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|image=Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 97th Air Mobility Wing (97th AMW) (15566186388).jpg
|image=Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker 97th Air Mobility Wing (97th AMW) (15566186388).jpg
|image_size=300
|image_size=300
|caption=[[97th Air Mobility Wing]] [[KC-135 Stratotanker]]{{efn|Aircraft is Boeing KC-135A-BN, serial 60-0351, converted to KC-135R-BN. {{cite web |url= http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1960.html |last1=Baugher|first1=Joe |title=1960 USAF Serial Numbers|date=June 11, 2023|publisher=Joe Baugher|access-date=June 20, 2023}}}}
|caption=[[97th Air Mobility Wing]] [[KC-135 Stratotanker]]
|dates=1943–1945; 1950–1954; 1955–1963; 1994–2009
|dates=1943–1945; 1950–1954; 1955–1963; 1994–2009
|country={{USA}}
|country={{USA}}
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|role=[[Air refueling]]
|role=[[Air refueling]]
|size=
|size=
|command_structure=[[Air Education and Training Command]]
|command_structure=
|current_commander=
|current_commander=
|garrison=
|garrison=
|ceremonial_chief=
|ceremonial_chief=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|nickname=
|nickname= [[Monkeys]]{{citation needed|date=December 2017}}
|patron=
|patron=
|motto=Masters of the Art<ref name=55AREFSfacts>{{cite web |url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9677 |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 31 Fighter Wing (USAFE)|date=September 24, 2008|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|deadurl=no |accessdate=December 22, 2017}}</ref>
|motto=Masters of the Art<ref name=55AREFSfacts>{{cite web|url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433633/55-air-refueling-squadron/ |title=Factsheet 55 Air Refueling Squadron|date=March 7, 2008|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=June 1, 2019}}</ref>
|colors=
|colors=
|march=
|march=
|mascot=
|mascot=
|battles=[[European Theater of Operations]]<ref name=55AREFSfacts/>
|battles=[[European Theater of Operations]]
|notable_commanders=
|notable_commanders=
|anniversaries=
|anniversaries=
|decorations=[[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]]<ref name=55AREFSfacts/>
|decorations=[[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]]
|battle_honours=
|battle_honours=
<!-- Insignia -->
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=[[File:55th Air Refueling Squadron.jpg|165px]]
|identification_symbol=[[File:55th Air Refueling Squadron.jpg|165px]]
|identification_symbol_label=55th Air Refueling Squadron emblem <small>(approved 13 April 1995)</small><ref name=55AREFSfacts/>
|identification_symbol_label=55th Air Refueling Squadron emblem{{efn|Approved 13 April 1995.}}<ref name=55AREFSfacts/>
|identification_symbol_2=[[File:755th Bombardment Squadron - Emblem.png|165px]]
|identification_symbol_2=[[File:755th Bombardment Squadron - Emblem.png|165px]]
|identification_symbol_2_label=Patch with 755th Bombardment Squadron emblem <small>(approved 20 March 1945)</small><ref name=Maurer755BS>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', pp. 737-738</ref>
|identification_symbol_2_label=Patch with 755th Bombardment Squadron emblem{{efn|Approved 20 March 1945. Description: On a light turquoise blue disc, within a border of six segments, alternative red and white, a caricatured, nonchalant, camouflaged, B-24 aircraft standing [[attitude (heraldry)#Positions indicating direction|affronte]], on a white cloud formation in [[escutcheon (heraldry)|base]] and resting right wing tip on nose of upturned, red aerial bomb.}}<ref name=Maurer755BS>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', pp. 737-738</ref>
|identification_symbol_3=<big>'''J3'''</big>
|identification_symbol_3_label=World War II fuselage code<ref>Watkins, pp. 101-102</ref>
}}
}}


The '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''' was a part of the [[97th Air Mobility Wing]] at [[Altus Air Force Base]], Oklahoma. It formerly operated both the Combat Crew Training School and Central Flight Instructor Course for [[Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker]] aircrew qualification training.
The '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''' is an inactive [[United States Air Force]] unit. It formerly operated both the combat crew training school and central flight instructor course for [[Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker]] at [[Altus Air Force Base]], Oklahoma.


The [[squadron (aviation)|squadron]]'s first predecessor was the '''755th Bombardment Squadron''', which was first activated in July 1943. After training with [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]] heavy bombers in the United States, it deployed to the [[European Theater of Operations]], where it participated in the [[strategic bombing during World War II#US bombing in Europe|strategic bombing campaign]] against Germany. Following [[V-E Day]], the squadron returned to the United States, where it began training with [[Boeing B-29 Superfortress]]es, but was inactivated in October 1945.
==Mission==

The squadron's mission is training of [[active duty]], [[Air National Guard|guard]], [[Air Force Reserve Command|reserve]], and international KC-135 crew members.<ref name="55 ARS Fact Sheet">[http://www.altus.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4935 55 ARS Fact Sheet]</ref>
The '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''' was activated in 1950 as a [[Boeing KB-29]] [[air refueling]] unit. It flew these early tankers until inactivating in 1954. The squadron was again activated in 1955 with [[Boeing KC-97]] tankers, primarily supporting the [[Boeing B-47 Stratojet]]s of the [[55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing]]. It was again inactivated in 1963. The squadron was activated in the training role at Altus in 1994, continuing its mission until inactivating in 2009.


