774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron: Difference between revisions
Lineagegeek (talk | contribs) Edited and expanded lead |
Lineagegeek (talk | contribs) Edited and expanded WW II narrative |
||
| Line 51: | Line 51: | ||
==History== |
==History== |
||
===World War II=== |
===World War II=== |
||
====Training in the United States==== |
|||
The [[squadron (aviation)|squadron]] was first activated as the '''774th Bombardment Squadron''' at [[Geiger Field]], Washington on 1 August 1943 as one of the four original squadrons of the [[463d Bombardment Group]].<ref name=774EASfacts/><ref name=Maurer463BG>Maurer, ''Combat Units'', pp. 338-339</ref> The 774th moved to [[Rapid City Army Air Base]], South Dakota, where it received its initial [[cadre (military)|cadre]]. On 1 September, the key personnel of the squadron and 463d Group moved to [[Orlando Army Air Base]], where they participated in advanced tactical training with the [[Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics]]. A model crew from the squadron moved to [[Montbrook Army Air Field]] to participate in simulated missions with a [[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress]]. The cadre returned to Rapid City at the end of the month, where the ground echelon of the squadron was filled out and ground school begun.<ref name=463rdHistory>{{cite web |url= http://www.463rd.org/history.htm |last1=|first1=|title=463rd Bombardment Group (H).5th Wing/15th Air Force "The Swoose Group" 1943-1945: Group History|date=27 December 1961|publisher=463rd Society|deadurl=no |accessdate=June 24, 2019}}</ref> |
|||
The squadron moved to [[MacDill Field]], Florida in November and began flight training with the Flying Fortress, although its air echelon was not fully manned until early December. on 2 February, the squadron's ground echelon departed Florida for the Port of Embarkation at [[Camp Patrick Henry]], Virginia for shipment to the [[Mediterranean Theater of Operations]], while the air echelon ferried their B-17s via the southern ferry route.<ref name=774EASfacts/><ref name=463rdHistory/> |
|||
====Combat in the Mediterranean Theater==== |
|||
[[File:B-17G 42-31684 Joker-774th Bomb Squadron.jpg|thumb|left|Squadron B-17G Flying Fortress<ref group=note>Aircraft is B-17G serial 42-31684 "Joker". The plane flew with the 774th Bombardment Squadron from 9 May 1944 until it was downed by an enemy fighter over Blechhammer, while attacking the chemical plants there on 7 July.</ref>]] |
[[File:B-17G 42-31684 Joker-774th Bomb Squadron.jpg|thumb|left|Squadron B-17G Flying Fortress<ref group=note>Aircraft is B-17G serial 42-31684 "Joker". The plane flew with the 774th Bombardment Squadron from 9 May 1944 until it was downed by an enemy fighter over Blechhammer, while attacking the chemical plants there on 7 July.</ref>]] |
||
The squadron arrived in Italy in March 1944 and flew its first combat mission fromm [[Celone Airfield]] on 30 March against an airfield at [[Imotski]], Yugoslavia.<ref name=463rdHistory/> It engaged primarily in the [[strategic bombing during World War II#US bombing in Europe|strategic bombing campaign against Germany]]. It attacked targets like [[marshalling yards]], [[oil refineries]] and aircraft factories in Austria, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Greece, Romania and Yugoslavia.. The squadron was awarded a [[Distinguished Unit Citation]] (DUC) for a mission against oil refineries in [[Ploesti]], Romania on 18 May 1944.<ref name=Maurer463BG/> Clouds that obscured the target resulted in [[Fifteenth Air Force]] recalling the mission, but the squadron and the rest of the 463d Group did not receive the recall message and was the only unit to continue on,<ref name=463rdHistory/> causing major destruction to the target. Although crippled by intense [[interceptor aircraft|fighter]] attacks, they also inflicted severe damage on the opposing [[air defense]]s. On 24 May 1945, the 463d Group led the [[5th Air Division|5th Bombardment Wing]] in an attack against a [[Daimler-Benz]] [[tank]] factory at [[Berlin]], Germany. The squadron made a successful attack despite three separate attacks by enemy air defenses, including attacks by [[Messerschmitt Me 262|German jet fighters]].<ref name=463rdHistory/> This action earned the squadron its second DUC.<ref name=Maurer463BG/> |
