nov
Received a DUC for an escort mission on 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, g-10 Nov 1945.
27 Dec 1944 when the group dispersed a Lambert Field, Mo, I Mar 1951; Berg-
large force of German fighters that at- strom AFB, Tex, 10 Mar 1951; George
tacked the bomber formation the group AFB, Calif, 7 Aug 1951-1 Dec 1952.
was escorting on a raid to Frankfurt. COMMANDERS. Lt Col Frederick C
Also flew air-sea rescue missions, engaged Grambo, 12Jun 1943; Col Roy W Osborn,
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS-GROUPT 249
c. Mar 1944; Lt Col Joseph B McManus, c.
g Sep 1 9 4 ; Lt Col John W Lowell, c. 23
Oct 1944;Col Roy W Osborn, 2 Nov 1944;
Lt Col Eugene P Roberts, 3 Jan-Nov 1945.
Lt Col Val W Bollwerk, Mar 1951; Col
Donald J M Blakeslee, c. Apr 1951; Col
Woodrow W Ramsey, c. Dec 1951-1 Dec
1952-
CAMPArGNs. Air Offensive, Europe ;
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland;
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
tion: Frankfurt, Germany, 27 Dec I ~ M .
INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, on a pile issu- battle for Normandy. Bombed targets
ing from sinister chief argent an aircraft near St Lo in Jul to assist Allied forces in
rocket sable banded of the second leaving breaking through German lines at that
a trail gules between two general purpose point, and supported the subsequent drive
aerial bombs in bend sinisterwise of across northern France during Aug-Sep.
the third. Motto: P A R A T I A D In Sep, also flew patrols in cooperation
AGENDUM-Ready for Action. (Ap- with airborne operations in Holland.
proved 29 Mar 1954.) Cited by the Belgian government for as-
sisting Allied armies in the period from
365th FIGHTER GROUP the invasion of Normandy through the ini-
tial phases of the liberation of Belgium.
Constituted as 365th Fighter Group on During the fall of 1944, operated in connec-
27 Apr 1943. Activated on 15 May 1943. tion with the seizure of Aachen and aided
Trained with P-47's. Moved to England ground troops in the offensive toward the
in Dec 1943. Began combat operations Rhine, receiving a DUC for destroying and
with Ninth AF in Feb 1 9 4 . Engaged in damaging numerous enemy fighters over
escort activities and flew dive-bombing the Bonn-Dusseldorf area in Germany on
missions to attack such targets as bridges, 21 Oct. Received second Belgian award'
airdromes, rail facilities, gun positions, and for actions during the Battle of the Bulge
V-weapon sites prior to the invasion of the when the group struck such targets as
Continent. Attacked rail targets and gun vehicles, rolling stock, marshalling yards,
emplacements in France during the inva- gun positions, factories, and towns. Pro-
sion on 6 Jun. Moved to the Continent vided cover during airborne operations
late in Jun and continued to dive-bomb across the Rhine in Mar 1945 and sup-
targets during the succeeding weeks of the ported the drive into Germany. Awarded
second DUC for operations on 20 Apr 1945 France, c. 29 Jul 1945; Antwerp, Belgium,
when the group attacked airfields, motor c. 22 Aug-11 Sep 1945; Camp Myles Stand-
transports, and ammunition dumps to aid ish, Mass, 20-22 Sep 1945. Des Moines
the Allied advance through southern Ger- Mun Aprt, Iowa, I Apr 1951; Dow AFB,
many. Ended combat in May and took Maine, 15 Apr 1951; Alexandria AFB, La,
part in the disarmament program until 19 Jun 1952-1 Jan 1953.
Jun 1945. Moved to the US in Sep. Zn- COMMANDERS. Col Lance Call, c. 15
activated on 22 Sep 1945. May 1943; Col Ray J Stecker, 26 Jun 1944;
Redesignated 132d Fighter Group. Al- Lt Col Robert C Richardson 111, 26 Apr
lotted to ANG (Iowa) on q May 1946. 1g45-unkn. Col Charles G Teschner, c.
Extended federal recognition on 23 Aug I Apr 1951; Col Harold J Whiteman, 21
1946. Ordered into active service on I Jun 1952-c. I Jan 1953.
Apr 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Com- CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe;
mand. Redesignated 132d Fighter-Bom- Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland;
