7th Bombardment Group

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.)

8th Reconnaissance Group

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.

10th Troop Carrier Group

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.)

2d Transport Squadron

2d Transport Squadron

Lineage. Constituted 2d Provisional Transport Squadron on 1 Mar 1935. Redesignated 2d Transport Squadron, and activated, on 28 Jun 1935. Redesignated 2d Troop Carrier Squadron on 4 Jul 1942. Inactivated on 24 Dec 1945. Redesignated 2d Airlift Squadron, and activated, on 1 Jun 1992.

Assignments. Middletown Air Depot, PA, 28 Jun 1935; 10th Transport (later, 10th Troop Carrier) Group, 20 May 1937; Tenth Air Force, c. 17 Feb 1943 (attached to India-China Wing, Air Transport Command, 9 Mar-1 Jul 1943); Assam Air Base Command, c. 1 Jul 1943 (attached to Troop Carrier Command, Eastern Air Command, 20 Dec 1943-6 Mar 1944); 443d Troop Carrier Group, 6 Mar 1944-24 Dec 1945. 23d Operations Group, 1 Jun 1992-.

Squadrons. Olmsted Field, PA, 28 Jun 1935; Stout Field, IN, 21 May 1942; Kellogg Field, MI, 1 Jul 1942; Bowman Field, KY, 4 Aug 1942; Pope Field, NC, 1 Oct 1942-23 Jan 1943; Yangkai, China, 17 Feb 1943; Dinjan, India, 1 Jul 1943; Shingbwiyang, Burma, 14 Aug 1944; Dinjan, India, 1 Jun 1945; Chihkiang, China, 24 Aug 1945; Hankow, China, 25 Sep-21 Nov 1945; Camp Anza, CA, 23-24 Dec 1945. Pope AFB, NC, 1 Jun 1992-.

Aircraft. C-27, 1935-1937; C-33, 1936-1939; including C-39 and various civilian and military modifications of DC-3 during period 1939-1941; C-47, 1942-1945; C-46, 1945. C-130, 1992-.

Operations. Trained transport pilots, 21 May-1 Oct 1942; airborne assault on Myitkyina, Burma, 17 May 1944; aerial transportation in CBI, 25 Feb 1943-c. Aug 1945; airlift of Chinese troops to eastern China for disarmament operations, Sep-Nov 1945.

Service Streamers. World War II American Theater.

Campaigns. World War II: India-Burma with Arrowhead; China Defensive; Central Burma; China Offensive.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: China, Burma, and India, [25 Feb]-31 Dec 1943; Burma, 1-29 Feb 1944; China, 5-30 Sep 1945.

Insigne. Upon a disc per bend indented Or and Azure, a Brown spear in fesse, headed Gold, winged Gules. Approved on 5 May 1942 (K 2903).

   

 

308th Bombardment Group

308th Bombardment Group

Constituted as 308th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on 28 Jan 1942. Activated on 15 Apr 1942. Trained with B-24's. Moved to China early in 1943, with the air echelon flying its planes by way of Africa, and the ground echelon traveling by ship across the Pacific. Assigned to Fourteenth AF. Made many trips over the Hump to India to obtain gasoline, oil, bombs, spare parts, and other items the group needed to prepare for and then to sustain its combat operations. The 308th Group supported Chinese ground forces; attacked airfields, coalyards, docks, oil refineries, and fuel dumps in French Indochina; mined rivers and ports; bombed shops and docks at Rangoon; attacked Japanese shipping in the East China Sea, Formosa Strait, South China Sea, and Gulf of Tonkin. Received a DUC for an unescorted bombing attack, conducted through antiaircraft fire and fighter defenses, against docks and warehouses at Hankow on 21 Aug 1943. Received second DUC for interdiction of Japanese shipping during 1944-1945. Maj Horace S Carswell Jr was awarded the Medal of Honor for action on 26 Oct 1944 when, in spite of intense antiaircraft fire, he attacked a Japanese convoy in the South China Sea; his plane was so badly damaged that when he reached land he ordered the crew to bail out; Carswell, however, remained with the plane to try to save one man who could not jump because his parachute had been ripped by flak; before Carswell could attempt a crash landing, the plane struck a mountainside and burned. The group moved to India in Jun 1945. Ferried gasoline and supplies over the Hump. Sailed for the US in Dec 1945. Inactivated on 6 Jan 1946.

