| 63rd Troop Carrier Group - 69th Reconnaissance Group
63rd Troop Carrier Group
Constituted as 63rd Transport Group on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 1
Dec 1940. Trained with C-33, C-34, and C-50 aircraft; later equipped
with C-47's and C-53's. Transported supplies, materiel, and personnel in
the US and the Caribbean area. Became part of Air Transport Command
(later I Troop Carrier Command) in Apr 1942. Redesignated 63rd Troop
Carrier Group in Jul 1942. Became a training organization, preparing
cadres for troop carrier groups. Began training replacement crews in Jul
1943. Disbanded on 14 Apr 1944.
Reconstituted, allotted to the reserve, and redesignated 63rd Troop
Carrier Group (Medium), on 10 May 1949. Activated on 27 Jun 1949.
Ordered to active service on 1 May 1951. Inactivated on 9 May 1951.
Redesignated 63rd Troop Carrier Group (Heavy). Activated on 20 Jun
1953. Assigned to Tactical Air Command and equipped with C-124's.
Trained, transported personnel and supplies, and participated in
exercises and maneuvers with airborne troops. In 1955 transported
construction equipment from bases in Canada 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 without
adequate navigational equipment, the group received an AFOUA.
Squadrons. 3d: 1940-1944; 1949-1951; 1953-. 6th: 1940-1942. 9th:
1940-1943; 1949-1951; 1953-. 52d: 1942-1944; 1949-1951; 1953-. 60th:
1942-1944; 1949-1951.
Stations. Wright Field, Ohio, 1 Dec 1940; Patterson Field, Ohio, 17
Feb 1941; Brookley Field, Ala, 9 Sep 1941; Camp Williams, Wis, 24 May
1942; Dodd Field, Tex, c. 18 Sep 1942; Victorville, Calif, c. 18 Nov
1942; Lawson Field, Ga, 7 May 1943; Grenada AAFld, Miss, c. 3 Jun 1943;
Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 19 Jan-14 Apr 1944. Floyd Bennett NAS, NY, 27 Jun
1949-9 May 1951. Altus AFB, Okla, 20 Jun 1953; Donaldson AFB, SC, 15 Oct
1953-.
Commanders. Capt James L Jackson, 1 Dec 1940; Maj Herman E Hurst, 30
Apr 1942; Lt Col Edward P Dimmick, 3 Oct 1942-14 Apr 1944. Col Kenneth L
Johnson, 20 June 1953; Col Horace A Crosswell, 1955-.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 2 Mar-3 May 1955.
Insigne. Shield: Light blue with a green embattled base, a red
lightning flash striking from upper right corner and crossing the corner
of one embattlement and a white parachute with shroud lines touching the
tip of the flash; above the parachute three white aircraft, on the green
base a circle of six yellow stars at the left and a triangle of three
yellow stars. Motto: Omnia, Ubique, Semper - Anything, Anywhere,
Anytime. (Approved 2 Oct 1953.)
64th Troop Carrier Group
Constituted as 64th Transport Group on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on 4
Dec 1940. Used C-47's for training and flying transport missions in the
US. Redesignated 64th Troop Carrier Group in Jul 1942. Moved to England
in Aug 1942 and received additional training. Assigned to Twelfth AF.
Moved to the Mediterranean theater, Nov-Dec 1942. Flew first mission on
11 Nov, landing paratroops at Maison Blanche. Dropped paratroops to
capture airfields during the battle for Tunisia. Released paratroops
near Gela and Catania when the Allies invaded Sicily in Jul 1943.
Dropped paratroops near Avellino during the invasion of Italy in Sep
1943 to destroy a bridge on the enemy's supply line to Salerno.
Participated in the assault on southern France in Aug 1944 by releasing
gliders and paratroops in the battle zone. Supported the partisans in
northern Italy early in 1945 by dropping paratroops, supplies, and
propaganda leaflets behind enemy lines. When not engaged in airborne
operations, the group continually transported men and supplies to the
front lines and evacuated wounded personnel. Most of the group was on
detached service in the CBI theater, Apr-Jun 1944, while a skeleton
force remained in Sicily. With its squadrons operating 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, ammunition, and mules to
the combat zone and to evacuate wounded personnel. Moved to Trinidad in
Jun 1945. Assigned to Air Transport Command. Inactivated on 31 Jul 1945.
Activated in the US on 19 May 1947. Not manned during 1947-1948.
Inactivated on 10 Sep 1948.
Redesignated 64th Troop Carrier Group (Medium). Activated on 14 Jul
1952. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Used C-82 aircraft and later
(after Jul 1953) C-119's. Inactivated on 21 Jul 1954.
Squadrons. 16th: 1940-1945; 1947-1948. 17th: 1940-1945; 1947-1948;
1952-1954. 18th: 1940-1945; 1952-1954. 35th: 1942-1945; 1952-1954. 54th:
1942.
Stations. Duncan Field, Tex, 4 Dec 1940; March Field, Calif, c. 13
Jul 1941; Hamilton Field, Calif, c. 1 Feb 1942; Westover Field, Mass, c.
8 Jun-31 Jul 1942; Ramsbury, England, Aug-Nov 1942; Blida, Algeria, Dec
1942; Kairouan, Tunisia, 28 Jun 1943; El Djem, Tunisia, 26 Jul 1943;
Comiso, Sicily, 29 Aug 1943; Ciampino, Italy, 10 Jul 1944; Rosignano
Airfield, Italy, 10 Jan-23 May 1945; Waller Field, Trinidad, 4 Jun-31
Jul 1945. Langley Field, Va, 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. Donaldson AFB, SC,
14 Jul 1952-21 Jul 1954.
Commanders. Lt Col Malcolm S Lawton, c. Dec 1940; Col Tracey K
Dorsett, unkn; Lt Col Claire B Collier, c. 1 Mar 1943; Col John Cerny,
16 May 1943-1945. Col Steward H Nichols, c. Jul 1952; Col David E Kunkel
Jr, c. Nov 1953; Lt Col William G Forwood, unkn-1954.
Campaigns. American Theater; Algeria-French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily;
Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Po Valley;
India-Burma.
Decorations. Distinginshed Unit Citation: CBI Theater, 7 Apr-15 Jun
1944.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, an eagle's leg a la cuisse or charged with a
mullet of the field. Motto: Flying Support. (Approved 16 Jun 1942.)
65th Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 65th Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 1
Sep 1941. Equipped with O-47's, O-49's, O-52's, and other observation
aircraft. Supported ground units during the Carolina Maneuvers in the
fall and winter of 1941. Flew antisubmarine patrols off the east coast
after Pearl Harbor. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1942.
Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Redesignated 65th Reconnaissance Group in
Apr 1943. Served as a training organization for crews that changed from
observation aircraft to B-25's. Disbanded on 15 Aug 1943.
Reconstituted, allotted to the reserve, and activated, on 27 Dec
1946. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.
Redesignated 65th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) and allotted to the
reserve. Activated on 14 Jun 1952. Equipped with C-46's. Inactivated on
1 Apr 1953.
Squadrons. 2d: 1947-1949; 1952-1953. 13th: 1947-1949; 1952-1953.
14th: 1947-1949; 1952-1953. 18th: 1942; 1943. 105th: 1941-1942; 1943.
112th: 1941-1942. 121st: 1941-1942.
Stations. Columbia, SC, 1 Sep 1941; Langley Field, Va, Dec 1941-18
Oct 1942. Columbia AAB, SC, 1 Mar 1943; Florence AAFld, SC, c. 15 Apr-15
Aug 1943. Rome AAFld, NY, 27 Dec 1946-27 Jun 1949. Mitchel AFB, NY, 14
Jun 1952-1 Apr 1953.
Commanders. Col Dache M Reeves, 1941; Lt Col Walter Williams, c. 21
Feb-18 Oct 1942. Lt Col Blaine B Campbell, 1943.
Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. None.
66th Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 66th Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 1
Sep 1941. Redesignated 66th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 66th
Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Equipped at various times
with O-46, O-47, A-20, P-39, P-40, B-25, L-5, and L-6 aircraft.
Supported ground units on maneuvers, including the Carolina Maneuvers of
1942, the Tennessee Maneuvers of 1942 and 1943, and the Second Army
Maneuvers of 1943-1944. Trained personnel in aerial reconnaissance and
artillery adjustment methods. Also flew antisubmarine patrols off the
east coast, Jan-Aug 1942. Disbanded on 20 Apr 1944.
Reconstituted, redesignated 66th Reconnaissance Group, allotted to
the reserve, and activated, on 27 Dec 1946. Equipped with RB-26's and
RF-80's. Redesignated 66th Strategic Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1949.
Called to active duty on 1 May 1951. Inactivated on 16 May 1951.
Redesignated 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Group. Activated on 1 Jan
1953. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Equipped with RB-26's and
RF-80's. Moved to Germany, Jun-Jul 1953, and assigned to United States
Air Forces in Europe. Transitioned to RB-57's and RF-84's, 1954-1955.
Squadrons. 18th: 1947-1949. 19th Liaison: 1942-1943. 19th
Reconnaissance: 1947-1949. 20th: 1947-1949, 1949-1951. 23d: 1943. 30th:
1947-1951; 1953-. 97th: 1941-1943. 106th: 1941-1943. 118th: 1941-1943.
302d: 1953-. 303d: 1953-.
Stations. Jacksonville, Fla, 1 Sep 1941; Charleston, SC, Jan 1942;
Jacksonville Mun Aprt, Fla, Mar 1942; Pope Field, NC, May 1942;
Tullahoma, Tenn, Sep 1942; Morris Field, NC, Nov 1942; Camp Campbell, Ky,
Apr 1943; Aiken AAFld, SC, Jun 1943; Lebanon, Tenn, Oct 1943-20 Apr
1944. Newark AAB, NJ, 27 Dec 1946; McGuire AFB, NJ, 27 Jun 1949;
Barksdale AFB, La, 10 Oct 1949-16 May 1951. Shaw AFB, SC, 1 Jan-1 Jul
1953; Sembach AB, Germany, c. 7 Jul 1953-.
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 O McComas,
c. 31 Aug 1943; Lt Col Frederick L Moore, c. 16 Oct 1943-20 Apr 1944. Lt
Col Stanley W Irons, Jan 1953; Col Harvey E Henderson, Jul 1953-.
Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Per bend gules and azure, a bend nebule argent
between a sprig of goldenrod or, and a sprig of mountain laurel vert,
fimbriated of the fourth. Motto: Omnia Conspicimus - We Observe All.
(Approved 5 Jan 1943.)
67th Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 67th Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 1
Sep 1941. Flew antisubmarine patrols along the east coast of the US
after the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor. Began training in Jan 1942 for
duty overseas. Moved to the European theater, Aug-Oct 1942. Assigned
first to Eighth and later (Oct 1943) to Ninth AF. Redesignated 67th
Reconnaissance Group in May 1943, 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in
Nov 1943, and 67th Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1945. Trained in England
for more than a year before beginning operations in Dec 1943. Used
P-38's, P-51's, and F-5's to fly artillery-adjustment,
weather-reconnaissance, bomb-damage assessment,
photographic-reconnaissance, and visual-reconnaissance missions.
Received a DUC for operations along the coast of France, 15 Feb-20 Mar
1944, when the group flew at low altitude in the face of intense flak to
obtain photographs that aided the invasion of the Continent. Flew
weather missions, made visual reconnaissance for ground forces, and
photographed enemy positions to support the Normandy campaign and later
to assist First Army and other Allied forces in the drive to Germany.
Took part in the offensive against the Siegfried Line, Sep-Dec 1944, and
in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. From Jan to May 1945,
photographed dams on the Roer River in preparation for the ground
offensive to cross the river, and aided the Allied assault across the
Rhine and into Germany. Returned to the US, Jul-Sep 1945. Inactivated on
31 Mar 1946.
Activated on 19 May 1947. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Equipped
with RB-26's and RF-80's. Redesignated 67th Tactical Reconnaissance
Group in June 1948. Inactivated on 28 Mar 1949.
Activated in Japan on 25 Feb 1951. Assigned to Far East Air Forces.
Moved to Korea in Mar 1951 and served in the Korean War until the
armistice. Used RB-26, RF-51, RF-80, RF-86, and RF-84 aircraft. Made
photographic reconnaissance of front lines, enemy positions, and
installations; took pre-strike and bomb damage assessment photographs;
made visual reconnaissance of enemy artillery and naval gun positions;
and flew weather missions. Received an AFOUA for the period 1 Dec
1952-30 Apr 1953 when, in the face of enemy opposition and adverse
weather, the group performed reconnaissance missions on a 24-hour-a-day,
7-day-a-week basis to provide valuable intelligence for UN forces.
Returned to Japan, Nov-Dec 1954.
Squadrons. 11th: 1946; 1947-1949; 1953-. 12th: 1942-1944; 1947-1949;
1951-. 15th (formerly Observation): 1944; 1951-. 15th (formerly
Photographic): 1947. 30th: 1944-1945. 33d: 1944, 1945. 45th: 1951-.
107th: 1941-1945. 109th: 1941-1945. 113th: 1941-1942. 153d: 1941-1944.
161st: 1945.
Stations. Esler Field, La, 1 Sep 1941; Charleston, SC, Dec 1941;
Esler Field, La, Jan-Aug 1942; Membury, England, Sep 1942; Middle
Wallop, England, Dec 1943; Le Molay, France, Jul 1944; Toussus le Noble,
France, Aug 1944; Gosselies, Belgium, Sep 1944; Vogelsang, Germany, Mar
1945; Limburg an der Lahn, Germany, c. 2 Apr 1945; Eschwege, Germany, c.
