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{{Short description|United States Army Air Forces unit}}
{{about|the III Reconnaissance Command of 1945-1946|the III Reconnaissance Command of 1943-1944|III Tactical Air Command}}
{{about|the III Reconnaissance Command of 1945-1946|the III Reconnaissance Command of 1943-1944|III Tactical Air Command}}
{{use dmy dates|date=August 2020}}
{{use American English|date=August 2020}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name= III Reconnaissance Command
|unit_name=III Reconnaissance Command
|image=
|image=A New F-S-E (BOND 0324).jpg
|image_size=300px
|caption=
|caption=A [[Lockheed F-5 Lightning]] as used by photographic reconnaissance units training under III Reconnaissance Commband
|dates= 1941-1946
|dates=1941-1946
|country= [[United States]]
|country={{USA}}
|allegiance=
|branch={{army|USA}}<br/>{{air force|USA}}
|branch=[[United States Army Air Force]]
|type= Command and Control
|type=
|role=Command of [[air support]] and [[aerial reconnaissance|reconnaissance]] training units
|role=
|size=
|size=
|command_structure= [[Third Air Force]]
|command_structure=
|current_commander=
|current_commander=
|garrison=
|garrison=
|ceremonial_chief=
|colonel_of_the_regiment=
|nickname=
|nickname=
|patron=
|motto=
|motto=
|colors=
|colors=
|march=
|march=
|mascot=
|mascot=
|battles=[[World War II]]
|battles=
|notable_commanders=
|notable_commanders=[[William E. Kepner]]
|anniversaries=
|anniversaries=
|decorations=
|decorations=
|battle_honours=
|battle_honours=
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=[[File:I Air Support Cd emblem.png|165px]]
|identification_symbol_label=III Reconnaissance Command Distinctive Unit Insigne<ref group=note>Approved 23 July 1942.</ref><ref name=MaurerIIIRC>Maurer, ''Combat Units'', pp. 440-441</ref>
|identification_symbol_2=
|identification_symbol_2_label=
}}
}}

The '''III Reconnaissance Command''' was a [[United States Army Air Forces]] unit. Its last assignment was with [[Third Air Force]] stationed at [[Rapid City Army Air Base]], [[South Dakota]]. It was inactivated on 8 April 1946.
The '''III Reconnaissance Command''' is a disbanded [[United States Army Air Forces]] unit. Its last assignment was with [[Third Air Force]] stationed at [[Rapid City Army Air Base]], South Dakota, where it was inactivated on 8 April 1946. After transferring to the [[United States Air Force]] in September 1947, it was disbanded in October 1948.

The command was organized in September 1941 as the '''1st Air Support Command''', an element of [[1st Air Force]] to control light bombardment and observation units in its area of responsibility. Following the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], the command's units conducted [[antisubmarine warfare]] patrols off the Atlantic Coast. In August 1942, it transferred to [[3rd Air Force]], which had the responsibility to train [[air support]] units for the [[Army Air Forces]] (AAF) and assumed the mission of training units and aircrews for overseas deployment. In 1943, it became the '''I Tactical Air Division''' (later '''III Tactical Air Division''') under [[III Tactical Air Command]]. In the final months of the war, it specialized in training [[aerial reconnaissance|reconnaissance]] units.


==History==
==History==
===Initial organization under 1st Air Force===
[[General Headquarters Air Force]] (GHQ AF) reorganized its four regional air districts as [[Numbered Air Force]]s in the spring of 1941. By the fall of that year, each of these had organized as a support command and three combat commands.<ref>Cate & Williams, p. 152, 155</ref>


In the summer of 1941 GHQ AF had decided to establish commands to direct its [[air support]] mission in each numbered air force, plus one additional command reporting directly to GHQ AF. These commands would be manned from inactivating [[wing (military aviation unit)|wings]], and would initially control only observation squadrons, which would be transferred from the control of the corps and divisions, although they would remain attached to these ground units.<ref name=Futrell13>Futrell, p 13</ref> [[1st Air Force]] organized '''1st Air Support Command''' at [[Mitchel Field]], New York in September 1941, drawing its personnel and equipment from the [[7th Pursuit Wing]], which was simultaneously inactivated.<ref name=MaurerIIIRC/><ref name=Futrell13/>
===Lineage===

