Book: Air Force Combat Units of World War II
Author: Maurer, Maurer
Affiliation: USAF
Date: 1986

Air Force Combat Units of World War II - Part 6


from Air Force Link

This book traces the lineage of each Army Air Corps and U.S. Air Force combat group that was active in World War II. In addition to serving as a valuable Air Force history document, it also provides unit commanders with a practical and accurate source of vital statistics.

362d Fighter Group - 367th Fighter Group

362d Fighter Group

Constituted as 362d Fighter Group on 11 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Trained for combat with P-47's. Moved to England in Nov 1943. Assigned to Ninth AF. Flew first mission, escorting B-24's that attacked V-weapon launching sites near Pas de Calais, on 8 Feb 1944. Until Apr 1944, engaged chiefly in escorting bombers that struck factories, railroads, airfields, and other targets on the Continent. Repeatedly attacked communications in northern France and in Belgium during Apr and May, in preparation for the invasion of Normandy. Escorted C-47's that dropped paratroops over Normandy on 6 and 7 Jun. Afterward, engaged primarily in interdictory and close-support activities, flying strafing and dive-bombing missions designed to assist the operations of ground forces. Moved to the Continent early in Jul 1944 and bombed enemy troops to aid the Allied breakthrough at St Lo later that month. Supported the subsequent advance of ground forces toward the Rhine by attacking railroads, trucks, bridges, power stations, fuel dumps, and other facilities. Received a DUC for a mission against the harbor at Brest on 25 Aug 1944 when, in spite of heavy overcast and intense enemy fire, the group attacked at low altitude, hitting naval installations, cruisers, troop transports, merchant vessels, and other objectives. Bombed and strafed such targets as flak positions, armored vehicles, and troop concentrations during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Received second DUC for action over the Moselle-Rhine River triangle: despite the intense antiaircraft fire encountered while flying armed reconnaissance in close cooperation with infantry forces in that area on 16 Mar 1945, the group hit enemy forces, equipment, and facilities, its targets including motor transports, armored vehicles, railroads, railway cars, and gun emplacements. Continued operations until 1 May 1945. Returned to the US Aug-Sep 1945. Trained with P-51's. Inactivated on 1 Aug 1946.

Redesignated 128th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Wis) on 2 Aug 1946. Extended federal recognition on 29 Jun 1948. Ordered to active duty on 1 Feb 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Redesignated 128th Fighter-Interceptor Group. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Relieved from active duty, returned to ANG (Wis), and activated, on 1 Nov 1952.

Squadrons. 126th: 1951-1952. 172d: 1951-1952. 176th: 1951-1952. 377th: 1943-1946. 378th: 1943-1946. 379th: 1943-1946.

Stations. Westover Field, Mass, 1 Mar 1943; Bradley Field, Conn, 22 Jun 1943; Groton Field, Conn, 2 Aug 1943; Mitchel Field, NY, 19 Oct-12 Nov 1943; Wormingford, England, 30 Nov 1943; Headcorn, England, 13 Apr 1944; Lignerolles, France, 2 Jul 1944; Rennes, France, 10 Aug 1944; Prosnes, France, 19 Sep 1944; Rouvre's, France, 5 Nov 1944; Frankfurt, Germany, 8 Apr 1945; Furth, Germany, 30 Apr 1945; Illesheim, Germany, 3 May 1945; Straubing, Germany, 12 May-Aug 1945; Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 5 Sep 1945; Biggs Field, Tex, 3 Dec 1945-1 Aug 1946. General Billy Mitchell Field, Wis, 1 Feb 1951; Truax Field, Wis, 16 Feb 1951-6 Feb 1952.

Commanders. Col Morton D Magoffin, 1 Mar 1943; Col Joseph L Laughlin, 10 Aug 1944-1 Aug 1946. Col Paul Fojtik, 1951-Feb 1952.

Campaigns. American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Brest, France, 25 Aug 1944; Moselle-Rhine River Triangle, 16 Mar 1945.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a bend or between in chief, two barbs (triple pronged) of the last and a cumulo nimbus cloud proper issuing from base. Over all from dexter base, two parallel piles point to sinister chief, gules, points, sable. Motto: Sursum Porsusque - Upward and Onward. (Approved 21 Apr 1954.)

363d Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 363d Fighter Group on 11 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Trained with P-39's and served as part of the air defense force. Moved to England in Dec 1943 for duty with Ninth AF. Equipped with P-51's in Jan 1944 and entered combat in Feb. Escorted bombers and fighter-bombers to targets in France, Germany, and the Low Countries; strafed and dive-bombed trains, marshalling yards, bridges, vehicles, airfields, troops, gun positions, and other targets on the Continent. Supported the invasion of Normandy in Jun 1944 by escorting troop carriers and gliders and by attacking enemy positions near the front lines, and moved to the Continent at the end of Jun to take part in the Allied drive to the German border.

Redesignated 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Sep 1944. Equipped with F-5 and F-6 aircraft. Flew photographic missions to support both air and ground operations; directed fighter-bombers to railway, highway, and waterway traffic, bridges, gun positions, troop concentrations, and other opportune targets; adjusted artillery fire; and took photographs to assess results of Allied bombardment operations. Received two Belgian citations for reconnaissance activities, including the group's support of the assault on the Siegfried Line and its participation in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 945). Assisted Ninth Army's drive across the Rhine and deep into Germany during the period from Feb 1945 to V-E Day. Redesignated 363d Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1945. Returned to the US in Dec. Inactivated on 11 Dec 1945.

Activated on 29 Jul 1946. Equipped initially with RF-80 and RB-26 aircraft, and later with RF-84 and RB-57 aircraft. Redesignated 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1948.

Squadrons. 9th: 1953-. 12th: 1946-1947. 17th: 1951-. 31st: 1945. 33d: 1945. 39th: 1945. 155th: 1945. 160th (formerly 380th, later 16th): 1943-1945; 1947-1949, 1950-. 161st (formerly 381st, later 18th): 1943-1945; 1946-1949, 1951-. 162d (formerly 382d): 1943-1944; 1946-1950.

Stations. Hamilton Field, Calif, 1 Mar 1943; Santa Rosa AAFld, Calif, Aug 1943; Sacramento, Calif, Oct-c. 3 Dec 1943; Keevil, England, c. 23 Dec 1943; Rivenhall, England, Jan 1944; Staplehurst, England, Apr 1944; Maupertuis, France, c. 1 Jul 1944; Azeville, France, Aug 1944; Le Mans, France, Sep 1944; Luxembourg, Luxembourg, c. 1 Oct 1944; Le Culot, Belgium, c. 29 Oct 1944; Venlo, Holland, Mar 1945; Gutersloh, Germany, c. 15 Apr 1945; Brunswick, Germany, c. 22 Apr 1945; Wiesbaden, Germany, May 1945; Eschwege, Germany, Aug 1945; Darmstadt, Germany, Sep-c. 2 Dec 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 9-11 Dec 1945. Brooks Field, Tex, 29 Jul 1946; Langley Field, Va, Dec 1947; Shaw AFB, SC, c. 2 Apr 1951-.

Commanders. Lt Col John R Ulricson, c. 1 Mar 1943; Capt Dave H Culberson, c. 8 Apr 1943; Maj Theodore C Bunker, c. 27 Apr 1943; Col John R Ulricson, 5 Jun 1943; Col James B Tipton, 7 May 1944; Co] James M Smelley, c. 1 Sep 1944; Lt Col Seth A Mize, May 1945-unkn. Col Russell A Berg, 29 Jul 1946; Col John R Dyas, c. 23 Aug 1946; Col James M Smelley, 5 Nov 1947; Lt Col Walter W Berg, 30 Jun 1949; Col Willis F Chapman, 31 Oct 1949; Col Benjamin G Willis, 7 Sep 1950; Maj Charles N Keppler, c. 13 Mar 1951; Co] Willie O Jackson Jr, 2 Apr 1951; Lt Co] Robert R Smith, 1 Nov 1951; Lt Co] Robert R Evans, 5 Mar 1952; Col John M McNabb, 17 Mar 1952; Col Robert R Smith, c. 4 Mar 1953; Col Paul A Pettigrew, c. 16 Mar 1955-.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 1 Oct 1944-; 18 Dec 1944-15 Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.

Insigne. Shield: Quarterly, first quarter checky, argent and gules; second and third quarters, azure; fourth quarter gules, a lion rampant or, armed and langued azure, all within a diminutive of the border or. Wreath of the colors, argent and gules. Motto: Voir C'est Savoir - To See is To Know. (Approved 16 Jun 1952.)

364th Fighter Group

Constituted as 364th Fighter Group on 25 May 1943. Activated on 1 Jun 1943. Trained with P-38's. Moved to England, Jan-Feb 1944. Began operations with Eighth AF in Mar. Flew escort, dive-bombing, strafing, and patrol missions in France, Belgium, Holland, and Germany. At first, operated primarily as escort for heavy bombers. Patrolled the English Channel during the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944, and, while continuing escort operations, supported ground forces in France after the invasion by strafing and bombing locomotives, marshalling yards, bridges, barges, and other targets. Converted from P-38's to P-51's in the summer of 1944 and from then until the end of the war flew many long-range escort missions for B-17's that attacked oil refineries, industries, and other strategic objectives at Berlin, Regensburg, Merseburg, Stuttgart, Brussels, and elsewhere. Received a DUC for an escort mission on 27 Dec 1944 when the group dispersed a large force of German fighters that attacked the bomber formation the group was escorting on a raid to Frankfurt. Also flew air-sea rescue missions, engaged in patrol activities, and continued to support ground forces as the battle line moved through France and into Germany. Took part in the effort to invade Holland by air, Sep 1944; the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and the assault across the Rhine, Mar 1945. After the war, remained in England until Nov 1945. Returned to the US. Inactivated on 10 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 131st Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Mo) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 15 Jul 1946. Redesignated 131st Composite Group in Nov 1950, and 131st Fighter Group in Feb 1951. Ordered into active service on 1 Mar 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Redesignated 131st Fighter-Bomber Group in Apr 1951. Assigned to Tactical Air Command in Nov 1951. Trained with F-51's. Relieved from active duty and returned to ANG (Mo), on 1 Dec 1952. Redesignated 131st Bombardment Group (Light).

Squadrons. 110th: 1951-1952. 170th: 1951-1952. 192d: 1951-1952. 383d: 1943-1945. 384th: 1943-1945. 385th: 1943-1945.

Stations. Glendale, Calif, 1 Jun 1943; Van Nuys, Calif, 12 Aug 1943; Ontario AAFld, Calif, II Oct 1943; Santa Maria AAFld, Calif, c. 7 Dec 1943-c. 11 Jan 1944; Honington, England, Feb 1944-c. Nov 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 9-10 Nov 1945. Lambert Field, Mo, 1 Mar 1951; Bergstrom AFB, Tex, 10 Mar 1951; George AFB, Calif, 7 Aug 1951-1 Dec 1952.

Commanders. Lt Col Frederick C Grambo, 12 Jun 1943; Col Roy W Osborn, c. Mar 1944; Lt Col Joseph B McManus, c. 9 Sep 1944; Lt Col John W Lowell, c. 23 Oct 1944; Col Roy W Osborn, 2 Nov 1944; Lt Col Eugene P Roberts, 3 Jan-Nov 1945. Lt Col Val W Bollwerk, Mar 1951; Col Donald J M Blakeslee, c. Apr 1951; Cal Woodrow W Ramsey, c. Dec 1951-1 Dec 1952.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Frankfurt, Germany, 27 Dec 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, on a pile issuing from sinister chief argent an aircraft rocket sable banded of the second leaving a trail gules between two general purpose aerial bombs in bend sinisterwise of the third. Motto: Parati Ad Agendum - Ready for Action. (Approved 29 Mar 1954.)

365th Fighter Group

Constituted as 365th Fighter Group on 27 Apr 1943. Activated on 15 May 1943. Trained with P-47's. Moved to England in Dec 1943. Began combat operations with Ninth AF in Feb 1944. Engaged in escort activities and flew dive-bombing missions to attack such targets as bridges, airdromes, rail facilities, gun positions, and V-weapon sites prior to the invasion of the Continent. Attacked rail targets and gun emplacements in France during the invasion on 6 Jun. Moved to the Continent late in Jun and continued to dive-bomb targets during the succeeding weeks of the battle for Normandy. Bombed targets near St Lo in Jul to assist Allied forces in breaking through German lines at that point, and supported the subsequent drive across northern France during Aug-Sep. In Sep, also flew patrols in cooperation with airborne operations in Holland. Cited by the Belgian government for assisting Allied armies in the period from the invasion of Normandy through the initial phases of the liberation of Belgium. During the fall of 1944, operated in connection with the seizure of Aachen and aided ground troops in the offensive toward the Rhine, receiving a DUC for destroying and damaging numerous enemy fighters over the Bonn-Dusseldorf area in Germany on 21 Oct. Received second Belgian award for actions during the Battle of the Bulge when the group struck such targets as vehicles, rolling stock, marshalling yards, gun positions, factories, and towns. Provided cover during airborne operations across the Rhine in Mar 1945 and supported the drive into Germany. Awarded second DUC for operations on 20 Apr 1945 when the group attacked airfields, motor transports, and ammunition dumps to aid the Allied advance through southern Germany. Ended combat in May and took part in the disarmament program until Jun 1945. Moved to the US in Sep. Inactivated on 22 Sep 1945.

Redesignated 132d Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Iowa) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 23 Aug 1946. Ordered into active service on 1 Apr 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Redesignated 132d Fighter-Bomber Group in Jun 1951. Assigned to Tactical Air Command in Nov 1951. Equipped with F-51's but with one squadron using F-84's until late in 1951. Relieved from active service and returned, less personnel and equipment, to ANG (Iowa), on 1 Jan 1953.

Squadrons. 124th: 1951-1953. 173d: 1951-1953. 386th (later 174th): 1943-1945; 1951-1953. 387th: 1943-1945. 388th: 1943-1945.

Stations. Richmond AAB, Va, 15 May 1943; Langley Field, Va, 19 Jul 1943; Dover AAFld, Del, 11 Aug 1943; Richmond AAB, Va, 18 Nov-4 Dec 1943; Gosfield, England, 22 Dec 1943; Beaulieu, England, 5 Mar 1944; Azeville, France, 28 Jun 1944; Lignerolles, France, 15 Aug 1944; Bretigny, France, 3 Sep 1944; Juvincourt, France, 15 Sep 1944; Chievres, Belgium, 4 Oct 1944; Metz, France, 27 Dec 1944; Florennes/Juzaine, Belgium, 30 Jan 1945; Aachen, Germany, 16 Mar 1945; Fritzlar, Germany, 13 Apr 1945; Suippes, France, c. 29 Jul 1945; Antwerp, Belgium, c. 22 Aug-11 Sep 1945; Camp Myles Standish, Mass, 20-22 Sep 1945. Des Moines Mun Aprt, Iowa, 1 Apr 1951; Dow AFB, Maine, 15 Apr 1951; Alexandria AFB, La, 19 Jun 1952-1 Jan 1953.

Commanders. Col Lance Call, c. 15 May 1943; Col Ray J Stecker, 26 Jun 1944; Lt Col Robert C Richardson III, 26 Apr 1945-unkn. Col Charles G Teschner, c. 1 Apr 1951; Col Harold J Whiteman, 21 Jun 1952-c. 1 Jan 1953.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 21 Oct 1944; Germany, 20 Apr 1945. Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6 Jun-30 Sep 1944; 16 Dec 1944-25 Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.

Insigne. Shield: Azure (sky blue), within a diminutive border or, a chevalier completely armed, in his dexter hand a tilting spear, with streamers; on his sinister arm an escutcheon charged with a tierce, in gyrons of two bendwise; the horse caparisoned and in full gallop, charging, all or, the horse's hind feet resting on a cloud proper, issuing from the base. (Approved 17 Oct 1952.)

366th Fighter Group

Constituted as 366th Fighter Group on 24 May 1943. Activated on 1 Jun 1943. Prepared for overseas duty with P-47's. Moved to England, Dec 1943-Jan 1944. Assigned to Ninth AF. Entered combat on 14 Mar 1944 with a fighter sweep along the French coast, then took part in operations designed to prepare the way for the invasion of the Continent. Flew fighter sweeps over Normandy on 6 Jun 1944, attacking such targets as motor convoys and gun emplacements. Moved to the Continent soon after D-Day and engaged primarily in dive-bombing missions against enemy communications and fortifications until May 1945. Received a DUC for supporting ground forces on 11 Jul 1944: approaching the assigned target - pillboxes in the vicinity of St Lo - the group discovered an enemy tank column unknown to Allied infantry; despite driving rain and intense antiaircraft fire, the group not only attacked assigned objectives but also severely damaged the enemy's armored force. Among other operations, the group supported Allied armored columns during the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul 1944; attacked flak positions near Eindhoven during the airborne landing in Holland in Sep 1944; flew armed reconnaissance missions over the battle area during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945 and escorted bombers during the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. The 366th frequently attacked such targets as railroads, highways, bridges, motor transports, gun emplacements, supply depots, and troops; often escorted bombers that hit airfields, factories, and marshalling yards; sometimes flew area patrols; and on occasion dropped leaflets. Flew last mission, attacking harbors at Kiel and Flensburg, on 3 May 1945. Remained in Germany after the war and, assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe, became part of the occupation force. Inactivated in Germany on 20 Aug 1946.

Redesignated 366th Fighter-Bomber Group. Activated in the US on 1 Jan 1953. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Trained with F-51, F-84, and F-86 aircraft.

Squadrons. 389th: 1943-1946; 1953-. 390th: 1943-1946; 1953-. 391st: 1943-1946; 1953-.

Stations. Richmond AAB, Va, 1 Jun 1943; Bluethenthal Field, NC, 9 Aug 1943; Richmond AAB, Va, 3-17 Dec 1943; Membury, England, 10 Jan 1944; Thruxton, England, 1 Mar-12 Jun 1944; St Pierre du Mont, France, 17 Jun 1944; Dreux/Vermouillet, France, 24 Aug 1944; Laon/Couvron, France, 8 Sep 1944; Assche, Belgium, 19 Nov 1944; Munster/Handorf, Germany, 11 Apr 1945; Bayreuth/Bindlach, Germany, 25 Jun 1945; Fritzlar, Germany, 14 Sep 1945-20 Aug 1946. Alexandria AFB, La, 1 Jan 1953-.

Commanders. Maj Morris C Crossen, 1 Jun 1943; Col Dyke F Meyer, 11 Jul 1943; Lt Col James P Tipton, 19 Apr 1944; Lt Col Donald K Bennett, 30 Apr 1944; Col Harold N Holt, c. 22 May 1944; Lt Col Ansel J Wheeler, 28 Apr 1945; Col Clarence T Edwinson, May 1946-unkn. Col Harold J Whiteman, 1953; Lt Col Carroll B McElroy, 9 Jul 1953; Col Timothy F O'Keefe, 8 Aug 1953; Col Gerald J Dix, i Sep 1954; Col Clyde B Slocumb Jr, 16 Feb 1955-.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Normandy, 11 Jul 1944. Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6 Jun-30 Sep 1944; 1 Oct 1944-; 18 Dec 1944-15 Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.

Insigne. Shield: Vert, a tiger's face proper, armed and embrued gules. Motto: Audentes Fortuna Juvat - Fortune Favors the Bold. (Approved 6 Oct 1954.)

367th Fighter Group

Constituted as 367th Fighter Group on 26 May 1943. Activated on 15 Jul 1943. Trained with P-39's. Moved to England, Mar-Apr 1944, and assigned to Ninth AF. Equipped with P-38's in Apr 1944 and converted to P-47's in Feb 1945. Entered combat in May 1944, attacking railroads, bridges, hangars, and other targets in western France, and escorting bombers that struck airfields, marshalling yards, and other facilities in the same area. From D-Day to 8 Jun 1944, provided cover for Allied forces crossing the Channel; during the remainder of Jun, bombed and strafed convoys, troops, flak towers, power stations, and other objectives behind the invasion beaches. Moved to the Continent in Jul 1944 and operated chiefly in support of ground forces until V-E Day. Struck railroads, marshalling yards, and trains to prevent enemy reinforcements from reaching the front during the Allied breakthrough at St Lo in Jul 1944. Received a DUC for a mission in France on 25 Aug: after attacking landing grounds at Clastres, Peronne, and Rosieries through an intense antiaircraft barrage, the group engaged a number of enemy planes and then, despite a low fuel supply, strafed a train and convoy after leaving the scene of battle; later the same day the 367th flew a fighter sweep of more than 800 miles, hitting landing grounds at Cognac, Bourges, and Dijon. Attacked German strong points to aid the Allied push against the Siegfried Line in the fall of 1944. On 26 Dec, during the Battle of the Bulge, escorted C-47's that dropped supplies to Allied troops encircled at Bastogne. Received another DUC for action on 19 Mar 1945: although its target was located in mountainous terrain, concealed by ground haze, and welldefended by antiaircraft artillery, the group descended to low altitude to bomb and strafe the headquarters of the German Commander-in-Chief, West, at Ziegenburg. Struck tanks, trucks, flak positions, and other objectives in support of the assault across the Rhine late in Mar and the final Allied operations in Germany. Flew last mission on V-E Day. Returned to the US, Jul-Aug 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 133d Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Minn) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 28 Aug 1947. Ordered into active service on 1 Mar 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Redesignated 133d Fighter-Interceptor Group. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Relieved from active duty, returned to ANG (Minn), and activated, on 1 Dec 1952.

Squadrons. 109th: 1951-1952. 175th: 1951-1952. 392d: 1943-1945. 393d (later 179th): 1943-1945; 1951-1952. 394th: 1943-1945.

Stations. Hamilton Field, Calif, 15 Jul 1943; Santa Rosa AAFld, Calif, 11 Oct 1943; Oakland Mun Aprt, Calif, 10 Dec 1943-8 Mar 1944; Stony Cross, England; 5 Apr 1944; Ibsley, England, 6 Jul 1944; Beuzeville, France, 22 Jul 1944; Criqueville, France, 14 Aug 1944; Peray, France, 4 Sep 1944; Clastres, France, 8 Sep 1944; Juvincourt, France, 28 Oct 1944; St-Dizier, France, 1 Feb 1945; Conflans, France, 14 Mar 1945; Frankfurt/Eschborn, Germany, 10 Apr-Jul 1945; Seymour Johnson Field, NC, Sep-7 Nov 1945. Holman Field, Minn, 1 Mar 1951; Ft Snelling, Minn, 21 Jan-6 Feb 1952.

