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 2

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.

4th Reconnaissance Group ‐ 7th Reconnaissance Group

4th Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 4th Photographic Group on 14 Jul 1942 and activated on 23
Jul. Trained for overseas duty with F‐4's. Moved to the South Pacific late
in 1942. Assigned to Thirteenth AF in Jan 1943. Redesignated 4th
Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group in May 1943, 4th Photographic
Group (Reconnaissance) in Nov 1943, and 4th Reconnaissance Group in May 1945.
From Dec 1942 to May 1945 the group, based successively on New Caledonia,
Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal, and Morotai, flew reconnaissance missions over
enemy territory to supply air force units with target and damage assessment
photographs and to provide army and navy units with intelligence on Japanese
troop concentrations, installations, shore defenses, supply routes, and
shipping. It also produced maps of Allied and enemy‐held territory and
prepared navigation charts for US units. During the last three months of the
war the group photographed Japanese positions and installations on Mindanao
and Borneo to aid US and Australian operations. Moved to Leyte in Sep 1945.
Inactivated on 15 Jan 1946. Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947.

Squadrons. 17th: 1942‐1946. 18th: 1942‐1944. 19th: 1942‐1943.
20th: 1942‐1943. 38th: 1945‐1946.

Stations. Colorado Springs, Colo, 23 Jul‐24 Oct 1942; New Caledonia, 22
Nov 1942; Espiritu Santo, 22 Jan 1943; Guadalcanal, 6 May 1944; Morotai, 12
Dec 1944; Leyte, Sep 1945‐15 Jan 1946.

Commanders. 2nd Lt Everett E Shaw, 23 Jul 1942; Lt Col Francis L Rivard,
10 Aug 1942; Lt Col Charles P Hollstein, 3 Sep 1942; Col Paul C Schauer, 18
Jul 1943; Lt Col Hillford R Wallace, 7 Jun 1944; Maj Sidney L Hardin, 4 Aug
1944; Lt Col Hershell E Parsons, 20 Jan 1945‐unkn.

Campaigns. Guadalcanal; New Guinea; Northern Solomons; Bismarck
Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Southern Philippines.

Decorations. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, three piles and three like ordinaries
transposed conjoined in honor point or. (Approved 28 Nov 1942.)

5th Bombardment Group

Authorized as 2nd Group (Observation) on 15 Aug 1919 and organized in
Hawaii. Redesignated 5th Group (Observation) in Mar 1921, 5th Group (Pursuit
and Bombardment) in Jun 1922, and 5th Group (Composite) in Jul 1922. Used
DH‐4, MB‐2, B‐12, LB‐5, LB‐6, PW‐9, P‐12, O‐19, and other aircraft.
Activities included training, participating in Army‐Navy maneuvers, staging
aerial reviews, sowing seeds from the air for the Territorial Forestry
Division, and bombing a stream of lava flowing from Mauna Loa to divert it
from the city of Hilo. Redesignated 5th Bombardment Group in Mar 1938, 5th
Bombardment Group (Medium) in Dec 1939, and 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in
Nov 1940. Equipped with B‐17's and B‐18's by Dec 1941. Assigned to Seventh
AF in Feb 1942. Engaged primarily in search and patrol missions off Hawaii
from Dec 1941 to Nov 1942.

Left Hawaii in Nov 1942 and, operating from bases in the South and
Southwest Pacific with B‐17 and B‐24 aircraft, served in combat with
Thirteenth AF during the Allied drive from the Solomons to the Philippines.
Flew long patrol and photographic missions over the Solomon Islands and the
Coral Sea, attacked Japanese shipping off Guadalcanal, and raided airfields in
the northern Solomons until Aug 1943. Then struck enemy bases and
installations on Bougainville, New Britain, and New Ireland. Raided the
heavily defended Japanese base on Woleai during Apr and May 1944 and received
a DUC for the action. Helped to neutralize enemy bases on Yap and in the Truk
and Palau Islands, Jun‐Aug 1944, preparatory to the invasion of Peleliu and
Leyte. Flew missions to the Netherlands Indies, receiving a DUC for an
attack, conducted through heavy flak and fighter defenses, on oil
installations at Balikpapan, Borneo, on 30 Sep 1944. Completed a variety of
missions from Oct 1944 until the end of the war, these operations including
raids on enemy bases and installations on Luzon, Ceram, Halmahera, and
Formosa; support for ground forces in the Philippines and Borneo; and patrols
off the China coast. Remained in the theater as part of Far East Air Forces
after the war, but all personnel evidently had been withdrawn by early in
1946. Redesignated 5th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) in Apr 1946, and 5th
Reconnaissance Group in Feb 1947. Remanned in Mar 1947, equipped with FB‐17's
and F‐2's, and engaged in mapping areas of the Philippines, Formosa, and the
Pescadores.

Moved to the US in May 1949. Assigned to Strategic Air Command.
Redesignated 5th Strategic Reconnaissance Group in Jul 1949. Equipped with
RB‐29's. Redesignated 5th Strategic Reconnaissance Group (Heavy) in Sep 1950.
Began converting to B‐36's. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 6th Pursuit: 1919‐1927. 19th Pursuit: 1924‐1927. 23d:
1922‐1930, 1938‐1947, 1947‐1952. 26th Attack: 1930‐1938. 31st: 1938‐1947,
1947‐1952. 38th: 1947‐1949. 72d: 1923‐1930, 1938‐1947, 1949‐1952. 338th:
1947‐1949. 394th (formerly 4th): 1920‐1922, 1927‐1938, 1939‐1946. 431st
(formerly 50th, later 5th): 1930‐1938, 1946, 1947.

Stations. Luke Field, TH, 15 Aug 1919; Hickam Field, TH, 1 Jan 1939;
Espiritu Santo, 1 Dec 1942; Guadalcanal, 19 Aug 1943; Munda, New Georgia, 4
Feb 1944; Momote Airfield, Los Negros, 7 Apr 1944; Wakde, 17 Aug 1944;
Noemfoor, 22 Sep 1944; Morotai, Oct 1944; Samar, 5 Mar 1945; Clark Field,
Luzon, Dec 1945‐6 May 1949; Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, 26 May 1949;
Fairfield‐Suisun AFB, Calif, 9 Nov 1949‐16 Jun 1952.

Commanders. Unkn, 1919‐1938; Col Shepler W FitzGerald, c. Sep 1938‐unkn;
Lt Col Edwin B Bobzien, 1941; Col Arthur W Meehan, 1942; Col Brooke E Allen, 1
Nov 1942; Col Marion D Unruh, 10 Aug 1943; Lt Col Joseph E Reddoch Jr, 31 Dec
1943; Col Thomas C Musgrave Jr, 4 Apr 1944; Col Joseph E Reddoch Jr, 21 Apr
1944; Col Thomas C Musgrave Jr, 15 Aug 1944; Maj Albert W James, 28 Feb 1945;
Col Isaac Haviland, 15 Mar 1945; Lt Col Albert W James, 5 Jul 1945‐unkn; Col
Herbert K Baisley, 16 Jan 1947‐ unkn; Col William E Basye, 1949; Col Walter E
Arnold, 27 Feb 1950‐16 Jun 1952.

Campaigns. Central Pacific; Guadalcanal; New Guinea; Northern Solomons;
Eastern Mandates; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon;
Southern Philippines.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Woleai Island, 18 Apr‐15 May
1944; Borneo, 30 Sep 1944. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Insigne. Shield: Party per pale nebuly vert and sable a death's head
argent winged or. Crest: On a wreath of the colors (argent and vert), a
bull's head caboshed azure and armed or. Motto: Kiai O Ka Lewa ‐ Guardians
of the Upper Regions. (Approved 21 Jun 1924.)

5th Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 5th Photographic Group on 14 Jul 1942 and activated on 23
Jul. Redesignated 5th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group in May
1943, and 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Trained and
participated in maneuvers. Moved to the Mediterranean theater, Jul‐Sep 1943.
Assigned first to Twelfth AF and later (Oct 1944) to Fifteenth. Flew missions
to Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and the Balkans,
using F‐5 aircraft. Also flew some photographic missions at night with B‐17's
and B‐25's. Photographed areas near Anzio prior to the Allied landings.
Provided reconnaissance of road and rail targets to support US Fifth and
British Eighth Army in southern Italy. Made bomb‐damage assessments at
Cassino. Operated over northwest France, photographing rail targets to be
bombed in connection with the invasion of Normandy. Mapped coastal areas in
preparation for the invasion of Southern France. Received a DUC for action on
6 Sep 1944 when the group secured photographic intelligence of German Air
Force installations in the Balkans and thus enabled fighter organizations to
destroy large numbers of enemy transport and fighter planes. Provided
reconnaissance services for Fifteenth AF's campaign against the enemy's oil
industry, aircraft production, and communications. Also assisted the advance
of ground forces in northern Italy by supplying intelligence on enemy
installations in the area. Redesignated 5th Reconnaissance Group in May 1945.
Returned to the US in Oct. Inactivated on 28 Oct 1945. Disbanded on 6 Mar
1947.

Squadrons. 15th: 1944‐1945. 21st: 1942‐1943. 22d: 1942‐1943. 23d:
1942‐1944. 24th: 1942‐1943. 32d: 1944‐1945. 37th: 1944‐1945.

Stations. Colorado Springs, Colo, 23 Jul 1942‐8 Aug 1943; La Marsa,
Tunisia, 8 Sep 1943; San Severo, Italy, 8 Dec 1943; Bari, Italy, 11 Oct
1944‐Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 26‐28 Oct 1945.

Commanders. 2nd Lt Frederick A Williams, 23 Jul 1942; Maj D Russell,
1942; Maj James F Setchell, 12 Jan 1943; Lt Col Waymond A Davis, 27 Feb 1943;
Maj Leon W Gray, 23 Oct 1943; Maj Lloyd R Nuttall, 4 Feb 1944; Col Wilbur H
Stratton, 21 Sep 1944; Lt Col Bernard S Hendler, 9 Aug 1945‐unkn.

Campaigns. American Theater; Air Combat, EAME Theater; Air Offensive,
Europe; Naples‐Foggia; Rome‐Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France;
North Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe; Po Valley.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: MTO, 6 Sep 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, on a chevron inverted or two wings conjoined in
lure and elevated of the field, in chief a camera lens proper ringed of the
second. Motto: Beware, We Snap! (Approved 25 Jan 1943.)

6th Bombardment Group

Organized as 3rd Observation Group in the Panama Canal Zone on 30 Sep
1919. Redesignated 6th Group (Observation) in 1921, 6th Group (Composite) in
1922, 6th Bombardment Group in 1937, 6th Bombardment Group (Medium) in 1939,
and 6th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in 1940. Operations, which were concerned
chiefly with defense of the canal, included training, participating in
maneuvers, flying patrol missions, photographing the canal area, staging
aerial reviews, making good‐will flights to Central and South American
countries, and flying mercy missions in Jan 1939 to earthquake victims at
Santiago, Chile. Equipped with R‐4's and DH‐4's in 1919; used SE‐5A, MB‐3A,
and P‐12B aircraft in the period 1922‐1929; received B‐10's in 1936 and B‐18's
in 1939; used B‐17, B‐18, B‐24, LB‐30, and L‐4E aircraft after the US entered
World War II. Disbanded in the Canal Zone on 1 Nov 1943.

Reconstituted on 29 Jun 1944 and consolidated with 6th Bombardment Group
(Very Heavy), which had been constituted on 28 Mar 1944 and activated in the
US on 19 Apr 1944. Equipped first with B‐17's; later trained for combat with
B‐29's. Moved to Tinian, Nov 1944‐Feb 1945. Assigned to Twentieth AF.
Commenced operations by attacking Iwo Jima and the Truk Islands in Feb 1945.
Afterward, struck industrial targets in Japan, flying in daylight and at high
altitude to carry out these missions. Began incendiary raids on area targets
in Japan in Mar 1945 and was awarded a DUC for action on 25 May when the group
flew at night and at low altitude through alerted enemy defenses to drop
incendiaries on Tokyo. Participated in mining operations in the Shimonoseki
Strait and received second DUC for contributing to the blockade of the
Japanese Empire by mining harbors in Japan and Korea in Jul 1945. Assisted
the invasion of Okinawa in Apr 1945 with strikes on Kyushu, hitting airfields
that were used by kamikaze pilots. After the war, dropped food and supplies
to Allied prisoners and took part in show‐of‐force flights over Japan. Moved
to the Philippines in Jan 1946 and to the Ryukyus in Jun 1947. Inactivated on
Okinawa on 18 Oct 1948.

Redesignated 6th Bombardment Group (Medium). Activated in the US on 2
Jan 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command and equipped with B‐29's.
Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 3d: 1940‐1942. 24th: 1922‐1929; 1944‐1948; 1951‐1952.
25th: 1922‐1943. 29th: 1943. 39th: 1944‐1948; 1951‐1952. 40th:
1944‐1948; 1951‐1952. 44th: 1930‐1937. 74th: 1940‐1942, 1943. 395th:
1942‐1943. 397th (formerly 7th): 1919‐1940, 1942‐1943.

Stations. France Field, CZ, 30 Sep 1919; Rio Hato, Panama, 9 Dec 1941;
Albrook Field, CZ, 14 Jan 1943; Howard Field, CZ, Oct‐1 Nov 1943. Dalhart
AAFld, Tex, 19 Apr 1944; Grand Island AAFld, Neb, 19 May‐18 Nov 1944; North
Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, 28 Jan 1946; Kadena, Okinawa,
1 Jun 1947‐18 Oct 1948. Walker AFB, NM, 2 Jan 1951‐16 Jun 1952.

Commanders. Unkn, 1919‐1923; Maj Follett Bradley, 1923‐1926; Lt Col
Lewis H Brereton, Aug 1931‐c. Jun 1935; Lt Col William O Butler, c. Jan.
1937‐Jul 1939; Lt Col Edwin House, 1939‐1940; Maj Samuel M Connell, c. Sep
1940‐Feb 1941, Col Henry K Mooney, 15 Sep 1941‐20 Jan 1943; unkn, 20 Jan‐1 Nov
1943. Maj William E Taylor, 19 Apr 1944; Lt Col Howard D Kenzie, 28 Apr 1944;
Col Kenneth H Gibson, 17 Jun 1944; Lt Col Theodore W Tucker, 31 Aug 1945; Col
John P Kenny, 29 Aug 1946; Col Frank P Sturdivant, 4 Dec 1946‐unkn. Col
William K Martin, 15 Jan 1951‐16 Jun 1952.

Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan;
Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Tokyo, Japan, 25 May 1945;
Japanese Empire, 9‐19 Jul 1945.

Insigne. Shield: Per fess debased or and azure issuant against the rays
of the setting sun a full rigged ship (black hull and white sails), in the
gaillard cut (light and dark green), in chief a biplane (black) diving bend
sinisterwise all proper. Crest: On a wreath of the colors (or and azure) a
pirate's head and shoulders tattooed on the chest with skull and bones proper,
garbed and coifed or and sable. Motto: Parati Defendere ‐ Ready to Defend.
(Approved 22 Jan 1924.)