Redesignated 308th Reconnaissance Group (Weather). Activated on 17 Oct 1946. Assigned to Air Weather Service and equipped with B-29's. Inactivated on 5 Jan 1951.

Redesignated 308th Bombardment Group (Medium). Activated on 10 Oct 1951. Assigned to Strategic Air Command and equipped with B-29 aircraft. Inactivated on 16 Jun 1952.

Squadrons. 53d: 1946-1947. 59th: 1946-1947. 373d: 1942-1945; 1951-1952. 374th: 1942-1946; 1947-1950; 1951-1952. 375th: 1942-1946; 1951-1952. 425th: 1942-1946. 512th: 1947-1948, 1949. 513th: 1947-1948, 1949-1950.

Stations. Gowen Field, Idaho, 15 Apr 1942; Davis-Monthan Field, Ariz, 20 Jun 1942; Wendover Field, Utah, 1 Oct-28 Nov 1942; Kunming, China, 20 Mar 1943; Hsirching, China, 10 Feb 1945; Rupsi, India, 27 Jun-15 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 5-Jan 1946. Morrison Field, Fla, 17 Oct 1946; Fairfield-Suisun AAFld, Calif, 1 Jul 1947; Tinker AFB, Okla, 10 Nov 1949-5 Jan 1951. Forbes AFB, Kan, 10 Oct 1951; Hunter AFB, Ga, 11 Apr-16 Jun 1952.

Commanders. Capt Harris K McCauley, 11 May 1942; Col Fay R Upthegrove, 5 Jun 1942; Maj Leroy A Rainey, 15 Jul 1942; Col Eugene H Beebe, 16 Sep 1942; Col William P Fisher, c. 3 Nov 1943; Col John G Armstrong, 19 Oct 1944; Col William D Hopson, 1 Jul 1945-unkn. Col Richard E Ellsworth, 17 Oct 1946-unkn; Col Hervey H Whitfield, Apr 1946-unkn. Col George L Newton Jr, 5 Nov 1951; Col Maurice A Preston, 10 May-16 Jun 1952.

Campaigns. India-Burma; China Defensive; New Guinea; Western Pacific; China Offensive.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: China, 21 Aug 1943; East and South China Seas, Straits of Formosa, and Gulf of Tonkin, 24 May 1944-28 Apr 1945.

Insigne Shield: Azure, between a pale argent thereon three pallets gules, on the dexter a star of twelve points white, charged with an annulet azure; on the sinister a thundercloud proper with three lightning flashes or; in chief per chevron, inverted and enhanced sable, three bombs points downward or, between a semee of fifteen stars argent. Motto: Non Sibi, Sed Aliis - Not for Self, But for Others. (Approved 29 Aug 1952.)

1st Air Commando Group

1st Air Commando Group

Constituted as 1st Air Commando Group on 25 Mar 1944 and activated in India on 29 Mar. The group, which began operations immediately, was organized to provide fighter cover, bombardment striking power, and air transportation services for Wingate's Raiders, who were operating behind enemy lines in Burma. The organization consisted of a headquarters plus the following sections: bomber (equipped with B-25's); fighter (P-51's); light-plane (L-1's, L-5's, and helicopters) transport (C-47's); glider (CG-4A's and TG-5's); and light-cargo (UC-64's). The group supported operations in Burma by landing and dropping troops, food, and equipment; evacuating casualties; and attacking airfields and transportation facilities. Received a DUC for operations against the enemy, Mar-May 1944. Withdrew from the front late in May 1944 and, with the bomber section eliminated and the P-51's replaced by P-47's, began a training program. Reorganized later, with the sections being eliminated and with fighter, liaison, and troop carrier squadrons being assigned. Transported Chinese troops and supplies from Burma to China in Dec 1944, and carried out supply, evacuation, and liaison operations for Allied troops in Burma until the end of the war. Attacked bridges, railroads, barges, troop positions, oil wells, and airfields in Burma and escorted bombers to Rangoon and other targets during the early months of 1945. Changed from P-47's to P-51's in May 1945, the fighter squadrons being engaged in training from then until the end of the war. Moved to the US in Oct 1945. Inactivated on 3 Nov 1945. Disbanded on 8 Oct 1948.

Squadrons. 5th Fighter: 1944-1945. 6th Fighter: 1944-1945. 164th Liaison: 1944-1945. 165th Liaison: 1944-1945. 166th Liaison: 1944-1945. 319th Troop Carrier: 1944-1945.