* Constituted as: '''I Air Support Command''' on 21 August 1941
[[File:North American O-47B 1941.jpg|thumb|North American O-47B during the 1941 war games]]
New observation groups were formed, with a [[cadre (military)|cadre]] drawn from [[National Guard]] squadrons that had been mobilized in 1940 and 1941.<ref name=Futrell13/> During the [[Carolina Maneuvers]] of 1941, the command was attached to [[First United States Army|First Army]]. Unlike the opposing force, the command posts of the air and ground elements were located together, and the commander of the air support command doubled as the air staff officer of the ground force commander. The opposing force command posts were separated by sixty miles, which enabled greater freedom of action and use of airpower more aggressively.<ref>Futrell, p. 19</ref>

Following the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]] the command came under the control of the [[Eastern Theater of Operations]]<ref name=Futrell13/> and flew [[anti-submarine warfare|antisubmarine]] patrols off the east coast. However, by early 1942, the command's first commander [[William E. Kepner]], like two of the other commanders of air support commands had moved overseas, and similar demands led GHQ AF to believe it had little more than the "remnants" of the command remaining.<ref name=Futrell13/> However, in May, the [[Army Air Forces]] (AAF) reaffirmed that each of the continental [[numbered air force]]s would have an air support command and the command's manning was brought back up.<ref name=Futrell15>Futrell, p. 15</ref> Although most of the command's observation units were withdrawn from antisubmarine operations in June 1942, the command continued limited antisubmarine patrols until 15 October 1942, when [[Army Air Forces Antisubmarine Command]] took over the mission.<ref name=MaurerIIIRC/><ref name=Futrell15/><ref>Maurer, ''Combat Units'', p. 437</ref>

===Transfer to 3rd Air Force===
The AAF determined that its continental air forces would specialize in their training operations and that all their air support commands would be reassigned to [[Third Air Force]].<ref name=Futrell15/> In August 1942, the command was one of the first reassigned to Third Air Force.<ref name=1AFfacts>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433194/first-air-force-air-forces-northern-acc/ |last1=Kane|first1=Robert B.|title=Factsheet First Air Force (Air Forces Northern) (ACC)|date=June 11, 2009|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=December 9, 2021}}</ref><ref name=3AFfacts>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433194/first-air-force-air-forces-northern-acc/ |last1=Haulman|first1=Daniel L.|title=Factsheet Third Air Force (USAFE)|date=April 4, 2019|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=December 9, 2021}}</ref> This was followed by a move to [[Morris Field]], North Carolina, a base in the Third Air Force area in November 1942.<ref name=MaurerIIIRC/>

In October 1942, AAF directed that half of the observation groups assigned to the command were to be reduced to 50% strength or less with their personnel used to form new [[target tug#World War 2|tow target]] squadrons, or transferred to [[heavy bomber]] [[Operational - Replacement Training Units#Operational Training Units|Operational Training Unit]] (OTU)s or [[Operational - Replacement Training Units#Replacement Training Units|Replacement Training Unit]] (RTU)s.<ref>White, p. 80</ref> The command continued to train [[light bomber]] crews.<ref name=MaurerIIIRC/>

In August 1943, the command was redesignated the '''I Tactical Air Division''' with the intent that the command would engage in combined training with army ground forces.<ref>White, p. 87</ref> This included participation in [[military exercise|maneuvers]]. The command became the '''III Tactical Air Division''' in the spring of 1944. In May 1944, the command began to specialize in training [[aerial reconnaissance|reconnaissance]] aircrews and organizations. In June 1945, this mission change was recognized by a change in name to '''III Reconnaissance Command'''.<ref name=MaurerIIIRC/>

After the end of the war, the command moved to [[Rapid City Army Air Base]], South Dakota in November 1945, and was inactivated there in April 1946.<ref name=MaurerIIIRC/>