==History==
==History==
===World War II===
===World War II===
====Training in the United States====
⚫
[[File:755th Bombardment Squadron - B-24 Liberator.jpg|thumb|B-24 Liberator taking off from RAF Horsham St Faith<ref group=note>Aircraft is Consolidated B-24H-10-DT Liberator serial 41-28678. This aircraft was lost due to mechanical failure on the 22 March 1944 mission to bomb the [[BMW]] engine factory at [[Basdorf]] outside Berlin, Germany. Eight of the crew became [[POW]]s and one was killed because he did not have the right type of harness for his parachute and went down with the plane.</ref>]]
The [[squadron (aviation)|squadron]]'s first predecessor, the '''755th Bombardment Squadron''' was activated at [[Wendover Field]], Utah on 1 July 1943 as one of the four original squadrons of the [[458th Bombardment Group]]. Before the month ended, the squadron moved to [[Gowen Field]], Idaho, drawing its initial [[cadre (military)|cadre]] from the [[411th Bombardment Squadron]]. The air echelon of the squadron's cadre immediately departed for [[Orlando Army Air Base]], where they spent the next two months participating in specialized tactical training. In September 1943, the air and ground echelons of the squadron were united at [[Kearns Army Air Base]], Utah before proceeding to Wendover to begin the first phase of training with the [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]].<ref name=55AREFSfacts/><ref name=training>{{cite web |url= https://www.458bg.com/training-1943 |title=Operations: Training, July - December 1943|publisher=458th Bombardment Group|access-date=June 4, 2019}}</ref>
The first predecessor of the unit, the '''755th Bombardment Squadron''' was activated on 1 July 1943, at [[Wendover Field]], Utah. Beginning in 1944, the 755th was stationed at [[RAF Horsham St Faith]], Norfolk, England. During 1944 and 1945, the 755th flew [[Consolidated B-24 Liberator]] combat missions in the [[European Theater of Operations]] earning seven campaign streamers and the distinction of being the test squadron for the [[Army Air Force]]s' first [[guided bomb]] project.<ref name="55 ARS Fact Sheet"/>

At Wendover, most of the initial combat crews were assigned to the squadron.<ref name=training/> By the end of the year, the squadron completed its training and began moving to the [[European Theater of Operations]].<ref name=Maurer755BS/><ref name=Maurer458BG>Maurer, ''Combat Groups'', p. 333</ref> The ground echelon departed its final training base, [[Tonopah Army Air Field]], Nevada, for the port of embarkation on 29 December 1943, sailing for England on the {{USS|Florence Nightingale (AP-70)}}. The air echelon assembled at [[Hamilton Army Airfield|Hamilton Field]], then ferried its Liberators to England via the southern ferry route.<ref name=training/><ref name=Freeman259>Freeman, p. 259</ref>

====Combat in Europe====
⚫
[[File:755th Bombardment Squadron - B-24 Liberator.jpg|thumb|Squadron B-24 Liberator taking off from RAF Horsham St Faith{{efn|Aircraft is [[Douglas Aircraft]] built Consolidated B-24H-10-DT Liberator, serial 41-28678, J3-M. This aircraft was lost due to mechanical failure on 22 March 1944 mission to bomb the [[BMW]] engine factory at [[Basdorf]]. Eight of the crew became [[Prisoners of War]] and one was killed. {{cite web |url= http://www.joebaugher.com/usaf_serials/1941_4.html |last1=Baugher|first1=Joe |title=1941 USAF Serial Numbers|date=April 18, 2023|publisher=Joe Baugher|access-date=June 20, 2023}} Missing Air Crew Report 3555.}}]]
The squadron arrived at its combat station, [[RAF Horsham St. Faith]] on 1 February 1944, although the last bombers of the 458th Group did not arrive until 16 February.<ref name=Maurer755BS/><ref name=Freeman259/> It entered the [[strategic bombing during World War II#US bombing in Europe|strategic bombing campaign against Germany]] during [[Big Week]], but its first missions, flown on 24 and 25 February 1944, were diversionary missions, not strikes against the German aircraft manufacturing industry. On 2 March it began flying strategic bombardment missions. Its targets included an aircraft manufacturing plant at [[Brandenburg an der Havel]], an airfield near [[Braunschweig]], a fuel depot at [[Dulmen]], oil refineries near [[Hamburg]], marshalling yards at [[Hamm, North Rhine-Westphalia|Hamm]], an aircraft engine manufacturing factory at [[Magdeburg]], the shipping canal at [[Minden]], aircraft factories at [[Oschersleben]] and the industrial area of [[Saarbrücken]].<ref name=Maurer458BG/>

