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$Unique_ID{USH00397}
$Pretitle{56}
$Title{Air Force Combat Units of World War II
11th Photographic Group - 17th Bombardment Group}
$Subtitle{}
$Author{Maurer, Maurer}
$Affiliation{USAF}
$Subject{col
group
nov
lt
apr
jun
field
jan
dec
jul}
$Volume{}
$Date{1986}
$Log{}
Book: Air Force Combat Units of World War II
Author: Maurer, Maurer
Affiliation: USAF
Date: 1986
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.)