Commanders. Maj Tuevo A Ahola, 17 Jul 1943; Lt Col John R Alison, 11 Aug 1943; Maj Tuevo A Ahola, 22 Oct 1943; Maj Morris C Crossen, 25 Nov 1943; Col Charles M Young, 22 Jan 1944; Col Edwin S Chickering, 9 Nov 1944-unkn. Col John R Dohny, 1951-Feb 1952.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: France, 25 Aug 1944; Germany, 19 Mar 1945. Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6 Jun-30 Sep 1944; 16 Dec 1944-25 Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.

Insigne. Shield: Per bend azure and gules, throughout in bend between in chief the dominant constellation of the northern sky argent (the Big Dipper, Ursa Major, with the North Star in sinister chief) and in base a griffin sejant with left foreleg slightly raised or, wings, head and neck feathers of the first all highlighted white and outlined sable, a vol argent outlined gray. Motto: Splendentes In Defensione - Shining in Defense. (Approved 9 Jul 1954.)

368th Fighter Group - 374th Troop Carrier Group

368th Fighter Group

Constituted as 368th Fighter Group on 24 May 1943. Activated on 1 Jun 1943. Trained with P-47's. Moved to England, arriving in Jan 1944. Began operations with Ninth AF on 14 Mar when the group flew a fighter sweep over the coast of France. Made strafing and bombing attacks on airfields, rail and highway bridges, trains, vehicles, flak positions, and V-weapon sites to help prepare for the invasion of France. Supported the landings in Normandy early in Jun 1944 and began operations from the Continent later the same month. Aided in the taking of Cherbourg, participated in the air operations that prepared the way for the Allied breakthrough at St Lo on 25 Jul, and supported ground forces during their drive across France. Received a DUC for support operations in the vicinity of Mons on 3 Sep 1944 when the group, dispatching seven missions against the enemy on that day, not only destroyed large numbers of motor transports, horse-drawn vehicles, and troops, but also attacked enemy positions that obstructed the progress of ground forces. Continued to support ground forces, participated in the assault against the Siegfried Line, and took part in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945) by attacking rail lines and trains, marshalling yards, roads and vehicles, armored columns, and gun positions. Operated with the Allied forces that pushed across the Rhine and into Germany. After V-E Day, served with the army of occupation, being assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe. Inactivated in Germany on 20 Aug 1946.

Redesignated 136th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Tex) on 21 Aug 1946. Extended federal recognition on 27 Jan 1947. Ordered into active service on 10 Oct 1950. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Redesignated 136th Fighter-Bomber Group. Used F-51's until early in 1951, then began conversion to F-84's. Moved to Japan, May-Jul 1951. Attached to Far East Air Forces for duty in the Korean War. Engaged primarily in interdiction but also flew close-support, escort, and armed-reconnaissance missions, operating first from Japan and later from Korea. Relieved from active duty, returned to ANG (Tex) without personnel and equipment, and redesignated 136th Fighter-Interceptor Group, on 10 Jul 1952. Redesignated 136th Fighter-Bomber Group on 1 Jan 1953.

Squadrons. 111th: 1950-1952. 154th: 1950-1952. 395th: 1943-1946. 396th (later 182d): 1943-1946; 1950-1952. 397th: 1943-1946.

Stations. Westover Field, Mass, 1 Jun 1943; Farmingdale, NY, 23 Aug-20 Dec 1943; Greenham Common, England, 13 Jan 1944; Chilbolton, England, 15 Mar 1944; Cardonville, France, 20 Jun 1944; Chartres, France, 23 Aug 1944; Laon, France, 11 Sep 1944; Chievres, Belgium, 2 Oct 1944; Juvincourt, France, 27 Dec 1944; Metz, France, 5 Jan 1945; Frankfurt-am-Main, Germany, 15 Apr 1945; Buchschwabach, Germany, 13 May 1945; Straubing, Germany, 13 Aug 1945-20 Aug 1946. Hensley Field, Tex, 10 Oct 1950; Langley AFB, Va, 24 Oct 1950-13 May 1951; Itazuke, Japan, May 1951; Taegu, Korea, 19 Sep 1951-10 Jul 1952.

Commanders. Col Gilbert L Meyers, c. 3 Jun 1943; Col Frank S Perego, 1 Nov 1944; Maj Dennis Crisp, 18 Oct 1945; Lt Col John L Locke, 2 Nov 1945; Col Robert P Montgomery, 22 Apr-20 Aug 1946. Col Albert C Prendergast, 10 Oct 1950; Lt Col William N Hensley, 26 Oct 1950; Lt Col Gerald E Montgomery, c. 9 May 1951; Col Dean Davenport, Jun 1951; Col William T Halton, c. 20 Sep 1951; Lt Col Daniel F Sharp, c. 21 Mar-c. Jul 1952.

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: Mons, France, 3 Sep 1944. Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6 Jun-30 Sep 1944; 16 Dec 1944-25 Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a lightning bolt bendwise in front of a winged star or, on a chief argent a cluster of grapes and a Korean bell proper. Motto: Nulli Secundus - Second to None. (Approved 22 Dec 1953.)

369th Fighter Group

Constituted as 369th Fighter Group on 26 May 1943. Activated on 1 Aug 1943. Assigned to Third AF, later (Mar 1944) to Fourth AF. Redesignated 369th Fighter-Bomber Group in Apr 1944, and 369th Fighter Group in Jun 1944. Trained replacement crews and participated in various maneuvers, such as the Louisiana Maneuvers in the summer of 1944. Aircraft included A-36's, P-39's, P-40's, and (in 1945) P-51's. Inactivated on 10 Aug 1945.

Squadrons. 398th: 1943-1945. 399th: 1943-1945. 400th: 1943-1945.

Stations. Hamilton Field, Calif, 1 Aug 1943; Marysville AAFld, Calif, c. 5 Nov 1943; Oroville AAFld, Calif, 28 Jan 1944; Hamilton Field, Calif, 16 Mar 1944; DeRidder AAB, La, 28 Mar 1944; Stuttgart AAFld, Ark, 8 Feb-10 Aug 1945.

Commanders. Col Charles Young, 1 Aug 1943; Maj Paul M Brewer Jr, 12 Feb 1944; Lt Col Emmett S Davis, 27 Nov 1944; Lt Col Walter W Berg, 11 Jan 1945; Lt Col Paul T O'Pizzi, 13 May 1945; Lt Col Harold G Lund, 19 May-10 Aug 1945.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

370th Fighter Group

Constituted as 370th Fighter Group on 25 May 1943. Activated on 1 Jul 1943. Trained with P-47's. Moved to England, Jan-Feb 1944. Assigned to Ninth AF. Equipped with P-38's in Feb and trained until 1 May 1944 when the group entered combat. Dive-bombed radar installations and flak towers, and escorted bombers that attacked bridges and marshalling yards in France as the Allies prepared for the invasion of the Continent. Provided cover for Allied forces that crossed the Channel on 6 Jun 1944, and flew armed reconnaissance missions over the Cotentin Peninsula until the end of the month. Moved to the Continent in Jul 1944 to support the drive of ground forces across France and into Germany. Hit gun emplacements, troops, supply dumps, and tanks near St Lo in Jul and in the Falaise-Argentan area in Aug 1944. Sent planes and pilots to England to provide cover for the airborne assault on Holland in Sep 1944. Struck pillboxes and troops early in Oct to aid First Army's capture of Aachen, and afterward struck railroads, bridges, viaducts, and tunnels in that area. Received a DUC for a mission in support of ground forces in the Hurtgen Forest area on 2 Dec 1944 when, despite bad weather and barrages of antiaircraft and small-arms fire, the group dropped napalm bombs on a heavily defended position in Bergstein, setting fire to the village and inflicting heavy casualties on enemy troops defending the area. Flew armed reconnaissance during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, attacking warehouses, highways, railroads, motor transports, and other targets. Converted to P-51's, Feb-Mar 1945. Bombed bridges and docks in the vicinity of Wesel to prepare for the crossing of the Rhine, and patrolled the area as paratroops were dropped on the east bank on 24 Mar. Supported operations Of 2d Armored Division in the Ruhr Valley in Apr. Flew last mission, a sweep over Dessau and Wittenberg, on 4 May 1945. Returned to the US, Sep-Nov 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 140th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Colo) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 1 Oct 1946. Ordered to active duty on 1 Apr 1951. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Redesignated 140th Fighter-Bomber Group in May 1951. Trained with F-51's. Relieved from active service and returned, less personnel and equipment, to ANG (Colo), on 1 Jan 1953.

Squadrons. 120th: 1951-1953. 191st: 1951-1953. 401st: 1943-1945. 402d (later 187th): 1943-1945; 1951-1953. 485th: 1943-1945.

Stations. Westover Field, Mass, 1 Jul 1943; Groton AAFld, Conn, 19 Oct 1943; Bradley Field, Conn, 5-20 Jan 1944; Aldermaston, England, 12 Feb 1944; Andover, England, 29 Feb-19 Jul 1944; Cardonville, France, 24 Jul 1944; La Vielle, France, 15 Aug 1944; Lonray, France, 6 Sep 1944; Roye/Amy, France, 11 Sep 1944; Florennes/Juzaine, Belgium, 26 Sep 1944; Zwartberg, Belgium, 27 Jan 1945; Gutersloh, Germany, 20 Apr 1945; Sandhofen, Germany, 27 Jun 1945; Fritzlar, Germany, 6 Aug-Sep 1945; Camp Myles Standish, Mass, c. 6-7 Nov 1945. Buckley Field, Colo, 1 Apr 1951; Clovis AFB, NM, 5 Dec 1951-1 Jan 1953.

Commanders. Col Howard F Nichols, 1 Jul 1954; Lt Col Seth McKee, 6 Nov 1944; Lt Col Morgan A Giffin, 22 Feb 1945; Col Seth McKee, 10 May 1945-unkn. Col John H Lowell, 1 Apr 1951; Col Gerald Dix, Dec 1952-1 Jan 1953.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Hurtgen Forest, Germany, 2 Dec 1944. Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6 Jun-30 Sep 1944; 1 Oct 1944-; 16 Dec 1944-25 Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.

Insigne. Shield: Per bend, argent and checky, sable and argent, over all a bend white. Motto: Militat Quasi Tigris Quisque - Each Fights Like a Tiger. (Approved 4 Jun 1952.)

371st Fighter Group

Constituted as 371st Fighter Group on 25 May 1943. Activated on 15 Jul 1943. Moved to the European theater during Feb-Mar 1944 and served in combat with Ninth AF from Apr 1944 to May 1945. Began operations, using P-47's, by making a fighter sweep over France. Flew fighter sweep, dive-bombing, and escort missions prior to the invasion of the Continent. Attacked railroads, trains, vehicles, gun emplacements, and buildings in France during the invasion of 6 Jun 1944. Patrolled beachhead areas and continued assaults against the enemy during the remainder of the Normandy campaign. Participated in the aerial barrage that prepared the way for the Allied breakthrough at St Lo on 25 Jul, and supported the subsequent drive across northern France. Operated in the area of northeastern France and southwestern Germany during the fall and winter of 1944-1945, attacking such targets as storage dumps, trains, rail lines, marshalling yards, buildings, factories, bridges, roads, vehicles, and strong points. Conducted operations that supported Allied ground action in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Launched a series of attacks against vehicles, factories, buildings, railroad cars, tanks, and gun emplacements during the period 15-21 Mar 1945, being awarded a DUC for this six-day action that contributed to the defeat of the enemy in southern Germany. Continued operations until May 1945. Returned to the US, Oct-Nov 1945. Inactivated on 10 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 142d Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Ore) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 30 Aug 1946. Ordered into active service on 1 Mar 1951. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Redesignated 142d Fighter-Interceptor Group in Apr 1951. Supervised the training of attached squadrons that used F-51, F-84, and F-86 aircraft. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Returned to ANG (Ore) and activated, on 1 Dec 1952.

Squadrons. 404th: 1943-1945. 405th: 1943-1945. 406th: 1943-1945

Stations. Richmond AAB, Va, 15 Jul 1943; Camp Springs AAFld, Md, 30 Sep 1943; Richmond AAB, Va, 18 Jan-14 Feb 1944; Bisterne, England, Mar 1944; Beuzeville, France, Jun 1944; Perthes, France, 18 Sep 1944; Dole/Tavaux, France, 1 Oct 1944; Tantonville, France, 20 Dec 1944; Metz, France, 15 Feb 1945; Frankfurt/Eschborn, Germany, 7 Apr 1945; Furth, Germany, 5 May 1945; Horsching, Austria, 16 Aug 1945; Stuttgart, Germany, Sep-Oct 1945; Camp Shanks, NY, 9-10 Nov 1945. Portland Mun Aprt, Ore, 1 Mar 1951; O'Hare Intl Aprt, Ill, 11 Apr 1951-6 Feb 1952.

Commanders. Col Bingham T Kleine, 27 Jul 1943; Lt Col William P McBride, c. Sep 1945-unkn. Col Harold W Scruggs, 1951-c. Feb 1952.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 15-21 Mar 1945. Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6 Jun-30 Sep 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, issuing from a barrulet engrailed, argent, a demi sun in splendour, or; in chief a stylized futuramic aircraft gules, fimbriated of the second; issuing from base a mountain of three peaks vert, capped argent. Motto: Semper Vigilans - Always on Guard. (Approved 24 Jul 1951.)

372d Fighter Group

Constituted as 372d Fighter Group on 12 Oct 1943 and activated on 28 Oct. Assigned to Fourth AF, and later (Mar 1944) to Third AF. Redesignated 372d Fighter-Bomber Group in Apr 1944, and 372d Fighter Group in Jun 1944. Functioned as an operational training unit. Also provided air support for air-ground maneuvers and demonstrations, participating in the Louisiana Maneuvers in the summer of 1944 and in similar activities in the US until after V-J Day. Primary aircraft were P-40's until Jun 1945, then P-51's. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 144th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Calif) on 24 1946. Extended federal recognition on 2 Jun 1948. Redesignated 144th Fighter-Interceptor Group in Oct 1952, and 144th Fighter-Bomber Group in Dec 1952.

Squadrons. 407th: 1943-1945. 408th: 1943-1945. 409th: 1943-1945.

Stations. Hamilton Field, Calif, 28 Oct 1943; Portland AAB, Ore, 7 Dec 1943; Esler Field, La, 29 Mar 1944; Pollock AAFld, La, 14 Apr 1944; Esler Field, La, 9 Feb 1945; Alexandria AAFld, La, 14 Sep-Nov 1945.

Commanders. Maj Francis E Brenner, 28 Oct 1943; Maj Darrell G Welch, 21 Dec 1943; Maj Joseph S Wakefield, 4 Feb 1944; Maj John R Harrison, 16 Feb 1944; Lt Col Sam W Westbrook, 3 Mar 1944; Lt Col Robert W Stephens, 17 Mar 1945; Lt Col Jack J Oberhansly, 30 May 1945; Col George R Bickell, 6 Aug-7 Nov 1945.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, three clouds two and one argent, issuing from the second cloud two lightning flashes one terminating on the first cloud and the other on the third cloud golden orange; in chief three mullets of the second. (Approved Feb 1954.)

373d Fighter Group

Constituted as 373d Fighter Group on May 1943. Activated on 15 Aug 1943. Trained for combat with P-47's. Moved to England, Mar-Apr 1944. Assigned to Ninth AF. Flew first combat mission, a fighter sweep over Normandy, on 8 May 1944, and then took part in preinvasion activities by escorting B-26's to attack airdromes, bridges, and railroads in France. Patrolled the air over the beachhead when the Allies launched the Normandy invasion on 6 Jun 1944, and hit troops, tanks, roads, fuel depots, and other targets in the assault area until the end of the month. Moved to the Continent in Jul 1944; struck railroads, hangars, boxcars, warehouses, and other objectives to prevent enemy reinforcements from reaching the front at St Lo, where the Allies broke through on 25 Jul 1944. Bombed such targets as troops, gun emplacements, and armored vehicles to aid ground troops in the Falaise-Argentan area in Aug 1944. During the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, concentrated on the destruction of bridges, marshalling yards, and highways. Flew armed reconnaissance missions to support ground operations in the Rhine Valley in Mar 1945, hitting airfields, motor transports, and other objectives. Received a DUC for a mission, 20 Mar 1945, that greatly facilitated the crossing of the Rhine by Allied ground forces: without losing any planes, the group repeatedly dived through barrages of antiaircraft fire to bomb vital airfields east of the river; also attacked rail lines and highways leading to the Rhine, hitting rolling stock, motor transports, and other objectives. Continued tactical air operations until 4 May 1945. Returned to the US, Jul-Aug 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 146th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Calif) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 14 Sep 1946. Redesignated 146th Composite Group in Nov 1950, and 146th Fighter Group in Feb 1951. Ordered into active service on 1 Apr 1951 and assigned to Strategic Air Command. Redesignated 146th Fighter-Bomber Group in Jun 1951. Assigned to Tactical Air Command in Nov 1951. Trained with F-51's. Relieved from active duty on 1 Jan 1953 and returned, without personnel and equipment, to ANG (Calif).

Squadrons. 178th: 1951-1953. 186th: 1951-1953. 190th: 1951-1953. 410th: 1943-1945. 411th: 1943-1945. 412th: 1943-1945.

Stations. Westover Field, Mass, 15 Aug 1943; Norfolk, Va, 23 Oct 1943; Richmond AAB, Va, 15 Feb-15 Mar 1944; Woodchurch, England, 4 Apr-4 Jul 1944; Tour-en-Bassin, France, 19 Jul 1944; St-James, France, 19 Aug 1944; Reims, France, 19 Sep 1944; Le Culot, Belgium, 22 Oct 1944; Venlo, Holland, 11 Mar 1945; Lippstadt, Germany, 20 Apr 1945; Illesheim, Germany, 20 May-Jul 1945; Sioux Falls AAFld, SD, 4 Aug 1945; Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 20 Aug 1945; Mitchel Field, NY, 28 Sep-7 Nov 1945. Lockheed Air Terminal, Calif, 1 Apr 1951; Moody AFB, Ga, 10 May 1951; George AFB, Calif, 25 Oct 1951-1 Jan 1953.

Commanders. Maj Ansel J Wheeler, 23 Aug 1943; Col William H Schwartz Jr, 25 Aug 1943; Col James C McGehee, 17 Nov 1944; Lt Col James F McCarthy, May 1945-unkn. Lt Col Jack D Blanchard, 1 Apr 1951; Col Cecil EWest, Jun 1951; Col Earl H Dunham, 22 Jun 1951; Lt Col Jack D Blanahard, 7 Jan 1952; Col Amos F Riha, 4 Apr 1952; Col Paul P Douglas, 27 Oct 1952-1 Jan 1953.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Rhine River, 20 Mar 1945. French Croix de Guerre with Palm: Aug 1944. Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 1 Oct 1944-; 18 Dec 1944-15 Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.

Insigne. Shield: Azure (light blue), on a pale or, a futuristic interceptor aircraft sable, highlighted white, overall in saltire a sword piercing a vultures wing both argent, detailed and outlined of the third. (Approved 21 Jun 1957.)

374th Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 374th Troop Carrier Group on 7 Nov 1942 and activated in Australia on 12 Nov. Assigned to Fifth AF. Transported men and materiel in the theater from Nov 1942 until after the war, operating from Australia, New Guinea, Biak, and the Philippines. Used war-weary and worn-out aircraft, including B-18's, C-39's, C-49's, C-56's, C-60's, DC-3's, and DC-5's, until equipped with C-47's in Feb 1943. Engaged in supplying Allied forces in the Papuan Campaign, receiving one DUC for these missions, and being awarded another DUC for transporting troops and equipment to Papua and evacuating casualties to rear areas, Nov-Dec 1942. Received third DUC for transporting men and supplies over the Owen Stanley Range, 30 Jan-1 Feb 1943, to aid the small force defending the airdrome at Wau, New Guinea. Participated in the first airborne operation in the Southwest Pacific on 5 Sep 1943, dropping paratroops at Nadzab, New Guinea, to seize enemy bases and cut inland supply routes. Other operations included evacuating wounded personnel, flying courier routes, making passenger flights, and helping move the 11th Division from Luzon to Okinawa in Aug 1945 for staging to Japan. From Sep 1945 to May 1946, hauled cargo to the occupation army in Japan and flew courier routes from the Philippines to Japan. Inactivated on Luzon on 15 May 1946.

Activated in the Philippines on 15 Oct 1946. Assigned to Far East Air Forces. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to Guam on 1 Apr 1947. Remanned and equipped with C-46 and C-47 aircraft. Flew courier, passenger, and cargo routes in the western Pacific. Redesignated 374th Troop Carrier Group (Heavy) in May 1948. Began converting to C-54's. Moved to Japan in Mar 1949. Began operations in the Korea War in Jun 1950, using C-47 and C-54 aircraft, the C-47's being replaced with C-124's in 1952. Transported men and cargo to Korea and evacuated wounded personnel on return flights. Remained in Japan after the war.

Squadrons. 6th: 1942-1946; 1946-. 19th: 1946-1948. 21st: 1942-1946; 1946-. 22d: 1942-1946; 1946-. 33d: 1942-1946.

Stations. Brisbane, Australia, 12 Nov 1942; Port Moresby, New Guinea, Dec 1942; Townsville, Australia, 7 Oct 1943; Nadzab, New Guinea, c. 1 Sep 1944; Biak, c. 14 Oct 1944; Nielson Field, Luzon, 28 May 1945-15 May 1946. Nichols Field, Luzon, 15 Oct 1946; Harmon Field, Guam, 1 Apr 1947; Tachikawa, Japan, 5 Mar 1949-.

Commanders. Lt Col Erickson S Nichols, 12 Nov 1942; Maj Edgar H Hampton, 14 Dec 1942; Col Paul H Prentiss, 17 Dec 1942; Maj Fred M Adams, 22 May 1943; Lt Col Edgar H Hampton, 12 Jul 1943; Lt Col Fred M Adams, 2 Aug 1943; Col Edward T Imparato, c. 3 Aug 1944; Col John L Sullivan, Oct 1945-unkn. Col Audrin R Walker, 15 Oct 1946-unkn; Lt Col Forrest P Coons, 1947-unkn; Col Troy W Crawford, 1949; Lt Col Benjamin T Tarver Jr, Aug 1949; Col Herbert A Bott, 22 Jul 1950; Col Charles W Howe, Jul 1951; Col Edward H Nigro, Sep 1951; Lt Col James F Hogan, Apr 1952; Col Edward H Nigro, 11 Aug 1952; Lt Col Frederick C Johnson, 11 Sep 1952; Col Francis W Williams, 24 Apr 1953; Col Hollis B Tara, 15 Jun 1954-.

Campaigns. World War II: Air Offensive, Japan; Papua; New Guinea; Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon. 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: Papua [Nov] 1942-23 Jan 1943; Papua, 12 Nov-22 Dec 1942; Wau, New Guinea, 30 Jan-1 Feb 1943; Korea, 27 Jun-15 Sep 1950. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 1 Jul 1951-27 Jul 1953.

