Book: Air Force Combat Units of World War II
301st Bombardment Group - 307th Bombardment Group 301st Bombardment Group Constituted as 301st Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 3 Feb 1942. Trained with B-17's. Moved to England, Jul-Aug 1942, and assigned to Eighth AF. Began combat in Sep 1942 and attacked submarine pens, airfields, railroads, bridges, and other targets on the Continent, primarily in France. Operated with Twelfth AF after moving to North Africa in Nov 1942. Bombed docks, shipping facilities, airdromes, and railroad yards in Tunisia, Sicily, and Sardinia. Attacked enemy shipping between Tunisia and Sicily. Received a DUC for action on 6 Apr 1943 when the group withstood intense antiaircraft fire from shore defenses and nearby vessels to attack a convoy of merchant ships off Bizerte and thus destroy supplies essential to the Axis defense of Tunisia. Assaulted gun positions on Pantelleria during May-Jun 1943. Flew numerous missions to Italy, Jul-Oct 1943. Assigned to Fifteenth AF in Nov 1943, moved to Italy in Dec, and afterward directed most of its attacks against such strategic targets as oil centers, communications, and industrial areas in Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Rumania, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Greece. Received another DUC for a mission to Germany on 25 Feb 1944 when, in spite of vicious encounters with enemy fighters, the group bombed aircraft production centers at Regensburg. Other operations for the group during 1944-1945 included flying missions in support of ground forces in the Anzio and Cassino areas, supporting the invasion of Southern France, knocking out targets to assist the Russian advance in the Balkans, and aiding the Allied drive through the Po Valley. Returned to the US in July 1945. Redesignated 301st Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) in Aug. Inactivated on 15 Oct 1945. Activated on 4 Aug 1946. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Equipped with B-29's. Redesignated 301st Bombardment Group (Medium) in May 1948. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Squadrons. 32d: 1942-1945; 1946-1952. 352d: 1942-1945; 1946-1952. 353d: 1942-1945; 1946-1952. 354th: 1942. 419th: 1942-1945. Stations. Geiger Field, Wash, 3 Feb 1942; Alamogordo, NM, 27 May 1942; Richard E Byrd Field, Va, 21 Jun-19 Jul 1942; Chelveston, England, 9 Aug 1942; Tafaraoui, Algeria, c. 26 Nov 1942; Maison Blanche, Algeria, 5 Dec 1942; Biskra, Algeria, c. 16 Dec 1942; Ain M'lila, Algeria, c. 17 Jan 1943; St-Donat, Algeria, 6 Mar 17, 1943; Oudna, Tunisia, 6 Aug 1943; Cerignola, Italy, c. 7 Dec 1943; Lucera, Italy, 1 Feb 1944-1945; Sioux Falls AAFld, SD 28 Jul 1945; Pyote AAFld, Tex, 23 Aug-15 Oct 1945. Clovis AAFld, NM, 4 Aug 1946; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 16 Jul 1947; Barksdale AFB, La, 7 Nov 1949-16 Jun 1952. Commanders. Col Ronald R Walker, Feb 1942; Lt Col Samuel Gormly Jr, c. Feb 1943; Col John K Brown Jr, 3 Sep 1943; Col Jean R Byerly, 24 Nov 1943; Lt Col Karl T Barthelmess, 25 Dec 1943; Col John F Batjer, 3 Mar 1944; Lt Col John D Moorman, Sep 1944; Col Ernest S Holmes Jr, 8 Dec 1944; Lt Col Robert H Allyn, 1945; Col Raymond L Winn, 31 Aug 1945-unkn. Unkn, Aug 1946-Aug 1947; Col George L Robinson, 1 Aug 1947; Lt Col Frank W Ellis, Sep 1947; Lt Col Thomas Classen, 20 Jun 1949; Col Harris E Rogner, 21 Jul 1949; Col Chester C Cox, 15 Dec 1950; Col Horace M Wade, Mar 1951-16 Jun 1952. 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: Tunisia, 6 Apr 1943; Germany, 25 Feb 1944. Insigne. Shield: Azure, three ravens pendent from a spear fessways or. Motto: Who Fears? (Approved 11 Aug 1942.) 302d Bombardment Group Constituted as 302nd Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 1 Jun 1942. Assigned to Second AF, later (Dec 1943) to First AF. Using B-24's, served first as an operational training and later as a replacement training unit. Inactivated on 10 Apr 1944. Redesignated 302nd Troop Carrier Group (Medium) and allotted to the reserve. Activated on 27 Jun 1949. Redesignated 302nd Troop Carrier Group (Heavy) in Jan 1950. Ordered to active duty on 1 Jun 1951. Inactivated on 8 Jun 1951. Redesignated 302nd Troop Carrier Group (Medium) and allotted to the reserve. Activated on 14 Jun 1952. Squadrons. 355th: 1942-1944; 1949-1951; 1952-. 356th: 1942-1944; 1949-1951; 1952-. 357th: 1942-1944; 1949-1951; 1952-. 420th: 1942. Stations. Geiger Field, Wash, 1 Jun 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 23 Jun 1942; Wendover Field, Utah, 30 Jul 1942; Pueblo AAB, Colo, 30 Sep 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Dec 1942; Clovis, NM, 29 Jan 1943; Langley Field, Va, 17 Dec 1943-10 Apr 1944. McChord AFB, Wash, 27 Jun 1949-8 Jun 1951. Clinton County AFB, Ohio, 14 Jun 1952-. Commanders. Lt Col Joseph J Nazzaro, 1 Jun 1942; Col Eugene H Beebe, 12 Jul 1942; Lt Col Joseph J Nazzaro, 15 Sep 1942; Lt Col William K Martin, 1 Jan 1943; Maj Horace S Carswell, 15 Oct 1943; Lt Col Thomas Gent Jr, 2 Nov 1943; Lt Col Carlos Cochrane, 3 Jan-Apr 1944. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Azure, a thunderbolt in pale irradiated or, inflamed proper, winged, gules. Motto: Justum Et Tenacem - Just and Resolute. (Approved 27 Feb 1943.) 303rd Bombardment Group Constituted as 303rd Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 3 Feb 1942. Prepared for combat with B-17's. Moved to England, Aug-Sep 1942, and assigned to Eighth AF. Entered combat in Nov 1942 and raided targets such as airdromes, railroads, and submarine pens in France until 1943. Began bombardment of industries, marshalling yards, cities, and other strategic objectives in Germany in Jan 1943, and engaged primarily in such operations until V-E Day. Took part in the first penetration into Germany by heavy bombers of Eighth AF by striking the U-boat yard at Wilhelmshaven on 27 Jan 1943. Other targets included ball-bearing plants at Schweinfurt, shipbuilding yards at Bremen, a synthetic rubber plant at Huls, an aircraft engine factory at Hamburg, industrial areas of Frankfurt, an airdrome at Villacoublay, and a marshalling yard at Le Mans. Flying through intense antiaircraft fire during an attack on Vegesack on 18 Mar 1943, 1st Lt Jack W Mathis, the leading bombardier of his squadron, was knocked from his bombsight; although mortally wounded, he returned to his position and released the bombs; for this action, which ensured an accurate attack against the enemy, Lt Mathis was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor. T/Sgt Forrest L Vosler, radio operator and gunner, received the Medal of Honor for a mission to Bremen on 20 Dec 1943: after bombing the target, Sgt Vosler's plane was hit by antiaircraft fire that knocked out two engines, damaged the radio equipment, seriously injured the tail gunner, and wounded Sgt Vosler in the legs and thighs; the burst of another 20-mm shell nearly blinded the sergeant; nevertheless, he maintained a steady stream of fire to protect the tail of the aircraft; when the pilot announced that the plane would ditch, Sgt Vosler, working entirely by touch, repaired the radio and sent out distress signals; after the plane went down in the Channel, the sergeant secured the tail gunner and himself on the wing; Sgt Vosler's radio signals brought help, and the entire crew was rescued. The organization received a DUC for an operation on 11 Jan 1944 when, in spite of continuous attacks by enemy fighters in weather that prevented effective fighter cover from reaching the group, it successfully struck an aircraft assembly plant at Oschersleben. Sometimes the group engaged in support and interdictory missions. Attacked gun emplacements and bridges in the Pas de Calais area during the invasion of Normandy in Jun 1944. Bombed enemy troops to support the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul 1944. Struck airfields, oil depots, and other targets during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Bombed military installations in the Wesel area to aid the Allied assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Flew last combat mission, an attach on armament works in Pilsen, on 25 Apr 1945. Moved to French Morocco, May-Jun 1945. Inactivated on 25 Jul 1945. Redesignated 303rd Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated in the US on 1 Jul 1947. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. There is no evidence that the group was manned during 1947 and 1948. Inactivated on 6 Sep 1948. Redesignated 303rd Bombardment Group (Medium). Activated on 4 Sep 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command and equipped with B-29's. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Squadrons. 358th: 1942-1945; 1947-1948; 1951-1952. 359th: 1942-1945; 1947-1948; 1951-1952. 360th: 1942-1945; 1947-1948; 1951-1952. 427th: 1942-1945. Stations. Pendleton Field, Ore, 3 Feb 1942; Gowen Field, Idaho, 11 Feb 1942; Alamogordo, NM, 17 Jun 1942; Biggs Field, Tex, 7-23 Aug 1942; Molesworth, England, 12 Sep 1942; Casablanca, French Morocco, c. 31 May-25 Jul 1945. Andrews Field, Md, 1 Jul 1947-6 Sep 1948. Davis-Monthan AFB, Ariz, Sep 1951-16 Jun 1952. Commanders. Col Ford J Lauer, Feb 1942; Col Warren H Higgins, c. 29 May 1942; Col James H Wallace, c. 14 Jul 1942; Col Charles E Marion, c. 12 Feb 1943; Col Kermit D Stevens, Jul 1943; Col William S Raper, Oct 1944; Lt Col William C Sipes, 19 Apr 1945; Capt Bernard Thompson, Jun-25 Jul 1945. Unkn, 1947-1948. Maj Joe Maddalena Jr, Sep 1951; Col David Wade, 9 Oct 1951; Col John K Hester, Jan-16 Jun 1952. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 11 Jan 1944. Insigne. Shield: Azure, a diminutive pile between four flashes of lightning, two issuant palewise from chief and one from dexter and sinister chief sides chevronwise inverted, issuant from base a burst of five rays, all or. Motto: Might In Flight. (Approved 9 Jan 1943.) 304th Bombardment Group Constituted as 304th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 15 Jul 1942. Assigned to Second AF. Received personnel in Sep and began training on the west coast. Later, operated with AAF Antisubmarine Command, using such planes as B-17's, B-18's, B-24's, B-34's, and A-20's to fly patrols along the east coast. Also trained crews for duty overseas. Inactivated on 30 Dec 1942. Squadrons. 1st Antisubmarine (formerly 361st Bombardment): 1942. 18th Antisubmarine (formerly 362nd Bombardment): 1942. 19th Antisubmarine (formerly 363rd Bombardment): 1942. 421st Bombardment: 1942. Stations. Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, 15 Jul 1942; Geiger Field, Wash, 15 Sep 1942; Ephrata, Wash, 1 Oct 1942; Langley Field, Va, 29 Oct-30 Dec 1942. Commanders. Col Ford J Lauer, 24 Sep 1942; Lt Col Dale O Smith, c. 29 Oct 1942; Maj Francis H Matthews, Nov-Dec 1942. Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Azure, seme of drop bombs or. Motto: Aquila Non Captat Muscas - The Eagle Does Not Catch Flies. (Approved 7 Nov 1942.) 305th Bombardment Group Constituted as 305th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 1 Mar 1942. Trained for duty overseas with B-17's. Moved to England, Aug-Oct 1942, and assigned to Eighth AF. Began combat on 17 Nov 1942 and operated chiefly as a strategic bombardment organization until Apr 1945. Until mid-1943, attacked such targets as submarine pens, docks, harbors, shipyards, motor works, and marshalling yards in France, Germany, and the Low Countries. Bombed the navy yards at Wilhelmshaven on 27 Jan 1943 when heavy bombers of Eighth AF made their first penetration into Germany. Received a DUC for a mission on 4 Apr 1943 when an industrial target in Paris was bombed with precision in spite of pressing enemy fighter attacks and heavy flak. During the second half of 1943, began deeper penetration into enemy territory to strike heavy industry. Significant objectives included aluminum, magnesium, and nitrate works in Norway, industries in Berlin, oil plants at Merseburg, aircraft factories at Anklam, shipping at Gdynia, and ball-bearing works at Schweinfurt. Received another DUC for withstanding severe opposition to bomb aircraft factories in central Germany on 11 Jan 1944. Participated in the intensive campaign of heavy bombers against the German aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. 1st Lt William R Lawley Jr, and 1st Lt Edward S Michael, pilots, each received the Medal of Honor for similar performances on 20 Feb and 11 Apr 1944, respectively; in each case a B-17 was severely damaged by fighters after it had bombed a target in Germany, crew members were wounded, and the pilot himself was critically injured; recovering in time to pull his aircraft out of a steep dive, and realizing that the wounded men would be unable to bail out, each pilot flew his plane back to England and made a successful crash landing. In addition to bombardment of strategic targets, the group often flew interdictory missions and supported infantry units. Prior to the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944, it helped to neutralize enemy installations such as V-weapon sites, airfields, and repair shops; and on D-Day, 6 Jun, bombed enemy strongholds near the battle area. Attacked enemy positions in advance of ground forces at St Lo in Jul 1944. Struck antiaircraft batteries to cover the airborne invasion of Holland in Sep. Took part in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, by bombing military installations in the battle zone. Supported the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Sometimes flew missions at night to bomb enemy installations or to drop propaganda leaflets. Flew its last combat mission on 25 Apr 1945. Remained in the theater as part of United States Air Forces in Europe after V-E Day; and, from stations in Belgium and Germany, engaged in photographic mapping missions over parts of Europe and North Africa. Inactivated in Germany on 25 Dec 1946. Redesignated 305th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated in the US on 1 Jul 1947. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Few, if any, personnel were assigned. Inactivated on 6 Sep 1948. Redesignated 305th 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. 364th: 1942-1946; 1947-1948; 1951-1952. 365th: 1942-1946; 1947-1948; 1951-1952. 366th: 1942-1946; 1947-1948; 1951-1952. 422d: 1942-1946. Stations. Salt Lake City, Utah, 1 Mar 1942; Geiger Field, Wash, c. 10 Jun 1942; Muroc, Calif, c. 31 Jun-Aug 1942; Grafton Underwood, England, Sep 1942; Chelveston, England, Dec 1942; St Trond, Belgium, Jul 1945; Lechfeld, Germany, Dec 1945-25 Dec 1946. Andrews Field, Md, 1 Jul 1947-6 Sep 1948. MacDill AFB, Fla, 2 Jan 1951-16 Jun 1952. Commanders. Capt John H deRussy, c. 15 Mar 1942; Lt Col Ernest H Lawson, c. 1 Apr 1942; Lt Col Fay R Upthegrove, c. 27 May 1942; Col Curtis E LeMay, c. 2 Jun 1942; Lt Col Donald K Fargo, 18 May 1943-unkn; Col Ernest H Lawson, Nov 1943; Col Anthony Q Mustoe, Jun 1944; Col Henry G MacDonald, Oct 1944; Col Paul L Barton, 22 Apr 1946; Col G M Palmer, Sep 1946-unkn. Unkn, 1947-1948. Lt Col James B Irwin, c. 2 Jan 1951; Col Elliot Vandevanter Jr, c. 1 Feb 1951-16 Jun 1952. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: France, 4 Apr 1943; Germany, 11 Jan 1944. Insigne. Shield: Azure, in pale a bomb proper, winged or, in base a target proper, all within a bordure of the second. Motto: Can Do. (Approved 23 Apr 1951.) 306th Bombardment Group Constituted as 306th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 1 Mar 1942. Trained for combat with B-17's. Moved to England, Aug-Sep 1942, and assigned to Eighth AF. During combat, Oct 1942-Apr 1945, operated primarily against strategic targets, striking locomotive works at Lille, railroad yards at Rouen, submarine pens at Bordeaux, shipbuilding yards at Vegesack, ball-bearing works at Schweinfurt, oil plants at Merseburg, marshalling yards at Stuttgart, a foundry at Hannover, a chemical plant at Ludwigshafen, aircraft factories at Leipzig, and other objectives on the Continent. Took part in the first penetration into Germany by heavy bombers of Eighth AF on 27 Jan 1943 by attacking U-boat yards at Wilhelmshaven. Sgt Maynard H Smith received the Medal of Honor for his performance on 1 May 1943: when the aircraft on which he was a gunner was hit by the enemy and fires were ignited in the radio compartment and waist sections, the sergeant threw exploding ammunition overboard, manned a gun until the German fighters were driven off, administered first aid to the wounded tail gunner, and extinguished the fire. Without fighter escort and in the face of powerful opposition, the 306th completed an assault against aircraft factories in central Germany on 11 Jan 1944, being awarded a DUC for the mission. Received another DUC for action during Big Week, the intensive campaign against the German aircraft industry, 2~25 Feb 1944: although hazardous weather forced supporting elements to abandon the mission, the group effectively bombarded an aircraft assembly plant at Bernberg on 22 Feb. Often supported ground forces and attacked interdictory targets in addition to its strategic operations. Helped to prepare for the invasion of Normandy by striking airfields and marshalling yards in France, Belgium, and Germany; backed the assault on 6 Jun 1944 by raiding railroad bridges and coastal guns. Assisted ground forces during the St Lo breakthrough in Jul. Covered the airborne invasion of Holland in Sep. Helped stop the advance of German armies in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, by attacking airfields and marshalling yards. Bombed enemy positions in support of the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Remained in the theater after V-E Day as part of United States Air Forces in Europe, and engaged in special photographic mapping duty in western Europe and North Africa. Inactivated in Germany on 25 Dec 1946. Redesignated 306th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated in the US on 1 Jul 1947. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Not manned until Aug 1948. Redesignated 306th Bombardment Group (Medium) in Aug 1948. Equipped with B-29's and later with B-50's. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Squadrons. 367th: 1942-1946; 1947-1952. 368th: 1942-1946; 1947-1952. 368th: 1942-1946; 1947-1952. 423d: 1942-1946. Stations. Gowen Field, Idaho, 1 Mar 1942; Wendover Field, Utah, c. 6 Apr-1 Aug 1942; Thurleigh, England, Sep 1942; Giebelstadt, Germany, Dec 1945; Istres, France, Feb 1946; Furstenfeldbruck, Germany, 16 Aug 1946; Lechfeld, Germany, 13 Sep-25 Dec 1946. Andrews Field, Md, 1 Jul 1947; MacDill AFB, Fla, Aug 1948-16 Jun 1952. Commanders. Col Charles B Overacker Jr, c. 16 Mar 1942; Col Frank A Armstrong Jr, 3 Jan 1943; Col Claude E Putnam, 17 Feb 1943; Col George L Robinson, c. 20 Jun 1943; Col James S Sutton, Sep 1944; Col Hudson H Upham, c. 16 Apr 1945; Col Robert F Harris, May 1946; Lt Col Earl W Kesling, Jun 1946-unkn. Lt Col Charles R Heffner, 13 Aug 1948; Lt Col Loran D Briggs, c. 1 Nov 1948; Col John A Hilger, 1 Sep 1949; Col Michael N W McCoy, Mar 1950-16 Jun 1952. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 11 Jan 1944; Germany, 22 Feb 1944. Insigne. Shield: Per fess enhanced dancette azure and or, in base the Indian idiogram for the jaws of a rattlesnake gules. Motto: Abundance Of Strength. (Approved 6 Jan 1943. This insigne became an element of a new insigne approved 2 Oct 1951.) 307th Bombardment Group Constituted as 307th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 15 Apr 1942. Trained and flew patrols off the west coast, first in B-17's and later in B-24's. Moved to Hawaii, Oct-Nov 1942, and assigned to Seventh AF. Trained and flew patrol and search missions. Attacked Wake Island, Dec 1942-Jan 1943, by staging through Midway. Moved to Guadalcanal in Feb 1943 and assigned to Thirteenth AF. Served in combat, primarily in the South and Southwest Pacific, until the war ended. Attacked Japanese airfields, installations, and shipping in the Solomons and Bismarcks. Helped to neutralize enemy bases on Yap and in the Truk and Palau Islands. Received a DUC for an unescorted, daylight attack on heavily defended airfields in the Truk Islands on 29 Mar 1944. Supported operations in the Philippines by striking Japanese shipping in the southern Philippines and by bombing airfields on Leyte, Luzon, Negros, Ceram, and Halmahera. Also took part in Allied air operations against the Netherlands Indies by hitting airfields, shipping, and installations. Received a DUC for an unescorted mission against vital oil refineries at Balikpapan, Borneo, on 3 Oct 1944. Supported Australian forces on Borneo and bombed targets in French Indochina during the last three months of the war. Flew patrol missions along the Asiatic mainland and ferried liberated prisoners from Okinawa to Manila after V-J Day. Returned to the US, Dec 1945-Jan 1946. Inactivated on 18 Jan 1946. Redesignated 307th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 4 Aug 1946. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Equipped with B-29's. Trained and developed antisubmarine tactics. Redesignated 307th Bombardment Group (Medium) in May 1948. Based temporarily on Okinawa and attached to Far East Air Forces for operations during the Korean War. Attacked strategic objectives in North Korea, Aug-Sep 1950. After that, struck interdictory targets, including communications and supply centers, and supported UN ground forces by hitting gun emplacements and troop concentrations. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Squadrons. 370th: 1942-1946; 1946-1952. 371st: 1942-1946; 1946-1952. 372d: 1942-1945; 1946-1952. 424th: 1942-1945. Stations. Geiger Field, Wash, 15 Apr 1942; Ephrata, Wash, 28 May 1942; Sioux City AAB, Iowa, 30 Sep-20 Oct 1942; Hickam Field, TH, 1 Nov 1942; Guadalcanal, Feb 1943; New Georgia, 28 Jan 1944; Los Negros, c. 29 Apr 1944; Wakde, 24 Aug 1944; Morotai, c. 18 Oct 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, Sep-Dec 1945; Camp Stoneman, Calif, 16-18 Jan 1946. MacDill Field, Fla, 4 Aug 1946-16 Jun 1952. Commanders. Capt Bill Jarvis, 1 May 1942; Col William A Matheny, 22 May 1942; Col Oliver S Picher, 19 Aug 1943; Col Glen R Birchard, 27 Oct 1943; Col Robert F Burnham, 28 Mar 1944; Col Clifford H Rees, Nov 1944-unkn. Col Richard T King Jr, 4 Aug 1946; Lt Col Clyde G Gillespie, 25 Aug 1946; Lt Col Frank L Davis, Sep 1946; Col John G Eriksen, 13 Jan 1947; Col Clifford Heflin, 12 Aug 1947; Lt Col John P Proctor, 15 Feb 1950; Col John A Hilger, 13 Mar 1950; Col John M Reynolds, Mar 1951; Col William H Hanson, Aug 1951; Col John C Jennison Jr, 14 Feb 1952; Col Raymond L Winn, May-16 Jun 1952. Campaigns. World War II: Central Pacific; Guadalcanal; New Guinea; Northern Solomons; Eastern Mandates; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines; China Offensive. 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: Truk, 29 Mar 1944; Borneo, 3 Oct 1944. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: [Aug] 1950-[Jun 1952]. Insigne. Shield: Azure, a four-petalled dogwood bloom slipped or. (Approved 21 Dec 1942.)