Stations. Hailakandi, India, 29 Mar 1944; Asansol, India, 20 May 1944-6 Oct 1945; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-3 Nov 1945.

Commanders. Col Philip G Cochran, 29 Mar 1944; Col Clinton B Gaty, 20 May 1944; Col Robert W Hall, c. 7 Apr 1945-unkn.

Campaigns. India-Burma; Central Burma.

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: Burma and India, [Mar 1944]-20 May 1944.

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.)

341st Bombardment Group

Constituted as 341st Bombardment Group (Medium) on 14 Aug 1942. Activated in India on 15 Sep 1942. Equipped with B-25's. Entered combat early in 1943 and operated chiefly against enemy transportation in central Burma until 1944. Bombed bridges, locomotives, railroad yards, and other targets to delay movement of supplies to the Japanese troops fighting in northern Burma. Moved to China in Jan 1944. Engaged primarily in sea sweeps and attacks against inland shipping. Also bombed and strafed such targets as trains, harbors, and railroads in French Indochina and the Canton-Hong Kong area of China. Received a DUC for developing and using a special (glip) bombing technique against enemy bridges in French Indochina. Moved to the US in Oct 1945. Inactivated on 2 Nov 1945.

Redesignated 341st Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 27 Dec 1946. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.

Squadrons. 10th: 1947-1949. 11th: 1942-1945. 12th: 1947-1949. 22d: 1942-1945. 490th: 1942-1945; 1947-1949. 491st: 1942-1945; 1947-1949.

Stations. Karachi, India, 15 Sep 1942; Chakulia, India, 30 Dec 1942; Kurmitola, India, Jun 1943; Kunming, China, 7 Jan 1944; Yangkai, China, 13 Dec 1944-unkn; Camp Kilmer, NJ, 1-2 Nov 1945. Westover Field, Mass, 27 Dec 1946-27 Jun 1949.

Commanders. Col Torgils G Wold, 15 Sep 1942; Col James A Philpott, 21 Sep 1943; Col Torgils G Wold, 2 Nov 1943; Col Morris F Taber, 23 Nov 1943; Col Joseph B Wells, 11 Apr 1944; Col Donald L Clark, c. 1 Dec 1944; Col James W Newsome, 16 Apr 1945-unkn.

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

Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation: French Indochina, 11 Dec 1944-12 Mar 1945.

Insigne Shield: Per fess nebuly azure and argent a semee of stars in chief of the last, over all in pale a sheathed sword proper (white, silver gray shading and deep gray outlines), the rim of the sheath and winged hilt and pommel or (outline and detail deep gray); the blade entwined with a girdle of the last; the sword point downward between two bolts of lightning radiating upward gules; over all, in base a branch of olive vert, detail vein lin or. Motto: Pax Orbis Per Arma Aeria - World Peace through Air Strength. (Approved 5 Jun 1957.)

 

   

   

 

11th Bombardment Group

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.)

Pacific Theater Operations - 5AF

The Fifth Air Force (5 AF) is a numbered air force of the United States Air Force Pacific Air Forces (PACAF). It is headquartered at Yokota Air Base, Japan. It is the U.S. Air Force's oldest continuously serving Numbered Air Force. The organization has provided 80 years of continuous air power to the Pacific since its establishment in September 1941.

Fifth Air Force is the Headquarters Pacific Air Forces forward element in Japan, and maximizes partnership capabilities and promotes bilateral defense cooperation. In addition, 5 AF is the air component to United States Forces Japan.

Its mission is three-fold. First, it plans, conducts, controls, and coordinates air operations assigned by the PACAF Commander. Fifth Air Force maintains a level of readiness necessary for successful completion of directed military operations. And last, but certainly not least, Fifth Air Force assists in the mutual defense of Japan and enhances regional stability by planning, exercising, and executing joint air operations in partnership with Japan. To achieve this mission, Fifth Air Force maintains its deterrent force posture to protect both U.S. and Japanese interests, and conducts appropriate air operations should deterrence fail.