==Lineage==
* Constituted as the '''1st Air Support Command''' on 21 August 1941
: Activated on 4 September 1941
: Activated on 4 September 1941
: Redesignated as: '''I Ground Air Support Command''' in April 1942
: Redesignated '''1st Ground Air Support Command''' c. 30 April 1942
: Redesignated as: '''I Air Support Command''' in September 1942
: Redesignated '''I Air Support Command''' c. 18 September 1942
: Redesignated as: '''I Tactical Air Division''' in August 1943
: Redesignated '''I Tactical Air Division''' on 28 August 1943
: Redesignated as: '''III Tactical Air Division '''in April 1944
: Redesignated '''III Tactical Air Division ''' c. 15 April 1944
: Redesignated as: '''III Reconnaissance Command''' in June 1945
: Redesignated '''III Reconnaissance Command''' c. 1 June 1945
: Inactivated on 9 April 1946
: Inactivated on 9 April 1946
: Disbanded on 8 October 1948<ref name=MaurerIIIRC/><ref>Some details from Futrell, Kane and Haulman.</ref><ref group=note>The command was transferred to the [[United States Air Force]] in inactive status in September 1947. The Air Force disbanded it a year later.</ref>
: Disbanded on 8 October 1948.


===Assignments===
===Assignments===
* [[First Air Force]], 4 September 1941-April 1944
* 1st Air Force, 4 September 1941<ref name=1AFfacts/>
* [[Third Air Force]], April 1944-9 April 1946
* 3rd Air Force (later Third Air Force), 17 August 1942<ref name=3AFfacts/>
* [[III Tactical Air Command]], c. 15 April 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Units'', p. 441 (year only). However, Haulman indicates assignment to Third Air Force during this period.</ref>
* Third Air Force, c. 1 June 1945 – 9 April 1946<ref name=3AFfacts/>


===Components===
===Components===
; Groups
* Various observation and light bombardment organizations
* [[26th Observation Group]]: 1 September 1941 – 17 August 1942<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/434007/350-electronic-systems-wing-afmc/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 350 Electronic Systems Wing (AFMC)|date=December 27, 2007|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=December 9, 2021}}</ref>
* [[45th Bombardment Group]]: 21 August 1941 – 5 January 1942<ref>{{cite web|url= http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9693 |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20150929005519/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9693 |archive-date=September 29, 2015|last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 45 Operations Group (AFSPC)|date=September 9, 2008|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|url-status=dead|access-date=December 21, 2016}}</ref>
* [[46th Bombardment Group]]: 10 November 1942 – 25 January 1943<ref>{{cite web|url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9694 |last1=Robertson |first1=Patsy |title=Factsheet 46 Test Wing (AFMC) |date=September 22, 2008|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|accessdate=June 26, 2012 |archiveurl=https://web.archive.org/web/20130104183212/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=9694 |archivedate=4 January 2013 }}</ref>
* [[48th Fighter-Bomber Group]]: attached 10 September 1943 – 14 January 1944<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433509/48-operations-group-usafe/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy E.|title=Factsheet 48 Operations Group (USAFE)|date=July 7, 2017|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=December 31, 2021}}</ref>
* [[59th Observation Group]]: 1 September 1941 – 21 August 1942<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433071/59-medical-wing-aetc/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy E.|title=Factsheet 59 Medical Wing (AETC)|date=June 21, 2017|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=December 31, 2021}}</ref>
* [[69th Tactical Reconnaissance Group]], 18 April 1944 – 27 March 1945<ref>{{cite web|url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432093/69-reconnaissance-group-acc/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 69 Reconnaissance Group (ACC)|date=July 10, 2017|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=January 7, 2022}}</ref>
* [[411th Bombardment Group]]: c. 15 August 1943 – 1 May 1944