Insigne. Shield: Per bend azure and or, in chief a hand couped in armour, holding a dagger, point upward, issuing from its handle an arrow and a wheat stalk or, in base a winged foot azure. Motto: Celeriter Pugnare - Swiftly to Fight. (Approved 3 Jul 1951.)

375th Troop Carrier Group - 382d Bombardment Group

375th Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 375th Troop Carrier Group on 12 Nov 1942 and activated on 18 Nov. Used C-47's in training for overseas duty. Moved to the Pacific theater, Jun-Jul 1943, and assigned to Fifth AF. Operated from New Guinea and Biak from Jul 1943 until Feb 1945, transporting men, supplies, and equipment to forward bases on New Guinea and New Britain and in the Solomon and Admiralty Islands. Used armed B-17's for the more hazardous missions that involved landing on fields that were under enemy attack. Took part in the first airborne operation in the Southwest Pacific, dropping paratroops to seize enemy bases and cut overland supply lines at Nadzab, New Guinea, on 5 Sep 1943. Converted to C-46 aircraft late in 1944. Moved to the Philippines in Feb 1945 and during the next few months most of its missions were supply flights to ground forces on Luzon and neighboring islands. Transported cargo to forces in the Ryukyus, Jun-Jul 1945. Moved to Okinawa in Aug, and after the war helped transfer troops from Luzon to the Ryukyus for staging to Japan. Also ferried liberated prisoners from Okinawa to Luzon. Moved to Japan in Sep 1945. Inactivated on 25 Mar 1946.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 3 Aug 1947. Redesignated 375th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in Jun 1949. Called to active duty on 15 Oct 1950. Assigned to Tactical Air Command and equipped with C-82's. Inactivated on 14 Jul 1952.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 14 Jul 1952.

Squadrons. 14th: 1947-1949. 55th: 1942-1946; 1947-1952; 1952-. 56th: 1942-1946; 1947-1952; 1952-. 57th: 1942-1946; 1947-1952; 1952-. 58th: 1942-1946; 1947-1950.

Stations. Bowman Field, Ky, 18 Nov 1942; Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 23 Jan 1943; Laurinburg-Maxton AAB, NC, 5 May 1943; Baer Field, Ind, 2-15 Jun 1943; Brisbane, Australia, 13 Jul 1943; Port Moresby, New Guinea, 31 Jul 1943; Dobodura, New Guinea, 19 Aug 1943; Port Moresby, New Guinea, 19 Dec 1943; Nadzab, New Guinea, 22 Apr 1944; Biak, 27 Sep 1944; San Jose, Mindoro, 17 Feb 1945; Porac, Luzon, 20 May 1945; Okinawa, Aug 1945; Tachikawa, Japan, Sep 1945-25 Mar 1946. Greater Pittsburgh Aprt, Pa, 3 Aug 1947; Donaldson AFB, SC, 15 Oct 1950-14 Jul 1952. Pittsburgh, Pa, 14 Jul 1952-.

Commanders. Col Joel G Pitts, 20 Nov 1942; Lt Col Maurice W Wiley, 25 Dec 1944; Lt Col John L Ames Jr, Aug 1945; Lt Col Benjamin C King, Sep 1945; Col Marshall S Roth, Oct 1945-unkn. Capt Charles Newell, 15 Oct 1950; Lt Col Charles R Gianque, 7 Nov 1950; Col Kenneth L Johnson, 13 Nov 1951; Lt Col Arthur J Staveley, 1 Feb 1952; Col Stewart H Nichols, 17 Apr-14 Jul 1952.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Japan; New Guinea; Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; Ryukyus.

Decorations. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, between a bend, compony of seven or and azure, cottised argent, a Pegasus rampant argent, and a parachute between two wings of the last. Motto: Nolle Secundis - None but the Best. (Approved 12 Feb 1952.)

376th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 376th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 19 Oct 1942 and activated in Palestine on 31 Oct. Began combat immediately, using B-24 aircraft. Operated with Ninth AF from bases in the Middle East, Nov 1942-Sep 1943, and with Twelfth AF from Tunisia, Sep-Nov 1943. Attacked shipping in the Mediterranean and harbor installations in Libya, Tunisia, Sicily, and Italy to cut enemy supply lines to Africa. Struck airdromes, marshalling yards, and other objectives in Sicily and Italy after the fall of Tunisia in May 1943. Received a DUC for action against the enemy in the Middle East, North Africa, and Sicily, Nov 1942-Aug 1943. Participated in the famed low-level assault on oil refineries at Ploesti and received another DUC: nearing Ploesti on 1 Aug 1943 and realizing that it was off course, the group attempted to reach its assigned objective from another direction; by this time, however, enemy defenses were thoroughly alerted and intense opposition forced the 376th to divert to targets of opportunity in the general target area. Moved to Italy in Nov 1943 and operated with Fifteenth AF until Apr 1945. Engaged primarily in long-range missions to targets in Italy, France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria, Hungary, and the Balkans to bomb factories, marshalling yards, oil refineries, oil storage facilities, airdromes, bridges, harbors, and other objectives. Received a DUC for attacking the oil industry at Bratislava on 16 Jun 1944. Also flew support and interdictory missions, assisting Allied forces at Anzio and Cassino during Feb-Mar 1944, supporting the invasion of Southern France in Aug 1944, aiding the Russian sweep into the Balkans during the fall of 1944, and assisting Allied troops in northern Italy during Apr 1945. Moved to the US in Apr. Redesignated 376th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) in May 1945. Inactivated on 10 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 376th Reconnaissance Group. Activated on 23 May 1947. Organized as a weather group. Inactivated on 20 Sep 1948.

Redesignated 376th Bombardment Group (Medium). Activated on 1 Jun 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command and equipped with B-29's. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 512th: 1942-1945; 1947; 1951-1952. 513th: 1942-1945; 1947; 1951-1952. 514th: 1942-1945; 1951-1952. 515th: 1942-1945.

Stations. Lydda, Palestine, 31 Oct 1942; Abu Sueir, Egypt, 8 Nov 1942; Gambut, Libya, c. Jan 1943; Soluch, Libya, 22 Feb 1943; Bengasi, Libya, c. 6 Apr 1943; Enfidaville, Tunisia, 26 Sep 1943; San Pancrazio, Italy, c. 17 Nov 1943-19 Apr 1945; Harvard AAFld, Neb, 8 May 1945; Grand Island AAFld, Neb, 25 Jun-10 Nov 1945. Gravelly Point, Va, 23 May 1947-20 Sep 1948. Forbes AFB, Kan, 1 Jun 1951; Barksdale AFB, La, c. 1 Oct 1951-16 Jun 1952.

Commanders. Col George F McGuire, 1 Nov 1942; Col Keith K Compton, 20 Feb 1943; Col Theodore Q Graff, c. 9 Jan 1944; Lt Col Richard W Fellows, 10 Jul 1944; Col Theodore Q Graff, 29 Sep 1944; Col Robert H Warren, 22 Feb 1945-unkn. Unkn, 23 May 1947-20 Sep 1948. Col Cecil E Combs, 1 Jun 1951; Col Frederick J Sutterlin, May-16 Jun 1952.

Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Egypt-Libya; Air Offensive Europe; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Anzio; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; North Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe Po Valley.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: North Africa and Sicily, [Nov] 1942-17 Aug 1943; Ploesti, Rumania, Aug 1943; Bratislava, Czechoslovakia, 16 Jun 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, in base, stylized winged sphinx or, shaded tenne and fimbriated azure, on a terra cotta mound sanguine, in dexter chief, a bomb or, point downward, charged with a roundle and a lozenge, sanguine, a triangle azure and a square sanguine, all within a diminutive of a border or. Motto: Liberandos. (Approved Nov 1951.)

377th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 377th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 13 Oct 1942 and activated on 18 Oct. Assigned to AAF Antisubmarine Command. Using O-47, O-52, and other aircraft, the group engaged in patrol activity along the east coast of the US. Inactivated on 9 Dec 1942.

Squadrons. 11th Antisubmarine (formerly 516th Bombardment): 1942. 12th Antisubmarine (formerly 517th Bombardment): 1942. 13th Antisubmarine (formerly 518th Bombardment): 1942. 14th Antisubmarine (formerly 519th Bombardment): 1942.

Stations. Ft Dix, NJ, 18 Oct-9 Dec 1942.

Commanders. Unkn.

Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

378th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 378th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 13 Oct 1942 and activated on 18 Oct. Assigned to AAF Antisubmarine Command. Engaged in patrol work along the east coast of the US, operating primarily with O-46's and O-47's. Inactivated on 14 Dec 1942.

Squadrons. 15th Antisubmarine (formerly 520th Bombardment): 1942. 17th Antisubmarine (formerly 522d Bombardment): 1942. 521st Bombardment: 1942. 523d Bombardment: 1942.

Stations. Langley Field, Va, 18 Oct 14 Dec 1942.

Commanders. Col Walter M Williams, 1942.

Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

379th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 379th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Oct 1942. Activated on 3 Nov 1942. Moved to England, with the air echelon flying B-17's via the North Atlantic route in Apr 1943 and the ground echelon crossing by ship in May. Began operations with Eighth AF on 19 May, and received a DUC for operations over Europe, May 1943-Jul 1944. Engaged primarily in bombardment of strategic targets such as industries, oil refineries, storage plants, submarine pens, airfields, and communications centers in Germany, France, Holland, Belgium, Norway, and Poland. Specific targets included a chemical plant in Ludwigshafen, an aircraft assembly plant in Brunswick, ball-bearing plants at Schweinfurt and Leipzig, synthetic oil refineries at Merseburg and Gelsenkirchen, marshalling yards at Hamm and Reims, and airfields in Mesnil au Val and Berlin. Received another DUC for flying without fighter protection into central Germany to attack vital aircraft factories on 11 Jan 1944. On several occasions attacked interdictory targets and operated in support of ground forces. Bombed V-weapon sites, airfields, radar stations, and other installations before the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944; bombed defended positions just ahead of the Allied landings on 6 Jun; and struck airfields, rail choke points, and gun emplacements during the campaign that followed. Bombed enemy positions to assist ground troops at St Lo during the breakthrough, 24-25 Jul 1944. Attacked German communications and fortifications during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Bombed bridges and viaducts in France and Germany to aid the Allied assault across the Rhine, Feb-Mar 1945. Moved to French Morocco in Jun 1945. Inactivated on 25 Jul 1945.

Squadrons. 524th: 1942-1945. 525th: 1942-1945. 526th: 1942-1945. 527th: 1942-1945.

Stations. Geiger Field, Wash, 3 Nov 1942; Wendover Field, Utah, 19 Nov 1942; Sioux City AAB, Iowa, 3 Feb-Apr 1943; Kimbolton, England, 21 May 1943-12 Jun 1945; Casablanca, French Morocco, 17 Jun-25 Jul 1945.

Commanders. Col Maurice A Preston, 26 Nov 1942; Col Lewis E Lyle, 11 Oct 1944; Lt Col Lloyd C Mason, 6 May 1945; Lt Col Horace E Frink, 23 May-Jun 1945.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Continental Europe, 29 May 1943-31 Jul 1944; Germany, 11 Jan 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Per bend azure and gules, on a lightning bolt per bend throughout, or, seven stars per bend throughout, or, seven stars per bend argent; all between a dart, with three stars arched and an atomic symbol encircled by nine stars, all of the last. Motto: Diligentia Et Accuratio - Precision and Accuracy. (Approved 23 Aug 1958.)

380th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 380th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Oct 1942. Activated on 3 Nov 1942. Used B-24's in preparing for overseas duty. Moved to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, Apr-May 1943. Assigned to Fifth AF but attached to Royal Australian Air Force until Jan 1945. Trained Australian crews to operate B-24's. Began combat operations in May 1943 by flying armed reconnaissance patrols. Operated from Australian bases for a year and a half, striking enemy airfields, ground installations, shipping, and industries in the Netherlands Indies and the Bismarck Archipelago. Received DUC for a series of long-range attacks on oil refineries, shipping, and dock facilities in Balikpapan, Borneo, in Aug 1943. Repeatedly bombed enemy airfields in western New Guinea during Apr and May 1944 in support of American landings in the Hollandia area, being awarded another DUC for this action. Moved in Feb 1945 to Mindoro where its missions included support for ground forces on Luzon and strikes on industries in Formosa, oil refineries in Borneo, railways and shipping in French Indochina, and ground installations on the China coast. Moved to Okinawa in Aug 1945, and after V-J Day flew reconnaissance missions over Japan and ferried liberated prisoners of war from Japan to Manila. Returned to the Philippines in Nov 1945. Inactivated on 20 Feb 1946.

Redesignated 380th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 16 Jun 1947. Redesignated 380th Bombardment Group (Medium) in Jun 1949. Ordered to active duty on 1 May 1951. Inactivated on 16 May 1951.

Squadrons. 328th: 1942-1946; 1947-1951. 329th: 1942-1946; 1947-1949. 330th: 1942-1946; 1947-1949. 331st: 1942-1946; 1947-1951.

Stations. Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 3 Nov 1942; Biggs Field, Tex, 2 Dec 1942; Lowry Field, Colo, 4 Mar-c. 17 Apr 1943; Fenton, Australia, May 1943; Darwin, Australia, 9 Aug 1944; San Jose, Mindoro, 20 Feb 1945; Okinawa, c. 9 Aug 1945; Ft William McKinley, Luzon, 28 Nov 1945-20 Feb 1946. MacDill Field, Fla, 16 Jun 1947-16 May 1951.

Commanders. Col William A Miller, 3 Nov 1942; Col Forrest L Brissey, 10 Feb 1944; Lt Col Gayle S Cox, 30 Aug 1945; Col David A Tate, 8 Sep 1945-unkn.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Japan; China Defensive; New Guinea; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines; China Offensive.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Borneo, 13, 15, and 17 Aug 1943; New Guinea, 20 Apr-17 May 1944. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, two cloud formations argent, fesswise, one issuing from dexter enhanced, one from sinister abased surmounted by a sword in pale, point to base, or, hilt, grip and pommel gules, entwined with an olive branch vert. Motto: Strength And Confidence. (Approved 26 Nov 1956.)

381st Bombardment Group

Constituted as 381st Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Oct 1942. Activated on 3 Nov 1942. Used B-17's in preparing for duty overseas. Moved to England, May-Jun 1943, and assigned to Eighth AF. Served in combat from Jun 1943 to Apr 1945, operating chiefly against strategic objectives on the Continent. Specific targets included an aircraft assembly plant at Villacoublay, an airdrome at Amiens, locks at St Nazaire, an aircraft engine factory at Le Mans, nitrate works in Norway, aircraft plants in Brussels, industrial areas of Munster, U-boat yards at Kiel, marshalling yards at Offenberg, aircraft factories at Kassel, aircraft assembly plants at Leipzig, oil refineries at Gelsenkirchen, and ball-bearing works at Shweinfurt. Received a DUC for performance on 8 Oct 1943 when shipyards at Bremen were bombed accurately in spite of persistent enemy fighter attacks and heavy flak. Received second DUC for similar action on 11 Jan 1944 during a mission against aircraft factories in central Germany. Participated in the intensive campaign of heavy bombers against enemy aircraft factories during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Often supported ground troops and attacked targets of interdiction when not engaged in strategic bombardment. Supported the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944 by bombing bridges and airfields near the beachhead. Attacked enemy positions in advance of ground forces at St Lo in Jul 1944. Assisted the airborne assault on Holland in Sep. Struck airfields and communications near the battle zone during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Supported the Allied crossing of the Rhine in Mar 1945 and then operated against communications and transportation in the final push through Germany. Returned to the US, Jun-Jul 1945. Inactivated on 28 Aug 1945.

Redesignated 381st Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 24 Jul 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.

Squadrons. 509th: 1948-1949. 510th: 1948-1949. 532d: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 533d: 1942-1945. 534th: 1942-1945; 1947-1948. 535th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949.

Stations. Gowen Field, Idaho, 3 Nov 1942; Ephrata, Wash, c. 1 Dec 1942; Pyote AAB, Tex, c. 3 Jan 1943; Pueblo AA B, Colo, c. 5 Apr-c. 9 May 1943; Ridgewell, England, Jun 1943-Jun 1945; Sioux Falls AAFld, SD, Jul-28 Aug 1945. Offutt Field, Neb, 24 Jul 1947-27 Jun 1949.

Commanders. Col Joseph Nazzaro, Jan 1943; Col Harry P Leber Jr, c. 9 Jan 1944; Lt Col Conway S Hall, 6 Feb 1945-unkn.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 8 Oct 1943; Germany, 11 Jan 1944.

Insigne. None.

382d Bombardment Group

Constituted as 382d Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Oct 1942. Activated on 3 Nov 1942. Assigned to Second AF and equipped with B-24's. Served first as an operational training and later as a replacement training unit. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1944.

Redesignated 382d Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on Aug 1944. Assigned to Second AF. Trained for overseas duty with B-29's. Moved to the Pacific theater, Jul-Sep 1945, and assigned to Eighth AF. The war ended before the group could enter combat. Returned to the US on Dec 1945. Inactivated on 4 Jan 1946.

Squadrons. 420th: 1944-1946. 464th: 1944-1946. 536th: 1942-1944. 537th: 1942-1944. 538th: 1942-1944. 539th: 1942-1944. 872d: 1944-1946.

Stations. Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, 3 Nov 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 23 Jan 1943; Pocatello AAFld, Idaho, 5 Apr 1943; Muroc AAFld, Calif, 6 Dec 1943-31 Mar 1944. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 25 Aug 1944; Smoky Hill AAFld, Kan, 11 Dec 1944-8 Jul 1945; Guam, 8 Sep-16 Dec 1945; Camp Anza, Calif, 30 Dec 1945-4 Jan 1946.

Commanders. Unkn, Nov 1942-Jan 1943; Maj Paul Schwartz, 23 Jan 1943; Lt Col George E Glober, 18 Jun 1943-31 Mar 1944. 2d Lt Melvin A Dilcherd, 29 Aug 1944; Col William W lones, ig Sep 1944; Col Audrin R Walker, 16 Feb 1945-unkn.

Campaigns. American Theater; Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

383d Bombardment Group - 390th Bombardment Group

383d Bombardment Group

Constituted as 383d Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Oct 1942. Activated on 3 Nov 1942. 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 383d Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 28 Aug 1944. Assigned to Second AF. Prepared for combat with B-29's. Moved to the Pacific theater, Aug-Sep 1945, and assigned to Eighth AF. The war ended before the group could enter combat. Returned to the US in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 3 Jan 1946.

Squadrons. 540th: 1942-1944. 541st: 1942-1944. 542d: 1942-1944. 543d: 1942-1944. 876th: 1944-1946. 880th: 1944-1946. 884th: 1944-1946.

Stations. Salt Lake City AAB, Utah, 3 Nov 1942; Rapid City AAB, SD, 12 Nov 1942; Geiger Field, Wash, 20 Jun 1943; Peterson Field, Colo, 26 Oct 1943-1 Apr 1944. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 28 Aug 1944; Walker AAFld, Kan, 14 Jan-11 Aug 1945; Tinian, 12 Sep-19 Dec 1945; Camp Anza, Calif, 2-3 Jan 1946.

Commanders. Maj Elliot Vandevanter Jr, 27 Nov 1942-unkn. Lt Col John P Proctor, 1944; Col Richard M Montgomery, 8 Dec 1944-unkn.

Campaigns. American Theater; Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

384th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 25 Nov 1942. Activated on 1 Dec 1942. Trained for combat with B-17's. Moved to England, May-Jun 1943, and assigned to Eighth AF. Functioned primarily as a strategic bombardment organization, concentrating its attacks on airfields and industries in France and Germany. Targets included airdromes at Orleans, Bricy, and Nancy; motor works at Cologne; a coking plant at Gelsenkirchen; an aircraft component parts factory at Halberstadt; steel works at Magdeburg; and ball-bearing plants at Shweinfurt. Made a damaging raid on aircraft factories in central Germany on 11 Jan 1944 and received a DUC for the action. Took part in the campaign of heavy bombers against the German aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Received another DUC for the mission of 24 Apr 1944 when the group, although crippled by heavy losses of men and planes, led the 41st Wing through almost overwhelming opposition to attack an aircraft factory and airfield at Oberpfaffenhofen. The group also bombed ports, communications centers, oil facilities, and cities, attacking such targets as oil storage plants in Leipzig and Berlin, ports at Hamburg and Emden, and marshalling yards at Duren and Mannheim. At times it flew interdictory and support missions. Attacked installations along the coast of Normandy prior to and during the invasion in Jun 1944 and then bombed airfields and communications beyond the beachhead. Supported ground troops during the breakthrough at St Lo, 24-25 Jul, by bombing enemy strong points just beyond Allied lines. Hit tank and gun concentrations north of Eindhoven to assist the airborne assault on Holland in Sep. Struck enemy communications and fortifications during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Aided the Allied assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945 by attacking marshalling yards, railroad junctions, and bridges to cut off enemy supplies. Remained in the theater after the war as part of United States Air Forces in Europe. Carried American soldiers to Casablanca for return to the US, returned Greek soldiers to their homeland, and moved Allied troops to Germany. Inactivated in France on 28 Feb 1946.

Redesignated 384th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 16 Jul 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.

Squadrons. 318th: 1947-1949. 339th: 1947-1949. 544th: 1942-1946; 1947-1949. 545th: 1942-1946; 1947-1949. 546th: 1942-1946. 547th: 1942-1946.

Stations. Gowen Field, Idaho, 1 Dec 1942; Wendover Field, Utah, 2 Jan 1943; Sioux City AAB, Iowa, c. 3 Apr-9 May 1943; Grafton Underwood, England, Jun 1943; Istres, France, c. Jun 1945-28 Feb 1946. Nashville Mun Aprt, Tenn, 16 Jul 1947-27 Jun 1949.

Commanders. Col Budd J Peaslee, 2 Jan 1943; Col Lucius K Lacey, c. 6 Sep 1943; Col Dale O Smith, 23 Nov 1943; Lt Col Theodore E Milton, 24 Oct 1944; Lt Col Robert W Fish, 17 Jun 1945; Lt Col Lloyd D Chapman, 18 Oct 1945-Feb 1946.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 11 Jan 1944; Germany, 24 Apr 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, between two cloud formations in chief and one in base throughout proper, five stars, one, two, and two or, the one in chief emitting a ray to each star of the like voided azure, and a lightning flash palewise to base point gules fimbriated argent, all within a diminutive border of the last. Motto: Keep The Show On The Road. (Approved 9 Apr 1958.)