The squadron was occasionally diverted from the strategic bombing campaign to conduct [[air interdiction]] and [[close air support]] missions. It helped prepare for [[Operation Overlord]], the invasion of Normandy, by striking [[artillery battery|artillery batteries]], [[V-1 flying bomb]] and [[V-2 rocket]] launching sites, and [[military air base|airfields]] in France. On [[D-Day]], it attacked [[coastal defence and fortification|coastal defenses]] to support the amphibious landings. Afterward, it attacked [[lines of communication]] to prevent the movement of enemy personnel and materiel from reaching the battlefield. It attacked enemy troops during [[Operation Cobra]], the breakout from the beachhead through [[Saint Lo]], in late July. It also flew support missions during the [[Battle of the Bulge]] in December 1944 and January 1945 and during [[Operation Varsity]], the airborne attacks across the [[Rhine]], in April 1945. In addition, The squadron stopped its bombing during September 1944 to transport gasoline to airfields in France to supply [[Third Army (United States)|Third Army]], which had outrun its supply lines (called Operation Truckin'). These supply flights were not considered combat missions.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.458bg.com/truckin.htm |title=Operations: Truckin'|publisher=458th Bombardment Group|access-date=June 5, 2019}}</ref> The squadron flew its last combat mission on 24 April 1945.<ref name=Maurer458BG/>

The 755th also had the distinction of being the test squadron for the [[Army Air Forces]]' first [[guided bomb]] project.<ref name=Altusfacts/> In May 1944, ten modified B-24s capable of launching [[Azon]] bombs were delivered to the 458th Group. On 31 May 1944, the squadron conducted a raid against several bridges in Normandy, the first use of the Azon bombs in combat.<ref>Freeman, p. 146</ref>

====Return and inactivation====
During May 1945, the squadron flew "Trolley" missions. These missions transported ground personnel of the unit over target areas on the continent to permit them to see the results of their contributions to the squadron mission.<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.458bg.com/trolley-missions |title=Operations: Trolley Missions|publisher=458th Bombardment Group|access-date=June 5, 2019}}</ref> The squadron returned to the United States in June 1945, with aircraft beginning to depart for [[Bradley Air National Guard Base|Bradley Field]], Connecticut on 14 June. The ground echelon sailed on the {{RMS|Queen Mary}} on 6 July.<ref name=Freeman259/> The squadron assembled at [[Sioux Falls Army Air Field]], South Dakota in July.<ref name=55AREFSfacts/> At Sioux Falls, all personnel who had not been discharged were transferred to other units.<ref name=JunSep45>{{cite web |url= https://www.458bg.com/june-september-1945 |title=Operations: Group History June-September 1945|publisher=458th Bombardment Group|access-date=June 5, 2019}}</ref>

The squadron reformed at [[Walker Army Air Field]], Kansas, moving to [[March Field]], California in August, once the group had achieved 20% manning. At March, it trained with the [[Boeing B-29 Superfortress]] very heavy bomber, but never approached authorized manning. It was inactivated there in October 1945.<ref name=Maurer755BS/><ref name=Maurer458BG/><ref name=JunSep45/>


===Air refueling operations===
===Air refueling operations===
====Initial activation====
⚫
The squadron's second predecessor, the '''55th Air Refuyeling Squadron''' was activated on 1 November 1950. It was originally equipped with [[Boeing KB-29]] tankers and was assigned to the [[55th Strategic Reconnaissance Group]] at [[Ramey Air Force Base]], Puerto Rico. On 10 October 1952, the squadron moved to [[Forbes Air Force Base]], Kansas, as part of the [[55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing]]. Two years later, on 16 February 1954, the squadron moved to [[Lincoln Air Force Base]], Nebraska, where it was inactivated two days later.<ref name="55 ARS Fact Sheet"/>
[[File:Boeing KB-29M (8251884965).jpg|thumb|Boeing KB-29 as flown by the squadron]]
⚫
The squadron's second predecessor, the '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''', was activated on 1 November 1950. It was originally equipped with [[Boeing KB-29]] tankers and was assigned to the [[55th Strategic Reconnaissance Group]] at [[Ramey Air Force Base]], Puerto Rico. On 10 October 1952, the squadron moved to [[Forbes Air Force Base]], Kansas as part of the [[55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing]]. Two years later, on 16 February 1954, the squadron moved to [[Lincoln Air Force Base]], Nebraska, where it was inactivated two days later,<ref name=Altusfacts/> as its personnel and equipment were transferred to the [[98th Air Refueling Squadron]], which was simultaneously activated.


====KC-97 era====
⚫
The 55th Air Refueling Squadron was again reactivated on 1 October 1955, and assigned to the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, and was equipped with [[Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker]] aircraft. First introduced into the Air Force inventory in 1951, the tanker could fly fast enough to refuel the [[Boeing B-47 Stratojet]] bomber, thus providing the Air Force with an intercontinental strike capability.<ref name="55 ARS Fact Sheet"/>
[[File:Boeing KC-97G Stratofreighter 53-0172 100 ARS 1964.jpg|thumb|Boeing KC-97s as flown by the squadron]]
⚫
The 55th Air Refueling Squadron was again activated on 1 October 1955, and assigned to the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Forbes Air Force Base. It was equipped with [[Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter]] aircraft. First introduced into the Air Force inventory in 1951, the tanker could fly fast enough to refuel the [[Boeing B-47 Stratojet]] bomber, thus providing the Air Force with an intercontinental strike capability.<ref name=Altusfacts/>