6th Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 6th Photographic Group on 5 Feb 1943 and activated on 9
Feb. Redesignated 6th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group in May
1943, 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943, and 6th
Reconnaissance Group in May 1945. Moved to the Southwest Pacific, Sep‐Oct
1943, and assigned to Fifth AF. Used F‐5's and F‐7's to photograph Japanese
airfields, harbors, beach defenses, and personnel areas in New Guinea, the
Bismarcks, Borneo, and the southern Philippines. Reconnoitered target areas
and enemy troop positions to provide intelligence for air force and army
units. Received a DUC for unescorted flights to Leyte during Sep 1944 when in
a minimum period of time the group obtained information about Japanese
defenses, such information being necessary for planning the amphibious assault
on the Philippines. After moving to the Philippines in Nov 1944, flew
missions to Formosa and China, engaged in mapping parts of Luzon and Mindanao,
and provided intelligence for US ground forces concerning Japanese movements.
Moved to Okinawa in Jul 1945 and flew some missions over Kyushu before the war
ended. Moved to Japan in Sep 1945. Inactivated on 27 Apr 1946. Disbanded on
6 Mar 1947.

Squadrons. 8th: 1943‐1946. 20th: 1943‐1946. 25th: 1943‐1946. 26th:
1943‐1945. 27th: 1943. 36th: 1944‐1945.

Stations. Colorado Springs, Colo, Feb‐7 Sep 1943; Sydney, Australia, 10
Oct 1943; Brisbane, Australia, 27 Nov 1943; Port Moresby, New Guinea, 10 Dec
1943; Nadzab, New Guinea, 17 Feb 1944; Biak, Aug 1944; Leyte, 3 Nov 1944;
Clark Field, Luzon, 1 May 1945; Okinawa, 31 Jul 1945; Chofu, Japan, 27 Sep
1945; Irumagawa, Japan, Jan‐27 Apr 1946.

Commanders. Lt Col Waymond A Davis, 9 Feb 1943; Maj Cecil Darnell, 27
Feb 1943; Col David W Hutchison, 13 Mar 1943; Lt Col Cecil Darnell, 24 Mar
1943; Maj Arthur L Post, 24 Jul 1944; Lt Col Alexander Guerry, c. 1 Sep 1944;
Lt Col Ben K Armstrong Jr, 5 Jan 1945; Lt Col Joseph Davis Jr, 31 May
1945‐unkn.

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

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Philippine Islands, 18‐25 Sep
1944. Philippine Presidential Unit Citation.

Insigne. None.

7th Bombardment Group

Organized as 1st Army Observation Group on 1 Oct 1919. Redesignated 7th
Group (Observation) in Mar 1921. Inactivated on 30 Aug 1921.

Redesignated 7th Bombardment Group in 1923. Activated on 1 Jun 1928.
Redesignated 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in 1939. Trained, participated in
aerial reviews, dropped food and medical supplies to persons marooned or lost,
and took part in maneuvers and experiments. Aircraft included B‐12's, B‐18's,
and B‐17's.

The group was on its way to the Philippines when the Japanese attacked
Pearl Harbor on 7 Dec 1941. The ground echelon, on board ship, was diverted
to Australia and later sent to Java. Six of the group's B‐17's, which had
left the US on 6 Dec, reached Hawaii during the enemy attack but were able to
land safely. Later in Dec the remainder of the air echelon flew B‐17's from
the US to Java. From 14 Jan to 1 Mar 1942, during the Japanese drive through
the Philippines and Netherlands East Indies, the group operated from Java,
being awarded a DUC for its action against enemy aircraft, ground
installations, warships, and transports.

Moved to India in Mar 1942 and assigned to Tenth AF. Resumed combat with
B‐17's and LB‐30's; converted to B‐24's late in 1942. Operations were
directed primarily against the Japanese in Burma, with attacks on airfields,
fuel and supply dumps, locomotive works, railways, bridges, docks, warehouses,
shipping, and other targets. Also bombed oil refineries and railways in
Thailand, hit power plants in China, attacked enemy shipping in the Andaman
Sea, and ferried gasoline over the Hump to China. Received second DUC for
damaging the enemy's line of supply in southeast Asia with an attack against
rail lines and bridges in Thailand on 19 Mar 1945. Returned to the US in Dec
1945. Inactivated on 6 Jan 1946.

Redesignated 7th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 1 Oct
1946. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Equipped first with B‐29's, later
with B‐36's. Redesignated 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in Jul 1948.
Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 9th: 1919‐1921; 1928‐1946; 1946‐1952. 11th: 1919‐1921;
unkn‐1942. 22d: 1939‐1942. 30th: 1928‐1931. 31st: 1919‐1921;
1928‐[1939?]. 436th (formerly 88th): 1939‐1946; 1946‐1952. 492d:
1942‐1946; 1946‐1952. 493d: 1942‐1946.

Stations. Park Field, Tenn, 1 Oct 1919; Langley Field, Va, 28 Oct
1919‐30 Aug 1921. Rockwell Field, Calif, 1 Jun 1928; March Field, Calif, 30
Oct 1931; Hamilton Field, Calif, 5 Dec 1934; Merced Field, Calif, 5 Nov 1935;
Hamilton Field, Calif, 22 May 1937; Ft Douglas, Utah, 7 Sep 1940‐13 Nov 1941;
Brisbane, Australia, 22 Dec 1941‐Feb 1942; Karachi, India, 12 Mar 1942;
Dum‐Dum, India, 30 May 1942; Karachi, India, 9 Sep 1942; Pandaveswar, India,
12 Dec 1942; Kurmitola, India, 17 Jan 1944; Pandaveswar, India, 6 Oct 1944;
Tezpur, India, 7 Jun 1945; Dudhkundi, India, 31 Oct‐7 Dec 1945; Camp Kilmer,
NJ, 5‐6 Jan 1946. Ft Worth AAFld, Tex, 1 Oct 1946‐16 Jun 1952.

Commanders. Unkn, 1919‐1921. Capt Frank H Pritchard, 1928‐unkn; Maj
Carl A Spaatz, c. May 1929‐c. Oct 1931; Col Clarence I Tinker, c. Dec
1935‐1938; Col Ralph Royce, 1938‐unkn; Maj Stanley K Robinson, unkn‐29 Jan
1942; Maj Austin A Straubel, c. 29 Jan‐3 Feb 1942; Col Cecil E Combs, 22 Mar
1942; Col Conrad F Necrason, 1 Jul 1942; Col Aubrey K Dodson, 27 Mar 1944; Col
Harvey T Alness, 6 Nov 1944; Col Howard F Bronson Jr, 24 Jun 1945‐unkn. Col
John G Eriksen, 1 Oct 1946; Col Hewitt T Wheeless, 16 Dec 1946‐unkn; Col Alan
D Clark, c. Nov 1947‐unkn; Col Charles D Farr, 7 Feb 1949; Col John A Roberts,
17 Aug 1949; Col Richard T Black, c. 24 Oct 1950; Col John A Roberts, Feb
1951; Col George T Chadwell, c. May 1951; Col John A Roberts, Apr‐Jun 1952.

Campaigns. Burma, 1942; East Indies; India‐Burma; China Defensive;
Central Burma; China Offensive.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Netherlands Indies, 14 Jan‐1
Mar 1942; Thailand, 19 Mar 1945.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, on a bend or three crosses pattee sable.
Crest: On a wreath of the colors (or and azure) a drop bomb palewise sable
piercing a cloud proper. Motto: Mors Ab Alto ‐ Death from Above. (Approved
30 Jan 1933. This insigne was modified 12 Sep 1952.)

7th Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 7th Photographic Group on 5 Feb 1943. Activated on 1 May
1943. Redesignated 7th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group in May
1943, 7th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) in Nov 1943, and 7th
Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1945. Transferred, without personnel and
equipment, to England on 7 Jul 1943 and assigned to Eighth AF. Used Spitfires
and L‐5's to obtain information about bombardment targets and damage inflicted
by bombardment operations; provide mapping service for air and ground units;
observe and report on enemy transportation, installations, and positions; and
obtain data on weather conditions. Prior to Jun 1944, photographed airfields,
cities, industrial establishments, and ports in France, the Low Countries, and
Germany. Received a DUC for operations during the period, 31 May‐30 Jun 1944,
when its coverage of bridges, marshalling yards, canals, highways, rivers, and
other targets contributed much to the success of the Normandy campaign.
Covered missile sites in France during Jul, and in Aug carried out
photographic mapping missions for ground forces advancing across France.
Provided reconnaissance support for the airborne attack on Holland in Sep and
for the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944‐Jan 1945. Used P‐51's to escort its own
reconnaissance planes during the last months of the war as the group supported
the Allied drive across the Rhine and into Germany. Took part in the final
bomb‐damage assessment following V‐E Day. Inactivated in England on 21 Nov
1945. Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947.

Squadrons. 13th: 1943‐1945. 14th: 1943‐1945. 22d: 1943‐1945. 27th:
1943‐1945. 28th: 1943. 29th: 1943. 30th: 1943.

Stations. Peterson Field, Colo, 1 May‐7 Jul 1943; Mount Farm, England, 7
Jul 1943; Chalgrove, England, Mar 1945; Hitcham, England, Oct‐21 Nov 1945.

Commanders. Col James G Hall, 7 Jul 1943; Col Homer L Saunders, Sep
1943; Col Paul T Cullen, 1 Jan 1944; Lt Col George A Lawson, 17 Feb 1944; Lt
Col Norris E Hartwell, 7 May 1944; Lt Col Clarence A Shoap, 9 Aug 1944; Col
George W Humbrecht, Oct 1944; Maj Hubert M Childress, 18 Jun 1945‐unkn.

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

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 31 May‐30 Jun 1944.
French Croix de Guerre With Palm: 1944.

Insigne. None.

8th Fighter Group

Authorized on the inactive list as 8th Pursuit Group on 24 Mar 1923.
Activated on 1 Apr 1931. Redesignated 8th Pursuit Group (Fighter) in 1939,
and 8th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) in 1941. Trained, took part in maneuvers
and reviews, and tested planes and equipment, using PB‐2, P‐6, P‐12, P‐35,
P‐36, P‐39, and P‐40 aircraft prior to World War II. In Dec 1941, became part
of the defense force for the New York metropolitan area. Moved to the
Asiatic‐Pacific Theater early in 1942. Redesignated 8th Fighter Group in May
1942. Became part of Fifth AF. Equipped first with P‐39's, added P‐38's and
P‐40's in 1943, and used P‐38's after May 1944.

Established headquarters in Australia in Mar 1942 but sent detachments to
New Guinea for operations. Moved to New Guinea in Sep 1942 and served in
combat until malaria forced the organization to withdraw to Australia in Feb
1943. Resumed operations in Apr 1943 and served in the theater through the
rest of the war. Covered Allied landings, escorted bombers, and attacked
enemy airfields in New Guinea; supported operations of the US Marines at Cape
Gloucester, Feb‐Mar 1944; flew long‐range escort and attack missions to
Borneo, Ceram, Halmahera, and the southern Philippines; provided cover for
convoys, attacked enemy shipping, and won a DUC for strafing a strong Japanese
naval force off Mindoro (26 Dec 1944) covered landings at Lingayen; supported
ground forces on Luzon; escorted bombers to targets on the Asiatic mainland
and on Formosa; and, in the last days of the war, attacked airfields and
railways in Japan. Remained in the theater after V‐J Day, being based in
Japan for duty with Far East Air Forces. Converted to P‐51's early in 1946
and to F‐80's early in 1950. Redesignated 8th Fighter‐Bomber Group in Jan
1950.

Began operations in the Korean War on 26 Jun 1950 by providing cover for
the evacuation of US personnel from Seoul. Entered combat the following day.
Shifted to F‐51 aircraft in Oct 1950 but converted back to F‐80's in Dec 1950.
Began operating from bases in Korea in Oct 1950, but resumed operations from
Japan in Dec 1950 when Communist forces drove far south in Korea. Returned to
Korea in Jun 1951. Served in combat until the end of the war, supporting UN
ground forces and attacking such targets as airfields, supply lines, and troop
concentrations. Maj Charles Loring Jr was awarded the Medal of Honor for his
action on 22 Nov 1952: after his plane had been hit and badly crippled as he
was leading a flight of four F‐80's against enemy artillery at Sniper Ridge,
Maj Loring deliberately dived his plane into the gun emplacements. The group
converted to F‐86's in the spring of 1953 and returned to Japan the following
year.

Squadrons. 33d: 1932‐1941. 35th: 1932‐. 36th: 1931, 1932‐. 55th:
1931‐1932. 68th: 1945‐1947. 80th: 1942‐1945, 1947‐.

Stations. Langley Field, Va, 1 Apr 1931; Mitchel Field, NY, c. 5 Nov
1940‐26 Jan 1942; Brisbane, Australia, 6 Mar 1942; Townsville, Australia, 29
Jul 1942; Milne Bay, New Guinea, 18 Sep 1942; Mareeba, Australia, Feb 1943;
Port Moresby, New Guinea, 16 May 1943; Finschhafen, New Guinea, 23 Dec 1943;
Cape Gloucester, New Britain, c. 20 Feb 1944; Nadzab, New Guinea, 14 Mar 1944;
Owi, Schouten Islands, 17 Jun 1944; Morotai, 19 Sep 1944; San Jose, Mindoro,
20 Dec 1944; Ie Shima, 6 Aug 1945; Fukuoka, Japan, 22 Nov 1945; Ashiya, Japan,
20 May 1946; Itazuke, Japan, Sep 1946; Ashiya, Japan, 13 Apr 1947; Itazuke,
Japan, 25 Mar 1949; Tsuiki, Japan, 11 Aug 1950; Suwon, Korea, 7 Oct 1950;
Kimpo, Korea, 28 Oct 1950; Pyongyang, Korea, 25 Nov 1950; Seoul, Korea, 3 Dec
1950; Itazuke, Japan, 10 Dec 1950; Kimpo, Korea, 25 Jun 1951; Suwon, Korea, 24
Aug 1951; Itazuke, Japan, 20 Oct 1954‐.

Commanders. Unkn, 1931‐1932; Maj Byron Q Jones, 25 Jun 1932; Capt Albert
M Guidera, 31 Mar 1934; Lt Col Adlai H Gilkeson, 1 Jul 1935; Lt Col William E
Kepner, 7 Jul 1938; Lt Col Edward M Morris, 1 Feb 1940; Lt Col Frederic H
Smith Jr, 17 Jan 1941; Lt Col William H Wise, 22 May 1942; Lt Col Leonard B
Storm, 8 Mar 1943; Lt Col Philip H Greasley, 10 Apr 1943; Lt Col Emmett S
Davis, 18 Jan 1944; Lt Col Philip H Greasley, 28 Jun 1944; Col Earl H Dunham,
8 Aug 1944; Lt Col Emmett S Davis, 16 Jun 1945; Lt Col Robert L Harriger, Dec
1945; Lt Col Fergus C Fay, 24 May 1946; Lt Col Luther H Richmond, Jul 1946;
Col Stanley R Stewart, Feb 1947; Col Henry G Thorne Jr, 12 Apr 1947; Col
Charles T Olmstead, c. 28 May 1948; Lt Col Richard C Banbury, 18 Aug 1948; Lt
Col Woodrow W Ramsey, 18 Mar 1949; Lt Col Charles D Chitty Jr, 21 May 1949;
Col William T Samways, 1 May 1950; Col Edward O McComas, 19 May 1951; Col
Harvey L Case Jr, 31 Jul 1951; Col Levi R Chase, 22 Jan 1952; Col Walter G
Benz Jr, 12 Sep 1952; Col John L Locke, 16 Sep 1953; Lt Col Walter A
Rosenfield, 13 May 1954; Col Woodrow B Wilmot, 16 Jul 1954‐.