|||
Established in mid-1943 as a [[Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress]] heavy bombardment squadron; assigned to [[Second Air Force]] for training. Attached in late 1943 and early 1944 to the [[Army Air Force School of Applied Tactics]]. Deployed to [[Mediterranean Theater of Operations]] in February 1944, squadron taking the South Atlantic Transport Route though the [[Caribbean]] and South America; transiting the Atlantic Ocean via Brazil and [[Dakar]], French West Africa, being assigned to [[Fifteenth Air Force]] in March 1944 at several airfields in Southern Italy. |
|||
The squadron was occasionally diverted from its strategic mission to perform [[air support]] and [[air interdiction]] missions. In May and June 1944, it bombed bridges to support the campaign for the [[liberation of Rome]]. In August 1944, it struck bridges, [[artillery battery|gun positions]] and other targets to support [[Operation Dragoon]], the invasion of southern France. It hit [[military airbase]]s, bridges and other tactical targets to support [[partisan (military)|partisan]] forces and the [[Red Army]] advance in the Balkans. During the last months of the war the squadron operated primarily to support [[Operation Grapeshot]], the spring 1945 offensive in Northern Italy.<ref name=Maurer463BG/> |
|||
The squadron flew its final combat mission on 26 April 1945.<ref name=463rdHistory/> After [[V-E Day]] the squadron transported personnel (primarily soldiers of [[United States Fifth Army|Fifth Army]]) from Italy to [[Casablanca]] for return to the United States. By early September, the unit had been substantially reduced by transfers to other units and returns of personnel to the United States and it was inactivated in Italy with the end of [[Project Green]] in September 1945.<ref name=774EASfacts/><ref name=463rdHistory/> |
|||
Engaged in long-range strategic bombardment of enemy military, industrial and transport targets, including oil refineries and production oilfields in Italy; France; Southern Germany; Austria and the Balkans. Continued strategic bombardment until German capitulation in May 1945. Demobilized in place in Italy during the summer of 1945; inactivated in September 1945. |
|||
===Airlift operations=== |
===Airlift operations=== |
||
Revision as of 15:00, 1 July 2019
| 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron | |
|---|---|
 | |
| Active | 1943–1945; 1953–1971; 1972–1993; unknown |
| Country | United States |
| Branch |  United States Air Force |
| Role | Airlift |
| Part of | 455th Expeditionary Operations Group |
| Engagements |
|
| Decorations |
|
| Insignia | |
| 774th Expeditionary Airlift Sq emblem (approved 7 December 1973)[1] |  |
| Patch with 774th Troop Carrier Squadron emblem (later version) |  |
| 774th Troop Carrier Squadron emblem (approved 14 September 1953)[2] |  |
| 774th Bombardment Squadron emblem |  |
The 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron is a provisional United States Air Force unit, assigned to the 455th Expeditionary Operations Group at Bagram Air Base, Afghanistan. The squadron provides airlift to forces engaged in the War in Afghanistan.
The squadron was first activated as the 774th Bombardment Squadron during World War II. After training in the United States with Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bombers, it deployed to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, where it participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany, earning two Distinguished Unit Citations before inactivating in Italy.
The squadron was redesignated the 774th Troop Carrier Squadron and activated in January 1953, when it assumed the mission, personnel and aircraft of a reserve unit that had been called to active duty for the Korean War and was being released from active duty. The squadron provided airlift during a number of contingency operations, and in 1968, moved to the Philippines, from which its crews and planes rotated to Vietnam to provide airlift support during the Vietnam War. The was reactivated the United States, where it continued airlift operations until inactivating in 1986. It was converted to provisional status as the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron in 2001 and assigned to Air Combat Command to activate or inactivate as needed..