10 Apr-Jul 1945; Drew Field, Fla, c. 21 Sep 1945; MacDill Field, Fla,
Dec 1945; Shaw Field, SC, Feb-31 Mar 1946. Langley Field, Va, 19 May
1947; March Field, Calif, c. 25 Jul 1947-28 Mar 1949. Komaki, Japan, 25
Feb 1951; Taegu, Korea, Mar 1951; Kimpo, Korea, Aug 1951; Itami, Japan,
c. 1 Dec 1954-.
Commanders. Unkn, Sep-Nov 1941; Lt Col Oliver H Stout, c. 21 Nov
1941; Col Frederick R Anderson, c. 4 May 1942; Col George W Peck, 6 Dec
1943; Lt Col Richard S Leghorn, 11 May 1945-unkn. Unkn, May-Jul 1947;
Maj Edwin C Larson, 25 Jul 1947; Lt Col Arvis L Hilpert, 15 Aug 1947;
Col Leon W Gray, 16 Aug 1947; Lt Col Royal B Allison, 20 Mar 1948; Col
Horace A Hanes, 22 Mar 1948; Col Loren G McCollom, c. 16 Jan 1949-unkn.
Col Jacob W Dixon, c. 28 Feb 1951; Lt Col Stone, c. 29 Aug 1951; Col
Charles C Andrews, Sep 1951; Col Robert R Smith, May 1952; Lt Col George
T Prior, Oct 1952; Col John G Foster, 1952-unkn; Col John C Egan, c. 22
Oct 1953; Lt Col Hartwell C Lancaster, 8 May 1954; Col Loren G McCollom,
1 June 1954; Col Prescott M Spicer, 11 Aug 1954; Lt Col Joseph C Smith,
24 Nov 1954-unkn; Col John W Baer, 31 Aug 1955-.
Campaigns. World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air
Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland;
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Korean War: 1st UN Counteroffensive;
CCF Spring Offensive; UN Summer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean Winter;
Korea Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Le Havre and Straits of
Dover, 15 Feb-20 Mar 1944; Korea, 25 Feb-21 Apr 1951; Korea, 9 Jul-27
Nov 1951; Korea, 1 May-27 Jul 1953. Cited in the Order of the Day,
Belgian Army: 6 Jun-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: 1 Dec 1952-30 Apr 1953.
Insigne. Shield: Per bend sinister, sky proper (light blue) and azure
between a lightning bolt gules, fimbriated sable, in bend sinister, the
quarter section of a sun, issuing from the dexter chief, or, fimbriated
sable, in sinister four stars argent, one, two and one, all the shield
within a diminutive border sable. Motto: Lux Ex Tenebris - Light from
Darkness. (Approved 20 Mar 1952.)
68th Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 68th Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 1
Sep 1941. Redesignated 68th Reconnaissance Group in May 1943, and 68th
Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Nov 1943. Flew patrols over the Gulf of
Mexico and along the Mexican border after the Japanese attacked Pearl
Harbor. Began training in Feb 1942 for duty overseas. Moved to the
Mediterranean theater, Oct-Nov 1942, and assigned to Twelfth AF. Shortly
after the group began operations most of its squadrons were detached for
separate duty in order to carry out diverse activities over a wide area.
Operating from bases in North Africa until Nov 1943, the group, or
elements of the group, engaged in patrolling the Mediterranean; strafing
trucks, tanks, gun positions, and supply dumps to support ground troops
in Tunisia; training fighter pilots and replacement crews; and flying
photographic and visual reconnaissance missions in Tunisia, Sicily, and
Italy to provide information needed to adjust artillery fire. Moved to
Italy and assigned to Fifteenth AF, in Nov 1943. Continued visual and
photographic reconnaissance and began flying weather reconnaissance
missions in Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans.
Also engaged in electronic-countermeasure activities, investigating
radar equipment captured from the enemy, flying ferret missions along
the coasts of Italy and southern France, and accompanying bomber
formations to detect approaching enemy fighters. Used P-38, P-39, P-40,
P-51, A-20, A-36, B-17, and B-24 aircraft for operations. Returned to
North Africa in Apr 1944. Disbanded on 15 Jun 1944.
Reconstituted, redesignated 68th Reconnaissance Group, and allotted
to the reserve, on 10 Mar 1947. Activated in the US on 9 Apr 1947.
Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.
Redesignated 68th Strategic Reconnaissance Group (Medium). Activated
on 10 Oct 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Trained with B-29's.
Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.
Squadrons. 16th: 1942-1944. 24th: 1947-1949; 1951-1952. 51st:
1947-1949; 1951-1952. 52d: 1947-1949; 1951-1952. 111th: 1942-1944. 122d:
1941-1944. 125th: 1941-1942. 127th: 1941-1942. 154th: 1941-1944.
Stations. Brownwood, Tex, 1 Sep 1941; New Orleans AB, La, 17 Dec
1941; Daniel Field, Ga, 8 Feb 1942; Smith Reynolds Aprt, NC, 9 Jul 1942;
Morris Field, NC, c. 17 Aug-18 Oct 1942; Casablanca, French Morocco, Nov
1942; Oujda, French Morocco, c. Nov 1942; Berrechid Airfield, French
Morocco, 24 Mar 1943; Berteaux, Algeria, 5 Sep 1943; Massicault,
Tunisia, Oct 1943; Manduria, Italy, Nov 1943; Blida, Algeria, c. Apr-15
Jun 1944. Hamilton Field, Calif, 9 Apr 1947-27 Jun 1949. Lake Charles
AFB, La, 10 Oct 1951-16 Jun 1952.
Commanders. Unkn, Sep-Dec 1941; Lt Col Guy L McNeil, 15 Dec 1941; Maj
John R Fordyce, 30 Jun 1942; Lt Col Eugene C Woltz, 13 Mar 1943; Col
Charles D Jones, 8 Aug 1943-c. 15 Jan 1944; Capt Harper L McGrady, unkn;
Col Smith, unkn; Col Monro MacCloskey, Marc. May 1944. Col Lowell G
Sidling, 26 Oct 1951-c. 16 Jun 1952.
Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Combat, EAME Theater;
Algeria-French Morocco; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, an eye of the first surmounting a tuft of six
feathers, imposed on a tuft of eight feathers, between and at the base
of two wings conjoined in the form of a "V" or. Motto:
Victoria Per Observatiam - Victory through Observation. (Approved 17 Sep
1942. This insigne was replaced 3 Oct 1952.)
69th Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 69th Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 3
Sep 1941. Redesignated 69th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 69th
Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Used O-38, O-46, O-47, O-52,
L-1, L-2, L-3, L-4, L-5, L-49, P-39, P-40, B-25, A-20, and other
aircraft. Flew antisubmarine patrols along the Pacific coast after Pearl
Harbor. Engaged primarily in air-ground training during 1943 and 1944.
Began training with F-6's in Jan 1945 for duty overseas. Moved to
France, Feb-Mar 1945. Assigned to Ninth AF. Flew visual-reconnaissance
and photographic missions to provide intelligence for ground and air
units. Redesignated 69th Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1945. Returned to
the US, Jul-Aug 1945. Trained with F-6 and A-26 aircraft. Inactivated on
29 Jul 1946.
Squadrons. 10th: 1942-1946. 22d: 1945-1946. 31st: 1942-1945,
1945-1946. 34th: 1945. 37th: 1943-1944. 39th: 1946. 82d: 1941-1942.
101st (formerly 39th): 1944-1945. 102d: 1942-1944. 111th: 1945. 115th:
1941-1943.
Stations. Paso Robles, Calif, 3 Sep 1941; Salinas, Calif, c. 3 Oct
1941; San Bernardino, Calif, Dec 1941; Ontario, Calif, c. 1 Jun 1942;
Laurel, Miss, Nov 1942; Esler Field, La, Mar 1943; Abilene AAFld, Tex,
Sep 1943; Esler Field, La, Nov 1943; Key Field, Miss, Jan-Feb 1945;
Nancy, France, c. 22 Mar 1945; Haguenau, France, c. 2 Apr-c. 30 Jun
1945; Drew Field, Fla, Aug 1945; Stuttgart AAFld, Ark, Nov 1945; Brooks
Field, Tex, Dec 1945-29 Jul 1946.
Commanders. Maj William C Sams, 3 Oct 1941; Col John N Jeffers, 9 Dec
1941; Col Kenneth R Crosher, 8 Nov 1942; Maj Cecil E West, 12 May 1943;
Lt Col Eugene C Woltz, 29 Sep 1943; Lt Col Arthur Fite Jr, 26 Oct 1944;
Col John T Shields, 21 Jan 1945; Lt Col Richard A Morehouse, c. 20 Feb
1946; Col Russell A Berg, c. 10 Mar-29 Jul 1946.
Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater; Central Europe.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. None.
70th Reconnaissance Group - 79th Fighter Group
70th Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 70th Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 13
Sep 1941. Redesignated 70th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 70th
Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Aircraft: O-46's, O-47's,
B-25's, A-20's, P-39's, L-2's, L-4's, L-5's, and L-6's. Provided
artillery adjustment, reconnaissance, and fighter and bomber support to
ground forces in training and on maneuvers along the west coast. Also
flew antisubmarine patrols off the west coast from 7 Dec 1941 through
Sep 1942. Disbanded on 30 Nov 1943.
Reconstituted, redesignated 70th Reconnaissance Group, and allotted
to the reserve, on 10 Mar 1947. Activated on 26 Apr 1947. Inactivated on
27 Jun 1949.
Squadrons. 26th Tactical Reconnaissance: 1942-1943. 26th Photographic
Reconnaissance: 1947-1949. 57th: 1947-1949. 61st: 1947-1949. 112th:
1943. 116th: 1941-1943. 123d: 1941-1943.
Stations. Gray Field, Wash, 13 Sep 1941; Salinas AAB, Calif, Mar
1943; Redmond AAFld, Ore, 15 Aug 1943; Corvallis AAFld, Ore, Oct 1943;
Will Rogers Field, Okla, c. 14-30 Nov 1943. Hill Field, Utah, 26 Apr
1947-27 Jun 1949.
Commanders. Maj Hillford R Wallace, Sep 1941; Maj Wallace O'Daniels,
c. 1 Apr 1942; Maj G Robert Dodson, c. 3 May 1942; Col Don W Mayhue, c.
9 May 1942; Lt Col G Robert Dodson, c. 3 Nov 1942; Lt Col Stanley R
Stewart, c. 3 Dec 1942; Lt Col G Robert Dodson, c. 3 Jan 1943-unkn.
Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, on a bend nebuly between six billets or, two
crowing cocks palewise gules. Motto: We Watch Out For You. (Approved 5
Jan 1943.)
71st Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 71st Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 1
Oct 1941. Trained with B-25, P-38, P-39, and P-40 aircraft. Flew
antisubmarine patrols off the west coast, Dec 1941-Jan 1943.
Redesignated 71st Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, 71st Tactical
Reconnaissance Group in May 1944, and 71st Reconnaissance Group in May
1945.
Moved to the Southwest Pacific, Sep-Nov 1943, and assigned to Fifth
AF. Equipped with B-25, P-38, P-39, L-4, L-5, and later some L-6
aircraft. Based on New Guinea and Biak, flew reconnaissance missions
over New Guinea, New Britain, and the Admiralties to provide target and
damage-assessment photographs for air force units. Also bombed and
strafed Japanese installations, airfields, and shipping; supported
Allied forces on New Guinea and Biak; flew courier missions;
participated in rescue operations; and hauled passengers and cargo.
Moved to the Philippines in Nov 1944. Flew reconnaissance missions over
Luzon to provide information for US forces as to Japanese troop
movements, gun positions, and supply routes. Also supported ground
forces on Luzon, photographed and bombed airfields in Formosa and China,
and attacked enemy shipping off the Asiatic coast. Maj William A Shomo
was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on 11 Jan 1945: sighting a
formation of thirteen Japanese aircraft while leading a two-plane
flight, Maj Shomo attacked the superior enemy force and destroyed seven
planes. After moving to Ie Shima in Aug 1945, the group attacked
transportation targets on Kyushu and flew over southern Japan to locate
prisoner of war camps, to assess bomb damage, and to obtain information
on Japanese military movements. Moved to Japan in Oct 1945. Inactivated
on 1 Feb 1946.
Activated in Japan on 28 Feb 1947. Assigned to Far East Air Forces.
Manned in Nov 1947 and equipped with RB-17, RB-29, RF-51, RF-61, and
RF-80 aircraft. Photographed areas of Japan and South Korea.
Redesignated 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1948. Inactivated
in Japan on 1 Apr 1949.
Squadrons. 8th: 1947-1949. 17th: 1942-1946. 25th Liaison: 1942-1945.
25th Reconnaissance: 1947-1949. 82d: 1942-1946; 1947-1949. 102d:
1941-1942. 110th: 1941-1946. 128th: 1941-1942.
Stations. Birmingham, Ala, 1 Oct 1941; Salinas AAB, Calif, 21 Dec
1941; Rice, Calif, 18 Aug 1942; Salinas AAB, Calif, 19 Oct 1942; Esler
Field, La, 24 Jan 1943; Laurel AAFld, Miss, 31 Mar-24 Sep 1943; Port
Moresby, New Guinea, 7 Nov 1943; Nadzab, New Guinea, 20 Jan 1944; Biak,
8 Aug 1944; Leyte, 5 Nov 1944; Binmaley, Luzon, 2 Feb 1945; Ie Shima,
Aug 1945; Chofu, Japan, 6 Oct 1945; Tachikawa, Japan, 23 Oct 1945;
Irumagawa, Japan, c. 15 Jan-1 Feb 1946. Itami, Japan, 28 Feb 1947;
Johnson AAB, Japan, 15 Apr 1947; Yokota, Japan, 31 Oct 1947-1 Apr 1949.