History

Fourteen Boeing B-17 Flying Fortresses that survived the Battle of the Philippines left Mindanao for Darwin, Australia, between 17 and 20 December 1941, the only aircraft of the Far East Air Force to escape. After its evacuation from the Philippines on 24 December 1941, FEAF headquarters moved to Australia and was reorganized and redesignated 5 Air Force on 5 February 1942, with most of its combat aircraft based on fields on Java. It seemed at the time that the Japanese were advancing just about everywhere. The remaining heavy bombers of the 19th Bombardment Group, based at Malang on Java, flew missions against the Japanese in an attempt to stop their advance. They were joined in January and February, two or three at a time, by 37 B-17Es and 12 LB-30s of the 7th Bombardment Group. The small force of bombers, never numbering more than 20 operational at any time, could do little to prevent the invasion of the Netherlands East Indies, launching valiant but futile attacks against the masses of Japanese shipping, with six lost in combat, six in accidents, and 26 destroyed on the ground.

The 7th Bombardment Group was withdrawn to India in March 1942, leaving the 19th to carry on as the only B-17 Fortress-equipped group in the South Pacific. About this time it was decided that replacement B-17s would not be sent to the southwest Pacific, but be sent exclusively to the Eighth Air Force which was building up in England. By May, Fifth Air Force's surviving personnel and aircraft were detached to other commands and the headquarters remained unmanned for several months, but elements played a small part in the Battle of the Coral Sea (7–8 May 1942) when the 435th Bomb Squadron of the 19th Bomb Group saw the Japanese fleet gathering in Rabaul area nearly two weeks before the battle actually took place. Because of the reconnaissance activity of the 435th Bomb Squadron, the US Navy was prepared to cope adequately with the situation. The squadron was commended by the US Navy for its valuable assistance not only for its excellent reconnaissance work but for the part played in the battle.

Headquarters Fifth Air Force was re-staffed at Brisbane, Australia on 18 September 1942 and placed under the command of Major General George Kenney. United States Army Air Forces units in Australia, including Fifth Air Force, were eventually reinforced and re-organised following their initial defeats in the Philippines and the East Indies. At the time that Kenney had arrived, Fifth Air Force was equipped with three fighter groups and five bombardment groups.

Fighter Groups:

8th FG (P-39) Townsville, Australia

35th FG (P-40) Port Moresby, New Guinea

49th FG (P-40) Darwin, Australia

Bomber Groups:

3rd BG (B-25, A-20, & A-24) Charters Towers, Australia

19th BG (Non-Operational. Battle scarred from Philippines & Java) Mareeba, Australia

22nd BG (B-26) Woodstock, Australia

38th BG (B-25) Charters Towers, Australia

43rd BG (B-17 until 1943; B-24 1943–1945) Port Moresby, New Guinea

In addition, Fifth Air Force controlled two transport squadrons and one photographic squadron comprising 1,602 officers and 18,116 men.

Kenney was later appointed commander of Allied air forces in the South West Pacific Area, reporting directly to General Douglas MacArthur. Under Kenney's leadership, the Fifth Air Force and Royal Australian Air Force provided the aerial spearhead for MacArthur's island hopping campaign.

US Far East Air Forces

On 4 November 1942, the Fifth Air Force commenced sustained action against the Japanese in Papua New Guinea and was a key component of the New Guinea campaign (1942–1945). Fifth Air Force engaged the Japanese again in the Philippines campaign (1944–45) as well as in the Battle of Okinawa (1945).

Fifth Air Force along with Thirteenth Air Force in the Central Pacific and Seventh Air Force in Hawaii were assigned to the newly created United States Far East Air Forces (FEAF) on 3 August 1944. FEAF was subordinate to the U.S. Army Forces Far East and served as the headquarters of Allied Air Forces Southwest Pacific Area. By 1945, the three numbered air forces were supporting operations throughout the Pacific. FEAF was the functional equivalent in the Pacific of the United States Strategic Air Forces (USSTAF) in the European Theater of Operations.

Order of battle, 1945

5AF Order of battle, 1945

V Fighter Command	Night Fighter Units	V Bomber Command	Photo Reconnaissance	54th Troop Carrier Wing
3d ACG (P-51, C-47)	418th NFS	3d BG (L) (B-25, A-20)	6th RG (F-5, F-7)	2d CCG
8th FG (P-40, P-38)	421st NFS	22d BG (M/H) (B-26 – B-24)	71st RG (B-25)	317th TCG
35th FG (P-47, P-51)	547th NFS	38th BG (M) (B-25)		374th TCG (1943 only)
49th FG (P-40, P-47, P-38)		43d BG (H) (B-24)		375th TCG
58th FG (P-47)		90th BG (H) (B-24)		433d TCG
348th FG (P-47, P-51)		312th BG (L) (A-20)
475th FG (P-38)		345th BG (M) (B-25)
		380th BG (H) (B-24)
		417th BG (L) (A-20)