History
World War II
Training in the United States
The squadron was first activated as the 774th Bombardment Squadron at Geiger Field, Washington on 1 August 1943 as one of the four original squadrons of the 463d Bombardment Group.[1][3] The 774th moved to Rapid City Army Air Base, South Dakota, where it received its initial cadre. On 1 September, the key personnel of the squadron and 463d Group moved to Orlando Army Air Base, where they participated in advanced tactical training with the Army Air Forces School of Applied Tactics. A model crew from the squadron moved to Montbrook Army Air Field to participate in simulated missions with a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress. The cadre returned to Rapid City at the end of the month, where the ground echelon of the squadron was filled out and ground school begun.[4]
The squadron moved to MacDill Field, Florida in November and began flight training with the Flying Fortress, although its air echelon was not fully manned until early December. on 2 February, the squadron's ground echelon departed Florida for the Port of Embarkation at Camp Patrick Henry, Virginia for shipment to the Mediterranean Theater of Operations, while the air echelon ferried their B-17s via the southern ferry route.[1][4]
Combat in the Mediterranean Theater
The squadron arrived in Italy in March 1944 and flew its first combat mission fromm Celone Airfield on 30 March against an airfield at Imotski, Yugoslavia.[4] It engaged primarily in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. It attacked targets like marshalling yards, oil refineries and aircraft factories in Austria, Czechoslovakia, Germany, Greece, Romania and Yugoslavia.. The squadron was awarded a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for a mission against oil refineries in Ploesti, Romania on 18 May 1944.[3] Clouds that obscured the target resulted in Fifteenth Air Force recalling the mission, but the squadron and the rest of the 463d Group did not receive the recall message and was the only unit to continue on,[4] causing major destruction to the target. Although crippled by intense fighter attacks, they also inflicted severe damage on the opposing air defenses. On 24 May 1945, the 463d Group led the 5th Bombardment Wing in an attack against a Daimler-Benz tank factory at Berlin, Germany. The squadron made a successful attack despite three separate attacks by enemy air defenses, including attacks by German jet fighters.[4] This action earned the squadron its second DUC.[3]
The squadron was occasionally diverted from its strategic mission to perform air support and air interdiction missions. In May and June 1944, it bombed bridges to support the campaign for the liberation of Rome. In August 1944, it struck bridges, gun positions and other targets to support Operation Dragoon, the invasion of southern France. It hit military airbases, bridges and other tactical targets to support partisan forces and the Red Army advance in the Balkans. During the last months of the war the squadron operated primarily to support Operation Grapeshot, the spring 1945 offensive in Northern Italy.[3]
The squadron flew its final combat mission on 26 April 1945.[4] After V-E Day the squadron transported personnel (primarily soldiers of Fifth Army) from Italy to Casablanca for return to the United States. By early September, the unit had been substantially reduced by transfers to other units and returns of personnel to the United States and it was inactivated in Italy with the end of Project Green in September 1945.[1][4]
Airlift operations
Reactivated as a Tactical Air Command Troop Carrier squadron in June 1953, assigned Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcars. Engaged in transport of equipment and supplies; including support of Army Airborne parachute units throughout the 1950s and early 1960s. Equipped with new Lockheed C-130A Hercules in 1956, the squadron also operated a TAC-sponsored flight demonstration team during the late 1950s and early 1960s known as "The Four Horsemen," utilizing four C-130A aircraft.[5]
Deployed to Pacific Air Forces in 1966, being stationed in the Philippines. Engaged in airlift missions between the Philippines and South Vietnam, airlifting supplies and equipment to airfields in the combat areas; evacuating wounded personnel to hospitals at Clark Air Base. Remained in the Western Pacific until 1971 when inactivated as part of the drawdown of United States forces in the region.
Reactivated at Dyess Air Force Base, Texas as a theater airlift squadron in June 1972, initially under Tactical Air Command, later Military Airlift Command and lastly Air Mobility Command. Deployed frequently to Europe or the Pacific, performing intra-theater airlift missions with C-130s. Inactivated in October 1993 as part of the drawdown of the USAF after the end of the Cold War.