; Squadrons
{{div col|colwidth=40em}}
* [[1st Air Support Communications Squadron]], attached, c. 8 September 1943; assigned 3 November 1943 – 31 March 1944<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/433541/1-air-support-operations-group-acc/ |last1=Bailey|first1=Carl E.|title=Factsheet 1 Air Support Operations Group (ACC)|date=May 20, 2019|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=January 14, 2022}}</ref>
* [[2d Balloon Squadron]]: 1 September 1941 – 3 February 1942 (thereafter disbanded)<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 11</ref>
* [[3d Observation Squadron]]: 1 September 1941 – 12 March 1942 (attached to the [[Fort Monroe#Coast Artillery School|Coast Artillery School]])<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 24</ref>
* 5th Communications Squadron, Air Support (later [[5th Air Support Communications Squadron]]): 15 May 1942 – c. 13 June 1943<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/969564/5-air-support-operations-sq-acc/ |last1=Dollman|first1=TSG David|title=Factsheet 5 Air Support Operations Squadron (ACC)|date=May 15, 2017|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=July 17, 2018}}</ref>
* 6th Reconnaissance Squadron: 18 April – 1 October 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 13</ref>
* [[303d Tactical Electronic Warfare Squadron|7th Reconnaissance Squadron]]: 8 November 1943 – 1 October 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 21</ref>
* 9th Communications Squadron, Air Support (later [[9th Air Support Communications Squadron]]): 21 August 1942 – c. 21 November 1943<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/986095/9-air-support-operations-sq-acc/ |last1=Dollman|first1=TSG David|title=Factsheet 9 Air Support Operations Squadron (ACC)|date=March 27, 2017|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=January 14, 2021}}</ref>
* 14th Air Support Communications Squadron (later [[14th Tactical Air Communications Squadron]]): 3 March 1943 – 18 April 1944<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432014/14-air-support-operations-squadron-acc/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 14 Air Support Operations Squadron (ACC)|date=March 27, 2018|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=January 15, 2022}}</ref>
* [[14th Liaison Squadron]]: 11 August 1943 – 4 April 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 78</ref>
* [[14th Tow Target Squadron]]: 17 December 1942 – 4 November 1943<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 80</ref>
* [[18th Air Support Communications Squadron]], 3 November 1943 – c. 12 February 1944<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432011/18-air-support-operations-group-acc/ |last1=Dollman|first1=TSG Davis|title=Factsheet 18 Air Support Operations Group (ACC)|date=August 31, 2012|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=January 14, 2022}}</ref>
* [[19th Liaison Squadron]]: 11 August 1943 – c. 15 April 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 103</ref>
* [[36th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron]]: 29 March – c. November 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 173</ref>
* [[37th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron]]: 12 April – 15 November 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 177</ref>
* [[39th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron]]: 12 April 1944 – 6 January 1945<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 184</ref>
* [[40th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron]]: 18 April – 3 June 1944<ref name="Maurer, p. 188">Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 188</ref>
* [[41st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron]]: 24 June – 1 October 1944; 4 December 1944 – 18 April 1945<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 191</ref>
* [[57th Reconnaissance Squadron]]: 21 July 1945 – 25 January 1946<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 229</ref>
* [[58th Reconnaissance Squadron]]: 21 July 1945 – 31 March 1946<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 231</ref>
* [[72d Liaison Squadron]]: 11 August 1943 – c. 14 June 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 266</ref>
* [[103d Reconnaissance Squadron]]: 18 April 1944 – 3 June 1944<ref name="Maurer, p. 188"/>
* [[119th Observation Squadron]]: 1 September 1941 – 29 March 1942 (attached to [[59th Observation Group]])<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 590</ref>
* [[115th Liaison Squadron]]: 18 April – 29 October 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 344</ref>
* [[121st Liaison Squadron]]: 11 August 1943 – c. 20 March 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 348</ref>
* [[127th Liaison Squadron]]: 11 August 1943 – 31 April 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 351</ref>
* [[158th Liaison Squadron]]: 1 March – 1 October 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 357</ref>
* [[162nd Liaison Squadron]]: 15 May – 24 June 1944<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', pp. 361-362</ref>
* [[163rd Liaison Squadron]]: 15 May 44 – 20 January 1945<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 363</ref>
{{div col end}}