LEGEND: ACG – Air Commando Group, FG – Fighter Group, NFS – Night Fighter Squadron, BG (L) – Light Bomb Group, BG (M) – Medium Bomb Group, BG (H) – Heavy Bomb Group, RG – Reconnaissance Group, CCG – Combat Cargo Group, TCG – Troop Carrier Group

When the war ended, Fifth Air Force had an unmatched record of 3,445 aerial victories, led by the nation's two top fighter aces Major Richard Bong and Major Thomas McGuire, with 40 and 38 confirmed victories respectively, and two of Fifth Air Force's ten Medal of Honor recipients.

Shortly after World War II ended in August, Fifth Air Force relocated to Irumagawa Air Base, Japan, about 25 September 1945 as part of the Allied occupation forces. The command remained in Japan until 1 December 1950 performing occupation duties.

Korean War

In 1950, Fifth Air Force was called upon again, becoming the main United Nations Command combat air command during the Korean War, and assisted in bringing about the Korean Armistice Agreement that formally ended the war in 1953.

In the early morning hours of 25 June, North Korea launched a sudden, all-out attack against the south. Reacting quickly to the invasion, Fifth Air Force units provided air cover over the skies of Seoul. The command transferred to Seoul on 1 December 1950, remaining in South Korea until 1 September 1954.

In this first Jet War, units assigned to the Fifth Air Force racked up an unprecedented 14.5 to 1 victory ratio. By the time the truce was signed in 1953, Fifth Air Force had flown over 625,000 missions, downing 953 North Korean and Chinese aircraft, while close air support accounted for 47 percent of all enemy troop casualties.

Thirty-eight fighter pilots were identified as aces, including Lieutenant Colonel James Jabara, America's first jet ace; and Captain Joseph McConnell, the leading Korean War ace with 16 confirmed victories. Additionally, four Medals of Honor were awarded to Fifth Air Force members. One other pilot of note was Marine Major John Glenn, who flew for Fifth Air Force as part of an exchange program.

With the end of combat in Korea, Fifth Air Force returned to normal peacetime readiness Japan in 1954.

Cold War

Not only concerned with maintaining a strong tactical posture for the defense of both Japan and South Korea, Fifth Air Force played a critical role in helping the establishment of the Japan Air Self-Defense Force as well as the Republic of Korea Air Force. These and other peacetime efforts lasted a decade before war clouds once again developed in the Pacific.

This time, the area of concern was Southeast Asia, beginning in 1964 with the Gulf of Tonkin Crisis. Fifth Air Force furnished aircraft, aircrews, Support personnel, and supplies throughout the eight years of combat operations in South Vietnam and Laos. Since 1972, the Pacific has seen relative calm, but that doesn't mean Fifth Air Force hasn't been active in other roles. The command has played active or supporting roles in a variety of issues ranging from being first on the scene at the Korean Air Lines Flight 007 shoot down in 1983 to deploying personnel and supplies for the Persian Gulf War in 1990.

During this time span, the size of Fifth Air Force changed as well. With the activation of Seventh Air Force in 1986, fifth left the Korean Peninsula and focused its energy on continuing the growing bilateral relationship with Japan.

The Fifth Air Force's efforts also go beyond combat operations. Fifth Air force has reacted to natural disasters in Japan and abroad. These efforts include the Great Hanshin earthquake in 1995 and Super Typhoon Paka which hit Guam in 1997. Fifth Air Force has reached out to provide assistance to victims of floods, typhoons, volcanoes, and earthquakes throughout the region.

The 432d Tactical Fighter Wing flew F-16s from Misawa Air Base from July 1, 1984 – October 31, 1994. On the inactivation of the wing, its personnel, aircraft, and other assets were used to reform the 35th Fighter Wing.

Present Day

Today, according to the organization's website, major components include the 18th Wing, Kadena Air Base, Okinawa Prefecture, Japan; the 35th Fighter Wing at Misawa Air Base, and the 374th Airlift Wing at Yokota Air Base. Kadena AB hosts the 18th Wing, the largest combat wing in the USAF. The Wing includes F-15 fighters, KC-135 refuelers, E-3 Airborne Warning and Control System aircraft, and HH-60G Pave Hawk rescue helicopters, and represents a major combat presence and capability in the Western Pacific. The 35th Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base, Japan, includes two squadrons equipped with the most modern Block 50 F-16 variant, dedicated to the suppression of enemy air defenses. The final formation is the 374th Airlift Wing, at Yokota Air Base, Japan.

