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|size=
|size=
|command_structure= [[Air Combat Command]]
|command_structure= [[Air Combat Command]]
|current_commander= Maj. Ryan "Rojo" Busbey <ref>https://www.301fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2002338281/</ref>
|current_commander= Maj. Ryan "Rojo" Busbey <ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.301fw.afrc.af.mil/News/Photos/igphoto/2002338281/ |last1=Moose|first1=SSG Randall|title=24th Fighter Squadron welcomes new commander|date=June 26, 2020|publisher=301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs|accessdate=November 7, 2020}}</ref>
|garrison= [[Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth]]
|garrison= [[Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth]]
|nickname=Leaping Tigers{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
|nickname=Leaping Tigers{{citation needed|date=November 2020}}
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==History==
==History==
The 24th Fighter Squadron was originally formed on 1 May 1917 as Company F, Provisional Aviation School Squadron at [[Kelly Field]], Texas. It then became the 19th Provisional Aviation School Squadron on 14 June 1917 and the 24th Aero Squadron (Observation) 23 July 1917.<ref name="Hagerdorn">Hagdedorn, Dan (1995), Alae Supra Canalem: Wings Over the Canal, Turner Publishing, {{ISBN|1-56311-153-5}}</ref> On 11 November 1917, the original squadron was divided, with half of the squadron being re-formed into the [[185th Aero Squadron]].<ref name="Gorrell">Series "E", Volume 5, Histories of the 22d to 24th Aero Squadrons. Gorrell's History of the American Expeditionary Forces Air Service, 1917–1919, National Archives, Washington, D.C.</ref>
The 24th Fighter Squadron was originally formed on 1 May 1917 as Company F, Provisional Aviation School Squadron at [[Kelly Field]], Texas. It then became the 19th Provisional Aviation School Squadron on 14 June 1917 and the 24th Aero Squadron (Observation) 23 July 1917.<ref name="Hagedorn">Hagedorn, {{page needed|date=November 2020}}</ref> On 11 November 1917, the original squadron was divided, with half of the squadron being re-formed into the [[185th Aero Squadron]].<ref name="Gorrell">Gorrell {{page needed|date=November 2020}}</ref>


===World War I===
===World War I===
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The unit actually deployed to England after the U.S. entry into World War I on 9 January 1918, and from there moved on to France after a training period in England, on 18 July 1918, positioned first at St. Maxient and later at Ourches (Meuse)
The unit actually deployed to England after the U.S. entry into World War I on 9 January 1918, and from there moved on to France after a training period in England, on 18 July 1918, positioned first at St. Maxient and later at Ourches (Meuse)


During its World War I campaign, the 24th Aero was assigned to the [[First Army Observation Group]]. Its first combat mission came on 12 September 1918, and 13 more missions were flown during the preceding 10 days. The unit's first confirmed combat victory came on 15 September 1918 when 2LT Roe E. Weils (Pilot) and 2LT Albert W. Swmebroad (Observer) shot down a German aircraft. The unit also lost three aircraft during the same period, and of the crews from these aircraft, two men became POW's.<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="WD1920">War Department, 1920, Battle Participation of Organizations of the American Expeditionary Forces in France, Belgium and Italy, 1917–1918, Washington, Government Printing Office</ref><ref name="Brown1921">Brown, Waldo, R.W. Pillsbury (1921), The American Army in the World War, A Divisional Record of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe, Overseas Book Company</ref><ref name="AFHRA55928">[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/928.xml AFHRA document 00055928, 24th Aero Squadron (Observation), 1917–1919]</ref><ref name="AFHRA55929">[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/929.xml AFHRA document 00055929, 24th Fighter Squadron, 1917–1919]</ref>
During its World War I campaign, the 24th Aero was assigned to the [[First Army Observation Group]]. Its first combat mission came on 12 September 1918, and 13 more missions were flown during the preceding 10 days. The unit's first confirmed combat victory came on 15 September 1918 when 2LT Roe E. Weils (Pilot) and 2LT Albert W. Swmebroad (Observer) shot down a German aircraft. The unit also lost three aircraft during the same period, and of the crews from these aircraft, two men became POW's.<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name="WD1920">War Department, ''Battle Participation of Organizations of the American Expeditionary Forces'' {{page needed|date=November 2020}}</ref><ref name="Brown1921">Brown & Pillsbury {{page needed|date=November 2020}}</ref><ref name=24ASRecceReports>{{cite web |url= http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/928.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, Reconnaissance and Miscellaneous Reports 24 Aero Squadron (Observation), Jan 1917-Dec 1919 [sic] |date=|publisher=Air Force History Index||accessdate=November 7, 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/929.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, Miscellaneous Documents 24 Fighter Squadron [sic], Jan 1917-Dec 1919 [sic]|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index||accessdate=November 7, 2020}}</ref>