Campaigns. World War II: East Indies; Air Offensive, Japan; China
Defensive; Papua; New Guinea; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte;
Luzon; Southern Philippines. 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, [Sep] 1942‐23 Jan
1943; Philippine Islands, 26 Dec 1944; Korea, 16 Sep‐2 Nov 1950. Philippine
Presidential Unit Citation. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations:
27 Jun 1950‐31 Jan 1951; 1 Feb 1951‐31 Mar 1953.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a chevron nebule or. Crest: On a wreath of
the colors (or and azure) three fleur‐de‐lis or in front of a propeller
fesswise azure. Motto: Attaquez Et Conquerez ‐ Attack and Conquer.
(Approved 6 Sep 1934.)

8th Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group on 15 Sep 1943.
Activated on 1 Oct 1943. Trained to provide photographic intelligence for air
and ground forces. Moved to India, Feb‐Mar 1944. Equipped with F‐5, F‐6,
F‐7, and P‐40 aircraft. Conducted photographic reconnaissance, photographic
mapping, and visual‐reconnaissance missions. Produced maps, mosaics, terrain
models, and target charts of areas in Burma, China, French Indochina, and
Thailand. Also bombed and strafed enemy installations and provided escort for
bombardment units. Redesignated 8th Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1945.
Returned to the US, Oct‐Nov 1945. Inactivated on 5 Nov 1945. Disbanded on 6
Mar 1947.

Squadrons. 9th: 1944‐1945. 20th: 1944‐1945. 24th: 1944‐1945. 40th:
1944‐1945.

Stations. Peterson Field, Colo, 1 Oct 1943; Gainesville AAFld, Tex, 26
Oct 1943‐12 Feb 1944; Bally, India, 31 Mar 1944‐7 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ,
3‐5 Nov 1945.

Commanders. Lt Col Paul A Zartman, 1 Oct 1943; Col Charles P Hollstein,
12 Dec 1943; Col James W Anderson Jr, 24 Jan 1945; Lt Col John R Gee, Oct
1945‐c. 5 Nov 1945.

Campaigns. India‐Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

9th Bombardment Group

Authorized as 9th Group (Observation) on 19 Jul 1922. Organized on 1 Aug
1922. Redesignated 9th Bombardment Group in 1935, 9th Bombardment Group
(Medium) in 1939, and 9th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in 1940. Trained, took
part in maneuvers, and participated in air shows, during the period 1922‐1940.
Equipped with B‐10's and B‐18's in the late 1930's and early 1940's. Moved to
Panama late in 1940 to serve as part of the defense force for the canal. Used
B‐17's for antisubmarine operations in the Caribbean. Returned to the US in
1942. Equipped with B‐17, B‐24, and B‐26 aircraft. Trained cadres for
bombardment units and tested equipment.

Redesignated 9th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) in Mar 1944. Prepared
for combat with B‐29's. Moved to the Pacific theater, Nov 1944‐Feb 1945, and
assigned to Twentieth AF. Commenced operations late in Jan 1945 with attacks
against Japanese‐held Maug. After that, struck industrial targets in Japan,
conducting the missions in daylight and at high altitude. Received a DUC for
bombing the industrial area of Kawasaki in Apr 1945. Beginning in Mar 1945
the group carried out incendiary raids at night on area targets in Japan.
During Apr and May it assisted the Allied assault on Okinawa by hitting
airfields that the Japanese were using to launch planes against the invasion
force. Also conducted mining operations against Japanese shipping, receiving
second DUC for such actions in the Inland Sea during May 1945. After the war,
dropped food and supplies to Allied prisoners and took part in show‐of‐force
missions over the Japanese home islands. Moved to the Philippines in Apr 1946
and to the Marianas in Jun 1947. Inactivated on Guam on 20 Oct 1948.

Redesignated 9th Strategic Reconnaissance Group. Activated in the US on
1 May 1949. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Equipped primarily with
B‐29's although a few B‐36's were assigned during 1949‐1950. Redesignated 9th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) in Apr 1950, and 9th Bombardment Group (Medium) in
Oct 1950. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 1st: 1922‐1923; 1929‐1948; 1949‐1952. 5th: 1922‐1923;
1929‐1948; 1949‐1952. 99th: 1929‐1948; 1949‐1952. 430th: 1943‐1944.

Stations. Mitchel Field, NY, 1 Aug 1922‐6 Nov 1940; Rio Hato, Panama, 12
Nov 1940; Waller Field, Trinidad, 30 Oct 1941; Orlando AB, Fla, 31 Oct 1942;
Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 9 Mar 1944; McCook AAFld, Neb, 19 May‐18 Nov 1944; North
Field, Tinian, 28 Dec 1944; Clark Field, Luzon, 15 Apr 1946; Harmon Field,
Guam, 9 Jun 1947‐20 Oct 1948. Fairfield Suisun AFB, Calif, 1 May 1949‐16 Jun
1952.

Commanders. Unkn 122 929; Maj William O Ryan, 1929‐unkn; Col Follett
Bradley, Jun 1933‐May 1934; Col Walter H Frank, Aug 1934‐1936; Lt Col Carl W
Connell, 1 Sep 1936‐unkn; Col Ross F Cole, Apr 1940; Maj Charles F Born, Aug
1941‐unkn; Lt Col Stuart P Wright, 1942; Lt Col Gerald E Williams, 1942; Col
Harry G Montgomery, 10 Nov 1942; Col James T Connally, 15 Dec 1942; Col Donald
W Eisenhart, 1 May 1944; Col Henry C Huglin, 6 Mar‐Aug 1945; Col David Wade,
Sep 1945‐c. 25 Apr 1947; unkn, Apr 1947‐20 Oct 1948. Lt Col Walter Y Lucas, 1
May 1949; Col Donald W Eisenhart, 24 Aug 1949; Col William P. Brett, 27 Mar
1950; Lt Col Walter Y Lucas, 24 Jun 1950; Col Clifford Heflin, 6 Jul 1950‐16
Jun 1952.

Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Offensive, Japan;
Western Pacific.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Kawasaki, Japan, 15/16 Apr
1945; Japan, 13‐28 May 1945.

Insigne. Shield: Per pale vert and sable a pallet wavy argent; over all
on a fess or four crosses patee of the second (sable). Crest: On a wreath of
the colors (argent and vert) a rattlesnake entwined about a prickly pear
cactus all proper. Motto: Semper Paratus ‐ Always Ready. (Approved 20 Mar
1924.)

9th Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 9th Photographic Reconnaissance Group on 15 Sep 1943.
Activated on 1 Oct 1943. Assigned to Third AF. With squadrons attached but
none assigned, the group trained crews and units for photographic
reconnaissance and combat mapping. Aircraft included B‐17's, B‐24's, F‐4's,
F‐5's, F‐7's, and A‐20's. Disbanded on 6 May 1944.

Squadrons. (See narrative.)

Stations. Will Rogers Field, Okla, 1 Oct 1943‐6 May 1944.

Commanders. Lt Col Paul A Zartman, 11 Nov 1943; Lt Col Hiette S Williams
Jr, c. 5 Dec 1943‐unkn.

Campaigns. None.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

10th Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 73rd Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 1 Sep
1941. Engaged in training activities, participating in the Tennessee
Maneuvers in 1943. Redesignated 73rd Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, 73rd
Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943, and 10th Photographic Group
(Reconnaissance) in Dec 1943. Moved to the European theater, Jan‐Feb 1944,
for duty with Ninth AF. Used F‐3, F‐5, F‐6, L‐1, L‐4, and L‐5 aircraft for
operations, Feb 1944‐May 1945. Photographed airfields, coastal defenses, and
ports, and made bomb‐damage assessment photographs of airfields, marshalling
yards, bridges, and other targets, in preparation for the Normandy invasion;
received a DUC for flying at low altitude to photograph the coast from
Blankenberghe to Dunkirk and from Le Touquet to St‐Vaast‐la‐Hougue, 6‐20 May
1944. Supported the invasion in Jun by making visual and photographic
reconnaissance of bridges, artillery, road and railroad junctions, traffic
centers, airfields, and other targets. Assisted the Allied drive toward the
German border during the summer and early fall of 1944 by flying daylight and
night photographic missions; also performed tactical reconnaissance for ground
and air units, directing artillery to enemy positions and fighter‐bombers to
opportune targets. Aided Third Army and other Allied organizations in the
battle to breach the Siegfried Line, Sep‐Dec 1944. Participated in the Battle
of the Bulge, Dec 1944‐Jan 1945, by flying reconnaissance missions in the
combat zone. From Feb 1945 to V‐E Day, assisted the advance of Third Army
across the Rhine, to Czechoslovakia, and into Austria. Remained in Germany
after the war as part of the army of occupation, being assigned to United
States Air Forces in Europe. Redesignated 10th Reconnaissance Group in Jun
1945. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to the US in Jun 1947.
Remanned and equipped with RF‐51's. Redesignated 10th Tactical Reconnaissance
Group in Jun 1948. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1949.

Activated in Germany on 10 Jul 1952. Assigned to United States Air
Forces in Europe. Equipped with RB‐26, RB‐57, RF‐80, and RF‐84 aircraft.

Squadrons. 1st: 1945‐1949; 1952‐. 12th: 1941‐1942, 1944‐1946. 14th:
1943. 15th (formerly Observation): 1942‐1943, 1944‐1945, 1947‐1949. 15th
(formerly Photographic): 1947. 16th: 1941‐1942. 22d: 1941‐1942. 30th:
1944. 31st: 1944‐1945. 32d: 1952‐. 33d: 1944. 34th: 1944, 1945. 36th
(formerly 28th): 1942‐1943. 38th: 1952‐. 39th: 1945. 42d: 1952‐. 91st:
1941‐1942, 1942‐1943. 111th: 1945. 152d: 1943. 155th (formerly 423rd,
later 45th): 1944‐1945, 1945‐1947. 160th: 1945‐1947. 162d: 1945.

Stations. Harrisburg, Pa, 1 Sep 1941; Godman Field, Ky, c. 7 Nov 1941;
Camp Campbell AAFld Ky c. 23 Jun 1943; Key Field, Miss, Nov 1943‐Jan 1944;
Chalgrove, England, Feb 1944; Rennes/St‐Jacques, France, c. 11 Aug 1944;
Chateau‐dun, France, c. 24 Aug 1944; St‐Dizier/Robinson, France Sep 1944;
Conflans/Doncourt, France, Nov 1944; Trier/Evren, Germany, Mar 1945; Ober Olm,
Germany, c. 5 Apr 1945; Furth, Germany, c. 28 Apr 1945; Furstenfeldbruck,
Germany, Apr‐Jun 1947; Langley Field, Va, 25 Jun 1947; Lawson Field, Ga, c. 8
Sep 1947; Pope Field, NC, 27 Sep 1947‐1 Apr 1949. Furstenfeldbruck AB,
Germany, 10 Jul 1952; Toul/Rosiere AB, France, Nov 1952; Spangdahlem AB,
Germany, May 1953‐.

Commanders. Maj Edgar M Scattergood Jr, 1 Sep 1941; Lt Col John C
Kennedy, c. 6 Nov 1941; Capt Phillip H Hatch, c. 24 Jan 1942; Lt Col Robert M
Lee, c. 9 Feb 1942; Maj Burton L Austin, c. 26 Dec 1942; Lt Col Bernard C
Rose, c. 19 Jan 1943; Lt Col Crawford H Hollidge, c. 28 Jan 1943; Maj William
A Daniel, c. 4 Aug 1943; Col William B Reed, 9 Sep 1943; Col Russell A Berg,
20 Jun 1944‐unkn; Lt Col W D Hayes Jr, 1945; Col Marvin S Zipp, 11 Jan 1946‐19
Jun 1947; Lt Col James L Rose, 1 Oct 1947; Lt Col Harrison R Christy Jr, 16
Dec 1947; Lt Col Edward O McComas, 6 Jan 1948; Col William A Daniel, 26 Jan
1948‐unkn. Lt Col Barnie B McEntire Jr, 10 Jul 1952; Col Willie O Jackson Jr,
Dec 1952; Lt Col Steven R Wilkerson, c. 22 Sep 1953; Col Howard Withycombe, 23
Feb 1954; Col Arthur E Smith, 13 Jul 1954; Col Fred W Dyer, c. 23 Jun 1955‐.

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

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: France, 6‐20 May 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Azure a sphere or, latitude and longitude lines sable,
in chief the head and arms of the Greek mythical god Argus, head facing base,
arms fesswise both hands toward dexter of the second, outlined of the field.
Motto: Argus ‐ Ceaseless Watch. (Approved 29 Dec 1942.)

10th Troop Carrier Group

Constituted on the inactive list as 1st Transport Group on 1 Oct 1933.
Consolidated with the 10th Observation Group (which had been constituted on
the inactive list on 1 Oct 1933), redesignated 10th Transport Group, and
activated, on 20 May 1937. Trained with C‐27's and C‐33's. As part of the
logistic organization, assigned first to Office of Chief of the Air Corps and
later (1941) to Air Service Command, the group transported supplies, materiel,
and personnel within the US. Assigned to Air Transport Command (later I Troop
Carrier Command) in Apr 1942. Redesignated 10th Troop Carrier Group in Jul
1942. Converted to C‐47's. Trained cadres for troop carrier groups and in
1943 was given the additional duty of training replacement crews. Disbanded
on 14 Apr 1944.

Squadrons. 1st: 1937‐1943. 2d: 1937‐1943. 3d: 1937‐1940. 4th:
1937‐1940. 5th: 1937‐1944. 27th: 1942‐1943, 1943‐1944. 38th: 1942‐1944.
307th: 1943‐1944. 308th: 1943‐1944.

Stations. Patterson Field, Ohio, 20 May 1937; Wright Field, Ohio, 20 Jun
1938; Patterson Field, Ohio, 17 Jan 1941; General Billy Mitchell Field, Wis,
25 May 1942; Pope Field, NC, 4 Oct 1942; Dunnellon AAFld, Fla, 13 Feb 1943;
Lawson Field, Ga, 30 Nov 1943; Grenada AAFld, Miss, 21 Jan 1944; Alliance
AAFld, Neb, 8 Mar‐14 Apr 1944.