According to a 2017 study by two US Navy commanders, in case of a surprise Chinese ballistic missile attack against airbases in Japan, more than 200 U.S. aircraft would be trapped or destroyed on the ground in the first hours of the conflict.

Lineage, assignments, stations, and components

Lineage

Established as Philippine Department Air Force on 16 August 1941

Activated on 20 September 1941

Redesignated: Far East Air Force on 16 November 1941

Redesignated: 5 Air Force on 5 February 1942

Redesignated: Fifth Air Force* on 18 September 1942.

Fifth Air Force is not to be confused with a second "Fifth" air force created as a temporary establishment to handle combat operations after the outbreak of hostilities on 25 June 1950, in Korea. This numbered air force was established as Fifth Air Force, Advance, and organized at Itazuki AB, Japan, assigned to Fifth Air Force, on 14 July 1950. It moved to Taegu AB, South Korea, on 24 July 1950, and was redesignated Fifth Air Force in Korea at the same time. After moving, it apparently received command control from U.S. Far East Air Forces. The establishment operated from Pusan, Taegu, and Seoul before being discontinued on 1 December 1950.

Commands

V Air Force Service: 18 June 1943 – 15 June 1944

V Air Service Area: 9 January 1944 – 15 June 1944

5 Bomber (later, V Bomber): 14 November 1941 – 31 May 1946

V Fighter: 25 August 1942 – 31 May 1946

5 Interceptor: 4 November 1941 – 6 April 1942

Became Army Air Force Infantry unit during Battle of the Philippines (1941–42) (20 December 1941 – 9 April 1942)

Far East Air Service (later, 5 Air Force Base; V Air Force Base): 28 October 1941 – 2 November 1942

Divisions

39th Air Division: 1 September 1954 – 15 January 1968

41st Air Division: 1 September 1954 – 15 January 1968

43d Air Division: 1 September 1954 – 1 October 1957

313th Air Division: 1 March 1955 – 1 October 1991

314th Air Division: 31 May 1946 – 1 March 1950; 1 December 1950 – 18 May 1951; 15 March 1955 – 8 September 1986

315 Air Division (formerly, 315 Composite Wing): 1 June 1946 – 1 March 1950.

Wings

8th Fighter Wing, later 8th Tactical Fighter Wing, 1950s

18th Wing: 1 Oct 1991-.

35th Fighter Wing: 1 Oct 1994-.

51st Fighter Wing: 1955-September 1986

374th Airlift Wing: 1 Apr 1992-.

432d Tactical Fighter Wing, Misawa Air Base, Japan: July 1, 1984 – May 31, 1991; 432d Fighter Wing from June 1, 1991 - October 31, 1994 (wing personnel and assets thereafter used to reactivate 35th Fighter Wing)

6100th Support Wing, Tachikawa Air Base, Japan: "Brigadier General Thomas R. FORD Replaced Col. Lewis B. MENG as commander of 6100th Support Wing effective" 11 June 1962. "6100 Support Wing was Major Air Command control (MAJCON) unit directly subordinate to Headquarters (HQ) 5 Air Force. Contains.. functions of various subordinate elements of 6100 Support Wing (Kanto Base Command)."