Commanders. Unkn, to Feb 1942; Col William C Sams, Feb 1942; Col
Henry C Thompson, Oct 1944; Maj Jowell C Wise, 12 Oct 1945; 1st Lt
Wilburn H Ohle, 21 Oct 1945-unkn. Lt Col William L Gray, 3 Nov 1947; Lt
Col Ben K Armstrong, 23 Feb 1948; Lt Col Donald Lang, 25 Feb 1948; Col
William E Basye, 5 Jun 1948; Lt Col Ben K Armstrong, 25 Mar-1 Apr 1949.
Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan;
China Defensive; New Guinea; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific;
Leyte; Luzon: China Offensive.
Decorations. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.
Insigne. None.
72nd Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 72nd Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 26
Sep 1941. Redesignated 72nd Reconnaissance Group in 1943. Used O-47,
O-49, O-52, L-1, L-4, B-18, P-39, and other aircraft. Moved to the
Panama Canal Zone, Dec 1941-Jan 1942. Flew patrol missions, carried
mail, searched for missing aircraft, provided reconnaissance support to
ground forces, and occasionally did photographic-mapping work. Disbanded
in the Canal Zone on 1 Nov 1943.
Reconstituted and allotted to the reserve, on 13 May 1947. Activated
on 12 Jul 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.
Squadrons. 1st: 1941-1943. 4th: 1942-1943. 39th: 1942-1943. 60th:
1947-1949. 73d Fighter: 1947-1949. 108th: 1941-1943. 124th: 1941.
Stations. Shreveport, La, 26 Sep 1941; Little Rock, Ark, Oct 1941;
Marshall Field, Kan, 11-c. 27 Dec 1941; Howard Field, CZ, c. 18 Jan
1942-1 Nov 1943. Hamilton Field, Calif, 12 Jul 1947-27 Jun 1949.
Commanders. Lt Col Jasper K McDuffie, Oct 1941; Col Perry B Griffin,
c. 1 Feb 1942; Col Vernon C Smith, 19 May-1 Nov 1943.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. None.
74th Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 74th Observation Group on 5 Feb 1942 and activated on
27 Feb. Redesignated 74th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 74th
Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Equipped at various times
with O-52's, L-1's, L-4's, L-5's, B-25's, A-20's, P-39's, P-40's, and
P-51's. Flew reconnaissance, mapping, artillery adjustment, bombing,
dive-bombing, and strafing missions to support ground units in training
or on maneuvers; trained personnel in aerial reconnaissance, medium
bombardment, and fighter techniques. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.
Redesignated 74th Reconnaissance Group, allotted to the reserve, and
activated, on 27 Dec 1946. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.
Squadrons. 5th: 1943. 8th: 1945. 11th: 1942-1945. 13th: 1942-1945.
21st: 1947-1949. 22nd Tactical Reconnaissance: 1942-1945. 22nd
Photographic Reconnaissance: 1947-1949. 33rd (formerly 31st): 1947-1949.
36th: 1943-1944. 101st: 1945.
Stations. Lawson Field, Ga, 27 Feb 1942; DeRidder, La, c. 10 Apr
1942; Esler Field, La, c. 13 Dec 1942; Desert Center, Calif, c. 28 Dec
1942; Morris Field, NC Sep 1943; Camp Campbell AAFld, Ky, Nov 1943;
DeRidder AAB, La, Apr 1944; Stuttgart AAFld, Ark, Feb-7 Nov 1945.
Stewart Field, NY, 27 Dec 1946-27 Jun 1949.
Commanders. Capt Austin H Burleigh, 1942; Maj George G Finch, c. 27
Mar 1942; Col Clarence D Wheeler, c. 7 Apr 1942; Lt Col James R Gunn Jr,
26 Oct 1943; Lt Col Herbert A Bott, c. 10 Nov 1943; Maj Woodrow W
Ramsey, 23 Apr 1944; Lt Col Richard A Morehouse, 22 Sep 1944; Col Yancey
S Tarrant, Aug 1945; Col John T Shields, 26 Sep-7 Nov 1945.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. None.
75th Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 75th Observation Group on 5 Feb 1942 and activated on
27 Feb. Redesignated 75th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 75th
Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Used B-25's, A-20's, L-1's,
L-2's, L-4's, O-47's, O-52's, P-9's, P-40's, and P-51's. Until the fall
of 1942 the group aided ground units with their training by flying
reconnaissance, artillery adjustment, strafing, and dive-bombing
missions; one squadron (124th) flew antisubmarine patrols over the Gulf
of Mexico. In the fall of 1942 the group participated in the Louisiana
Maneuvers. Beginning early in 1943 it functioned primarily as a
replacement training unit. Disbanded on 1 May 1944.
Squadrons. 21st: 1942-1944. 30th: 1942-1944. 124th: 1942-1944. 127th:
1942-1943.
Stations. Ellington Field, Tex, 27 Feb 1942; Birmingham, Ala, Mar
1942; Tullahoma, Tenn, Nov 1942; Key Field, Miss, Aug 1943-1 May 1944.
Commanders. Col Frederick A Bacher, c. 30 Mar 1942; Col John E Bodle,
5 Apr 1943; Maj Delwin B Avery, 15 Sep 1943; Lt Col George C P Gifford,
17 Sep 1943, Lt Col John R Dyas, 1 Jan-1 May 1944.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Azure on a ship's crow's nest issuant from base an
albatross sejant or, holding in its beak a mullet gules. Motto:
Apperception. (Approved 23 Sep 1942.)
76th Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 76th Observation Group on 5 Feb 1942 and activated on
27 Feb. Redesignated 76th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 76th
Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Aircraft included P-39's,
P-40's, A-20's, B-25's, L-1's, L-4's, L-5's, and L-6's. Trained in
aerial reconnaissance and air support techniques and aided ground units
in their training, Feb 1942-May 1943; assisted Second Army on maneuvers,
May-Sep 1943; participated in maneuvers with ground forces in the
California-Arizona desert training area beginning in Sep 1943. Disbanded
on 15 Apr 1944.
Squadrons. 20th: 1942-1943. 23d: 1942-1943, 1943-1944. 24th:
1942-1943. 70th: 1943. 91st: 1943. 97th: 1943-1944. 101st: 1943-1944.
102d: 1944. 106th: 1943. 121st: 1943.
Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 27 Feb 1942; Key Field, Miss, c. 3 Mar
1942; Pope Field, NC, c. 28 Mar 1942; Vichy, Mo, Dec 1942; Morris Field,
NC, May 1943; Thermal AAFld, Calif, Sep 1943-15 Apr 1944.
Commanders. Lt Col H N Burkhalter, Mar 1942; Maj James E Ilgenfritz,
c. 21 Jan 1943; Lt Col John T Shields, c. 18 Sep 1941-unkn; Maj Klem F
Kalberer, 1944.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Azure a drop bomb argent surmounted by a pair of
binoculars bendwise gules winged or. Motto: Our Observation, Your
Security. (Approved 5 Nov 1942.)
77th Reconnaissance Group
Constituted as 77th Observation Group on 5 Feb 1942. Activated on 2
Mar 1942. Redesignated 77th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 77th
Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Aircraft included P-39's,
P-40's, A-20's, B-25's, O-47's, O-52's, and L-5's. Supported ground
units in training by flying reconnaissance, artillery adjustment,
fighter, and bomber missions, and in the process trained reconnaissance
personnel who later served overseas. One squadron (113th) flew
antisubmarine patrols over the Gulf of Mexico from Mar until Jun 1942
when it was relieved by another squadron (128th). Still another squadron
(120th) patrolled the Mexican border, Mar-Jul 1942. A detachment of the
77th served in India from Feb until Jul 1943. The group was disbanded on
30 Nov 1943.
Squadrons. 5th: 1942-1943. 27th: 1942-1943. 35th: 1943. 113th:
1942-1943. 120th: 1942-1943. 125th: 1942-1943. 128th: 1942-1943.
Stations. Salinas AAB, Calif, 2 Mar 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 Nov 1943.
Commanders. Maj Harrison W Wellman, 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 1943-unkn.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Or, a broad-winged hawk volant proper holding in its
beak a mullet gules and emitting from its eyes seven flashes of the
last, issuant from base a mountain range of seven peaks azure. Motto:
All Seeing. (Approved 28 Feb 1943.)
78th Fighter Group
Constituted as 78th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 13 Jan 1942.
Activated on 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated 78th Fighter Group in May 1942.
Trained for combat with P-38's and served as part of the air defense
organization. Moved to England, Nov-Dec 1942. Assigned to Eighth AF.
Lost its P-38's and most of its pilots in Feb 1943 when they were
assigned to Twelfth AF for service in North Africa. Began operations
from England with P-47's in Apr 1943, converted to P-51's in Dec 1944,
and continued combat until Apr 1945. Flew many missions to escort
bombers that attacked industries, submarine yards and docks, V-weapon
sites, and other targets on the Continent. Also engaged in counter-air
activities and on numerous occasions strafed and dive-bombed airfields,
trains, vehicles, barges, tugs, canal locks, barracks, and troops. In
addition to other operations, participated in the intensive campaign
against the German Air Force and aircraft industry during Big Week,
20-25 Feb 1944; helped to prepare the way for the invasion of France;
supported landings in Normandy in Jun 1944; contributed to the
breakthrough at St Lo in Jul 1944; participated in the Battle of the
Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and supported the airborne assault across the
Rhine in Mar 1945. Received a DUC for activities connected with the
airborne attack on Holland in Sep 1944 when the group covered troop
carrier and bombardment operations and carried out strafing and
dive-bombing missions. Received second DUC for destroying numerous
aircraft on five airfields near Prague and Pilsen on 16 Apr 1945.
Returned to the US in Oct. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1945.
Activated in Germany on 20 Aug 1946. Assigned to United States Air
Forces in Europe for duty with the occupation force. Transferred,
without personnel and equipment, 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-Interceptor Group in Jan 1950.
Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952.
Redesignated 78th Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated on 18 Aug
1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command.
Squadrons. 82d: 1942-1945; 1946-1952. 83d: 1942-1945; 1946-1952;
1955-. 84th: 1942-1945; 1946-1952; 1955-.
Stations. Baer Field, Ind, Feb 1942; Muroc, Calif, c. 30 Apr 1942;
Hamilton Field, Calif, May-Nov 1942; Goxhill, England, Dec 1942; Duxford,
England, Apr 1943-Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 16-18 Oct 1945.
Straubing, Germany, 20 Aug 1946-Jun 1947; Mitchel Field, NY, Jun 1947;
Hamilton AFB, Calif, Nov 1948-6 Feb 1952. Hamilton AFB, Calif, 18 Aug
1955-.
Commanders. Col Arman Peterson, May 1942; Lt Col Melvin F McNickle,
Jul 1943; Col James Stone Jr, 31 Jul 1943; Col Frederic C Gray Jr, 22
May 1944; Lt Col Olin E Gilbert, 29 Jan 1945; Col John D Landers, c. 22
Feb 1945; Lt Col Roy B Caviness, 1 Jul 1945-unkn. Col Robert P
Montgomery, c. 20 Aug 1946-unkn; Col Earl H Dunham, 1946-unkn; Col John
B Patrick, c. 1 Apr 1947; Col Earl H Dunham, c. 1 May 1947; Col Robert W
Stephens, c. 1 Jun 1947-unkn; Col Barton M Russell, c. 8 Dec 1948; Col
Brian O'Neill, Aug 1949-unkn; Col Jack W Hayes Jr, 1951-unkn. Col Wilton
H Earle, 1955-.
Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Holland, 17-23 Sep 1944;
Czechoslovakia, 16 Apr 1945.
Insigne. Shield: Per pale indented azure and gules, in chief five
chain lengths conjoined fesswise or. Motto: Above The Foe. (Approved 26
Sep 1942.)
79th Fighter Group
Constituted as 79th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 13 Jan 1942.
Activated on 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated 79th Fighter Group in May 1942.
Moved to the Middle East, Oct-Nov 1942, and became part of Ninth AF.
Trained with P-40's while moving westward in the wake of the British
drive across Egypt and Libya to Tunisia. Although many of the group's
pilots flew combat missions with other organizations, the 79th group
itself did not begin operations until Mar 1943. By escorting bombers,
attacking enemy shipping, and supporting ground forces, the 79th took
part in the Allied operations that defeated Axis forces in North Africa,
captured Pantelleria, and conquered Sicily, the group being awarded a
DUC for its support of British Eighth Army during that period, Mar-Aug
1943. Assigned to Twelfth AF in Aug 1943 and continued to support
British Eighth Army by attacking troop concentrations, gun positions,
bridges, roads, and rail lines in southern Italy. Operated in the area
of the Anzio beachhead, Jan-Mar 1944. Participated in the drive on Rome,
Mar-Jun 1944, and converted to P-47's during that time. Flew escort and
strafing missions in southern France during Aug and Sep 1944, and
afterward engaged in interdictory and close support operations in
northern Italy. Received second DUC for numerous missions flown at
minimum altitude in intense flak to help pierce the enemy line at the
Santerno River in Italy, 16-20 Apr 1945. Remained overseas as part of
United States Air Forces in Europe after the war. Transferred, without
personnel and equipment, to the US in Jun 1947. Inactivated on 15 Jul
1947.
Redesignated 79th Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated on 18 Aug
1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command.
Squadrons. 85th: 1942-1947. 86th: 1942-1947; 1955-. 87th: 1942-1947.