ber Group in Jun ISI. Assigned to Tac- Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
tical Air Command in Nov 1951. DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
Equipped with F-517S but with one squad- tions: Germany, 21 Oct 1944; Germany,
ron using F-847s until late in 1951. Re- 20 Apr 1945. Cited in the Order of the
lieved from active service and returned, Day, Belgian Army: 6 Tun-30 Sep 1944;
less personnel and equipment, to ANG 16 Dec 1944-25 Jan 1945. Belgian Four-
(Iowa), on I Jan 1953. ragere.
SQUADRONS. 224th: 1951-1953. z73d: INSIGNE. Shield: Azure (sky blue),
1951-1953. 386th (later 174th) : 1943- within a diminutive border or, a chevalier
1945; 1951-1953. 387th: 1943-1945. completely armed, in his dexter hand a
388th: 1943-1945. tilting spear, with streamers; on his sinis-
STATIONS.Richmond AAB, Va, 15 May ter arm an escutcheon charged with a
1943; Langley Field, Va, 19 Jul 1943; Dov- tierce, in gyrons of two bendwise; the
er AAFld, Del, 11 Aug 1943; Richmond horse caparisoned and in full gallop, charg-
AAB, Va, 18 Nov-4 Dec 1943; Gosfield, ing, all or, the horse’s hind feet resting on
England, 22 Dec 1943;Beaulieu, England, a cloud proper, issuing from the base.
5 Mar 1944; Azeville, France, 28 Jun 1944; (Approved 17 Oct 1952.)
Lignerolles, France, 15 Aug 1944; Bre-
tigny, France, 3 Sep 1944; Juvincourt, 366th FIGHTER GROUP
France, 15 Sep 1944; Chievres, Belgium,
4 Oct 194.4; Metz, France, 27 Dec 1944; Constituted as 366th Fighter Group on
Florennes/Juzaine, Belgium, 30 Jan 1945; 24 May 1943. Activated on I Jun 1943.
Aachen, Germany, 16 Mar 1945; Fritz- Prepared for overseas duty with P-47’s.
lar, Germany, 13 Apr 1945; Suippes, Moved to England, Dec 1943-Jan 1944.
251
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS-GROUPS
1944; attacked flak positions near Eind-
hoven during the airborne landing in Hol-
land in Sep 19+4; flew armed reconnais-
sance missions over the battle area during
the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945;
and escorted bombers during the airborne
assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. The
366th frequently attacked such targets as
railroads, highways, bridges, motor trans-
ports, gun emplacements, supply depots,
and troops; often escorted bombers that
hit airfields, factories, and marshalling
yards; sometimes flew area patrols; and on
occasion dropped leaflets. Flew last mis-
sion, attacking harbors at Kiel and Flens-
Assigned to Ninth AF. Entered combat
burg, on 3 May 1945. Remained in Ger-
on 14 Mar 1944 with a fighter sweep along
many after the war and, assigned to United
the French coast, then took part in opera-
States Air Forces in Europe, became part
tions designed to prepare the way for the
of the occupation force. Znactivatcd in
invasion of the Continent. Flew fighter
sweeps over Normandy on 6 Jun 194, at- Germany on 20 Aug 1946.
tacking such targets as motor convoys and
Group. Activated in the US on I Jan 1953.
gun emplacements. Moved to the Con-
Assigned to Tactical Air Command.
tinent soon after D-Day and engaged pri-
Trained with F-51, F-84, and F-86 air-
marily in dive-bombing missions against
enemy communications and fortifications craft.
SQUADRONS.389th: 1943-1946; 1g53-.
until May 1945. Received a DUC for s u p
390th: 1943-1946; I953-. 3 9 ~ ~ 1943-
t:
porting ground forces on 11 Jul 194: a p
1946; 1953-.
proaching the assigned target-pillboxes
STATIONS.Richmond AAB, Va, I Jun
in the vicinity of St L e t h e .group dis- 1943; Bluethenthal Field, NC, g Aug 1943;
covered an enemy tank column unknown Richmond AAB, Va, 3-17 Dec 1943; Mem-
to Allied infantry; despite driving rain bury, England, 10 Jan 1944; Thruxton,
and intense antiaircraft fire, t grsup not
/
England, I Mar-12 Jun 1944; St Pierre du
only attacked assigned jectives but also Mont, France, 17 Jun 1944; Dreux/
severely damaged e enemy’s armored Vermouillet, France, 24 Aug 1944; Laon/
force. Among other operations, the Couvron, France, 8 Sep 1944; Assche, Bel-
lach, Germany, 25 Jun 1945; Fritzlar,