Commanders. Maj Hugh A Bevins, May 1937; Capt Lyman Whitten, Jun 1938;
Maj Fred Borum, 1939; Capt Murray E Woodbury, Jan 1941; Capt Theodore Q Graff,
2 Sep 1941; Capt Maurice Beach, 1 Apr 1942; Maj Loren Cornell, 1 Aug 1942; Maj
Douglas M Swisher, 30 Aug 1942; Lt Col Boyd R Ertwine, 25 Oct 1942; Lt Col
Erickson S Nichols, 28 Jan 1943; Lt Col Henry P King, 12 May 1943‐14 Apr 1944.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, ten bendlets or surmounted by a torteau
fimbriated of the second charged with a wheel winged bend sinisterwise of the
like. Motto: Alatum Servitium ‐ Winged Service. (Approved 9 Dec 1941.)

11th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 11th Observation Group in 1933. Redesignated 11th
Bombardment Group (Medium) in 1938. Activated in Hawaii on 1 Feb 1940.
Redesignated 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy) in Nov 1940. Assigned to Seventh
AF in Feb 1942. Trained with B‐18's; received B‐17's for operations. Flew
patrol and search missions off Hawaii after the Japanese attacked Pearl
Harbor. Moved to the New Hebrides in Jul 1942. Became part of Thirteenth AF.
Struck airfields, supply dumps, ships, docks, troop positions, and other
objectives in the South Pacific, Jul‐Nov 1942, and received a DUC for those
operations. Continued operations, attacking Japanese airfields,
installations, and shipping in the Solomons, until late in Mar 1943. Returned
to Hawaii, reassigned to Seventh AF, and trained with B‐24's. Resumed combat
in Nov 1943 and participated in the Allied offensive through the Gilberts,
Marshalls, and Marianas, while operating from Funafuti, Tarawa, and Kwajalein.
Moved to Guam in Oct 1944 and attacked shipping and airfields in the Volcano
and Bonin Islands. Moved to Okinawa in Jul 1945 to take part in the final
phases of the air offensive against Japan, bombing railways, airfields, and
harbor facilities on Kyushu and striking airfields in China. After the war,
flew reconnaissance and surveillance missions to China and ferried liberated
prisoners of war from Okinawa to Luzon. Remained in the theater as part of
Far East Air Forces but had no personnel assigned after mid‐Dec 1945 when the
group was transferred to the Philippines. Redesignated 11th Bombardment Group
(Very Heavy) in Apr 1946. Transferred to Guam in May 1946, remanned, and
equipped with B‐29's. Terminated training and operations in Oct 1946.
Inactivated on Guam on 20 Oct 1948.

Redesignated 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy). Activated in the US on 1
Dec 1948. Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Equipped with B‐36 aircraft.
Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 14th: 1940‐1941. 26th: 1940‐1948; 1948‐1952. 42d:
1919‐1948; 1948‐1952. 98th: 1941‐1948; 1948‐1952. 431st: 1942‐1946.

Stations. Hickam Field, TH, 1 Feb 1940; New Hebrides, Jul 1942; Hickam
Field, TN, 8 Apr 1943; Funafuti, Nov 1943; Tarawa, 20 Jan 1944; Kwajalein, 5
Apr 1944; Guam, 25 Oct 1944; Okinawa, 2 Jul 1945; Manila, Dec 1945; Guam, May
1946‐20 Oct 1948. Carswell AFB, Tex, 1 Dec 1948‐16 Jun 1952.

Commanders. Lt Col Walter F Kraus, Feb 1940; Lt Col St Clair Streett, 15
Jun 1940; Lt Col Albert F Hegenberger, 1 Apr 1941; Col LaVerne G Saunders, Mar
1942; Col Frank F Everest, Dec 1942; Col William J. Holzapfel Jr, 26 Apr 1943;
Col Russell L. Waldron, 7 Jul 1944; Col John Morrow, Mar 1945‐c. Dec 1945; Col
Vincent M Miles Jr, 20 May 1946; Capt Thomas B Ragland Jr, Nov 1946; Capt
Thomas B Hoxie, 27 Dec 1947‐20 Oct 1948. Maj Russell F Ireland, Dec 1948; Lt
Col Harry E Goldsworthy, 11 Jan 1949; Col Richard H Carmichael, May 1949; Col
Bertram C Harrison, 4 Mar 1950; Col Thomas P Gerrity, 3 Apr 1950‐16 Jun 1952.

Campaigns. Central Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan; Guadalcanal; Northern
Solomons; Eastern Mandates; Western Pacific; Ryukyus; China Offensive.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: South Pacific, 31 Jul‐30 Nov
1942.

Insigne. Shield: Azure (Air Force blue), on a bend or (Air Force
yellow), three grey geese volant proper (in their natural colors). Crest: On
a wreath or and azure a grey goose proper with wings displayed and inverted.
Motto: Progressio Sine Timore Aut Praejudicio ‐ Progress without Fear or
Prejudice. (Approved 11 Jun 1941.)

11th Photographic Group ‐ 17th Bombardment Group

11th Photographic Group

Constituted as 11th Photographic Group (Mapping) on 19 Nov 1943.
Activated on 1 Dec 1943. Engaged in photographic mapping in the US and sent
detachments to carry out similar operations in Africa, the CBI theater, the
Near and Middle East, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Used B‐17,
B‐24, B‐25, B‐29, F‐2, F‐9, F‐10, and A‐20 aircraft. Disbanded on 5 Oct 1944.

Squadrons. 1st: 1943‐1944. 3d: 1943‐1944. 19th: 1943‐1944.

Stations. Reading AAFld, Pa, 1 Dec 1943; MacDill Field, Fla, Jan‐5 Oct
1944.

Commanders. Lt Col Thomas D Brown, 8 Jan‐5 Oct 1944.

Campaigns. None.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

12th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 12th Bombardment Group (Light) on 20 Nov‐1940. Activated
on 15 Jan 1941. Trained with B‐18, B‐23, and PT‐17 aircraft. Patrolled the
west coast after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Redesignated 12th
Bombardment Group (Medium) in Dec 1941. Using B‐25's, began training early in
1942 for duty overseas. Moved to the Middle East, Jul‐Aug 1942, and assigned
to Ninth AF. Attacked storage areas, motor transports, troop concentrations,
airdromes, bridges, shipping, marshalling yards, and other targets in Egypt,
Libya, Tunisia, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Crete, Sicily, and Italy, Aug 1942‐Jan
1944. Supported the Allied drive from Egypt to Tunisia, Oct 1942‐Apr 1943.
Early in 1943 two squadrons operated with Twelfth AF, assisting Allied forces
moving eastward across North Africa, while the other squadrons continued
operations with Ninth AF, bombing enemy defenses along the Mareth Line.
Received a DUC for action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily from
Oct 1942 to Aug 1943. While attached to Twelfth AF, Jun‐Aug 1943, the group
operated from bases in Tunisia and Sicily against targets in Pantelleria,
Lampedusa, Sicily, and Italy. Assigned to Twelfth AF in Aug 1943 and operated
primarily against targets in Italy until Jan 1944. Flew some missions to
Albania and Yugoslavia.

Moved to India, Feb‐Apr 1944, and assigned to Tenth AF. Engaged chiefly
in missions against the enemy in Burma, Apr 1944‐May 1945. Bombed
communications, military installations, and other objectives. Delivered
ammunition to Allied forces at Imphal. Also attacked some targets in China.
Began training with A‐26 aircraft in the summer of 1945. Returned to the US,
Dec 1945‐Jan 1946. Inactivated on 22 Jan 1946.

Redesignated 12th Bombardment Group (Light). Activated on 19 May 1947.
Not manned during 1947‐1948. Inactivated on 10 Sep 1948.

Redesignated 12th Fighter‐Escort Group. Activated on 1 Nov 1950.
Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Trained with F‐84's. Inactivated on 16
Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 81st: 1941‐1946; 1947‐1948. 82d: 1941‐1946; 1947‐1948.
83d: 1941‐1946; 1947‐1948. 434th (formerly 94th): 1941‐1942, 1942‐1946.
559th: 1950‐1952. 560th: 1950‐1952. 561st: 1950‐1952.

Stations. McChord Field, Wash, 15 Jan 1941; Esler Field, La, c. 21 Feb‐3
Jul 1942; Deversoir, Egypt, c. 31 Jul 1942; Egypt and Libya, Oct 1942;
Medenine, Tunisia, 3 Apr 1943; Sfax, Tunisia, c. 15 Apr 1943; Hergla, Tunisia,
2 Jun 1943; Ponte Olivo, Sicily, c. 2 Aug 1943; Gerbini, Sicily, c. 22 Aug
1943; Foggia, Italy, c. 2 Nov 1943; Gaudo Airfield, Italy, 19 Jane Feb 1944;
Tezgaon, India, c. 21 Mar 1944; Pandaveswar, India, 13 Jun 1944, Fenny, India,
16 Jul 1944; Pandaveswar, India, 8 Jun 1945; Karachi, India, 15 Nov‐24 Dec
1945; Ft Lawton, Wash, 21‐22 Jan 1946. Langley Field, Va, 19 May 1947‐10 Sep
1948. Turner AFB, Ga, 1 Nov 1950; Bergstrom AFB, Tex, Dec 1950‐16 Jun 1952.

Commanders. Unkn, Jan‐May 1941; Col Charles G Goodrich, 6 May 1941; Col
Edward N Backus, 16 Sep 1942; Lt Col William W Wilcox, 21 Sep 1943; Col Lloyd
H Dalton Jr, c. 29 Sep 1944; Lt Col Samuel C Galbreath, 4 Sep 1945; Lt Col
Lewis B Wilson, 23 Sep 1945‐22 Jan 1946. Capt H Carney, Nov 1950; Col Charles
A Gayle, 20 Nov 1950; Col Cy Wilson, Feb 1951; Col Charles A Gayle, Apr‐16 Jun
1952.

Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Egypt‐Libya; Tunisia; Sicily;
Naples‐Foggia; Rome‐Arno; India‐Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: North Africa and Sicily, Oct
1942‐17 Aug 1943.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a sword point to base or, hilt flamant proper;
a bordure gyronny of twelve of the second and the first. Motto: Spiritus
Omnia Vincit ‐ Spirit Conquers All. (Approved Feb 1942.)

13th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 13th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated
on 15 Jan 1941. After the US entered the war the group searched for enemy
U‐boats and covered friendly convoys off the east coast of the US. Served
with First AF and later with AAF Antisubmarine Command, using B‐28, B‐25, and
A‐29 aircraft for operations. Inactivated on 30 Nov 1942.

Squadrons. 3rd Antisubmarine (formerly 39th Bombardment): 1941‐1942.
4th Antisubmarine (formerly 40th Bombardment): 1941‐1942. 5th Antisubmarine
(formerly 41st Bombardment): 1941‐1942. 6th Antisubmarine (formerly 393rd
Bombardment): 1942.

Stations. Langley Field, Va, 15 Jan 1941; Orlando, Fla, c. 6 Jun 1941;
Westover Field, Mass, 20 Jan‐30 Nov 1942.

Commanders. Brig Gen Westside T Larson, 21 Jan 1941; Col Walter G Bryte
Jr, c. 4 Mar 1942; Col John G Fowler, c. 2 May‐c. Nov 1942.

Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Per bend azure and or, a sword point to base with
wings displayed and inverted argent, that portion to base fimbriated of the
first. Motto: Alert Day Or Night. (Approved 2 Jan 1942.)

14th Fighter Group

Constituted as 14th Pursuit Group (Fighter) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on
15 Jan 1941. Trained with P‐40's and P‐43's. Converted to P‐38's, which were
used in flying patrols on the west coast of the US after the Japanese attack
on Pearl Harbor. Redesignated 14th Fighter Group in May 1942. Moved to
England, Jul‐Aug 1942. Began operations with Eighth AF in Oct 1942, escorting
bombers to targets in France. Arrived in North Africa shortly after the
campaign for Algeria and French Morocco (8‐11 Nov 1942) had ended, and
remained in the Mediterranean theater until the end of the war, being assigned
first to Twelfth AF and later (Nov 1943) to Fifteenth. Flew escort, strafing,
and reconnaissance missions from the middle of Nov 1942 to late in Jan 1943
and then withdrew from combat, some of the men and planes being reassigned.
Resumed operations in May. Flew dive‐bombing missions during the Allied
assault on Pantelleria. Helped prepare for and support the invasions of
Sicily and Italy. Engaged primarily in escort work after Nov 1943, flying
many missions to cover bombers engaged in long‐range operations against
strategic objectives in Italy, France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria,
Hungary, Yugoslavia, Rumania, and Bulgaria. Received a DUC for a mission on 2
Apr 1944 when the group, by beating off attacks by enemy fighters, enabled
bombers to strike important ball‐bearing works in Austria. Also provided
escort for reconnaissance operations, supported the invasion of Southern
France in Aug 1944, and on numerous occasions flew long‐range missions to
strafe and dive‐bomb motor vehicles, trains, bridges, supply areas, airdromes,
and troop concentrations in an area extending from France to the Balkans.
Inactivated in Italy on 9 Sep 1945.

Activated in the US on 20 Nov 1946. Equipped first with P‐47's and later
with F‐84's. Inactivated on 2 Oct 1949.

Redesignated 14th Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955.
Assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with F‐86 aircraft.

Squadrons. 37th: 1943‐1945; 1946‐1949; 1955‐. 48th: 1941‐1945;
1946‐1949. 49th: 1941‐1945; 1946‐1949. 50th: 1941‐1942.

Stations. Hamilton Field, Calif, 15 Jan 1941; March Field, Calif, c. 10
Jun 1941; Hamilton Field, Calif, 7 Feb‐16 Jul 1942; Atcham, England, 18
Aug‐Nov 1942; Tafaraoui, Algeria, 15 Nov 1942; Maison Blanche, Algeria, 18 Nov
1942; Youks‐les‐Bains, Algeria, 22 Nov 1942; Berteaux, Algeria, 9 Jan 1943;
Mediouna, French Morocco, 5 Mar 1943; Telergma, Algeria, 5 May 1943; El
Bathan, Tunisia, 3 Jun 1943; Ste‐Marie‐du‐Zit, Tunisia, 25 Jul 1943; Triolo
Airfield, Italy, 12 Dec 1943; Lesina, Italy, Sep‐9 Sep 1945. Dow Field,
Maine, 20 Nov 19462 Oct 1949. Ethan Allen AFB, Vt, 18 Aug 1955‐.

Commanders. 1st Lt Troy Keith, 15 Jan 1941; Col Thayer S Olds, 18 Apr
1941; Lt Col Troy Keith, 28 Jan 1943; Col Oliver B Taylor, 26 Sep 1943; Col
Daniel S Campbell, 18 Jul 1944; Col Thomas B Whitehouse, Mar 1945‐unkn. Lt
Col Lewis W Chick Jr, 24 Dec 1946; Col Loring F Stetson Jr, 7 Jan 1948; Col
George A McHenry, Jul 1949; Lt Col Arvie E Olson Jr, Aug 1949‐unkn. Col Harry
L Downing, 1955‐.

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

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Austria, 2 Apr 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Per bend argent and sable. Motto: To Fight To Death.
(Approved 17 Jun 1942.)