; Base Units
* 321st AAF Base Unit (Headquarters, III Tactical Air Division [later Headquarters, III Reconnaissance Command]): 1 May 1944 – c. 1 November 1945
* 322nd AAF Base Unit (56th Bombardment Operational Training Wing, Light): 1 May 1944 – c. 1 November 1945
* 333rd AAF Base Unit (Replacement Training Unit, Light, Bombardment [later Combat Crew Training Station, Light Bombardment]):<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/175/844.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, History, Morris Field, Jul 1944-Jan 1945 |date=|publisher=Air Force History Index|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/175/854.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, History, Morris Field, Feb-Apr 1945 |date=|publisher=Air Force History Index|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref> 1 May 1944 – 31 January 1945http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/175/854.xml
* 334th AAF Base Unit (Replacement Training Unit, Light, Bombardment [later Combat Crew Training Station, Light Bombardment]):<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/172/006.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, History, Florence AAF, Dec 1944 |date=|publisher=Air Force History Index, Florence AAF, Mar-May 1944|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/172/027.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, History Florence AAF, Mav 1944|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref> 1 May – 1 October 1944<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/172/000.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, History Florence AAF Dec 1928-Dec 1944|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index, Florence AAF, Dec 1944|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref>
* 347th AAF Base Unit (Combat Crew Training Station, Tactical Reconnaissance): c. 1 June 1945 – c. 28 March 1946
* 348th AAF Base Unit (Combat Crew Training Station, Photographic Reconnaissance): c. 1 June 1945 – 29 December 1944
* 349th AAF Base Unit (Combat Crew Training Station, Liaison):<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/175/978.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, History Muskogee AAF Oct 1943-May 1945|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index, Florence AAF, Dec 1944|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref> c. 1 June 1945 – c. 7 November 1945
* 353rd AAF Base Unit (Maneuver Station):<ref>{{cite web |url= http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/171/931.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, History Esler Field Jan 1946|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index, Florence AAF, Dec 1944|access-date=February 21, 2022}}</ref> 1 May 1944 – c. 31 January 1946
* 379th AAF Base Unit (Combat Crew Training Station, Tactical Reconnaissance): c. 1 June 1945 – 1945


===Stations===
===Stations===
* [[Mitchel Field]], [[New York]], 1 September 1941
* Mitchel Field, New York, 4 September 1941
* [[Morris Field]], [[North Carolina]], November 1942
* Morris Field, North Carolina, c. 10 November 1942
* [[Key Field]], [[Mississippi]], c. 3 April 1944
* Key Field, Mississippi, c. 3 April 1944
* [[Rapid City Army Air Base|Rapid City AAB]], [[South Dakota]], November 1945-9 April 1946.
* Rapid City Army Air Base, South Dakota, November 1945 – 9 April 1946<ref name=MaurerIIIRC/>


===Operations===
===Campaign===
{| class="wikitable"
Flew antisubmarine patrols off the east coast, 7 December 1941 – 15 October 1942. Trained light bombardment crews, participated in air-ground maneuvers, and demonstrated air support techniques, September 1941-May 1944. Trained reconnaissance personnel and organizations, May 1944 – 1946.
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Campaign Streamer
! Campaign
! Dates
! Notes
|-
|[[File:American Campaign Streamer.png|200px]]||Antisubmarine||7 December 1941 – 1 August 1943||1st Air Support Command (later 1st Ground Air Support Command, I Air Support Command)<ref name=MaurerIIIRC/>
|-
|[[Image:Streamer AC.PNG|200px]] ||American Theater without inscription||1 August 1943 – 2 March 1946||I Air Support Command (later I Tactical Air Division, III Tactical Air Division, III Reconnaissance Command)<ref name=MaurerIIIRC/>
|}


==References==
==References==
===Notes===
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
; Explanatory notes
{{Reflist}}
{{Reflist|group=note}}
* Maurer, Maurer (1983). Air Force Combat Units Of World War II. Maxwell AFB, Alabama: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-89201-092-4.


; Citations
==External links==
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Portal|United States Air Force|Military of the United States}}