Germany, 14 Sep 1945-20 Aug 1946.
Alexandria AFB, La, I Jan 1g53-.
COMMANDERS. Maj Morris C Crossen, I
?
Jun 1943; Col Dyke F Meyer, 11 Jul 1943;
z
Lt Col James P Tipton, 19 Apr 1944; Lt
Col Donald K Bennett, 30 Apr 1944; Col
Harold N Holt, c. 22 May 194; Lt Col
Ansel J Wheeler, 28 Apr 1945; Col Clar-
ence T Edwinson, May 1946-unkn. Col
Harold J Whiteman, 1953; Lt Col Carroll \
B McElroy, 9 Jul 1953; Col Timothy F
O'Keefe, 8 Aug 1953; Col Gerald J Dix, I
Sep 1954; Col Clyde B Slocumb Jr, 16 Feb
roads, bridges, hangars, and other targets
1955-.
CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Europe; in western France, and escorting bombers
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; that struck airfields, marshalling yards,
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. and other facilitiesin the same area. From
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- D-Day to 8 Jun 1944, provided cover for
tion: Normandy, 11 Jul1944. Cited in the Allied forces crossing the Channel; dur-
Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6 Tun- ing the remainder of run, bombed and
30 Sep 1944; I Oct 1944- ; 18 Dec 1944-15 strafed convoys, troops, flak towers, power
Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere. stations, and other objectives behind the
INSIGNE.Shield: Vert, a tiger's face invasion beaches. Moved to the Continent
proper, armed and embrued gules. in Jul 1944 and operated chiefly in support
Motto: AUDENTES FORTUNA JU- of ground forces until V-E Day. Struck
VAT-Fortune Favors the Bold. ( A p railroads, marshalling yards, and trains
to prevent enemy reinforcements from
proved 6 Oct 1954.)
reaching the front during the Allied break-
through at St Lo in Jul 1944. Received a
367th FIGHTER GROUP DUC for a mission in France on 25 Aug:
Constittlted as 367th Fighter Group on after attacking landing grounds at Clastres,
on 15 Jul 1943. Peronne, and Rosieries through an intense
to England, antiaircraft barrage, the group engaged a
number of enemy planes and then, despite
Equipped with P438's in Apr 1944 a low fuel supply, strafed a train and con-
and converted to P-47's in Feb 1945. En- voy after leaving the scene of battle; later
tered combat in May 1944, attacking rail- the same day the 367th flew a fighter
sweep of more than 800 miles, hitting land- 1943-8 Mar 1944; Stony Cross, England,
ing grounds at Cognac, Bourges, and 5 Apr 1944; Ibsley, England, 6 Jul 1944;
Dijon. Attacked German strong points Beuzeville, France, 22 Jul 1944; Crique-
to aid the Allied push against the Siegfried ville, France, 14 Aug 1944; Peray, France,
Line in the fall of 1944. On 26 Dec, dur- 4 Sep 1944; Clastres, France, 8 Sep 1944;
ing the Battle of the Bulge, escorted C-47's Juvincourt, France, 28 Oct 1944; St-Dizier,
that dropped supplies to Allied troops en- France, I Feb 1945; Conflans, France, 14
circled at Bastogne. Received another Mar 1945; Frankfurt/Eschborn, Germany,
DUC for action on 19 Mar 1945: although' 10 Apr-Jul 1945; Seymour Johnson Field,
its target was located in mountainous ter- NC, Sep? Nov 1945. Holman Field,
rain, concealed by ground haze, and well- Minn, I Mar 1951; Ft Snelling, Minn,
defended by antiaircraft artillery, the 21 Jan-6 Feb 1952.
group descended to low altitude to bomb COMMANDERS. Maj Tuevo A Ahola, 17
and strafe the headquarters of the German Jul 1943; Lt Col John R Alison, 11 Aug
Commander-in-Chief, West, at Ziegen- 1943; Maj Tuevo A Ahola, 22 Oct 1943;
burg. Struck tanks, trucks, flak positions, Maj Morris C Crossen, 25 Nov 1943; Col
and other objectives in support of the as- Charles M Young, 22 Jan 1944; Col Edwin
sault across the Rhine late in Mar and the S Chickering, g Nov rg44-unkn. Col
final Allied operations in Germany. Flew John R Dohny, 1g51-Feb 1952.
last mission on V-E Day. Returned to the CAMPAIGNS.Air Offensive, Europe;
US, Jul-Aug 1945. lnactivated on 7 Nov Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland;
I945 Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Redesignated 133d Fighter Group. Al- DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
lotted to ANG (Minn) on 24 May 1946.
tions: France, 25 Aug 1944; Germany, 19
Extended federal recognition on 28 Aug
Mar 1945. Cited in the Order of the Day,
1947. Ordered into active service on I Mar
Belgian Army: 6 Tun-30 Sep 1944; 16 Dec
1951. Assigned to Air Defense Command.
Redesignated 133d Fighter-Interceptor 1944-25 Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.
Group. Znactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Re- INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend azure and
lieved from active duty, returned to ANG gules, throughout in bend between in chief
(Minn), and activated, on I Dec 1952. the dominant constellation of the northern
SQUADRONS. 109th: 1951-1952. 175th: sky argent (the Big Dipper, Ursa Major,
1951-1952. 3 p d : 1943-1945. 393d (later with the North Star in sinister chief) and
'79th) : 1943-1945; 1951-1952. 394th: in base a griffn sejant with left foreleg
1943-1945. slightly raised or, wings, head and neck
STATIONS. Hamilton Field, Calif, 15 Jul feathers of the first all highlighted white
1943; Santa Rosa AAFld, Calif, 11 Oct and outlined sable, a vol argent outlined
1943; Oakland Mun Aprt, Calif, 10 Dec gray. Motto: SPLENDENTES IN DE-
FENSIONE-Shining in Defense. ( A p ing seven missions against the enemy on