385th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 385th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 25 Nov 1942. Activated on 1 Dec 1942. Trained with B-17's. Moved to England in Jun 1943 and assigned to Eighth AF. Operated primarily as a strategic bombardment organization until the war ended, striking such targets as industrial areas, air bases, oil refineries, and communications centers in Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, Holland, and Norway. Received a DUC for bombing an aircraft factory at Regensburg on 17 Aug 1943 after a long hazardous flight over enemy territory. Led the 4th Wing a great distance through heavy and damaging opposition for the successful bombardment of an aircraft repair plant at Zwickau on 12 May 1944, being awarded another DUC for this performance. Other strategic targets included aircraft factories in Oschersleben and Marienburg, battery works in Stuttgart, airfields in Beauvais and Chartres, oil refineries in Ludwigshafen and Merseburg, and marshalling yards in Munich and Oranienburg. Sometimes supported ground forces and struck interdictory targets. Attacked coastline defenses in Jun 1944 in preparation for the Normandy invasion and hit marshalling yards and choke points during the landing on D-Day. Bombed enemy positions in support of ground forces at St Lo in Jul 1944. Attacked German communications and fortifications during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Bombed troop concentrations and communications centers in Germany and France, Mar-Apr 1945, to assist the final thrust into Germany. After V-E Day, hauled prisoners of war from Germany to Allied centers and flew food to Holland. Returned to the US in Aug. Inactivated on 28 Aug 1945.

Squadrons. 548th: 1942-1945. 549th: 1942-1945. 550th: 1942-1945. 551st: 1942-1945.

Stations. Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Dec 1942; El Paso, Tex, 21 Dec 1942; Geiger Field, Wash, 1 Feb 1943; Great Falls AAB, Mont, 11 Apr-Jun 1943; Great Ashfield, England, Jun 1943-Aug 1945; Sioux Falls AAFld, SD, Aug-28 Aug 1945.

Commanders. Col Elliot Vandevanter Jr, 3 Feb 1943; Col George Y Jumper, 24 Aug 1944; Col William H Hanson, 2 Jun 1945; Maj Totton J Anderson, c. Jul 1945-unkn.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 17 Aug 1943; Zwickau, Germany, 12 May 1944.

Insigne. None.

386th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 386th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 25 Nov 1942. Activated on 1 Dec 1942. Equipped with B-26's. Moved to England, arriving in Jun 1943. Operated with Eighth AF until assigned to Ninth in Oct 1943. Flew first mission in Jul 1943. Concentrated on airdromes but also bombed marshalling yards and gun positions during the first months of combat. Carried out an extensive campaign against V-weapon sites along the coast of France in the winter of 1943-1944, and bombed airfields in Holland and Belgium during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Hammered marshalling yards, gun positions, and airdromes preceding the invasion of Normandy and made numerous assaults on bridges of the Seine late in May. Struck coastal batteries on D-Day and hit bridges, supply and fuel stores, gun positions, and defended areas during the remainder of the Normandy campaign. Supported Allied forces at Caen, and participated in the massive blows against the enemy at St Lo on 25 Jul 1944. Knocked out targets to help clear the Falaise gap of German forces in Aug 1944 and hit strong points at Brest during Sep. After moving to the Continent in Oct 1944, attacked strong points at Metz, flew missions to Holland and assaulted such objectives as defended areas, storage depots, and communications in Germany. Focused its attacks primarily on bridges during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, in order to cut off enemy supplies and reinforcements. Converted to A-26's shortly after the Ardennes campaign and continued to strike German communications, transportation, and storage facilities until May 1945. Redesignated 386th Bombardment Group (Light) in Jun 1945. Returned to the US, Jul-Aug. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 386th Fighter-Bomber Group. Activated on 8 Apr 1956. Assigned to Tactical Air Command.

Squadrons. 552d: 1942-1945; 1956-. 553d: 1942-1945; 1956-. 554th: 1942-1945; 1956-. 555th: 1942-1945.

Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 1 Dec 1942; Lake Charles AAB, La, 9 Feb-8 May 1943; Snetterton Heath, England, 3 Jun 1943; Boxted, England, 10 Jun 1943; Great Dunmow, England, 24 Sep 1943; Beaumont-sur-Oise, France, 2 Oct 1944; St-Trond, Belgium, 9 Apr-Jul 1945; Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 7 Aug 1945; Westover Field, Mass 30 SeP-7 Nov 1945. Bunker Hill AFB, Ind, 8 Apr 1956-.

Commanders. Col Lester J Maitland, c. 1 Dec 1942; Col Richard C Sanders, 18 Nov 1943; Col Joe W Kelly, 22 Jan 1944; Col Thomas G Corbin, c. 25 Aug 1944-1945. Capt Amos B Leighton, 8 Apr 1956-.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: ETO, 30 Jul 1943-30 Jul 1944.

Insigne. None.

387th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 387th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 25 Nov 1942. Activated on 1 Dec 1942. Trained with B-26 aircraft. Moved to England in Jun 1943. Served with Eighth AF until assigned to Ninth in Oct 1943. Began combat in Aug 1943 and concentrated its attacks on airdromes during the first months of operations. Made numerous strikes on V-weapon sites in France in the winter of 1943-1944. Hit airfields at Leeuwarden and Venlo during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944, the intensive campaign against the German Air Force and aircraft industry. Helped to prepare for the invasion of Normandy by attacking coastal batteries and bridges in France during May 1944. Bombed along the invasion coast on 6 Jun 1944 and supported ground forces throughout the month by raiding railroads, bridges, road junctions, defended areas, and fuel dumps. Moved to the Continent in Jul 1944 and participated in attacks on the enemy at St Lo in the latter part of the month and on German forces at Brest during Aug and Sep. Extended operations into Germany by fall of 1944. Received a DUC for action during the Battle of the Bulge when the group hit strongly defended transportation and communications targets at Mayen and Prum. Supported the Allied drive into the Reich by attacking bridges, communications centers, marshalling yards, storage installations, and other objectives. Ended combat operations in Apr 1945. Returned to the US in Nov. Inactivated on 17 Nov 1945.

Squadrons. 556th: 1942-1945. 557th: 1942-1945. 558th: 1942-1945. 559th: 1942-1945.

Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 1 Dec 1942; Drane Field, Fla, 12 Apr 1943; Godman Field, Ky, c. 11 May-10 Jun 1943; Chipping Ongar, England, 25 Jun 1943; Stony Cross, England, 18 Jul 1944; Maupertuis, France, 22 Aug 1944; Chateaudun, France, 18 Sep 1944; Clastres, France, 30 Oct 1944; Beek, Holland, 29 Apr 1945; Rosieres-en-Santerre, France, 24 May-c. Nov 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 14-17 Nov 1945.

Commanders. Maj David S Blackwell, 20 Dec 1942; Col Carl R Storrie, c. 19 Jan 1943; Col Jack E Caldwell, 8 Nov 1943; Col Thomas M Seymour, 13 Apr 1944; Col Grover C Brown, c. 18 Jul 1944; Lt Col Richard R Stewart, 20 May 1945; Col Philip A Sykes, Jun 1945-unkn.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 23 Dec 1944.

Insigne. None.

388th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 388th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 19 Dec 1942 and activated on 24 Dec. Trained for combat with B-17's. Moved to England in Jun 1943 and assigned to Eighth AF. Began operations on 17 Jul 1943 by attacking an aircraft factory in Amsterdam. Functioned primarily as a strategic bombardment Organization until the war ended. Targets included industries, naval installations, oil storage plants, refineries, and communications centers in Germany, France, Poland, Belgium, Norway, Rumania, and Holland. Received a DUC for withstanding heavy opposition to bomb vital aircraft factory at Regensburg on 1 Aug 1943. Received another DUC for three outstanding missions: an attack against a tire and rubber factory in Hannover on 26 Jul 1943; the bombardment of a synthetic oil refinery in Brux on 12 Ma 1944; and a strike against a synthetic oil refinery at Ruhland on 21 Jun 1944, during a shuttle raid from England to Russia. Attacked many other significant targets, including aircraft factories in Kassel, Reims, and Brunswick; airfields in Bordeaux, Paris, and Berlin; naval works at La Pallice, Emden, and Kiel; chemical industries in Ludwigshafen; ball-bearing plants in Schweinfurt; and marshalling yards in Brussels, Osnabruck, and Bielefeld. Operations also included support and interdictory missions. Helped prepare for the invasion of Normandy by attacking military installations in France, and on D-Day struck coastal guns, field batteries, and transportation. Continued to support ground forces during the campaign that followed, hitting such objectives as supply depots and troop concentrations. Bombed in support of ground forces at St Lo in Jul 1944 and at Caen in Aug. Covered the airborne assault on Holland in Sep 1944 by attacking military installations and airfields at Arnheim. Aided the final drive through Germany during the early months of 1945 by striking targets such as marshalling yards, rail bridges, and road junctions. After V-E Day, flew food to Holland to relieve flood-stricken areas. Returned to the US in Aug. Inactivated on 28 Aug 1945.

Redesignated 388th Fighter-Bomber Group. Activated on 23 Nov 1953. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Trained with F-86 aircraft. Moved to France, Nov-Dec 1954, and became part of United States Air Forces in Europe.

Squadrons. 560th: 1942-1945. 561st: 1942-1945; 1953-. 562d: 1942-1945; 1953-. 563d: 1942-1945; 1953-.

Stations. Gowen Field, Idaho, 24 Dec 1942; Wendover Field, Utah, 1 Feb 1943; Sioux City AAB, Iowa, c. 29 Apr-10 Jun 1943; Knettishall, England, Jun 1943-Aug 1945; Sioux Falls AAFld, SD, 13-28 Aug 1945. Clovis AFB, NM, 23 Nov 1953-28 Nov 1954; Etain Rouvres AB, France, 12 Dec 1954-.

Commanders. Col William B David, 1 Feb 1943; Col Chester C Cox, 7 Oct 1944-c. 28 Aug 1945. Maj Charles M Read, 23 Nov 1953; Col Clayton L Peterson, 11 Jan 1954-.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 17 Aug 1943; Hannover, Germany (26 Jun 1943), Brux, Czechoslovakia (12 May 1944), and from England to Russia (21 Jun 1944).

Insigne. Shield: Per bend azure and gules, on a bend or, a lightning flash sable. Supporters: The shield supported by two wings light blue, feathered and detail black. Motto: Liberias Vel Mors - Liberty or Death. (Approved 11 Mar 1955.)

389th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 389th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 19 Dec 1942 and activated on 24 Dec. Prepared for duty overseas with B-24's. Moved to England, Jun-Jul 1943, and assigned to Eighth AF. Almost immediately a detachment was sent to Libya, where it began operations on 9 Jul 1943. The detachment flew missions to Crete, Sicily, Italy, Austria, and Rumania. The group received a DUC for the detachment's participation in the famed low-level attack against oil refineries at Ploesti on 1 Aug 1943. For his action during the same operation, 2d Lt Lloyd H Hughes was awarded the Medal of Honor: refusing to turn back although gasoline was streaming from his flak-damaged plane, Lt Hughes flew at low altitude over the blazing target area and bombed the objective; the plane crashed before Hughes could make the forced landing that he attempted after the bomb run. The detachment returned to England in Aug and the group flew several missions against airfields in France and Holland. Operating temporarily from Tunisia, Sep-Oct 1943, the 389th supported Allied operations at Salerno and hit targets in Corsica, Italy, and Austria. Resumed operations from England in Oct 1943, and until Apr 1945 concentrated primarily on strategic objectives in France, the Low Countries, and Germany. Targets included shipbuilding yards at Vegesack, industrial areas of Berlin, oil facilities at Merseburg, factories at Munster, railroad yards at Sangerhausen, and V-weapon sites at Pas de Calais. Participated in the intensive air campaign against the German aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Also flew support and interdictory missions on several occasions, bombing gun batteries and airfields in support of the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944, striking enemy positions to aid the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul 1944, hitting storage depots and communications centers during the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945), and dropping food, ammunition, gasoline, and other supplies to troops participating in the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Flew last combat mission late in Apr 1945. Returned to the US, May-Jun 1945. Inactivated on 13 Sep 1945.

Squadrons. 564th: 1942-1945. 565th: 1942-1945. 566th: 1942-1945. 567th: 1942-1945.

Stations. Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 24 Dec 1942; Biggs Field, Tex, 1 Feb 1943; Lowry Field, Colo, 19 Apr-8 Jun 1943; Hethel, England, 11 Jun 1943-30 May 1945; Charleston AAFld, SC, 12 Jun-13 Sep 1945.

Commanders. Col David B Lancaster, 24 Dec 1942; Col Jack W Wood, 16 May 1943; Col Milton W Arnold, 30 Dec 1943; Col Robert B Miller, 29 Mar 1944; Col Ramsay D Potts Jr, 17 Aug 1944; Col John B Herboth Jr, 4 Dec 1944; Lt Col Jack G Merrell, 14 Apr 1945-unkn.

Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Sicily; Naples-Foggia; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Ploesti, Rumania, 1 Aug 1943.

Insigne. None.

390th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 390th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 15 Jan 1943 and activated on 26 Jan. Prepared for combat with B-17's. Moved to England in Jul 1943 and assigned to Eighth AF. Operated chiefly against strategic objectives, flying many missions with the aid of pathfinders. Began combat on 12 Aug 1943. Five days later, attacked the Messerschmitt aircraft complex at Regensburg and received a DUC for the mission. Received another DUC for a mission on 14 Oct 1943 when the group braved unrelenting assaults by enemy fighters to bomb the antifriction-bearing plants at Schweinfurt. Participating in the intensive Allied assault on the German aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944, the organization bombed aircraft factories, instrument plants, and air parks. Other strategic missions included attacks on marshalling yards at Frankfurt, bridges at Cologne, oil facilities at Zeitz, factories at Mannheim, naval installations at Bremen, and synthetic oil refineries at Merseburg. Sometimes flew interdictory and support missions. Bombed the coast near Caen fifteen minutes before the landings in Normandy on 6 Jun 1944. Attacked enemy artillery in support of ground forces during the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul. Cut German supply lines during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Hit airfields in support of the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Flew last combat mission on 20 Apr 1945. Dropped food supplies to the Dutch during the week prior to V-E Day. Returned to the US in Aug. Inactivated on 28 Aug 1945.

Squadrons. 568th: 1943-1945. 569th: 1943-1945. 570th: 1943-1945. 571st: 1943-1945.

Stations. Geiger Field, Wash, 26 Jan 1943; Great Falls AAB, Mont, 6 Jun-4 Jul 1943; Framlingham, England, Jul 1943-4 Aug 1945; Sioux Falls AAFld, SD, 12-28 Aug 1945.

Commanders. Col Edgar M Whittan, 26 Jan 1943; Col Frederick W Ott, 21 Apr 1944; Col Joseph A Miller, 17 Sep 1944; Lt Col George W Von Arb Jr, 23 May 1945; Maj John A Angotti, 26 Jun-Aug 1945.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 17 Aug 1943; Germany, 14 Oct 1943.

Insigne. None.

391st Bombardment Group - 400th Bombardment Group

391st Bombardment Group

Constituted as 391st Bombardment Group (Medium) on 15 Jan 1943 and activated on 21 Jan. Trained with B-26's for duty in Europe with Ninth AF. Moved to England, Jan-Feb 1944. Entered combat on 15 Feb 1944 and during the ensuing weeks bombed targets such as airfields, marshalling yards, bridges, and V-weapon sites in France and the Low Countries to help prepare for the invasion of Normandy. Attacked enemy defenses along the invasion beaches on 6 and 7 Jun 1944. From Jun to Sep, continued cross-Channel operations, which included attacks on fuel dumps and troop concentrations in support of Allied forces during the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul 1944, and strikes on transportation and communications to block the enemy's retreat to the east. Began flying missions from bases on the Continent in Sep 1944, extending its area of operations into Germany and continuing its attacks against enemy railroads, highways, troops, bridges, ammunition dumps, and other targets. Contributed vital assistance to ground forces during the Battle of the Bulge by attacking heavily defended positions such as bridges and viaducts, 23-26 Dec 1944; for these missions, performed without fighter escort in the face of intense flak and overwhelming attacks by enemy aircraft, the group was awarded a DUC. From Jan to May 1945, and using A-26's beginning in Apr, the group concentrated its attacks on the German transportation and communications system. Flew its last mission on 3 May. Redesignated 391st Bombardment Group (Light) in Jul. Returned to the US in Oct. Inactivated on 25 Oct 1945.

Redesignated 111th Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to ANG (Pa) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 20 Dec 1948. Redesignated 111th Composite Group in Nov 1950, and 111th Bombardment Group (Light) in Feb 1951. Ordered to active service on 1 Apr 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Trained with B-26 and B-29 aircraft. Redesignated 111th Strategic Reconnaissance Group (Medium) in Aug 1951. Converted to RB-29's. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Returned to ANG (Pa), redesignated 111th Fighter-Bomber Group, and activated, on 1 Jan 1953.

Squadrons. 103d: 1951-1952. 117th: 1951. 122d: 1951. 129th: 1951-1952. 130th: 1951-1952. 572d: 1943-1945. 573d: 1943-1945. 574th: 1943-1945. 575th: 1943-1945.

Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 21 Jan 1943; Myrtle Beach Bombing Range, SC, 24 May 1943; Godman Field, Ky, 4 Sep-31 Dec 1943; Matching, England, 25 Jan 1944; Roye/Amy, France, 19 Sep 1944; Assche, Belgium, 16 Apr 1945; Vitry-en-Artois, France, 27 May-27 Jul 1945; Camp Shanks, NY, Oct-25 Oct 1945. Philadelphia Intl Aprt, Pa, 1 Apr 1951; Fairchild AFB, Wash, 10 Apr 1951-16 Jun 1952.

Commanders. Col Gerald E Williams, 23 Jan 1943-1945. Col Joseph B McManus, 1 Apr 1951; Col Edward D Edwards, 24 Jun 1951; Col S E Manzo, 8 Nov 1951-16 Jun 1952.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 23-26 Dec 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Per bend or and azure a bend counter compony sable and argent between in chief a Pegasus of the second and in base a cluster of three feathers of the first surmounted by a mullet of the fourth and third. Motto: Virtute Alisque - With Wings and Courage. (Approved 11 Jan 1954.)

392d Bombardment Group

Constituted as 392d Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 15 Jan 1943 and activated on 26 Jan. Trained with B-24's. Moved to England, Jul-Aug 1943, and assigned to Eighth AF. Began combat on 9 Sep 1943 and engaged primarily in bombardment of strategic objectives on the Continent until Apr 1945. Attacked such targets as an oil refinery at Gelsenkirchen, a marshalling yard at Osnabruck, a railroad viaduct at Bielefeld, steel plants at Brunswick, a tank factory at Kassel, and gas works at Berlin. Took part in the intensive campaign of heavy bombers against the German aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944, being awarded a DUC for bombing an aircraft and component parts factory at Gotha on 24 Feb. Sometimes supported ground forces or carried out interdictory operations. Bombed airfields and V-weapon sites in France prior to the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944 and struck coastal defenses and choke points on D-Day. Hit enemy positions to assist ground forces at St Lo during the breakthrough in Jul 1944. Bombed railroads, bridges, and highways to cut off German supply lines during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Dropped supplies to Allied troops during the air attack on Holland in Sep 1944 and during the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Flew last combat mission on 25 Apr 1945, then carried food to the Dutch. Returned to the US in Jun. Inactivated on 13 Sep 1945.

Redesignated 392d Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 30 Jul 1947. Redesignated 392d Bombardment Group (Light) in Jun 1949. Inactivated on 10 Nov 1949.

Squadrons. 576th: 1943-1945; 1947-1949. 577th: 1943-1945; 1947-1949. 578th: 1943-1945; 1947-1949. 579th: 1943-1945; 1947-1949.

Stations. Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 26 Jan 1943; Biggs Field, Tex, 1 Mar 1943; Alamogordo AAB, NM, 18 Apr-18 Jul 1943; Wendling, England, Jul 1943-15 Jun 1945; Charleston AAFld, SC, 25 Jun-13 Sep 1945. Barksdale Field, La, 30 Jul 1947-10 Nov 1949.

Commanders. Col Irvine A Rendle, 26 Jan 1943; Col Lorin L Johnson, 21 Jun 1944; Lt Col Lawrence G Gilbert, 27 May 1945-unkn.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Gotha, Germany, 24 Feb 1944.

Insigne. None.

393d Bombardment Group

Constituted as 393d Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 29 Jan 1943. Activated on 16 Feb 1943. Assigned to Second AF. Equipped with B-17's. Served as an operational training unit until Aug 1943, then became a replacement training unit. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944.

Squadrons. 580th: 1943-1944. 581st: 1943-1944. 582d: 1943-1944. 583d: 1943-1944.

Stations. Geiger Field, Wash, 16 Feb 1943; Gowen Field, Idaho, 3 Mar 1943; Wendover Field, Utah, Apr 1943; Sioux City AAB, Iowa, 11 Jun 1943; Kearney AAFld, Neb, 1 Aug 1943; Sioux City AAB, Iowa, 7 Nov 1943-1 Apr 1944.

Commanders. Col Chester P Gilger, Feb 1943; Lt Col George A Blakey, 15 Sep 1943-1 Apr 1944.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

394th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 394th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 15 Feb 1943. Activated on 5 Mar 1943. Trained with B-26's. Moved to England, Feb-Mar 1944, and assigned to Ninth AF. Entered combat in Mar 1944 and helped to prepare for the invasion of Normandy by hitting V-weapon sites, marshalling yards, bridges, airdromes, and gun emplacements. On D-Day, 6 Jun, bombed gun positions at Cherbourg; afterward, struck communications, fuel supplies, and strong points in support of the Normandy campaign. Aided the breakthrough at St Lo by bombing targets in the area on 25 Jul 1944. Received a DUC for operations from 7 to 9 Aug 1944 when the group made five attacks against strongly fortified targets in northern France, knocking out an ammunition dump and four railroad bridges. Capt Darrell R Lindsey was awarded the Medal of Honor for leading a formation of B-26's over one of these bridges on 9 Aug. During the flight, Lindsey's plane was hit and the right engine burst into flames. Knowing that the gasoline tanks could explode at an moment, he continued to lead the formation until the bomb run had been made, then ordered his crew to bail out. The bombardier, the last man to leave the plane, offered to lower the wheels so that Lindsey might escape through the nose the aircraft, but realizing that this could throw the plane into a spin and hinder the bombardier's chances to escape, Lindsey refused the offer and remained with his B-26 until it crashed. After moving to the Continent late in Aug 1944, the group hit strong points at Brest and then began to operate against targets in Germany. Took part in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, by hitting communications to deprive the enemy of supplies and reinforcements. Bombed transportation, storage facilities, and other objectives until the war ended; also dropped propaganda leaflets. Remained in the theater to serve with United States Air Forces in Europe as part of the army of occupation. Redesignated 394th Bombardment Group (Light) in Dec 1945. Began training with A-26's. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to the US on 15 Feb 1946. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1946.