15th Fighter Group

Constituted as 15th Pursuit Group (Fighter) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated in
Hawaii on 1 Dec 1940. Redesignated 15th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) in Feb
1942, and 15th Fighter Group in May 1942. Served as part of the defense force
for the Hawaiian Islands, using A‐12, OA‐9, B‐12, P‐36, P‐39, and P‐40
aircraft. The Japanese attack on Hawaii on 7 Dec 1941 caused numerous
casualties in the group and destroyed many of its aircraft; nevertheless,
during the raid several of the group's pilots succeeded in taking off and in
destroying some enemy planes, including four shot down by Lt George Welch and
two credited to Lt Kenneth M Taylor. Afterward the group, which was remanned,
reorganized, and assigned to Seventh AF, remained part of the Hawaiian defense
system. Sent squadrons (including some that had been attached) to the Central
or South Pacific at various times for operations against the Japanese. Began
training in Apr 1944 for very‐long‐range escort missions. Obtained P‐51
aircraft late in 1944. Moved to Iwo Jima in Feb 1945. Supported the invasion
force on Iwo early in Mar by bombing and strafing trenches, cave entrances,
troop concentrations, and storage areas. Began strikes against enemy
airfields, shipping, and military installations in the Bonin Islands by the
middle of Mar. Flew its first mission to Japan on 7 Apr 1945, receiving a DUC
for escorting 8=29's that bombed the Nakajima aircraft plant near Tokyo.
Struck Japanese airfields on Kyushu late in Apr and early in May 1945 to
curtail the enemy's suicide attacks against the invasion force at Okinawa.
Also hit enemy troop trains, small factories, gun positions, and hangars in
the Bonins and Japan. Assigned to Twentieth AF during the summer of 1945.
Continued its fighter sweeps against Japanese airfields and other targets, and
flew longrange escort missions to Japanese cities until the end of the war.
Transferred, without personnel and equipment, in Nov 1945 to Hawaii, where the
group was remanned and re‐equipped. Inactivated on 15 Oct 1946.

Redesignated 15th Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated in the US on 18
Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command.

Squadrons. 6th: 1943‐1944. 12th: 1942. 18th: 1943‐1944. 45th:
1940‐1946. 46th: 1940‐1944. 47th: 1940‐1946; 1955‐. 78th: 1943‐1946.

Stations. Wheeler Field, TH, 1 Dec 1940; Bellows Field, TH, 3 Jun 1944‐5
Feb 1945; South Field, Iwo Jima, 6 Mar 1945; Bellows Field, TH, 25 Nov 1945;
Wheeler Field, TH, Feb‐15 Oct 1946. Niagara Falls Mun Aprt, NY, 18 Aug 1955‐.

Commanders. Maj Clyde K Rich, 1 Dec 1940; Maj Lorry N Tindal, 6 Dec
1940; Lt Col Paul W Blanchard, 20 Sep 1941; Lt Col William 5 Steele, 12 Feb
1942; Lt Col Sherwood E Buckland, 5 Mar 1943; Col James O Beckwith Jr, 27 Sep
1943; Lt Col DeWitt S Spain, 16 Apr 1945; Lt Col Julian E Thomas, 17 May 1945
Col John W Mitchell, 21 Jul 1945; Col William Eades, c. Nov 1945; Col Oswald W
Lunde, 25 Nov 1945‐15 Oct 1946. Col Stanley E Matthews, 1955‐.

Campaigns. Central Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7 Apr 1945.

Insigne. Shield: Or, on a bend azure, two (2) terrestrial lightning
flashes issuant from base of the first, over all a gunsight counterchanged.
Motto: Prosequor Alibi ‐ Pursue with Wings. (Approved ‐ Oct 1942.)

16th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 16th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) on 28 Mar 1944.
Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Trained for combat with B‐29's. Moved to Guam,
Mar‐Apr 1945, and assigned to Twentieth AF. Entered combat on 16 Jun 1945
with a bombing raid against an airfield on Moen. Flew first mission against
the Japanese home islands on 26 Jun 1945 and afterwards operated principally
against the enemy's petroleum industry. Flying unescorted in the face of
severe enemy attack, the 16th bombed the oil refinery at Shimotsu, the
Mitsubishi refinery and oil installations at Kawasaki, and the coal
liquefaction plants at Ube, Jul‐Aug 1945, and was awarded a DUC for the
missions. After the war the group dropped food and supplies to Allied
prisoners of war in Japan, Manchuria, and Korea, and participated in several
show‐of‐force missions over Japan. Inactivated on Guam on 15 Apr 1946.

Squadrons. 15th: 1944‐1946. 16th: 1944‐1946. 17th: 1944‐1946.
21st: 1944.

Stations. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 1 Apr 1944; Fairmont AAFld, Neb, 15 Aug
1944‐7 Mar 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 14 Apr 1945‐15 Apr 1946.

Commanders. Unkn, Apr‐Jun 1944; Capt William W Hosler Jr, 24 Jun 1944;
Maj Richard W Lavin, 1 Jul 1944; Col Samuel C Gurney Jr, 11 Jul 1944; Lt Col
Andre F Castellotti, 11 Jul 1945‐1946.

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

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 29 July Aug 1945.

Insigne. None.

16th Fighter Group

Authorized on the inactive list as 16th Pursuit Group on 24 Mar 1923.
Activated in the Panama Canal Zone on 1 Dec 1932. Served as a part of the
defense force for the canal. Used various types of aircraft, including
P‐12's, P‐26's, P‐36's, and P‐39's, prior to World War II; equipped with
P‐40's in 1941. Redesignated 16th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) in 1939, and
16th Fighter Group in 1942. Disbanded in the Canal Zone on 1 Nov 1943.

Squadrons. 24th: 1932‐1943. 29th: 1933‐1943. 43d: 1940‐1943. 44th:
1938‐1939. 74th: 1934‐1938. 78th: 1932‐1937.

Stations. Albrook Field, CZ, 1 Dec 1932‐1 Nov 1943.

Commanders. Unkn, 1932‐1933; Maj Robert L Walsh, c. 2 Sep 1933‐c. 14 Aug
1935; Lt Col Willis H Hale, c. 11 Jul 1938‐c. 8 Aug 1939; Maj Arthur L Bump,
c. 1939‐c. Feb 1941; Capt Roger Browne, 24 Feb 1941; Lt Col Otto P Weyland, 20
May 1941; Lt Col Philip B Klein, 10 Apr 1942; Lt Col Hiette S Williams Jr, Sep
1942; Maj James K Johnson, 1943; Maj Erwin Bishop Jr, 25 Sep 1943‐unkn.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, four lightning flashes bendwise or. Crest: On
a wreath of the colors (or and azure) a portcullis or. Motto: Purgamus
Coelum ‐ We Clear the Skies. (Approved 4 Dec 1934.)

17th Bombardment Group

Authorized as 17th Observation Group on 18 Oct 1927. Redesignated 17th
Pursuit Group in 1929. Activated on 15 Jul 1931. Redesignated 17th Attack
Group in 1935, and 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) in 1939. Trained and
participated in maneuvers, using P‐12 and P‐26 (1931‐1932), A‐17 (1933‐1939),
and B‐18 (1940‐1941) aircraft. Used B‐25's for patrol duty on the west coast
after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and later patrolled the Gulf of
Mexico and the Atlantic coast. Converted to B‐26's in the summer of 1942.

Moved to North Africa late in 1942 and began operations on 30 Dec.
Served in combat in the Mediterranean theater until the end of the war, being
assigned first to Twelfth AF, then to Fifteenth (Nov 1943), and again to
Twelfth (Jan 1944). Flew interdictory and close‐support missions, bombing
bridges, rail lines, marshalling yards, harbors, shipping, gun emplacements,
troop concentrations, and other targets. Helped to bring about the defeat of
Axis forces in North Africa in May 1943; assisted in the reduction of
Pantelleria and Lampedusa in Jun 1943; participated in the invasions of Sicily
in Jul and of Italy in Sep 1943; and took part in the drive toward Rome,
receiving a DUC for a bombing attack on airdromes at Rome on 13 Jan 1944.
Also received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for operations in Italy,
Apr‐Jun 1944. Took part in the invasion of Southern France in Aug 1944, and
continued bombardment operations in northern Italy, France, and later in
Germany. Received second DUC for bombing attacks on enemy defenses near
Schweinfurt on 10 Apr 1945. Assisted in the disarmament of Germany after V‐E
Day. Returned to the US in Nov. Inactivated on 26 Nov 1945. Redesignated
17th Bombardment Group (Light). Activated on 19 May 1947. Apparently did not
become operative. Inactivated on 10 Sep 1948. Activated in Korea on io May
1952. Assigned to Far East Air Forces and equipped with B‐26's for service in
the Korean War. Engaged in interdiction and provided close support for UN
ground forces until the armistice in Jul 1953. Moved to Japan in Oct 1954;
returned to the US, Mar‐Apr 1955. Assigned to Tactical Air Command and
equipped with B‐57 aircraft. Redesignated 17th Bombardment Group (Tactical)
in Oct 1955.

Squadrons. 34th: 1931‐1945; 1947‐1948; 1952‐. 37th: 1931‐1945;
1947‐1948; 1952‐. 73d: 1947‐1948; 1952‐. 95th: 1931‐1945; 1947‐1948;
1952‐. 432d: 1942‐1945.

Stations. March Field, Calif, 15 Jul 1931; McChord Field, Wash, 24 Jun
1940; Pendleton, Ore, 29 Jun 1941; Lexington County Aprt, SC, 9 Feb 1942;
Barksdale Field, La, 23 Jun‐Nov 1942; Telergma, Algeria, Dec 1942; Sedrata,
Algeria, c. 10 May 1943; Djedeida, Tunisia, 23 Jun 1943; Sardinia, Nov 1943;
Corsica, c. 14 Sep 1944; Dijon, France, c. 20 Nov 1944; Horsching, Austria,
Jun 1945; Clastres, France, c. 3 Oct‐Nov 1945; Camp Myles Standish, Mass,
Nov‐26 Nov 1945. Langley Field, Va, 19 May 1947‐10 Sep 1948. Pusan, Korea,
10 May 1952; Miho, Japan, 10 Oct 1954‐16 Mar 1955; Eglin AF Aux Field No 9,
Apr 1955‐.

Commanders. Capt Frank O'D Hunter, 1931‐unkn; Lt Col Walter R Peck, Mar
1941; Lt Col William C Mills, Feb 1942; Lt Col Flint Garrison, 16 Jun 1942; Lt
Col Curtis D Sluman, 26 Jun 1942; Lt Col Karl E Baumeister, 11 Mar 1943; Lt
Col Charles R Greening, 25 May 1943; Lt Col Robert A Zaiser, 18 Jul 1943; Col
Donald L Gilbert, 14 Oct 1943; Col R O Harrell, 21 Jul 1944; Col Wallace C
Barrett, 20 Mar 1945; Lt Col Stanford W Gregory, 1 Jun 1945‐unkn. Unkn,
1947‐1948. Col James D Kemp, 10 May 1952; Col William C Lindley Jr, 11 Jul
1952; Col Robert E Keating, 14 Feb 1953; Col Gordon D Timmons, 8 Apr 1953; Col
George D Hughes, 1954; Col Norton W Sanders, 1954‐.

Campaigns. World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Combat,
EAME Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples‐Foggia; Anzio; Rome‐Arno; Southern
France; North Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe. Korean War: Korea
Summer‐Fall, 1952; Third Korean Winter; Korea Summer‐Fall, 1953.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Italy, 13 Jan 1944;
Schweinfurt, Germany, 10 Apr 1945; Korea, 1 Dec 1952‐30 Apr 1953. French
Croix de Guerre with Palm: Apr, May, and Jun 1944. Republic of Korea
Presidential Unit Citation: 24 May 1952‐31 Mar 1953.

Insigne. Shield: Or, seven crosses pattee in pale sable. Crest: On a
wreath of the colors (or and sable) a griffin rampant of the first, beaked,
fore‐legged and winged of the second, and langued gules. Motto: Toujours Au
Danger ‐ Ever Into Danger. (Approved 19 Jan 1934.)

11th Photographic Group ‐ 17th Bombardment Group

11th Photographic Group

Constituted as 11th Photographic Group (Mapping) on 19 Nov 1943.
Activated on 1 Dec 1943. Engaged in photographic mapping in the US and sent
detachments to carry out similar operations in Africa, the CBI theater, the
Near and Middle East, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Used B‐17,
B‐24, B‐25, B‐29, F‐2, F‐9, F‐10, and A‐20 aircraft. Disbanded on 5 Oct 1944.

Squadrons. 1st: 1943‐1944. 3d: 1943‐1944. 19th: 1943‐1944.

Stations. Reading AAFld, Pa, 1 Dec 1943; MacDill Field, Fla, Jan‐5 Oct
1944.

Commanders. Lt Col Thomas D Brown, 8 Jan‐5 Oct 1944.

Campaigns. None.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. None.

12th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 12th Bombardment Group (Light) on 20 Nov‐1940. Activated
on 15 Jan 1941. Trained with B‐18, B‐23, and PT‐17 aircraft. Patrolled the
west coast after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Redesignated 12th
Bombardment Group (Medium) in Dec 1941. Using B‐25's, began training early in
1942 for duty overseas. Moved to the Middle East, Jul‐Aug 1942, and assigned
to Ninth AF. Attacked storage areas, motor transports, troop concentrations,
airdromes, bridges, shipping, marshalling yards, and other targets in Egypt,
Libya, Tunisia, Pantelleria, Lampedusa, Crete, Sicily, and Italy, Aug 1942‐Jan
1944. Supported the Allied drive from Egypt to Tunisia, Oct 1942‐Apr 1943.
Early in 1943 two squadrons operated with Twelfth AF, assisting Allied forces
moving eastward across North Africa, while the other squadrons continued
operations with Ninth AF, bombing enemy defenses along the Mareth Line.
Received a DUC for action against the enemy in North Africa and Sicily from
Oct 1942 to Aug 1943. While attached to Twelfth AF, Jun‐Aug 1943, the group
operated from bases in Tunisia and Sicily against targets in Pantelleria,
Lampedusa, Sicily, and Italy. Assigned to Twelfth AF in Aug 1943 and operated
primarily against targets in Italy until Jan 1944. Flew some missions to
Albania and Yugoslavia.

Moved to India, Feb‐Apr 1944, and assigned to Tenth AF. Engaged chiefly
in missions against the enemy in Burma, Apr 1944‐May 1945. Bombed
communications, military installations, and other objectives. Delivered
ammunition to Allied forces at Imphal. Also attacked some targets in China.
Began training with A‐26 aircraft in the summer of 1945. Returned to the US,
Dec 1945‐Jan 1946. Inactivated on 22 Jan 1946.

Redesignated 12th Bombardment Group (Light). Activated on 19 May 1947.
Not manned during 1947‐1948. Inactivated on 10 Sep 1948.