proved g Jul 1954.) that day, not only destroyed large num-
bers of motor transports, horse-drawn ve-
368th FIGHTER GROUP hicles, and troops, but also attacked enemy
positions that obstructed the progress of
ground forces. Continued to support
ground forces, participated in the assault
against the Siegfried Line, and took part
in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1g44-Jan
1945) by attacking rail lines and trains,
marshalling yards, roads and vehicles,
armored columns, and gun positions. Op-
erated with the Allied forces that pushed
I across the Rhine and into Germany. After
V-E Day, served with the army of occu-
pation, being assigned to United States Air
Forces in Europe. Inactivated in Ger-
Constituted as 368th Fighter Group on many on m Aug 1946.
3 May 1943. Activated on I Jun 1943. Redesignated 136th Fighter Group. Al-
Trained with P-47’s. Moved to England, lotted to ANG (Tex) on 21 Aug 1946.
arriving in Jan 194. Began operations Extended federal recognition on 27 Jan
with Ninth AF on 14 Mar when the group 1947. Ordered into active service on 10
flew a fighter sweep over the coast of Oct 1950. Assigned to Tactical Air Com-
France. Made strafing and bombing at- mand. Redesignated 136th Fighter:
tacks on airfields, rail and highway Bomber Group. Used F-51’s until early
bridges, trains, vehicles, flak positions, and in 1951, then began conversion to F-84’~.
V-weapon sites to help prepare for the in- Moved to Japan, May-Jul1g51. Attached
vasion of France. Supported the landings to Far East Air Forces for duty in the
in Normandy early in Jun 1944 and began Korean War. Engaged primarily in in-
operations from the Continent later the terdiction but also flew close-support, es-
same month. Aided in the taking OE cort, and armed-reconnaissance missions,
Cherbourg, participated in the air opera- operating first from Japan and later from
tions that prepared the way for the Allied Korea. Relieved from active duty, re-
breakthrough at St Lo on 25 Jul, and sup- turned to ANG (Tex) without personnel
ported ground forces during their drive and equipment, and redesignated 136th
across France. Received a DUC for sup- Fighter-Interceptor Group, on 10 Jul 1952.
port operations in the vicinity of Mons Redesignated 136th Fighter-Bomber
on 3 Sep 1944 when the group, dispatch- Group on I Jan 1953.
SQUADRONS. I I Ith: 1950-1952. 154th: DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-