The squadron deployed to [[Ernest Harmon Air Force Base]], Newfoundland, from 31 October through 27 December 1956 in response to the [[Suez Crisis]]. During this period, the squadron participated in giant simulated combat missions involving 1,000 B-47s and KC-97s, demonstrating the United States' resolve and intercontinental war fighting capability. The deployment was instrumental in the squadron winning an [[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]] for the period July 1956 to November 1957. During the 1959 [[Strategic Air Command]] bombing competition, the largest held to date, the 55th again demonstrated its combat readiness by winning the Saunders Trophy as the best air refueling unit in Strategic Air Command. The squadron was inactivated again in 1963.<ref name="55 ARS Fact Sheet"/>
The squadron deployed to [[Ernest Harmon Air Force Base]], Newfoundland, from 31 October through 27 December 1956 in response to the [[Suez Crisis]]. During this period, the squadron participated in giant simulated combat missions involving 1,000 B-47s and KC-97s, demonstrating the United States' resolve and intercontinental war fighting capability. The deployment was instrumental in the squadron winning an [[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]] for the period July 1956 to November 1957. During the 1959 [[Strategic Air Command]] bombing competition, the largest held to date, the 55th again demonstrated its combat readiness by winning the Saunders Trophy as the best air refueling unit in Strategic Air Command. The squadron was inactivated again in 1963.<ref name=Altusfacts/>


====Tanker training====
On 28 October 1994, the 55th Air Refueling Squadron was activated as part of the [[97th Air Mobility Wing]] at [[Altus Air Force Base]], Oklahoma. The 55th Air Refueling Squadron, along with the [[54th Air Refueling Squadron]], were once the only two [[Air Education and Training Command]] [[Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker]] flying training squadrons. Both squadrons provided KC-135R initial and advanced flight qualification. On 31 March 2009, the 55th Air Refueling Squadron was inactivated,<ref name="55 ARS Fact Sheet"/> leaving the 54 ARS as the lone remaining AETC KC-135 unit.
On 28 October 1994, the 55th was activated as part of the [[97th Air Mobility Wing]] at [[Altus Air Force Base]], Oklahoma. The squadron's mission was training [[active duty]], [[Air National Guard]], [[military reserve force|reserve]], and international KC-135 crewmembers.<ref name=Altusfacts>{{cite web|url= http://www.altus.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4935 |title=Library: Fact Sheet 55th Air Refueling Squadron|date=29 July 2008|publisher=97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs|url-status=dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20131029192930/http://www.altus.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4935 |archive-date=29 October 2013|access-date=22 December 2017}}</ref> The 55th Air Refueling Squadron, along with the [[54th Air Refueling Squadron]], were once the only two [[Air Education and Training Command]] [[Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker]] flying training squadrons. Both squadrons provided KC-135R initial and advanced flight qualification.<ref name=Altusfacts/> On 1 April 2009, the 55th Air Refueling Squadron was inactivated, leaving the 54th as the lone remaining KC-135 training unit.<ref name=97AREFWfacts2>''See'' Robertson, AFHRA Factsheet 97 Operations Group (dates of assignment to 97th Group).</ref>


==Lineage==
==Lineage==
Line 61: Line 84:
: Redesignated '''755th Bombardment Squadron''', Very Heavy on 5 August 1945
: Redesignated '''755th Bombardment Squadron''', Very Heavy on 5 August 1945
: Inactivated on 17 Oct 1945
: Inactivated on 17 Oct 1945
* Consolidated with the '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''' on 19 September 1985<ref name=55AREFSfacts/>
* Consolidated with the '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''' as the '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''' on 19 September 1985<ref name=55AREFSfacts/>


; 55th Air Refueling Squadron
; 55th Air Refueling Squadron
Line 69: Line 92:
* Activated on 1 October 1955
* Activated on 1 October 1955
: Discontinued and inactivated on 15 March 1963
: Discontinued and inactivated on 15 March 1963
* Consolidated with the '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''' and redesignated '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''', Heavy on 19 September 1985
* Consolidated with the '''755th Bombasrdment Squadron''' and redesignated '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''', Heavy on 19 September 1985
* Redesignated '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''' on 31 May 1994
* Redesignated '''55th Air Refueling Squadron''' on 31 May 1994
: Activated on 28 October 1994<ref name=55AREFSfacts/>
: Activated on 28 October 1994<ref name=55AREFSfacts/>
: Inactivated 1 April 2009<ref name=97AREFWfacts2/>


===Assignments===
===Assignments===
* [[458th Bombardment Group]], 1 July 1943 – 17 October 1945
* 458th Bombardment Group, 1 July 1943 – 17 October 1945
* 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Group, 1 November 1950 (attached to [[55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing]] after 8 Jan 1951)
* 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Group, 1 November 1950 (attached to 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing after 8 January 1951)
* 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 16 June 1952 – 18 February 1954
* 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 16 June 1952 – 18 February 1954
* 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 1 October 1955 – 15 March 1963 (attached to [[Eighth Air Force]], 31 October–27 December 1956)
* 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 1 October 1955 – 15 March 1963 (attached to [[Eighth Air Force]], 31 October–27 December 1956)
* [[97th Operations Group]], 28 Oct 1994 – 1 April 2009<ref name=55AREFSfacts/><ref name=97AREFWfacts>{{cite web|url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432707/97-operations-group-aetc/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 97 Operations Group (AETC)|date=July 19, 2010|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=June 3, 2019}}</ref>
* [[97th Operations Group]], 28 Oct 1994 – <ref name=55AREFSfacts/>