The unit went on to fly 155 missions from [[Gondreville, Meurthe-et-Moselle|Gondreville]] and [[Viocourt]] Airfields from 22 September 1918 during the [[Meuse-Argonne Offensive]] and claimed 11 confirmed aerial victories. Of these missions, 22 were termed "special combat missions" in which they were sent out by Army Headquarters to obtain aerial reconnaissance information most urgently needed to support ground operations, all of which were conducted at "extremely low altitude." For these special duties, teams were detached from the squadron and sent to Army Headquarters at [[Souilly]] between 9 and 18 October. On one such mission, 1st Lt. Raymond P. Dillon (Pilot) and 2d Lt. John B. Lee III engaged nine enemy aircraft and claimed three of them.
The unit went on to fly 155 missions from [[Gondreville, Meurthe-et-Moselle|Gondreville]] and [[Viocourt]] Airfields from 22 September 1918 during the [[Meuse-Argonne Offensive]] and claimed 11 confirmed aerial victories. Of these missions, 22 were termed "special combat missions" in which they were sent out by Army Headquarters to obtain aerial reconnaissance information most urgently needed to support ground operations, all of which were conducted at "extremely low altitude." For these special duties, teams were detached from the squadron and sent to Army Headquarters at [[Souilly]] between 9 and 18 October. On one such mission, 1st Lt. Raymond P. Dillon (Pilot) and 2d Lt. John B. Lee III engaged nine enemy aircraft and claimed three of them.


After the November 1918 Armistice with Germany, the squadron was part of the [[Occupation of the Rhineland]], returning to the United States on 1 October 1919 and being demobilized.<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="WD1920"/><ref name="Brown1921"/><ref name="AFHRA55928"/><ref name="AFHRA55929"/>
After the November 1918 Armistice with Germany, the squadron was part of the [[Occupation of the Rhineland]], returning to the United States on 1 October 1919 and being demobilized.<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name="WD1920"/><ref name="Brown1921"/>


===Panama Canal Defense===
===Panama Canal Defense===
[[File:24th Pursuit Squadron Boeing P-12E about 1933.jpg|thumb|Boeing P-12E about 1933 at Albrook Field, Canal Zone. Probably a 1932 Serial, Squadron #5. Note squadron emblem prominent on fuselage.]]
[[File:24th Pursuit Squadron Boeing P-12E about 1933.jpg|thumb|Boeing P-12E at Albrook Field, Canal Zone<ref group=note>Probably a 1932 Serial, Squadron #5. Note squadron emblem prominent on fuselage. Taken about 1933.</ref>]]
[[File:24th Fighter Squadron P-36As.jpg|thumb|Eight Curtiss P-36A Hawks at Rio Hato Airfield, Panama, 1939. Identified aircraft are 38-0013, 38-0069 and 38-0015]]
[[File:24th Fighter Squadron P-36As.jpg|thumb|Eight Curtiss P-36A Hawks at Rio Hato Airfield in 1939<ref group=note>Identified aircraft are serials 38-13, 38-69 and 38-15.</ref>]]
The unit was reconstituted as the 24th Squadron (Pursuit) at [[Mitchel Field]], New York, and assigned to the [[6th Composite Group]], [[France Field]], [[Panama Canal Zone]] on 22 April 1922. Ground elements departed 30 April 1922 from the port of New York on the USAT Somme en route to the Canal Zone. Air elements concurrently departed Mitchel Field and arrived several days later at France Field, CZ. Re-designated the 24th Pursuit Squadron in 1923.<ref name="Clay">[http://usacac.army.mil/cac2/cgsc/carl/download/csipubs/OrderOfBattle/OrderofBattle3.pdf Army Air Service Order of Battle 1919–1941]</ref>
The unit was reconstituted as the 24th Squadron (Pursuit) at [[Mitchel Field]], New York, and assigned to the [[6th Composite Group]], [[France Field]], [[Panama Canal Zone]] on 22 April 1922. Ground elements departed 30 April 1922 from the port of New York on the USAT Somme en route to the Canal Zone. Air elements concurrently departed Mitchel Field and arrived several days later at France Field, CZ. Redesignated the 24th Pursuit Squadron in 1923.<ref name="Clay">Clay {{page needed|date=November 2020}}</ref>