|
308th Bombardment Group - 314th Troop Carrier Group 308th Bombardment Group Constituted as 308th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 15 Apr 1942. Trained with B-24's. Moved to China early in 1943, with the air echelon flying its planes by way of Africa, and the ground echelon traveling by ship across the Pacific. Assigned to Fourteenth AF. Made many trips over the Hump to India to obtain gasoline, oil, bombs, spare parts, and other items the group needed to prepare for and then to sustain its combat operations. The 308th Group supported Chinese ground forces; attacked airfields, coalyards, docks, oil refineries, and fuel dumps in French Indochina; mined rivers and ports; bombed shops and docks at Rangoon; attacked Japanese shipping in the East China Sea, Formosa Strait, South China Sea, and Gulf of Tonkin. Received a DUC for an unescorted bombing attack, conducted through antiaircraft fire and fighter defenses, against docks and warehouses at Hankow on 21 Aug 1943. Received second DUC for interdiction of Japanese shipping during 1944-1945. Maj Horace S Carswell Jr was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on 26 Oct 1944 when, in spite of intense antiaircraft fire, he attacked a Japanese convoy in the South China Sea; his plane was so badly damaged that when he reached land he ordered the crew to bail out; Carswell, however, remained with the plane to try to save one man who could not jump because his parachute had been ripped by flak; before Carswell could attempt a crash landing, the plane struck a mountainside and burned. The group moved to India in Jun 1945. Ferried gasoline and supplies over the Hump. Sailed for the US in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 6 Jan 1946. Redesignated 308th Reconnaissance Group (Weather). Activated on 17 Oct 1946. Assigned to Air Weather Service and equipped with B-29's. Inactivated on 5 Jan 1951. Redesignated 308th Bombardment Group (Medium). Activated on 10 Oct 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command and equipped with B-29 aircraft. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Squadrons. 53d: 1946-1947. 59th: 1946-1947. 373d: 1942-1945; 1951-1952. 374th: 1942-1946; 1947-1950; 1951-1952. 375th: 1942-1946; 1951-1952. 425th: 1942-1946. 512th: 1947-1948, 1949. 513th: 1947-1948, 1949-1950. Stations. Gowen Field, Idaho, 15 Apr 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 20 Jun 1942; Wendover Field, Utah, 1 Oct-28 Nov 1942; Kunming, China, 20 Mar 1943; Hsirching, China, 10 Feb 1945; Rupsi, India, 27 Jun-15 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 5-Jan 1946. Morrison Field, Fla, 17 Oct 1946; Fairfield-Suisun AAFld, Calif, 1 Jul 1947; Tinker AFB, Okla, 10 Nov 1949-5 Jan 1951. Forbes AFB, Kan, 10 Oct 1951; Hunter AFB, Ga, 11 Apr-16 Jun 1952. Commanders. Capt Harris K McCauley, 11 May 1942; Col Fay R Upthegrove, 5 Jun 1942; Maj Leroy A Rainey, 15 Jul 1942; Col Eugene H Beebe, 16 Sep 1942; Col William P Fisher, c. 3 Nov 1943; Col John G Armstrong, 19 Oct 1944; Col William D Hopson, 1 Jul 1945-unkn. Col Richard E Ellsworth, 17 Oct 1946-unkn; Col Hervey H Whitfield, Apr 1946-unkn. Col George L Newton Jr, 5 Nov 1951; Col Maurice A Preston, 10 May-16 Jun 1952. Campaigns. India-Burma; China Defensive; New Guinea; Western Pacific; China Offensive. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: China, 21 Aug 1943; East and South China Seas, Straits of Formosa, and Gulf of Tonkin, 24 May 1944-28 Apr 1945. Insigne. Shield: Azure, between a pale argent thereon three pallets gules, on the dexter a star of twelve points white, charged with an annulet azure; on the sinister a thundercloud proper with three lightning flashes or; in chief per chevron, inverted and enhanced sable, three bombs points downward or, between a semee of fifteen stars argent. Motto: Non Sibi, Sed Aliis - Not for Self, But for Others. (Approved 29 Aug 1952.) 309th Bombardment Group Constituted as 309th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 15 Mar 1942. Assigned to Third AF. Trained medium bombardment groups and later trained replacement crews, using B-25 aircraft in both the operational and the replacement training programs. Disbanded on 1 May 1944. Reconstituted, redesignated 309th Troop Carrier Group (Medium), and allotted to the reserve, on 16 May 1949. Activated on 26 Jun 1949. Inactivated on 20 Feb 1951. Redesignated 309th Troop Carrier Group (Assault, Fixed Wing). Activated on 8 Jul 1955. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Using C-122 and C-123 aircraft, the group trained to airlift troops, equipment, and supplies for assault landings. Squadrons. 376th: 1942-1944; 1949-1951; 1955-. 377th: 1942-1944; 1949-1950; 1955-. 378th: 1942-1944; 1955-. 426th: 1942-1944. Stations. Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 15 Mar 1942; Jackson AAB, Miss, 15 Mar 1942; Key Field, Miss, c. 26 Apr 1942; Columbia AAB, SC, 16 May 1942-1 May 1944. Smyrna AFB, Tenn, 26 Jun 1949-20 Feb 1951. Ardmore AFB, Okla, 8 Jul 1955-. Commanders. Maj Henry G Silleck, 1942; Lt Col Flint Garrison Jr, 2 June 1942; Col William C Mills, 26 Jun 1942; Col John L Nedwed, 3 Aug 1942; Lt Col Milton E Lipps, 2 Feb-1 May 1944. Col William C Bentley, 8 Jul 1955-. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. None. 310th Bombardment Group Constituted as 310th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 15 Mar 1942. Used B-25's in preparing for duty overseas. Moved to the Mediterranean theater, Oct-Dec 1942, and assigned to Twelfth AF. Engaged primarily in support and interdictory operations in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, Corsica, Sardinia, and southern France; also flew some missions to Austria and Yugoslavia. Attacked harbors and shipping to help defeat Axis forces in North Africa, Dec 1942 May 1943. Bombed airdromes, landing grounds, and gun emplacements on Pantelleria, Lampedusa, and Sicily, May-Jul 1943. Supported the Allied landing at Salerno, Sep 1943. Assisted the drive toward Rome, Jan-Jun 1944. Supported the invasion of Southern France, Aug 1944. Struck German communications - bridges, rail lines, marshalling yards, viaducts, tunnels, and road junctions - in Italy, Aug 1943-Apr 1945. Also dropped propaganda leaflets behind enemy lines. Received a DUC for a mission to Italy on 27 Aug 1943 when, in spite of persistent attacks by enemy interceptors and antiaircraft artillery, the group effectively bombed marshalling yards at Benevento and also destroyed a number of enemy planes. Received second DUC for another mission in Italy on 10 Mar 1945 when the group, maintaining a compact formation in the face of severe antiaircraft fire, bombed the railroad bridge at Ora, a vital link in the German supply line. Inactivated in Italy on 12 Sep 1945. Redesignated 310th Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 27 Dec 1946. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Squadrons. 379th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 380th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 381st: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 428th: 1942-1945. Stations. Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 15 Mar 1942; Jackson AAB, Miss, 15 Mar 1942; Key Field, Miss, Apr 1942; Columbia AAB, SC, 16 May 1942; Walterboro, SC, 14 Aug 1942; Greenville AAB, SC, 18 Sea 17 Oct 1942; Mediouna, French Morocco, c. 18 Nov 1942; Telergma, Algeria, 21 Dec 1942; Berteaux, Algeria, 1 Jan 1943; Dar el Koudia, Tunisia, c. 6 Jun 1943; Menzel Temime, Tunisia, c. 5 Aug 1943; Philippeville, Algeria, 10 Nov 1943; Corsica, c. 10 Dec 1943; Fano, Italy, 7 Apr 1945; Pomigliano, Italy, c. Aug-12 Sep 1945. Bedford AAFld, Mass, 27 Dec 1946-27 Jun 1949. Commanders. Lt Col William E Lee, 15 Mar 1942; Lt Col Flint Garrison Jr, 21 Apr 1942; Capt James A Plant, 19 May 1942; Col Anthony G Hunter, c. 17 Jun 1942; Col Peter H Remington, c. 7 Oct 1944; Col William M Bower, Jul-c. Sep 1945. Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Central Europe; Po Valley. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Italy, 27 Aug 1943; Ora, Italy, 10 Mar 1945. Insigne. Shield: On a blue shield between two yellow 45-degree triangles with the long sides facing each other and placed diagonally from upper right to lower left, three white stars; in the upper triangle a white mailed right hand grasping a red lightning flash and in the lower triangle a white dove in flight to base carrying a green and black olive branch in its beak, hand and dove outlined in black; in a row across the bottom of shield ten small white stars; the shield and triangles bordered with black, edged with white against the blue. (Approved 7 Jan 1954.) 311th Fighter Group Constituted as 311th Bombardment Group (Light) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 2 Mar 1942. Redesignated 311th Bombardment Group (Dive) in Jul 1942, 311th Fighter-Bomber Group in Sep 1943, and 311th Fighter Group in May 1944. Trained with V-72 aircraft. Moved to India, via Australia, Jul-Sep 1943. Assigned to Tenth AF. Operating from India and using A-36's and P-51's, the group supported Allied ground forces in northern Burma; covered bombers that attacked Rangoon, Insein, and other targets; bombed enemy airfields at Myitkyina and Bhamo; and conducted patrol and reconnaissance missions to help protect transport planes that flew the Hump route between India and China. Moved to Burma in Jul 1944 and continued to support ground forces, including Merrill's Marauders; also flew numerous sweeps over enemy airfields in central and southern Burma. Moved to China in Aug 1944 and assigned to Fourteenth AF. Escorted bombers, flew interception missions, struck the enemy's communications, and supported ground operations, serving in combat until the end of the war. Ferried P-51's from India for Chinese Air Force in Nov 1945. Returned to the US in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 6 Jan 1946. Redesignated 101st Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Maine) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 4 Apr 1947. Ordered to active service on 1 Feb 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Redesignated 101st Fighter-Interceptor Group in Feb 1951. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Relieved from active service, returned to ANG (Maine), and activated, on 1 Nov 1952. ANG allotment changed in 1954 (withdrawn from Maine on 30 Apr and allotted to Vt on 1 Jun). Extended federal recognition on 1 Jun 1954. Squadrons. 136th: 1951-1952. 385th: 1942-1943. 528th (formerly 382nd, later 132nd): 1942-1946; 1951-1952. 529th (formerly 383rd, later 133rd): 1942-1946; 1951-1952. 530th (formerly 384th, later 134th): 1942-1946; 1951-1952. Stations. Will Rogers Field, Okla, 2 Mar 1942; Hunter Field, Ga, 4 Jul 1942; Waycross, Ga, 22 Oct 1942-18 Jul 1943; Nawadih, India, 14 Sep 1943; Dinjan, India, 11 Oct 1943; Tingkawk Sakan, Burma, 6 Jul 1944; Pungchacheng, China, 28 Aug 1944-14 Dec 1945; Ft Lawton, Wash, 5-6 Jan 1946. Dow AFB, Maine, 1 Feb 1951; Grenier AFB, NH, 23 Apr 1951; Larson AFB, Wash, 2 Aug 1951-6 Feb 1952. Commanders. Lt Col Clinton U True, 1942; Lt Col John R Kelly, 10 Aug 1942; Col Harry R Melton Jr, 26 Nov 1942; Col Charles G Chandler Jr, 25 Nov 1943; Col John S Chennault, 12 Feb 1945; Col Gabriel P Disosway, 24 May 1945; Col Allen R Springer, 5 Aug 1945-unkn. Col George Labreche, 1951-1952. Campaigns. American Theater; India-Burma; China Defensive; China Offensive. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Or a tornado issuant from base throughout azure, a demi-Indian issuant from chief proper, with war bonnet of the like and shooting from a bow sable a drop bomb gules. Motto: Fulminat - It (He) Strikes as Lightning. (Approved 13 Nov 1942.) 312th Bombardment Group Constituted as 312th Bombardment Group (Light) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 15 Mar 1942. Redesignated 312th Bombardment Group (Dive) in Jul 1942. Trained with A-24, A-31, A-36, and P-40 aircraft. Moved to the Southwest Pacific, Oct-Dec 1943, and assigned to Fifth AF. Redesignated 312th Bombardment Group (Light) in Dec 1943. Began operations in New Guinea, flying patrol and escort missions with P-40's. Completed conversion to A-20's in Feb 1944. Until Nov 1944, attacked airfields, troop concentrations, gun positions, bridges, and Warehouses on the northern and western coasts of New Guinea, and also supported amphibious operations on that island and in Palau. After moving to the Philippines in Nov 1944, provided support for ground troops and struck airfields and transportation facilities. Received a DUC for completing eight strikes against butanol plants on Formosa from 25 Mar to 4 Apr 1945. Began transition to B-32's, and made test flights over Luzon and Formosa in Jun 1945. Redesignated 312th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in Jul 1945. Moved to Okinawa in Aug 1945 and sailed for the US in Dec. Inactivated on 6 Jan 1946. Redesignated 312th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 30 Jul 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Redesignated 312th Fighter-Bomber Group. Activated on 1 Oct 1954. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Equipped with F-84's. Converted to F-86's in 1955. Squadrons. 386th: 1942-1945; 1947 1949; 1954-. 387th: 1942-1946; 1947-1949; 1954-. 388th: 1942-1946; 1947-1949; 1954-. 389th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. Stations. Bowman Field, Ky, 15 Mar 1942; Will Rogers Field, Okla, Jun 1942; Hunter Field, Ga, Aug 1942; DeRidder AAB, La, 20 Feb 1943; Rice AAFld, Calif, 13 Apr 1943; Salinas AAB, Calif, 15 Aug-24 Oct 1943; Gusap, New Guinea, c. 1 Jan 1944; Hollandia, New Guinea, Jun 1944; Tanauan, Leyte, 19 Nov 1944; Mangaldan, Luzon, 10 Feb 1945; Floridablanca, Luzon, 19 Apr 1945; Okinawa, 13 Aug-13 Dec 1945; Vancouver, Wash, 3-6 Jan 1946. Ellington Field, Tex, 30 Jul 1947-27 Jun 1949. Clovis AFB, NM, 1 Oct 1954-. Commanders. Col Robert H Strauss, 1 Sep 1942; Lt Col Selmon W Wells, 10 Mar 1945; Col Frank R Cook, c. 25 Aug 1945-unkn. Lt Col Charles A Appel, 1954; Lt Col John E Vogt, 2 Feb 1955; Col Emmett S Davis, 8 Jul 1955-. Campaigns. American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; New Guinea; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Formosa, 25 Mar-4 Apr 1945. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. Insigne. Shield: Azure an eagle volant or, carrying with his talons a futuramic bomb argent, fire exhaust proper, and a branch of olive vert. (Approved 30 Nov 1956.) 313th Troop Carrier Group Constituted as 313th Transport Group on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 2 Mar 1942. Redesignated 313th Troop Carrier Group in Jul 1942. Trained for overseas duty with C-47's and C-53's. Moved to North Africa, Apr-May 1943, and assigned to Twelfth AF. Trained for the invasion of Sicily and entered combat on the night of 9 Jul 1943 by dropping paratroops near Gela. Although attacked by ground and naval forces while carrying reinforcements to Sicily on the night of 11 Jul, the group completed the mission and received a DUC for the performance. Transported supplies and evacuated wounded in the Mediterranean area until late in Aug when the group moved to Sicily for the invasion of Italy. Dropped paratroops of 82d Airborne Division south of Salerno on the night of 13 Sep 1943 and flew a reinforcement mission the following night. Resumed transport activities in the theater until Feb 1944, and then joined Ninth AF in England. Prepared for the invasion of France and on D-Day 1944, released paratroops near Picauville; dropped reinforcements over the same area on 7 Jun, being awarded second DUC for its part in the invasion. Dropped paratroops near Arnheim and Nijmegen on 17 Sep during the airborne attack on Holland and released gliders carrying reinforcements to that area on 18 and 23 Sep. Moved to France, Feb-Mar 1945, and received C-46's for the airborne assault across the Rhine; dropped paratroops of 17th Airborne Division near Wesel on 24 Mar. When not engaged in airborne operations the group evacuated wounded personnel and ex-prisoners of war, and also transported cargo such as ammunition, gasoline, medical supplies, and food until after V-E Day. Returned to the US, Aug-Sep 1945. Inactivated on 15 Nov 1945. Activated in Austria on 30 Sep 1946. Assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe and equipped with C-47 and C-54 aircraft. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to the US on 25 Jun 1947 and assigned to Tactical Air Command. Trained with gliders and C-82's. Redesignated 313th Troop Carrier Group, (Heavy) in Jul 1948. Moved to Germany, Oct-Nov 1948, and joined United States Air Forces in Europe for participation in the Berlin airlift. Transported cargo such as coal, food, and medicine into West Berlin from Nov 1948 to Sep 1949. Redesignated 313th Troop Carrier Group (Special) in Feb 1949. Inactivated in Germany on 18 Sep 1949. Redesignated 313th Troop Carrier Group (Medium). Activated in the US on 1 Feb 1953. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Trained with C-119's. Inactivated on 8 Jun 1955. Squadrons. 29th: 1942-1945; 1946-1949; 1953-1955. 47th: 1942-1945; 1946-1949; 1953-1955. 48th: 1942-1945; 1946-1949; 1953-1955. 49th: 1942-1945. Stations. Daniel Field, Ga, 2 Mar 1942; Bowman Field, Ky, 21 Jun 1942; Florence, SC, 4 Aug 1942; Maxton, NC, 13 Dec 1942-24 Apr 1943; Oujda, French Morocco, 9 May 1943; Kairouan, Tunisia, 16 Jun 1943; Sciacca, Sicily, 23 Aug 1943; Trapani/Milo Airfield, Sicily, 3 Oct 1943; Folkingham, England, 4 Feb 1944; Achiet, France, 28 Feb-5 Aug 1945; Baer Field, Ind, 14 Sep-15 Nov 1945. Tulln AB, Austria, 30 Sep 1946-25 Jun 1947; Langley Field, Va, 25 Jun 1947; Bergstrom Field, Tex, 15 Jul 1947-22 Oct 1948; Fassberg, Germany, 9 Nov 1948-18 Sep 1949. Mitchel AFB, NY, 1 Feb 1953; Sewart AFB, Tenn, 2 Oct 1953-8 Jun 1955. Commanders. Capt Fred W Nelson 7 Mar 1942; Col James Roberts Jr, 26 Jun 1942; Lt Col William A Filer, 18 Mar 1945; Lt Col Paul W Stephens, 26 Mar 1945; Lt Col Carl W Campbell, c. Aug-15 Nov 1945. Col Clinton W Davies, 30 Sep 1946; Lt Col Walter R Washburn Jr, 15 Aug 1947; Col Frank P Bostrom, 3 Dec 1947; Lt Col Conway S Hall, unkn-Sep 1949. Col Benton R Baldwin, Feb 1953; Col Steward H Nichols, 1 Oct 1953-1955. Campaigns. American Theater; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Sicily, 11 Jul 1943; France, [6-7] Jun 1944. Insigne. Shield: Per bend azure and gules, the silhouette of a stylized winged aircraft or, charged with a mullet of the first between six mullets, three and three of the third. (Approved 3 Feb 1943.) 314th Troop Carrier Group Constituted as 314th Transport Group on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 2 Mar 1942. Redesignated 314th Troop Carrier Group in Jul 1942. Used C-47's and C-53's in preparing for duty overseas. Moved to the Mediterranean theater in May 1943 and assigned to Twelfth AF for participation in two airborne operations. Flew two night missions during the invasion of Sicily in Jul 1943: released paratroops of 82d Airborne Division near Gela on 9 Jul; dropped reinforcements in the area on 11 Jul, receiving a DUC for carrying out this second mission in spite of bad weather and heavy attack by ground and naval forces. Took part in the invasion of Italy by dropping paratroops and supplies near Salerno on 14 and 15 Sep 1943. Moved to England in Feb 1944 for operations with Ninth AF. Trained for the invasion of western Europe. Dropped paratroops in Normandy on 6 Jun 1944 and flew a resupply and reinforcement mission the following day, receiving a DUC for these operations. Released paratroops over Holland during the airborne attack in Sep and flew follow-up missions to provide reinforcements and supplies. Moved to France, Feb-Mar 1945. Released gliders carrying troops and equipment to the Wesel area on 24 Mar 1945 when the Allies launched the airborne assault across the Rhine. Continually transported freight in the Mediterranean and European theaters, when neither training for, nor participating in airborne operations; hauled supplies such as food, clothing, gasoline, aircraft parts, and ammunition. Also carried wounded personnel to rear-zone hospitals. After V-E Day, evacuated Allied prisoners from Germany, and later made scheduled flights to transport freight and personnel in Europe. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to the US in Feb 1946. Moved to the Canal Zone, Sep-Oct 1946, and assigned to Caribbean Air Command. Operated air terminals in the Panama and Antilles areas, Redesignated 314th Troop Carrier Group (Heavy) in Jun 1948. Returned to the US in Oct 1948 and assigned to Tactical Air Command. Redesignated 314th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in Nov 1948. Trained with C-47, C-82, and C-119 aircraft. Moved to Japan, Aug-Sep 1950, and attached to Far East Air Forces for duty in the Korean War. Operated primarily with C-119 aircraft. Transported troops and supplies from Japan to Korea and evacuated wounded personnel. Participated in two major airborne operations: dropped paratroops and equipment over Sunchon in Oct 1950 in support of the UN assault on Pyongyang; dropped paratroops over Munsan-ni during the airborne attack across the 38th Parallel in Mar 1951. Remained in Japan after the armistice to transport supplies to Korea and evacuate prisoners of war. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to the US in Nov 1954. Manned, and equipped with C-119's. Received an AFOUA for an airborne exercise, Jan-Feb 1955, when the group transported elements of a regimental combat team from Tennessee to Alaska, dropped paratroops over the exercise area, and completed the return airlift. Squadrons. 20th: 1946-1949. 30th: 1942. 31st: 1942. 32d: 1942-1945. 50th: 1942-1946, 1949-. 61st: 1943-1945, 1949-. 62d: 1943-1946, 1949-. 301st: 1945-1946. 302d: 1945-1946. 321st: 1945-1946, 1955-. 323d: 1945-1946. 334th: 1946-1949. Stations. Drew Field, Fla, 2 Mar 1942; Bowman Field, Ky, 24 Jun 1942; Knobnoster, Mo, 4 Nov 1942; Lawson Field, Ga, c. 20 Feb May 1943; Berguent, French Morocco, May 1943; Kairouan, Tunisia, 26 Jun 1943; Castelvetrano, Sicily, 24 Aug 1943-13 Feb 1944; Saltby England, Feb 1944; Poix, France, Feb 1945; Villacoublay, France, 15 Oct 1945-15 Feb 1946; Bolling Field, DC, 15 Feb Sep 1946; Albrook Field, CZ, 1 Oct 1946; Curundu Heights, CZ, 10 Mar-Oct 1948; Smyrna AFB, Tenn, 21 Oct 1948-Aug 1950; Ashiya, Japan, Sep 1950-15 Nov 1954; Sewart AFB, Tenn, 15 Nov 1954-. Commanders. 2d Lt L C Lillie, 2 Mar 1942; 2d Lt W Blakeslee, 14 May 1942; Maj Leonard M Rohrbough, 26 Jun 1942; Col Clayton Stiles, 9 Apr 1943; Lt Co Halac G Wilson, 22 Aug 1945; Col Charles W Steinmetz, 29 Nov 1945-c. Feb 1946; Col Richard W Henderson, 8 Oct 1948; Col William H DeLacey, 27 Aug 1951; Col David E Daniel, 28 Sep 1951; Lt Col Harold L Sommers, 1 May 1952; Col William H DeLacey, Nov 1954-. Campaigns. World War II: American Theater; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Central Europe. 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; Third Korean Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Sicily, 11 Jul 1943; France, Jun 1944; Korea, 28 Nov-10 Dec 1950. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 1 Jul 1951-27 Jul 1953. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award: 11 Jan-14 Feb 1955. Insigne. Shield: Or, on clouds in fess, azure, two boots passant of the field, ornamented, gules. Motto: Viri Veniente - Men Will Come. (Approved 17 Aug 1942. This insigne was replaced 17 Jun 1954.)