Redesignated 106th Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to ANG (NY) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 21 Mar 1947. Redesignated 106th Composite Group in Nov 1950, and 106th Bombardment Group (Light) in Feb 1951. Ordered to active service on 1 Mar 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Redesignated 106th Bombardment Group (Medium) in May 1951. Equipped with B-29's. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952. Returned to ANG (NY) on 1 Dec 1952. Redesignated 106th Bombardment Group (Light).

Squadrons. 102d: 1951-1952. 114th: 1951-1952. 135th: 1951-1952. 584th: 1943-1946. 585th: 1943-1946. 586th: 1943-1946. 587th: 1943-1945.

Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 5 Mar 1943; Ardmore AAFld, Okla, 12 Jul 1943; Kellogg Field, Mich, 19 Aug 1943-15 Feb 1944; Boreham, England, c. 11 Mar 1944; Holmsley, England, 24 Jul 1944; Tour-en-Bassin, France, 25 Aug 1944; Bricy, France, 18 Sep 1944; Cambrai/Niergnies, France, 8 Oct 1944; Venlo, Holland, 2 May 1945; Kitzingen, Germany, Sep 1945-15 Feb 1946; Bolling Field, DC, 15 Feb-31 Mar 1946. Floyd Bennett Field, NY, 1 Mar 1951; March AFB, Calif, 28 Mar 1951-16 Jun 1952.

Commanders. Lt Col Joe W Kelly, c. 20 Mar 1943; Col Thomas B Hall, 6 Apr 1943; Col Gove C Celio Jr, c. 24 Jan 1945-c. Feb 1946. Unkn, Mar-Aug 1951; Col Howell M Estes Jr, 4 Aug 1951; Col Loran D Briggs, 1 Mar-16 Jun 1952.

Campaigns. American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 7-9 Aug 1944. French Croix de Guerre with Palm: France, 6 Jun-14 Sep 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a clenched fist terminating in displayed dexter demi-wing of an eagle, the first grasping a torch, all sable fimbriated argent, flames gules fimbriated of the last. Motto: Readiness Strengthens Liberty. (Approved 15 Apr 1954.)

395th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 395th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 29 Jan 1943. Activated on 16 Feb 1943. Assigned to Second AF. Equipped with B-17's. Served first as an operational training unit, becoming a replacement training unit in Oct 1943. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944.

Squadrons. 588th: 1943-1944. 589th: 1943-1944. 590th: 1943-1944. 591st: 1943-1944.

Stations. Ephrata AAB, Wash, 16 Feb 1943; Ardmore AAFld, Okla, 25 Oct 1943-1 Apr 1944.

Commanders. Lt Col Luther J Fairbanks, Feb 1943; Lt Col Hugh D Wallace, 8 Apr 1943; Col Howard M Turner, 19 Apr 1943; Lt Col Hugh D Wallace, 24 Apr 1943; Col Allen W Reed, 2 Aug 1943; Lt Col Quentin T Quick, 23 Sep-Nov 1943; Unkn, Nov 1943-1 Apr 1944.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

396th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 396th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 29 Jan 1943. Activated on 16 Feb 1943. Assigned to Second AF, later (Nov 1943) to Third AF. Equipped with B-17's. Served as an operational training unit until Aug 1943, then became a replacement training unit. Inactivated on 1 May 1944.

Squadrons. 592d: 1943-1944. 593d: 1943-1944. 594th: 1943-1944. 595th: 1943-1944.

Stations. Mountain Home AAFld, Idaho, 16 Feb 1943; Moses Lake AAB, Wash, 10 Apr 1943; Drew Field, Fla, 5 Nov 1943-1 May 1944.

Commanders. Lt Col Frederick T Crimmins Jr, 1943-1 May 1944.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

397th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 397th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 20 Mar 1943. Activated on 20 Apr 1943. Trained with B-26's. Moved to England, Mar-Apr 1944, and assigned to Ninth AF. Participated in operations preparatory to the Normandy invasion by attacking V-weapon sites, bridges, coastal defenses, marshalling yards, and airfields, Apr-Jun 1944. Hit strong points in France on D-Day and assisted ground forces throughout the remainder of the Normandy campaign by bombing fuel dumps, defended areas, and other objectives. Engaged in bombardment of German forces in the region of St Lo during the Allied breakthrough in Jul. After moving to the Continent in Aug, struck enemy positions at St Malo and Brest and bombed targets in the Rouen area as Allied armies swept across the Seine and advanced to the Siegfried Line. Began flying missions into Germany in Sep, attacking such targets as bridges, defended areas, and storage depots. Struck the enemy's communications during the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945) and received a DUC for a mission on 23 Dec 1944 when the group withstood heavy flak and fighter attack to sever a railway bridge at Eller, a vital link in the enemy's supply line across the Moselle. Continued to support the Allied drive into Germany until Apr 1945. Returned to the US, Dec 1945-Jan 1946. Inactivated on 6 Jan 1946.

Squadrons. 596th: 1943-1945. 597th: 1943-1946. 598th: 1943-1945. 599th: 1943-1945.

Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 20 Apr 1943; Avon Park Bombing Range, Fla, 12 Oct 1943; Hunter Field, Ga, 1 Nov 1943-13 Mar 1944; Gosfield, England, 5 Apr 1944; Rivenhall, England, 15 Apr 1944; Hurn, England, 5 Aug 1944; Gorges, France, Aug 1944; Dreux, France, c. 11 Sep 1944; Peronne, France, 6 Oct 1944; Venlo, Holland, 25 Apr 1945; Peronne, France, c. 24 May-c. Dec 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 5-6 Jan 1946.

Commanders. Maj Rollin M Winingham, c. May 1943; Lt Col John F Bater, 18 Jul 1943; Col Richard T Coiner Jr, 5 Oct 1943; Lt Col Jimmie W Britt, 23 Jul 1945-unkn.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Eller, Germany, 23 Dec 1944.

Insigne. None.

398th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 398th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 15 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Prepared for combat with B-17's, but interrupted these activities from Jul to Dec 1943 to train replacement crews for other organizations. Moved to England in Apr 1944 and assigned to Eighth AF. Entered combat in May 1944, and until V-E Day operated primarily against strategic objectives in Germany, attacking targets such as factories in Berlin, warehouses in Munich, marshalling yards in Saarbrucken, shipping facilities in Kiel, oil refineries in Merseburg, and aircraft plants in Munster. Temporarily suspended strategic missions to attack coastal defenses and enemy troops on the Cherbourg peninsula during the Normandy invasion in Jun 1944; strike gun positions near Eindhoven in support of the air attack on Holland in Sep 1944; raid power stations, railroads, and bridges during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and attack airfields to aid the Allied assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Flew last combat mission, attacking an airfield in Pilsen, Czechoslovakia, on 25 Apr 1945. Transported liberated prisoners from Germany to France after V-E Day. Returned to the US, May-Jun 1945. Inactivated on 1 Sep 1945.

Squadrons. 600th: 1943-1945. 601st: 1943-1945. 602d: 1943-1945. 603d: 1943-1945.

Stations. Ephrata AAB, Wash, 1 Mar 1943; Blythe AAFld, Calif, 5 Apr 1943; Geiger Field, Wash, 29 Apr 1943; Rapid City AAB, SD, 20 Jun 1943-4 Apr 1944; Nuthampstead, England, 22 Apr 1944-26 May 1945; Drew Field, Fla, 3 Jul-1 Sep 1945.

Commanders. Col Frank P Hunter Jr, 1 Mar 1943; Lt Col Lewis P Ensign, 29 Jan 1945; Lt Col Arthur F Briggs, 18 Apr 1945-unkn.

Campaigns. American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

399th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 399th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 15 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Assigned to Second AF; reassigned to Fourth AF in Dec 1943. Equipped with B-24's. Served first as an operational training unit and later (Aug 1943) became a replacement training unit. Disbanded on 31 Mar 1944.

Squadrons. 604th: 1943-1944. 605th: 1943-1944. 606th: 1943-1944. 607th: 1943-1944.

Stations. Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Mar 1943; Gowen Field, Idaho, 10 Apr 1943; Wendover Field, Utah, 27 Apr 1943; March Field, Calif, 3 Dec 1943-31 Mar 1944.

Commanders. Lt Col Luther J Fairbanks, Apr 1943; Lt Col James H Isbell, 1 Oct 1943; Lt Col John E Dougherty, 11 Nov 1943; Lt Col Eugene T Yarbrough, 15 Feb-31 Mar 1944.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

400th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 400th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 15 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Equipped with B-24's. Functioned as an operational training unit of Second AF from May to Dec 1943. Reassigned to First AF to train replacement crews. Disbanded on 10 Apr 1944.

Squadrons. 608th: 1943-1944. 609th: 1943-1944. 610th: 1943-1944. 611th: 1943-1944.

Stations. Pyote AAB, Tex, 1 Mar 1943; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, Apr 1943; Pueblo AAB, Colo, c. 2 May 1943; Salina, Kan, 31 Jul 1943; Alamogordo AAFld, NM, 19 Sep 1943; Charleston AAFld, SC, 15 Dec 1943-10 Apr 1944.

Commanders. Lt Col John A Way, c. Mar 1943-Apr 1944.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

401st Bombardment Group - 408th Fighter Group

401st Bombardment Group

Constituted as 401st Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 20 Mar 1943. Activated on 1 Apr 1943. Prepared for combat with B-17's. Moved to England, Oct-Nov 1943, and served in combat with Eighth AF, Nov 1943-Apr 1945. Operated chiefly against strategic targets, bombing industries, submarine facilities, shipyards, missile sites, marshalling yards, and airfields; beginning in Oct 1944, concentrated on oil reserves. Received a DUC for striking telling blows against German aircraft production on 11 Jan and 20 Feb 1944. In addition to strategic missions, operations included attacks on transportation, airfields, and fortifications prior to the Normandy invasion and on D-Day, Jun 1944; support for ground operations during the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul, the siege of Brest in Aug, and the airborne attack on Holland in Sep 1944; participation in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, by assaulting transportation targets and communications centers in the battle area; and support for the airborne attack across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Returned to the US after V-E Day. Inactivated on 28 Aug 1945.

Redesignated 401st Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 26 Jun 1947. Redesignated 401st Bombardment Group (Medium) in Jun 1949. Called to active service on 1 May 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Inactivated on 25 Jun 1951.

Redesignated 401st Fighter-Bomber Group. Activated on 8 Feb 1954. Assigned to Tactical Air Command and equipped with F-86's.

Squadrons. 612th: 1943-1945; 1947-1951; 1954-. 613th: 1943-1945; 1947-1949; 1954-. 614th: 1943-1945; 1947-1949; 1954-. 615th: 1943-1945; 1947-1949.

Stations. Ephrata AAB, Wash, 1 Apr 1943; Geiger Field, Wash, Jun 1943; Great Falls AAB, Mont, Jul-Oct 1943; Deenethorpe, England, c. 1 Nov 1943-May 194 Sioux Falls AAFld, SD, c. 1-28 Aug 1945. Brooks Field, Tex, 26 Jun 1947; Biggs AFB, Tex, 27 Jun 1949-25 Jun 1951. Alexandria AFB, La, 8 Feb 1954-.

Commanders. Col Neil B Harding, c. 1 Apr 1943; Col Harold W Bowman, Jun 1943; Col William T Seawell, Dec 1944-1945. Unkn, 1 May-25 Jun 1951. Col Walter G Benz Jr, 8 Feb 1954-.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Germany, 11 Jan 1944; Germany, 20 Feb 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, within a diminutive border argent a sheaf of four lances bend sinisterwise of the last, surmounted by a fess chequy sable and of the second overall a bend wavy vert, gules, or and of the first each fimbriated silver. Motto: Caelum Arena Nostra - The Sky is Our Arena. (Approved 9 Sep 1958. This insigne replaced an insigne approved 22 Apr 1955.)

402d Fighter Group

Constituted as 402d Bombardment Group (Medium) on 20 Apr 1943. Activated in China on 19 May 1943. Assigned to Fourteenth AF. No squadrons were assigned and headquarters apparently was never fully manned. Disbanded in China on 31 Jul 1943. Reconstituted (in Oct 1956) and consolidated with 402d Fighter Group.

402d Fighter Group was constituted on 24 Sep 1943. Activated in the US on 1 Oct 1943. Assigned to First AF. Trained replacement pilots for combat with P-47's. Disbanded on 10 Apr 1944.

Reconstituted and redesignated 402d Fighter-Day Group, on 4 Oct 1956. Activated on 15 Oct 1956. Assigned to Tactical Air Command.

Squadrons. 320th: 1943-1944; 1956-. 442d: 1943-1944; 1956-. 452d: 1943-1944. 538th: 1943. 539th: 1943. 540th: 1943-1944; 1956-.

Stations. Kunming, China, 19 May-31 Jul 1943. Westover Field, Mass, 1 Oct 1943; Seymour Johnson Field, NC, c. 13 Oct 1943; Bluethenthal Field, NC, c. 9 Dec 1943; Bradley Field, Conn, c. 11 Feb-10 Apr 1944. Greenville AFB, Miss, 15 Oct 1956-.

Commanders. Unkn, 19 May-31 Jul 1943. Lt Col Joseph L Dickman, unkn-Apr 1944. Capt Charles E Burtner, 15 Oct 1956-.

Campaigns. Asiatic-Pacific Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

403d Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 403d Troop Carrier Group on 7 Dec 1942 and activated on 12 Dec. Trained for overseas duty with C-47's. Moved to the South Pacific, Jul-Sep 1943, and assigned to Thirteenth AF. Transported men and supplies to forward areas in the Solomons and flew passenger and cargo routes to New Zealand, Australia, Fiji, and New Caledonia. Moved personnel of Thirteenth AF units to the Southwest Pacific. Supported the New Guinea and Philippines campaigns by transporting men and cargo to combat areas, evacuating casualties, and landing or dropping supplies for guerrilla forces. Dropped paratroops at Laguna de Bay, Luzon, on 23 Feb 1945, to free civilian internees held by the Japanese. Received a DUC for operations from Apr to Jun 1945 when it transported ammunition, food, and other supplies to Eighth Army forces in Mindanao and often landed on jungle airstrips to evacuate wounded personnel. Moved to Leyte in Jun 1945 and remained in the Philippines after the war as part of Far East Air Forces. Ferried occupation troops to Japan, evacuated prisoners who had been liberated, and flew cargo and passenger routes to Japan and Australia. Inactivated in Manila on 15 Oct 1946.

Redesignated 403d Troop Carrier Group (Medium). Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 27 Jun 1949. Called to active duty on 1 Apr 1951. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Trained with C-46 and C-47 aircraft. Moved to Japan, Mar-Apr 1952, and attached to Far East Air Forces for operations in the war against communist forces in Korea. Using C-119's, aided UN forces in Korea by dropping paratroops and supplies, transporting personnel and equipment, and evacuating casualties. Relieved from active duty and inactivated in Japan, on 1 Jan 1953. Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 1 Jan 1953.

Squadrons. 6th: 1946. 9th: 1946. 19th: 1946. 63d: 1942-1946; 1949-1953; 1953-. 64th: 1942-1946; 1949-1953; 1953-. 65th: 1942-1946; 1949-1953; 1953-. 66th: 1942-1946; 1949-1951.

Stations. Bowman Field, Ky, 12 Dec 1942; Alliance, Neb, 18 Dec 1942; Pope Field, NC, 3 May 1943; Baer Field, Ind, 20 Jun-c. 15 Jul 1943; Espiritu Santo, 15 Sep 1943; Los Negros, 30 Aug 1944; Biak, 4 Oct 1944; Leyte, 25 Jun 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, Jan 1946; Manila, c. Jun-15 Oct 1946. Portland Mun Aprt, Ore, 27 Jun 1949-29 Mar 1952; Ashiya, Japan, 14 Apr 1952-1 Jan 1953. Portland Intl Aprt, Ore, 1 Jan 1953-.

Commanders. Col Harry J Sands Jr, 12 Dec 1942; Lt Col Norton H Van Sicklen, 24 Aug 1945-unkn; Col Audrin R Walker, c. Jun-15 Oct 1946. Lt Col Robert B Asbury, 1 Apr 1951; Lt Col Henry C Althaus, 25 Jul 1951; Maj Wallace C Forsythe, 22 Apr 1952; Lt Col Ernest W Burton, Aug 1952-1 Jan 1953.

Campaigns. World War II: New Guinea; Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines. Korean War: Korea Summer-Fall, 1952; Third Korean Winter.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Philippine Islands, 17 Apr-30 Jun 1945. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: [1952].

Insigne. Shield: Azure, two hands in bend sinister proper, the upper a dexter hand issuing from a cloud argent and holding an olive branch of the second, a lightning flash or and a sword sable, the lower sinister hand in profile issuing from a fan indented of seven sections (blue, white, orange, black, white, yellow and red) which in turn issues from base, above the cloud four mullets of four points of the third; all within a diminished bordure of the last. Motto: Spectate Ad Caelum - Look to the Skies. (Approved 9 Jan 1953.)

404th Fighter Group

Constituted as 404th Bombardment Group (Dive) on 25 Jan 1943. Activated on 4 Feb 1943. Redesignated 404th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943. Trained with P-39, P-47, and other aircraft. Moved to England, Mar-Apr 1944. Assigned to Ninth AF. Redesignated 404th Fighter Group in May 1944. Became operational on 1 May 1944 and, using P-47's, helped to prepare for the Normandy invasion by bombing and strafing targets in France. Provided top cover for landings in Normandy on 6 and 7 Jun 1944 and continued operations from England until Jul 1944. Moved to the Continent and operated in close support of ground troops until the end of the war, supporting the Allied breakthrough at St Lo in Jul 1944, the drive through Holland in Sep 1944, Allied operations during the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945), and the establishment of the Remagen bridgehead and the subsequent crossing of the Rhine in Mar 1945. Also flew interdictory and escort missions, strafing and bombing such targets as troop concentrations, railroads, highways, bridges, ammunition and fuel dumps, armored vehicles, docks, and tunnels, and covering the operations of B-17's, B-24's, and B-26's that bombed factories, airdromes, marshalling yards, and other targets. Received a DUC for three armed reconnaissance missions flown on 10 Sep 1944 when, despite bad weather and antiaircraft fire, the group attacked enemy factories, rolling stock, and communications centers to aid the advance of ground forces. Received a French Croix de Guerre with Palm for assisting First Army at St Lo on 29, 30, and 31 Jul 1944 when the group, although suffering severe losses from flak, continuously provided cover for four armored divisions. Also cited by the Belgian government for operations contributing to the liberation of its people. After V-E Day, aided in disarming the German Air Force and in dismantling the enemy's aircraft industry. Returned to the US in Aug. In activated on 9 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 137th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Okla) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 18 Dec 1947. Ordered to active duty on 10 Oct 1950. Redesignated 137th Fighter-Bomber Group. Trained with F-84's. Moved to France in May 1952 and assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe. Relieved from active service and returned, without personnel and equipment, to the control of ANG (Okla), on 10 Jul 1952.

Squadrons. 125th: 1950-1952. 127th: 1950-1952. 128th: 1950-1952. 455th: 1943-1944. 506th (formerly 620th): 1943-1945. 507th (formerly 621st): 1943-1945. 508th (formerly 622d): 1943-1945. 623d: 1943.

Stations. Key Field, Miss, 4 Feb 1943; Congaree AAFld, SC, 5 Jul 1943; Burns AAFld, Ore, 4 Sep 1943; Myrtle Beach AAFld, SC, 13 Nov 1943-12 Mar 1944; Winkton, England, 4 Apr 1944; Chapelle, France, 6 Jul 1944; Bretigny, France, 29 Aug 1944; Juvincourt, France, 13 Sep 1944; St-Trond, Belgium, 1 Oct 1944; Keltz, Germany, 30 Mar 1945; Fritzlar, Germany, 12 Apr 1945; Stuttgart, Germany, 23 Jun-2 Aug 1945; Drew Field, Fla, 11 Sep-9 Nov 1945. Will Rogers Field, Okla, 10 Oct 1950; Alexandria Mun Aprt, La, 27 Nov 1950-4 May 1952; Chaumont, France, 13 May-10 Jul 1952.

Commanders. Lt Col Lucius G Drafts, 4 Feb 1943; Lt Col James Van G Wilson, 6 May 1943; Col Carroll W McColpin, 27 Jan 1944; Lt Col Leo C Moon, 25 Nov 1944; Lt Col John R Murphy, 23 Apr 1945-unkn. Lt Col Joseph W Turner, 10 Oct 1950; Lt Col Roger B Ludeman, 27 Dec 1950; Col Chesley G Peterson, 8 Aug 1951-10 Jul 1952.

Campaigns. American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 10 Sep 1944. French Croix de Guerre with Palm: 29, 30, and 31 Jul 1944. Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6 Jun-30 Sep 1944; 1 Oct 1944-; 18 Dec 194 15 Jan 1945. Belgian Fourragere.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, three lightning bolts, or, issuing from a cloud, proper, in dexter chief, all within a diminutive bordure, gules. Motto: Tonitrus E Caelo - Thunder from the Sky. (Approved 6 Jun 1952.)

405th Fighter Group

Constituted as 405th Bombardment Group (Dive) on 4 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Redesignated 405th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943, and 405th Fighter Group in May 1944. Trained with A-24, A-25, P-39, and finally P-47 aircraft, the latter being used in combat. Moved to England, Feb-Mar 1944. Entered combat with Ninth AF in Apr 1944. Until D-Day, engaged chiefly in bombing airdromes, marshalling yards, and bridges in France in preparation for the invasion of France. Flew patrols in the vicinity of Brest during the invasion and then flew armed reconnaissance missions to support operations in Normandy. Moved to the Continent at the end of Jun 1944 and engaged primarily in providing support for ground forces until May 1945. Bombed enemy vehicles and gun positions at St Lo in Jul 1944; attacked barges, troops, roads, and warehouses during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945; and struck airfields and marshalling yards when the Allies crossed the Rhine in Mar 1945. Received a DUC for a mission in France on 24 Sep 1944: answering a request from Third Army for support near Laneuveville-en-Saulnois, two squadrons, flying on instruments through rain and dense overcast, were directed by ground control toward a furious tank battle where, in spite of severe ground fire, one squadron repeatedly bombed and strafed enemy tanks; the second squadron, unable to find this target because of the weather, attacked a convoy of trucks and armored vehicles; later the same day, the third squadron hit warehouses and other buildings and silenced ground opposition in the area. For operations, Jun-Sep 1944, that aided the drive across Normandy and the liberation of Belgium, the group was cited by the Belgian government. Flew last mission on 8 May 1945. Returned to the US, Jul-Oct 1945. Inactivated on 29 Oct 1945.