Redesignated 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron, converted to provisional status in 2001 and allotted to Air Combat Command to activate or inactivate as needed.[1]
Lineage
- Constituted as the 774th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 19 May 1943
- Activated on 1 August 1943
- Redesignated 774th Bombardment Squadron, Heavy c. 29 September 1944
- Inactivated on 25 September 1945
- Redesignated 774th Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium on 1 December 1952
- Activated on 16 January 1953
- Redesignated: 774th Troop Carrier Squadron, Assault on 18 December 1961
- Redesignated: 774th Troop Carrier Squadron, Medium on 15 May 1965
- Redesignated: 774th Troop Carrier Squadron on 1 January 1967
- Redesignated: 774th Tactical Airlift Squadron on 1 August 1967
- Inactivated on 15 September 1972
- Activated on 1 August 1973
- Inactivated on 1 October 1986
- Redesignated 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron and converted to provisional status, on 4 December 2001
- Activated on 20 April 2002
- Inactivated on 18 March 2003
- Activated on 4 October 2004[1]
Assignments
- 463d Bombardment Group, 1 August 1943 – 25 September 1945
- 463d Troop Carrier Group, 16 January 1953
- 463d Troop Carrier Wing (later 463d Tactical Airlift Wing), 25 September 1957 (attached to 315th Air Division, 21 March–19 June 1961, 322d Air Division, c. 15 March–20 July 1962, January–April 1964)
- 405th Fighter Wing, 31 December 1971 – 15 September 1972
- 463d Tactical Airlift Wing, 1 August 1973 – 1 October 1986 (attached to 322d Tactical Airlift Wing, 6 October–16 December 1973; 513th Tactical Airlift Wing, 3 September–16 November 1974, 3 May–7 July 1976; 435th Tactical Airlift Wing, 4 August–15 Oct 1975, 3 June–7 August 1977; 313th Tactical Airlift Group, 3 March–5 May 1978, 28 September–5 December 1979, 3 February–7 April 1981, 5 April–15 June 1982, 4 August–7 October 1983, 3 December 1984 – 9 February 1985, and 9 April–11 June 1986)
- Air Combat Command to activate or inactivate at any time after 4 December 2001
- 320th Expeditionary Operations Group, 20 April 2002 – 18 March 2003
- 376th Expeditionary Operations Group, 4 October 2004
- 455th Expeditionary Operations Group, 6 January 2006 – unknown[1]
Stations
|
|
Aircraft
- Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress, 1943–1945
- Fairchild C-119 Flying Boxcar, 1953–1957
- Lockheed C-130 Hercules, 1956–1962; 1963–1971; 1972–1993[1]
See also
References
Notes
- ^ Aircraft is Lockheed C-130H Hercules serial 93-7313 at Forward Operating Base Salerno, Khost Province, Afghanistan. Taken on 23 September 2013. At the time the 774th Expeditionary Airlift Squadron consisted mostly of deployed members of the Wyoming Air National Guard's 187th Airlift Squadron.
- ^ Aircraft is B-17G serial 42-31684 "Joker". The plane flew with the 774th Bombardment Squadron from 9 May 1944 until it was downed by an enemy fighter over Blechhammer, while attacking the chemical plants there on 7 July.
- ^ Aircraft is Lockheed C-130A-LM Hercules serial 55-31 taken in 1957.
Citations
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Haulman, Daniel L. (18 May 2018). "Factsheet 774 Expeditionary Airlift Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 28 August 2018.
- ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 748-749
- ^ a b c d Maurer, Combat Units, pp. 338-339
- ^ a b c d e f g "463rd Bombardment Group (H).5th Wing/15th Air Force "The Swoose Group" 1943-1945: Group History". 463rd Society. 27 December 1961. Retrieved 24 June 2019.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - ^ "Lockheed C-130: The Four Horsemen Demonstrated the Power of the New Aircraft". HistoryNet. 12 June 2006. Retrieved 19 October 2016.
Bibliography
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
- Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1983) [1961]. Air Force Combat Units of World War II (PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-912799-02-1. LCCN 61060979. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1982) [1969]. Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II (PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-405-12194-6. LCCN 70605402. OCLC 72556. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
Ravenstein, Charles A. (1984). Air Force Combat Wings, Lineage & Honors Histories 1947-1977 (PDF). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-912799-12-9. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
External links
- 455th Expeditionary Operations Group Factsheet
- "C-130 Dyess timeline". Abeline Reporter News. 23 April 2011. Archived from the original on 12 August 2011. Retrieved 29 January 2014.
{{cite web}}: Unknown parameter|deadurl=ignored (|url-status=suggested) (help) - "Hercules and the Four Horsemen". Lockheed Martin. 1960. Retrieved 19 October 2016. (YouTube video of Four Horsemen demonstration team)