315th Troop Carrier Group - 320th Bombardment Group 315th Troop Carrier Group Constituted as 315th Transport Group on 2 Feb 1942 and activated on 14 Feb. Redesignated 315th Troop Carrier Group in Jul 1942. Trained for combat operations with C-47's and C-53's. Departed the US, Oct-Nov 1942, for assignment to Eighth AF in England. Encountering bad weather while flying the North Atlantic route, the air echelon was detained for about a month in Greenland, where it searched for missing aircraft along the east coast and dropped supplies to crews. After the air and ground echelons were united in England in Dec, the group began ferrying cargo in the British Isles and training with airborne troops and gliders. A detachment was sent to Algeria in May 1943, and although not participating in the airborne phase of the invasions of Sicily and Italy, it did support those operations by transporting supplies in the theater. In Mar 1944 the detachment returned to England and rejoined the group, which had been assigned to Ninth AF in Oct 1943. Prepared for the invasion of the Continent, and dropped paratroops near Cherbourg early on D-Day in Jun 1944, receiving a DUC for its action in the Normandy invasion. Dropped paratroops of 82d Airborne Division on 17 Sep 1944 when the Allies launched the air attack on Holland; flew reinforcement missions on succeeding days, landing at Grave on 26 Sep to unload paratroops and supplies. Released British paratroops near Wesel during the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Following each airborne operation, the group resumed transport activities, hauling cargo such as medical supplies, signal equipment, rations, and gasoline, and evacuating wounded personnel. Moved to France in Apr 1945. Transported cargo and evacuated prisoners of war until after V-E Day. Moved to Trinidad in May 1945 and assigned to Air Transport Command. Used C-47's to transport troops returning to the US. Inactivated in Trinidad on 31 Jul 1945. Activated in the US on 19 May 1947. Apparently was not manned. Inactivated on 10 Sep 1948. Redesignated 315th Troop Carrier Group (Medium). Activated in Japan on 10 Jun 1952. Assigned to Far East Air Forces for operations in the Korean War. Used C-46 aircraft to participate in the airlift between Japan and Korea. Transported cargo such as vegetables, clothing, ordnance supplies, and mail; evacuated patients and other personnel. Remained in the theater after the armistice and continued to fly transport missions until 1955. Inactivated in Japan on 18 Jan 1955. Squadrons. 19th: 1952-1955. 33d: 1942. 34th: 1942-1945; 1947-1948; 1952-1955. 35th: 1942. 43d: 1942-1945; 1947-1948; 1952-1955. 54th: 1942. 309th: 1944-1945. 310th: 1944-1945. 344th: 1952-1955. Stations. Olmsted Field, Pa, 14 Feb 1942; Bowman Field, Ky, 17 Jun 1942; Florence, SC, 3 Aug-11 Oct 1942; Aldermaston, England, c. 1 Dec 1942; Welford, England, 6 Nov 1943; Stanhoe, England, 7 Feb 1944; Amiens, France, 6 Apr-May 1945; Waller Field, Trinidad, May-31 Jul 1945. Langley Field, Va, 19 May 1947-10 Sep 1948. Brady AB, Japan, 10 Jun 1952-18 Jan 1955. Commanders. Capt Thomas J Schofield, 14 Feb 1942; Col Hamish McLelland, 17 Apr 1942; Col Howard B Lyon, 27 Sep 1944; Lt Col Robert Gibbons, 27 Mar 1945-unkn. Unkn, May 1947-Sep 1948. Lt Col Jack L Crawford, 10 Jun 1952; Lt Col Gene I Martin, 5 Dec 1952; Col Kenneth L Glassburn, 11 Aug 1953; Lt Col Jacob P Sartz Jr, 9 Nov 1954-18 Jan 1955. Campaigns. World War II: American Theater; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Central Europe. Korean War: Korea Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1953. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, [6] Jun 1944. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: [10 Jun 1952]-27 Jul 1953. Insigne. Shield: Azure, a winged packing box bend sinisterwise or. Motto: Adveniam - I Will Arrive. (Approved 22 May 1942.) 316th Troop Carrier Group Constituted as 316th Transport Group on 2 Feb 1942 and activated on 14 Feb. Redesignated 316th Troop Carrier Group in Jul 1942. Trained with C-47 and C-5 aircraft. Moved to the Mediterranean theater, assigned to Ninth AF, and began operations in Nov 1942. Transported supplies and evacuated casualties in support of the Allied drive across North Africa. In May 1943 began training for the invasion of Sicily; dropped paratroops over the assault area on the night of 9 Jul. Carried reinforcements to Sicily on 11 Jul and received a DUC for carrying out that mission although severely attacked by ground and naval forces. Received another DUC for supporting aerial and ground operations in Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, and Sicily, 25 Nov 1942-25 Aug 1943, by transporting reinforcements and supplies. Assigned to Twelfth AF and moved to Sicily to take part in the invasion of Italy; dropped paratroops over the beachhead south of the Sele River on the night of 14 Sep 1943. Transported cargo in the theater until Feb 1944, then joined Ninth AF in England and prepared for the inyasion of France. Dropped paratroops near Ste-Mere-Eglise on D-Day 1944 and flew a reinforcement mission on 7 Jun, receiving a third DUC for these operations. During the air attack on Holland in Sep 1944, dropped paratroops and released gliders carrying reinforcements. Dropped paratroops near Wesel on 24 Mar 1945 when the Allies made the airborne assault across the Rhine. Also provided transport services in Europe while not engaged in airborne operations. Hauled supplies such as ammunition, gasoline, water, and rations; evacuated wounded personnel to rear-zone hospitals. Returned to the US in May 1945. Trained with C-82 and C-119 aircraft. Redesignated 316th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in Jun 1948, 316th Troop Carrier Group (Heavy) in Oct 1949, and 316th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in Jan 1950. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to Japan on 15 Nov 1954. Assigned to Far East Air Forces, manned, and equipped with C-119's. Squadrons. 16th: 1950-1954. 36th: 1942-. 37th: 1942-. 38th: 1942. 44th: 1942-1945. 45th: 1942-1945. 75th: 1945-1949, 1952-. 77th: 1945-1946. Stations. Patterson Field, Ohio, Feb 1942; Bowman Field, Ky, 17 Jun 1942; Lawson Field, Ga, Aug 1942; Del Valle, Tex, 29 Sep-12 Nov 1942; Deversoir, Egypt, 23 Nov 1942; El Adem, Egypt, 10 Dec 1942; Fayid, Egypt, Jan 1943; Nouvion, Algeria, 9 May 1943; Guercif, French Morocco, 29 May 1943; Enfidaville, Tunisia, 21 Jun 1943; Mazzara, Sicily, 3 Sep 1943; Borizzo, Sicily, 18 Oct 1943-1 Feb 1944; Cottesmore, England, 15 Feb 1944-May 1945; Pope Field, NC, 25 May 1945; Greenville AAB, SC, 25 Aug 1947; Smyrna AFB, Tenn, 4 Nov 1949-15 Nov 1954; Ashiya, Japan, 15 Nov 1954-. Commanders. Col Jerome B McCauley, 14 Feb 1942; Lt COl Burton R Fleet, Aug 1943; Col Harvey A Berger, c. 1 May 1944; Lt Col Walter R Washburn, Sep 1945; Lt Col Leonard C Fletcher, 1 Sep 1945; Col Jerome B McCauley, 5 Oct 1945; COl Clarence J Galligan, 2 Feb 1946: Lt Col Leroy M Stanton, 31 Sep 1946; Co] Clarence Galligan, 1 Nov 1946; Col John H Lackey Jr, c. Apr 1947; Col Edgar W Hampton, 20 Sep 1947; Col Norton H Van Sicklen III, 1 Aug 1950; Maj Dwight E Maul, 31 Aug 1950; Maj Gordon F Blood, 6 Sep 1950; Col Norton H Van Sicklen III, 28 Dec 1950; Col William H DeLacey, 1 Jun 1952; Col Richard P Carr, Nov 1954; Col William C Lindley, 19 Mar 1955-. Campaigns. American Theater; Egypt-Libya; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Egypt, Libya, Tunisia, Sicily, 25 Nov 1942-25 Aug 1943; Sicily, 11 Jul 1943; France, Jun 1944. Insigne. Shield: Azure, nine parachutes argent, three, two, three, and one, all within a bordure per bend or and gules. Motto: Valor Without Arms. (Approved 17 Aug 1951.) 317th Troop Carrier Group Constituted as 317th Transport Group on 2 Feb 1942 and activated on 22 Feb. Redesignated 317th Troop Carrier Group in Jul 1942. Trained with C-47's. Moved to Australia, Dec 1942-Jan 1943, and assigned to Fifth AF. Operated in New Guinea for a short time early in 1943. Received a DUC for making numerous flights in unarmed planes over the Owen Stanley Range, 30 Jan-1 Feb 1943, to transport reinforcements and supplies to Wau, New Guinea, where enemy forces were threatening a valuable Allied airdrome. Exchanged its new C-47's for old C-39's C-47's, C-49's, C-60's, B-17's, and LB-30's in New Guinea and began operating from Australia, where the group had maintained its headquarters. Flew troops and equipment to New Guinea, established courier and passenger routes in Australia and trained with airborne troops. Equipped with C-47's and moved to New Guinea in Sep 1943. Took part in the first airborne operation in the Southwest Pacific on 5 Sep, dropping paratroops at Nadzab, New Guinea, to cut supply line and seize enemy bases. Until Nov 1944, transported men and cargo to Allied bases on New Guinea, New Britain, Guadalcanal, and in the Admiralty Islands. Also dropped reinforcements and supplies to US forces on Noemfoor, 3-4 Jul 1944. After moving to the Philippines in Nov 1944, transported supplies to ground forces on Luzon, Leyte, and Mindoro, and supplied guerrillas on Mindanao, Cebu, and Panay. Participated in two airborne operations during Feb 1945: on 3 and 4 Feb dropped paratroops south of Manila to seize highway routes to the city, and on 16 and 17 Feb dropped the 502d Regiment on Corregidor to open Manila Bay to US shipping; received a DUC for the latter operation, performed at low altitude over small drop zones in a heavily defended area. Completed two unusual missions on 12 and 15 Apr 1945 when this troop carrier organization bombed Carabao Island with drums of napalm. Dropped part of 511th Regiment near Aparri on 23 Jun 1945 to split Japanese forces in the Cagayen Valley and prevent a retreat to the hills in northern Luzon. Remained in the theater as part of Far East Air Forces after the war; used C-46 and C-47 aircraft, the latter being replaced in 1947 with C-54's. Flew courier and passenger routes to Japan, Guam, Korea, and the Philippines, and transported freight and personnel in the area. Redesignated 317th Troop Carrier Group (Heavy) in May 1948. Moved, via the US, to Germany in Sep 1948 and became part of United States Air Forces in Europe for service in the Berlin airlift. Used C-54's to transport coal, food, and other supplies to the blockaded city. Inactivated in Germany on 14 Sep 1949. Redesignated 317th Troop Carrier Group (Medium). Activated in Germany on 14 Jul 1952. Assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe and equipped with C-119's. Squadrons. 39th: 1942-1949; 1952-. 40th: 1942-1949; 1952-. 41st: 1942-1949; 1952-. 46th: 1942-1949. Stations. Duncan Field, Tex, 22 Feb 1942; Bowman Field, Ky, 19 Jun 1942; Lawson Field, Ga, 11 Oct 1942; Maxton, NC, 3-12 Dec 1942; Townsville, Australia, 23 Jan 1943; Port Moresby, New Guinea, c. 30 Sep 1943; Finschhafen, New Guinea, Apr 1944; Hollandia, New Guinea, Jun 1944; Leyte, 17 Nov 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, c. 17 Mar 1945; Okinawa, 24 Aug 1945; Kimpo, Korea, 31 Oct 1945; Tachikawa, Japan, c. 15 Jan 1946-c. 21 Sep 1948; Wiesbaden AB, Germany, c. 30 Sep 1948; Celle RAF Station, Germany, 15 Dec 1948-14 Sep 1949. Rhein-Main AB, Germany, 14 Jul 1952; Neubiberg AB, Germany, 21 Mar 1953-. Commanders. Col Samuel V Payne, 2: Feb 1942; Col Robert L Olinger, 21 Jun 1944; Col John H Lackey Jr, 2 Oct 1944 Lt Col Robert I Choate, 31 Aug 1945; Col Dwight B Schannep, Oct 1945-unkn; Col Marshall S Roth, Jan 1946; Col Othel R Deering, Jan 1947; Col Thomas K Hampton, 19 May 1948; Lt Col James M Johnson, 18 Aug 1948; Col Bertram C Harrison, Oct 1948; Lt Col James M Johnson, 24 Nov 1948; Lt Col Walter E Chambers, 11 Mar 1949; Lt Col Robert J DuVal, 13 Jun 1949-unkn. COl Lucion N Powell, 14 Jul 1952; Lt Col James E Bauley, 1 Mar 1954; Col Harry M Pike, May 1954-. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Japan; New Guinea; Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: New Guinea, 30 Jan-1 Feb 1943; Philippine Islands, 16-17 Feb 1945. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. Insigne. Shield: Or issuant from chief a dexter arm, fist clenched inflamed proper, in base a fire of seven tongues of the last, on a chief nebuly azure, three piles of the first. Motto: I Gain By Hazard. (Approved 22 Dec 1942.) 318th Fighter Group Constituted as 318th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 2 Feb 1942. Redesignated 318th Fighter Group in May 1942. Activated in Hawaii on 15 Oct 1942. Assigned to Seventh AF. Trained and flew patrols, using P-39, P-40, and P-47 aircraft. Moved to the Marianas in Jun 1944. Supported ground forces on Saipan, Tinian, and Guam; attacked enemy airfields; flew protective patrols over US bases; and, using some P-38's acquired in Nov 1944, flew missions to the Volcano and Truk Islands to escort bombers and to attack Japanese bases. Moved to the Ryukyu Islands in Apr 1945. Used P-47's to bomb and strafe airfields, railroad bridges, and industrial plants in Japan, escort bombers to China, and provide air defense for US bases in the Ryukyus. Assigned to Eighth AF in Aug 1945, shortly after V-J Day. Moved to the US, Dec 1945-Jan 1946. Inactivated on 12 Jan 1946. Redesignated 102d Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Mass) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 22 Oct 1946. Redesignated 102d Fighter-Interceptor Group in Aug 1952. Squadrons. 19th: 1943-1946. 44th: 1942-1943. 72d: 1942-1944. 73d: 1942-1946. 333d: 1943-1946. Stations. Hickam Field, TH, 15 Oct 1942; Bellows Field, TH, 9 Feb 1943; Saipan, Jun 1944; Ie Shima, c. 30 Apr 1945; Okinawa, Nov-Dec 1945; Ft Lewis, Wash, 11-12 Jan 1946. Commanders. Col Lorry N Tindal, 20 Oct 1942; Lt Col Charles B Stewart, 3 Mar 1943; Col Lewis M Sanders, 21 Aug 1943; Lt Col Harry C McAfee, 31 Jul 1945; Maj Glen H Kramer, 5 Oct 1945; Maj Burton M Woodward, 22 Oct 1945-unkn. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific Ryukyus; China Offensive. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: The upper part blue, with one small aircraft gray with white trail; the center part a portion of the globe showing the Northeastern portion of the Western Hemisphere in green and light blue with the North Pole in white and across it the front part of a gray aircraft: with white outline and cockpit, firing three black rockets, tail flashes red, trails white, all headed toward upper right; in lower part on a bank of white clouds two small black aircraft climbing vertically, all within a red border. Motto: Omnis Vir Tigris - Every Man a Tiger. (Approved 11 Jan 1954.) 319th Bombardment Group Constituted as 319th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942 and activated on 26 Jun. Trained with B-26's. Moved via England to the Mediterranean theater, Aug-Nov 1942, with part of the group landing at Arzeu beach during the invasion of North Africa on 8 Nov. Operated with Twelfth AF until Jan 1945, except for a brief assignment to Fifteenth, Nov 1943-Jan 1944. Began combat in Nov 1942, attacking airdromes, harbors, rail facilities, and other targets in Tunisia until Feb 1943. Also struck enemy shipping to prevent supplies and reinforcements from reaching the enemy in North Africa. After a period of reorganization and training, Feb-Jun 1943, the group resumed combat and participated in the reduction of Pantelleria and the campaign for Sicily. Directed most of its attacks against targets in Italy after the fall of Sicily in Aug 1943. Hit bridges, airdromes, marshalling yards, viaducts, gun sites, defense positions, and other objectives. Supported forces at Salerno in Sep 1943 and at Anzio and Cassino during Jan-Mar 1944. Carried out interdictory operations in central Italy to aid the advance to Rome, being awarded a DUC for a mission on 3 Mar 1944 when the group, carefully avoiding religious and cultural monuments, bombed rail facilities in the capital. Received another DUC for striking marshalling yards in Florence on 11 Mar 1944 to disrupt rail communications between that city and Rome. Received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for action in preparation for and in support of the Allied offensive in Italy, Apr-Jun 1944. From Jul to Dec 1944, bombed bridges in the Po Valley, supported the invasion of Southern France, hit targets in northern Italy, and flew some missions to Yugoslavia, converting in the meantime, in Nov, to B-25 aircraft. Returned to the US in Jan 1945. Redesignated 319th Bombardment Group (Light) in Feb. Trained with A-26 aircraft. Moved to Okinawa, Apr-Jul 1945, and assigned to Seventh AF. Flew missions to Japan and China, attacking airdromes, shipping, marshalling yards, industrial centers, and other objectives. Returned to the US, Nov-Dec 1945. Inactivated on 18 Dec 1945. Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 27 Dec 1946. Inactivated on 2 Sep 1949. Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 10 Oct 1949. Ordered to active duty on 10 Mar 1951. Inactivated on 22 Mar 1951. Redesignated 319th Fighter-Bomber Group. Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 18 May 1955. Squadrons. 46th: 1947-1949; 1949-1951; 1955-. 50th: 1947-1949; 1949-1951. 51st: 1947-1949; 1949-1951. 59th: 1947-1949; 1949-1951. 437th: 1942-1945. 438th: 1942-1945. 439th: 1942-1945. 440th: 1942-1945. Stations. Barksdale Field, La, 26 Jun 1942; Harding Field, La, 8-27 Aug 1942; Shipham, England, 12 Sep 1942; Horsham St Faith, England, c. 4 Oct 1942; St-Leu, Algeria, c. 11 Nov 1942; Tafaraoui, Algeria, 18 Nov 1942; Maison Blanche, Algeria, 24 Nov 1942; Telergma, Algeria, c. 12 Dec 1942; Oujda, French Morocco, 3 Mar 1943; Rabat Sale, French Morocco, 25 Apr 1943; Sedrata, Algeria, 1 Jun 1943; Djedeida, Tunisia, 26 Jun 1943; Sardinia, c. 1 Nov 1943; Corsica, c. 21 Sep 1944-1 Jan 1945; Bradley Field, Conn, 25 Jan 1945; Columbia AAB, SC, c. 28 Feb-27 Apr 1945; Kadena, Okinawa, c. 2 Jul 1945; Machinato, Okinawa, 21 Jul-21 Nov 1945; Ft Lewis, Wash, 17-18 Dec 1945. Mitchel Field, NY, 27 Dec 1946; Reading Mun Aprt, Pa, 27 Jun-2 Sep 1949. Birmingham Mun Aprt, Ala, 10 Oct 1949-22 Mar 1951. Memphis Mun Aprt, Tenn, 18 May 1955-. Commanders. Lt Col Alvord Rutherford, 26 Jun 1942; Lt Col Sam W Agee Jr, 27 Nov 1942; Maj Joseph A Cunningham, 5 Dec 1942; Lt Col Wilbur W Aring, c. 11 Jan 1943; Col Gordon H Austin, 6 Jul 1943; Col Joseph R Holzapple, 13 Aug 1943-1945. Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Algeria-French Morocco; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Air Offensive, Japan; Ryukyus; China Offensive. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Rome, Italy, 3 Mar 1944; Florence, Italy, 11 Mar 1944. French Croix de Guerre with Palm: Apr, May, and Jun 1944. Insigne. None. 320th Bombardment Group Constituted as 320th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942 and activated on 23 Jun. Trained with B-26 aircraft. Most of the group moved to North Africa via England, Aug-Dec 1942; crews flew their planes over the South Atlantic route and arrived in North Africa, Dec 1942-Jan 1943. Began combat with Twelfth AF in Apr 1943 and operated from bases in Algeria, Tunisia, Sardinia, and Corsica until Nov 1944. During the period Apr-Jul 1943, flew missions against enemy shipping in the approaches to Tunisia, attacked installations in Sardinia, participated in the reduction of Pantelleria, and supported the invasion of Sicily. Then bombed marshalling yards, bridges, airdromes, road junctions, viaducts, harbors, fuel dumps, defense positions, and other targets in Italy. Supported forces at Salerno and knocked out targets to aid the seizure of Naples and the crossing of the Volturno River. Flew missions to Anzio and Cassino and engaged in interdictory operations in central Italy in preparation for the advance toward Rome. Received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for action in preparation for and in support of Allied offensive operations in central Italy, Apr-Jun 1944. Received a DUC for a mission on 12 May 1944 when, in the face of an intense antiaircraft barrage, the group bombed enemy troop concentrations near Fondi in support of Fifth Army's advance toward Rome. From Jun to Nov 1944 operations included interdictory missions in the Po Valley, support for the invasion of Southern France, and attacks on enemy communications in northern Italy. Moved to France in Nov 1944 and bombed bridges, rail lines, gun positions, barracks, supply points, ammunition dumps, and other targets in France and Germany until V-E Day. Received a DUC for operations on 15 Mar 1945 when the group bombed pillboxes, trenches, weapon pits, and roads within the Siegfried Line to enable a breakthrough by Seventh Army. Moved to Germany in Jun 1945 and participated in the disarmament program. Returned to the US, Nov-Dec. Inactivated on 4 Dec 1945. Redesignated 320th Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 9 Jul 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Squadrons. 441st: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 442d: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 443d: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 444th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 23 Ju 1 1942; Drane Field, Fla, 8-28 Aug 194: Hethel, England, 12 Sep 1942; La Senia, Algeria, c. 2 Dec 1942; Tafaraoui, Algeria, 28 Jan 1943; Montesquieu, Algeria, Apr 1943; Massicault, Tunisia, 29 Jun 1943; El Bathan, Tunisia, 28 Jul 1943; Sardinia, 1 Nov 1943; Corsica, c. 18 Sep 1944; Dijon/Longvic, France, 11 Nov 1944; Dole/Tavaux, France, 1 Apr 1945; Herzogenaurach, Germany, 18 Jun 1945; Clastres, France, c. Oct-Nov 1945; Camp Myles Standish, Mass, 3-4 Dec 1945. Mitchel Field, NY, 9 Jul 1947-27 Jun 1949. Commanders. Maj John F Batjer, 1 Jul 1942; Col John A Hilger, c. 5 Aug 1942; Col Flint Garrison Jr, 25 Oct 1942; Lt Col John Fordyce, 15 Feb 1943; Col Karl Baumeister, 25 May 1943; Lt Col Stanford Gregory, 25 Sep 1943; Col Eugene B Fletcher, 25 Oct 1943; Col Ashley E Woolridge, 2 Nov 1944; Lt Col Blaine B Campbell, 28 May 1945-unkn. Campaigns. Air Combat, EAM Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Italy, 12 May 1944; ETO, 15 Mar 1945. French Croix de Guerre with Palm : Apr, May, and Jun 1944. Insigne. Shield: Azure, an alligator volant in bend or, winged and armed gules, speed lines sinisterward of the second. Motto: Forever Battling. (Approved 3 Mar 1943. This insigne was replaced 22 Jan 1953.)