Redesignated 405th Fighter-Bomber Group. Activated on 1 Dec 1952. Assigned to Tactical Air Command and equipped with F-84's.

Squadrons. 509th (formerly 624th): 1943-1945; 1952-. 510th (formerly 625th): 1943-1945; 1952-. 511th (formerly 626th): 1943-1945; 1952-. 627th: 1943.

Stations. Drew Field, Fla, 1 Mar 1943; Walterboro AAFld, SC, 14 Sep 1943-14 Feb 1944; Christchurch, England, 7 Mar-22 Jun 1944; Picauville, France, 30 Jun 1944; St-Dizier, France, 14 Sep 1944; Ophoven, Belgium, Feb 1945; Kitzingen, Germany, 30 Apr 1945; Straubing, Germany, 8 May-Jul 1945; Camp Patrick Henry, Va, Oct-29 Oct 1945. Godman AFB, Ky, 1 Dec 1952; Langley AFB, Va, 16 Apr 1953-.

Commanders. Lt Col Marvin S Zipp, 1 Mar 1943; Lt Col Mark E Hubbard, 2 Jul 1943; Maj Fred G Hook Jr, 12 Jul 1943; Col James Ferguson, 5 Nov 1943; Col Robert L Delashaw, 26 Apr 1944; Lt Col Garrett Jackson, 22 Oct 1944-unkn. Col George Laven Jr, 1 Dec 1952; Col Donald A Baccus, 16 Apr 1953; Col William S Cowart Jr, 6 Jul 1954; Col Robert D Johnston, c. 14 May 1955-.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 24 Sep 1944. Cited in the Order of the Day, Belgian Army: 6 Jun-30 Sep 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a sphere argent, land marking and grid lines sable, surmounted by a bend gules, charged with a lightning flash or, between a fleur-de-lis of the last and two olive branches, in saltire, proper, all within a diminutive border of the second. Motto: Movere Et Aggredi - Deploy and Attack. (Approved 10 Nov 1955.)

406th Fighter Group

Constituted as 406th Bombardment Group (Dive) on 4 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Redesignated 406th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943, and 406th Fighter Group in May 1944. Trained with A-24, A-35, A-39, P-47, and other aircraft. Joined Ninth AF in England in Apr 1944 and entered combat with P-47's in May when the Allies were preparing for the invasion of the Continent. Provided area cover during the landings in Jun, and afterwards flew armed-reconnaissance and dive-bombing missions against the enemy, attacking such targets as motor transports, gun emplacements, ammunition dumps, rail lines, marshalling yards, and bridges during the campaign in Normandy. Helped prepare the way for the Allied breakthrough at St Lo on 25 Jul. Moved to the Continent early in Aug and continued to provide tactical air support for ground forces. Participated in the reduction of St Malo and Brest. Aided the Allied drive across France, receiving a DUC for operations on 7 Sep 1944 when the group destroyed a large column of armered vehicles and military transports that were attempting to escape from southeastern France through the Belfort Gap. Operated closely with ground forces and flew interdictory missions during the drive to the Moselle-Saar region. Shifted operations from the Saar basin to the Ardennes and assisted the beleaguered garrison at Bastogne after the Germans had launched the counteroffensive that precipitated the Battle of the Bulge. Operated almost exclusively within a ten-mile radius of Bastogne from 23-27 Dec 1944, a period for which the group received a second DUC for its attacks on tanks, vehicles, defended buildings, and gun positions. Flew escort, interdictory, and close-support missions in the Ruhr Valley early in 1945 and thus assisted Allied ground forces in their drive to and across the Rhine. Remained in Europe after V-E Day, being assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe for duty in Germany with the army of occupation. Inactivated on 20 Aug 1946.

Redesignated 406th Fighter-Bomber Group. Activated in England on 10 Jul 1952. Assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe. Equipped with F-84's; converted to F-86's late in 1953. Redesignated 406th Fighter-Interceptor Group in Apr 1954.

Squadrons. 512th (formerly 628th): 1943-1946; 1952-. 513th (formerly 629th): 1943-1946; 1952-. 514th (formerly 630th): 1943-1946; 1952-. 631st: 1943.

Stations. Key Field, Miss, 1 Mar 1943; Congaree AAFld, SC, c. 18 Sep 1943-13 Mar 1944; Ashford, England, 4 Apr 1944; Tour-en-Bassin, France, 5 Aug 1944; Cretteville, France, 17 Aug 1944; Le Mans, France, 4 Sep 1944; Mourmelon-le-Grand, France, 22 Sep 1944; Metz, France, 2 Feb 1945; Assche, Belgium, 8 Feb 1945; Handorf, Germany, 15 Apr 1945; Nordholz, Germany, 5 Jun 1945-20 Aug 1946. Manston, England, 10 Jul 1952-.

Commanders. Lt Col Bryan B Harper, Mar 1943; Col Anthony V Grossetta, c. 6 Nov 1943; Lt Col Converse B Kelly, c. Jun 1945; Lt Col Robert C Brown, 27 Sep 1945; Lt Col Arvis L Hilpert, 17 Jan 1946; Col Earl H Dunham, 6 Apr-Aug 1946. Lt Col Delynn E Anderson, Jul 1952; Lt Col Arthur F Jeffrey, 1952; Lt Col Harry G Sanders, c. Mar 1953; Col William S Harrell, c. Jun 1954-.

Campaigns. American Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: France, 7 Sep 1944; Belgium, 23-27 Dec 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a bend gules fimbriated argent overall a dexter hand in spiked mail gauntlet palewise proper grasping a three-pronged lightning flash or and surmounted at the cuff by a chain of four links of the last. Motto: Ascende Et Defende - Rise and Defend (Approved 14 May 1953.)

407th Fighter Group

Constituted as 407th Bombardment Group (Dive) on 23 Mar 1943 and activated on 28 Mar. Assigned to Second and later (Nov 1943) to Third AF. Part of the group, the air echelon with A-24's, was stationed in Alaska during Jul and Aug 1943 for operations against the Japanese in the Aleutians. Redesignated 407th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943. Trained for combat and later functioned as a replacement training unit, using a variety of aircraft that included A-36's, P-47's, and P-51's. Disbanded on 1 Apr 1944.

Squadrons. 495th: 1944. 515th (formerly 632d): 1943-1944. 516th (formerly 633d): 1943-1944. 517th (formerly 634th): 1943-1944. 635th: 1943.

Stations. Drew Field, Fla, 28 Mar 1943; Lakeland AAFld, Fla, 2 Oct 1943; Galveston AAFld, Tex, 9 Nov 1943-1 Apr 1944.

Commanders. 1st Lt William E Garland, 28 Mar 1943; Lt Col Mark E Hubbard, 3 Jun 1943; Lt Col Carroll W McColpin, 8 Sep 1943; Maj Pat M DeBerry, 18 Jan 1944; Maj T W Rivers, 30 Mar-1 Apr 1944.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Azure (light blue), over an Indian bow and arrow proper, in saltire (the bow green, the arrow yellow, tipped red, feathered blue, yellow, and red, veins black) an Indian shield argent, edged black, charged with a war bird gules, markings sable, twelve feathers pendanted, from the base of the shield, proper. (Approved 1 Jun 1955.)

408th Fighter Group

Constituted as 408th Bombardment Group (Dive) on 23 Mar 1943. Activated on 5 Apr 1943. Redesignated 408th Fighter-Bomber Group in Aug 1943. Assigned to Third AF, then to Second (Nov 1943), and again to Third (Feb 1944). Received A-24, A-26, P-40, and P-47 aircraft in Oct 1943 and began training. Disbanded on 1 Apr 1944.

Reconstituted and redesignated 408th Fighter Group (Air Defense), on 8 Jul 1955. Activated on 8 Apr 1956. Assigned to Air Defense Command.

Squadrons. 455th: 1944. 518th (formerly 636th): 1943-1944; 1956-. 519th (formerly 637th): 1943-1944. 520th (formerly 638th): 1943-1944. 639th: 1943.

Stations. Key Field, Miss, 5 Apr 1943; Drew Field, Fla, 22 Sep 1943; Abilene AAFld, Tex, 10 Nov 1943; DeRidder AAB, La, 12 Feb 1944; Woodward AAFld, Okla, 26 Mar-1 Apr 1944. Klamath Falls Mun Aprt, Ore, 8 Apr 1956-.

Commanders. 1st Lt Reynold H Ulick, 7 Apr 1943; Maj John R Reynolds, 22 Jun 1943; Maj Wyatt P Exum, 22 Sep 1943; Lt Col Thomas Hitchcock, 26 Dec 1943; Maj Wyatt P Exum, 1 Feb 1944; Lt Col Harry L Galusha, 18 Mar-1 Apr 1944. Lt Col Robert L Larson, Apr 1956-.

Campaigns. None.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a lightning bolt, bendwise, or, between two jet-like eagles volant proper with trailing speed vapor proper. Motto: Defend With Vigilance. (Approved 22 May 1957.)

409th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 409th Bombardment Group (Light) on 1 Jun 1943 and activated the same day. Used A-20's in preparing for duty overseas. Moved to England, Feb-Mar 1944, and assigned to Ninth AF. Bombed coastal defenses, V-weapon sites, airdromes, and other targets in France, Apr-Jun 1944, in preparation for the invasion of Normandy. Supported ground forces during the Normandy campaign by hitting gun batteries, rail lines, bridges, communications, and other objectives. During Jul 1944, aided the Allied offensive at Caen and the breakthrough at St Lo with attacks on enemy troops, flak positions, fortified villages, and supply dumps. Supported Third Army's advance toward Germany, Aug-Nov 1944, operating from bases in France beginning in Sep. Converted to A-26 aircraft in Dec and participated in the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945) by attacking lines of communication and supply. Continued to operate against targets in Germany until May 1945. Flew last mission on 3 May, attacking an ammunition dump in Czechoslovakia. Returned to the US, Jun-Aug 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.

Squadrons. 640th: 1943-1945. 641st: 1943-1945. 642d: 1943-1945. 643d: 1943-1945.

Stations. Will Rogers Field, Okla, 1 Jun 1943; Woodward AAFld, Okla, Oct 1943; DeRidder AAB, La, c. 10 Dec 1943-10 Feb 1944; Little Walden, England, 7 Mar 1944; Bretigny, France, Sep 1944; Laon/Couvron, France, Feb-Jun 1945; Seymour Johnson Field, NC, Aug 1945; Westover Field, Mass, c. 6 Oct-7 Nov 1945.

Commanders. Col Preston P Pender, Jun 1943; Col Thomas R Ford, 4 Jul 1944-1945.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

410th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 410th Bombardment Group (Light) on 16 Jun 1943. Activated on 1 Jul 1943. Trained with A-20's. Moved to England, Mar-Apr 1944, and assigned to Ninth AF. Entered combat in May 1944 and helped to prepare for the invasion of Normandy by assaulting coastal defenses, airfields, and V-weapon sites in France, and marshalling yards in France and Belgium. Supported the invasion in Jun by bombing gun positions and railway choke points. Assisted ground forces at Caen and St Lo in Jul and at Brest in Aug and Sep by attacking bridges, vehicles, fuel and ammunition dumps, and rail lines. Moved to France in Sep, and through mid-Dec struck defended villages, railroad bridges and overpasses, marshalling yards, military camps, and communications centers to support the Allied assault on the Siegfried Line. Participated in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, by pounding marshalling yards, railheads, bridges, and vehicles in the battle area. Received a DUC for the effectiveness of its bombing in the Ardennes, 23-25 Dec 1944, when the group made numerous attacks on enemy lines of communications. Flew several night missions in Feb 1945, using B-26's as flare planes, an A-26 for target marking, and A-20's to bomb the objectives. Continued to fly support and interdictory missions, aiding the drive across the Rhine and into Germany, Feb-Apr 1945. Converted to A-26 aircraft, but the war ended before the group was ready to fly them in combat. Returned to the US, Jun-Aug 1945. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.

Squadrons. 644th: 1943-1945. 645th: 1943-1945. 646th: 1943-1945. 647th: 1943-1945.

Stations. Will Rogers Field, Okla, 1 Jul 1943; Muskogee AAFld, Okla, Oct 1943; Laurel AAFld, Miss, Jan 1944; Lakeland AAFld, Fla, c. 8 Feb-c. 13 Mar 1944; Birch, England, c. 4 Apr 1944; Gosfield, England, c. 16 Apr 1944; Coulommiers, France, Sep 1944; Juvincourt, France, Feb 1945; Beaumont-sur-Oise, France, May-Jun 1945; Seymour Johnson Field, NC, Aug 1945; Myrtle Beach AAFld, SC, c. 5 Oct-7 Nov 1945.

Commanders. Unkn, 1 Jul-13 Aug 1943; Lt Col Clark L Miller, 13 Aug 1943; Col Ralph Rhudy, 17 Sep 1943; Col Sherman R Beaty, 3 Jul 1944; Col Robert J Hughey, Dec 1944-1945.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Germany, 23-25 Dec 1944.

Insigne. None.

411th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 411th Bombardment Group (Light) on 14 Jul 1943. Activated on 1 Aug 1943. Assigned to Third AF. Functioned as a replacement training unit, using A-20 aircraft. Disbanded on 1 May 1944.

Squadrons. 648th: 1943-1944. 649th: 1943-1944. 650th: 1943-1944. 651st: 1943-1944.

Stations. Will Rogers Field, Okla, 1 Aug 1943; Florence AAFld, SC, 15 Aug 1943-1 May 1944.

Commanders. Lt Col Blaine B Campbell, c. Aug 1943-1 May 1944.

Campaigns. None.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

412th Fighter Group

Constituted as 412th Fighter Group on 20 Nov 1943 and activated on 29 Nov. Assigned to Fourth AF. Conducted tests and engaged in experimental work with P-59A and P-80 jet aircraft. Also trained pilots and other personnel for duty with units using jet aircraft. Inactivated on 3 Jul 1946.

Redesignated 412th Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command.

Squadrons. 29th: 1944-1946. 31st: 1944-1946. 445th: 1944-1946; 1955-.

Stations. Muroc, Calif, 29 Nov 1943; Palmdale AAFld, Calif, 1 Jun 1944; Bakersfield Mun Arpt, Calif, 11 Oct 1944; Santa Maria AAFld, Calif, 10 Jul 1945; March Field, Calif, c. 29 Nov 1945-3 Jul 1946. Wurtsmith AFB, Mich, 18 Aug 1955-.

Commanders. Capt Brunner R Coke, 29 Nov 1943; Maj John W Mitchell, Dec 1943; Col Homer A Boushey, 11 Jan 1944; Col David L Hill, 29 Sep 1945; Col Bruce K Holloway, 30 Jan-3 Jul 1946. Col Ralph A Taylor Jr, 1955-.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Per bend azure and sable; a stylized jet aircraft, in bend, point to dexter chief, argent, with swirling jet stream moving to sinister base gules, streaked or, the end of the jet stream superimposed over a cloud formation issuing from sinister base of the third, shaded of the first; all between a star in sinister chief and a lightning bolt in dexter base of the fifth. (Approved 22 May 1957.)

413th Fighter Group

Constituted as 413th Fighter Group on 5 Oct 1944 and activated on 15 Oct. Trained for very-long-range operations with P-47's. Moved to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, Apr-Jun 1945. Assigned to Twentieth AF; reassigned to the Eighth early in Aug 1945. Flew a few strafing missions from Saipan to the Truk Islands in May before beginning operations from Ie Shima in Jun. Engaged in dive-bombing and strafing attacks on factories, radar stations, airfields, small ships, and other targets in Japan. Made several attacks on shipping and airfields in China during Jul. Flew its only escort mission on 8 Aug 1945 when it covered B-29's during a raid against Yawata, Japan. Served as a part of the air defense and occupation force for the Ryukyu Islands after the war. Inactivated on Okinawa on 15 Oct 1946.

Redesignated 413th Fighter-Day Group. Activated in the US on 11 Nov 1954. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Equipped first with F-86's, later with F-100's.

Squadrons. 1st: 1944-1946; 1954-. 21st: 1944-1946; 1954-. 34th: 1944-1946; 1954-.

Stations. Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 15 Oct 1944; Bluethenthal Field, NC, Nov 1944-6 Apr 1945; Ie Shima, 19 May 1945; Kadena, Okinawa, 10 Nov 1945; Yontan, Okinawa, 29 Jan-15 Oct 1946. George AFB, Calif, 11 Nov 1954-.

Commanders. Lt Col George H Hollingsworth, 15 Oct 1944; Col Harrison R Thyng, 1 Nov 1944; Lt Col John B Coleman, 14 Oct 1945; Col Loring F Stetson Jr, c. Jun-15 Oct 1946. Col George Laven Jr, 11 Nov 1954; Lt Col Maurice G Long, 4 Oct 1955-.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; China Offensive.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Argent, within a diminutive border per border of the like and azure a sheaf of broad swords points upward gules of the second, vert and or, all with hilts of the first. Motto: Siva. (Approved 16 Apr 1955.)

414th Fighter Group

Constituted as 414th Fighter Group on 5 Oct 1944 and activated on 15 Oct. Equipped with P-47's. Moved to the Asiatic-Pacific Theater, Jun-Aug 1945. Assigned to Twentieth AF. The air echelon, based temporarily on Guam, attacked objectives in the Truk Islands on 13 and 22 Jul. The group began operations from Iwo Jima late that month with an attack against a radar station on Chichi Jima. Operations during Aug were directed primarily against enemy airfields in Japan, but the group also strafed hangar barracks, ordnance dumps, trains, marshalling yards, and shipping. Moved to the Philippines late in Dec 1945. Assigned to Thirteenth AF. Inactivated in the Philippines on 30 Sep 1946.

Redesignated 414th Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated in the US on 18 Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command. Equipped first with F-94's, later with F-89's.

Squadrons. 413th: 1944-1946. 437th: 1944-1946; 1955-. 456th: 1944-1946.

Stations. Seymour Johnson Field, NC, 15 Oct 1944; Selfridge Field, Mich, 15 Nov 1944; Bluethenthal Field, NC, 19 Mar-11 May 1945; North Field, Iwo Jima, 7 Jul 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 23 Dec 1945-30 Sep 1946. Oxnard AFB, Calif, 18 Aug 1955-.

Commanders. Lt Col Robert C Bagby, 28 Oct 1944; Col Henry G Thorne Jr, 6 Dec 1944-unkn. Col Edwin F Carey Jr, 1955-.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Japan; Eastern Mandates.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a bend or, between two martlets volant argent, lightning bolts gules streaming from each of their tails. (Approved 26 Jul 1956.)

415th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 415th Bombardment Group (Dive) on 12 Feb 1943 and activated on 15 Feb. Equipped with A-20's, A-24's, A-26's, B-25's, and P-39's. Served as a training and demonstration organization at AAF School of Applied Tactics and later as a replacement training unit of Second AF. Disbanded on 5 Apr 1944.

Squadrons. 465th: 1943-1944. 521st (formerly 667th): 1943-1944.

Stations. Alachua AAFld, Fla, 15 Feb 1943; Orlando AB, Fla, 25 Feb 1944, Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 19 Mar-5 Apr 1944.

Commanders. 2nd Lt Michael Panek, Mar 1943; Maj Wesley E Dickerson, 12 Mar 1943; Lt Col Robert K Martin, 29 Mar 1943; Col John R Kelly, 23 Oct 1943; Lt Col Steele R Patterson, 6 Mar-5 Apr 1944.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

416th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 416th Bombardment Group (Light) on 25 Jan 1943. Activated on 5 Feb 1943. Used A-20's in preparing for duty overseas. Moved to England, Jan-Feb 1944, and assigned to Ninth AF. Entered combat in Mar 1944, and during the next several weeks directed most of its attacks against V-weapon sites in France. Flew a number of missions against airfields and coastal defenses to help prepare for the invasion of Normandy. Supported the invasion in Jun 1944 by striking road junctions, marshalling yards, bridges, and railway overpasses. Assisted ground forces at Caen and St Lo in Jul and at Brest later in the summer, by hitting transportation facilities, supply dumps, radar installations, and other targets. In spite of intense resistance, the group bombed bridges, railways, rolling stock, and a radar station to disrupt the enemy's retreat through the Falaise gap, 6-9 Aug 1944, and received a DUC for the missions. Assisted the airborne attack on Holland in Sep. Supported the assault on the Siegfried Line by pounding transportation, warehouses, supply dumps, and defended villages in Germany. Converted to A-26 aircraft in Nov. Attacked transportation facilities, strong points, communications centers, and troop concentrations during the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Aided the Allied thrust into Germany by continuing its strike against transportation, communications, airfields, storage depots, and other objectives, Feb-May 1945. Bombed flak positions in support of the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945. Returned to the US, Jul-Oct 1945. Inactivated on 24 Oct 1945.

Squadrons. 668th: 1943-1945. 669th: 1943-1945. 670th: 1943-1945. 671st: 1943-1945.

Stations. Will Rogers Field, Okla, 5 Feb 1943; Lake Charles AAFld, La, 4 Jun 1943; Laurel AAFld, Miss, Nov 1943-c. 1 Jan 1944; Wethersfield, England, Feb 1944; Melun, France, Sep 1944; Laon/Athies, France, Feb 1945; Cormeilles-en-Vexin, France, May-Jul 1945; Camp Myles Standish, Mass, c. 23-24 Oct 1945.

Commanders. Lt Col Richard D Dick, Feb 1943; Col Harold L Mace, Oct 1943; Col Theodore R Aylesworth, 3 Aug 1944-1945.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, Aug 1944.

Insigne. None.

417th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 417th Bombardment Group (Light) on 23 Mar 1943 and activated on 28 Mar. Trained with A-20's. Moved to New Guinea, Dec 1943-Jan 1944, and assigned to Fifth AF. Began combat in Mar 1944, operating in support of ground forces on New Guinea and striking airfields, bridges, personnel concentrations, installations, and shipping in that area. Operated from Noemfoor, Sep-Dec 1944, attacking airfields and installation on Ceram, Halmahera, and western New Guinea. Moved to the Philippines in Dec 1944, and until Jun 1945 supported ground forces and attacked enemy airfields, transportation, and installations on Luzon, Cebu, Negros, and Mindanao. Received a DUC for attacking Japanese convoys at Lingayen, 30 Dec 1944-2 Jan 1945, action that not only impaired enemy shipping and supply strength, but also helped clear the way for the American invasion of Luzon. Flew its last missions in Jul, dropping propaganda leaflets to Japanese troops on Luzon. Moved to Okinawa in Aug 1945 and to Japan in Nov. Inactivated on 15 Nov 1945.