===Bibliography===
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
* {{cite book|last1=Cate|first1=James L. |last2=Williams|first2=E. Kathleen |editor=Craven, Wesley F. |editor2=Cate, James L.|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Nov/05/2001329898/-1/-1/0/AFD-101105-005.pdf |access-date=December 17, 2016| title=The Army Air Forces in World War II|volume=I, Plans and Early Operations|year=1948|publisher=University of Chicago Press|location=Chicago, IL|oclc=704158|lccn=48003657|chapter=Prelude to War, Chapter 4, The Air Corps Prepares for War, 1939-41}}
* {{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Studies/1-50/AFD-090602-049.pdf |last1=Futrell|first1=Robert F.|title=Command of Observation Aviation: A Study in Control of Tactical Airpower, USAF Historical Study No. 24|date=September 1956|publisher=Research Studies Institute, USAF Historical Division, Air University |access-date=January 23, 2022}}
* {{cite book|editor=Maurer, Maurer|title=Air Force Combat Units of World War II|orig-date= 1961|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/21/2001330256/-1/-1/0/AFD-100921-044.pdf|access-date= December 17, 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-date=1969|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Dec/02/2001329899/-1/-1/0/AFD-101202-002.pdf |edition= reprint|access-date= December 17, 2016|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402}}
* {{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/Portals/16/documents/Studies/51-100/AFD-090601-030.pdf |last1=White|first1=Jerry|title=Combat Crew and Unit Training in the AAF 1939-1945, USAF Historical Study No. 61|date=August 1949|publisher=Air Historical Office, United States Air Force|access-date=January 30, 2022}}


{{USAAF 3d Air Force World War II}}
{{USAAF 3d Air Force World War II}}
{{USAAF 1st Air Force World War II}}
{{USAAF 1st Air Force World War II}}


{{DEFAULTSORT:Iii Reconnaissance Command}}
[[Category:Intermediate combat commands of the United States Army Air Forces|03 Command Reconn]]
[[Category:Intermediate combat commands of the United States Army Air Forces|03 Command Reconn]]
[[Category:Reconnaissance units of the United States Army Air Forces]]
[[Category:Military units and formations disestablished in 1948]]

Latest revision as of 15:12, 3 September 2024

This article is about the III Reconnaissance Command of 1945-1946. For the III Reconnaissance Command of 1943-1944, see III Tactical Air Command.

III Reconnaissance Command
A Lockheed F-5 Lightning as used by photographic reconnaissance units training under III Reconnaissance Commband
Active1941-1946
Country United States
Branch United States Army
 United States Air Force
RoleCommand of air support and reconnaissance training units
Commanders
Notable
commanders		William E. Kepner
Insignia
III Reconnaissance Command Distinctive Unit Insigne[note 1][1]

The III Reconnaissance Command is a disbanded United States Army Air Forces unit. Its last assignment was with Third Air Force stationed at Rapid City Army Air Base, South Dakota, where it was inactivated on 8 April 1946. After transferring to the United States Air Force in September 1947, it was disbanded in October 1948.

The command was organized in September 1941 as the 1st Air Support Command, an element of 1st Air Force to control light bombardment and observation units in its area of responsibility. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the command's units conducted antisubmarine warfare patrols off the Atlantic Coast. In August 1942, it transferred to 3rd Air Force, which had the responsibility to train air support units for the Army Air Forces (AAF) and assumed the mission of training units and aircrews for overseas deployment. In 1943, it became the I Tactical Air Division (later III Tactical Air Division) under III Tactical Air Command. In the final months of the war, it specialized in training reconnaissance units.

History

[edit]

Initial organization under 1st Air Force

[edit]

General Headquarters Air Force (GHQ AF) reorganized its four regional air districts as Numbered Air Forces in the spring of 1941. By the fall of that year, each of these had organized as a support command and three combat commands.[2]

In the summer of 1941 GHQ AF had decided to establish commands to direct its air support mission in each numbered air force, plus one additional command reporting directly to GHQ AF. These commands would be manned from inactivating wings, and would initially control only observation squadrons, which would be transferred from the control of the corps and divisions, although they would remain attached to these ground units.[3] 1st Air Force organized 1st Air Support Command at Mitchel Field, New York in September 1941, drawing its personnel and equipment from the 7th Pursuit Wing, which was simultaneously inactivated.[1][3]

North American O-47B during the 1941 war games

New observation groups were formed, with a cadre drawn from National Guard squadrons that had been mobilized in 1940 and 1941.[3] During the Carolina Maneuvers of 1941, the command was attached to First Army. Unlike the opposing force, the command posts of the air and ground elements were located together, and the commander of the air support command doubled as the air staff officer of the ground force commander. The opposing force command posts were separated by sixty miles, which enabled greater freedom of action and use of airpower more aggressively.[4]