321st Bombardment Group - 328th Fighter Group 321st Bombardment Group Constituted as 321st Bombardment Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942 and activated on 26 Jun. Prepared for overseas duty with B-25's. Moved to the Mediterranean theater, Jan-Mar 1943, and assigned to Twelfth AF. Engaged primarily in support and interdictory operations, bombing marshalling yards, rail lines, highways, bridges, viaducts, troop concentrations, gun emplacements, shipping, harbors, and other objectives in North Africa, France, Sicily, Italy, Bulgaria, Yugoslavia, and Greece. Sometimes dropped propaganda leaflets behind enemy lines. Took part in the Allied operations against Axis forces in North Africa during Mar-May 1943, the reduction of Pantelleria and Lampedusa in Jun, the invasion of Sicily in Jul, the landing at Salerno in Sep, the Allied advance toward Rome during Jan-Jun 1944, the invasion of Southern France in Aug 1944, and the Allied operations in northern Italy from Sep 1944 to Apr 1945. Received twc DUC's: for completing a raid on an air drome near Athens, 8 Oct 1943, in spite of intense flak and attacks by numerous enemy interceptors; and for bombing a battleship, a cruiser, and a submarine in Toulon harbor on 18 Aug 1944 to assist the Allied invasion of Southern France. Inactivated in Italy on 12 Sep 1945. Redesignated 321st Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 29 Jun 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Squadrons. 445th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 446th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 447th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 448th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. Stations. Barksdale Field, La, 26 Jun 1942; Columbia AAB, SC, c. 1 Aug 1942; Walterboro, SC, Sep 1942; DeRidder AAB, La, c. 1 Dec 1942-21 Jan 1943; Ain M'lila, Algeria, 12 Mar 1943; Souk-el-Arba, Tunisia, c. 1 Jun 1943; Soliman, Tunisia, 8 Aug 1943; Grottaglie, Italy, Oct 1943; Amendola, Italy, c. 20 Nov 1943; Vincenzo Airfield, Italy, 14 Jan 1944; Gaudo Airfield, Italy, Feb 1944; Corsica, 23 Apr 1944; Falconara, Italy, 1 Apr 1945; Pomigliano, Italy, c. Seo-12 Sep 1945. Mansfield, Ohio, 29 Jun 1947-27 Jun 1949. Commanders. Unkn, Jun-Aug 1942 Col William C Mills, 3 Aug 1942; Col Robert D Knapp, Sep 1942; Lt Col Charles T Olmsted, 5 Dec 1943; Lt Col Peter H Remington, 18 Mar 1944; Col Richard H Smith, 26 Mar 1944; Lt Col Charles F Cassidy Jr, 28 Jan 1945-unkn. Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Central Europe; Po Valley. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Athens, Greece, 8 Oct 1943; France, 18 Aug 1944. Insigne. Shield: Azure, six drop bombs, three, two, and one or. Motto: Perseverance, Vision, And Duty. (Approved 7 Nov 1942. This insigne was replaced 30 Aug 1954.) 322d Bombardment Group Constituted as 322d Bombardment Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942. Activated on 17 Jul 1942. Trained with B-26 aircraft. Part of the group moved overseas, Nov-Dec 1942; planes and crews followed, Mar-Apr 1943. Operated with Eighth AF until assignment to Ninth in Oct 1943. Served in combat, May 1943-Apr 1945, operating from England, France, and Belgium. Began combat on 14 May when it dispatched 12 planes for a minimum-level attack on a power plant in Holland. Sent 11 planes on a similar mission three days later: one returned early; the others, with 60 crewmen, were lost to flak and interceptors. Trained for medium-altitude operations for several weeks and resumed combat on 17 Jul 1943. Received a DUC for the period 14 May 1943-24 Jul 1944, during which its combat performance helped to prove the effectiveness of the medium bombers. Enemy airfields in France, Belgium, and Holland provided the principal targets from Jul 1943 through Feb 1944, but the group also attacked power stations, shipyards, construction works, marshalling yards, and other targets. Beginning in Mar the 322d bombed railroad and highway bridges, oil tanks, and missile sites in preparation for the invasion of Normandy; on 6 Jun 1944 it hit coastal defenses and gun batteries; afterward, during the Normandy campaign, it pounded fuel and ammunition dumps, bridges, and road junctions. Supported the Allied offensive at Caen and the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul. Aided the drive of Third Army across France in Aug and Sep. Bombed bridges, road junctions, defended villages, and ordnance depots in the assault on the Siegfried Line, Oct-Dec 1944. Flew a number of missions against railroad bridges during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Then concentrated on communications, marshalling yards, bridges, and fuel dumps until its last mission on 24 Apr 1945. Moved to Germany in Jun 1945. Engaged in inventorying and disassembling German Air Force equipment and facilities. Returned to the US, Nov-Dec 1945. Inactivated on 15 Dec 1945. Redesignated 322d Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 9 Aug 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Redesignated 322d Fighter-Day Group. Activated on 1 Jul 1954. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Equipped first with F-86 and later with F-100 aircraft. Squadrons. 35th: 1947-1949. 449th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 450th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949; 1954-. 451st: 1942-1945; 1947-1949; 1954-. 452d: 1942-1945; 1947-1949; 1954-. Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 17 Jul 1942; Drane Field, Fla, 22 Sep-Nov 1942; Rougham, England, c. 1 Dec 1942; Great Saling, England, Jan 1943; Beauvais/Tille, France, Sep 1944; Le Culot, Belgium, Mar 1945; Fritzlar, Germany, Jun-Sep 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 14-15 Dec 1945. Reading AAFld, Pa, 9 Aug 1947-27 Jun 1949. Foster AFB, Tex, 1 Jul 1954-. Commanders. Lt Col Jacob Brogger, c. 8 Aug 1942; Col Robert R Selway Jr, c. 21 Oct 1942; Lt Col John F Batjer, c. 22 Feb 1943; Lt Col Robert M Stillman, c. 17 Mar 1943; Col Glenn C Nye, c. 19 May 1943; Col John S Samuel, Jul 1944; Maj John L Egan, c. 12 Jul 1945-unkn. Col Carlos M Talbott, 1 Jul 1954-. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: ETO, 14 May 1943-24 Jul 1944. Insigne. Shield: Tierce per fess azure and or, five piles, three conjoined between two transposed counterchanged. Motto: Recto Faciendo Neminen Timeo - I Fear None in Doing Right. (Approved 9 Jan 1943.) 323d Bombardment Group Constituted as 323d Bombardment Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942. Activated on 4 Aug 1942. Trained with B-26's. Moved to England, Apr-Jun 1943. Assigned first to Eighth AF and, in Oct 1943, to Ninth AF. Began operations in Jul 1943, attacking marshalling yards, air dromes, industrial plants, military installations, and other targets in France, Belgium, and Holland. Then carried out numerous attacks on V-weapon sites along the coast of France. Attacked airfields at Leeuwarden and Venlo in conjunction with the Allied campaign against the German Air Force and aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Helped to prepare for the invasion of Normandy by bombing coastal defenses, marshalling yards, and airfields in France; struck roads and coastal batteries on 6 Jun 1944. Participated in the aerial barrage that assisted the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul. Flew its first night mission after moving to the Continent in Aug, striking enemy batteries in the region of St Malo. Carried out other night missions during the month to hit fuel and ammunition dumps. Eliminated strong points at Brest early in Sep and then shifted operations to eastern France to support advances against the Siegfried Line. Received a DUC for actions (24-27 Dec 1944) during the Battle of the Bulge when the group effectively hit transportation installations used by the enemy to bring reinforcements to the Ardennes. Flew interdictory missions into the Ruhr and supported the drive into Germany by attacking enemy communications. Ended combat in Apr 1945 and moved to Germany in May to participate in the disarmament program. Returned to the US in Dec. Inactivated on 12 Dec 1945. Redesignated 323d Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 9 Sep 1947. Ordered to active duty on 10 Mar 1951. Inactivated on 17 Mar 1951. Redesignated 323d Fighter-Bomber Group. Activated on 8 Aug 1955. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Squadrons. 453d: 1942-1945; 1949-1951; 1955-. 454th: 1942-1945; 1949-1951; 1955-. 455th: 1942-1945; 1949-1951; 1955-. 456th: 1942-1945; 1947-1951. Stations. Columbia AAB, SC, 4 Aug 1942; MacDill Field, Fla, 21 Aug 1942; Myrtle Beach Bombing Range, SC, 2 Nov 1942-25 Apr 1943; Horham, England, 1 May 1943; Earls Colne, England, 14 Jun 1943; Beaulieu, England, 21 Jul 1944; Lessay, France, 26 Aug 1944; Chartres, France, 21 Sep 1944; Laon/Athies, France 13 Oct 1944; Denain/Prouvy, France, Feb 1945; Gablingen, Germany, 15 May 1945; Landsberg, Germany, 16 Jul 1945; Clastres, France, Oct-Dec 1945; Camp Myles Standish, Mass, 11-12 Dec 1941; Tinker Field, Okla, 9 Sep 1947-17 May 1951. Bunker Hill AFB, Ind, 8 Aug 1955-. Commanders. Col Herbert B Thatcher, Sep 1942; Col Wilson R Wood, c. 13 Nov 1943; Col Rollin M Winingham, 14 Feb 1945; Lt Col George O Commenator, Aug 1945-unkn. Col John C Haygood, 1955-. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Belgium and Germany, 24-27 Dec 1944. Insigne. Shield: Per bend gules and azure, a bend between a mailed dexter gauntlet grasping a dagger and the winged hat of Mercury argent. Motto: Vincamus Sine Timoris - Without Fear We Conquer. (Approved 16 Feb 1943. This insigne was replaced 21 Jun 1957.) 324th Fighter Group Constituted as 324th Fighter Group on 24 Jun 1942. Activated on 6 Jul 1942. Moved to the Middle East, Oct-Dec 1942, for operations with Ninth AF. Trained for several weeks with P-40 aircraft. While headquarters remained in Egypt, squadrons of the group began operating with other organizations against the enemy in Tunisia. Reunited in Jun 1943, the 324th group engaged primarily in escort and patrol missions between Tunisia and Sicily until Jul 1943. Received a DUC for action against the enemy from Mar 1943 to the invasion of Sicily. Trained during Jul-Oct 1943 for operations with Twelfth AF. Resumed combat on 30 Oct 1943 and directed most of its attacks against roads, bridges, motor transports, supply areas, rolling stock, gun positions, troop concentrations, and rail facilities in Italy until Aug 1944. Patrolled the beach and protected convoys during the assault on Anzio in Jan 1944. Aided the Allied offensive in Italy during May 1944, receiving another DUC for action from 12 to 14 May when the group bombed an enemy position on Monastery Hill (Cassino), attacked troops massing on the hill for counterattack, and hit a nearby stronghold to force the surrender of an enemy garrison. Continued to give close support to ground forces until the fall of Rome in Jun 1944. Converted to P-47's in Jul and supported the assault on southern France in Aug by dive-bombing gun position, bridges, and radar facilities, and by patrolling the combat zone. Attacked such targets as motor transports, rolling stock, rail lines, troops, bridges, gun emplacements, and supply depots after the invasion, giving tactical support to Allied forces advancing through France. Aided the reduction of the Colmar bridgehead Jan-Feb 1945, and supported Seventh Army's drive through the Siegfried defenses in Mar. Received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for supporting French forces during the campaigns for Italy and France, 1944-1945. Moved to the US, Oct-Nov 1945. Inactivated on Nov 1945. Redesignated 103d Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Conn) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 7 Aug 1946. Ordered to active duty on 1 Mar 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Redesignated 103d Fighter-Interceptor Group in Mar 1951. Used F-47 aircraft. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Returned to the control of ANG (Conn) on 1 Dec 1952. Squadrons. 118th: 1951-1952. 314th: 1942-1945. 315th: 1942-1945. 316th: 1942-1945. Stations. Mitchel Field, NY, 6 Jul 1942; Baltimore Mun Aprt, Md, 6 Jul-8 Oct 1942; El Amiriya, Egypt, Dec 1942; El Kabrit, Egypt, 2 Feb 1943; Kairouan, Tunisia, 2 Jun 1943; El Haouaria, Tunisia, c. 18 Jun 1943; Menzel Heurr, Tunisia, 3 Oct 1943; Cercola, Italy, 25 Oct 1943; Pignataro Maggiore, Italy, 6 May 1944; Le Banca Airfield, Italy, 6 Jun 1944; Montalto Di Castro, Italy, 14 Jun 1944; Corsica, 19 Jul 1944; Le Luc, France, 25 Aug 1944; Istres, France, 2 Sep 1944; Amberieu, France, 6 Sep 1944; Tavaux, France, 20 Sep 1944; Luneville, France, 4 Jan 1945; Stuttgart, Germany, 8 May-20 Oct 1945; Camp Shanks, NY, Nov 1945. Bradley Field, Conn, 1 Mar 1951; Suffolk County Aprt, NY, 1 Jun 1951-6 Feb 1952. Commanders. Col William K McNown, c. Jul 1942; Col Leonard C Lydon, 25 Dec 1943; Lt Col Franklin W Horton, 23 May-Nov 1945. Col Glenn T Eagleston, 1951-6 Feb 1952. Campaigns. Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: North Africa and Sicily, Mar-[Jul] 1943; Cassino, 12-14 May 1944. French Croix de Guerre with Palm. Insigne. Shield: Or, a representation of a Connecticut colonial secretary running, with the Colony's Charter in his left hand proper (hat, coat, and breeches - blue; hair, vest, tie, shoes, and stockings - black; face, hands, shirt collar, shoe buckles, and charter - white) all within a diminished bordure tri-parted black, white, and black the white part separated to chief to form in code the letters FEA. (Approved 1 May 1953.) 325th Fighter Group Constituted as 325th Fighter Group 01 24 Jun 1942. Activated on 3 Aug 1942. Trained with P-40's. Moved to North Africa during Jan-Feb 1943. Assigned to Twelfth AF. Entered combat on 17 Apr. Escorted medium bombers, flew strafing missions, and made sea sweeps from bases in Algeria and Tunisia. Participated in the defeat of Axis forces in Tunisia, the reduction of Pantelleria, and the conquest of Sicily. Received a DUC for action over Sardinia on 30 Jul 1943 when the group, using diversionary tactics, forced a superior number of enemy planes into the air and destroyed more than half of them. Flew no combat missions from the end of Sep to mid-Dec 1943, a period in which the group changed aircraft and moved to Italy. Began operations with Fifteenth AF on 14 Dec, and afterward engaged primarily in escort operations, using P-47's until they were replaced by P-51's in May 1944. Escorted heavy bombers during long-range missions to attack the Messerschmitt factory at Regensburg, the Daimler-Benz tank factory at Berlin, oil refineries at Vienna, and other targets, such as airfields, marshalling yards, and communications in Italy, France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Rumania, and Yugoslavia. Also covered operations of reconnaissance aircraft and strafed such targets as trains, vehicles, and airfields. Received second DUC for a mission on 30 Jan 1944 when the group flew more than 300 miles at very low altitude to surprise the enemy fighters that were defending German airdromes near Villaorba; by severely damaging the enemy's force, the 325th group enabled heavy bombers to strike vital targets in the area without encountering serious opposition. Continued combat operations until May 1945. Returned to the US in Oct. Inactivated on 28 Oct 1945. Activated on 21 May 1947. Organized as an all-weather fighter group. Redesignated 325th Fighter Group (All Weather) in May 1498, and 325th Fighter-Interceptor Group in May 1951. Equipped with P-61's in 1947, F-82's in 1948, and F-94's in 1950. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Redesignated 325th Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with F-86 aircraft. Squadrons. 317th: 1942-1945; 1947-1952; 1955-. 318th: 1942-1945; 1947-1952; 1955-. 319th: 1942-1945; 1947-1952. Stations. Mitchel Field, NY, 3 Aug 1942; Hillsgrove, RI, c. 31 Aug 1942-23 Jan 1943; Tafaraoui, Algeria, 28 Feb 1943; Montesquieu, Algeria, 5 Apr 1943; Souk-el-Khemis, Tunisia, 3 Jun 1943; Mateur, Tunisia, 19 Jun 1943; Soliman, Tunisia, 4 Nov 1943; Foggia, Italy, 11 Dec 1943; Lesina, Italy, 29 Mar 1944; Rimini, Italy, c. 5 Mar 1945; Mondolfo, Italy, Apr 1945; Vincenzo Airfield, Italy, July-9 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 26-28 Oct 1945. Mitchel Field, NY, 21 May 1947; Hamilton Field, Calif, 2 Dec 1947; Moses Lake AFB, Wash, 26 Nov 1948; McChord AFB, Wash, 23 Apr 1950-6 Feb 1952. McChord AFB, Wash, 18 Aug 1955-. Commanders. Maj Leonard C Lydon, 3 Aug 1942; Lt Col Gordon H Austin, 10 Dec 1942; Lt Col Robert L Baseler, 5 Jul 1943; Col Chester L Sluder, 1 Apr 1944; Lt Col Ernest H Beverly, 11 Sep 1944; Col Felix L Vidal, 2 Mar 1945; Lt Col Wyatt P Exum, 6 Jun 1945; Lt Col Wilhelm C Freudenthal, c. 30 Aug 1945- unkn. Unkn, May-Dec 1947; Lt Col Gordon D Timmons, 2 Dec 1947; Col Harold E Kofahl, c. Jan 1948; Lt Col Walter C Hearne, 1948; Lt Col Kermit A Tyler, 6 Mar 1950; Col George W Prentice, 27 Mar 1950-unkn; Col Raymond K Gallagher, 1951-c. Feb 1952. Unkn, 1955-. 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: Sardinia, 30 Jul 1943; Italy, 30 Jan 1944. Insigne. Shield: Per fess, sable and azure, a fess arched, argent, upper line nebuly, over all a lightning flash or, issuing from dexter chief. Motto: Locare Et Liquidare - Locate and Liquidate. (Approved 1 Oct 1951.) 326th Fighter Group Constituted as 326th Fighter Group on 24 Jun 1942. Activated on 19 Aug 1942. Assigned to First AF. Became part of the air defense force and also served as an operational training unit. Later became a replacement training unit, preparing pilots for combat duty in P-47's. Disbanded on 10 Apr 1944. Reconstituted and redesignated 326th Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun 1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Equipped with F-86's. Squadrons. 320th: 1942-1943. 321st: 1942-1944; 1955-. 322d: 1942-1944. 442d: 1943. 538th: 1943-1944. 539th: 1943-1944. Stations. Mitchel Field, NY, 19 Aug 1942; Bradley Field, Conn, 1 Sep 1942 Westover Field, Mass, 1 Nov 1942; Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 13 Oct 1943-10 Apr 1944. Paine AFB, Wash, 18 Aug 1955-. Commanders. Lt Col Gilbert L Meyers, c. 24 Aug 1942; Lt Col William S Steele, c. 14 Jun 1943-10 Apr 1944. Col Ira Wintermute, 1955-. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Azure, a cockatrice volant or crested and beaked gules. Motto: Fortiter Et Sincere - Boldly and Sincerely. (Approved 31 Dec 1942.) 327th Fighter Group Constituted as 327th Fighter Group on 24 Jun 1942. Activated on 25 Aug 1942. Assigned to First AF. Became part of the air defense force and also served as an operational training unit, using P-40's until Feb 1943 when they were replaced by P-47's. In 1944 began training replacement pilots for combat duty. Disbanded on 10 Apr 1944. Reconstituted and redesignated 327th Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun 1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with F-86's. Squadrons. 323d: 1942-1944; 1955-. 324th: 1942-1944. 325th: 1942-1944; 1955-. 443d: 1943-1944. Stations. Mitchel Field, NY, 25 Aug 1942; Philadelphia Mun Aprt, Pa, 27 Aug 1942; Richmond AAB, Va, c. 22 Sept 1942-10 Apr 1944. Truax Field, Wis, 18 Aug 1955-. Commanders. Col Nelson P Jackson, unkn; Lt Col Frederick Nelander, unkn. Col Oris B Johnson, 1955-. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Or, the head of the mythical Gorgon Medusa affronte azure, armed gumes. Motto: Ne Deficit Animus - Courage Does Not Fail Me. (Approved 27 Feb 1943. This insigne was replaced 16 May 1958.) 328th Fighter Group Constituted as 328th Fighter Group 0 24 Jun 1942. Activated on 10 Jul 1942. Assigned to Fourth AF. Served as part of the air defense force and also trained replacement pilots in P-39 aircraft. Disbanded on 31 Mar 1944. Reconstituted and redesignated 328th Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun 1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Equipped with F-86's. Squadrons. 326th: 1942-1944; 1955-. 327th: 1942-1944. 329th: 1942-1944. 444th: 1943-1944. Stations. Hamilton Field, Calif, 10 Jul 1942-31 Mar 1944. Grandview AFB, Mo, 18 Aug 1955-. Commanders. Maj Frederick D Granbo, 10 Jul 1942; Lt Col Harry N Renshaw, 11 Jan 1943; Lt Col Milton B Adams, 7 Jul 1943; Lt Col Kyle L Riddle, 13 Nov 1943; Col J C Crosthwaite, 4 Jan 1944; Col John W Weltman, 31 Jan-31 Mar 1944. Col Richard F Weltzin, 1955-. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Azure, a natural panther rampant affronte or, incensed proper. Motto: Fast And Furious. (Approved 23 Feb 1943. This insigne was replaced 24 Nov 1958.)