Squadrons. 672d: 1943-1945. 673d: 1943-1945. 674th: 1943-1945. 675th: 1943-1945.

Stations. Will Rogers Field, Okla, 28 Mar 1943; DeRidder AAB, La, 4 Aug-10 Dec 1943; Cape Sudest, New Guinea, 28 Jan 1944; Dobodura, New Guinea, 7 Feb 1944; Saidor, New Guinea, 8 Apr 1944; Noemfoor, c. 9 Sep 1944; Tacloban, Leyte, 6 Dec 1944; San Jose, Mindoro, 22 Dec 1944; Okinawa, 17 Aug 1945; Itami, Japan, c. 1-15 Nov 1945.

Commanders. Col Jack W Saunder 31 Mar 1943; Lt Col Howard S Ellmor 5 Jul 1944; Lt Col Milton W Johnson, 2 Jan 1945; Lt Col Charles W Johnson, 3 Apr 1945; Lt Col James E Sweeney, 13 Oct-15 Nov 1945.

Campaigns. New Guinea; Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Philippine Islands, 30 Dec 1944-2 Jan 1945. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Insigne. None.

418th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 418th Bombardment Group (Light) on 16 Jul 1943. Activated on 1 Aug 1943. Assigned to Third AF. Disbanded on 15 Sep 1943. Consolidated (in Apr 1958) with the 418th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy).

418th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) was constituted on 28 Feb 1944. Activated on 11 Mar 1944. Assigned to Second AF as a replacement training unit but had no squadrons assigned. Disbanded on 1 Apr 1944.

Squadrons. 696th: 1943. 697th: 1943. 698th: 1943. 699th: 1943.

Stations. Lake Charles AAFld, La, 1 Aug-15 Sep 1943. Alamogordo AAFld, NM, 11 Mar-1 Apr 1944.

Commanders. Unkn.

Campaigns. None.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

419th Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 419th Troop Carrier Group on 1 Dec 1944. Activated on Guam on 31 Jan 1945. Assigned to Seventh AF. No tactical squadrons or aircraft were assigned. The group's headquarters had detachments at Saipan, Tinian, and Anguar, the latter detachment moving to Iwo Jima in Mar 1945. These detachments operated transportation terminals that assisted in moving troops, equipment, food, and mail to, and in evacuating wounded personnel from, combat areas. Inactivated on Guam on 15 Feb 1946.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 22 Mar 1947. Redesignated 419th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in Jun 1949. Ordered to active service on May 1951. Inactivated on 2 May 1951.

Redesignated 419th Troop Carrier Group (Assault, Fixed Wing). Activated on 9 Jul 1956. Assigned to Tactical Air Command and equipped with C-123's.

Squadrons. 12th Rescue: 1947-1949. 15th Fighter: 1947-1949. 63d: 1947-1949. 64th: 1947-1949. 65th: 1947-1949. 66th: 1947-1949. 79th: 1948-1949. 339th: 1949-1951; 1956-. 340th: 1949--1951; 1956-. 341st: 1949-1951; 1956-. 342d: 1949-1951.

Stations. Guam, 31 Jan 1945-15 Feb 1946. Richmond AAB, Va, 22 Mar 1947; Scott AFB, Ill, 27 Jun 1949-2 May 1951. Ardmore AFB, Okla, 9 Jul 1956-.

Commanders. Capt Vernon C Dang, 1 Feb 1945; Maj Victor C Swearingen, 5 Mar 1945; Col Frank H Mears, 10 May 1945; Lt Col Victor C Swearingen, 6 Aug 1945; Maj John B Wakefield Jr, 19 Aug 1945; Capt Vernon C Dang, 10 Nov 1945; Capt John L Boggs, 21 Nov 1945-unkn. Maj Joseph C Hamilton Jr, 9 Jul 1956-.

Campaigns. Western Pacific.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Per pale azure and vert, on a pile argent a point in point reversed gules between the wings of an eagle volant, sable, his head and detail of the third, grasping with his talons the left hand of a Roman warrior and lowering him to base; the warrior holding a sword in his right hand; all between three stars, argent, one in chief, one in dexter base, one in sinister base. (Approved 25 Jun 1957.)

423rd Reconnaissance Group - 437th Troop Carrier Group

423rd Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 423rd Observation Group on 30 Mar 1943. Activated on 1 Apr 1943. Assigned to Third AF. Redesignated 413rd Reconnaissance Group on 10 Apr 1943. Original mission of training replacements was changed in Jun 1943 to training pilot instructors for III Fighter Command. Disbanded on 15 Aug 1943.

Squadrons. 29th: 1943. 32d: 1943 33d: 1943. 34th: 1943.

Stations. DeRidder AAB, La, 1 Apr-15 Aug 1943.

Commanders. Unkn.

Campaigns. None.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

424th Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 414th Observation Group on 30 Mar 1943. Activated on 1 Apr 1943. Assigned to Third AF. Redesignated 424th Reconnaissance Group on 20 Apr 1943. Apparently was never fully organized. Disbanded on 15 Aug 1943.

Squadrons. 15th: 1943. 36th: 1943. 37th: 1943. 38th: 1943.

Stations. DeRidder AAB, La, 1 Apr-15 Aug 1943.

Commanders. Unkn.

Campaigns. None.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

426th Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 416th Reconnaissance Group on 25 Jun 1943. Activated on Jul 1943. Assigned to Third AF. Apparently was never fully organized. Disbanded on 15 Aug 1943.

Squadrons. 44th: 1943. 45th: 1943. 46th: 1943. 47th: 1943.

Stations. Gainesville AAFld, Tex, 1 Jul-15 Aug 1943.

Commanders. Unkn.

Campaigns. None.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

432nd Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 432d Observation Group on 18 Feb 1943 and activated on 22 Feb. Assigned to AAF School of Applied Tactics. Redesignated 432nd Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Aircraft included P-39's and L-3's. Trained, and provided reconnaissance to assist fighter, bombardment, and ground units with their training. Disbanded on 1 Nov 1943.

Reconstituted on 14 Jan 1954. Activated on 18 Mar 1954. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Equipped with RF-80's, RF-84's, RB-26's, RB-57's, and RB-66's.

Squadrons. 3d: 1943. 20th: 1954. 29th: 1954-. 41st: 1954-. 43d: 1954-.

Stations. Alachua AAFld, Fla, 22 Feb 1943; Keystone AAFld, Fla, Mar-1 Nov 1943. Shaw AFB, SC, 18 Mar 1954-.

Commanders. 1st Lt Richard I Purnell, c. 1 Mar 1943; Capt John Owen Jr, c. 17 Mar 1943; Capt William C Collins, c. 21 Mar 1943; Maj William B Merrill Jr, 23 Mar 1943; Lt Col Eugene H Rice, 18 Apr 1943-unkn. Col Frank A Sharp, 18 Mar 1954-unkn; Col John G Foster, 1955-.

Campaigns. None.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Gules, a stylized owl, holding in his dexter claws two lightning bolts in saltire, all sable, detail of the field. Motto: Victoria Per Scientiam - Victory through Knowledge. (Approved 2 Jun 1955.)

433rd Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 433rd Troop Carrier Group on 22 Jan 1943. Activated on 9 Feb 1943. Trained to tow gliders and to transport and drop supplies and paratroops. Moved to New Guinea, via Hawaii, the Fiji Islands, and Australia, Aug-Nov 1943. Assigned to Fifth AF. Operated from New Guinea and Biak until 1945, using C-47's and a few B-17's, plus C-46's that were acquired late in 1944. Transported troops; hauled such things as gasoline, ammunition, medicine, rations, communications equipment, and construction materials; and evacuated wounded personnel. Moved to the Philippines in Jan 1945. Operations included delivering ammunition, rations, and other items to Filipino guerrilla forces; evacuating prisoners of war and civilian internees; transporting combat units from New Guinea, the Netherlands Indies, and the Solomons, to the Philippines; and dropping rice to the leper colony on Culion Island. Transported organizations of Fifth AF to Okinawa, Jun-Aug 1945, and hauled occupation forces to Japan after V-J Day. Moved to Japan in Sep 1945. Inactivated on 15 Jan 1946.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 6 Jul 1947. Redesignated 433rd Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in Jun 1949. Equipped for a time with C-46 and C-47 aircraft; converted to C-119's in 1950. Ordered to active service on 15 Oct 1950. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Moved to Germany, Jul-Aug 1951, and assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe. Inactivated in Germany on 14 Jul 1952.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 18 May 1955.

Squadrons. 5th: 1948-1949. 65th: 1943-1945. 66th: 1943-1945. 67th: 1943-1946; 1947-1952; 1955-. 68th: 1943-1946; 1947-1952; 1955-. 69th: 1943-1946; 1947-1952. 70th: 1943-1946; 1947-1950. 315th: 1948-1949.

Stations. Florence AAFld, SC, 9 Feb 1943; Baer Field, Ind, 1-12 Aug 1943; Port Moresby, New Guinea, 25 Aug 1943; Biak 17 Oct 1944; Tanauan, Leyte, 19 Jan 1945; Clark Field, Luzon, 31 May 1945; Tachikawa, Japan, 11 Sep 1945-15 Jan 1946. Akron, Ohio, 6 Jul 1947; Cleveland Mun Aprt, Ohio, 27 Jun 1949; Greenville AFB, SC, 16 Oct 1950-20 Jul 1951; Rhein-Main AB, Germany, 5 Aug 1951-14 Jul 1952. Brooks AFB, Tex, 18 May 1955-.

Commanders. Col Cecil B Guile, 10 Feb 1943; Lt Col Marvin O Calliham, 17 Apr 1945; Lt Col James L Cole, Sep 1945-unkn. Lt Col Cornelius P Chima, 15 Oct 1950; Col Lucion N Powell, 24 Mar-14 Jul 1952.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Japan; New Guinea; Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon; Southern Philippines; Ryukyus.

Decorations. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Insigne. None.

434th Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 434th Troop Carrier Group on 30 Jan 1943. Activated on Feb 1943. Trained with C-47's for operations in Europe with Ninth AF. Moved to England in Oct 1943 and entered seven-month training period with 101st Airborne Division in preparation for the invasion of northern France. Towed gliders carrying troops to Normandy on 6 Jun 1944 and flew follow-up missions later on D-Day and on 7 Jun to provide reinforcements of troops, vehicles, and ammunition. Received a DUC and the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for action in the invasion of Normandy. Dropped paratroops in the assault area and towed gliders with reinforcements during the airborne operation in Holland, 17-25 Sep 1944. Moved to France in Feb 1945. Participated in the airborne assault across the Rhine, dropping paratroops over the east bank on 24 Mar. In addition to these airborne operations, the group reinforced ground troops in the St Lo area during the breakthrough in Jul 1944; provided supplies for Third Army during its drive across France in Aug, an action for which the group was cited by the French Government; and resupplied troops at Bastogne in Dec 1944 in the effort to stop the German offensive in the Ardennes. Also engaged in numerous transport missions, hauling mail, rations, clothing, and other supplies from England to bases in France and Germany, and evacuating the Allied wounded. After V-E Day, transported gasoline to Allied forces in Germany and evacuated prisoners of war to relocation centers in France and Holland. Returned to the US, Jul-Aug 1945. Trained with C-46's. Inactivated on 31 Jul 1946.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 15 Mar 1947. Redesignated 434th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in Jul 1949. Ordered to active duty on 1 May 1951. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Used C-47 aircraft. Relieved from active service and inactivated, on 1 Feb 1953.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated on Feb 1953.

Squadrons. 71st: 1943-1946; 1947-1953; 1953-. 72d: 1943-1946; 1947-1953; 1953-. 73d: 1943-1946; 1947-1948, 1949-1953; 1953-1954. 74th: 1943-1946; 1947-1951. 80th: 1948-1949. 81st: 1948-1949.

Stations. Alliance AAFld, Neb, 9 Feb 1943; Baer Field, Ind, 5 Sep-Oct 1943; Fulbeck, England, 7 Oct 1943; Welford Park, England, 10 Dec 1943; Aldermaston, England, Mar 1944-12 Feb 1945; Mourmelon-le-Grand, France, Feb-24 Jul 1945; Baer Field, Ind, 4 Aug 1945; Alliance AAFld, Neb, 15 Sep 1945; George Field, Ill, 1 Oct 1945; Greenville AAB, SC, 2 Feb-31 Jul 1946. Stout Field, Ind, 15 Mar 1947; Atterbury AFB, Ind, 1 Jul 1949; Lawson AFB, Ga, 23 Jan 1952-1 Feb 1953. Atterbury AFB, Ind, 1 Feb 1953-.

Commanders. Maj Edward F Cullerton, 9 Feb 1943; Lt Col Fred D Stevers, 18 Aug 1943; Col William B Whitacre, 29 Nov 1943; Lt Col Ben A Garland, 17 Dec 1944; Lt Col Frank W Hansley, 15 Sep 1945; Col Adriel N Williams, 1 Oct 1945-31 Jul 1946. Col Wallace L Linn, 1 May 1951; Lt Col Jack F Linn, 20 Feb 1952-1 Feb 1953.

Campaigns. American Theater; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, [6-7] Jun 1944. French Croix de Guerre with Palm: 6-7 Jun 1944; 20-28 Aug 1944. French Fourragere.

Insigne. Shield: Or, in chief a pair of stylized wings erect and conjoined azure, between a chevronel reversed gules; issuing from base a demi-sphere with land markings azure, longitude and latitude lines argent, thereover a parachute of the last; the sphere surmounting the apex of the chevronel. (Approved 10 Oct 1952.)

435th Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 435th Troop Carrier Group on 30 Jan 1943. Activated on 25 Feb 1943. Used C-47's and C-53's in preparing for duty overseas with Ninth AF. Moved to England, Oct-Nov 1943, and began training for participation in the airborne operation over Normandy. Entered combat on D-Day 1944 by dropping paratroops of 101st Airborne Division near Cherbourg; towed Waco and Horsa gliders carrying reinforcements to that area on the afternoon of D-Day and on the following morning; received a DUC for its part in the Normandy invasion. Began transport services following the landings in France and intermittently engaged in missions of this type until V-E Day; hauled supplies such as serum, blood plasma, radar sets, clothing, rations, and ammunition, and evacuated wounded personnel to Allied hospitals. Interrupted supply and evacuation missions to train for and participate in three major airborne assaults. A detachment that was sent to Italy in Jul 1944 for the invasion of Southern France dropped paratroops over the assault area on 15 Aug and released gliders carrying troops and equipment such as jeeps, guns, and ammunition; flew a resupply mission over France on 16 Aug; and then transported supplies to bases in Italy before returning to England at the end of the month. In Sep 1944 the group participated in the air attack on Holland, dropping paratroops of 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions and releasing gliders carrying reinforcements. Moved to France in Feb 1945 for the airborne assault across the Rhine; each aircraft towed two gliders in transporting troops and equipment to the east bank of the Rhine on 24 Mar; then the group flew resupply missions to Germany in support of ground forces. Transported supplies to occupation forces in Germany and evacuated Allied prisoners of war after V-E Day. Returned to the US in Aug. Inactivated on 15 Nov 1945.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 15 Jul 1947. Redesignated 435th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in Jun 1949. Ordered to active service on 1 Mar 1951. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Trained with C-119's. Relieved from active duty and inactivated, on 1 Dec 1952.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 1 Dec 1952.

Squadrons. 75th: 1943-1945. 76th: 1943-1945; 1947-1952; 1952-. 77th: 1943-1945; 1947-1952; 1952-. 78th: 1943-1945; 1947-1952; 1952-1954, 1955-. 326th: 1947-1949. 349th: 1949-1951.

Stations. Bowman Field, Ky, 25 Feb 1943; Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 4 May 1943; Pope Field, NC, 2 Jul 1943; Baer Field, Ind, 6-13 Oct 1943; Langer, England, 3 Nov 1943; Welford Park, England, 25 Jan 1944; Bretigny, France, c. 13 Feb-25 Jun 1945; Baer Field, Ind, 5 Aug 1945; Kellogg Field, Mich, 13 Sep-15 Nov 1945. Morrison Field, Fla, 15 Jul 1947; Miami Intl Aprt, Fla, 26 Jun 1949-1 Dec 1952. Miami Intl Aprt, Fla, 1 Dec 1952-.

Commanders. Col Frank J MacNees, 25 Feb 1943-15 Nov 1945. Lt Col Stanley N Simpson, 1 Mar 1951; Lt Col John R Pountnay, 1951; Maj Thomas L Morris, 20 Feb 1952; Col Leonard Barrow Jr, 20 Mar-1 Dec 1952.

Campaigns. Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, [6-7] Jun 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Per fess wavy, or and azure, charged with two martlets, countervolant and counterchanged, between two flanches checky sable and gules. Motto: Citus Et Certus - Swift and Sure. (Approved 22 May 1952.)

436th Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 436th Troop Carrier Group on 23 Mar 1943. Activated on 1 Apr 1943. Trained with C-47's for duty in Europe with Ninth AF. Moved overseas, Dec 1943-Jan 1944. Began operations in Jun 1944 and participated in four major airborne operations prior to the Allied victory in May 1945. Received a DUC for its first missions, which were flown during the Normandy invasion: dropped paratroops of 82d Airborne Division over the beachhead early on 6 Jun; released gliders with reinforcements of troops and supplies on the afternoon of D-Day and on the following morning. In Jul 1944 a detachment was sent to Italy to take part in the invasion of Southern France: released gliders carrying troops and dropped paratroops in the assault area on 15 Aug; flew several resupply missions to France and then dropped supplies to Allied forces in Italy. The detachment returned to England late in Aug, and in Sep the group carried out airborne operations over Holland, dropping paratroops of 101st Airborne Division and releasing gliders with reinforcements of troops and equipment. Towed gliders to Wesel on 24 Mar 1945 to provide troops for the airborne assault across the Rhine; carried gasoline to the front lines and evacuated patients, 30-31 Mar. Flew transport missions almost daily when not engaged in airborne operations; hauled such things as gasoline, ammunition, medical supplies, rations, and clothing; evacuated the wounded to hospitals in England and France. After V-E Day, evacuated patients and prisoners of war and flew practice missions with French paratroops. Returned to the US in Aug. Inactivated on 15 Nov 1945.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 15 Mar 1947. Redesignated 436th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in Jun 1949. Ordered to active duty on 1 Apr 1951. Inactivated on 16 Apr 1951.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 18 May 1955.

Squadrons. 73d: 1948-1949. 79th: 1943-1945; 1949-1951; 1955-. 80th: 1943-1945; 1947-1948, 1949-1951. 81st: 1943-1945; 1947-1948, 1949-1951; 1955-. 82d: 1943-1945; 1947-1951. 316th: 1947-1949.

Stations. Baer Field, Ind, 1 Apr 1943; Alliance AAFld, Neb, 2 May 1943; Laurinburg-Maxton AAB, NC, 1 Aug 1943; Baer Field, Ind, 14-28 Dec 1943; Bottesford, England, Jan 1944; Membury, England, 3 Mar 1944-Feb 1945; Melun, France, 26 Feb-Jul 1945; Baer Field, Ind, 15 Aug 1945; Malden AAFld, Mo, 13 Sep-15 Nov 1945. Godman Field, Ky, 15 Mar 1947; Standiford Mun Aprt, Ky, 20 Oct 1950-16 Apr 1951. New York NAS, NY 18 May 1955-.

Commanders. Col Adriel N Williams, 1 Apr 1943-1 Oct 1945; unkn, I Oct-15 Nov 1945.

Campaigns. American Theater; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, [6-7] Jun 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Gules, a sphere azure with longitude and latitude lines argent; the sphere issuing from four lightning bolts radiating upward from base of the last; a parachute, in pale, between the four bolts, two and two, argent, gores outlined of the second, all superimposed over the sphere; over all in chief an antique crown or, winged argent. Motto: Parati, Volentes, Potentes - Ready, Willing and Able. (Approved 20 Jun 1957.)

437th Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 437th Troop Carrier Group on 15 Apr 1943. Activated on 1 May 1943. Trained with C-46 and C-47 aircraft for duty overseas with Ninth AF. Moved to England, Jan-Feb 1944, and began preparing for the Normandy invasion. Released gliders near Cherbourg early on 6 Jun 1944; flew follow-up missions on 6 and 7 Jun, carrying reinforcements of troops, antiaircraft pieces, ammunition, rations, and other supplies for 82nd Airborne Division; received a DUC for these actions in France. A detachment was sent to Italy in Jul 1944 for the invasion of Southern France in Aug; it dropped paratroops over the assault area on 15 Aug, flew a resupply mission on the following day, and then hauled freight to bases in Italy until it returned to England on 24 Aug. During the airborne attack on Holland, 17-25 Sep 1944, the group released gliders carrying troops and equipment, and flew several resupply missions to provide reinforcements. Moved to France in Feb 1945 for action during the air assault across the Rhine; each aircraft towed two gliders over the east bank and released them near Wesel on 24 Mar 1945. Flew numerous missions in Mar and Apr to carry gasoline, food, medicine, and other supplies to ground forces pushing across Germany. When not participating in one of the major airborne operations, the organization continually transported ammunition, rations, clothing, and other supplies, and evacuated wounded personnel to rear-zone hospitals. Evacuated prisoners of war and displaced persons to relocation centers after V-E Day. Returned to the US in Aug 1945. Inactivated on 15 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 437th Troop Carrier Group (Medium). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered to active duty on 10 Aug 1950. Moved to Japan in Nov 1950 and assigned to Far East Air Forces for duty in the Korean War. Used C-119's and C-46's to participate in the airlift between Japan and Korea from Dec 1950 to Jun 1952, transporting ammunition, rations, aircraft parts, gasoline, and other items to Pusan, Taegu, Suwon, Kimpo, Pyongyang, and other bases in Korea, and evacuating wounded personnel to hospitals in Japan. Dropped paratroops of 187th Regimental Combat Team at Munsan-ni in Mar 1951 and flew resupply and reinforcement missions in Apr and May. Supported the advance of Eighth Army into North Korea in Jun 1951. From Jan to Jun 1952, engaged chiefly in evacuating personnel on leave and in transporting replacements to the battle area. Relieved from active duty and inactivated in Japan, on 10 Jun 1952.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 15 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 83d: 1943-1945; 1949-1952; 1952-. 84th: 1943-1945; 1949-1952; 1952-. 85th: 1943-1945; 1949-1952; 1952-. 86th: 1943-1945; 1949-1950, 1951-1952.