The unit remained at France Field until October 1932 when it was transferred to the newly completed [[Albrook Field]], where it became an element of the [[16th Pursuit Group]]. For the rest of its existence, the Squadron's mission was the defense of the [[Panama Canal]]. The Squadron was progressively redesignated, in keeping with the changes sweeping through the Army Air Corps, becoming first the 24th Pursuit Squadron in 1923; 24th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) in 1939, and finally the 24th Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942.<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="MaurerArmy">{{cite book|last= Maurer|first=Maurer|title=Aviation in the U.S. Army, 1919–1939
The unit remained at France Field until October 1932 when it was transferred to the newly completed [[Albrook Field]], where it became an element of the [[16th Pursuit Group]]. For the rest of its existence, the Squadron's mission was the defense of the [[Panama Canal]]. The Squadron was progressively redesignated, in keeping with the changes sweeping through the Army Air Corps, becoming first the 24th Pursuit Squadron in 1923; 24th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) in 1939, and finally the 24th Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942.<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name="MaurerArmy">Maurer, ''Aviation in the U.S. Army'' {{page needed|date=November 2020}}</ref><ref>{{cite web |url= http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/930.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, History 24 Aero Squadron, Nov 1918-Dec 1919 |date=|publisher=Air Force History Index||accessdate=November 7, 2020}} {{cite web |url= http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/931.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, History 24 Pursuit Squadron, Nov 1921-Jan 1923|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index||accessdate=November 7, 2020}}</ref><ref name=24FS19191943>{{cite web |url= http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/915.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, Miscellaneous Documents 24 Fighter Squadron, Feb 1919-Jul 1943|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index||accessdate=November 7, 2020}}</ref>
⚫
|url= http://www.afhso.af.mil/shared/media/document/AFD-100923-007.pdf |year= 1987|publisher=Office of Air Force History, United States Air Force|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-38-2|oclc=15661556|lccn=87012257}}
</ref><ref name="AFHRA55930">[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/930.xml AFHRA document 00055930, 24th Aero Squadron, 1918-1919]</ref><ref name="AFHRA55931">[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/915.xml AFHRA document 00055931, 24th Pursuit Squadron, 1921–1923]</ref><ref name="AFHRA55915">[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/915.xml AFHRA document 00055915, 24th Fighter Squadron, 1919–1943]</ref>


The [[Great Depression in the United States]] and lack of funding to the [[Army Air Service]] and later [[United States Army Air Corps|Army Air Corps]] led to the fortunes of the unit being at a rather low ebb by 1 January 1939, at which time the squadron consisted of six flying officers and 93 other ranks, the Squadron was equipped with the [[Boeing P-26A Peashooter]]. With the breakout of [[World War II]] in [[Europe]] during September 1939, the Squadron was one of the first to be brought up to strength when, on 7 September 1939, 25 new Second Lieutenants arrived from [[Barksdale AFB|Barksdale]], [[Selfridge AFB|Selfridge]] and [[Langley Field]]s in the United States. Between the date of their arrival and the [[Pearl Harbor Attack]] on 7 December 1941, 13 of these young officers were reassigned to other Pursuit squadrons in the Canal Zone, and this marked the beginning of a policy whereby most of the Squadrons of the 16th and [[32d Pursuit Group]]s grew, almost literally, out of the 24th Pursuit Squadron.<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="MaurerArmy"/><ref name="AFHRA55915"/>
The [[Great Depression in the United States]] and lack of funding to the [[Army Air Service]] and later [[United States Army Air Corps|Army Air Corps]] led to the fortunes of the unit being at a rather low ebb by 1 January 1939, at which time the squadron consisted of six flying officers and 93 other ranks, the Squadron was equipped with the [[Boeing P-26A Peashooter]]. With the breakout of [[World War II]] in [[Europe]] during September 1939, the Squadron was one of the first to be brought up to strength when, on 7 September 1939, 25 new Second Lieutenants arrived from [[Barksdale AFB|Barksdale]], [[Selfridge AFB|Selfridge]] and [[Langley Field]]s in the United States. Between the date of their arrival and the [[Pearl Harbor Attack]] on 7 December 1941, 13 of these young officers were reassigned to other Pursuit squadrons in the Canal Zone, and this marked the beginning of a policy whereby most of the Squadrons of the 16th and [[32d Pursuit Group]]s grew, almost literally, out of the 24th Pursuit Squadron.<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name="MaurerArmy"/><ref name=24FS19191943/>