===Stations===
===Stations===
Line 84: Line 108:
{{col-break}}
{{col-break}}
* Wendover Field, Utah, 1 July 1943
* Wendover Field, Utah, 1 July 1943
* [[Gowen Field]], Idaho, 28 July 1943
* Gowen Field, Idaho, 28 July 1943
* [[Kearns Army Air Base]], Utah, 10 September 1943
* [[Kearns Army Air Base]], Utah, 10 September 1943
* Wendover Field, Utah, 15 September 1943
* Wendover Field, Utah, 15 September 1943
* [[Tonopah Army Air Field]], Nevada, 4 November 1943 – 1 January 1944
* Tonopah Army Air Field, Nevada, 4 November 1943 – 1 January 1944
* RAF Horsham St Faith, England, 1 February 1944 – 3 July 1945
* RAF Horsham St Faith (Station 123),<ref>Station number in Anderson).</ref> England, 1 February 1944 – 3 July 1945
* [[Sioux Falls Army Air Field]], South Dakota, 15 July 1945
* Sioux Falls Army Air Field, South Dakota, 15 July 1945
* [[Walker Army Air Field]], Kansas, 25 July 1945
* [[Walker Army Air Field]], Kansas, 25 July 1945
* [[March Field]], California, 22 August–17 October 1945
* March Field, California, 22 August–17 October 1945
{{col-break}}
{{col-break}}
* Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico, 1 November 1950 – 9 October 1952
* Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico, 1 November 1950 – 9 October 1952
Line 97: Line 121:
* Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska, 16–18 February 1954
* Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska, 16–18 February 1954
* Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, 1 October 1955 – 15 March 1963 (deployed to Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland 31 October–27 December 1956)
* Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas, 1 October 1955 – 15 March 1963 (deployed to Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland 31 October–27 December 1956)
* Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, 28 Oct 1994 – <ref name=55AREFSfacts/>
* Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma, 28 Oct 1994 – 1 April 2009<ref name=55AREFSfacts/><ref name=97AREFWfacts2/>
{{col-end}}
{{col-end}}


==Aircraft Operated==
===Aircraft===

* Consolidated B-24 Liberator (1943–1945)
* Consolidated B-24 Liberator (1943–1945)
* [[Boeing B-29 Superfortress]] (1945)
* Boeing B-29 Superfortress (1945)
* Boeing KB-29 Superfortress (1950–1954)
* Boeing KB-29 Superfortress (1950–1954)
* Boeing KC-97 Stratotanker (1955–1963)
* Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter (1955–1963)
* Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (1994–2009)
* Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (1994–2009)<ref name=55AREFSfacts/><ref name=97AREFWfacts2/>

===Awards and campaigns===
{{unit awards table
|award_image1=AF OUA
|award_name1=[[Air Force Outstanding Unit Award]]
|award_date1=July 1956-November 1957
|award_notes1=55th Air Refueling Squadron<ref name=55AREFSfacts/>
}}

{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Campaign Streamer
! Campaign
! Dates
! Notes
|-
|[[Image:Streamer EAMEC.PNG|200px]]||Air Offensive, Europe||1 February 1944 – 5 June 1944||755th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=Maurer755BS/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer EAMEC.PNG|200px]]||Air Combat, EAME Theater||1 February 1944 – 11 May 1945||755th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=Maurer755BS/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer EAMEC.PNG|200px]]||Normandy||6 June 1944 – 24 July 1944||755th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=Maurer755BS/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer EAMEC.PNG|200px]]||Northern France||25 July 1944 – 14 September 1944||755th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=Maurer755BS/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer EAMEC.PNG|200px]]||Rhineland||15 September 1944 – 21 March 1945||755th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=Maurer755BS/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer EAMEC.PNG|200px]]||Ardennes-Alsace||16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945||755th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=Maurer755BS/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer EAMEC.PNG|200px]]||Central Europe||22 March 1944 – 21 May 1945||755th Bombardment Squadron<ref name=Maurer755BS/>
|}


==References==
==References==

{{Portal|United States Air Force|Military of the United States|World War II}}


===Notes===
===Notes===
; Explanatory notes
; Explanatory notes
{{Notelist}}
{{Reflist|group=note}}