329th Fighter Group - 339th Fighter Group 329th Fighter Group Constituted as 329th Fighter Group on 24 Jun 1942. Activated on 10 Jul 1942. Assigned to Fourth AF. Used P-38's to train replacement pilots. Also provided cadres for fighter groups. Disbanded on 31 Mar 1944. Reconstituted and redesignated 329th Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun 1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with F-86's. Squadrons. 330th: 1942-1944; 1955-. 331st: 1942-1944; 1955-. 332d: 1942-1944. 337th: 1942-1944. Stations. Hamilton Field, Calif, 10 Jul 1942; Paine Field, Wash, 14 Jul 1942; Glendale, Calif, 11 Sep 1942; Ontario AAFld, Calif, 27 Feb-31 Mar 1944. Stewart AFB, NY, 18 Aug 1955-. Commanders. Maj Ernest W Keating, 12 Jul 1942; Maj Harold E Kofahl, 8 Nov 1942; Maj Leo F Dusard, 18 Dec 1942; Lt Col Paul W Blanchard, c. 14 Feb 1943; Lt Col Leo F Dusard, 11 May 1943; Lt COl John P Randolph, 26 Oct 1943-31 Mar 1944. Col Emil L Sluga, 1955-. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: On a background of the sky proper, a sinister arm embowed, fessways, issuing from sinister, habited azure, with leather falconer's glove proper, a falcon or, perched for flight on the gloved hand. (Approved 25 Jul 1957.) 330th Bombardment Group Constituted as 330th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 1 Jul 1942 and activated on 6 Jul. Assigned to Second AF. Functioned as an operational training and later as a replacement training unit, using B-24 aircraft. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 330th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Prepared for combat with B-29's. Moved to Guam, Jan-Apr 1945, and assigned to Twentieth AF. Entered combat on 12 Apr 1945 with an attack on the Hodogaya chemical plant at Koriyama, Japan. From Apr to May 1945, struck airfields from which the Japanese were launching suicide planes against the invasion force at Okinawa. After that, operations were principally concerned with incendiary attacks against urban-industrial areas of Japan. Received a DUC for incendiary raids on the industrial sections of Tokushima and Gifu and for a strike against the hydroelectric power center at Kofu, Japan, in Jul 1945. Received another DUC for attacking the Nakajima-Musashino aircraft engine plant near Tokyo in Aug 1945. Dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners and participated in several show-of-force missions over Japan after the war. Returned to the US, Nov-Dec 1945. Inactivated on 3 Jan 1946. Redesignated 330th Bombardment Group (Medium). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered to active duty on 1 May 1951. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1951. Redesignated 330th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) and allotted to the reserve. Activated on 14 Jun 1952. Inactivated on 14 Jul 1952. Squadrons. 457th: 1942-1944; 1944-1945; 1949-1951; 1952. 458th: 1942-1944; 1944-1945; 1952. 459th: 1942-1944; 1944-1945; 1952. 460th: 1942-1944; 1944. Stations. Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, 6 Jul 1942; Alamogordo, NM, 1 Aug 1942; Biggs Field, Tex, 5 Apr 1943-1 Apr 1944. Walker AAFld, Kan, 1 Apr 1944-7 Jan 1945; North Field, Guam, 18 Feb-15 Nov 1945; Camp Stoneman, Calif, unkn-3 Jan 1946. March AFB, Calif, 27 Jun 1949-16 Jun 1951. Greater Pittsburgh Aprt, Pa, 14 Jun-14 Jul 1952. Commanders. Maj Leroy A Rainey, 1 Aug 1942; Lt Col John R Sutherland, 5 Sep 1942; Lt Col John A Way, 1 Dec 1942; Lt Col Samuel C Mitchell, 6 Mar 1943; Lt Col Frank P Bostrom, 15 May 1943; Lt Col Troy W Crawford, 27 Jul 1943; Col Frank P Bostrom, 11 Nov 1943; Lt Col Troy W Crawford, 27 Nov 1943-1 Apr 1944. 1st Lt James J Shaffner, 29 Apr 1944; Maj John G Reiber, 3 May 1944; Col Estley R Farley, 26 May 1944; Col Elbert D Reynolds, 23 Jun 1944; Col Douglas C Polhamus, 12 Aug 1944-unkn. Unkn, 1 May-16 Jun 1951. Campaigns. American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Western Pacific. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Japan, 3-9 Jul 1945; Tokyo, Japan, 8 Aug 1945. Insigne. None. 331st Bombardment Group Constituted as 331st Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 1 Jul 1942 and activated on 6 Jul. Assigned to Second AF. Equipped with B-17's and B-24's for duty as a replacement training unit. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 331st Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 12 Jul 1944. Assigned to Second AF. Trained for combat with B-29's. Moved to Guam, Apr-Jun 1945, and assigned to Twentieth AF. Bombed Japanese-held Truk late in Jun 1945. Flew first mission against the Japanese home islands on 9 Jul 1945 and afterward operated principally against the enemy's petroleum industry on Honshu. Despite the hazards of bad weather, fighter attacks, and heavy flak, the 331st bombed the coal liquefaction plant at Ube, the Mitsubishi-Hayama petroleum complex at Kawasaki, and the oil refinery and storage facilities at Shimotsu, in Jul 1945, and received a DUC for the missions. After the war the group dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners of war in Japan. Inactivated on Guam on 15 Apr 1946. Squadrons. 355th: 1944-1946. 356th: 1944-1946. 357th: 1944-1946. 461st: 1942-1944. 462d: 1942-1944. 463d: 1942-1944. 464th: 1942-1944. Stations. Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, 6 Jul 1942; Casper AAFld, Wyo, 15 Sep 1942-1 Apr 1944. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 12 Jul 1944; McCook AAFld, Neb, 14 Nov 1944-6 Apr 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 12 May 1945-15 Apr 1946. Commanders. Unkn, Jul-Sep 1942; 2d Lt William B Moeser, 17 Sep 1942; Lt Col Frank P Hunter Jr, 29 Sep 1942; Lt Col William Lewis Jr, 5 Mar 1943; Lt Col Marcus A Mullen, 1 Feb-1 Apr 1944. Maj Willard W Wilson, 26 Jul 1944; Lt Col Hadley V Saehlenou, 30 Jul 1944; Col Hoyt L Prindle, 19 Aug 1944; Col James N Peyton, 24 Jan 1945; Lt Col Roland Barnick, Oct 1945-15 Apr 1946. Campaigns. American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 22-29 Jul 1945. Insigne. Shield: Azure, three sea gulls volant or, on a chief of the last a thunderbolt gules, irradiated of the field. Motto: Imparido Pectore - With Undaunted Heart. (Approved 22 Dec 1942.) 332d Fighter Group Constituted as 332d Fighter Group on 4 Jul 1942. Activated on 13 Oct 1942. Trained with P-39 and P-40 aircraft. Moved to Italy, arriving early in Feb 1944. Began operations with Twelfth AF on 5 Feb. Used P-39's to escort convoys, protect harbors, and fly armed reconnaissance missions. Converted to P-47's during Apr-May and changed to P-51's in Jun. Operated with Fifteenth AF from May 1944 to Apr 1945, being engaged primarily in protecting bombers that struck such objectives as oil refineries, factories, airfields, and marshalling yards in Italy, France, Germany, Poland, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, Yugoslavia, Rumania, Bulgaria, and Greece. Also made strafing attacks on airdromes, railroads, highways, bridges, river traffic, troop concentrations, radar facilities, power stations, and other targets. Received a DUC for a mission on 24 Mar 1945 when the group escorted B-17's during a raid on a tank factory at Berlin, fought the interceptors that attacked the formation, and strafed transportation facilities while flying back to the base in Italy. Returned to the US in Oct 1945. Inactivated on 19 Oct 1945. Activated on 1 Jul 1947. Equipped with P-47's. Inactivated on 1 Jul 1949. Squadrons. 99th: 1944-1945; 1947-1949. 100th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 301st: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 302d: 1942-1945. Stations. Tuskegee, Ala, 13 Oct 1942; Selfridge Field, Mich, 29 Mar 1943; Oscoda, Mich, 12 Apr 1943; Selfridge Field, Mich, 9 Jul-22 Dec 1943; Montecorvino, Italy, 3 Feb 1944; Capodichino, Italy, 15 Apr 1944; Ramitelli Airfield, Italy, 28 May 1944; Cattolica, Italy, c. 4 May 1945; Lucera, Italy, c. 18 Jul-Sep 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 17-19 Oct 1945. Lockbourne AAB, Ohio, 1 Jul 1947-1 Jul 1949. Commanders. Lt Col Sam W Westbrook Jr, 19 Oct 1942; Col Robert R Selway Jr, 16 May 1943; Col Benjamin O Davis Jr, 8 Oct 1943; Maj George S Roberts, 3 Nov 1944; Col Benjamin O Davis Jr, 24 Dec 1944; Maj George S Roberts, 9 Jun 1945-unkn. Unkn, 1 Jul-28 Aug 1947; Maj William A Campbell, 28 Aug 1947-1 Jul 1949. Campaigns. American Theater; Air Combat, EAME Theater; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; North Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe; Po Valley. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 24 Mar 1945. Insigne. Shield: Azure on a fess nebule or, a panther passant sable armed and incensed gules. Motto: Spit Fire. (Approved 15 Jan 1943.) 333d Bombardment Group Constituted as 333d Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 9 Jul 1942 and activated on 15 Jul. Assigned to Second AF and equipped with B-17's. Served first as an operational training and later as a replacement training unit. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 333d Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 7 Jul 1944. Assigned to Second AF. Trained for combat with B-29 aircraft. Moved to the Pacific theater, Jun-Aug 1945, and assigned to Eighth AF. AAF operations against Japan terminated before the group could enter combat. For a time after the war the group ferried Allied prisoners of war from Japan to the Philippine Islands. Inactivated on Okinawa on 28 May 1946. Squadrons. 435th: 1944-1946. 460th: 1944-1946. 466th: 1942-1944. 467th: 1942-1944. 468th: 1942-1944. 469th: 1942-1944. 507th: 1944-1946. Stations. Topeka, Kan, 15 Jul 1942; Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 22 Feb 1943-1 Apr 1944. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 7 Jul 1944; Great Bend AAFld, Kan, 13 Jan-18 Jun 1945; Kadena, Okinawa, 5 Aug 1945-28 May 1946. Commanders. Unkn, Jul-Aug 1942; Col Leo W De Rosier, c. 25 Aug 1942; Lt Col Ted Faulkner, 1943; Lt Col Donald W Saunders, Sep 1943; Maj Walter D Atkins, 3 Jan 1944-unkn. Capt Harry J Whelchel, 26 Jul 1944; Col Milton F Summerfelt, 11 Aug 1944; Lt Col Ray H Martin, 15 Aug 1945-unkn. Campaigns. American Theater; Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. None. 334th Bombardment Group Constituted as 334th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 9 Jul 1942 and activated on 16 Jul. Assigned to Third AF. Equipped with B-25's. Trained replacement crews for combat. Disbanded on 1 May 1944. Squadrons. 470th: 1942-1944. 471st: 1942-1944. 472d: 1942-1944. 473d: 1942-1944. Stations. Greenville AAB, SC, 16 Jul 1942-1 May 1944. Commanders. 1st Lt Francis M Whitlock Jr, 18 Jul 1942; Col A J Bird Jr, 5 Aug 1942-Apr 1944. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Azure, on a fess or between in chief three drop-bombs and in base four of the like of the second, three similar bombs of the first. Motto: Auxiliam Ab Alto - Aid from Above. (Approved 18 Feb 1943.) 335th Bombardment Group Constituted as 335th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 9 Jul 1942 and activated on 17 Jul. Assigned to Third AF. Equipped with B-26's. Served as a replacement training unit. Disbanded on 1 May 1944. Squadrons. 474th: 1942-1944. 475th: 1942-1944. 476th: 1942-1944. 477th: 1942-1944. Stations. Barksdale Field, La, 17 Jul 1942-1 May 1944. Commanders. Col Millard Lewis, 17 July 1942; Col Roland O S Akre, 10 Feb 1943; Lt Col Joe R Brabson, 12 May 1943; Col Joe W Kelly, 26 Jun 1943; Lt Col George R Anderson, 6 Nov 1943-1 May 1944. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Azure, from a fess nebuly a demi lion rampant issuant or. Motto: Fidus Et Fortis - Faithful and Brave. (Approved 19 Nov 1942.) 336th Bombardment Group Constituted as 336th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 9 Jul 1942 and activated on 15 Jul. Assigned to Third AF. Served as a replacement training unit for B-26 crews. Disbanded on 1 May 1944. Squadrons. 478th: 1942-1944. 479th: 1942-1944. 480th: 1942-1944. 481st: 1942-1944. Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 15 Jul 1942; Ft Myers, Fla, 10 Aug 1942; Avon Park, Fla, 13 Dec 1942; MacDill Field, Fla, 13 Oct 1943; Lake Charles AAFld, La, 6 Nov 1943-1 May 1944. Commanders. Lt Col Joshua T Winstead, 8 Aug 1942; Col Guy L McNeil, 3 Sep 1942; Lt Col Joshua T Winstead, 7 Oct 1942; Lt Col Hugh B Manson, 10 Dec 1943-1 May 1944. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. None. 337th Fighter Group Constituted as 337th Fighter Group on 16 Jul 1942 and activated on 23 Jul. Assigned to Third AF. Equipped with variety of aircraft, primarily P-40's (1942-1943) and P-51's (1944). Trained replacement crews for duty overseas. Disbanded on 1 May 1944. Reconstituted and redesignated 337th Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 20 Jun 1955. Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Equipped with F-86's. Squadrons. 98th: 1942-1944. 303rd 1942-1944. 304th: 1942-1944. 440th: 1943-1944. 460th: 1955-. Stations. Morris Field, NC, 23 Jul 1942; Drew Field, Fla, 7 Aug 1942; Sarasota, Fla, c. 3 Jan 1943-1 May 1944. Portland Intl Aprt, Ore, 18 Aug 1955-. Commanders. Lt Col James Ferguson, 27 Jul 1942; Col Charles Kegelman, 12 Nov 1943-1 May 1944. Col George F Ceuleers, 1955-. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Per fess abaisse embattled, and per pale, in the first quarter two stylized delta wing aircraft flying in close formation, noses to dexter chief, a contrail from the two aircraft, bendwise across the shield to the embattlement; four stars arched over the sinister chief, all colors counterchanged, or and sable. (Approved 26 Jun 1957.) 338th Fighter Group Constituted as 338th Fighter Group on 16 Jul 1942 and activated on 22 Jul. Assigned to Third AF. Trained replacement crews, using a variety of aircraft (P-39's, P-40's, P-47's, and P-51's) during the first year and P-47's after Sep 1943. Disbanded on 1 May 1944. Reconstituted, redesignated 338th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy), and allotted to the reserve, on 5 May 1947. Activated on 12 Jun 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Squadrons. 42d: 1947-1949. 305th. 1942-1944. 306th: 1942-1944. 312th: 1942-1944. 441st: 1943-1944. 560th: 1947-1949. 561st: 1947-1949. 562d: 1947-1949. 563d: 1947-1949. Stations. Dale Mabry Field, Fla, 22 Jul 1942-1 May 1944. Orchard Place Aprt Ill, 12 Jun 1947-27 Jun 1949. Commanders. 2d Lt Alfred T Bishop, 23 Jul 1942; Maj Robert B Richard, 7 Sep 1942; Col Lee Q Wasser, 18 Sep 1942; Lt Col Robert B Richard, 5 May 1943; Lt Col Oswald W Lunde, 10 Aug 1943; Lt Co] Dale D Brannon, 11 Jan-1 May 1944. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Azure, issuing from fess nebuly debased, a winged lion rampant or. Motto: Ad Metam - To the Goal. (Approved 14 Nov 1942.) 339th Fighter Group Constituted as 339th Bombardment Group (Dive) on 3 Aug 1942 and activated on 10 Aug. Equipped with A-24's and A-25's; converted to P-39's in Jul 1943. Redesignated 339th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943. Trained and participated in maneuvers. Moved to England, Mar-Apr 1944. Assigned to Eighth AF and equipped with P-51's. Began operations with a fighter sweep on 30 Apr. Redesignated 339th Fighter Group in May 1944. Engaged primarily in escort duties during its first five weeks of operations, and afterwards flew many escort missions to cover the operations of medium and heavy bombers that struck strategic objectives, interdicted the enemy's communications, or supported operations on the ground. Frequently strafed airdromes and other targets of opportunity while on escort missions. Received a DUC for operations on 10 and 11 Sep 1944. On the first of those days, when it escorted bombers to a target in Germany and then attacked an airdrome near Erding, the group destroyed or damaged many enemy planes despite the intense fire it encountered from antiaircraft guns and small arms. The following day the bomber formation being escorted to Munich was attacked by enemy fighters, but members of the 339th group destroyed a number of the interceptors and drove off the others; at the same time, other members of the 339th were attacking an airdrome near Karlsruhe, where they encountered heavy fire but were able to destroy or damage many of the aircraft parked on the field. The group provided fighter cover over the Channel and the coast of Normandy during the invasion of France in Jun 1944. Strafed and dive-bombed vehicles, locomotives, marshalling yards, antiaircraft batteries, and troops while Allied forces fought to break out of the beachhead in France. Attacked transportation targets as Allied armies drove across France after the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul. Flew area patrols during the airborne attack on Holland in Sep. Escorted bombers to, and flew patrols over the battle area during the German counterattack in the Ardennes (Battle of the Bulge), Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Provided area patrols during the assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Among all these varied activities, the outstanding feature of this group's combat record is the large number of enemy aircraft it destroyed in the air or on the ground during its one year of operations. Returned to the US in Oct. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1945. Redesignated 107th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (NY) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 8 Dec 1948. Redesignated 107th Fighter-Interceptor Group in Sep 1952. Squadrons. 485th: 1942-1943. 503d (formerly 482d): 1942-1945. 504th (formerly 483d): 1942-1945. 505th (formerly 484th): 1942-1945. Stations. Hunter Field, Ga, 10 Aug 1942; Drew Field, Fla, Feb 1943; Walterboro AAFld, SC, Jul 1943; Rice AAFld, Calif, Sep 1943-Mar 1944; Fowlmere, England, 4 Apr 1944-Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 16-18 Oct 1945. Commanders. 2d Lt Harold Garret, c. 18 Aug 1942-unkn; Lt Col Marvin S Zipp, Feb 1943; Maj Harry L Galusha, 19 Feb 1943; Col John B Henry Jr, Aug 1943; Lt Col Harold W Scruggs, c. 1 Oct 1944; Lt Col Carl T Goldenberg, 24 Dec 1944; Col John B Henry Jr, 29 Dec 1944; Lt Col William C Clark, 14 Apr 1945-unkn. Campaigns. American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 1-11 Sep 1944. Insigne. Shield: Per fess enhanced embattled light blue and azure (dark blue) fimbriated argent in sinister base a mailed fist proper grasping a lance bendwise or, enfiling a cockatrice proper (light green) armed, combed, wattled, and scaled or, all between two clouds of the third. Crest: A dexter hand proper, grasping a winged torch or, flamed proper, above a wreath of the colors, argent and arzure. Motto: Strength Through Alertness. (Approved 30 Jul 1954.)