Stations. Dale Mabry Field, Fla, 9 Feb 1942; Morris Field, NC, c. 1
May 1942; Hillsgrove, RI, c. 22 Jun 1942; Bedford, Mass, 2 Jul-28 Sep
1942; Egypt, 18 Nov 1942; Libya, c. 25 Jan 1943; Tunisia, c. 12 Mar
1943; Sicily, 16 Jul 1943; Southern Italy, c. 15 Sep 1943; Foggia,
Italy, c. 9 Oct 1943; Madna Airfield, Italy, 19 Nov 1943; Capodichino,
Italy, Jan 1944; Pomigliano, Italy, 1 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; Horsching, Austria, Jul
1945-25 Jun 1947; Langley Field, Va, 25 Jun-15 Jul 1947. Youngstown Mun
Aprt, Ohio, 18 Aug 1955-.
Commanders. 2nd Lt Thomas G Mitchell, 11 Feb 1942; Lt Col Stanley
Holtoner, 17 Feb 1942; Lt Col Peter McGoldrick, 1942; Col Earl E Bates,
Nov 1942; Col Charles W Stark, Apr 1944; Lt Col Melvin Neilson, May
1944; Col Gladwyn E Pinkston, 28 Nov 1944; Lt Col John F Martin, 17 May
1945; Col German P Culver, May 1946; Lt Col Bascom A Brooks, 4 Feb 1947;
Lt Col John M Thacker, Apr 1947-unkn. Col Benjamin H Emmert Jr, 1955-.
Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Egypt-Libya; Tunisia; Sicily;
Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Po
Valley.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: North Africa and Sicily,
Mar-17 Aug 1943; Italy, 16-20 Apr 1945.
Insigne. None.
80th Fighter Group - 87th Fighter Group
80th Fighter Group
Constituted as 80th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 13 Jan 1942.
Activated on Feb 1942. Redesignated 80th Fighter Group in May 1942. Used
P-47's to train for combat and to serve as part of the defense force for
the northeastern US. Sailed for India, via Brazil, Cape of Good Hope,
and Ceylon, in May 1943. Assigned to Tenth AF. Began operations in Sep
1943 with P-38 and P-40 aircraft; later used P-47's. Supported Allied
ground forces during the battle for northern Burma and the push
southward to Rangoon, bombing and strafing troop concentrations, supply
dumps, lines of communication, artillery positions, and other
objectives. Defended the Indian terminus of the Hump route by striking
Japanese airfields and by patrolling Allied airfields to safeguard them
from attack. Received a DUC for intercepting a formation of enemy planes
and preventing its attack on a large oil refinery in Assam, India, on 27
Mar 1944. Returned to the US in Oct 1945. Inactivated on 3 Nov 1945.
Squadrons. 88th: 1942-1945. 89th: 1942-1945. 90th: 1942-1945. 459th:
1943-1944.
Stations. Selfridge Field, Mich, 9 Feb 1942; Farmingdale, NY, 5 Jul
1942; Mitchel Field, NY, 9 Mar-30 Apr 1943; Karachi, India, 28 Jun 1943;
Nagaghuli, India, Oct 1943; Tingkawk Sakan, Burma, 29 Aug 1944;
Myitkyina, Burma, 20 Jan 1945; Dudhkundi, India, 24 Maya 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, 1 Jul 1942; Col Ivan W McElroy, 14 Jul
1943; Col Albert L Evans Jr, 13 Apr 1944; Col Sydney D Grubbs Jr, 1 Feb
1945; Col Hiette S Williams Jr, c. 29 Apr 1945-unkn.
Campaigns. American Theater; India-Burma; Central Burma.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Assam, India, 27 Mar 1944.
Insigne. Shield: Per bend azure and sable a bend raguly or. Motto:
Angels On Our Wings. (Approved 14 Oct 1942.)
81st Fighter Group
Constituted as 81st Pursuit Group (Intercepter) on 13 Jan 1942.
Activated on 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated 81st Fighter Group in May 1942.
Trained with P-39's. Moved overseas, Oct 1942-Feb 1943, the ground
echelon arriving, in French Morocco with the force that invaded North
Africa on 8 Nov, and the air echelon, which had trained for a time in
England, arriving in North Africa between late Dec 1942 and early Feb
1943. Began combat with Twelfth AF in Jan 1943. Supported ground
operations during the Allied drive against Axis forces in Tunisia.
Patrolled the coast of Africa and protected Allied shipping in the
Mediterranean Sea, Apr-Jul 1943. Provided cover for the convoys that
landed troops on Pantelleria on II Jun and on Sicily on 10 Jul 1943.
Supported the landings at Anzio on 22 Jan 1944 and flew patrols in that
area for a short time. Moved to India, Feb-Mar 1944, and began training
with P-40 and P-47 aircraft. Moved to China in May and became part of
Fourteenth AF. Continued training and on occasion flew patrol and escort
missions before returning to full-time combat duty in Jan 1945. Attacked
enemy airfields and installations, flew escort missions, and aided the
operations of Chinese ground forces by attacking troop concentrations,
ammunition dumps, lines of communications, and other targets to hinder
Japanese efforts to move men and materiel to the front. Inactivated in
China on 27 Dec 1945.
Activated in Hawaii on 15 Oct 1946. Equipped with P-51's; converted
to F-47's early in 1948. Moved to the US in 1949 and converted to jet
aircraft, receiving F-80's at first but changing to F-86's soon
afterward.
Redesignated 81st Fighter-Interceptor Group in Jan 1950. Moved to
England, Aug-Sep 1951. Assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe.
Redesignated 81st Fighter-Bomber Group in Apr 1954. Inactivated in
England on 8 Feb 1955.
Squadrons. 78th: 1952-1955. 91st: 1942-1945; 1946-1955. 92d:
1942-1945; 1946-1955. 93d: 1942-1945; 1946-1951. 116th: 1951-1952.
Stations. Morris Field, NC, Feb 1942; Dale Mabry Field, Fla, c. 1 May
1942; Muroc, Calif, c. 28 Jun-4 Oct 1942; Mediouna, French Morocco, c. 5
Jan 1943; Thelepte, Tunisia, 22 Jan 1943; Le Kouif Airfield, Algeria, 17
Feb 1943; Youks-les-Bains, Algeria, 22 Feb 1943; Le Kouif Airfield,
Algeria, 24 Feb 1943; Thelepte, Tunisia, c. Mar 1943; Algeria, c. 3 Apr
1943; Monastir, Tunisia, c. 26 May 1943; Sidi Ahmed, Tunisia, 10 Aug
1943; Castelvetrano, Sicily, 12 Oct 1943; Montecorvino Airfield, Italy,
c. Feb 1944; Karachi, India, c. 2 Mar 1944; Kwanghan, China, 12 May
1944; Fungwansham, China, Feb 1945; Huhsien, China, Aug-Dec 1945.
Wheeler Field, TH, 15 Oct 1946-21 May 1949; Kirtland AFB, NM, 17 Jun
1949; Moses Lake AFB, Wash, c. 1 May 1950-21 Aug 1951; Bentwaters RAF
Station, England, 3 Sep 1951-8 Feb 1955.
Commanders. Unkn, Feb-May 1942; Capt Harry E Hammond, 5 May 1942;
Capt John D Sureau, 10 May 1942; Lt Col Paul M Jacobs, 22 May 1942; Lt
Col Kenneth 5 Wade, c. Jul 1942; Col Philip B Klein, May 1943; Lt Col
Michael Gordon, 2 Jul 1943; Maj Frederick S Hanson, 15 Jul 1943; Col
Philip B Klein, 26 Aug 1943; Lt Col Fred G Hook Jr, 27 Sep 1944; Col
Oliver G Cellini, 24 Oct 1944-unkn. Col Oswald W Lunde, [c. 1946]; Col
Gladwyn E Pinkston, [c. 1948] Lt Col Clay Tice Jr, c. Apr 1950; Lt Col
Lucius D Clay Jr, 1950; Lt Col Clay Tice Jr, c. Feb 1951; Col Robert
Garrigan, c. Aug 1951; Col Benjamin B Cassiday Jr, c. Jul 1953; Col
Walter L Moore, 1 Dec 1954-1955.
Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Algeria-French Morocco; Tunisia;
Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; China Defensive; China
Offensive.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Or, a dragon salient wings displayed and addorsed
azure, armed and langued gules, incensed proper, holding in its dexter
claw a stylized boll weevil sable. Motto: Le Nom - Les Armes - La
Loyaute: The Name, The Arms, and Loyalty. (Approved 2 Mar 1943.)
82d Fighter Group
Constituted as 82nd Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 13 Jan 1942.
Activated on 9 Feb 1942. Redesignated 82nd Fighter Group in May 1942.
Trained with P-38's. Moved to Northern Ireland during Sep-Oct 1942 for
further training. Moved to North Africa in Dec 1942 and served with
Twelfth AF until Nov 1943. Took part in the defeat of Axis forces in
Tunisia, the reduction of Pantelleria, the conquest of Sicily, and the
invasion of Italy. Operated against the enemy's air transports; flew
dive-bombing and strafing missions; escorted medium bombers in their
attacks on enemy shipping and their raids on Naples and Rome; and gave
direct support to the ground forces during the invasion of Italy.
Received a DUC for a low-level strafing raid against enemy aircraft
concentrations at Foggia on 25 Aug 1943. Received second DUC for
performance on 2 Sep 1943 when the group protected a formation of
bombers that encountered strong opposition from enemy interceptors
during an attack on marshalling yards near Naples.
Moved to Italy in Oct 1943. Assigned to Fifteenth AF in Nov.
Continued to function occasionally as a fighter-bomber organization,
supporting Allied armies, flying interdictory missions, and attacking
strategic targets. Received third DUC for performance on 10 Jun 1944
when the 82nd Group braved head-on attacks by hostile fighters to
dive-bomb an oil refinery at Ploesti and then strafed targets of
opportunity while returning to base. Engaged primarily in escort work,
however, from Oct 1943 to May 1945, covering the operations of heavy
bombers that attacked aircraft industries, oil refineries, and other
targets in France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, 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 Continental Air Command in Aug
1949. Inactivated on 2 Oct 1949.
Redesignated 82nd Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated on 18 Aug
1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with F-94 aircraft.
Squadrons. 95th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 96th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949;
1955-. 97th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949; 1955-.
Stations. Harding Field, La, 9 Feb 1942; Muroc, Calif, 30 Apr 1942;
Los Angeles, Calif, May 1942; Glendale, Calif, c. 16 Aug-16 Sep 1942;
Northern Ireland, Oct 1942; Telergma, Algeria, Jan 1943; Berteaux,
Algeria, 28 Mar 1943; Souk-el-Arba, Algeria, 13 Jun 1943; Grombalia,
Tunisia, 3 Aug 1943; San Pancrazio, Italy, c. 3 Oct 1943; Lecce, Italy,
10 Oct 1943; Vincenzo Airfield, Italy, 11 Jan 1944; Lesina, Italy, c. 30
Aug-Sep 1945. Grenier Field, NH, 12 Apr 1947-2 Oct 1949. New Castle
County Aprt, Del, 18 Aug 1955-.
Commanders. 1st Lt Charles T Duke, 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 1945-unkn. Maj Leland R Raphun, c. Apr 1947; Lt Col Gerald W
Johnson, 2 Jun 1947; Col Henry Viccellio, 14 Jun 1947; Col William M
Banks, 5 Nov 1948-c. Oct 1949. Col Clay D Albright Jr, 1955-.
Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Tunisia;
Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern
France; North Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe; Po Valley.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Italy, 25 Aug 1943; Italy,
2 Sep 1943; Ploesti, Rumania, 10 Jun 1944.
Insigne. Shield: Per bend or and azure a lightning bolt in bend
throughout point to base, with two beviles, per bend argent, gules and
or, between three fleurs-de-lis, two and one, of the second, and eleven
stars in bend, six and five, of the first; over all in dexter chief a
roundle per fess, wavy of two, sable and vert. Motto: Adorimini -
"Up and at 'em!" (Approved 4 Nov 1957.)
83rd Fighter Group
Constituted as 83rd Fighter Group on 18 Sep 1943 and activated on 25
Sep. Assigned to First AF. Served as a replacement training unit to
train pilots for duty in P-47's. Disbanded on 10 Apr 1944.
Reconstituted, redesignated 83rd Fighter-Day Group, and assigned to
Tactical Air Command, on 24 Feb 1956. Activated on 8 Jul 1956.
(This group is not related to an 83rd Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
that was constituted on 13 Jan 1942; activated at New Orleans by Third
AF on 9 Feb 1942; assigned the 301st, 302nd, and 303rd squadrons; and
disbanded a few days later in order to bring AAF within the authorized
number of pursuit groups.)
Squadrons. 448th: 1943-1944. 532d: 1943-1944; 1956-. 533d: 1943-1944;
1956-. 534th: 1943-1944; 1956-.
Stations. Richmond AAB, Va, 25 Sep 1943; Dover AAFld, Del, 22 Nov
1943-10 Apr 1944. Seymour-Johnson AFB, NC, 8 Jul 1956-.
Commanders. Lt Col Woodrow W Korges, 25 Sep 1943; Lt Col Ernest H
Beverly, 23 Feb-10 Apr 1944. Maj Amos H Domberger II, Jul 1956-.
Campaigns. None.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Per pile transposed azure and or; over all on an
escutcheon per bend gules and medium blue, a bend embattled inverted,
vert, fimbriated throughout argent; superimposed over the chief area of
the escutcheon a stylized demi falcon bendwise, in profile, sable, his
head and wings raised upward above the escutcheon; his eye gules, the
falcon fimbriated throughout argent. (Approved 29 Mar 1957.)
84th Fighter Group
Constituted as 84th Bombardment Group (Light) on 13 Jan 1942.