; Citations
; Citsations
{{Reflist|40em}}
{{Reflist|40em}}


===Bibliography===
===Bibliography===
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
* {{cite book|last=Anderson|first=Capt. Barry|title= Army Air Forces Stations: A Guide to the Stations Where U.S. Army Air Forces Personnel Served in the United Kingdom During World War II|url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-081010-027.pdf |year=1985|publisher=Research Division, USAF Historical Research Center|location=Maxwell AFB, AL|url-status= dead|archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20160123155923/http://www.afhra.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-081010-027.pdf |archive-date=January 23, 2016|access-date=June 28, 2017}}
⚫
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Air Force Combat Units of World War II|origyear= 1961|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044.pdf|accessdate= December 17, 2016|edition=reprint|year=1983|publisher= Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-02-1|lccn=61060979|pages=}}
* {{cite book|last=Freeman|first = Roger A. |author-link1=Roger A. Freeman|title=The Mighty Eighth: Units, Men and Machines (A History of the US 8th Army Air Force)|year=1970 |publisher=Macdonald and Company|location=London, England, UK |isbn= 978-0-87938-638-2}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|origyear=1969|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Dec/02/2001329899/-1/-1/0/AFD-101202-002.pdf |edition= reprint|accessdate= December 17, 2016|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402| pages= }}
* {{cite book|last=Ravenstein|first=Charles A.|title=Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947-1977|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330257/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-047.pdf|accessdate= December 17, 2016|year=1984|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-12-9|pages=}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Air Force Combat Units of World War II|orig-year= 1961|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044.pdf|access-date= 17 December 2016|edition=reprint|year=1983|publisher= Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-02-1|lccn=61060979}}
⚫
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II|orig-year=1969|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Dec/02/2001329899/-1/-1/0/AFD-101202-002.pdf |edition= reprint|access-date= 17 December 2016|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402}}

* {{cite book|last=Ravenstein|first=Charles A.|title=Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947-1977|url=https://archive.org/details/airforcecombatwi0000rave|access-date=17 December 2016|year=1984|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-12-9|url-access=registration}}
==External links==
* {{cite book|last=Watkins|first=Robert|title=Battle Colors: Insignia and Markings of the Eighth Air Force In World War II |volume=I (VIII) Bomber Command|year=2008|publisher=Shiffer Publishing Ltd.|location=Atglen, PA|isbn=978-0-7643-1987-7}}


{{USAF Air Education and Training Command}}
{{USAF Air Education and Training Command}}
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{{Strategic Air Command}}
{{Strategic Air Command}}
{{USAF air refueling units}}
{{USAF air refueling units}}
*[http://www.altus.af.mil/library/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=4935 55th Air Refueling Squadron Fact Sheet]


[[Category:Military units and formations in Oklahoma]]
[[Category:Air refueling squadrons of the United States Air Force|055]]
[[Category:Air refueling squadrons of the United States Air Force|055]]

Latest revision as of 12:04, 18 February 2024

55th Air Refueling Squadron
97th Air Mobility Wing KC-135 Stratotanker[a]
Active1943–1945; 1950–1954; 1955–1963; 1994–2009
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleAir refueling
Motto(s)Masters of the Art[1]
EngagementsEuropean Theater of Operations
DecorationsAir Force Outstanding Unit Award
Insignia
55th Air Refueling Squadron emblem[b][1]
Patch with 755th Bombardment Squadron emblem[c][2]
World War II fuselage code[3]J3

The 55th Air Refueling Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It formerly operated both the combat crew training school and central flight instructor course for Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma.

The squadron's first predecessor was the 755th Bombardment Squadron, which was first activated in July 1943. After training with Consolidated B-24 Liberator heavy bombers in the United States, it deployed to the European Theater of Operations, where it participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. Following V-E Day, the squadron returned to the United States, where it began training with Boeing B-29 Superfortresses, but was inactivated in October 1945.

The 55th Air Refueling Squadron was activated in 1950 as a Boeing KB-29 air refueling unit. It flew these early tankers until inactivating in 1954. The squadron was again activated in 1955 with Boeing KC-97 tankers, primarily supporting the Boeing B-47 Stratojets of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. It was again inactivated in 1963. The squadron was activated in the training role at Altus in 1994, continuing its mission until inactivating in 2009.

History

[edit]

World War II

[edit]

Training in the United States

[edit]

The squadron's first predecessor, the 755th Bombardment Squadron was activated at Wendover Field, Utah on 1 July 1943 as one of the four original squadrons of the 458th Bombardment Group. Before the month ended, the squadron moved to Gowen Field, Idaho, drawing its initial cadre from the 411th Bombardment Squadron. The air echelon of the squadron's cadre immediately departed for Orlando Army Air Base, where they spent the next two months participating in specialized tactical training. In September 1943, the air and ground echelons of the squadron were united at Kearns Army Air Base, Utah before proceeding to Wendover to begin the first phase of training with the Consolidated B-24 Liberator.[1][4]

At Wendover, most of the initial combat crews were assigned to the squadron.[4] By the end of the year, the squadron completed its training and began moving to the European Theater of Operations.[2][5] The ground echelon departed its final training base, Tonopah Army Air Field, Nevada, for the port of embarkation on 29 December 1943, sailing for England on the USS Florence Nightingale (AP-70). The air echelon assembled at Hamilton Field, then ferried its Liberators to England via the southern ferry route.[4][6]

Combat in Europe

[edit]
Squadron B-24 Liberator taking off from RAF Horsham St Faith[d]