|
340th Bombardment Group - 347th Fighter
Group
340th Bombardment Group Constituted as 340th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 10 Aug 1942 and activated on 20 Aug. Trained with B-25's for duty overseas. Arrived in the Mediterranean theater in Mar 1943. Assigned first to Ninth AF and later (in Aug 1943) to Twelfth. Served in combat from Apr 1943 to Apr 1945. Engaged chiefly in support and interdictory missions, but sometimes bombed strategic objectives. Targets included airfields, railroads, bridges, road junctions, supply depots, gun emplacements, troop concentrations, marshalling yards, and factories in Tunisia, Sicily, Italy, France, Austria, Bulgaria, Albania, Yugoslavia, and Greece. Also dropped propaganda leaflets behind enemy lines. Participated in the reduction of Pantelleria and Lampedusa in Jun 1943, the bombing of German evacuation beaches near Messina in Jul, the establishment of the Salerno beachhead in Sep, the drive for Rome during Jan-Jun 1944, the invasion of Southern France in Aug, and attacks on the Brenner Pass and other German lines of communication in northern Italy from Sep 1944 to Apr 1945. Received a DUC for the period Apr-Aug 1943 when, although handicapped by difficult living conditions and unfavorable weather, the group supported British Eighth Army in Tunisia and Allied forces in Sicily. Received second DUC for the destruction of a cruiser in the heavily defended harbor of La Spezia on 23 Sep 1944 before the ship could be used by the enemy to block the harbor's entrance. Returned to the US, Jul-Aug 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945. Redesignated 340th Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 31 Oct 1947. Inactivated on 19 Aug 1949. Squadrons. 486th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 487th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 488th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 489th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. Stations. Columbia AAB, SC, 20 Aug 1942; Walterboro, SC, 30 Nov 1942-30 Jan 1943; El Kabrit, Egypt, Mar 1943; Medenine, Tunisia, Mar 1943; Sfax, Tunisia, Apr 1943; Hergla, Tunisia, 2 Jun 1943; Comiso, Sicily, c. 2 Aug 1943; Catania, Sicily, 27 Aug 1943; San Pancrazio, Italy, c. 15 Oct 1943; Foggia, Italy, 19 Nov 1943; Pompeii, Italy, c. 2 Jan 1944; Paestum, Italy, 23 Mar 1944; Corsica, c. 14 Apr 1944; Rimini, Italy, c. 2 Apr-27 Jul 1945; Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 9 Aug 1945; Columbia AAB, SC, 2 Oct-7 Nov 1945. Tulsa Mun Aprt, Okla, 31 Oct 1947-19 Aug 1949. Commanders. Lt Col Adolph E Tokaz, 3 Sep 1942; Col William C Mills, 21 Sep 1942; Lt Col Adolph E Tokaz, 7 May 1943; Col Charles D Jones, 8 Jan 1944; Col Willis F Chapman, 16 Mar 1944-7 Nov 1945. Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Central Europe; Po Valley. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: North Africa and Sicily, [Apr]-17 Aug 1943; Italy, 23 Sep 1944. Insigne. Shield: Per fess nebuly, azure and argent, in chief two cloud formations proper, one issuing from the dexter and one issuing from the sinister, in base three stars of five points, of the first, two and one, all surmounted in fess, with an ear of wheat proper and a lightning flash, gules in saltire, an edge around the shield sable. Motto: Anywhere - Anytime. (Approved 12 Sep 1955.) 341st Bombardment Group Constituted as 341st Bombardment Group (Medium) on 14 Aug 1942. Activated in India on 15 Sep 1942. Equipped with B-25's. Entered combat early in 1943 and operated chiefly against enemy transportation in central Burma until 1944. Bombed bridges, locomotives, railroad yards, and other targets to delay movement of supplies to the Japanese troops fighting in northern Burma. Moved to China in Jan 1944. Engaged primarily in sea sweeps and attacks against inland shipping. Also bombed and strafed such targets as trains, harbors, and railroads in French Indochina and the Canton-Hong Kong area of China. Received a DUC for developing and using a special (glip) bombing technique against enemy bridges in French Indochina. Moved to the US in Oct 1945. Inactivated on 2 Nov 1945. Redesignated 341st Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 27 Dec 1946. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Squadrons. 10th: 1947-1949. 11th: 1942-1945. 12th: 1947-1949. 22d: 1942-1945. 490th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 491st: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. Stations. Karachi, India, 15 Sep 1942; Chakulia, India, 30 Dec 1942; Kurmitola, India, Jun 1943; Kunming, China, 7 Jan 1944; Yangkai, China, 13 Dec 1944-unkn; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-2 Nov 1945. Westover Field, Mass, 27 Dec 1946-27 Jun 1949. Commanders. Col Torgils G Wold, 15 Sep 1942; Col James A Philpott, 21 Sep 1943; Col Torgils G Wold, 2 Nov 1943; Col Morris F Taber, 23 Nov 1943; Col Joseph B Wells, 11 Apr 1944; Col Donald L Clark, c. 1 Dec 1944; Col James W Newsome, 16 Apr 1945-unkn. Campaigns. India-Burma; China Defensive; China Offensive. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: French Indochina, 11 Dec 1944-12 Mar 1945. Insigne. Shield: Per fess nebuly azure and argent a semee of stars in chief of the last, over all in pale a sheathed sword proper (white, silver gray shading and deep gray outlines), the rim of the sheath and winged hilt and pommel or (outline and detail deep gray); the blade entwined with a girdle of the last; the sword point downward between two bolts of lightning radiating upward gules; over all, in base a branch of olive vert, detail vein lin or. Motto: Pax Orbis Per Arma Aeria - World Peace through Air Strength. (Approved 5 Jun 1957.) 342d Composite Group Constituted as 342d Composite Group on 29 Aug 1942. Activated on 11 Sep 1942 in Iceland. Equipped with P-38's, P-39's, P-40's, and a B-18, the group served as part of the island's defense force, intercepting and destroying some of the German planes that on occasion attempted to attack Iceland or that appeared in that area on reconnaissance missions. Also conducted antisubmarine patrols in the North Atlantic and provided cover for convoys on the run to Murmansk. Disbanded on 18 Mar 1944. Reconstituted and redesignated 342d Fighter-Day Group, on 7 May 1956. Activated on 25 Jul 1956. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Squadrons. 33d Fighter: 1942-1944; 1956-. 50th Fighter: 1942-1944. 337th Fighter: 1942. 572d: 1956-. 573d: 1956-. Stations. Iceland, 11 Sep 1942-18 Mar 1944. Myrtle Beach AFB, SC, 25 Jul 1956-. Commanders. Lt Col J S Holtoner, 11 Sep 1942; Lt Col W W Korges, 2 Jun 1943; Lt Col Cy Wilson, 10 Aug 1943-unkn. Maj Charles S Boster, Jul 1956-. Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. None. 343d Fighter Group Constituted as 343d Fighter Group on 3 Sep 1942 and activated in Alaska on 11 Sep. Assigned to Eleventh AF. Began operations immediately. Provided air defense for the Aleutians; bombed and strafed Japanese camps, antiaircraft emplacements, hangars, and radio stations on Kiska; escorted bombers that struck enemy airfields, harbor facilities, and shipping. Flew its last combat mission in Oct 1943, but carried out patrol and reconnaissance assignments in the area until the end of the war. Later trained, carried mail, and served as part of the defense force for Alaska. Used P-38's and P-40's, and later (1946) P-51's. Inactivated in Alaska on 15 Aug 1946. Redesignated 343d Fighter Group (Air Defense) on 20 Jun 1955. Activated in the US on 18 Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with F-89's. Squadrons. 11th: 1942-1946; 1955-. 18th: 1942-1946. 54th: 1942-1946. 344th: 1942-1946. Stations. Elmendorf Field, Alaska, 11 Sep 1942; Ft Glenn, Alaska, Sep 1942; Elmendorf Field, Alaska, 3 Dec 1942; Adak, 7 Mar 1943; Amchitka, 25 Jul 1943; Alexai Point, Alaska, 22 Jan 1944; Shemya, 5 Oct 1945-15 Aug 1946. Duluth Mun Aprt, Minn, 18 Aug 1955-. Commanders. Lt Col John S Chennault, 11 Sep 1942; Lt COl Edgar A Boadway, 16 Nov 1942; Maj Edgar A Romberg, 10 Dec 1942; Lt COl Anthony V Grossetta, 19 Mar 1943; Lt Col James R Watt, 19 Apr 1943; Maj Edgar A Romberg, 25 May 1943; Lt Col William E Elder, 3 Jun 1943; COl Robert H Jones, 17 Oct 1943; Lt Col Dean Davenport, 18 Oct 1945; Maj Benjamin H King, 19 Jul-15 Aug 1946. Col George L Hicks III, 18 Aug 1955-. Campaigns. Aleutian Islands. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Azure, fimbriated argent, within a diminutive border gules, an Indian arrow issuing from base, in pale, the shaft or, the arrowhead proper, markings and outline black, the thong fastening of the third, superimposed over the arrowhead a missile, in bend sinister, the power stream swirling upward to dexter chief all of the second, a sound barrier symbol in sinister chief sable. (Approved 3 Feb 1956.) 344th Bombardment Group Constituted as 344th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 31 Aug 1942. Activated on 8 Sep 1942. Equipped with B-26's and served as a replacement training unit. Moved to England, Jan-Feb 1944. Began operations with Ninth AF in Mar, attacking airfields, missile sites, marshalling yards, submarine shelters, coastal defenses, and other targets in France, Belgium, and Holland. Beginning in May, helped prepare for the Normandy invasion by striking vital bridges in France. On D-Day 1944 attacked coastal batteries at Cherbourg; during the remainder of Jun, supported the drive that resulted in the seizure of the Cotentin Peninsula. Bombed defended positions to assist British forces in the area of Caen. Received a DUC for three-day action against the enemy, 24-26 Jul 1944, when the group struck troop concentrations, supply dumps, a bridge, and a railroad viaduct to assist advancing ground forces at St Lo. Knocked out bridges to hinder the enemy's withdrawal through the Falaise gap, and bombed vessels and strong points at Brest, Aug-Sep 1944. Attacked bridges, rail lines, fortified areas, supply dumps, and ordnance depots in Germany, Oct-Nov 1944. Supported Allied forces during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, and continued to strike such targets as supply points, communications centers, bridges, marshalling yards, roads, and oil storage tanks until Apr 1945. Made training flights and participated in air demonstrations after the war. Moved to Germany in Sep 1945 and, as part of United States Air Forces in Europe, served with the army of occupation. Began training in A-26 but continued to use B-26 aircraft. Redesignated 344th Bombardment Group (Light) in Dec 1945. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to the US on 15 Feb 1946. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946. Redesignated 126th Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to ANG (Ill) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 29 Jun 1947. Redesignated 126th Composite Group in Nov 1950, and 126th Bombardment Group (Light) in Feb 1951. Ordered to active service on 1 Apr 1951 and assigned to Tactical Air Command. Moved to France, Nov-Dec 1951, and assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe. Used B-26's for training and maneuvers. Relieved from active duty and transferred, without personnel and equipment, to the control of ANG (Ill), on 1 Jan 1953. Redesignated 126th Fighter-Bomber Group. Squadrons. 108th: 1951-1953. 115th: 1951. 168th: 1951-1953. 180th: 1951-1953. 494th: 1942-1946. 495th: 1942-1946. 496th: 1942-1946. 497th: 1942-1945. Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 8 Sep 1942; Drane Field, Fla, 28 Dec 1942; Hunter Field, Ga, 19 Dec 1943-26 Jan 1944; Stansted, England, Feb 1944; Cormeilles-en-Vexin, France, 30 Sep 1944; Florennes/Juzaine, Belgium, 5 Apr 1945; Schleissheim, Germany, c. 15 Sep 1945-15 Feb 1946; Bolling Field, DC, 15 Feb-31 Mar 1946. O'Hare Intl Aprt, Ill, 1 Apr 1951; Langley AFB, Va, 25 Jul-19 Nov 1951; Bordeaux AB, France, 7 Dec 1951; Laon AB, France, c. 25 May 1952-1 Jan 1953. Commanders. Lt Col Jacob Brogger, 10 Oct 1942; Col Guy L McNeil, 2 Nov 1942; COl John A Hilger, 7 Nov 1942; Lt Col Vernon L Stintzi, 20 Jul 1943; Maj Robert W Witty, c. 6 Aug 1943; Col Reginald F C Vance, 19 Sep 1943; Col Robert W Witty, 7 Nov 1944; Lt Col Lucius D Clay Jr, 18 Aug 1945-15 Feb 1946. Col Russell B Daniels, 1 Apr 1951; Lt Col Carl R Norton, 25 Jun 1951; Lt Col Max H Mortensen, 21 Jul 1952; Col Glen W Clark, 5 Aug 1952; Lt Col Max H Mortensen, 18 Nov 1952-c. 1 Jan 1953. Campaigns. American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 24-26 Jul 1944. Insigne. Shield: Azure, a bend nebule or, between four spears, points to base, two and two of the last, inflamed proper. Motto: We Win Or Die. (Approved 9 Jan 1943.) 345th Bombardment Group Constituted as 345th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 3 Sep 1942 and activated on 8 Sep. Trained for overseas duty with B-25's. Moved to New Guinea, via Australia, Apr-Jun 1943, and assigned to Fifth AF. Entered combat on 30 Jun 1943. Operations until Jul 1944 included bombing and strafing Japanese airfields and installations in New Guinea and the Bismarck Archipelago; attacking shipping in the McCluer Gulf, Ceram Sea, and Bismarck Sea; supporting ground forces in the Admiralties; dropping supplies to ground troops; and flying courier and reconnaissance missions in the area. Received a DUC for a series of attacks against flak positions, shore installations, and barracks at Rabaul, New Britain, on 2 Nov 1943. Operated from Biak, Jul-Nov 1944, striking airfields and shipping in the southern Philippines and the Celebes. In Nov 1944 moved to the Philippines where targets included Japanese airfields and communications on Luzon, industries and communications on Formosa, and shipping along the China coast. After moving to Ie Shima in Jul 1945, flew some missions over Kyushu and the Sea of Japan. Returned to the US in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 29 Dec 1945. Redesignated 345th Bombardment Group (Tactical). Activated on 19 Jul 1954. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Equipped with B-26's and later with B-57's. Squadrons. 498th: 1942-1945; 1954-. 499th: 1942-1945; 1954-. 500th: 1942-1945; 1954-. 501st: 1942-1945. Stations. Columbia AAB, SC, 8 Sep 1942; Walterboro AAFld, SC, 6 Mar-16 Apr 1943; Port Moresby, New Guinea, 5 Jun 1943; Dobodura, New Guinea, 18 Jan 1944; Nadzab, New Guinea, c. 16 Feb 1944; Biak, Jul 1944; Leyte, 12 Nov 1944; Dulag, Leyte, Dec 1944; Tacloban, Leyte, c. 1 Jan 1945; San Marcelino, Luzon, 1 Feb 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 12 May 1945; Ie Shima, 25 Jul-10 Dec 1945; Camp Stoneman, Calif, 27-29 Dec 1945. Langley AFB, Va, 19 Jul 1954-. Commanders. Col Jarred V Crabb, 11 Nov 1942; Col Clinton U True, 19 Sep 1943; Col Chester A Coltharp, 24 Jun 1944; Col Glenn A Doolittle, 28 Jun 1945-unkn. Col John G Napier, 19 Jul 1954-. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; New Guinea; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines; China Offensive. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Rabaul, New Britain, 2 Nov 1943. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. Insigne. On a disc azure, an orle argent, surmounting all the head, in profile, of an Apache, proper, wearing a feathered headdress of the second, with markings gules, and a string of animal's teeth of the second. Motto: Air Apaches. (Approved 1 May 1954.) 346th Bombardment Group Constituted as 346th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 3 Sep 1942 and activated on 7 Sep. Assigned to Second AF. Equipped with B-17's and B-24's. Served first as an operational training and later as a replacement training unit. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944. Redesignated 346th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 8 Aug 1944. Assigned to Second AF. Prepared for combat with B-29's. Moved to the Pacific theater, Jun-Aug 1945, and assigned to Eighth AF. The war ended before the group could begin combat operations. After the war the group participated in several show-of-force missions over Japan and for a time ferried Allied prisoners of war from Okinawa to the Philippine Islands. Inactivated on Okinawa on 30 Jun 1946. Squadrons. 461st: 1944-1946. 462d: 1944-1946. 463d: 1944-1946. 502d: 1942-1944. 503d: 1942-1944. 504th: 1942-1944. 505th: 1942-1944. Stations. Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, 7 Sep 1942; Smoky Hill AB, Kan, 3 Oct 1942; Dyersburg AAFld, Tenn, 26 Feb 1943-1 Apr 1944. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 18 Aug 1944; Pratt AAFld, Kan, 18 Jan 29 Jun 1945; Kadena, Okinawa, 7 Aug 1945-30 Jun 1946. Commanders. Col Budd Peaslee, 6 Oct 1942; Lt Col Samuel C Mitchell, 20 Dec 1942-1943; Lt Col John D Moorman, Mar 1943; Col Samuel C Gurney Jr, Oct 1943-1 Apr 1944. Maj James A Gibb Jr, 21 Aug 1944; Lt COl Charles E Dewey, 23 Aug 1944; Col William M Canterbury, 13 Sep 1944; Col Ben I Funk, 3 Jan 1945; Col Joseph F Carroll, 30 Nov 1945-30 Jun 1946. Campaigns. American Theater; Asiatic-Pacific Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. None. 347th Fighter Group Constituted as 347th Fighter Group on 29 Sep 1942. Activated in New Caledonia on 3 Oct 1942. Detachments of the group, which was assigned to Thirteenth AF in Jan 1943, were sent to Guadalcanal, where they used P-39 and P-400 aircraft to fly protective patrols, support ground forces, and attack Japanese shipping. When the Allied campaign to recover the central and northern Solomons began in Feb 1943, the detachments, still operating from Guadalcanal and using P-38 and P-39 aircraft, escorted bombers and attacked enemy bases on New Georgia, the Russell Islands and Bougainville. Headquarters moved up from New Caledonia at the end of 1943; and the following month the group moved from Guadalcanal to Stirling Island to support ground forces on Bougainville, assist in neutralizing enemy bases at Rabaul, and fly patrol and search missions in the northern Solomons. Moved to New Guinea in Aug 1944. Equipped completely with P-38's. Escorted bombers to oil refineries on Borneo; bombed and strafed airfields and installations on Ceram, Amboina, Boeroe, Celebes, and Halmahera. Received a DUC for a series of long-range bombing and strafing raids, conducted through intense flak and fighter defense, on the airfield and shipping at Makassar, Celebes, in Nov 1944. Moved to the Philippines in Feb 1945. Supported landings on Mindanao in Mar 1945: bombed and strafed enemy installations and supported Australian forces on Borneo, attacked Japanese positions in northern Luzon, and flew escort missions to the Asiatic mainland. Moved to the US in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 1 Jan 1946. Redesignated 347th Fighter Group (All Weather). Activated in Japan on 20 Feb 1947. Assigned to Far East Air Forces. Equipped with F-61's and later with F-82's. Inactivated on 24 Jun 1950. Squadrons. 4th: 1947-1950. 67th: 1942-1945. 68th: 1942-1945; 1947-1950. 70th: 1942-1943, 1945. 339th: 1942-1946; 1947-1950. Stations. New Caledonia, 3 Oct 1942; Guadalcanal, 29 Dec 1943; Stirling, Treasury Islands, 15 Jan 1944; Sansapor, New Guinea, 15 Aug 1944; Middleburg, New Guinea, 19 Sep 1944; San Jose, Mindoro, 22 Feb 1945; Puerto Princesa, Palawan, 6 Mar-Dec 1945; Camp Stoneman, Calif, 30 Dec 1945-1 Jan 1946. Nagoya, Japan, 20 Feb 1947; Itazuke, Japan, 25 Sep 1947; Bofu, Japan, 15 Oct 1948; Ashiya, Japan, 6 May 1949; Nagoya, Japan, 1 Apr-24 Jun 1950. Commanders. Lt Col George M McNeese, 3 Oct 1942; Col Leo F Dusard Jr, Jan 1944; Lt Col Leonard Shapiro, 25 Jun 1945-unkn. Unkn, Feb 1947-Aug 1948; Maj Elmer G DaRosa, Aug 1948; Maj Alden E West, Sep 1948; Lt Col John L McGinn, Oct 1948-unkn; Lt Col Clyde A Thompson, unkn-Jun 1950. Campaigns. China Defensive; Guadalcanal; New Guinea; Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines; China Offensive. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Netherlands East Indies, 7, 20, and 22 Nov 1944. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. Insigne. None.