Redesignated 12th Fighter‐Escort Group. Activated on 1 Nov 1950.
Assigned to Strategic Air Command. Trained with F‐84's. Inactivated on 16
Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 81st: 1941‐1946; 1947‐1948. 82d: 1941‐1946; 1947‐1948.
83d: 1941‐1946; 1947‐1948. 434th (formerly 94th): 1941‐1942, 1942‐1946.
559th: 1950‐1952. 560th: 1950‐1952. 561st: 1950‐1952.

Stations. McChord Field, Wash, 15 Jan 1941; Esler Field, La, c. 21 Feb‐3
Jul 1942; Deversoir, Egypt, c. 31 Jul 1942; Egypt and Libya, Oct 1942;
Medenine, Tunisia, 3 Apr 1943; Sfax, Tunisia, c. 15 Apr 1943; Hergla, Tunisia,
2 Jun 1943; Ponte Olivo, Sicily, c. 2 Aug 1943; Gerbini, Sicily, c. 22 Aug
1943; Foggia, Italy, c. 2 Nov 1943; Gaudo Airfield, Italy, 19 Jane Feb 1944;
Tezgaon, India, c. 21 Mar 1944; Pandaveswar, India, 13 Jun 1944, Fenny, India,
16 Jul 1944; Pandaveswar, India, 8 Jun 1945; Karachi, India, 15 Nov‐24 Dec
1945; Ft Lawton, Wash, 21‐22 Jan 1946. Langley Field, Va, 19 May 1947‐10 Sep
1948. Turner AFB, Ga, 1 Nov 1950; Bergstrom AFB, Tex, Dec 1950‐16 Jun 1952.

Commanders. Unkn, Jan‐May 1941; Col Charles G Goodrich, 6 May 1941; Col
Edward N Backus, 16 Sep 1942; Lt Col William W Wilcox, 21 Sep 1943; Col Lloyd
H Dalton Jr, c. 29 Sep 1944; Lt Col Samuel C Galbreath, 4 Sep 1945; Lt Col
Lewis B Wilson, 23 Sep 1945‐22 Jan 1946. Capt H Carney, Nov 1950; Col Charles
A Gayle, 20 Nov 1950; Col Cy Wilson, Feb 1951; Col Charles A Gayle, Apr‐16 Jun
1952.

Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Egypt‐Libya; Tunisia; Sicily;
Naples‐Foggia; Rome‐Arno; India‐Burma; China Defensive; Central Burma.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: North Africa and Sicily, Oct
1942‐17 Aug 1943.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a sword point to base or, hilt flamant proper;
a bordure gyronny of twelve of the second and the first. Motto: Spiritus
Omnia Vincit ‐ Spirit Conquers All. (Approved Feb 1942.)

13th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 13th Bombardment Group (Medium) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated
on 15 Jan 1941. After the US entered the war the group searched for enemy
U‐boats and covered friendly convoys off the east coast of the US. Served
with First AF and later with AAF Antisubmarine Command, using B‐28, B‐25, and
A‐29 aircraft for operations. Inactivated on 30 Nov 1942.

Squadrons. 3rd Antisubmarine (formerly 39th Bombardment): 1941‐1942.
4th Antisubmarine (formerly 40th Bombardment): 1941‐1942. 5th Antisubmarine
(formerly 41st Bombardment): 1941‐1942. 6th Antisubmarine (formerly 393rd
Bombardment): 1942.

Stations. Langley Field, Va, 15 Jan 1941; Orlando, Fla, c. 6 Jun 1941;
Westover Field, Mass, 20 Jan‐30 Nov 1942.

Commanders. Brig Gen Westside T Larson, 21 Jan 1941; Col Walter G Bryte
Jr, c. 4 Mar 1942; Col John G Fowler, c. 2 May‐c. Nov 1942.

Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Per bend azure and or, a sword point to base with
wings displayed and inverted argent, that portion to base fimbriated of the
first. Motto: Alert Day Or Night. (Approved 2 Jan 1942.)

14th Fighter Group

Constituted as 14th Pursuit Group (Fighter) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated on
15 Jan 1941. Trained with P‐40's and P‐43's. Converted to P‐38's, which were
used in flying patrols on the west coast of the US after the Japanese attack
on Pearl Harbor. Redesignated 14th Fighter Group in May 1942. Moved to
England, Jul‐Aug 1942. Began operations with Eighth AF in Oct 1942, escorting
bombers to targets in France. Arrived in North Africa shortly after the
campaign for Algeria and French Morocco (8‐11 Nov 1942) had ended, and
remained in the Mediterranean theater until the end of the war, being assigned
first to Twelfth AF and later (Nov 1943) to Fifteenth. Flew escort, strafing,
and reconnaissance missions from the middle of Nov 1942 to late in Jan 1943
and then withdrew from combat, some of the men and planes being reassigned.
Resumed operations in May. Flew dive‐bombing missions during the Allied
assault on Pantelleria. Helped prepare for and support the invasions of
Sicily and Italy. Engaged primarily in escort work after Nov 1943, flying
many missions to cover bombers engaged in long‐range operations against
strategic objectives in Italy, France, Germany, Czechoslovakia, Austria,
Hungary, Yugoslavia, Rumania, and Bulgaria. Received a DUC for a mission on 2
Apr 1944 when the group, by beating off attacks by enemy fighters, enabled
bombers to strike important ball‐bearing works in Austria. Also provided
escort for reconnaissance operations, supported the invasion of Southern
France in Aug 1944, and on numerous occasions flew long‐range missions to
strafe and dive‐bomb motor vehicles, trains, bridges, supply areas, airdromes,
and troop concentrations in an area extending from France to the Balkans.
Inactivated in Italy on 9 Sep 1945.

Activated in the US on 20 Nov 1946. Equipped first with P‐47's and later
with F‐84's. Inactivated on 2 Oct 1949.

Redesignated 14th Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955.
Assigned to Air Defense Command and equipped with F‐86 aircraft.

Squadrons. 37th: 1943‐1945; 1946‐1949; 1955‐. 48th: 1941‐1945;
1946‐1949. 49th: 1941‐1945; 1946‐1949. 50th: 1941‐1942.

Stations. Hamilton Field, Calif, 15 Jan 1941; March Field, Calif, c. 10
Jun 1941; Hamilton Field, Calif, 7 Feb‐16 Jul 1942; Atcham, England, 18
Aug‐Nov 1942; Tafaraoui, Algeria, 15 Nov 1942; Maison Blanche, Algeria, 18 Nov
1942; Youks‐les‐Bains, Algeria, 22 Nov 1942; Berteaux, Algeria, 9 Jan 1943;
Mediouna, French Morocco, 5 Mar 1943; Telergma, Algeria, 5 May 1943; El
Bathan, Tunisia, 3 Jun 1943; Ste‐Marie‐du‐Zit, Tunisia, 25 Jul 1943; Triolo
Airfield, Italy, 12 Dec 1943; Lesina, Italy, Sep‐9 Sep 1945. Dow Field,
Maine, 20 Nov 19462 Oct 1949. Ethan Allen AFB, Vt, 18 Aug 1955‐.

Commanders. 1st Lt Troy Keith, 15 Jan 1941; Col Thayer S Olds, 18 Apr
1941; Lt Col Troy Keith, 28 Jan 1943; Col Oliver B Taylor, 26 Sep 1943; Col
Daniel S Campbell, 18 Jul 1944; Col Thomas B Whitehouse, Mar 1945‐unkn. Lt
Col Lewis W Chick Jr, 24 Dec 1946; Col Loring F Stetson Jr, 7 Jan 1948; Col
George A McHenry, Jul 1949; Lt Col Arvie E Olson Jr, Aug 1949‐unkn. Col Harry
L Downing, 1955‐.

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

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Austria, 2 Apr 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Per bend argent and sable. Motto: To Fight To Death.
(Approved 17 Jun 1942.)

15th Fighter Group

Constituted as 15th Pursuit Group (Fighter) on 20 Nov 1940. Activated in
Hawaii on 1 Dec 1940. Redesignated 15th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) in Feb
1942, and 15th Fighter Group in May 1942. Served as part of the defense force
for the Hawaiian Islands, using A‐12, OA‐9, B‐12, P‐36, P‐39, and P‐40
aircraft. The Japanese attack on Hawaii on 7 Dec 1941 caused numerous
casualties in the group and destroyed many of its aircraft; nevertheless,
during the raid several of the group's pilots succeeded in taking off and in
destroying some enemy planes, including four shot down by Lt George Welch and
two credited to Lt Kenneth M Taylor. Afterward the group, which was remanned,
reorganized, and assigned to Seventh AF, remained part of the Hawaiian defense
system. Sent squadrons (including some that had been attached) to the Central
or South Pacific at various times for operations against the Japanese. Began
training in Apr 1944 for very‐long‐range escort missions. Obtained P‐51
aircraft late in 1944. Moved to Iwo Jima in Feb 1945. Supported the invasion
force on Iwo early in Mar by bombing and strafing trenches, cave entrances,
troop concentrations, and storage areas. Began strikes against enemy
airfields, shipping, and military installations in the Bonin Islands by the
middle of Mar. Flew its first mission to Japan on 7 Apr 1945, receiving a DUC
for escorting 8=29's that bombed the Nakajima aircraft plant near Tokyo.
Struck Japanese airfields on Kyushu late in Apr and early in May 1945 to
curtail the enemy's suicide attacks against the invasion force at Okinawa.
Also hit enemy troop trains, small factories, gun positions, and hangars in
the Bonins and Japan. Assigned to Twentieth AF during the summer of 1945.
Continued its fighter sweeps against Japanese airfields and other targets, and
flew longrange escort missions to Japanese cities until the end of the war.
Transferred, without personnel and equipment, in Nov 1945 to Hawaii, where the
group was remanned and re‐equipped. Inactivated on 15 Oct 1946.

Redesignated 15th Fighter Group (Air Defense). Activated in the US on 18
Aug 1955. Assigned to Air Defense Command.

Squadrons. 6th: 1943‐1944. 12th: 1942. 18th: 1943‐1944. 45th:
1940‐1946. 46th: 1940‐1944. 47th: 1940‐1946; 1955‐. 78th: 1943‐1946.

Stations. Wheeler Field, TH, 1 Dec 1940; Bellows Field, TH, 3 Jun 1944‐5
Feb 1945; South Field, Iwo Jima, 6 Mar 1945; Bellows Field, TH, 25 Nov 1945;
Wheeler Field, TH, Feb‐15 Oct 1946. Niagara Falls Mun Aprt, NY, 18 Aug 1955‐.

Commanders. Maj Clyde K Rich, 1 Dec 1940; Maj Lorry N Tindal, 6 Dec
1940; Lt Col Paul W Blanchard, 20 Sep 1941; Lt Col William 5 Steele, 12 Feb
1942; Lt Col Sherwood E Buckland, 5 Mar 1943; Col James O Beckwith Jr, 27 Sep
1943; Lt Col DeWitt S Spain, 16 Apr 1945; Lt Col Julian E Thomas, 17 May 1945
Col John W Mitchell, 21 Jul 1945; Col William Eades, c. Nov 1945; Col Oswald W
Lunde, 25 Nov 1945‐15 Oct 1946. Col Stanley E Matthews, 1955‐.

Campaigns. Central Pacific; Air Offensive, Japan.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7 Apr 1945.

Insigne. Shield: Or, on a bend azure, two (2) terrestrial lightning
flashes issuant from base of the first, over all a gunsight counterchanged.
Motto: Prosequor Alibi ‐ Pursue with Wings. (Approved ‐ Oct 1942.)

16th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 16th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy) on 28 Mar 1944.
Activated on 1 Apr 1944. Trained for combat with B‐29's. Moved to Guam,
Mar‐Apr 1945, and assigned to Twentieth AF. Entered combat on 16 Jun 1945
with a bombing raid against an airfield on Moen. Flew first mission against
the Japanese home islands on 26 Jun 1945 and afterwards operated principally
against the enemy's petroleum industry. Flying unescorted in the face of
severe enemy attack, the 16th bombed the oil refinery at Shimotsu, the
Mitsubishi refinery and oil installations at Kawasaki, and the coal
liquefaction plants at Ube, Jul‐Aug 1945, and was awarded a DUC for the
missions. After the war the group dropped food and supplies to Allied
prisoners of war in Japan, Manchuria, and Korea, and participated in several
show‐of‐force missions over Japan. Inactivated on Guam on 15 Apr 1946.

Squadrons. 15th: 1944‐1946. 16th: 1944‐1946. 17th: 1944‐1946.
21st: 1944.

Stations. Dalhart AAFld, Tex, 1 Apr 1944; Fairmont AAFld, Neb, 15 Aug
1944‐7 Mar 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 14 Apr 1945‐15 Apr 1946.

Commanders. Unkn, Apr‐Jun 1944; Capt William W Hosler Jr, 24 Jun 1944;
Maj Richard W Lavin, 1 Jul 1944; Col Samuel C Gurney Jr, 11 Jul 1944; Lt Col
Andre F Castellotti, 11 Jul 1945‐1946.

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

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 29 July Aug 1945.

Insigne. None.

16th Fighter Group

Authorized on the inactive list as 16th Pursuit Group on 24 Mar 1923.
Activated in the Panama Canal Zone on 1 Dec 1932. Served as a part of the
defense force for the canal. Used various types of aircraft, including
P‐12's, P‐26's, P‐36's, and P‐39's, prior to World War II; equipped with
P‐40's in 1941. Redesignated 16th Pursuit Group (Interceptor) in 1939, and
16th Fighter Group in 1942. Disbanded in the Canal Zone on 1 Nov 1943.

Squadrons. 24th: 1932‐1943. 29th: 1933‐1943. 43d: 1940‐1943. 44th:
1938‐1939. 74th: 1934‐1938. 78th: 1932‐1937.

Stations. Albrook Field, CZ, 1 Dec 1932‐1 Nov 1943.

Commanders. Unkn, 1932‐1933; Maj Robert L Walsh, c. 2 Sep 1933‐c. 14 Aug
1935; Lt Col Willis H Hale, c. 11 Jul 1938‐c. 8 Aug 1939; Maj Arthur L Bump,
c. 1939‐c. Feb 1941; Capt Roger Browne, 24 Feb 1941; Lt Col Otto P Weyland, 20
May 1941; Lt Col Philip B Klein, 10 Apr 1942; Lt Col Hiette S Williams Jr, Sep
1942; Maj James K Johnson, 1943; Maj Erwin Bishop Jr, 25 Sep 1943‐unkn.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, four lightning flashes bendwise or. Crest: On
a wreath of the colors (or and azure) a portcullis or. Motto: Purgamus
Coelum ‐ We Clear the Skies. (Approved 4 Dec 1934.)

17th Bombardment Group

Authorized as 17th Observation Group on 18 Oct 1927. Redesignated 17th
Pursuit Group in 1929. Activated on 15 Jul 1931. Redesignated 17th Attack
Group in 1935, and 17th Bombardment Group (Medium) in 1939. Trained and
participated in maneuvers, using P‐12 and P‐26 (1931‐1932), A‐17 (1933‐1939),
and B‐18 (1940‐1941) aircraft. Used B‐25's for patrol duty on the west coast
after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor, and later patrolled the Gulf of
Mexico and the Atlantic coast. Converted to B‐26's in the summer of 1942.