Activated on 10 Feb 1942. Redesignated 84th Bombardment Group (Dive) in
Jul 1942, and 84th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943. Assigned to Third
AF and later (Nov 1943) to Second AF. Aircraft included A-24's
(1942-1943) and P-47's (1943-1944). Served as an operational training
and a replacement training unit. Also participated occasionally in
demonstrations and maneuvers. Disbanded on 1 Apr 1944.
Reconstituted, redesignated 84th Fighter Group (All Weather), and
allotted to the reserve, on 26 May 1949. Activated on 1 Jun 1949.
Ordered into active service on 1 Jun 1951. Inactivated on 2 Jun 1951.
Redesignated 84th Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated on 18 Aug
1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Equipped with F-86 aircraft.
Squadrons. 491st (formerly 304th): 1942-1944. 496th (formerly 301st):
1942-1944; 1949-1951. 497th (formerly 302nd): 1942-1944; 1955-. 498th
(formerly 303rd): 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, 1 Jun
1949; McGuire AFB, NJ, 10 Oct 1949-2 Jun 1951. Geiger Field, Wash, 18
Aug 1955-.
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 Reginald F C
Vance, 15 Aug 1943; Lt Col William D Gilchrist, Sep 1943-1944. Col
Grover C Willcox Jr, 18 Aug 1955-.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, a flash in pale between in dexter chief a gun
sight and in sinister base a drop bomb palewise, all or. Motto: Cursum
Perficio - I Accomplish My Course. (Approved 22 Jan 1943.)
85th Fighter Group
Constituted as 85th Bombardment Group (Light) on 13 Jan 1942.
Activated on 10 Feb 1942. Redesignated 85th Bombardment Group (Dive) in
Jul 1942, and 85th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943. Assigned to Third
AF, then to Second, and again to Third. Equipped first with V-72
aircraft; converted to A-24's in Aug 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 during fall and winter of 1942-1943 and in
Kentucky in April 1943. Afterward served as a replacement training unit.
Disbanded on 1 May 1944.
Squadrons. 499th (formerly 305th): 1942-1944. 500th (formerly 306th):
1942-1944. 501st (formerly 307th): 1942-1944. 502nd (formerly 308th)
1942-1944.
Stations. Savannah AB, Ga, 10 Feb 1942 Bowman Field, Ky, c. 16 Feb
1942; Hunter Field, Ga, 9 Jun 1942; Waycross, Ga, 15 Aug 1942; Gillespie
Field, Tenn, 3 Oct 1942; Blythe AAB, Calif, 2 Nov 1942; Rice, Calif, c.
11 Dec 1942; Harding Field, La, c. 9 Apr 1943; Waycross AAFld, Ga, c. 27
Aug 1943-1 May 1944.
Commanders. 2nd Lt Benson M Sherman, 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, 1 Apr-1 May 1944.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, five drop bombs or, arranged one large in
pale, two to dexter bendwise in pale, and two to sinister bend
sinisterwise in pale, a chief indented of eight points of the last.
Motto: Coup De Main - A Sudden (Unexpected) Attack. (Approved 6 Nov
1942.)
86th Fighter Group
Constituted as 86th Bombardment Group (Light) on 13 Jan 1942.
Activated on 10 Feb 1942. Redesignated 86th Bombardment Group (Dive) in
Sep 1942, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943, and 86th Fighter Group
in May 1944. Moved to North Africa, Mar-May 1943. Trained until Jul,
then began combat with Twelfth AF. Engaged primarily in close support of
ground forces, with the group moving forward to bases in Sicily, Italy,
Corsica, France, and Germany as the battle line changed. Also flew
patrol and interdictory missions. Used A-36, P-40, and P-47 aircraft to
attack convoys, trains, ammunition dumps, troop and supply columns,
shipping, bridges, rail lines, and other objectives. Participated in the
softening up of Sicily and supported the invasion by Seventh Army in Jul
1943. Provided cover for the landings at Salerno in Sep 1943. Assisted
the Allied advance toward Rome during Jan-Jun 1944. Supported the
invasion of Southern France in Aug 1944. Operated against enemy
communications in northern Italy from Sep 1944 to Apr 1945. Attacked
enemy transportation in Germany during Apr and May 1945. Received two
DUC's: for action on 25 May 1944 when the group repeatedly dived through
intense flak to destroy enemy vehicles and troops as German forces tried
to stop the Allies short of Rome; for activity against convoys and
airfield installations in northern Germany on 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. Inactivated on 31 Mar
1946.
Activated in Germany on 20 Aug 1946. Assigned to United States Air
Forces in Europe. Redesignated 86th Composite Group in May 1947, 86th
Fighter Group in Jan 1948, 86th Fighter-Bomber Group in Jan 1950, and
86th Fighter-Interceptor Group in Aug 1954. Equipped successively with
F-47, F-84, and F-86 aircraft.
Squadrons. 45th: 1947-1948. 311th: 1942-1943. 525th (formerly 309th):
1942-1946; 1946-. 526th (formerly 310th): 1942-1946; 1946-. 527th
(formerly 312th): 1942-1946; 1946-1947, 1948-.
Stations. Will Rogers Field, Okla, 10 Feb 1942; Hunter Field, Ga, c.
20 Jun 1942; Key Field, Miss, c. 7 Aug 1942-19 Mar 1943; La Senia,
Algeria, c. 12 May 1943; French Morocco, 3 Jun 1943; Tafaraoui, Algeria,
11 Jun 1943; Korba, Tunisia, 30 Jun 1943; Gela, Sicily, 20 Jul 1943;
Barcelona, Sicily, 27 Aug 1943; Sele Airfield, Italy, 22 Sep 1943;
Serretella Airfield, Italy, 12 Oct 1943; Pomigliano, Italy, 19 Nov 1943;
Marcianise, Italy, 30 Apr 1944; Ciampino, Italy, c. 12 Jun 1944;
Orbetello, Italy, c. 19 Jun 1944; Corsica, c. 12 Jul 1944; Grosseto,
Italy, c. 17 Sep 1944; Pisa, Italy, 23 Oct 1944; Tantonville, France, c.
20 Feb 1945; Braunschardt, Germany, c. 18 Apr 1945; Schweinfurt,
Germany, Sep 1945-15 Feb 1946; Bolling Field, DC, 15 Feb-31 Mar 1946.
Nordholz, Germany, 20 Aug 1946; Lechfeld, Germany, c. 1 Dec 1946; Bad
Kissingen, Germany, 5 Mar 1947; Neubiberg AB, Germany, 12 Jun 1947;
Landstuhl AB, Germany, 9 Aug 1952-.
Commanders. Unkn, Feb 1942-Feb 1943; Maj Clinton U True, 10 Feb 1943;
Lt Col Robert C Paul, 7 Aug 1943; Col Harold E Hofahl, 4 Dec 1943; Col
Earl E Bates Jr, 2 Aug 1944; Lt Col George T Lee, 14 Feb 1945; Maj John
H Buckner, 23 Sep 1945-c. 14 Feb 1946. Col Adolphus R McConnell, 20 Aug
1946; Col Clarence T Edwinson, 15 Dec 1946; Col Maurice L Martin, Feb
1947; Maj John B England, c. Jul 1947; Col Clarence T Edwinson, c. Aug
1947; Col Michael Ingelido, Jul 1948; Lt Col James G Thorsen, May 1949;
Col William H Councill, Jun 1949; Col George T Lee, 25 Sep 1950; Col
Richard O Hunziker, 6 Mar 1951; Col George Laven Jr, 18 Oct 1951; Col
George R Bickell, 26 Apr 1952; Col George B Simler, 14 Jun 1952-1954;
Col Robin Olds, Oct 1955-.
Campaigns. American Theater; Air Combat, EAME Theater; Sicily;
Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines:
Rhineland; Central Europe.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Italy, 25 May 1944;
Germany, 20 Apr 1945.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, on a pile or a drop bomb palewise gules.
Motto: Virtus Perdurat - Courage Will Endure. (Approved 17 Oct 1942.
This insigne was replaced 27 Jul 1956.)
87th Fighter Group
Constituted as 87th Fighter Group on 24 Sep 1943. Activated on 1 Oct
1943. Assigned to First AF. Trained replacement pilots, using P-47's.
Disbanded on 10 Apr 1944.
Reconstituted on 16 May 1949 and allotted to the reserve. Activated
on 27 Jun 1949. Redesignated 87th Fighter-Escort Group in Mar 1950.
Ordered into active service on 1 May 1951. Inactivated on 25 Jun 1951.
Redesignated 87th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) and allotted to the
reserve. Activated on 15 Jun 1952. Inactivated on 1 Feb 1953.
(This group is not related to an 87th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
that was constituted on 13 Jan 1942; activated at Selfridge Field by
Third AF on 10 Feb 1942; assigned the 304th, 305th, and 306th squadrons;
and disbanded a few days later in order to bring AAF within the
authorized number of pursuit groups.)
Squadrons. 450th: 1943-1944. 535th: 1943-1944; 1949-1951; 1952-1953.
536th: 1943-1944; 1952-1953. 537th: 1943-1944; 1952-1953.
Stations. Richmond AAB, Va, 1 Oct 1943; Camp Springs AAFld, Md, 21
Jan 10 Apr 1944. Bergstrom AFB, Tex, 27 Jun 1949-25 Jun 1951. Atterbury
AFB, Ind, 15 Jun 1952-1 Feb 1953.
Commanders. Lt Col Robert N Maupin, Oct 1943-1944.
Campaigns. None.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. None.
88th Bombardment Group - 94th Bombardment Group
88th Bombardment Group
Constituted as 88th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 15 Jul 1942, but not manned until Sep. Equipped with
B-17's. Served for a short time as an operational training unit and
afterward as a replacement training unit. Assigned to Second and later
to Third AF. Inactivated on 1 May 1944.
Squadrons. 316th: 1942-1944. 317th: 1942-1944. 318th: 1942-1944.
399th: 1942-1944.
Stations. Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, 15 Jul 1942; Geiger Field, Wash,
1 Sep 1942; Walla Walla, Wash, 21 Sep 1942; Rapid City AAB, SD, c. 28
Oct 1942; Walla Walla, Wash, c. 28 Nov 1942; Avon Park AAFld, Fla, Nov
1943-1 May 1944.
Commanders. Lt Col Edgar M Wittan, 1 Sep 1942; Lt Col Hewitt T
Wheless, 1 Mar 1943; Lt Col William K Kincaid, 28 Oct 1943-1 May 1944.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, a glass throughout shattered, argent. Motto:
Power To Shatter. (Approved 7 Jan 1943.)
89th Troop Carrier Group
Constituted as 89th Transport Group on 19 Jan 1942. Activated on 1
Feb 1942. Assigned to Air Transport Command (later I Troop Carrier
Command) in Apr 1942. Redesignated 89th Troop Carrier Group in Jul 1942.
Provided transition training for pilots, using DC-3's and later C-47's.
Began training replacement crews in Mar 1944. Disbanded on 14 Apr 1944.
Reconstituted, allotted to the reserve, and redesignated 89th Troop
Carrier Group (Medium), on 10 May 1949. Activated on 27 Jun 1949.
Ordered to active service on 1 May 1951. Inactivated on 10 May 1951.
Redesignated 89th Fighter-Bomber Group and allotted to the reserve.
Activated on 14 Jun 1952.
Squadrons. 24th: 1942-1944; 1949-1951; 1952-. 25th: 1942-1944;
1949-1951; 1952-. 26th: 1942-1944; 1949-1951; 1952-. 27th: 1942. 28th:
1942. 30th: 1942-1944; 1949-1951. 31st: 1942-1944.
Stations. Daniel Field, Ga, 1 Feb 1942; Harding Field, La, 8 Mar
1942; Camp Williams, Wis, 20 Jun 1942; Sedalia, Mo, 8 Sep 1942; Del
Valle, Tex, 14 Dec 194 _ Apr 1944. Hanscom Aprt, Mass, 27 Jun 1949-10
May 1951. Laurence G Hanscom Field, Mass, 14 Jun 1952-.
Commanders. Capt William C Allen, 1 Feb 1942; Col Julian M Chappell,
8 Apr 1942; Lt Col Ralph Gibbons, 4 Apr 1943-14 Apr 1944.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Or, upon and over a bendlet gules a stylized radial
motor azure, that portion over the second fimbriated of the field
surmounted by a torteau fimbriated argent, and charged with a winged
helmeted head of a soldier couped of the last. Motto: Primis Cum
Plurimis - First with the Most Men. (Approved 5 Jan 1943. This insigne
became an element of a new insigne approved 12 Mar 1953.)
90th Bombardment Group
Constituted as 90th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 15 Apr 1942. Prepared for combat with B-24's. Moved to
Hawaii in Sep 1942 and assigned to Seventh AF. Completed training, moved
to the Southwest Pacific in Nov 1942, and assigned to Fifth AF. Entered
combat immediately, and from Nov 1942 to Jan 1945 operated from
Australia, New Guinea, and Biak, attacking enemy airfields, troop
concentrations, ground installations, and shipping in New Guinea, the
Bismarck Archipelago, Palau, and the southern Philippines. Received a
DUC for strikes, conducted through heavy flak and fighter opposition, on
Japanese airfields at Wewak, New Guinea, in Sep 1943. Other operations
included participation in the Battle of the Bismarck Sea in Mar 1943 and
long-range raids on oil refineries at Balikpapan, Borneo, in Sep and Oct
1943. Moved to the Philippines in Jan 1945. Supported ground forces on
Luzon, attacked industries on Formosa, and bombed railways, airfields,
and harbor facilities on the Asiatic mainland. Moved to Ie Shima in Aug
1945, and after the war flew reconnaissance missions over Japan and
ferried Allied prisoners from Okinawa to Manila. Returned to the
Philippines in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 27 Jan 1946.