348th Fighter Group - 354th Fighter Group 348th Fighter Group Constituted as 348th Fighter Group on 24 Sep 1942 and activated on 30 Sep. Prepared for combat with P-47's. Moved to the Southwest Pacific, May-Jun 1943, and assigned to Fifth AF. Operated from New Guinea and Noemfoor until Nov 1944. Flew patrol and reconnaissance missions and escorted bombers to targets in New Guinea and New Britain. Col Neel E Kearby was awarded the Medal of Honor for action over New Guinea on 11 Oct 1943: after leading a flight of four fighters to reconnoiter the enemy base at Wewak, Col Kearby sighted a Japanese bomber formation escorted by more than 30 fighters; despite the heavy odds and a low fuel supply, and although his mission had been accomplished, Kearby ordered an attack, personally destroying six of the enemy planes. For covering Allied landings and supporting ground forces on New Britain, 16-31 Dec 1943, the group was awarded a DUC. In 1944 began to attack airfields, installations, and shipping in western New Guinea, Ceram, and Halmahera to aid in neutralizing those areas preparatory to the US invasion of the Philippines. After moving to the Philippines in Nov 1944, provided cover for convoys, flew patrols, escorted bombers, attacked enemy airfields, and supported ground forces. Received a DUC for withstanding assaults by enemy fighters to cover bombers raiding Clark Field on 24 Dec 1944. Also attacked shipping along the China coast and escorted bombers to Formosa and the Asiatic mainland. Moved to the Ryukyus in Jul 1945 and completed some escort and attack missions to Kyushu before the war ended. Moved to Japan in Oct 1945 as part of Far East Air Forces. Inactivated on 10 May 1946. Redesignated 108th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (NJ) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 16 Oct 1946. Called to active duty on 1 Mar 1951. Redesignated 108th Fighter-Bomber Group. Assigned first to Strategic Air Command and later to Tactical Air Command. Equipped with F-47's. Relieved from active service on 1 Dec 1952 and returned to the control of ANG (NJ). Squadrons. 149th: 1951-1952. 153d 1951-1952. 340th: 1942-1946. 341st (later 141st): 1942-1946; 1951-1952. 342d: 1942-1946. 460th: 1944-1946. Stations. Mitchel Field, NY, 30 Sep 1942; Bradley Field, Conn, 4 Oct 1942; Westover Field, Mass, 29 Oct 1942; Providence, RI, c. 3 Jan 1943; Westover Field, Mass, 28 Apr-9 May 1943; Port Moresby, New Guinea, 23 Jun 1943; Finschhafen, New Guinea, 16 Dec 1943; Saidor, New Guinea, 29 Mar 1944; Wakde, 22 May 1944; Noemfoor, 26 Aug 1944; Leyte, 16 Nov 1944; San Marcelino, Luzon, 4 Feb 1945; Floridablanca, Luzon, 15 May 1945; Ie Shima, 9 Jul 1945; Itami, Japan, Oct 1945-10 May 1946. Newark Mun Aprt, NJ, 1 Mar 1951; Turner AFB, Ga, 14 Mar 1951; Godman AFB, Ky, 9 Dec 1951-1 Dec 1952. Commanders. Col Neel E Kearby, Oct 1942; Col Robert R Rowland, 17 Nov 1943; Lt Col William M Banks, 8 Jun 1945; Maj Walter G Benz, 26 Nov 1945-unkn. Maj J D Zink, Mar 1951; Col Alvan C Gillem II, Jun 1951; Col Carl W Stapleton, c. Nov 1951; Col Donald J Strait, 14 Jan 1952; Col George Laven Jr, 4 Aug-1 Dec 1952. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; New Guinea; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; China Offensive. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: New Britain, 16-31 Dec 1943; Philippine Islands, 24 Dec 1944. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation Insigne. Shield: Azure, within a bordure dimidiated, gules, hand gauntleted in armour proper, encircled with wreath of laurel, vert, grasping a torch argent, flamant proper. Motto: Per Caelum Victoriae - Through the Skies to Victory. (Approved 15 Aug 1951.) 349th Troop Carrier Group Constituted as 349th Troop Carrier Group on 23 Oct 1943. Activated on 1 Nov 1943. Equipped successively with C-53, C-47, and C-46 aircraft. Trained and participated in various maneuvers. Moved to the European theater, Mar-Apr 1945, and assigned to IX Troop Carrier Command. Used C-46's to transport vehicles, gasoline, and other supplies in western Europe and to evacuate patients and prisoners of war. Ceased operations on 15 Jun 1945. Returned to the US, Jul-Aug 1945. Trained Chinese crews to operate C-46 aircraft. Inactivated on Sep 1946. Redesignated 349th Troop Carrier Group (Medium). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered to active duty on 1 Apr 1951. Inactivated on 2 Apr 1951. Redesignated 349th Fighter-Bomber Group. Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 13 Jun 1952. Squadrons. 23d: 1944-1946. 311th 1943-1944; 1949-1951. 312th: 1943-1946; 1949-1951; 1952-. 313th: 1943-1946; 1949-1951; 1952-. 314th: 1943-1946; 1949-1951; 1952-. Stations. Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 1 Nov 1943; Alliance AAFld, Neb, 19 Jan 1944; Pope Field, NC, 8 Mar 1944; Baer Field, Ind, 4-15 Mar 1945; Barkston, England, 30 Mar 1945; Roye/Amy Airfield, France, 18 Apr-13 Jul 1945; Bergstrom Field, Tex, 17 Sep 1945-7 Sep 1946. Hamilton AFB, Calif, 27 Jun 1949-2 Apr 1951. Hamilton AFB, Calif, 13 Jun 1952-. Commanders. Maj Elmer F Estrumse, 1 Nov 1943; Col Leonard Barrow Jr, 26 Nov 1943; Lt Col Benjamin M Tarver Jr, 29 Aug-7 Sep 1946. Campaigns. American Theater; EAM Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Per bend sky blue and azure; in bend a lightning bolt gules fimbriated argent, between three aircraft in flight, and a representation of the golden gate bridge or; the shield edged of the last. Motto: Facta, Non Verba - Deeds, Not Words. (Approved 26 Jul 1956.) 350th Fighter Group Activated in England on 1 Oct 1942 by special authority granted to Eighth AF prior to constitution as 350th Fighter Group on 2 Oct 1942. The air echelon moved from England to North Africa, Jan-Feb 1943; the ground echelon, which had been formed in the US, arrived in North Africa about the same time. The group operated with Twelfth AF from Jan 1943 until the end of the war, flying patrol and interception missions, protecting convoys, escorting aircraft, flying reconnaissance missions, engaging in interdictory operations, and providing close support for ground forces. Used P-39's, P-400's, and a few P-38's before converting to P-47's during Aug-Sep 1944. Operated against targets in Tunisia until the end of that campaign. Defended the coast of Algeria during the summer and fall of 1943. Afterward, operated primarily in support of Allied forces in Italy until the end of the war, bombing and strafing rail facilities, shipping docks, radar and transformer stations, power lines, bridge motor transports, and military installations. Received a DUC for action in western Italy on 6 Apr 1944 when, despite intense flak and attacks by numerous enemy interceptors, the group flew ten missions, hitting troops, bridges, vehicle barracks, and air warning installations. Also covered Allied landings on Elba in Jun 1944 and supported the invasion of Southern France in Aug. 1st Lt Raymond L Knight was awarded the Medal of Honor for missions on 24 and 25 Apr 1945: voluntarily leading attacks, through intense antiaircraft fire, against enemy airdromes in northern Italy, Lt Knight was responsible for eliminating more than 20 German planes intended for assaults on Allied forces; attempting to return his shattered plane to base after an attack ot 25 Apr, Lt Knight crashed in the Apennines. The group moved to the US, Jul-Aug 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945. Redesignated 112th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Pa) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 22 Apr 1949. Redesignated 112th Fighter-Interceptor Group in Oct 1952, and 112th Fighter-Bomber Group in Dec 1952. Squadrons. 345th: 1942-1945. 346th: 1942-1945. 347th: 1942-1945. Stations. Bushey Hall, England, 1 Oct 1942; Duxford, England, Oct 1942; Oujda, French Morocco, 6 Jan 1943; Oran, Algeria, 14 Feb 1943; Maison Blanche, Algeria, May 1943; Rerhaia, Algeria, c. 17 Jul 1943; Sardinia, 5 Nov 1943; Corsica, 6 Feb 1944; Tarquinia, Italy, 8 Sep 1944; Pisa, Italy, 2 Dec 1944-14 Jul 1945; Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 25 Aug-7 Nov 1945. Commanders. Lt Col Richard P Klocko, 14 Oct 1942; Maj Ariel W Nielsen, 24 Feb 1943; Lt Col Marvin L McNickle, 1 Mar 1943; Lt Col Ariel W Nielsen, c. Sep 1943; Lt Col John C Robertson, 22 Oct 1944; Col Ariel W Nielsen, c. Feb 1945; Col John C Robertson, 20 Jun 1945-unkn. Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Rome-Arno; Southern France; North Apennines; Po Valley. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Italy, 6 Apr 1944. Insigne. Shield: Per bend azure and or, on a bend sable between a Pegasus salient argent and a keystone charged with a ruffed grouse proper, a group of four vols with upper edges of wings parallel to the edge of the ordinary, each vol overlapping the next from dexter to sinister alternating of the fourth and second, a diminished border of the third. Motto: In Common Cause. (Approved 10 Sep 1954.) 351st Bombardment Group Constituted as 351st Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 25 Sep 1942. Activated on 1 Oct 1942. Trained for duty overseas with B-17's. Moved to England, Apr-May 1943. Served in combat with Eighth AF from May 1943 to Apr 1945. Operated primarily against strategic objectives in Germany, striking such targets as ball-bearing plants at Schweinfurt, communications at Mayen, marshalling yards at Koblenz, a locomotive and tank factory at Hannover, industries at Berlin, bridges at Cologne, an armaments factory at Mannheim, and oil refineries at Hamburg. Also struck harbor facilities, submarine installations, airfields, V-weapon sites, and power plants in France, Belgium, Holland, and Norway. Received a DUC for performance of 9 Oct 1943 when an aircraft factory in Germany was accurately bombed in spite of heavy flak and pressing enemy interceptors. Received another DUC for its part in the successful attack of 11 Jan 1944 on aircraft factories in central Germany. Participated in the intensive air campaign against the German aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. 2d Lt Walter E Truemper, navigator, and Sgt Archibald Mathies, engineer, were each awarded the Medal of Honor for action on 20 Feb 1944: when their aircraft received a direct hit that killed the co-pilot and wounded the pilot, Truemper and Mathies managed to fly the plane until other crew members could bail out; on the third attempt to land the plane in an effort to save the pilot, the B-17 crashed and the men were killed. In addition to its strategic missions, the group often operated in support of ground forces and attacked interdictory targets. Bombed in support of the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944 and the St Lo breakthrough in Jul. Hit enemy positions to cover the airborne attack on Holland in Sep 1944. Struck front-line positions, communications, and airfields to help stop the German counteroffensive in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Flew missions in support of the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Returned to the US soon after V-E Day. Inactivated on 28 Aug 1945. Redesignated 351st Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 9 Apr 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949. Squadrons. 508th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 509th: 1942-1945; 1947-1948. 510th: 1942-1945; 1947-1948. 511th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 434th: 1948-1949. Stations. Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, 1 Oct 1942; Geiger Field, Wash, Nov 1942; Biggs Field, Tex, Dec 1942; Pueblo AAB, Colo, c. 1 Mar-c. 12 Apr 1943; Polebrook, England, c. 1 May 1943-Jun 1945; Sioux Falls AAFld, SD, Jul-28 Aug 1945. Scott Field, Ill, Apr 1947-27 Jun 1949. Commanders. Col William A Hatcher Jr, Nov 1942; Col Eugene A Romig, c. 1 Jan 1944; Col Robert W Burns, Oct 1944; Col Merlin I Carter, 30 Mar 1945-unkn. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, Oct 1943; Germany, 11 Jan 1944. Insigne. None. 352d Fighter Group Constituted as 352d Fighter Group on 29 Sep 1942. Activated on 1 Oct 1942. Served as part of the air defense force fc the US while training with P-47's for duty overseas. Moved to England, Jun-Jul 1943. Assigned to Eighth AF. Operated against the enemy in air combat over Europe from Sep 1943 to May 1941 using P-47's before converting to P-51's in Apr 1944. Flew numerous escort missions to cover the operations of bombers that attacked factories, V-weapon sites, submarine pens, and other targets on the Continent. Escorted bombers that struck German aircraft factories during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Received a DUC for performance in Germany on 8 May 1944: while escorting bombers to targets in Brunswick, the group routed an attack by a numerically superior force of German interceptors and then continued the battle against the enemy planes until lack of ammunition and shortage of fuel forced the group to withdraw and return to its base. Also flew counter-air patrols, and on many occasions strafed and dive-bombed airfields, locomotives, vehicles, troops, gun positions, and various other targets. Supported the invasion of Normandy in Jun 1944 by strafing and dive-bombing enemy communications, assisted the Allies in breaking through the German line at St Lo in Jul, and participated in the airborne attack on Holland in Sep. After the Germans launched a counteroffensive in the Ardennes in Dec 1944, the group's planes and pilots were sent to Belgium and placed under the control of Ninth AF for operations in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945). During that battle, on 1 Jan 1945, action by the detachment earned for the group the French Croix de Guerre with Palm: just as 12 of the detachment's lanes were taking off for an area patrol, the airdrome was attacked by about 50 German fighters; in the aerial battle that followed, the 352d shot down almost half the enemy planes without losing any of its own. In Feb 1945 the remainder of the group joined the detachment in Belgium for operations under the control of Eighth AF. While based on the Continent, the group participated in the airborne assault across the Rhine (Mar 1945). Returned to England in Apr and continued operations until a few days before V-E Day. Returned to the US in Nov. Inactivated on 10 Nov 1945. Redesignated 113th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (DC) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 2 Nov 1946. Ordered to active duty on 1 Feb 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Redesignated 113th Fighter-Interceptor Group. Used F-84's during 1951; converted to F-94 aircraft in 1952. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Relieved from active duty, returned to control of ANG (DC) and activated, on 1 Nov 1952. Redesignated 113th Fighter-Bomber Group in Dec 1952. Squadrons. 121st: 1951-1952. 142d: 1951-1952. 148th: 1951-1952. 328th: 1942-1945. 486th (formerly 21st): 1942-1945. 487th (formerly 34th): 1942-1945. Stations. Mitchel Field, NY, 1 Oct 1942; Bradley Field, Conn, Oct 1942; Westover Field, Mass, Nov 1942; Trumbull Field, Conn, c. 15 Jan 1943; Republic Field, NY, c. 9 Mar-Jun 1943; Bodney, England, 7 Jul 1943; Chievres, Belgium, c. 27 Jan 1945; Bodney, England, c. 14 Apr-3 Nov 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 9-10 Nov 1945. Andrews AFB, Md, 1 Feb 1951; New Castle County Aprt, Del, 16 Feb 1951-6 Feb 1952. Commanders. Lt Col Edwin M Ramage, c. Oct 1942; Col Joe L Mason, 17 May 1943; Col James D Mayden, 17 Nov 1944-unkn. Col Joseph Myers, 1951-unkn. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Brunswick, Germany, 8 May 1944. French Croix de Guerre with Palm: 1 Jan 1945. Insigne. Shield: Azure, a stylized aircraft bendwise above and between two clouds issuing from dexter and sinister base all argent, the dexter cloud pierced by two lightning flashes saltirewise or; in chief two mullets gules, fimbriated of the second and in base three of the like. Motto: Custodes Pro Defensione - Guardians for Defense. (Approved 9 Mar 1954.) 353d Fighter Group Constituted as 353d Fighter Group on 29 Sep 1942. Activated on 1 Oct 1942. Trained for duty overseas and at the same time served as an air defense organization. Moved to England, May-Jun 1943. Assigned to Eighth AF. Operated against the enemy in combat over Europe from Aug 1943 to Apr 1945, using P-47's until conversion to P-51 in Oct 1944. Regularly escorted bombers that attacked industrial establishments, marshalling yards, submarine installations, V-weapon sites, and other targets; frequently strafed and dive-bombed buildings, troops, flak batteries, barges and tug boats, locomotives and rail lines, vehicles, bridges, and airfields; also flew numerous counter-air missions. From Aug 1943 to Feb 1944, provided escort for bombers that attacked targets in western Europe, made counter-air sweeps over France and the Low Countries, and dive-bombed targets in France. Participated in the intensive campaign against the German Air Force and aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Increased its fighter-bomber activities. Mar-May 1944. Provided cover over the beachhead and close support for the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944. Supported the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul. Received a DUC for supporting the airborne attack on Holland, when the group contributed to the operation by protecting bombers and troop carriers and by strafing and dive-bombing ground targets during the period 17-23 Sep 1944. Continued its fighter-bomber, escort, and counter-air activities, participating in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945) and the airborne attack across the Rhine (Mar 1945). Remained in the theater until Oct. Inactivated in the US on 18 Oct 1945. Redesignated 116th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Ga) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 9 Sep 1946. Ordered to active duty on 10 Oct 1950. Redesignated 116th Fighter-Bomber Group in Nov 1950. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Trained with F-80's and converted to F-84 aircraft in the spring of 1951. Moved to Japan in Jul 1951 and attached to Far East Air Forces for operations in the Korean War. Flew interdictory and close-support missions, strafing and dive-bombing power plants, buildings, mine entrances, gun positions, bunkers, troops, rail lines, trains, bridges, and vehicles. During the same period, also provided air defense for Japan. Relieved from active duty, returned to control of ANG (Ga) without personnel and equipment, and redesignated 116th Fighter-Interceptor Group, on 10 Jul 1952. Redesignated 116th Fighter-Bomber Group in Dec 1952. Squadrons. 196th: 1950-1952. 350th: 1942-1945. 351st (later 158th): 1942-1945; 1950-1952. 352d (later 159th): 1942-1945; 1950-1952. Stations. Mitchel Field, NY, 1 Oct 1942; Richmond AAB, Va, c. 7 Oct 1942; Baltimore, Md, c. 26 Oct 1942-c. 27 May 1943; Goxhill, England, Jun 1943; Metfield, England, 3 Aug 1943; Raydon, England, Apr 1944-Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 16-18 Oct 1945. Dobbins AFB, Ga, 10 Oct 1950; George AFB, Calif, c. 25 Oct 1950-Jul 1951; Misawa, Japan, c. 25 Jul 1951-10 Jul 1952. Commanders. Lt Col Joseph A Morris, c. 15 Oct 1942; Lt Col Loren G McCollom, 18 Aug 1943; Col Glenn E Duncan, 25 Nov 1943; Col Ben Rimerman, 7 Jul 1944; Col Glenn E Duncan, 22 Apr 1945; Lt Col William B Bailey, 9 Sep 1945; Lt Col Robert A Elder, 24 Sep 1945-unkn. Col Charles M Ford Jr, 10 Oct-1 Nov 1950; Lt Col Howard L Galbreath, 11 Nov 1950; Lt Col Ralph G Kuhn, 8 May 1951-unkn; Lt Col Daniel F Sharp, c. 31 Jan 1952-unkn. Campaigns. World War II: Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Korean War: UN Summer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1952. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Holland, 17-23 Sep 1944. Insigne. Shield: Per fess embattled debased azure and argent, three chevronels reversed of the second, the base chevronel fimbriated, forming a frazure at its apex over the embattlement azure; in chief four darts of the second in formation chevron-wise points downward, one in fess point, two in sinister, all within a diminutive border argent. Motto: Vincet Amor Patriae - Love of Country Shall Conquer. (Approved 6 Jun 1952.) 354th Fighter Group Constituted as 354th Fighter Group on 12 Nov 1942 and activated on 15 Nov. Trained with P-39's and served as part of the air defense force. Moved to England, Oct-Nov 1943. Assigned to Ninth AF and engaged in combat from Dec 1943 to May 1945, using P-51's except for the period from Nov 1944 to Feb 1945 when the group operated with P-47's. Received a DUC for its activities up to mid-May 1944, a period in which the 354th was instrumental in the development and execution of long-range missions to escort heavy bombers on raids deep into enemy territory. During that same period Maj James H Howard won the Medal of Honor for his single-handed efforts to defend a bomber formation that was attacked by a large force of enemy planes while on a mission over Germany on 11 Jan 1944. In addition to its escort work, the group began fighter-bomber operations, strafing and dive-bombing enemy airfields, gun positions, marshalling yards, and vehicles in France, Belgium, and Holland. Supporting the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944 by escorting gliders on D-Day and by dive-bombing and strafing bridges and railways near the front lines for the next few days. Moved to the Continent in Jun and assisted the Allied drive across France by flying close-support, armed-reconnaissance, fighter-sweep, dive-bombing, strafing, and escort missions. Received second DUC for a series of fighter sweeps in which the group destroyed a large number of enemy aircraft in the air and on the ground on 25 Aug 1944. Flew missions to support the airborne attack on Holland in Sep 1944. Attacked and destroyed many enemy barges, locomotives, vehicles, buildings, and troops to assist the Allied assault on the Siegfried Line. Participated in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, by supporting ground forces and by conducting armed reconnaissance operations to destroy enemy troops, tank artillery, and rail lines. Assisted ground forces in their advance to and across the Rhine, Feb-May 1945. After V-E Day served with the army of occupation, being assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to the US in Feb 1946. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946. (Note: The 354th Fighter Group was redesignated 117th Fighter Group and allotted to ANG (Ala), on 24 May 1946. The redesignation and the allotment were, however, revoked and nullified on 26 Sep 1956; at the same time the 117th group was constituted and allotted to ANG, effective 24 May 1946. Thus the 117th group is not related in any way to the 354th group.) Redesignated 354th Fighter-Day Group. Activated on 19 Nov 1956. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Squadrons. 353d: 1942-1946; 1956-. 355th: 1942-1946; 1956-. 356th: 1942-1946; 1956-. Stations. Hamilton Field, Calif, 15 Nov 1942; Tonopah, Nev, c. 18 Jan 1943; Santa Rosa AAFld, Calif, c. 1 Mar 1943; Portland AAB, Ore, c. 2 Jun-Oct 1943; Greenham Common, England, c. 4 Nov 1943; Boxted, England, c. 13 Nov 1943; Lashenden, England, Apr 1944; Criqueville, France, Jun 1944; Gael, France, Aug 1944; Orconte, France, Sep 1944; Meurthe-et-Moselle, France, c. 1 Dec 1944; Ober Olm, Germany, c. 30 Apr 1945; Herzogenaurach, Germany, May 1945-15 Feb 1946; Bolling Field, DC, 15 Feb-31 Mar 1946. Myrtle Beach AFB, SC, 19 Nov 1956-. Commanders. Col Kenneth R Martin, c. 26 Nov 1942; Col James H Howard, 12 Feb 1944; Col George R Bickell, Apr 1944; Lt Col Jack T Bradley, May 1945; Maj Robert A Ackerly, Nov 1945; Lt Col David L Lewis, Dec 1945-1946. Col James F Hackler Jr, 19 Nov 1956-. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: ETO, [Dec] 1943-15 May 1944; France, 25 Aug 1944. French Croix de Guerre with Palm: 1 Dec 1943-31 Dec 1944. Insigne. Shield: Argent, four bendlets light blue, azure, gules and vert between a demi-horse rampant of the fourth and two swords saltirewise proper grip and guard of the third fimbriated or. Motto: Valor in Combat. (Approved 18 Oct 1957).