Moved to North Africa late in 1942 and began operations on 30 Dec.
Served in combat in the Mediterranean theater until the end of the war, being
assigned first to Twelfth AF, then to Fifteenth (Nov 1943), and again to
Twelfth (Jan 1944). Flew interdictory and close‐support missions, bombing
bridges, rail lines, marshalling yards, harbors, shipping, gun emplacements,
troop concentrations, and other targets. Helped to bring about the defeat of
Axis forces in North Africa in May 1943; assisted in the reduction of
Pantelleria and Lampedusa in Jun 1943; participated in the invasions of Sicily
in Jul and of Italy in Sep 1943; and took part in the drive toward Rome,
receiving a DUC for a bombing attack on airdromes at Rome on 13 Jan 1944.
Also received the French Croix de Guerre with Palm for operations in Italy,
Apr‐Jun 1944. Took part in the invasion of Southern France in Aug 1944, and
continued bombardment operations in northern Italy, France, and later in
Germany. Received second DUC for bombing attacks on enemy defenses near
Schweinfurt on 10 Apr 1945. Assisted in the disarmament of Germany after V‐E
Day. Returned to the US in Nov. Inactivated on 26 Nov 1945. Redesignated
17th Bombardment Group (Light). Activated on 19 May 1947. Apparently did not
become operative. Inactivated on 10 Sep 1948. Activated in Korea on io May
1952. Assigned to Far East Air Forces and equipped with B‐26's for service in
the Korean War. Engaged in interdiction and provided close support for UN
ground forces until the armistice in Jul 1953. Moved to Japan in Oct 1954;
returned to the US, Mar‐Apr 1955. Assigned to Tactical Air Command and
equipped with B‐57 aircraft. Redesignated 17th Bombardment Group (Tactical)
in Oct 1955.

Squadrons. 34th: 1931‐1945; 1947‐1948; 1952‐. 37th: 1931‐1945;
1947‐1948; 1952‐. 73d: 1947‐1948; 1952‐. 95th: 1931‐1945; 1947‐1948;
1952‐. 432d: 1942‐1945.

Stations. March Field, Calif, 15 Jul 1931; McChord Field, Wash, 24 Jun
1940; Pendleton, Ore, 29 Jun 1941; Lexington County Aprt, SC, 9 Feb 1942;
Barksdale Field, La, 23 Jun‐Nov 1942; Telergma, Algeria, Dec 1942; Sedrata,
Algeria, c. 10 May 1943; Djedeida, Tunisia, 23 Jun 1943; Sardinia, Nov 1943;
Corsica, c. 14 Sep 1944; Dijon, France, c. 20 Nov 1944; Horsching, Austria,
Jun 1945; Clastres, France, c. 3 Oct‐Nov 1945; Camp Myles Standish, Mass,
Nov‐26 Nov 1945. Langley Field, Va, 19 May 1947‐10 Sep 1948. Pusan, Korea,
10 May 1952; Miho, Japan, 10 Oct 1954‐16 Mar 1955; Eglin AF Aux Field No 9,
Apr 1955‐.

Commanders. Capt Frank O'D Hunter, 1931‐unkn; Lt Col Walter R Peck, Mar
1941; Lt Col William C Mills, Feb 1942; Lt Col Flint Garrison, 16 Jun 1942; Lt
Col Curtis D Sluman, 26 Jun 1942; Lt Col Karl E Baumeister, 11 Mar 1943; Lt
Col Charles R Greening, 25 May 1943; Lt Col Robert A Zaiser, 18 Jul 1943; Col
Donald L Gilbert, 14 Oct 1943; Col R O Harrell, 21 Jul 1944; Col Wallace C
Barrett, 20 Mar 1945; Lt Col Stanford W Gregory, 1 Jun 1945‐unkn. Unkn,
1947‐1948. Col James D Kemp, 10 May 1952; Col William C Lindley Jr, 11 Jul
1952; Col Robert E Keating, 14 Feb 1953; Col Gordon D Timmons, 8 Apr 1953; Col
George D Hughes, 1954; Col Norton W Sanders, 1954‐.

Campaigns. World War II: Antisubmarine, American Theater; Air Combat,
EAME Theater; Tunisia; Sicily; Naples‐Foggia; Anzio; Rome‐Arno; Southern
France; North Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe. Korean War: Korea
Summer‐Fall, 1952; Third Korean Winter; Korea Summer‐Fall, 1953.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: Italy, 13 Jan 1944;
Schweinfurt, Germany, 10 Apr 1945; Korea, 1 Dec 1952‐30 Apr 1953. French
Croix de Guerre with Palm: Apr, May, and Jun 1944. Republic of Korea
Presidential Unit Citation: 24 May 1952‐31 Mar 1953.

Insigne. Shield: Or, seven crosses pattee in pale sable. Crest: On a
wreath of the colors (or and sable) a griffin rampant of the first, beaked,
fore‐legged and winged of the second, and langued gules. Motto: Toujours Au
Danger ‐ Ever Into Danger. (Approved 19 Jan 1934.)

18th Fighter Group ‐ 21st Fighter Group

18th Fighter Group

Organized as 18th Pursuit Group in Hawaii in Jan 1927. Redesignated 18th
Pursuit Group (Interceptor) in 1939, and 18th Fighter Group in 1942. Before
World War II the group engaged in routine flying and gunnery training and
participated in joint Army‐Navy maneuvers, using DH‐4, PW‐9, P‐12, P‐26, P‐36,
and other aircraft. When the Japanese attacked Pearl Harbor on 7 Dec 1941,
the group, which had recently converted to P‐40's, sustained severe losses.
The two planes that its pilots were able to get into the air during the attack
were quickly shot down. The group, assigned to Seventh AF in Feb 1942, had to
be re‐equipped before it could resume training and begin patrol missions.

Moved to the South Pacific in Mar 1943. Assigned to Thirteenth AF.
Began operations from Guadalcanal. Flew protective patrols over US bases in
the Solomons; later, escorted bombers to the Bismarcks, supported ground
forces on Bougainville, and attacked enemy airfields and installations in the
northern Solomons and New Britain. Used P‐38, P‐39, P‐61, and P‐70 aircraft.
Moved to New Guinea in Aug 1944. Equipped with P‐38's. Escorted bombers to
targets in the southern Philippines and Borneo, and attacked enemy airfields
and installations in the Netherlands Indies. Received a DUC for actions at
Ormoc Bay: on 10 Nov 1944 the group withstood intense flak and vigorous
opposition from enemy interceptors to attack a Japanese convoy that was
attempting to bring in additional troops for use against American forces that
had landed on Leyte; on the following day a few of the group's planes returned
to the same area, engaged a large force of enemy fighters, and destroyed a
number of them. Moved to the Philippines in Jan 1945. Supported ground
forces on Luzon and Borneo, attacked shipping in the central Philippines,
covered landings on Palawan, attacked airfields and railways on Formosa, and
escorted bombers to such widely‐scattered targets as Borneo, French Indochina,
and Formosa.

Remained in the Philippines as part of Far East Air Forces after the war.
Flew patrols and trained with F‐80's. Lost all personnel in Mar 1947 but was
remanned in Sep 1947. Equipped first with F‐47's, later with F‐51's, and
still later (1949) with F‐80's. Redesignated 18th Fighter‐Bomber Group in Jan
1950.

Moved to Korea in Jul 1950 and entered combat, using F‐51's. Supported
UN ground forces and attacked enemy installations and supply lines. Maj Louis
Sebille was posthumously awarded the Medal of Honor for his action on 5 Aug
1950: although his plane was badly damaged by flak while attacking a
concentration of enemy trucks, Maj Sebille continued his strafing passes until
he crashed into an armored vehicle. The group converted to F‐86's early in
1953 and remained in Korea for some time after the war. Moved to Okinawa in
Nov 1954.

Squadrons. 6th: 1927‐1943. 12th: 1943‐. 19th: 1927‐1943. 36th:
1931‐1932. 44th: 1941‐1942, 1943‐. 55th: 1931. 67th: 1945‐. 68th:
1945‐. 70th: 1943‐1945. 73d: 1929‐1931, 1941‐1942. 74th: 1929‐1932.
78th: 1940‐1943. 333d: 1942‐1943. 419th: 1943‐1944.

Stations. Wheeler Field, TH, Jan 1927; Espiritu Santo, 11 Mar 1943;
Guadalcanal, 17 Apr 1943; Sansapor, New Guinea, 23 Aug 1944; Lingayen, Luzon,
c. 13 Jan 1945; San Jose, Mindoro, c. 1 Mar 1945; Zamboanga, Mindanao, 4 May
1945; Palawan, 10 Nov 1945; Floridablanca, Luzon, Mar 1946; Clark Field,
Luzon, 16 Sep 1947; Taegu, Korea, 28 Jul 1950; Ashiya, Japan, 8 Aug 1950;
Tongnae, Korea, 8 Sep 1950; Pyongyang, Korea, c. 21 Nov 1950; Suwon, Korea, 1
Dec 1950; Chinhae, Korea, 9 Dec 1950; Hoengsong, Korea, 26 Dec 1952; Osan‐Ni,
Korea, 11 Jan 1953; Kadena AB, Okinawa, 1 Nov 1954‐.

Commanders. Unkn, 1927‐1940; Maj Kenneth M Walker, 22 Mar 1940; Maj
William R Morgan, 1941; Lt Col Aaron W Tyer, Dec 1941; Lt Col W H Councill, 10
Dec 1943; Col Milton B Adams, 8 Jul 1944; Col Harry L Donicht, 24 May 1945; Lt
Col Bill Harris, 1 Aug 1945; Lt Col Wilbur Grumbles, 18 Oct 1945‐unkn; Col
Victor R Haugen, 1946; Col Homer A Boushey, 7 Aug 1946‐Mar 1947; Maj Kenneth M
Taylor, 16 Sep 1947; Lt Col Joseph Kruzel, 1 Oct 1947; Col Marion Malcolm, 3
Sep Lt Col Henry H Norman Jr, 24 Jul 1949; Col Ira L Wintermute, 16 Jun 1950;
Lt Col Homer M Cox, 20 Feb 1951; Col William P McBride, May 1951; Col Ralph H
Saltsman Jr, 5 Jun 1951; Col Seymour M Levenson, 30 Nov 1951; Col Sheldon S
Brinson, 17 May 1952; Lt Col Albert Freund Jr, 25 Nov 1952; Col Maurice L
Martin, 24 Jan 1953; Lt Col Edward L Rathbun, 17 Dec 1953; Col John H Buckner,
1 Feb 1954; Lt Col Edward L Rathbun, 24 May 1954; Lt Col Clifford P Patton, 17
Aug 1954; Col Nathan Adams, 7 Sep 1954; Col John B Murphy, 1 Nov 1954; Lt Col
Clifford P Patton, 10 Nov 1954; Col Paul E Hoeper, 1 Jan 1955; Lt Col Joseph E
Andres, 22 Jul 1955; Col Leo C Moon, 21 Nov 1955‐.

Campaigns. World War II: Central Pacific; China Defensive; New Guinea;
Northern Solomons; Bismarck Archipelago; Western Pacific; Leyte; Luzon;
Southern Philippines. 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: Philippine Islands, 1‐11 Nov
1944; Korea, 3 Nov 1950‐24 Jan 1951; Korea, 22 Apr‐8 Jul 1951. Philippine
Presidential Unit Citation. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citations:
24 Jul 1950‐31 Jan 1951; 1 Feb 1951‐31 Mar 1953.

Insigne. Shield: Or, a fighting cock with wings displayed sable wattled
and combed gules. Crest: On a wreath or and sable two wings conjoined and
displayed tenne (orange). Motto: Unguibus Et Rostro ‐ With Talons and Beak.
(Approved 21 Feb 1931.)

19th Bombardment Group

Authorized as 19th Observation Group on 18 Oct 1927. Redesignated 19th
Bombardment Group in 1929. Activated on 24 Jun 1932. Redesignated 19th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) in 1939. Equipped first with B‐10's, later with
B‐18's, and still later (in 1941) with B‐17's. Moved to the Philippine
Islands, Sep‐Nov 1941.

On 7 Dec 1941 (8 Dec in the Philippines), when the Japanese first
attacked Clark Field, the group suffered numerous casualties and lost many
planes. The 93rd squadron, however, was on maneuvers at Del Monte and
therefore missed the attack. Supplies and headquarters were hastily moved
from Clark Field to comparatively safe points nearby, and planes that had not
been too heavily damaged were given emergency repairs and dispatched to Del
Monte. There the 19th began reconnaissance and bombardment operations against
Japanese shipping and landing parties. Sustaining heavy losses, the group
ceased these actions after about two weeks, and the ground personnel joined
infantry units in fighting the invaders. Some of the men were evacuated, some
escaped, but most were either killed or captured. Meanwhile, late in Dec 1941
the air echelon moved to Australia to transport medical and other supplies to
the Philippine Islands and evacuate personnel from that area. The men in
Australia moved to Java at the end of 1941 and, flying B‐17, LB‐30, and B‐24
aircraft, earned a DUC for the group by attacking enemy aircraft, ground
installations, warships, and transports during the Japanese drive through the
Philippines and Netherlands Indies early in 1942. The men returned to
Australia from Java early in Mar 1942, and later that month the group
evacuated Gen Douglas MacArthur, his family, and key members of his staff from
the Philippines to Australia. After a brief rest the group resumed combat
operations, participating in the Battle of the Coral Sea and raiding Japanese
transportation, communications, and ground forces during the enemy's invasion
of Papua. From 7 to 12 Aug 1942 the 19th bombed airdromes, ground
installations, and shipping near Rabaul, New Britain, being awarded another
DUC for these missions. Capt Harl Pease Jr was posthumously awarded the Medal
of Honor for his actions during 6‐7 Aug 1942: when one engine of his bomber
failed during a mission over New Britain, Capt Pease returned to Australia to
obtain another plane; unable to find one fit for combat, he selected the most
serviceable plane at the base and rejoined his squadron for an attack on a
Japanese airdrome near Rabaul; by skillful flying lie maintained his position
in the formation and withstood enemy attacks until his bombs had been released
on the objective; in the air battle that continued after the bombers left the
target, Capt Pease's aircraft fell behind the formation and was lost. The
group returned to the US late in 1942 and served as a replacement training
unit. Inactivated on 1 Apr 1944.

Redesignated 19th Bombardment Group (Very Heavy). Activated on 1 Apr
1944. Trained for combat with B‐29's. Moved to Guam, Dec 1944‐Feb 1945, for
duty with Twentieth AF. Entered combat on 12 Feb 1945 with an attack against
a Japanese airfield on Rota. Flew its first mission against the Japanese home
islands by striking Tokyo on 25 Feb 1945. Conducted daylight raids against
strategic objectives, bombing aircraft factories, chemical plants, oil
refineries, and other targets in Japan. Participated in incendiary
operations, receiving one DUC for its low‐altitude attacks on the urban
industrial areas of Tokyo, Nagoya, Kobe, and Osaka, in Mar 1945, and another
DUC for striking the industrial section of Kobe on 5 Jun. Struck airfields
from which the enemy was launching kamikaze planes against the invasion force
at Okinawa, Apr‐May 1945. Dropped supplies to Allied prisoners and took part
in show‐of‐force missions over Japan after the war. Remained overseas as part
of Far East Air Forces. Trained, participated in sea‐search operations, and
flew photographic‐mapping missions. Redesignated 19th Bombardment Group
(Medium) in Aug 1948.