Following the attack on Pearl Harbor the command came under the control of the Eastern Theater of Operations[3] and flew antisubmarine patrols off the east coast. However, by early 1942, the command's first commander William E. Kepner, like two of the other commanders of air support commands had moved overseas, and similar demands led GHQ AF to believe it had little more than the "remnants" of the command remaining.[3] However, in May, the Army Air Forces (AAF) reaffirmed that each of the continental numbered air forces would have an air support command and the command's manning was brought back up.[5] Although most of the command's observation units were withdrawn from antisubmarine operations in June 1942, the command continued limited antisubmarine patrols until 15 October 1942, when Army Air Forces Antisubmarine Command took over the mission.[1][5][6]

Transfer to 3rd Air Force

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The AAF determined that its continental air forces would specialize in their training operations and that all their air support commands would be reassigned to Third Air Force.[5] In August 1942, the command was one of the first reassigned to Third Air Force.[7][8] This was followed by a move to Morris Field, North Carolina, a base in the Third Air Force area in November 1942.[1]

In October 1942, AAF directed that half of the observation groups assigned to the command were to be reduced to 50% strength or less with their personnel used to form new tow target squadrons, or transferred to heavy bomber Operational Training Unit (OTU)s or Replacement Training Unit (RTU)s.[9] The command continued to train light bomber crews.[1]

In August 1943, the command was redesignated the I Tactical Air Division with the intent that the command would engage in combined training with army ground forces.[10] This included participation in maneuvers. The command became the III Tactical Air Division in the spring of 1944. In May 1944, the command began to specialize in training reconnaissance aircrews and organizations. In June 1945, this mission change was recognized by a change in name to III Reconnaissance Command.[1]

After the end of the war, the command moved to Rapid City Army Air Base, South Dakota in November 1945, and was inactivated there in April 1946.[1]

Lineage

[edit]
  • Constituted as the 1st Air Support Command on 21 August 1941
Activated on 4 September 1941
Redesignated 1st Ground Air Support Command c. 30 April 1942
Redesignated I Air Support Command c. 18 September 1942
Redesignated I Tactical Air Division on 28 August 1943
Redesignated III Tactical Air Division c. 15 April 1944
Redesignated III Reconnaissance Command c. 1 June 1945
Inactivated on 9 April 1946
Disbanded on 8 October 1948[1][11][note 2]

Assignments

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  • 1st Air Force, 4 September 1941[7]
  • 3rd Air Force (later Third Air Force), 17 August 1942[8]
  • III Tactical Air Command, c. 15 April 1944[12]
  • Third Air Force, c. 1 June 1945 – 9 April 1946[8]

Components

[edit]
Groups
Squadrons
Base Units
  • 321st AAF Base Unit (Headquarters, III Tactical Air Division [later Headquarters, III Reconnaissance Command]): 1 May 1944 – c. 1 November 1945
  • 322nd AAF Base Unit (56th Bombardment Operational Training Wing, Light): 1 May 1944 – c. 1 November 1945
  • 333rd AAF Base Unit (Replacement Training Unit, Light, Bombardment [later Combat Crew Training Station, Light Bombardment]):[46][47] 1 May 1944 – 31 January 1945http://www.airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/175/854.xml
  • 334th AAF Base Unit (Replacement Training Unit, Light, Bombardment [later Combat Crew Training Station, Light Bombardment]):[48][49] 1 May – 1 October 1944[50]
  • 347th AAF Base Unit (Combat Crew Training Station, Tactical Reconnaissance): c. 1 June 1945 – c. 28 March 1946
  • 348th AAF Base Unit (Combat Crew Training Station, Photographic Reconnaissance): c. 1 June 1945 – 29 December 1944
  • 349th AAF Base Unit (Combat Crew Training Station, Liaison):[51] c. 1 June 1945 – c. 7 November 1945
  • 353rd AAF Base Unit (Maneuver Station):[52] 1 May 1944 – c. 31 January 1946
  • 379th AAF Base Unit (Combat Crew Training Station, Tactical Reconnaissance): c. 1 June 1945 – 1945

Stations

[edit]
  • Mitchel Field, New York, 4 September 1941
  • Morris Field, North Carolina, c. 10 November 1942
  • Key Field, Mississippi, c. 3 April 1944
  • Rapid City Army Air Base, South Dakota, November 1945 – 9 April 1946[1]