Stations. Baer Field, Ind, 1 May 1943; Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 8 Jun 1943; Pope Field, NC, 10 Oct 1943; Baer Field, Ind, 29 Dec 1943-Jan 1944; Balderton, England, Jan 1944; Ramsbury, England, 5 Feb 1944; Coulommiers/Voisins, France, 25 Feb-Jul 1945; Baer Field, Ind, 15 Aug 1945; Marfa AAFld, Tex, 14 Sep-15 Nov 1945. Chicago-Orchard Aprt, Ill, 27 Jun 1949; Shaw AFB, SC, 14 Aug-16 Oct 1950; Brady AB, Japan, 8 Nov 1950-10 Jun 1952. O'Hare Intl Aprt, Ill, 15 Jun 1952-.

Commanders. Col Cedric E Hudgens, 1 May 1943; Col Donald J French, 12 Jun 1944-1945. Col John R Roche, 1950; Lt Col Edward H Nigro, Jan 1951; Lt Col George W Sutcliffe, Mar 1951; Lt Col Jack L Crawford Jr, 5 Sep 1951-10 Jun 1952.

Campaigns. World War II: American Theater; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe. Korean War: CCF Intervention; 1st UN Counteroffensive; CCF Spring Offensive. UN Summer-Fall Offensive; Second Korean Winter; Korea Summer-Fall, 1952.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, [6-7] Jun 1944. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 1 Jul 1951-[10 Jun 1952].

Insigne. On a yellow disk, within a narrow blue border and a narrow white border, a running "Minute Man" with rifle at high port, all in blue silhouette, in front of a pair of wings elevated and conjoined. (Approved 24 Nov 1953.)

438th Troop Carrier Group - 444th Bombardment Group

438th Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 438th Troop Carrier Group on 14 May 1943. Activated on 1 Jun 1943. Trained with C-47's. Moved to England in Feb 1944 and assigned to Ninth AF. Until Jun 1945, trained for and participated in airborne operations, flew resupply and reinforcement missions to combat zones, evacuated casualties, and hauled freight. Received a DUC for dropping paratroops in Normandy and towing gliders with reinforcements during the invasion of France in Jun 1944. A detachment went to Italy in Jul 1944 and participated in the invasion of Southern France in Aug by dropping paratroops and towing gliders that carried reinforcements; also hauled freight in Italy before returning to England late in Aug. In Sep the group helped to supply Third Army in its push across France, and transported troops and supplies when the Allies launched the airborne operation in Holland. Flew supply missions to battle areas, including two flights to Bastogne, during the Battle of the Bulge (Dec 1944-Jan 1945). Moved to France, Feb-Mar 1945. Dropped paratroops during the airborne attack across the Rhine in Mar. Evacuated Allied prisoners of war after V-E Day. Returned to the US, Aug-Sep 1945. Inactivated on 15 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 438th Troop Carrier Group (Medium). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 27 Jun 1949. Called to active duty on 10 Mar 1951. Inactivated on 14 Mar 1951.

Redesignated 438th Fighter-Bomber Group. Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 15 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 87th: 1943-1945; 1949-1951; 1952-. 88th: 1943-1945; 1949-1951; 1952-. 89th: 1943-1945; 1949-1951; 1952-. 90th: 1943-1945; 1949-1951.

Stations. Baer Field, Ind, 1 Jun 1943; Sedalia AAFld, Mo, c. 11 Jun 1943; Laurinburg-Maxton AAB, NC, Oct 1943; Baer Field, Ind, c. 15-c. 28 Jan 1944; Welford, England, Feb 1944; Greenham Common, England, Mar 1944; Prosnes, France, Feb 1945; Amiens/Glisy, France, May-c. 3 Aug 1945; Baer Field, Ind, c. 16 Sep 1945; Lawson Field, Ga, c. 1 Oct-15 Nov 1945. Offutt AFB, Neb, 27 Jun 1949-14 Mar 1951. General Billy Mitchell Field, Wis, 15 Jun 1952; Milwaukee, Wis, Jan 1953-.

Commanders. Lt Col William F Stewart, c. 1 Jun 1943; Col John M Donalson, c. 13 Jul 1943; Col Lucion N Powell, 27 Dec 1944-1945.

Campaigns. Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, Jun 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Per bend sinister purpure and argent, fimbriated or, a globe all elements counterchanged, the globe fimbriated or and purpure, surmounting a stylized lashing swirling spear of the first, second and third, the shield fimbriated purpure and or. Motto: Nunquam Non Paratus - Never Unprepared. (Approved 10 Aug 1954.)

439th Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 439th Troop Carrier Group on 14 May 1943. Activated on 1 June 1943. Trained with C-47's. Moved to England, Feb-Mar 1944, for duty with Ninth AF. Prepared for the invasion of the Continent and began operations by dropping paratroops of 101st Airborne Division in Normandy on 6 Jun 1944 and releasing gliders with reinforcements on the following day, receiving a DUC and a French citation for these missions. After the Normandy invasion the group ferried supplies in the United Kingdom until the air echelon was sent to Italy in Jul to transport cargo to Rome and evacuate wounded personnel. The detachment dropped paratroops of 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment along the Riviera to aid the invasion of Southern France on 15 Aug 1944 and later towed gliders to provide reinforcements; for these missions the group was again cited by the French government. After the air echelon returned to England on 25 Aug, the group resumed its cargo missions. In Sep the group moved to France for further operations in support of the advancing Allies. Dropped paratroops of 82nd Airborne Division near Nijmegen and towed gliders carrying reinforcements during the airborne attack on Holland, 17-25 Sep 1944. Participated in the Battle of the Bulge by releasing gliders with supplies for 101st Airborne Division near Bastogne on 7 Dec 1944. Each aircraft of the group towed two gliders with troops of 17th Airborne Division and released them near Wesel when the Allies made the air assault across the Rhine on 24 Mar 1945. Continually hauled food, clothing, medicine, gasoline, ordnance equipment, and other supplies to the front lines and evacuated patients to rear-zone hospitals when not engaged in airborne operations. Converted from C-47's to C-46's, which were used to transport displaced persons from Germany to France and Belgium after V-E Day. Returned to the US, Jul-Sep 1945. Trained with C-46 aircraft. Inactivated on 10 Jun 1946.

Redesignated 439th Troop Carrier Group (Medium). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered to active duty on 1 Apr 1951. Inactivated on 3 Apr 1951.

Redesignated 439th Fighter-Bomber Group. Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 15 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 91st: 1943-1946; 1949-1951; 1952-1954. 92d: 1943-1946; 1949-1951; 1952-1954. 93d: 1943-1946; 1949-1951; 1952-. 94th: 1943-1946; 1949-1951. 471st: 1954-. 472d: 1954-.

Stations. Alliance AAFld, Neb, 1 Jun 1943; Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 15 Jun 1943; Alliance AAFld, Neb, 2 Aug 1943; Laurinburg-Maxton AAB, NC, 16 Dec 1943; Baer Field, Ind, 2-14 Feb 1944; Balderton, England, 21 Feb 1944; Upottery, England, 26 Apr 1944; Juvincourt, France, 8 Sep 1944; Lonray, France, 28 Sep 1944; Chateaudun, France, 4 Nov 1944-11 Jul 1945; Baer Field, Ind, Jul 1945; Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 7 Oct 1945-10 Jun 1946. Selfridge AFB, Mich, 27 Jun 1949-3 Apr 1951. Selfridge AFB, Mich, 15 Jun 1952-.

Commanders. Lt Col Ralph L Zimmerman, 1 Jun 1943; Col Charles H Young, 21 Jan 1944; Col Gordon L Edris, 6 Oct 1945; Lt Col Lester C Messenger, 16 Apr 1946; Lt Col William M Massengale Jr, 28 May-10 Jun 1946.

Campaigns. American Theater; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, [6-7] Jun 1944. French Croix de Guerre with Palm: [6-7] Jun 1944; 15 Aug 1944. French Fourragere.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a beaver volant proper, holding a missile in his right paw, argent, markings gules and sable and supported in the air with aircraft wings of the third, tanks of the fourth, on the right wing the national aircraft marking in its proper colors. (Approved 20 Apr 1956.)

440th Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 440th Troop Carrier Group on 25 May 1943. Activated on 1 Jul 1943. Prepared for duty overseas with C-47's. Moved to England, Feb-Mar 1944, and assigned to Ninth AF. Began operations by dropping paratroops of 101st Airborne Division near Carentan on the Cotentin Peninsula on 6 Jun 1944 and by transporting gasoline, ammunition, food, and other supplies to the same area on 7 Jun, being awarded a DUC for completing these missions during the invasion of Normandy. Began flying supply and evacuation missions between England and France after the invasion of the Continent. In Jul 1944 part of the group was sent to Italy where it transported supplies to Rome until Aug. The detachment also participated in the invasion of Southern France, dropping paratroops of 517th Parachute Infantry Regiment near Le Muy on 15 Aug 1944 and towing gliders carrying reinforcements to that area later in the day. Meanwhile, the group in England continued to haul cargo, and on 10 Aug 1944 it dropped supplies to an infantry battalion encircled at Mortain in northern France. The detachment returned to England on 25 Aug and the group moved to France in Sep. During the attack on Holland the 440th dropped paratroops of 82nd Airborne Division near Groesbeek on 17 Sep 1944 and released gliders with reinforcements on 18 and 23 Sep. On 26 Dec 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, it hauled gliders filled with supplies for 101st Airborne Division encircled at Bastogne. In Mar 1945 it towed gliders with troops of 17th Airborne Division to the battle area near Wesel during the airborne assault across the Rhine. When not engaged in airborne operations the group transported food, clothing, medical supplies, gasoline, ammunition, and other cargo to the front lines and evacuated casualties to rear-zone hospitals. After the war the group transported liberated prisoners and displaced persons. Inactivated in Europe on 18 Oct 1945.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 3 Sep 1947. Redesignated 440th Troop Carrier Group (Medium) in Jun 1949. Ordered to active duty on 1 May 1951. Inactivated on 4 May 1951.

Redesignated 440th Fighter-Bomber Group. Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 15 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 95th: 1943-1945; 1947-1951; 1952-. 96th: 1943-1945; 1947-1951; 1952-. 97th: 1943-1945; 1947-1951; 1952-. 98th: 1943-1945; 1947-1951.

Stations. Baer Field, Ind, 1 Jul 1943; Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 9 Jul 1943; Alliance AAFld, Neb, 7 Sep 1943; Pope Field, NC, 4 Jan 1944; Baer Field, Ind, 14-21 Feb 1944; Bottesford, England, 11 Mar 1944; Exeter, England, 18 Apr 1944; Reims, France, 11 Sep 1944; Le Mans, France, 30 Sep 1944; Orleans, France, 2 Nov 1944-18 Oct 1945. Wold-Chamberlain Field, Minn, 3 Sep 1947-4 May 1951. Ft Snelling, Minn, 15 Jun 1952; Minneapolis-St Paul Intl Aprt, Minn, 8 Jan 1953-.

Commanders. Maj Charles H Young, 5 Jul 1943; Lt Col Frank X Krebs, 7 Jul 1943; Lt Col Loyd C Waldorf, 18 Sep 1944; Col Frank X Krebs, 29 Oct 1944-1945.

Campaigns. Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, [6-7] Jun 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Argent, on and over the upper edge of a targe azure bearing Polaris and Ursa Major of the field within an orle or, a winged viking helmet of the like, behind the targe a sword and spear in saltire of the last all detailed and fimbriated of the second; all within an orle of the last and a diminished border gold. Motto: Nunquam Non Paratus - Never Unprepared. (Approved 14 Nov 1958.)

441st Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 441st Troop Carrier Group on 25 May 1943. Activated on 1 Aug 1943. Used C-47's to train for overseas duty. Moved to England, Feb-Mar 1944, and assigned to Ninth AF. Trained and transported cargo in the United Kingdom until Jun 1944. Began operations during the invasion of Normandy, dropping paratroops of 101st Airborne Division near Cherbourg on D-Day and releasing gliders with reinforcements on 7 Jun, being awarded a DUC for carrying out these missions. Following the operations in Normandy, the organization transported cargo in France and the United Kingdom until part of the group went to Italy in Jul 1944. In Italy it made scheduled flights between Grosseto and Rome, transporting supplies and evacuating patients. When the Allies invaded southern France in Aug 1944 the detachment in Italy dropped troops of 509th Parachute Infantry Regiment along the Riviera on 15 Aug and hauled gliders with reinforcements later in the day. After the detached echelon returned to England on 25 Aug, the group resumed its cargo missions, then moved to the Continent in Sep 1944 for further operations in support of the advancing Allies. Dropped paratroops of 82nd and 101st Airborne Divisions near Nijmegen on 17 Sep during the air attack on Holland, and towed gliders with reinforcements on 18 and 23 Sep. In Dec, transported ammunition, rations, medicine, and other supplies to troops of 101st Airborne Division surrounded by the enemy at Bastogne. Released gliders carrying troops of 17th Airborne Division near Wesel on 24 Mar 1945 when the Allies launched the airborne assault across the Rhine. Hauled gasoline to armored columns in Germany after the Allies crossed the Rhine. Continually transported freight and personnel in the theater when not participating in airborne operations. Evacuated casualties and prisoners who had been liberated. Remained overseas after the war as part of United States Air Forces in Europe. Continued to transport personnel and equipment, using C-46, C-47, and C-109 aircraft. Inactivated in Germany on 30 Sep 1946.

Redesignated 441st Troop Carrier Group (Medium). Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 27 Jun 1949. Ordered to active service on 10 Mar 1951. Inactivated on 14 Mar 1951.

Squadrons. 32d: 1945-1946. 61st: 1945-1946. 99th: 1943-1945; 1949-1951. 100th: 1943-1946; 1949-1951. 301st: 1943-1945; 1949-1951. 302d: 1943-1945; 1949-1951. 306th: 1945-1946.

Stations. Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 1 Aug 1943; Camp Mackall, NC, 18 Jan 1944; Baer Field, Ind, 22-29 Feb 1944; langer, England, 17 Mar 1944; Merryfield, England, 25 Apr 1944; Villeneuve/Vetrus, France, 8 Sep 1944; St Marceau, France, 2 Oct 1944; Dreux, France, 3 Nov 1944; Frankfurt, Germany, c. 12 Aug 1945-30 Sep 1946. Chicago-Orchard Aprt, Ill, 27 Jun 1949-14 Mar 1951.

Commanders. Col Theodore G Kershaw, 8 Aug 1943; Col William H Parkhill, 24 Nov 1944-unkn; Lt Col Roswell Freedman, unkn-1946; Col Hoyt L Prindle, 1946; Col James E Daniel Jr, unkn-Sep 1946.

Campaigns. Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, [6-7] Jun 1944.

Insigne. None.

442nd Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 442d Troop Carrier Group on 25 May 1943. Activated on 1 Sep 1943. Trained with C-47's and C-53's. Moved to England in Mar 1944 for duty with Ninth AF. Received additional training with C-47's and C-53's, and later used these aircraft for operations. Flew first missions during the invasion of the Continent, dropping paratroops near Ste-Mere-Eglise on 6 Jun 1944 and flying a resupply mission on 7 Jun, being awarded a DUC for its part in the Normandy invasion. Hauled freight and evacuated casualties during the remainder of the summer. In Jul, however, a detachment flew to Italy where it transported cargo, evacuated casualties, and took part in the invasion of Southern France on 15 Aug by dropping paratroops in the battle area and releasing gliders carrying reinforcements. The detachment returned to England late in Aug, and in Sep the group took part in the airborne attack in Holland by transporting paratroops and towing gliders with reinforcements. Moved to the Continent in Oct 1944, flying resupply missions, hauling freight, and evacuating casualties in support of the Allied effort to breach the Siegfried Line. Continued transport duties until V-E Day but also participated in the airborne assault across the Rhine in Mar 1945 by releasing gliders filled with troops, carried supplies to ground forces in Germany (Apr-May), and evacuated prisoners who had been liberated. Remained in the theater after the war as part of United States Air Forces in Europe. Inactivated in Germany on 30 Sep 1946.

Redesignated 442d Troop Carrier Group (Medium). Allotted to the reserve. Activated in the US on 27 Jun 1949. Called to active duty on 10 Mar 1951. Inactivated on 12 Mar 1951.

Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 15 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 301st: 1945. 303d: 1943-1946; 1949-1951; 1952-. 304th: 1943-1946; 1949-1951; 1952-. 305th: 1943-1946; 1949-1951; 1952-1955. 306th: 1943-1946; 1949-1951.

Stations. Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 1 Sep 1943; Alliance AAFld, Neb, Dec 1943; Pope Field, NC, Jan 1944; Baer Field, Ind, c. 2-c. 8 Mar 1944; Fulbeck, England c. 29 Mar 1944; Weston Zoyland, England, Jun 1944; Bonnetable, France, Oct 1944; St-Andre-de-L'Eure, France, Nov 1944; Munich/Riem, Germany, Sep 1945-30 Sep 1946. Fairfax Field, Kan, 27 Jun 1949; Olathe NAS, Kan, May 1950-12 Mar 1951. Olathe NAS, Kan, 15 Jun 1952; Grandview AFB, Mo, Apr 1955-.

Commanders. Col Charles M Smith, Sep 1943; Col John C Kilborn, 25 Sep 1945; Lt Col Paul A Jones, Oct 1945-1946; Col Bertram C Harrison, 1946-nkn.

Campaigns. Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; Rhineland; Central Europe.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, [6-7] Jun 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Light blue, over a silhouetted parachute Air Force yellow, a target pattern, to base, red and white, charged with an elongated arrow red, standing on the target a silhouetted airman, head uplifted toward a stylized aircraft surmounting the upper section of the parachute all black, the aircraft highlighted white. Motto: Si Jeunesse Savait, Si Viellesse Pouvait - If Youth Knew, If Age Were Able. (Approved 6 May 1955.)

443rd Troop Carrier Group

Constituted as 443rd Troop Carrier Group on 25 May 1943. Activated on 1 Oct 1943. Equipped with L-3, C-53, and C-47 aircraft. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, on 15 Feb 1944 to India, where the group was remanned and new squadrons were assigned. Operated in the CBI theater until after the war, using C-47's and sometimes gliders to transport Allied troops, evacuate wounded personnel, and haul supplies and materiel, including gasoline, oil, signal and engineering equipment, medicine, rations, and ammunition. The group's missions were concerned primarily with support for Allied forces that were driving southward through Burma, but the 443rd also made many flights to China. It moved to China in Aug 1945 and received a DUC for transporting a Chinese army of more than 30,000 men from Chihkiang to Nanking in Sep 1945. Returned to the US in Dec. Inactivated on 26 Dec 1945.

Redesignated 443rd Troop Carrier Group (Medium) and allotted to the reserve. Activated on 27 Jun 1949. Called to active duty on 1 May 1951. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Equipped first with C-46's, later (in Feb 1952) with C-119's. Inactivated on 1 Feb 1953.

Squadrons. 1st: 1944-1945. 2d: 1944-1945. 27th: 1944-1945. 309th: 1943-1944; 1949-1953. 310th: 1943-1944; 1949-1953. 315th: 1944-1945. 343d: 1949-1953. 344th: 1949-1951.

Stations. Sedalia AAFld, Mo, 1 Oct 1943; Alliance AAFld, Neb, 19 Jan 1944-15 Feb 1944; Sylhet, India, 15 Feb 1944 Sookerating, India, 6 Jun 1944; Dinjan, India, 9 Jul 1944; Ledo, India, 8 Oct 1944; Dinjan, India, 11 May 1945; Chihkiang, China, 28 Aug 1945; Hankow, China, 25 Sep-30 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, Calif, 23-26 Dec 1945. Hensley Field, Tex, 27 Jun 1949; Donaldson AFB, SC, 9 Aug 1951-1 Feb 1953.

Commanders. Maj Elmer F Estrumse, 5 Oct 1943; Lt Col Charles D Farr, 13 Mar 1944; Lt Col Loren Cornell, 16 May 1944; Col Thomas Schofield, 1 Nov 1944; Col Herbert A Bott, 12 Apr 1945; Col Frederick L Moore, 11 Sep 1945; Lt Col Jack F Marr, Deck. 16 Dec 1945. Col James B Henson, 1 May 1951; Maj Clifford F Harris, c. 15 Dec 1952-1 Feb 1953.

Campaigns. India-Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma; China Offensive.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: China, 5-30 Sep 1945.

Insigne. None.

444th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 444th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 15 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 Mar 1943. Redesignated 444th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) in Nov 1943. Trained with B-17, B-24, and B-16 aircraft, and later with B-19's. Moved to India, via Africa, Mar-Apr 1944. Assigned to Twentieth AF on 29 Jun 1944. Flew supplies over the Hump to Chinese bases that its B-29's were to use for staging attacks on Japan. On 15 Jun 1944 participated in the first AAF strike on the Japanese home islands since the Doolittle raid in 1942. Bombed transportation centers, naval installations, aircraft plants, and other targets in Burma, China, Thailand, Japan, and Formosa. Conducted a daylight raid against iron and steel works at Yawata, Japan, in Aug 1944, being awarded a DUC for the mission. Evacuated staging fields in China in Jan 1945 but continued operations from India, bombing targets in Thailand and mining waters around Singapore. Moved to Tinian in the spring of 1945 for further operations against targets in Japan. Participated in bombardment of strategic objectives and in incendiary raids on urban areas for the duration of the war. Received a DUC for attacking oil storage facilities at Oshima, bombing an aircraft plant near Kobe, and dropping incendiaries on Nagoya, in May 1945. Struck light metal industries at Osaka in Jul 1945, receiving another DUC for this action. Returned to the US late in 1945. Assigned to Strategic Air Command on 21 Mar 1946. Inactivated on 1 Oct 1946.

Squadrons. 344th: 1945-1946. 409th: 1946. 676th: 1943-1946. 677th: 1943-1946. 678th (later 10th): 1943-1946. 679th: 1943-1944. 825th: 1945.

Stations. Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 1 Mar 1943; Great Bend AAFld, Kan, 29 Jul 1943-12 Mar 1944; Charra, India, 11 Apr 1944; Dudhkundi, India, 1 Jul 1944-1 Mar 1945; West Field, Tinian, 7 Apr-18 Sep 1945; Merced AAFld, Calif, 15 Nov 1945; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 6 May-1 Oct 1946.

Commanders. Maj Arthur T [?] Snell, 18 Mar 1943; Maj Walter W Cross, 17 Apr 1943; Col Alva L Harvey, 5 Aug 1943; Col Henry R Sullivan, 22 Apr 1945; Col James C Selser Jr, 3 Jun 1945-1 Oct 1946.

Campaigns. American Theater; India-Burma; Air Offensive, Japan; China Offensive; Western Pacific; Central Burma.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Yawata, Japan, 20 Aug 1944; Japan, 10-14 May 1945; Japan, 24 Jul 1945.

Insigne. None.

To Part 7