The squadron arrived at its combat station, RAF Horsham St. Faith on 1 February 1944, although the last bombers of the 458th Group did not arrive until 16 February.[2][6] It entered the strategic bombing campaign against Germany during Big Week, but its first missions, flown on 24 and 25 February 1944, were diversionary missions, not strikes against the German aircraft manufacturing industry. On 2 March it began flying strategic bombardment missions. Its targets included an aircraft manufacturing plant at Brandenburg an der Havel, an airfield near Braunschweig, a fuel depot at Dulmen, oil refineries near Hamburg, marshalling yards at Hamm, an aircraft engine manufacturing factory at Magdeburg, the shipping canal at Minden, aircraft factories at Oschersleben and the industrial area of Saarbrücken.[5]

The squadron was occasionally diverted from the strategic bombing campaign to conduct air interdiction and close air support missions. It helped prepare for Operation Overlord, the invasion of Normandy, by striking artillery batteries, V-1 flying bomb and V-2 rocket launching sites, and airfields in France. On D-Day, it attacked coastal defenses to support the amphibious landings. Afterward, it attacked lines of communication to prevent the movement of enemy personnel and materiel from reaching the battlefield. It attacked enemy troops during Operation Cobra, the breakout from the beachhead through Saint Lo, in late July. It also flew support missions during the Battle of the Bulge in December 1944 and January 1945 and during Operation Varsity, the airborne attacks across the Rhine, in April 1945. In addition, The squadron stopped its bombing during September 1944 to transport gasoline to airfields in France to supply Third Army, which had outrun its supply lines (called Operation Truckin'). These supply flights were not considered combat missions.[7] The squadron flew its last combat mission on 24 April 1945.[5]

The 755th also had the distinction of being the test squadron for the Army Air Forces' first guided bomb project.[8] In May 1944, ten modified B-24s capable of launching Azon bombs were delivered to the 458th Group. On 31 May 1944, the squadron conducted a raid against several bridges in Normandy, the first use of the Azon bombs in combat.[9]

Return and inactivation

[edit]

During May 1945, the squadron flew "Trolley" missions. These missions transported ground personnel of the unit over target areas on the continent to permit them to see the results of their contributions to the squadron mission.[10] The squadron returned to the United States in June 1945, with aircraft beginning to depart for Bradley Field, Connecticut on 14 June. The ground echelon sailed on the RMS Queen Mary on 6 July.[6] The squadron assembled at Sioux Falls Army Air Field, South Dakota in July.[1] At Sioux Falls, all personnel who had not been discharged were transferred to other units.[11]

The squadron reformed at Walker Army Air Field, Kansas, moving to March Field, California in August, once the group had achieved 20% manning. At March, it trained with the Boeing B-29 Superfortress very heavy bomber, but never approached authorized manning. It was inactivated there in October 1945.[2][5][11]

Air refueling operations

[edit]

Initial activation

[edit]
Boeing KB-29 as flown by the squadron

The squadron's second predecessor, the 55th Air Refueling Squadron, was activated on 1 November 1950. It was originally equipped with Boeing KB-29 tankers and was assigned to the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Group at Ramey Air Force Base, Puerto Rico. On 10 October 1952, the squadron moved to Forbes Air Force Base, Kansas as part of the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing. Two years later, on 16 February 1954, the squadron moved to Lincoln Air Force Base, Nebraska, where it was inactivated two days later,[8] as its personnel and equipment were transferred to the 98th Air Refueling Squadron, which was simultaneously activated.

KC-97 era

[edit]
Boeing KC-97s as flown by the squadron

The 55th Air Refueling Squadron was again activated on 1 October 1955, and assigned to the 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing at Forbes Air Force Base. It was equipped with Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter aircraft. First introduced into the Air Force inventory in 1951, the tanker could fly fast enough to refuel the Boeing B-47 Stratojet bomber, thus providing the Air Force with an intercontinental strike capability.[8]

The squadron deployed to Ernest Harmon Air Force Base, Newfoundland, from 31 October through 27 December 1956 in response to the Suez Crisis. During this period, the squadron participated in giant simulated combat missions involving 1,000 B-47s and KC-97s, demonstrating the United States' resolve and intercontinental war fighting capability. The deployment was instrumental in the squadron winning an Air Force Outstanding Unit Award for the period July 1956 to November 1957. During the 1959 Strategic Air Command bombing competition, the largest held to date, the 55th again demonstrated its combat readiness by winning the Saunders Trophy as the best air refueling unit in Strategic Air Command. The squadron was inactivated again in 1963.[8]

Tanker training

[edit]

On 28 October 1994, the 55th was activated as part of the 97th Air Mobility Wing at Altus Air Force Base, Oklahoma. The squadron's mission was training active duty, Air National Guard, reserve, and international KC-135 crewmembers.[8] The 55th Air Refueling Squadron, along with the 54th Air Refueling Squadron, were once the only two Air Education and Training Command Boeing KC-135R Stratotanker flying training squadrons. Both squadrons provided KC-135R initial and advanced flight qualification.[8] On 1 April 2009, the 55th Air Refueling Squadron was inactivated, leaving the 54th as the lone remaining KC-135 training unit.[12]