Redesignated 90th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated in the US
on 1 Jul 1947. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Probably not manned
during 1947 and 1948. Inactivated on 6 Sep 1948.
Redesignated 90th Bombardment Group (Medium). Activated on 2 Jan
1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command and equipped with B-29's.
Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.
Squadrons. 319th: 1942-1946; 1947-1948; 1951-1952. 320th: 1942-1946;
1947-1948; 1951-1952. 321st: 1942-1946; 1947-1948; 1951-1952. 400th:
1942-1946.
Stations. Key Field, Miss, 15 Apr 1942; Barksdale Field, La, 17 May
1942; Greenville AAB, SC, 21 Jun 1942; Ypsilante, Mich, 18 Aug 1942;
Hickam Field, TH, 12 Sep 1942; Iron Range, Australia, Nov 1942; Port
Moresby, New Guinea, 10 Feb 1943; Dobodura, New Guinea, Dec 1943; Nadzab,
New Guinea, 23 Feb 1944; Biak, 10 Aug 1944; San Jose, Mindoro, 26 Jan
1945; Ie Shima, c. 10 Aug 1945; Ft William McKinley, Luzon, Dec 1945-27
Jan 1946. Andrews Field, Md, 1 Jul 1947-6 Sep 1948. Fairchild AFB, Wash,
2 Jan 1951; Forbes AFB, Kan, 14 Mar 1951-16 Jun 1952.
Commanders. 1st Lt Newman W Enloe, 17 Apr 1942; Lt Col Eugene P
Mussett, 17 May 1942; Col Roger M Ramey, 14 Sep 1942; Lt Col Eugene P
Mussett, 16 Oct 1942; Col Arthur Meehan, 21 Oct 1942; Lt Col Arthur H
Rogers, 16 Nov 1942; Col Ralph E Koon, 18 Nov 1942; Col Arthur H Rogers,
11 Jul 1943; Lt Col Harry Bullis, c. 20 Dec 1943; Col Carl A Brandt, 16
Mar 1944; Col Edward W Scott Jr, 10 Jun 1944; Lt Col Wilson H Banks, 8
Dec 1944; Col Ellis L Brown, 24 Feb 1945-unkn. Unkn, 1947-1948. Lt Col
William L Gray, Jan 1951; Col Conrad F Necrason, Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952.
Campaigns. Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; Papua; New Guinea;
Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; China Offensive.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Papua, [Nov] 1942-23 Jan
1943; New Guinea, 13 and 15 Sep 1943. Philippine Presidential Unit
Citation.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, a pterodactyl (Dimorphodon Macronyx) volant
or langued gules, eyed vert. Motto: Impavide - Undauntedly. (Approved 22
Sep 1942.)
91st Bombardment Group
Constituted as 91st Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 15 Apr 1942. Trained with B-17's. Moved to England, Aug-Oct
1942, and assigned to Eighth AF. Operated primarily as a strategic
bombardment organization throughout the war. Entered combat in Nov 1942
and concentrated its attacks on submarine pens, ship-building yards,
harbors, and dock facilities until mid-1943. During this period, also
struck airdromes, factories, and communications. Attacked the navy yard
at Wilhelmshaven on 27 Jan 1943 when heavy bombers of Eighth AF first
penetrated Germany. Received a DUC for bombing marshalling yards at Hamm
on 4 Mar 1943 in spite of adverse weather and heavy enemy opposition.
From the middle of 1943 until the war ended, engaged chiefly in attacks
on aircraft factories, airdromes, and oil facilities. Specific targets
included airfields at Villacoublay and Oldenburg, aircraft factories in
Oranienburg and Brussels, chemical industries in Leverkusen and
Peenemunde, ball-bearing plants in Schweinfurt, and other industries in
Ludwigshafen, Berlin, Frankfurt, and Wilhelmshaven. On 11 Jan 1944
organizations of Eighth AF went into central Germany to attack vital
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
performance. Expanding its operations to include interdictory and
support missions, the group contributed to the Normandy invasion by
bombing gun emplacements and troop concentrations near the beachhead
area in Jun 1944; aided the St Lo breakthrough by attacking enemy troop
positions, 24-25 Jul 1944; supported troops on the front lines near Caen
in Aug 1944; attacked communications near the battle area during the
Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and assisted the push across the
Rhine by striking airfields, bridges, and railroads near the front lines
in the spring of 1945. Evacuated prisoners from German camps after the
war ended. Returned to the US, Jun-Jul 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.
Redesignated 91st Reconnaissance Group. Activated on 1 Jul 1947.
Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Redesignated 91st Strategic
Reconnaissance Group in Nov 1948. Used a variety of aircraft, including
B-17's and RB-17's, B-29's and RB-29's, and B-50's. Redesignated 91st
Strategic Reconnaissance Group (Medium) in Jul 1950. Equipped with
RB-45's. Inactivated on 28 May 1952.
Squadrons. 7th Geodetic: 1949-1950. 91st: 1949-1950. 322d: 1942-1945;
1947-1948, 1949-1952. 324th: 1942-1945; 1947-1952. 401st: 1942-1945.
Stations. Harding Field, La, 15 Apr 1942; MacDill Field, Fla, 16 May
1942; Walla Walla, Wash, c. 26 Jun-24 Aug 1942; Kimbolton, England, Sep
1942; Bassingbourn, England, c. 14 Oct 1942-23 Jun 1945; Drew Field, Fla,
3 Jul-7 Nov 1945. Andrews Field, Md, 1 Jul 1947; McGuire AFB, NJ, 20 Jul
1948; Barksdale AFB, La, 1 Oct 1949; Lockbourne AFB, Ohio, c. 5 Sep
1950-8 May 1952.
Commanders. 1st Lt Edward R Eckert, 15 Apr 1942; Col Stanley T Wray,
15 May 1942; Lt Col Baskin R Lawrence Jr, c. 25 May 1943; Lt Col Clemens
L Wurzbach, 25 Jun 1943; Col Claude E Putnam, Dec 1943; Col Henry W
Terry, 17 May 1944; Lt Col Donald E Sheeler, 30 May 1945-unkn. Col Frank
L Dunn, 1948; Lt Col Robert S Kittel, 10 Nov 1948; Col Charles R
Greening, 24 Jun 1949; Maj James I Cox, 23 Aug 1949; Col Jean R Byerly,
1 Oct 1949; Col Lewis E Lyle, 25 Nov 1950-c. Aug 1951; Col Joseph A
Preston, c. Aug 1951-28 May 1952.
Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Hamm, Germany, 4 Mar 1943;
Germany, 11 Jan 1944.
Insigne. Shield: Azure (sky blue), a lightning flash issuing from
dexter base and pointing to an eye proper on a cloud issuing from the
sinister chief, on the flash in dexter base a sphere proper in an orbit
argent; over all a bend azure fimbriated argent. (Approved 23 Dec 1952.)
92d Bombardment Group
Constituted as 92nd Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 1 Mar 1942. Trained with B-17's and performed antisubmarine
duty. Moved to England, Jul-Aug 1942, and assigned to Eighth AF. Flew a
few combat missions in Sep and Oct 1942, then trained replacement crews.
Began bombardment of strategic objectives in May 1943 and engaged
primarily in such operations throughout the war. Targets from May 1943
to Feb 1944 included shipyards at Kiel, ball-bearing plants at
Schweinfurt, submarine installations at Wilhelmshaven, a tire plant at
Hannover, airfields near Paris, an aircraft factory at Nantes, and a
magnesium mine and reducing plant in Norway. Flight Officer John C
Morgan, co-pilot, received the Medal of Honor for action aboard a B-17
during a mission over Europe, [26] Jul 1943: when the aircraft was
attacked by enemy fighters, the pilot suffered a brain injury which left
him in a crazed condition; for two hours Morgan flew in formation with
one hand at the controls and the other holding off the struggling pilot
who was attempting to fly the plane; finally another crew member was
able to relieve the situation and the B-17 made a safe landing at its
base. Although handicapped by weather conditions, enemy fire, and
insufficient fighter protection, the group bombed aircraft factories in
central Germany on 11 Jan 1944 and received a DUC for the mission. Took
part in the intensive campaign of heavy bombers against the German
aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. After that, attacked
V-weapon sites in France; airfields in France, Germany, and the Low
Countries; and industrial targets in France, Germany, and Belgium,
making concentrated strikes on oil and transportation facilities after
Oct 1944. In addition to strategic missions, performed some interdictory
and support operations. Assisted the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944 by
hitting gun emplacements, junctions, and marshalling yards in the
beachhead area. Supported ground forces at St Lo during the breakthrough
in Jul 1944. Bombed gun positions and bridges to aid the airborne
assault on Holland in Sep 1944. Participated in the Battle of the Bulge,
Dec 1944-Jan 1945, by attacking bridges and marshalling yards in and
near the battle area. Bombed airfields near the landing zone to cover
the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Moved to France in
Jun 1945 and transported troops from Marseilles to Casablanca for return
to the US. Inactivated in France on 28 Feb 1946.
Redesignated 92nd Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated in the US
on 4 Aug 1946. Assigned to Strategic Air Command and equipped with
B-29's. Redesignated 92nd Bombardment Group (Medium) in May 1948.
Temporarily stationed in Japan and attached to Far East Air Forces for
duty in the Korean War. Served in combat against the communist forces
from 12 Jul to 20 Oct 1950. Bombed strategic and interdictory targets,
including factories, refineries, iron works, airfields, bridges,
tunnels, troop concentrations, barracks, marshalling yards, road
junctions, rail lines, supply dumps, docks, and vehicles. Returned to
the US, Oct-Nov 1950. Redesignated 92nd Bombardment Group (Heavy) in Jun
1951. Converted to B-36 aircraft. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.
Squadrons. 325th: 1942-1946; 1946-1952. 326th: 1942-1946; 1946-1952.
327th: 1942-1946; 1946-1952. 407th: 1942-1946.
Stations. Barksdale Field, La, 1 Mar 1942; MacDill Field, Fla, c. 26
Mar 1942; Sarasota, Fla, May-Jul 1942; Bovingdon, England, Aug 1942;
Alconbury, England, Jan 1943; Podington, England, Sep 1943; Istres,
France, Jun 1945-28 Feb 1946. Ft Worth AAFld, Tex, 4 Aug 1946; Smoky
Hill AAFld, Kan, Oct 1946; Spokane AAFld, Wash, Jun 1947-16 Jun 1952.
Commanders. Col James S Sutton, c. 27 Mar 1942; Lt Col Baskin R
Lawrence Jr, c. 2 May 1943; Col William M Reid, c. 23 May 1943; Col
James W Wilson, 27 Sep 1944; 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
William M Carrithers, Dec 1946-unkn; Lt Col Frank A Sharp, 14 Jul 1947;
Col Albert Shower, Jul 1947; Lt Col Richard Fry, 18 Nov 1947; Col George
A Blakey, Apr 1948; Col Salvatore E Manzo, c. 1 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.
Campaigns. World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air
Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland;
Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Korean War: UN Defensive; UN Offensive.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 11 Jan 1944.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, a pterodactyl (pteranodon) volant, in bend
or, langued gules, eyed vert. Motto: Higher - Stronger - Faster.
(Approved 9 Mar 1943. This insigne was replaced 21 Nov 1957.)
93rd Bombardment Group
Constituted as 93rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 1 Mar 1942. Prepared for combat with B-24's. Engaged in
antisubmarine operations over the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea,
May-Jul 1942.
Moved to England, Aug-Sep 1942, and assigned to Eighth AF. Entered
combat on 9 Oct 1942 by attacking steel and engineering works at Lille.
Until Dec 1942, operated primarily against submarine pens in the Bay of
Biscay. A large detachment was sent to North Africa in Dec 1942, the
group receiving a DUC for operations in that theater, Dec 1941-Feb 1943,
when, with inadequate supplies and under the most difficult desert
conditions, the detachment struck heavy blows at enemy shipping and
communications. The detachment returned to England, Feb-Mar 1943, and
until the end of Jun the group bombed engine repair works, harbors,
power plants, and other targets in France, the Low Countries, and
Germany. A detachment returned to the Mediterranean theater, Jun-Jul
1943, to support the invasion of Sicily and to participate in the famous
low-level attack on enemy oil installations at Ploesti on 1 Aug. Having
followed another element of the formation along the wrong course to
Ploesti, the 93rd hit targets that had been assigned to other groups,
but it carried out its bombing of the vital oil installations despite
heavy losses inflicted by attacks from the fully-alerted enemy and was
awarded a DUC for the operation. Lt Col Addison E Baker, group
commander, and Maj John L Jerstad, a former member of the group who had
volunteered for this mission, were posthumously awarded the Medal of
Honor for action in the Ploesti raid: refusing to make a forced landing
in their damaged B-24, these men, as pilot and co-pilot of the lead
plane, led the group to bomb the oil facilities before their plane
crashed in the target area. After the detachment returned to England in
Aug 1943, the group flew only two missions before the detachment was
sent back to the Mediterranean to support Fifth Army at Salerno during
the invasion of Italy in Sep 1943. The detachment rejoined the group in
Oct 1943, and until Apr 1945 the 93rd concentrated on bombardment of
strategic targets such as marshalling yards, aircraft factories, oil
refineries, chemical plants, and cities in Germany. In addition it
bombed gun emplacements, choke points, and bridges near Cherbourg during
the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944; attacked troop concentrations in
northern France during the St Lo breakthrough in Jul 1944; transported
food, gasoline, water, and other supplies to the Allies advancing across
France, Aug-Sep 1944; dropped supplies to airborne troops in Holland on
18 Sep 1944; struck enemy transportation and other targets during the
Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and flew two missions on 24 Mar
1945 during the airborne assault across the Rhine, dropping supplies to
troops near Wesel and bombing a night-fighter base at Stormede. Ceased
operations in Apr 1945. Returned to the US, May-Jun 1945.