1950-1952. 395th: 1943-1946. 396th tion: Mons, France, 3 Sep 1944. Cited in
(later 182d) : 1943-1946; 1950-1952. the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6
397th: 1943-1946. run-30 Sep 1944; 16 Dec 1944-25 Jan 1945.
STATIONS. Westover Field, Mass, I Jun Belgian Fourragere.
1943; Farmingdale, NY, 23 Aug-20 Dec INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, a lightning bolt
1943; Greenham Common, England, 13 bendwise in front of a winged star or, on
Jan 1944; Chilbolton, England, 15 Mar a chief argent a cluster of grapes and a
1944; Cardonville, France, 20 Jun 1944; Korean bell proper. Motto: NULL1
Chartres, France, 23 Aug 1944; Laon, SECUNDUS-Second to None. (Ap-
France, 11 Sep 1944; Chievres, Belgium, 2 proved 22 Dec 1953.)
Oct 1944; Juvincourt, France, 27 Dec 1944;
Metz, France, 5 Jan 1945; Frankfurt-am- 369th FIGHTER GROUP
Main, Germany, 15 Apr 1945; Buchschwa-
bach, Germany, 13 May 1945; Straubing, Constituted as 369th Fighter Group on
Germany, 13 Aug 1945-20 Aug 1946. 26 May 1943. Activated on I Aug 1943.
Hensley Field, Tex, 10 Oct 1950; Langley Assigned to Third AF, later (Mar 1944)
AFB, Va, 24 Oct 1950-13 May 1951; Ita- to Fourth AF. Redesignated 369th
zuke, Japan, May 1951; Taegu, Korea, 19 Fighter-Bomber Group in Apr 1944, and
Sep 1951-10 Jul 1952. 369th Fighter Group in Jun 1944. Trained
COMMANDERS. Col Gilbert L Meyers, c. replacement crews and participated in
3 Jun 1943; Col Frank S Perego, I Nov various maneuvers, such as the Louisiana
1944; Maj Dennis Crisp, 18 Oct 1945; Lt Maneuvers in the summer of 1944. Air-
Col John L Locke, 2 Nov 1945; Col Robert craft included A-36‘s, P-39’s, P-~o’s,and
P Montgomery, zi Apr-20 Aug 1946. Col (in 1945) P-51’s. Znactivated on 10 Aug
Albert C Prendergast, 10 Oct 1950; Lt Col 1945.
SQUADRONS. 398th: 1943-1945. 399th:
William N Hensley, 26 Oct 1950; Lt Col
Gerald E Montgomery, c. 9 May 1951 ;Col 1943-1945- 400th : 1943-1945.
STATIONS. Hamilton Field, Calif, I Aug
Dean Davenport, Jun 1951; Col William
1943; Marysville AAFld, Calif, c. 5 Nov
T Halton, c. 20 Sep 1951; Lt Col Daniel F 1943; Oroville AAFld, Calif, 28 Jan 1944;
Sharp, c. 21 Mar-c. Jul 1952. Hamilton Field, Calif, 16 Mar 1944; De-
CAMPAIGNS. World War ZZ: Air Offen- Ridder AAB, La, 28 Mar 1944; Stuttgart
sive, Europe; Normandy; Northern AAFld, Ark, 8 Feb-Io Aug 1945.
France; Rhineland ; Ardennes-Alsace ; COMMANDERS. Col Charles Young, I
Central Europe. Korean War: UN Sum- Aug 1943; Maj Paul M Brewer Jr, 12 Feb
mer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean 1944; Lt Col Emmett S Davis, 27 Nov
Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1952. 1944; Lt Col Walter W Berg, 11 Jan 1945;
Lt Col Paul T O’Pizzi, 13 May 1945; Lt port the drive of ground forces across
Col Harold G Lund, 19 May-Io Aug 1945. France and into Germany. Hit gun em-
CAMPAIGNS. American Theater. placements, troops, supply dumps, and
DECORATIONS. None. tanks near St Lo in Jul and in the Falaise-
INSIGNE.None. Argentan area in Aug 1944. Sent planes
and pilots to England to provide cover for
370th FIGHTER GROUP the airborne assault on Holland in Sep
1944. Struck pillboxes and troops early
in Oct to aid First Army’s capture of
Aachen, and afterward struck railroads,
bridges, viaducts, and tunnels in that area.
Received a DUC for a mission in support
of ground forces in the Hurtgen Forest
area on 2 Dec 1 9 4 when, despite bad
weather and barrages of antiaircraft and
small-armsfire, the group dropped napalm
bombs on 3 heavily defended position in
Bergstein, setting fire to the village and in-
flicting heavy casualties on enemy troops
defending the area. Flew armed recon-
naissance during the Battle of the Bulge,
Dec 1g44-Jan 1945, attacking warehouses,
Constituted as 370th Fighter Group on highways, railroads, motor transports, and
25 May 1943. Activated on I Jul 1943. other targets. Converted to P-~I’s, Feb-
Trained with P-47’s. Moved to England, Mar 1945. Bombed bridges and docks in
Jan-Feb 1944. Assigned to Ninth AF. the vicinity of Wesel to prepare for the
Equipped with P-38’i in Feb and trained crossing of the Rhine, and patrolled the
until I May 1944 when the group entered area as paratroops were dropped on the
combat. Dive-bombed radar installations east bank on 24 Mar. Supported opera-
and flak towers, and escorted bombers tions of 2d Armored Division in the Ruhr
that attacked bridges and marshalling Valley in Apr. Flew last mission, a sweep
yards in France as the Allies prepared for over Dessau and Wittenberg, on 4 May
the invasion of the Continent. Provided 1945. Returned to the US, SepNov 1945.
cover for Allied forces that crossed the Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.
Channel on 6 Jun 1944, and flew armed Redesignated 140th Fighter Group. Al-
reconnaissance missions over the Coten- lotted to ANG (Colo) on 24 May
tin Peninsula until the end of the month. 1946. Extended federal recognition on I
Moved to the Continent in J u l ~ tog sup-
~ Oct 1946. Ordered to active duty on I
Apr 1951. Assigned to Tactical Air Belgian Army: 6 Jun-30 Sep 1944; I Oct
Command. Redesignated 140th Fighter- 1944-; 16 Dec 1944-25 Jan 1945. Belgian
Bomber Group in May 1951. Trained Fourragere.
with F-51's. Relieved from active service INSIGNE.Shield: Per bend, argent and
and returned, less personnel and equip- checky, sable and argent, over all a bend
ment, to ANG (Colo), on I Jan 1953. white. Motto: MILITAT QUASI
SQUADRONS. 120th.' 1951-1953. ZgZst.' TIGRIS QUISQUE-Each Fights Like a
1951-1953. 4ozst: 1943-1945. 402d (later Tiger. (Approved 4 Jun 1952.)
187th) : 1943-1945; 1951-1953. 485th:
1943-1945.
STATIONS. Westover Field, Mass, I Jul 371st FIGHTER GROUP
1943; Groton AAFld, Conn, 19 Oct 1943;
Bradley Field, Conn, 5-20 Jan 1944; Alder-
maston, England, 12 Feb 1944; Andover,
England, 29 Feb-Ig Jul 1944; Cardonville,
France, 24 Jul 1944; La Vielle, France, 15
Aug 1944; Lonray, France, 6 Sep 1944;
Roye/Amy, France, 11 Sep 1944; Flo-
rennes/Juxaine, Belgium, 26 Sep 1944;
Zwartberg, Belgium, 27 Jan 1945; Guter-
sloh, Germany, 20 Apr 1945; Sandhofen, y '
Germany, 27 Jun 1945; Fritzlar, Germany,