Groups

2nd Combat Cargo Group: October 1944-15 January 1946

Assignments

Philippine Department, U.S. Army, 20 September 1941

US Forces in Australia (USFIA), 23 December 1941

Redesignated: US Army Forces in Australia (USAFIA), 5 January 1942

American-British-Dutch-Australian Command (ABDACOM), 23 February 1942

Allied Air Force, Southwest Pacific Area (SWPA), 2 November 1942

Far East Air Forces (Provisional), 15 June 1944

Far East Air Forces, 3 August 1944

Redesignated: Pacific Air Command, United States Army, 6 December 1945

Redesignated: Far East Air Forces, 1 January 1947

Redesignated Pacific Air Forces, 1 July 1957—present

Stations

Nichols Field, Luzon, 20 September 1941

RAAF Base Darwin, Australia, 31 December 1941

Bandoeng, Java, 18 January 1942

Brisbane AAB, Australia,c 1 March 1942

Nadzab Airfield, New Guinea, 15 June 1944

Owi Airfield, Schouten Islands, Netherlands East Indies, 10 August 1944

Bayug Airfield, Leyte, Philippines, c. 20 November 1944

McGuire Field, Mindoro, Philippines, January 1945

Clark Field, Luzon, Philippines, April 1945

Hamasaki (Motobu Airfield), Okinawa, 4 August 1945

Irumagawa AB, Japan, c. 25 September 1945

Tokyo, Japan, 13 January 1946

Nagoya, Japan, 20 May 1946

Seoul AB (K-16), Korea, 1 December 1950

Taegu AB (K-2), Korea, 22 December 1950

Seoul AB (K-16), 15 June 1951

Osan AB, Korea, 25 January 1954

Nagoya AB (later, Nagoya AS; Moriyama AS), Japan, 1 September 1954

Fuchu AS, Japan, 1 July 1957

Yokota AB, Japan, 11 November 1974–present

Pacific Ocean theater of World War II

Pacific Ocean theater of World War II

The Pacific Ocean theater of World War II was a major theater of the Pacific War, the war between the Allies and the Empire of Japan. It was defined by the Allied powers' Pacific Ocean Area command, which included most of the Pacific Ocean and its islands, while mainland Asia was excluded, as were the Philippines, the Dutch East Indies, Borneo, Australia, most of the Territory of New Guinea, and the western part of the Solomon Islands.

It officially came into existence on March 30, 1942, when US Admiral Chester Nimitz was appointed Supreme Allied Commander Pacific Ocean Areas.^[1] In the other major theater in the Pacific region, known as the South West Pacific theatre, Allied forces were commanded by US General Douglas MacArthur. Both Nimitz and MacArthur were overseen by the US Joint Chiefs and the Western Allies Combined Chiefs of Staff (CCoS).

Most Japanese forces in the theater were part of the Combined Fleet (連合艦隊, Rengō Kantai) of the Imperial Japanese Navy (IJN), which was responsible for all Japanese warships, naval aircraft, and marine infantry units. The Rengō Kantai was led by Admiral Isoroku Yamamoto, until he was killed in an attack by U.S. fighter planes in April 1943.^[2] Yamamoto was succeeded by Admiral Mineichi Koga (1943–44)^[2] and Admiral Soemu Toyoda (1944–45).^[3] The General Staff (参謀本部, Sanbō Honbu) of the Imperial Japanese Army (IJA) was responsible for Imperial Japanese Army ground and air units in Southeast Asia and the South Pacific. The IJN and IJA did not formally use joint/combined staff at the operational level, and their command structures/geographical areas of operations overlapped with each other and those of the Allies.

In the Pacific Ocean theater, Japanese forces fought primarily against the United States Navy, the U.S. Army, which had 6 Corps and 21 Divisions, and the U.S. Marine Corps, which had only 6 Divisions. The United Kingdom (British Pacific Fleet), New Zealand, Australia, Canada, and other Allied nations, also contributed forces.

Major campaigns and battles

Pacific Theater

Attack on Pearl Harbor 7 December 1941^[4]

Battle of Wake Island 7–23 December 1941^[5]

Philippines campaign (1941–1942) 8 December 1941 – 8 May 1942

Doolittle Raid 18 April 1942^[4]

Battle of Midway 4–7 June 1942^[4]

Guadalcanal campaign 7 August 1942 to 9 February 1943

Gilbert and Marshall Islands campaign 1943–44

Makin Island raid 17–18 August 1942^[6]

Battle of Tarawa 20 November 1943^[4]

Battle of Makin 20–23 November 1943

Battle of Kwajalein 14 February 1944^[7]

Battle of Eniwetok 17 February 1944^[8]

Attack on Truk Island 17–18 February 1944

Mariana and Palau Islands campaign 1944

Battle of Saipan 15 June 1944^[9]

Battle of the Philippine Sea 19–21 June 1944^[10]

Battle of Guam 21 July 1944^[11]

Battle of Tinian 24 July 1944^[11]

Battle of Peleliu 15 September 1944^[12]

Battle of Angaur 17 September 1944^[12]

Battle of Leyte 17 October 1944

Battle of Luzon 9 January 1945

Battle of Iwo Jima 19 February 1945^[4]

Battle of Okinawa 1 April 1945^[4]

North Pacific Theater

Aleutian Islands Campaign 1942–43

Battle of the Komandorski Islands 26 March 1943^[4]