Redesignated 93rd Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) in Jul 1945.
Assigned to Strategic Air Command on 21 Mar 1946. Trained with B-29's.
Redesignated 93rd Bombardment Group (Medium) in May 1948. Converted to
B-50 aircraft in 1949. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.
Squadrons. 328th: 1942-1952. 329th: 1942-1952. 330th: 1942-1952.
409th: 1942-1946.
Stations. Barksdale Field, La, 1 Mar 1942; Ft Myers, Fla, 15 May-2
Aug 1942; Alconbury, England, 7 Sep 1942; Hardwick, England, 6 Dec
1942-19 May 1945; Sioux Falls AAFld, SD, Jun 1945; Pratt AAFld, Kan, 24
Jul 1945; Clovis AAFld, NM, 13 Dec 1945; Castle Field, Calif, 21 Jun
1946-16 Jun 1952.
Commanders. 1st Lt Robert M Tate, 1 Mar 1942; Col Edward Timberlake
Jr, 26 Mar 1942; Lt Col Addison E Baker, 17 May 1943; Col Leland G
Fiegel, 9 Aug 1943; Lt Col Harvey P Barnard Jr, 27 Sep 1944; Col William
R Robertson Jr, 5 Dec 1944; Lt Col Therman D Brown, 6 Apr 1945; Maj
Jacob A Herrmann, 29 Jul 1945; Lt Col William W Amorous, 6 Aug 1945; Col
Henry W Dorr, c. 5 Oct 1945-unkn; Lt Col Kenneth Grunewald, 1946; Maj
Arthur R Pidgeon, 1946; Maj Loyd D 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, 1 Sep 1948; Lt Col
Colin E Anderson, 3 Nov 1949; Col John E Dougherty, 1 Dec 1949; Brig Gen
Robert H Terrill, Feb 1951; Col Richard H Carmichael, 16 Apr 1951; Col
John E Dougherty, 19 Oct 1951-16 Jun 1952.
Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Combat, EAME Theater;
Egypt-Libya; Air Offensive, Europe; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia;
Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: North Africa, 17 Dec
1942-20 Feb 1943; Ploesti, Rumania, 1 Aug 1943.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, in front of a bend parti per bend sable and
argent between two globes of the last with latitude and longitude lines
of the second, the one in chief bearing a wreath vert and the one in
base bearing a cross of four arrows, points out of the first, gules, or
and of the fifth, a lightning flash bend sinisterwise or. (Approved 4
Sep 1953.)
94th Bombardment Group
Constituted as 94th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 15 Jun 1942. Trained for duty overseas with B-17's. Moved
to England, Apr-May 1943, and assigned to Eighth AF. Served chiefly as a
strategic bombardment organization throughout the war. Flew its first
mission on 13 Jun 1943, bombing an airdrome at St Omer. After that,
attacked such strategic objectives as the port of St Nazaire, shipyards
at Kiel, an aircraft component parts factory at Kassel, a synthetic
rubber plant at Hannover, a chemical factory at Ludwigshafen,
marshalling yards at Frankfurt, oil facilities at Merseburg, and
ball-bearing works at Eberhausen. Withstood repeated assaults by enemy
interceptors to bomb an aircraft factory at Regensburg on 17 Aug 1943,
being awarded a DUC for the mission. Braving adverse weather, heavy
flak, and savage fighter attacks, the group completed a strike against
an aircraft parts factory in Brunswick on 11 Jan 1944 and received
another DUC for this operation. Took part in the campaign of heavy
bombers against the enemy aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb
1944. Sometimes operated in support of ground forces and flew
interdictory missions. Prior to D-Day in Jun 1944, helped to neutralize
V-weapon sites, airdromes, and other military installations along the
coast of France. On 6 Jun bombed enemy positions in the battle area to
support the invasion of Normandy. Struck troops and gun batteries to aid
the advance of the Allies at St Lo in Jul and at Brest in Aug. Covered
the airborne attack on Holland in Sep. Hit marshalling yards, airfields,
and strong points near the combat area during the Battle of the Bulge,
Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Bombed transportation, communications, and oil
targets in the final push over the Rhine and across Germany. After V-E
Day, dropped leaflets to displaced persons and German civilians.
Returned to the US in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 21 Dec 1945.
Redesignated 94th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the
reserve. Activated on 29 May 1947. Redesignated 94th Bombardment Group
(Light) in Jun 1949. Called to active duty on 10 Mar 1951. Inactivated
on 20 Mar 1951.
Redesignated 94th Tactical Reconnaissance Group. Allotted to the
reserve. Activated on 14 Jun 1952. Redesignated 94th Bombardment Group
(Tactical) in May 1955.
Squadrons. 331st: 1942-1945; 1947-1951; 1952-. 332d: 1942-1945;
1947-1951; 1952-. 333d: 1942-1945; 1947-1951; 1952-1955. 410th:
1942-1945; 1947-1951.
Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 15 Jun 1942; Pendleton Field, Ore, c. 1
Jul 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, Aug 1942; Biggs Field, Tex, 1 Nov
1942; Pueblo AAB, Colo, Jan-Apr 1943; Earls Colne, England, May 1943;
Bury St Edmunds, England, 15 Jun 1943-c. 12 Dec 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ,
c. 20-21 Dec 1945. Marietta AAFld, Ga, 29 May 1947-20 Mar 1951. Dobbins
AFB, Ga, 14 Jun 1952; Scott AFB, Ill, 18 May 1955-.
Commanders. Col John G Moore, 1942; Col Frederick W Castle, Jun 1943;
Col Charles B Dougher, 17 Apr 1944; Col Nicholas T Perkins, 16 Mar 1945;
Lt Col Ernest B Maxwell, 3 Jun 1945-unkn.
Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 17 Aug 1943;
Germany, 11 Jan 1944.
Insigne. Shield: On a shield azure, over a cloud formation argent, a
chimerical creature, with the body of a panther, the head of a buffalo
all sable, horns, talons, and eyes proper, and eagle's wings or,
crouching over the top of a sphere of the last, lined of the third, the
creature snorting fire proper. Motto: Cunning - Rugged - Courageous.
(Approved 6 Apr 1956.)
95th Bombardment Group - 100th Bombardment Group
95th Bombardment Group
Constituted as 95th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 15 Jun 1942. Used B-17's in preparing for duty overseas.
Moved to England, Mar-May 1943, and assigned to Eighth AF. Entered
combat on 13 May 1943 by attacking an airfield at St Omer. During the
next two months, made repeated attacks against V-weapon sites and
airfields in France. Began bombing strategic objectives in Germany in
Jul 1943 and engaged primarily in such operations until V-E Day. Targets
included harbors, industries, marshalling yards, and cities. Received a
DUC for maintaining a tight defensive formation in spite of severe
assault by enemy fighters and bombing the aircraft assembly plant at
Regensburg on 17 Aug 1943. Withstanding concentrated attacks by fighters
during the approach to the target and intense antiaircraft fire directly
over the objective, the group effectively bombarded marshalling yards at
Munster on 10 Oct 1943, being awarded a DUC for the performance.
Participated in the intensive campaign of heavy bombers against the
German aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Received
another DUC for action during an attack by AAF bombers on Berlin on 4
Mar 1944: while many participating organizations, because of weather
conditions, either abandoned the operation or struck other targets, the
95th proceeded to Berlin and successfully bombed a suburb of the German
capital despite snowstorms, dense clouds, and severe enemy attack. The
group interrupted its strategic operations to strike coastal defenses
and communications 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; and bomb airdromes in support of
the Allied assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Flew its last combat
mission, an attack on marshalling yards at Oranienburg, on 20 Apr 1945.
Dropped food to the Dutch during the first week in May. After V-E Day,
transported liberated prisoners and displaced persons from Austria to
France and England. Returned to the US, Jun-Aug 1945. Inactivated on 28
Aug 1945.
Redesignated 95th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the
reserve. Activated on 29 May 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.
Squadrons. 334th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 335th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949.
336th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 412th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949.
Stations. Barksdale Field, La, 15 Jun 1942; Pendleton Field, Ore, 26
Jun 1942; Geiger Field, Wash, 28 Aug 1942; Ephrata, Wash, 31 Oct 1942;
Geiger Field, Wash, 24 Nov 1942; Rapid City AAB, SD, 14 Dec 1942-11 Mar
1943; Framlingham, England, 12 May 1943; Horham, England, 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
1945-unkn.
Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 17 Aug 1943;
Munster, Germany, 10 Oct 1943; Berlin, Germany, 4 Mar 1944.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, a Justin cross throughout or, over all a
feather in bend gules. Motto: Justice With Victory. (Approved 26 Feb
1943. This insigne was modified 3 Sep 1957.)
96th Bombardment Group
Constituted as 96th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 15 Jul 1942. Trained with B-17's and also served as an
operational training unit. Moved to England, Apr-May 1943, for duty with
Eighth AF. Entered combat in May 1943 and functioned primarily as a
strategic bombardment organization throughout the war. Attacked
shipyards, harbors, railroad yards, airdromes, oil refineries, aircraft
factories, and other industrial targets in Germany, France, Holland,
Belgium, Norway, Poland, Hungary, and Czechoslovakia. Received a DUC for
withstanding severe assault by enemy fighters to bomb the vital aircraft
factories at Regensburg on 17 Aug 1943. Received another DUC for leading
the 45th Wing a great distance through heavy clouds and intense
antiaircraft fire to raid important aircraft component factories in
Poland on 9 Apr 1944. Other significant targets included airdromes in
Bordeaux and Augsburg; marshalling yards in Kiel, Hamm, Brunswick, and
Gdynia; aircraft factories in Chemnitz, Hannover, and Diosgyor; oil
refineries in Merseburg and Brux; and chemical works in Weisbaden,
Ludwigshafen, and Neunkirchen. In addition to strategic operations,
missions included bombing coastal defenses, railway bridges, gun
emplacements, and field batteries in the battle area prior to and during
the invasion of Normandy in Jun 1944; attacking enemy positions in
support of the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul 1944; aiding the campaign in
France in Aug by striking roads and road junctions, and by dropping
supplies to the Maquis; and attacking, during the early months of 1945,
the communications supplying German armies on the western front. After
V-E Day, flew food to Holland and hauled redeployed personnel to French
Morocco, Ireland, France, and Germany. Returned to the US in Dec.
Inactivated on 21 Dec 1945.
Redesignated 96th Bombardment Group (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; Pocatello, Idaho, 30 Oct 1942; Pyote AAB, Tex, Jan-Mar 1943; Great
Saling, England, May 1943; Snetterton Heath, England, 12 Jun 1943-12 Dec
1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 20-21 Dec 1945. Gunter Field, Ala, 29 May 1947-27
Jun 1949.
Commanders. Col Archie J Old Jr, 6 Aug 1942; Col James L Travis, c. 6
Sep 1943; Col Robert W Warren, Jun 1944; Lt Col Robert Nolan, c. 27 May
1945-unkn.
Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 17 Aug 1943;
Poznan, Poland, 9 Apr 1944.
Insigne. Shield: Azure a falcon's head erased or, holding in its beak
a drop bomb bendwise gules, that portion over the first fimbriated of
the second. Motto: E Sempre L'Ora - It Is Always the Hour. (Approved 18
Feb 1943.)
97th Bombardment Group
Constituted as 97th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 3 Feb 1942. Trained with B-17's; also flew some
antisubmarine patrols. Moved to England, May-Jul 1942, for duty with
Eighth AF. Entered combat on 17 Aug 1942 by bombing a marshalling yard
at Rouen, the first mission flown by AAF's heavy bombers based in
England. After that, attacked airfields, marshalling yards, industries,
naval installations, and other targets in France and the Low Countries.
Moved to the Mediterranean theater in Nov 1942, being assigned first to
Twelfth and later (Nov 1943) to Fifteenth AF. Struck shipping in the
Mediterranean and airfields, clocks, harbors, and marshalling yards in
North Africa, southern France, Sardinia, Sicily, and southern Italy, Nov
1942-May 1943, in the campaign to cut supply lines to German forces in
North Africa. Helped to force the capitulation of Pantelleria in Jun
1943. Bombed in preparation for and in support of the invasions of
Sicily and southern Italy in the summer and fall of 1943. From Nov 1943
to Apr 1945, engaged chiefly in long-range missions to targets in Italy,
France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria,
Yugoslavia, and Greece, attacking oil refineries, aircraft factories,
marshalling yards, and other strategic objectives. Received a DUC for
leading a strike against an aircraft factory at Steyr on 24 Feb 1944
during Big Week, the intensive air campaign against the German aircraft
industry. 2nd Lt David R Kingsley, bombardier, was awarded the Medal of
Honor for saving the life of a wounded gunner on 23 Jun 1944: during a
mission to Ploesti, Kingsley's B-17 was seriously crippled and the tail
gunner was injured; when the crew was ordered to bail out, Kingsley gave
his parachute to the gunner, whose own had been damaged, and assisted
him in bailing out; Kingsley died a few moments later when his bomber
crashed and burned. The group received its second DUC for a devastating
raid against one of the Ploesti refineries on 18 Aug 1944. Other
operations of the 97th included pounding enemy communications,
transportation, and airfields in support of Allied forces at Anzio and
Cassino; bombing coastal defenses in preparation for the invasion of
Southern France; and assisting US Fifth and British Eighth Army in their
advance through the Po Valley. Inactivated in Italy on 29 Oct 1945.