6 Aug-Sep 1945; Camp Myles Standish,
Mass, c. Nov 1945. Buckley Field,
Colo, I Apr 1951; Clovis AFB, NM, 5 Dec Constituted as 371st Fighter Group on
1951-1 Jan 1953. 25 May 1943. Activated on 15 Jul 1943.
COMMANDERS. Col Howard F Nichols, Moved to the European theater during
I Jul 1954; Lt Col Seth J McKee, 6 Nov Feb-Mar 1944 and served in combat with
1944; Lt Col Morgan A Gifin, 22 Feb Ninth AF from Apr 1944 to May 1945.
1945; Col Seth J McKee, 10 May 1945- Began operations, using P-47's, by making
unkn. Col John H Lowell, I Apr 1951; a fighter sweep over France. Flew fighter-
Col Gerald J Dix, Dec 1952-1 Jan 1953. sweep, dive-bombing, and escort missions
CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe; prior to the invasion of the Continent.
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Attacked railroads, trains, vehicles, gun
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. emplacements, and buildings in France
DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- during the invasion of 6 Jun 1944. Pa-
tion: Hurtgen Forest, Germany, 2 Dec trolled beachhead areas and continued its
1944. Cited in the Order of the Day, assaults against the enemy during the
258 AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF W0RJ.D WAR I1
remainder of the Normandy campaign. 1943; Richmond AAB, Va, 18 Jan-14 Feb
Participated in the aerial barrage that pre- 1944; Bisterne, England, Mar 1944; Beuze-
pared the way for the Allied breakthrough ville, France, Jun 1944; Perthes, France, 18
at St Lo on 25 Jul, and supported the sub- Sep 1944; Dole/Tavaux, France, I Oct
sequent drive across northern France. 1944; Tantonville, France, 20 Dec 1 9 4 ;
Operated in the area of northeastern Metz, France, 15 Feb 1945; Frankfurt/
France and southwestern Germany during Eschborn, Germany, 7 Apr 1945; Furth,
the fall and winter of 1944-1945, attack- Germany, 5 May 1945; Horsching, Aus-
ing such targets as storage dumps, trains, tria, 16 Aug 1945; Stuttgart, Germany,
rail lines, marshalling yards, buildings, SepOct 1945; Camp Shanks, NY, g-10
factories, bridges, roads, vehicles, and Nov 1945. Portland Mun Aprt, Ore, I
strong points. Conducted operations that Mar 1951; O'Hare Intl Aprt, Ill, 11 Apr
supported Allied ground action in the 1951-6 Feb 1952.
Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1g44-Jan 1945. COMMANDERS. Col Bingham T Kleine,
Launched a series of attacks against ve- 27 Jul 1943; Lt Col William P McBride, c.
hicles, factories, buildings, railroad cars, Sep 1g45-unkn. Col Harold W Scruggs,
tanks, and gun emplacements during the 1951-c. Feb 1952.
period 15-21 Mar 1945, being awarded a CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe ;
DUC for this six-day action that contriba Normandy ;Northern France; Rhineland;
uted to the defeat of the enemy in southern Ardennes-Alsace;Central Europe.
Germany. Continued operations until DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-
May 1945. Returned to the US, Oct-Nov tion: Germany, 15-21 Mar 1945. Cited in
1945. Inactivated on 10 Nov 1945. the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6
Redesignated 142d Fighter Group. Al- run-30 Sep 1944.
lotted to ANG (Ore) on 24 May 1946. INSIGNE.Shield: Azure, issuing from a
Extended federal recognition on 30 Aug barrulet engrailed, argent, a demi sun in
1946. Ordered into active service on I splendour, or ;in chief a stylized futuramic
Mar 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Com- aircraft gules, fimbriated of the second;
mand. Redesignated 142d Fighter-Inter- issuing from base a mountain of three
ceptor Group in Apr 1951. Supervised peaks vert, capped argent. Motto:
the training of attached squadrons that SEMPER VIGILANS-A 1 w a y s on
used F-51, F-84, and F-86 aircraft. Guard. (Approved 24 Jul 1951.)
Znactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Returned to
ANG (Ore) and activated, on I Dec 1952. 372d FIGHTER GROUP
SQUADRONS. 404th.' 1943-1945. 405th:
1943-1945- 406th: 1943-1945. Constituted as 372d Fighter Group on 12
STATIONS. Richmond AAB, Va, 15 Jul Oct 1943 and activated on 28 Oct. As-
1943; Camp Springs AAFld, Md, 30 Sep signed to Fourth AF, and later (Mar 1944)
g Feb 1945; Alexandria AAFld, La, 14