Lineage

[edit]
755th Bombardment Squadron
  • Constituted as the 755th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 19 May 1943
Activated on 1 July 1943.
Redesignated 755th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy on 20 August 1943
Redesignated 755th Bombardment Squadron, Very Heavy on 5 August 1945
Inactivated on 17 Oct 1945
  • Consolidated with the 55th Air Refueling Squadron as the 55th Air Refueling Squadron on 19 September 1985[1]
55th Air Refueling Squadron
  • Constituted as the 55th Air Refueling Squadron, Medium on 22 November 1950
Activated on 1 November 1950
Inactivated on 18 February 1954
  • Activated on 1 October 1955
Discontinued and inactivated on 15 March 1963
  • Consolidated with the 755th Bombasrdment Squadron and redesignated 55th Air Refueling Squadron, Heavy on 19 September 1985
  • Redesignated 55th Air Refueling Squadron on 31 May 1994
Activated on 28 October 1994[1]
Inactivated 1 April 2009[12]

Assignments

[edit]
  • 458th Bombardment Group, 1 July 1943 – 17 October 1945
  • 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Group, 1 November 1950 (attached to 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing after 8 January 1951)
  • 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 16 June 1952 – 18 February 1954
  • 55th Strategic Reconnaissance Wing, 1 October 1955 – 15 March 1963 (attached to Eighth Air Force, 31 October–27 December 1956)
  • 97th Operations Group, 28 Oct 1994 – 1 April 2009[1][13]

Stations

[edit]

Aircraft

[edit]
  • Consolidated B-24 Liberator (1943–1945)
  • Boeing B-29 Superfortress (1945)
  • Boeing KB-29 Superfortress (1950–1954)
  • Boeing KC-97 Stratofreighter (1955–1963)
  • Boeing KC-135 Stratotanker (1994–2009)[1][12]

Awards and campaigns

[edit]
Award streamer Award Dates Notes
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award July 1956-November 1957 55th Air Refueling Squadron[1]
Campaign Streamer Campaign Dates Notes
Air Offensive, Europe 1 February 1944 – 5 June 1944 755th Bombardment Squadron[2]
Air Combat, EAME Theater 1 February 1944 – 11 May 1945 755th Bombardment Squadron[2]
Normandy 6 June 1944 – 24 July 1944 755th Bombardment Squadron[2]
Northern France 25 July 1944 – 14 September 1944 755th Bombardment Squadron[2]
Rhineland 15 September 1944 – 21 March 1945 755th Bombardment Squadron[2]
Ardennes-Alsace 16 December 1944 – 25 January 1945 755th Bombardment Squadron[2]
Central Europe 22 March 1944 – 21 May 1945 755th Bombardment Squadron[2]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
Explanatory notes
  1. ^ Aircraft is Boeing KC-135A-BN, serial 60-0351, converted to KC-135R-BN. Baugher, Joe (11 June 2023). "1960 USAF Serial Numbers". Joe Baugher. Retrieved 20 June 2023.
  2. ^ Approved 13 April 1995.
  3. ^ Approved 20 March 1945. Description: On a light turquoise blue disc, within a border of six segments, alternative red and white, a caricatured, nonchalant, camouflaged, B-24 aircraft standing affronte, on a white cloud formation in base and resting right wing tip on nose of upturned, red aerial bomb.
  4. ^ Aircraft is Douglas Aircraft built Consolidated B-24H-10-DT Liberator, serial 41-28678, J3-M. This aircraft was lost due to mechanical failure on 22 March 1944 mission to bomb the BMW engine factory at Basdorf. Eight of the crew became Prisoners of War and one was killed. Baugher, Joe (18 April 2023). "1941 USAF Serial Numbers". Joe Baugher. Retrieved 20 June 2023. Missing Air Crew Report 3555.
Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j "Factsheet 55 Air Refueling Squadron". Air Force Historical Research Agency. 7 March 2008. Retrieved 1 June 2019.
  2. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 737-738
  3. ^ Watkins, pp. 101-102
  4. ^ a b c "Operations: Training, July - December 1943". 458th Bombardment Group. Retrieved 4 June 2019.
  5. ^ a b c d Maurer, Combat Groups, p. 333
  6. ^ a b c Freeman, p. 259
  7. ^ "Operations: Truckin'". 458th Bombardment Group. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  8. ^ a b c d e f "Library: Fact Sheet 55th Air Refueling Squadron". 97th Air Mobility Wing Public Affairs. 29 July 2008. Archived from the original on 29 October 2013. Retrieved 22 December 2017.
  9. ^ Freeman, p. 146
  10. ^ "Operations: Trolley Missions". 458th Bombardment Group. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  11. ^ a b "Operations: Group History June-September 1945". 458th Bombardment Group. Retrieved 5 June 2019.
  12. ^ a b c d See Robertson, AFHRA Factsheet 97 Operations Group (dates of assignment to 97th Group).
  13. ^ Robertson, Patsy (19 July 2010). "Factsheet 97 Operations Group (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 3 June 2019.
  14. ^ Station number in Anderson).

Bibliography

[edit]

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

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