355th Fighter Group - 361st Fighter Group 355th Fighter Group Constituted as 355th Fighter Group on 12 Nov 1942 and activated the same day. Prepared for combat with P-47's. Moved to England in Jul 1943 and assigned to Eighth AF. Flew its first combat mission, a fighter sweep over Belgium, on 14 Sep 1943 and afterward served primarily as escort for bombers that attacked industrial areas of Berlin, marshalling yards at Karlsruhe, an airfield at Neuberg, oil refineries at Misburg, synthetic oil plants at Gelsenkirchen, locks at Minden, and other objectives. Also flew fighter sweeps, area patrols, and bombing missions, striking such targets as air parks, locomotives, bridges, radio stations, and armored cars. On 5 Apr 1944, shortly after converting from P-47's to P-51's, the group successfully bombed and strafed German airdomes during a snow squall, a mission for which the group was awarded a DUC. Provided fighter cover for Allied forces landing in Normandy on 6 Jun 1944, and afterward hit transportation facilities to cut enemy supply lines. Hit fuel dumps, locomotives, and other targets in support of ground forces during the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul. Continued operations until 25 Apr 1945 and remained in the theater after the war for duty with United States Air Forces in Europe. Moved to Germany in Jul 1945 as part of the army of occupation. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to the US on 1 Aug 1946. Inactivated on 20 Nov 1946. Redesignated 355th Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with F-86 aircraft. Squadrons. 354th: 1942-1946; 1955-. 357th: 1942-1946. 358th (later 56th): 1942-1946. 469th: 1955-. Stations. Orlando AB, Fla, 12 Nov 1942; Richmond AAB, Va, 17 Feb 1943; Philadelphia Mun Aprt, Pa, 4 Mar-16 Jun 1943; Steeple Morden, England, 9 Jul 1943; Gablingen, Germany, 3 Jul 1945; Schweinfurt, Germany, 15 Apr 1946; Mitchel Field, NY, 1 Aug-20 Nov 1946. McGhee-Tyson Aprt, Tenn, 18 Aug 1955-. Commanders. Col William J Cummings Jr, 12 Nov 1942; Lt Col Everett W Stewart, 4 Nov 1944; Lt Col Claiborne H Kinnard Jr, 21 Feb 1945; Lt Col William D Gilchrist, 7 Jun 1945; Lt Col John L Elder, Oct 1945; Col Carroll W McColpin, 14 Mar 1946-unkn. Col William A Lanford, 18 Aug 1955-. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 5 Apr 1944. Insigne. Shield: Azure on a pile issuant from sinister throughout or, flames of fire proper charged with a dagger fesswise point to dexter of the second. Motto: Our Might Always. (Approved 16 Mar 1943.) 356th Fighter Group Constituted as 356th Fighter Group on 8 Dec 1942 and activated on 12 Dec. Moved to England, Aug-Sep 1943, and assigned to Eighth AF. Served in combat from Oct 1943 tO May 1945, participating in operations that prepared for the invasion of the Continent, and supporting the landings in Normandy and the subsequent Allied drive across France and Germany. Used P-47's until they were replaced by P-51's in Nov 1944. From Oct 1943 until Jan 1944, operated as escort for bombers that attacked such objectives as industrial areas, missile sites, airfields, and communications. Engaged primarily in bombing and strafing missions after 3 Jan 1944, with its targets including U-boat installations, barges, shipyards, airdromes, hangars, marshalling yards, locomotives, trucks, oil facilities, flak towers, and radar stations. Bombed and strafed in the Arnheim area on 17, 18, and 23 Sep 1944 to neutralize enemy gun emplacements; received a DUC for this contribution to the airborne attack on Holland. Flew its last combat mission, escorting B-17's dropping propaganda leaflets, on 7 May 1945. Returned to the US in Nov. Inactivated on 10 Nov 1945. Redesignated 118th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Tenn) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 2 Oct 1947. Redesignated 118th Composite Group in Nov 1950, and 118th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Feb 1951. Ordered to active duty on 1 Apr 1951 and assigned to Tactical Air Command. Used RF-47, RF-51, RF-80, and RB-26 aircraft for training and maneuvers. Relieved from active service and returned, without personnel and equipment, to control of ANG (Tenn) on 1 Jan 1953. Squadrons. 106th: 1951-1953. 185th: 1951-1953. 359th (later 155th): 1942-1945; 1951-1953. 360th: 1942-1945. 361st: 1942-1945. Stations. Westover Field, Mass, 12 Dec 1942; Groton AAFlD, Conn, 12 Mar 1943; Mitchel Field, NY, 30 May 1943; Grenier Field, NH, 4 Jul-15 Aug 1943; Goxhill, England, 27 Aug 1943; Martlesham, England, 5 Oct 1943-4 Nov 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 9-10 Nov 1945. Berry Field, Tenn, 1 Apr 1951; Memphis Mun Aprt, Tenn, 12 Apr 1951; Shaw AFB, SC, 15 Jan 1952-1 Jan 1953. Commanders. 2d Lt Joseph Moris Jr, 28 Dec 1942; Capt Harold J Lister, 29 Dec 1942; Lt Col Harold J Rau, 9 Feb 1943; Col Einar A Malmstrom, 28 Nov 1943; Lt Col Philip E Tukey Jr, 24 Apr 1944; Lt Col Donald A Baccus, 3 Nov 1944; Col Philip E Tukey Jr, 11 Jan 1945-unkn. Lt Col Enoch B Stephenson, 1 Apr 1951; Lt Col William J Johnson Jr, May 1951; Lt Col Ralph F Newman, 16 Aug 1951; Col James L Rose, Jan 1952; Lt Col Stanley W Irons, 2 Jun 1952; Col Robert R Smith, Nov 1952-Unkn. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Holland, 17, 18, and 23 Sep 1944. Insigne. On a blue oval with a yellow border an aerial camera supporting binoculars and a torch, the whole group winged, all yellow with flame proper and lenses blue and white, above the torch and between the tips of the wings three white stars. (Approved 5 Jan 1954.) 357th Fighter Group Constituted as 357th Fighter Group on Dec 1942 and activated the same day. Used P-39's in preparing for duty overseas. Moved to England in Nov 1943 and became part of Eighth AF. Trained with P-51's and began operations on 11 Feb 1944 by making a fighter sweep over Rouen. Served primarily as an escort organization, providing penetration, target, and withdrawal support for bombers that attacked strategic objectives on the Continent. Participated in the assault against the German Air Force and aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Received a DUC for two escort missions in which heavy opposition was encountered from enemy fighters: on 6 Mar 1944 provided target and withdrawal support during the first attack that heavy bombers of Eighth AF made on Berlin; on 29 Jun 1944 protected bombers that struck targets at Leipzig. Received second DUC for operations on 14 Jan 1945 when the group, covering bombers on a raid to Derben, broke up an attack by a large force of interceptors and in the ensuing aerial battle destroyed a number of the enemy planes. In addition to escort the group conducted counter-air patrols, made fighter sweeps, and flew strafing and dive-bombing missions in which it attacked airdromes, marshalling yards, locomotives, bridges, barges, tugboats, highways, vehicles, fuel dumps, and other targets. Participated in the invasion of Normandy in Jun 1944; the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul; the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Flew its last mission, an escort operation, on 25 Apr 1945. Moved to Germany in Jul and assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe for duty with the army of occupation. Inactivated in Germany on 20 Aug 1946. Redesignated 121st Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Ohio) on 21 Aug 1946. Extended federal recognition on 26 Jun 1948. Redesignated 121st Fighter-Bomber Group on 16 Oct 1952. Squadrons. 362d: 1942-1946. 363d 1942-1946. 364th (later 166th): 1942-1946. Stations. Hamilton Field, Calif, 1 Dec 1942; Tonopah AAFld, Nev, 4 Mar 1943; Santa Rosa AAFld, Calif, 3 Jun 1943; Oroville AAFld, Calif, 18 Aug 1943; Casper AAFld, Wyo, 7 Oct-9 Nov 1943; Raydon, England, 30 Nov 1943; Leiston, England, 31 Jan 1944-8 Jul 1945; Neubiberg, Germany, 21 Jul 1945-20 Aug 1946. Commanders. Lt Col Loring F Stetson Jr, 1 Dec 1942; Lt Col Edwin S Chickering, 7 Jul 1943; Col Henry R Spicer, 17 Feb 1944; Col Donald W Graham, 7 Mar 1944; Lt Col John D Landers, 11 Oct 1944; Col Irwin H Dregne, 2 Dec 1944; Lt Col Andrew J Evans Jr, 21 Jul 1945; Lt Col Wayne E Rhynard, c. 20 Nov 1945; Col Barton M Russell, Apr 1946-unkn. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 6 Mar and 29 Jun 1944; Derben, Germany, 14 Jan 1945. French Croix de Guerre with Palm: 11 Feb 1944-15 Jan 1945. Insigne. Shield: Per fess nebuly azure and or, in chief a chaplet azure and argent winged or, in base a cubit arm in armor brandishing a sword proper hilted bronze. Motto: Semper Omnia - All Things at All Times. (Approved 27 May 1953.) 358th Fighter Group Constituted as 358th Fighter Group on 20 Dec 1942. Activated on 1 Jan 1943. Trained with P-47's. Moved to England during Sep-Oct 1943. Began operations on 20 Dec 1943 and served in combat with Eighth and, later, Ninth AF until V-E Day. Engaged in escort work until Apr 1944 to cover the operations of bombers that the AAF sent against targets on the Continent. Dive-bombed marshalling yards and airfields during Apr to help prepare for the invasion of Normandy. Continued attacks on enemy communications and flew escort missions during May. Escorted troop carriers over the Cotentin Peninsula on 6 and 7 Jun, and attacked bridges, rail lines and trains, vehicles, and troop concentrations during the remainder of the month. Moved to the Continent in Jul and took part in operations that resulted in the Allied breakthrough at St Lo. Continued to fly escort, interdictory, and close-support missions during the allied drive across France and into Germany, earning four citations before the end of the war. Received first DUC for operations from 24 Dec 1944 to 2 Jan 1945 when the group not only supported Seventh Army by attacking rail lines and rolling stock, vehicles, buildings, and artillery, but also destroyed numerous fighter planes during a major assault by the German Air Force against Allied airfields. Received second DUC for 19-20 Mar 1945, a period in which the 358th destroyed and damaged large numbers of motor transports and thus hampered the evacuation of German forces that were withdrawing from the area west of the Rhine. Received third DUC for performance between 8 and 25 Apr 1945 when the group attacked enemy airfields in the region of Munich and Ingolstadt, engaged the enemy in aerial combat, and supported advancing ground forces by attacking such targets as motor transports, tanks, locomotives, guns, and buildings. Received fourth citation, the French Croix de Guerre with Palm, for assisting in the liberation of France. Returned to the US in Jul 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945. Redesignated 122d Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Ind) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 9 Dec 1946. Ordered into active service on 1 Feb 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Redesignated 122d Fighter-Interceptor Group. Trained with F-51 and F-84 aircraft. Inactivated on 7 Feb 1952. Relieved from active service, returned to ANG (Ind), redesignated 122d Fighter-Bomber Group, and activated, on 1 Nov 1952. Squadrons. 113th: 1951-1952. 166th: 1951-1952. 365th (later 163d): 1943-1945; 1951-1952. 366th: 1943-1945. 367th: 1943-1945. Stations. Richmond AAB, Va, 1 Jan 1943; Baltimore, Md, 28 Apr 1943; Camp Springs AAFld, Md, 28 May 1943; Philadelphia Mun Aprt, Pa, 16 Jun 1943; Richmond AAB, Va, 13 Aug-25 Sep 1943; Goxhill, England, 20 Oct 1943; Leiston, England, 29 Nov 1943; Raydon, England, 31 Jan 1944; High Halden, England, 13 Apr 1944; Cretteville, France, 3 Jul 1944; Pontorson, France, 14 Aug 1944; Vitry-le-Francois, France, 14 Sep 1944; Mourmelon, France, 16 Oct 1944; Toul, France, 9 Nov 1944; Sandhofen, Germany, 2 Apr 1945; Reims, France, c. 23 Jun-Jul 1945; La Junta AAFld, Colo, Aug-7 Nov 1945. Stout Field, Ind, 1 Feb 1951; Baer Field, Ind, 10 Mar 1951-7 Feb 1952. Commanders. Col Cecil L Wells, 1 Jan 1943; Col James B Tipton, 20 Sep 1944-unkn; Lt Col John M Thacker, 1945. Col John A Carey, 1951-c. Feb 1952. Campaigns. American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Ardennes, 24 Dec 1944-2 Jan 1945; ETO, 1-0 Mar 1945; Germany, 8-25 Apr 1945. French Croix de Guerre with Palm. Insigne. Shield: Azure (light blue) bordure or (Air Force yellow), overall and saltirewise an escutcheon in prospect, (per bend or and sable, in chief four mullets of the last) and a jet type aircraft with exhaust fire all proper. Motto: Conquer Above. (Approved 28 Jul 1954.) 359th Fighter Group Constituted as 359th Fighter Group on 20 Dec 1942. Activated on 15 Jan 1943. Apparently not manned until Mar 1943. Moved to England in Oct 1943 and became part of Eighth AF. Entered combat in mid-Dec, after some of the pilots had already flown combat missions with another fighter group. Began operations with P-47's; converted to P-51's in Apr 1944. In combat, Dec 1943-May 1945, flew escort, patrol, strafing, dive-bombing, and weather-reconnaissance missions. At first, engaged primarily in escort activities to cover bombers that attacked airfields in France. Expanded area of operations in May 1944 to provide escort for bombers that struck rail centers in Germany and oil targets in Poland. Supported the invasion of Normandy (Jun 1944), patrolling the English Channel, escorting bombardment formations to the French coast, and dive-bombing and strafing bridges, locomotives, and rail lines near the battle area. During the period Jul 1944-Feb 1945, engaged chiefly in escorting bombers to oil refineries, marshalling yards, and other targets in such cities as Ludwigshafen, Stuttgart, Frankfurt, Berlin, Merseburg, and Brux. Received a DUC for operations over Germany on 11 Sep 1944 when the group protected a formation of heavy bombers against large numbers of enemy fighters. In addition to its escort duties, the group supported campaigns in France during Jul and Aug 1944, bombed enemy positions to support the airborne invasion of Holland in Sep, and participated in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945). Flew missions to support the assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945, and escorted medium bombers that attacked various communications targets, Feb-Apr 1945. Returned to the US in Nov 1945. Inactivated on 10 Nov 1945. Redesignated 123d Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Ky) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 20 Sep 1947. Ordered into active service on 10 Oct 1950. Redesignated 123d Fighter-Bomber Group. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Trained with F-51's until late in 1951. Converted to F-84's in Nov and moved to England to become part of United States Air Forces in Europe. Transferred to the US without personnel and equipment, relieved from active duty, returned to control of ANG (Ky), and redesignated 123d Fighter-Interceptor Group, on 10 Jul 1952. Redesignated 123d Fighter-Bomber Group in Jan 1953. Squadrons. 156th: 1950-1952. 368th (later 165th): 1943-1945; 1950-1952. 369th (later 167th): 1943-1945; 1950-1952. 370th: 1943-1945. Stations. Westover Field, Mass, 15 Jan 1943; Grenier Field, NH, 7 Apr 1943; Republic Field, NY, 11 Jul 1943; Westover Field, Mass, 23 Aug-2 Oct 1943; East Wretham, England, Oct 1943-Nov 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 9-10 Nov 1945. Standiford Mun Aprt, Ky, 10 Oct 1950; Godman AFB, Ky, c. 20 Oct 1950-15 Nov 1951; Manston RAF Station, England, 10 Dec 1951-10 Jul 1952. Commanders. Col Avelin P Tacon Jr, Jan 1943; Col John P Randolph, 12 Nov 1944; Lt Col Donald A Baccus, 8 Apr 1945; Lt Col Daniel D McKee, c. 16 Sep 1945-unkn. Col Philip P Ardery, 10 Oct 1950; Lt Col William J Payne, 26 Oct 1950; Lt Col Chesley G Peterson, 20 Apr 1951; Lt Col Delynn E Anderson, 4 Aug 1951-Jul 1952. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 11 Sep 1944. Insigne. Shield: Per chevron, azure and or; in base a star argent over a hurt, between a bar voided per roundle azure; three rays issuing from the hurt to three winged plates argent, over three billets or, in chief; over all a chevron, per chevron, of the last and gules; the shield edged in chief or. Motto: Fortes Fortuna Juvat - Fortune Assists the Brave. (Approved 20 Dec 1951.) 360th Fighter Group Constituted as 360th Fighter Group on 20 Dec 1942. Activated on 15 Jan 1943. Assigned to Fourth AF. Used P-38's to train replacement crews for combat. Disbanded on 31 Mar 1944. Squadrons. 371st: 1943-1944. 372d: 1943-1944. 373d: 1943-1944. 446th: 1943-1944. Stations. Glendale, Calif, 15 Jan 1943; Muroc AAB, Calif, 14 Apr 1943; Salinas AAB, Calif, 22 Sep 1943; Santa Maria AAFld, Calif, 11 Jan-31 Mar 1944. Commanders. Maj Frederick C Grambo, 19 Jan 1943; Lt Col John S Chennault, May 1943-31 Mar 1944. Campaigns. American Theater. Decorations. None. Insigne. None. 361st Fighter Group Constituted as 361st Fighter Group on 28 Jan 1943. Activated on 10 Feb 1943. Joined Eighth AF in England in Nov 1943. Entered combat with P-47 aircraft on 21 Jan 1944 and converted to P-51's in May 1944. Operated from England during 1944 but sent a detachment to France for operations in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945), moved to Belgium in Feb 1945, and returned to England in Apr 1945. Served primarily as an escort organization, covering the penetration, attack, and withdrawal of bomber formations that the AAF sent against targets on the Continent. Also engaged in counter-air patrols, fighter sweeps, and strafing and dive-bombing missions. Attacked such targets as airdromes, marshalling yards, missile sites, industrial areas, ordnance depots, oil refineries, trains, and highways. During its operations, participated in the assault against the German Air Force and aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944; the Normandy invasion, Jun 1944; the St Lo breakthrough, Jul 1944; the airborne attack on Holland, Sep 1944; and the airborne assault across the Rhine, Mar 1945. Flew last combat mission on 20 Apr 1945. Returned to the US in Nov. Inactivated on 10 Nov 1945. Redesignated 127th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Mich) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 29 Sep 1946. Ordered into active service on 1 Feb 1951. Assigned to Air Training Command. Redesignated 127th Pilot Training Group in Mar 1951. Used F-51, F-80, and F-84 aircraft while serving as a training organization. Relieved from active duty and returned to ANG (Mich), on 1 Nov 1952. Redesignated 127th Fighter-Bomber Group. Squadrons. 107th: 1951-1952. 197th: 1951-1952. 374th (later 171st): 1943-1945; 1951-1952. 375th: 1943-1945. 376th: 1943-1945. Stations. Richmond AAB, Va, 10 Feb 1943; Langley Field, Va, 26 May 1943; Millville AAFld, NJ, 20 Jul 1943; Camp Springs AAFd, Md, 28 Aug 1943; Richmond AAB, Va, 20 Sep-11 Nov 1943; Bottisham, England, 30 Nov 1943; Little Walden, England, 26 Sep 1944; Chievres, Belgium, 1 Feb-Apr 1945; Little Walden, England, 9 Apr-3 Nov 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 9-10 Nov 1945. Detroit-Wayne Major Aprt, Mich, 1 Feb 1951; Luke AFB, Ariz, 23 Feb 1951-1 Nov 1952. Commanders. Col Thomas J J Christian Jr, 10 Feb 1943; Col Ronald F Fallows, 14 Aug 1944; Lt Col Roy B Caviness, 31 Aug 1944; Lt Col Joseph J Kruzel, 20 Sep 1944; Lt Col Roy B Caviness, 3 Nov 1944; Col Junius W Dennison Jr, 2 Dec 1944; Lt Col Roy B Caviness, 15 Apr 1945; Col John D Landers, 29 Jun 1945-unkn. Col David T McKnight, 1951; Col Maurice L Martin, 6 Aug 1951-unkn. Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Decorations. None. Insigne. Shield: Gules (scarlet) a bendlet divided per bend into five equal parts, the center azure, and the outer two or, and of the first (dark red), between in chief three fleur-de-lis in pale, of the third, and in base a giant (Saguaro) cactus footed to the sinister by an apple blossom stemmed both proper. Motto: Parati Stamus - We Stand Ready. (Approved 30 Jul 1954.)
|
You can use
Ctrl-F to search for words within this page Enter a word or phrase here to search this bookand the entire NYMAS site: |
One-click Table of Contents | |||||||||
Schedule | All-day Conference | Fulltext resources | News | On the Web | Links to Military History | Nymas Newsletters | About NYMAS | Contact us |
Return to the
New York Military Affairs Symposium start page