S e w Nov 1945.
9, COMMANDERS. Maj Francis E Brenner,
28 Oct 1943; Maj Darrell G Welch, 21
Dec 1943; Maj Joseph S Wakefield, 4 Feb
w
1944; Maj John R Harrison, 16 Feb 1944;
Lt Col Sam W Westbrook, 3 Mar 1944; Lt
9i Col Robert W Stephens, 17 Mar 1945; Lt

Col Jack J Oberhansly, 30 May 1945;
Col George R Bickell, 6 Aug? Nov
‘945.
DECORATIONS. None.
INSIGNE. Shield: Azure, three clouds
to Third AF. Redesignated 372d Fighter-
two and one argent, issuing from the sec-
Bomber Group in Apr 1944, and p d
ond cloud two lightning flashes one ter-
Fighter Group in Jun 1944. Functioned
minating on the first cloud and the other
as an operational training unit. Also pro-
on the third cloud golden orange; in chief
vided air support for air-ground maneu-
three mullets of the second. (Approved 10
vers and demonstrations, participating in
the Louisiana Maneuvers in the summer of Feb 1954.)
194 and in similar activities in the US
until after V-J Day. Primary aircraft 373d FIGHTER GROUP
were P-40’s until Jun 1945, then P-y’s.
Znactivated on 7 Nov 1945. Constituted as 373d Fighter Group on 25
Redesignated 144th Fighter Group. Al- May 1943. Activated on 15 Aug 1943.
Trained for combat with P-47’s. Moved
lotted to ANG (Calif) on 24 May 1946.
to England, Mar-Apr 194. Assigned
to Ninth AF. Flew first combat mission,
1948. Redesignated I44t h Fighter-Inter- a fighter sweep over Normandy, on 8 May
ceptor Group in Oct 1952, and 1 4 t h 1944, and then took part in preinvasion ac-
Fighter-Bomber Group in Dec 1952. tivities by escorting B-26‘s to attack air-
SQUADRONS. 407th: 1943-1945. 408th: dromes, bridges, and railroads in France.
1943-1945- 409th: 1943-1945- Patrolled the air over the beachhead when
STATIONS.Hamilton Field, Calif, 28 Oct the Allies launched the Normandy in-
1943; Portland AAB, Ore, 7 Dec 1943; vasion on 6 Jun 1944, and hit troops, tanks,
Esler Field, La, 29 Mar 1944; Pollock roads, fuel depots, and other targets in the
AAFld, La, 14 Apr 1944; Esler Field, La, assault area until the end of the month.
tinued tactical air operations until 4 May

1945. Returned to the US, Jul-Aug 1945.
Znactivated on 7 Nov 1945.
Redesignated 146th Fighter Group. Al-
lotted to ANG (Calif) on 24 May 1946.
Extended federal recognition on 14 Sep
G 1946. Redesignated 146th Composite
Group in Nov 1950, and 146th Fighter
Group in Feb 1951. Ordered into active
service on I Apr 1951 and assigned to
Strategic Air Command. Redesignated
146th Fighter-Bomber Group in Jun 1951.
Moved to the Continent in Jul1g44; struck Assigned to Tactical Air Command in
railroads, hangars, boxcars, warehouses, Nov 1951. Trained with F-51's. Relieved
and other objectives to prevent enemy re- from active duty on I Jan 1953 and re-
inforcements from reaching the front at turned, without personnel and equipmerrt,
St Lo, where the Allies broke through on to ANG (Calif).
25 Jul1g44. Bombed such targets as troops, SQUADRONS. 178th: 1951-1953. 186th:
gun emplacements, and armored vehicles 1951-1953. Z9Oth: 1951-1953. 4'0th:
to aid ground troops in the Falaise-Argen- 1943-1945. 4ZZth: 1943-1945. 412th:
tan area in Aug 1944. During the Battle 1943-1945-
of the Bulge, Dec 1g44-Jan 1945, concen- STATIONS. Westover Field, Mass, 15 Aug
trated on the destruction of bridges, mar- 1943; Norfolk, Va, 23 Oct 1943; Richmond
shalling yards, and highways. Flew AAB, Va, 15 Feb-15 Mar 1944; Wood-
armed reconnaissance missions to support church, England, 4 Apr-4 Jul 1944; Tour-
ground operations in the Rhine Valley in en-Bassin, France, 19 Jul 1944; St-James,
Mar 1945, hitting airfields, motor trans- France, 19 Aug 1944; Reims, France, 19
ports, and other objectives. Received a Sep 1944; Le Culot, Belgium, 22 Oct 1944;
DUC for a mission, 20 Mar 1945, that Venlo, Holland, 11 Mar 1945; Lippstadt,
greatly facilitated the crossing of the Rhine Germany, 20 Apr 1945; Illesheim, Ger-
by Allied ground forces: without losing many, 20 May-Jul 1945; Sioux Falls
any planes, the group repeatedly dived AAFM, SD, 4 Aug 1945; Seymour John-
through barrages of antiaircraft fire to son Field, NC, 20 Aug 1945; Mitchel
bomb vital airfields east of the river; also Field, NY, 28 S e p 7 Nov 1945. Lockheed
attacked rail lines and highways leading to Air Terminal, Calif, I Apr 1951; Moody
the Rhine, hitting rolling stock, motor AFB, Ga, 10 May 1951; George AFB,
transports, and other objectives. Con- Calif, 25 Oct 1951-1 Jan 1953.