Campaign

[edit]
Campaign Streamer Campaign Dates Notes
Antisubmarine 7 December 1941 – 1 August 1943 1st Air Support Command (later 1st Ground Air Support Command, I Air Support Command)[1]
American Theater without inscription 1 August 1943 – 2 March 1946 I Air Support Command (later I Tactical Air Division, III Tactical Air Division, III Reconnaissance Command)[1]

References

[edit]

Notes

[edit]
Explanatory notes
  1. ^ Approved 23 July 1942.
  2. ^ The command was transferred to the United States Air Force in inactive status in September 1947. The Air Force disbanded it a year later.
Citations
  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k Maurer, Combat Units, pp. 440-441
  2. ^ Cate & Williams, p. 152, 155
  3. ^ a b c d e Futrell, p 13
  4. ^ Futrell, p. 19
  5. ^ a b c Futrell, p. 15
  6. ^ Maurer, Combat Units, p. 437
  7. ^ a b Kane, Robert B. (11 June 2009). "Factsheet First Air Force (Air Forces Northern) (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
  8. ^ a b c Haulman, Daniel L. (4 April 2019). "Factsheet Third Air Force (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
  9. ^ White, p. 80
  10. ^ White, p. 87
  11. ^ Some details from Futrell, Kane and Haulman.
  12. ^ Maurer, Combat Units, p. 441 (year only). However, Haulman indicates assignment to Third Air Force during this period.
  13. ^ Robertson, Patsy (27 December 2007). "Factsheet 350 Electronic Systems Wing (AFMC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
  14. ^ Robertson, Patsy (9 September 2008). "Factsheet 45 Operations Group (AFSPC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 29 September 2015. Retrieved 21 December 2016.
  15. ^ Robertson, Patsy (22 September 2008). "Factsheet 46 Test Wing (AFMC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 4 January 2013. Retrieved 26 June 2012.
  16. ^ Robertson, Patsy E. (7 July 2017). "Factsheet 48 Operations Group (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  17. ^ Robertson, Patsy E. (21 June 2017). "Factsheet 59 Medical Wing (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 31 December 2021.
  18. ^ Robertson, Patsy (10 July 2017). "Factsheet 69 Reconnaissance Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  19. ^ Bailey, Carl E. (20 May 2019). "Factsheet 1 Air Support Operations Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  20. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 11
  21. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 24
  22. ^ Dollman, TSG David (15 May 2017). "Factsheet 5 Air Support Operations Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 17 July 2018.
  23. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 13
  24. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 21
  25. ^ Dollman, TSG David (27 March 2017). "Factsheet 9 Air Support Operations Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 14 January 2021.
  26. ^ Robertson, Patsy (27 March 2018). "Factsheet 14 Air Support Operations Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 15 January 2022.
  27. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 78
  28. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 80
  29. ^ Dollman, TSG Davis (31 August 2012). "Factsheet 18 Air Support Operations Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 14 January 2022.
  30. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 103
  31. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 173
  32. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 177
  33. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 184
  34. ^ a b Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 188
  35. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 191
  36. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 229
  37. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 231
  38. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 266
  39. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 590
  40. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 344
  41. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 348
  42. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 351
  43. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 357
  44. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 361-362
  45. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 363
  46. ^ "Abstract, History, Morris Field, Jul 1944-Jan 1945". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  47. ^ "Abstract, History, Morris Field, Feb-Apr 1945". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  48. ^ "Abstract, History, Florence AAF, Dec 1944". Air Force History Index, Florence AAF, Mar-May 1944. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  49. ^ "Abstract, History Florence AAF, Mav 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  50. ^ "Abstract, History Florence AAF Dec 1928-Dec 1944". Air Force History Index, Florence AAF, Dec 1944. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  51. ^ "Abstract, History Muskogee AAF Oct 1943-May 1945". Air Force History Index, Florence AAF, Dec 1944. Retrieved 21 February 2022.
  52. ^ "Abstract, History Esler Field Jan 1946". Air Force History Index, Florence AAF, Dec 1944. Retrieved 21 February 2022.

Bibliography

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

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