On 28 Jun 1950 the group flew its first mission against the North Korean
forces that had invaded the Republic of Korea. It moved to Okinawa early in
Jul 1950 and continued operations against the enemy until 1953. Targets
included troops, supply dumps, airfields, steel mills, hydroelectric plants,
and light metal industries. Inactivated on Okinawa on 1 Jun 1953.

Squadrons. 14th: 1941‐1942. 23d: 1935‐1938. 28th: 1941‐1944;
1944‐1953. 30th: 1932‐1944; 1944‐1953. 32d: 1932‐1941. 76th: 1932‐1936.
93d: 1939‐1944; 1944‐1953. 435th: (formerly 40th): 1941‐1944.

Stations. Rockwell Field, Calif, 24 Jun 1932; March Field, Calif, 25 Oct
1935; Albuquerque, NM, 7 Jul‐29 Sep 1941; Clark Field, Luzon, 23 Oct 1941;
Batchelor, Australia, 24 Dec 1941; Singosari, Java, 30 Dec 1941; Melbourne,
Australia, 2 Mar 1942; Garbutt Field, Australia, 18 Apr 1942; Longreach,
Australia, 18 May 1942; Mareeba, Australia, 24 Jul‐23 Oct 1942; Pocatello,
Idaho, 9 Dec 1942; Pyote AAB, Tex, 1 Jan 1943‐1 Apr 1944. Great Bend AAFld,
Kan, 1 Apr‐7 Dec 1944; North Field, Guam, 16 Jan 1945; Kadena, Okinawa, 5 Jul
1950‐1 Jun 1953.

Commanders. Lt Col Harold M McClelland, c. 24 Jun 1932‐1934; Col Harvey
S Burwell, 1939; Col Eugene L Eubank, 2 Apr 1940; Maj David R Gibbs, 10 Dec
1941; Maj Emmett O'Donnell Jr, 12 Dec 1941; Lt Col Cecil E Combs, Jan 1942; Lt
Col Kenneth B Hobson, 14 Mar 1942; Lt 67 Col James T Connally, 15 Apr 1942; Lt
Col Richard N Carmichael, 10 Jul 1942; Lt Col Felix M Hardison, 1 Jan 1943; Lt
Col Elbert Helton, 13 Feb 1943; Col Louie P Turner, 5 May 1943; Lt Col Frank P
Sturdivant, 27 Jan 1944; Col Bernard T Castor, 11 Feb‐1 Apr 1944. Maj Joseph
H Selliken, 28 Apr 1944; Col John G Fowler, 20 May 1944; Lt Col John C Wilson,
29 May 1944; Lt Col Philip L Mathewson, 30 Jun 1944; Col John A Roberts Jr, 16
Jul 1944; Lt Col George T Chadwell, Sep 1945; Col Vincent M Miles Jr, 1 Mar
1946; Col Elbert D Reynolds, 13 Apr 1946; Col David Wade, 26 Apr 1947; Col
Francis C Shoemaker, 8 Nov 1947; Col Robert V DeShazo, 2 Dec 1947; Lt Col
Clarence G Poff, 1949; Col Theodore Q Graff, 17 Sep 1949; Col Payne Jennings,
26 Sep 1950; Col Donald O Tower, 29 Mar 1951; Col Adam K Breckenridge, 26 Jul
1951; Col Julian M Bleyer, 6 Feb 1952; Col Willard W Smith, 8 Jul 1952; Col
Harvey C Dorney, 24 Dec 1952‐1 Jun 1953.

Campaigns. World War II: American Theater; Philippine Islands; East
Indies; Air Offensive, Japan; Papua; Guadalcanal; Western Pacific. 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: Philippine Islands, 7 Dec
1941‐10 May 1942; Philippine Islands, 8‐22 Dec 1941; Philippine Islands and
Netherlands Indies, 1 Jan‐1 Mar 1942; Philippine Islands, 6 Jan‐8 Mar 1942;
Papua, 23 Jul‐[Oct 1942]; New Britain, 7‐12 Aug 1942; Japan, 9‐19 Mar 1945;
Kobe, Japan, 5 Jun 1945; Korea, 28 Jun‐15 Sep 1950. Philippine Presidential
Unit Citation. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation: 7 Jul
1950‐[1953].

Insigne. Shield: Azure, within the square of the constellation of
Pegasus, a winged sword, point to base, all or. Crest: On a wreath of the
colors (or and azure) an osprey guardant, rising, wings elevated and addorsed
proper. Motto: In Alis Vincimus ‐ On Wings We Conquer. (Approved 19 Oct
1936.)

20th Fighter Group

Authorized on the inactive list as 20th Balloon Group on 18 Oct 1927.
Redesignated 20th Pursuit Group in 1929. Activated on 15 Nov 1930.
Redesignated 20th Pursuit Group (Fighter) in 1939, 20th Pursuit Group
(Interceptor) in 1941, and 20th Fighter Group in 1942. Equipped successively
with P‐12, P‐16, and P‐36 aircraft prior to World War II; used P‐39's and
P‐40's during the early part of the war; converted to P‐38's in Jan 1943.
Trained, participated in maneuvers and tactical exercises, and took part in
aerial reviews and demonstrations during the period 1930‐1939. Provided
personnel for and helped to train new units during 1940‐1941. Served as an
air defense organization after the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor. Began
intensive training late in 1942 for combat duty overseas.

Moved to England in Aug 1943 and became part of Eighth AF. Entered
combat with P‐38's late in Dec 1943 and for several months was engaged
primarily in escorting heavy and medium bombers to targets on the Continent.
Frequently strafed targets of opportunity while on escort missions. Retained
escort as its primary function until the end of the war, but in Mar 1944 began
to fly fighter‐bomber missions, which became almost as frequent as escort
operations. Strafed and dive‐bombed airfields, trains, vehicles, barges,
tugs, bridges, flak positions, gun emplacements, barracks, radio stations, and
other targets in France, Belgium, and Germany. Became known as the "Loco
Group" because of its numerous and successful attacks on locomotives.
Received a DUC for performance on 8 Apr 1944 when the group struck airfields
in central Germany and then, after breaking up an attack by enemy
interceptors, proceeded to hit railroad equipment, oil facilities, power
plants, factories, and other targets. Flew patrols over the Channel during
the invasion of Normandy in Jun 1944. Supported the invasion force later that
month by escorting bombers that struck interdictory targets in France,
Belgium, and Holland, and by attacking troops, transportation targets, and
airfields. Converted to P‐51's in Jul 1944 and continued to fly escort and
fighter‐bomber missions as the enemy retreated across France to the Siegfried
Line. Participated in the airborne attack on Holland in Sep 1944. Escorted
bombers to Germany and struck rail lines, trains, vehicles, barges, power
stations, and other targets in and beyond the Siegfried Line during the period
Oct‐Dec 1944. Took part in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944‐Jan 1945, by
escorting bombers to the battle area. Flew patrols to support the airborne
attack across the Rhine, Mar 1945. Carried out escort and fighter‐bomber
missions as enemy resistance collapsed in Apr 1945. Returned to the US in
Oct. Inactivated on 18 Oct 1945.

Activated on 29 Jul 1946. Equipped first with P‐51's and later with
F‐84's. Redesignated 20th Fighter‐Bomber Group in Jan 1950. Moved to England
in 1952 and became part of the United States Air Forces in Europe.
Inactivated in England on 8 Feb 1955.

Squadrons. 24th: 1930‐1932. 55th: 1930‐1931, 1932‐1945; 1946‐1955.
74th: 1932. 77th: 1930‐1932, 1932‐1945; 1946‐1955. 78th: 1931‐1932.
79th: 1933‐1945; 1946‐1955. 87th: 1935‐1936.

Stations. Mather Field, Calif, 15 Nov 1930; Barksdale Field, La, Oct
1932; Moffett Field, Calif, Nov 1939; Hamilton Field, Calif, Sep 1940;
Wilmington, NC, c. 2 Feb 1942; Morris Field, NC, Apr 1942; Paine Field, Wash,
Sep 1942; March Field, Calif, Jan‐c. 11 Aug 1943; Kings Cliffe, England, c. 26
Aug 1943‐c. 11 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, c. 16‐18 Oct 1945. Biggs Field,
Tex, 29 Jul 1946; Shaw Field, SC, Oct 1946; Langley AFB, Va, Nov 1951‐May
1952; Wethersfield, England, c. 1 Jun 1952‐8 Feb 1955.

Commanders. Maj Clarence L Tinker, c. 15 Nov 1930; Capt Thomas Boland,
c. 14 Oct 1932; Lt Col Millard F Harmon, c. 31 Oct 1932‐unkn; Maj Armin F
Herold, c. 7 Oct 1936‐unkn; Lt Col Ross G Hoyt, 1937; Col Ira C Eaker, c. 16
Jan 1941; Maj Jesse Auton, c. 1 Sep 1941; Maj Homer A Boushey, Jan 1942; Lt
Col Edward W Anderson, c. 9 Mar 1942; Lt Col Jesse Auton, Aug 1942‐unkn; Col
Barton M Russell, 1943; Lt Col Mark E Hubbard, 2 Mar 1944; Maj Herbert E
Johnson Jr, 19 Mar 1944; Lt Col Harold Rau, 20 Mar 1944; Lt Col Cy Wilson, Jun
1944; Col Harold Rau, 27 Aug 1944; Col Robert P Montgomery, 18 Dec 1944; Maj
Jack C Price, 3 Oct 1945‐unkn. Col Joseph L Laughlin, 29 Jul 1946; Col Archie
Knight, c. 24 Feb 1947; Col William Cummings, 31 Jul 1947; Col George R
Bickell, Aug 1948‐unkn; Col John A Dunning, 1949; Lt Col Jack R Brown, c. 22
Oct 1951; Col William D Ritchie, 29 Apr 1952‐unkn.

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

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Central Germany, 8 Apr 1944.

Insigne. Shield: Per fess azure and gules, a fess nebule or. Crest:
On a wreath of the colors (or and azure) a sun in splendor proper radiating
from the center thereof thirteen darts gules. Motto: Victory By Valor.
(Approved 18 Dec 1934.)

21st Bombardment Group

Constituted as 21st Bombardment Group (Medium) on 13 Jan 1942. Activated
on 1 Feb 1942. Began training with B‐25's; later converted to B‐26's. Served
as an operational training unit in Third AF; also flew some antisubmarine
patrols over the Gulf of Mexico. Disbanded on 10 Oct 1943.

Squadrons. 313th: 1942‐1943. 314th: 1942‐1943. 315th: 1942‐1943.
398th: 1942‐1943.

Stations. Bowman Field, Ky, 1 Feb 1942; Jackson AAB, Miss, 8 Feb 1942;
Columbia AAB, SC, 21 Apr 1942; Key Field, Miss, 24 May 1942; MacDill Field,
Fla, 27 Jun 1942‐10 Oct 1943.

Commanders. Col Robert D Knapp, 9 Feb 1942; Col William L Lee, 26 Apr
1942; Lt Col Jolin F Batjer, 13 Aug 1942; Col Carl R Storrie, 5 Oct 1942; Col
Guy L McNeil, 7 Nov 1942; Col Don Z Ziminerman, 19 Apr 1943; Lt Col L F
Brownfield, 6 June 1943; Col Richard T Coiner Jr, 6 Julio Oct 1943.

Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Per fess nebule azure and or, three drop bombs, two
and one, counterchanged. Motto: Alis Et Animo ‐ With Wings and Courage.
(Approved 26 Nov 1942.)

21st Fighter Group

Constituted as 21st Fighter Group on 31 Mar 1944. Activated in Hawaii on
21 Apr 1944. Assigned to Seventh AF and served as part of the defense force
for the Hawaiian Islands. Equipped first with P‐39, later with P‐38, and
still later (Jan 1945) with P‐51 aircraft. Moved to Iwo Jima, Feb‐Mar 1945.
Sustained some casualties when Japanese troops attacked the group's camp on
the night of 26/27 Mar 1945, but flew first combat mission the following day,
bombing and strafing airfields on Haha Jima. Flew its first mission to Japan
on 7 Apr, being awarded a DUC for escorting B‐29's that struck the
heavily‐defended Nakajima aircraft factory near Tokyo. Operations from Iwo
Jima included attacking airfields that the enemy was using to launch suicide
planes against the Allied forces on Okinawa; striking enemy barracks,
airfields, and shipping in the Bonins and Japan; and escorting B‐29's that
bombed Japanese cities. Assigned to Twentieth AF during the summer of 1945.
Trained, participated in aerial reviews, and served as a part of the defense
force for Iwo Jima, Saipan, and Guam after the war. Re‐equipped with P‐47's
during the summer of 1946. Inactivated on Guam on 10 Oct 1946.

Redesignated 21st Fighter‐Bomber Group. Activated in the US on 1 Jan
1953. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Equipped for a few months with
F‐51's, later with F‐86's. Moved to France, Nov‐Dec 1954, and assigned to
United States Air Forces in Europe.

Squadrons. 46th: 1944‐1946. 72d: 1944‐1946; 1953‐. 416th: 1953‐.
531st: 1944‐1946; 1953‐.

Stations. Wheeler Field, TH, 21 Apr 1944; Mokuleia Field, TH, 13 Oct
1944‐9 Feb 1945; Central Field, Iwo Jima, 26 Mar 1945; South Field, Iwo Jima,
16 Jul 1945; Isley Field, Saipan, Dec 1945; Northwest Field, Guam, 17 Apr‐10
Oct 1946. George AFB, Calif, 1 Jan 1953‐26 Nov 1954; Chambley AB, France, 13
Dec 1954‐.

Commanders. Col Kenneth R Powell, 21 Apr 1944; Col Charles E Taylor, 14
Jun 1945; Lt Col Charles E Parsons, 15 Oct 1945; Col William Eades, 25 Nov
1945; Col Lester S Harris, Feb‐10 Oct 1946. Col Paul P Douglas Jr, 1 Jan
1953; Col Verl D Luehring, 26 Apr 1954; Col R C Franklin Jr, 27 Apr 1955; Lt
Col Ira M Sussky, 6 May 1955; Col R C Franklin Jr, 1 Aug 1955‐.

Campaigns. Air Offensive, Japan.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Japan, 7 Apr 1945.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, a broad sword argent, shaded silver, hilt and
pommel or, shaded yellow, outlined of the field, between four red lightning
streaks proper, two and two, bendwise. Motto: Fortitudo Et Preparatio ‐
Strength and Preparedness. (Approved 23 Jul 1957.)

To Part 3