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AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS

Office of Air Force History

Reprint. Originally published: Washington, D.C. : U.S. Govt. Print. Off.,

For sale by the Superintendent of Documents, U.S.Government Printing Office

Like all chronologies, bibliographies, and encyclopedias, Air Force

Lt. Gen. Charles G. Cleveland, Dr. Alfred F. Hurley

Mr. DeWitt S . Copp Mr. David E. Place

Dr. Philip A. Crow1 Gen. Bryce Poe 11, USAF, Retired

Dr. Warren W. Hassler, Jr. Lt. Gen. Winfield W. Scott, Jr.

Brig. Gen. Harris B. Hull, USAF, Dr. David A. Shannon (Chairman)

Purpose. Over a period of several years the USAF Historical

AIR FORCE COMBAT ORGANIZATION

The Army had established an Aeronautical Division in the Signal

York in August 1917 and arrived at Le Havre on 3 September. As

1918. At that time the President created a Bureau of Aircraft Produc-

placed on bombardment. Of the 67 groups active at that time, 26

bat Command were discontinued and Arnold was made Command-

Forces in Europe, which had some administrative control over both

Once the victory'had been gained, the United States plunged

Then came the Korean War, precipitated by the Communist

as Commanding General of the Army Air Forces, became the first

At the same time, each contributed to the development of a larger

V b. General Headquarters Air Force, redesignated Air Force

1st COMBAT CARGO GROUP there. Operations in China included

I May 1 g p 1 Apr 1951. New Castle

19461952. 7ZSt: 1941-1945; 19461952; Charles H Danforth, c. 1930; Maj George

Constituted as 1st Photographic Group 1st SEARCH ATTACK GROUP

of a flood in Pennsylvania in 1936 and vic-

MUS-Liberty We Defend. (Approved CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Japan ;New

Constituted as 2d Combat Cargo Group 2d RECONNAISSANCE GROUP

STATIONS.Bradley Field, Conn, 7 May forces, evacuated casualties from front-line

The group had its headquarters in

15 Apr 1946. Rhein-Main AB, Germany,

ero, Italy, 8 Dec 1943; Pomigliano, Italy,

ported reinforcements and supplies for

northern Italy by supplying intelligence on

6th BOMBARDMENT GROUP 11. Disbanded in the Canal Zone on I

mand and equipped with B-29’s. Znac- DECORATIONS.

necessary for planning the amphibious DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita-

echelon, on board ship, was diverted to SQUADRONS. 9th: 191g-1921; 1928-1946;

8th RECONNAISSANCE GROUP 9th BOMBARDMENT GROUP

force. Also conducted mining operations

1952; Toul/Rosiere AB, France, Nov Ceaseless Watch. (Approved 29 Dec

manned during IgqpI948. Inactivgted A Gayle, 20 Nov 1950; Col Cy Wilson,

submarine Command, using B-18, B-25,

May 1943; El Bathan, Tunisia,,3 Jun 1943;

P-39’s, prior to World War 11; equipped

DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Cita- in joint Army-Navy maneuvers, using

1954; Lt Col Clifford P Patton, 10 Nov

Bombardment Group (Medium) in Aug Col James T Connally, 15 Apr 1942; Lt

attack by enemy interceptors, proceeded 1955. 78th: 1931-1932. 79th: 1933-1945;

22 Oct 1951; Col William D Ritchie, 29 STATIONS.Bowman Field, Ky, I Feb

SQUADRONS. 46th: 1944-1946. 72d:

paration for the invasion of Leyte. From

destroying enemy planes in the air and on Redesignated 23d Fighter-Interceptor

25th BOMBARDMENT GROUP