Redesignated 97th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated in the US
on 4 Aug 1946. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Equipped with B-29's.
Redesignated 97th Bombardment Group (Medium) in May 1948. Converted to
B-50's in 1950. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.
Squadrons. 340th: 1942-1945; 1946-1952. 341st: 1942-1945; 1946-1952.
342d: 1942-1945; 1946-1952. 414th: 1942-1945.
Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 3 Feb 1942; Sarasota, Fla, 29 Mar-c. 16
May 1942; Polebrook, England, c. 13 June-9 Nov 1942; Maison Blanche,
Algeria, c. 13 Nov 1942; Tafaraoui, Algeria, c. 22 Nov 1942; Biskra,
Algeria, c. 25 Dec 1942; Chateaudun-du-Rhumel, Algeria, c. 8 Feb 1943;
Pont-du-Fahs, Tunisia, c. 1 Aug 1943; Depienne, Tunisia, c. 15 Aug 1943;
Cerignola, Italy, c. 20 Dec 1943; Amendola, Italy, 16 Jan 1944;
Marcianise, Italy, c. 1-29 Oct 1945. Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, Aug 1946;
Biggs AFB, Tex, 17 May 1948-16 Jun 1952.
Commanders. Col Cornelius W Cousland, Feb 1942; Col James H Walsh, c.
Jul 1942; Col Frank A Armstrong Jr, c. 2 Aug 1942; Brig Gen Joseph H
Atkinson, c. 27 Sep 1942; Col Stanley Donovan, 5 Jan 1943; Col Leroy A
Rainey, 29 Jun 1943; Col Frank Allen, Nov 1943; Col Jacob E Smart, 7 Apr
1944; Col Frank Allen, 11 May 1944; Col Elmer Rogers Jr, Jun 1944; Col
Nils O Ohman, 22 Aug 1944; Col William K Kincaid, May 1945-unkn. Col
Walter S Lee, c. 4 Aug 1946; Lt Col William D Bacon, c. 27 Aug 1946; Col
William E McDonald, 9 Oct 1946; Col George L Robinson, 10 Sep 1946-unkn;
Col George L Robinson, 30 Sep 1948; Col Dalene E Bailey, 20 Apr 1949;
Col Harvey C Dorney, Feb 1951; Col John D Ryan, 16 Jul 1951-16 Jun 1952.
Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Combat, EAME Theater;
Air Offensive, Europe; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno;
Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; North Apennines; Rhineland;
Central Europe; Po Valley.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Steyr, Austria, 24 Feb
1944; Ploesti, Rumania, 18 Aug 1944.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, a spear in pale or, point to base flammant
and embrued proper. Motto: Venit Hora - The Hour Has Come. (Approved 5
Mar 1943.)
98th Bombardment Group
Constituted as 98th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 3 Feb 1942. Trained with B-24's. Moved to the Mediterranean
theater, Jul-Aug 1942, and served in that area until the end of the war.
Assigned to Ninth AF in Nov 1942, to Twelfth AF in Sep 1943, and to
Fifteenth AF in Nov 1943. Entered combat in Aug 1942. Bombed shipping
and harbor installations in Libya, Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, Crete, and
Greece to cut enemy supply lines to Africa. Also hit airdromes and rail
facilities in Sicily and Italy. Received a DUC for action against the
enemy in the Middle East, North Africa, and Sicily from Aug 1942 to Aug
1943. Awarded another DUC for participation in the low-level assault on
oil refineries at Ploesti on 1 Aug 1943: although its target had already
been attacked by another group, the 98th proceeded through dense smoke
and intense flak to bomb its assigned objective. Col John R Kane, group
commander, received the Medal of Honor for leading the 98th to complete
this attack despite the hazards of oil fires, delayed-action bombs, and
alerted defenses. Afterward the group flew many long-range missions to
Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Hungary, and the
Balkans to bomb such strategic targets as industries, airdromes,
harbors, and communications, and engaged primarily in such operations
until Apr 1945. 1st Lt Donald D Pucket, one of the group's pilots, was
awarded the Medal of Honor for action during a mission against oil
refineries at Ploesti on 9 Jul 1944: just after bombing the target, Lt
Pucket's plane was crippled by antiaircraft fire and crew members were
wounded; he calmed the crew, administered first aid, surveyed the
damage, and, realizing it was impossible to reach friendly territory,
gave the order to abandon ship; refusing to desert three men who were
unable to leave the bomber, Lt Pucket stayed with the plane that a few
moments later crashed on a mountainside. In addition to strategic
operations, the 98th also flew interdictory and support missions. Aided
Allied forces at Anzio and Cassino. Participated in the invasion of
Southern France. Assisted the Russian advance in the Balkans. Returned
to the US, Apr-May 1945. Redesignated 98th Bombardment Group (Very
Heavy) in May. Inactivated on 10 Nov 1945.
Activated on 1 Jul 1947. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Trained
with B-29's. Redesignated 98th Bombardment Group (Medium) in May 1948.
Moved to Japan in Aug 1950 and attached to Far East Air Forces for duty
in the Korean War. Engaged primarily in interdicting enemy
communications but also operated in support of UN ground forces. Targets
included marshalling yards, oil centers, rail facilities, bridges,
roads, troop concentrations, airfields, and military installations.
Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952 while on temporary duty in Japan.
Squadrons. 343d: 1942-1945; 1947-1952. 344th: 1942-1945; 1947-1952.
345th: 1942-1945; 1947-1952. 415th: 1942-1945.
Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 3 Feb 1942; Barksdale Field, La, Feb
1942; Ft Myers, Fla, 30 Mar 1942; Drane Field, Fla, c. 15 May-c. Jul
1942; Ramat David, Palestine, 25 Jul 1942; Fayid, Egypt, c. 11 Nov 1942;
Benina, Libya, c. 9 Feb 1943; Hergla, Tunisia, c. 21 Sep 1943; Brindisi,
Italy, c. 18 Nov 1943; Manduria, Italy, 19 Dec 1943; Lecce, Italy, 17
Jan 1944-19 Apr 1945; Fairmont AAFld, Neb, c. 6 May 1945; McCook AAFld,
Neb, 25 Jun-10 Nov 1945. Andrews Field, Md, 1 Jul 1947; Spokane AAFld,
Wash, 24 Sep 1947-16 Jun 1952.
Commanders. Lt Col Frank H Robinson, c. Feb 1942; Col Hugo P Rush,
1942; Col John R Kane, c. 29 Dec 1942; Lt Col Julian M Bleyer, 1 Nov
1943; Col William E Karnes, 18 Nov 1943; Lt Col Marshall R Gray, 13 Jan
1944; Col Salvatore E Manzo, c. Jul 1944-unkn; Col John G Eriksen, 25
Jun-c. Sep 1945; unkn, Sep-Nov 1945. Unkn, Jul-Oct 1947; Lt Col Joseph D
White, 20 Oct 1947; Col William D Cairnes, 12 Apr 1948; Col Richard D
Dick, 20 Jan 1949; Col Richard H Carmichael, c. Apr 1950; Col David
Wade, c. 31 Mar 1951; Col Edwin F Harding Jr, Sep 1951; Col Lewis A
Curtis, Nov 1951; Col Winton R Close, May-16 Jun 1952.
Campaigns. World War II: Air Combat, EAME Theater; Egypt-Libya; Air
Offensive, Europe; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno;
Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; North Apennines; Rhineland;
Central Europe; Po Valley. Korean War: UN Defensive; UN Offensive; CCF
Intervention; 1st UN Counteroffensive; CCF Spring Offensive; UN
Summer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1952.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: North Africa and Sicily,
Aug 1942-17 Aug 1943; Ploesti, Rumania, 1 Aug 1943. Republic of Korea
Presidential Unit Citation: [Aug 1950-Jun 1952].
Insigne. Shield: Azure, a bend indented between a dexter mailed hand
couped at the wrist, in bend, grasping a drop bomb and an olive wreath,
all or. Motto: Force For Freedom. (Approved 29 Jul 1942.)
99th Bombardment Group
Constituted as 99th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 1 Jun 1942. Trained with B-17's. Moved to North Africa,
Feb-May 1943, and assigned to Twelfth AF. Entered combat in Mar 1943 and
bombed such targets as airdromes, harbor facilities, shipping,
railroads, viaducts, and bridges in Tunisia, Sardinia, Sicily,
Pantelleria, and Italy until Dec 1943. Received a DUC for performance on
5 Jul 1943 when the group helped to neutralize fighter opposition prior
to the invasion of Sicily by penetrating enemy defenses to bomb planes,
hangars, fuel supplies, and ammunition dumps at the Gerbini airfield.
Assigned to Fifteenth AF in Nov 1943 and moved to Italy in Dec. Flew
long-range missions to attack such strategic objectives as oil
refineries, marshalling yards, aircraft factories, and steel plants in
Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary,
Rumania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Greece. Received another DUC for
withstanding severe fighter assaults to bomb the vital aircraft factory
and facilities at Wiener Neustadt on 23 Apr 1944. Other operations
included assisting ground forces at Anzio and Cassino, Feb-Mar 1944;
participating in the preinvasion bombing of southern France, Aug 1944;
and supporting the Allied offensive in the Po Valley, Apr 1945.
Inactivated in Italy on 8 Nov 1945.
Redesignated 99th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the
reserve. Activated on 29 May 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.
Squadrons. 346th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 347th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949.
348th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 416th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949.
Stations. Orlando AB, Fla, 1 Jun 1942; MacDill Field, Fla, 1 Jun
1942; Pendleton Field, Ore, 29 Jun 1942; Gowen Field, Idaho, 28 Aug
1942; Walla Walla, Wash, c. 30 Sep 1942; Sioux City AAB, Iowa, 17 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. Birmingham 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 Col Wayne E Thurman, 26 Jan 1944; Col Ford Lauer, 15 Feb 1944; Col
Trenholm Meyer, Jul 1944; Lt Col James A Barnett, Aug 1944; Col Ford
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.
Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Tunisia;
Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France;
Southern France; North Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe; Po Valley.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Sicily, 5 Jul 1943;
Austria, 23 Apr 1944.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, issuant from sinister chief a cloud argent
emitting a lightning flash to dexter base or between an eye of the
second with pupil sable represented as a radar scope of the third with
eyelid of the like, and a globe of the last with lines of the fifth
encircled by a motion picture film silver. Motto: Sight With Might.
(Approved 3 Nov 1943. This insigne was replaced 7 Feb 1958.)
100th Bombardment Group
Constituted as 100th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942.
Activated on 1 Jun 1942. Used B-17's to prepare for duty overseas. Moved
to England, May-Jun 1943, and assigned to Eighth AF. Operated chiefly as
a strategic bombardment organization until the war ended. From Jun 1943
to Jan 1944, concentrated its efforts against airfields in France and
naval facilities and industries in France and Germany. Received a DUC
for seriously disrupting German fighter plane production with an attack
on an aircraft factory at Regensburg on 17 Aug 1943. Bombed airfields,
industries, marshalling yards, and missile sites in western Europe,
Jan-May 1944. Operations in this period included participation in the
Allied campaign against enemy aircraft factories during Big Week, 20-25
Feb 1944. Completed a series of attacks against Berlin in Mar 1944 and
received a DUC for the missions. Beginning in the summer of 1944, oil
installations became major targets. In addition to strategic operations,
the group engaged in support and interdictory missions, hitting bridges
and gun positions in support of the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944;
bombing enemy positions at St Lo in Jul and at Brest in Aug and Sep;
striking transportation and ground defenses in the drive against the
Siegfried Line, Oct-Dec 1944; attacking marshalling yards, defended
villages, and communications in the Ardennes sector during the Battle of
the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and covering the airborne assault across
the Rhine in Mar 1945. Received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for
attacking heavily defended installations in Germany and for dropping
supplies to French Forces of the Interior, Jun-Dec 1944. Returned to the
US in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 21 Dec 1945.
Redesignated 100th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the
reserve. Activated on 29 May 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.
Squadrons. 349th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 350th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949.
351st: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 418th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949.
Stations. Orlando AB, Fla, 1 Jun 1942; Barksdale Field, La, c. 18 Jun
1942; Pendleton Field, Ore, c. 26 Jun 1942; Gowen Field, Idaho, 28 Aug
1942; Walla Walla, Wash, c. 1 Nov 1942; Wendover Field, Utah, c. 30 Nov
1942; Sioux City AAB, Iowa, c. 28 Dec 1942; Kearney AAFld, Neb, c. 30
Jan-May 1943; Thorpe Abbotts, England, 9 Jun 1943-Dec 1945; Camp Kilmer,
NJ, c. 20-21 Dec 1945. Miami AAFld, Fla, 29 May 1947-27 Jun 1949.
Commanders. Unkn, Jun-Nov 1942; Col Darr H Alkire, c. 14 Nov 1942;
Col Howard M Turner, c. 28 Apr 1943; Col Harold Q Huglin, Jun 1943; Col
Neil B Harding, c. Jul 1943; Col Robert H Kelly, 19 Apr 1944; Col Thomas
S Jeffery, c. 9 May 1944; Col Frederick Sutterlin, 2 Feb 1945; Lt Col
John B Wallace, 23 Jun 1945-unkn.
Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France;
Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 17 Aug 1943;
Berlin, Germany, 4, 6, 8 Mar 1944. French Croix de Guerre with Palm, 25
Jun-31 Dec 1944.
Insigne. Shield: Gray, issuing from a base nebuly azure bearing in
fess arched reversed six mullets argent, nine billets in chevron sable,
surmounted by two lions respectant or langued gules, grasping in saltire
a palm branch bend sinisterwise vert and a lightning flash of the sixth.
Motto: Peace Through Strength. (Approved 22 Nov 1957.)
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