In October 1939, the Squadron received word that it was to re-equip with the new [[Curtiss P-36A Hawk]]s. By the end of 1939, the Squadron was "up to strength," with 12 P-36A's (the Squadron color was yellow at the time), one Captain (the Squadron Commander), 11 Second Lieutenants and 142 enlisted ranks. The year 1940 passed in an endless series of training maneuvers, and personnel replacements and reassignments. Due to training accidents, as of 31 December 1940, the unit had but eight of its P-36A's left, and officer strength had dwindled to one Captain, one First Lieutenant and six Second Lieutenants, but enlisted strength had grown to 158. In June 1941, the Squadron received nine new [[Curtiss P-40C Warhawk]]s and, with these, a number of long-range navigational flights were undertaken, one going so far as [[Trinidad]].<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="MaurerArmy"/><ref name="AFHRA55915"/>
In October 1939, the Squadron received word that it was to re-equip with the new [[Curtiss P-36A Hawk]]s. By the end of 1939, the Squadron was "up to strength," with 12 P-36A's (the Squadron color was yellow at the time), one Captain (the Squadron Commander), 11 Second Lieutenants and 142 enlisted ranks. The year 1940 passed in an endless series of training maneuvers, and personnel replacements and reassignments. Due to training accidents, as of 31 December 1940, the unit had but eight of its P-36A's left, and officer strength had dwindled to one Captain, one First Lieutenant and six Second Lieutenants, but enlisted strength had grown to 158. In June 1941, the Squadron received nine new [[Curtiss P-40C Warhawk]]s and, with these, a number of long-range navigational flights were undertaken, one going so far as [[Trinidad]].<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name="MaurerArmy"/><ref name=24FS19191943/>


====World War II====
====World War II====
[[File:24th Fighter Squadron P-40Ns.jpg|thumb|left|3 aircraft formation P-40N Warhawks operating from Madden Field, Panama. Serials 42-104978 (Squadron #13), 42-104973 (Squadron #33) and 42-104953 (Squadron #29)]]
[[File:24th Fighter Squadron P-40Ns.jpg|thumb|Three aircraft formation of squadron P-40N Warhawks<ref group=note>Aircraft were operating from Madden Field, Panama. Serials 42-104978 (Squadron #13), 42-104973 (Squadron #33) and 42-104953 (Squadron #29).</ref>]]
[[File:24th Fighter Squadron Bell P-39Q-20-BE Airacobra 44-3528.jpg|thumb|left|Bell P-39Q-20-BE Airacobra 44-3528 "Miss Izzy", France Field, Panama with squadron personnel, 1944]]
[[File:24th Fighter Squadron Bell P-39Q-20-BE Airacobra 44-3528.jpg|thumb|Squadron P-39 Airacobra<ref group=note>Aircraft is Bell P-39Q-20-BE Airacobra, serial 44-3528 "Miss Izzy". Taken at France Field, Panama with squadron personnel in 1944.</ref>]]
After the Pearl Harbor Attack in December 1941, the squadron initially remained on standing alert at Albrook, but dispatched "C" flight to [[General Ulpiano Paez Airport|Salinas Airport]], Ecuador, to provide aerodrome defense for that strategic point on 2 February 1942. The remainder of the Squadron moved to the La Joya #2 Aerodrome {{Coord|09|04|59|N|079|19|00|W|}} on 12 March 1942, where they remained until returning to Albrook on 30 September, having been re-designated as the 24th Fighter Squadron on 15 May. For the first four months that the unit was at La Joya #2, they had operated off the very primitive dirt runway there. This field was 25 miles north east of Albrook, just off the main [[Pan-American Highway]] to [[Chepo, Panamá Province|Chepo]]. It was, however, well situated as, just off the runway was heavy jungle growth, which offered excellent revetments and camouflage. The unit had also transitioned from its P-40C's to [[Bell P-39D Airacobra]]s starting 2 May 1942, when it acquired 10 of these aircraft From the [[53d Fighter Group]]. The field at La Joya became flooded (due to the rainy season) in September 1942, forcing the return of the unit, somewhat ahead of schedule, to Albrook, where conditions were very crowded. By then, the P-39D's had been exchanged for 14 [[P-39K]]'s.<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="AFHRA55915"/>
After the Pearl Harbor Attack in December 1941, the squadron initially remained on standing alert at Albrook, but dispatched "C" flight to [[General Ulpiano Paez Airport|Salinas Airport]], Ecuador, to provide aerodrome defense for that strategic point on 2 February 1942. The remainder of the Squadron moved to the La Joya #2 Aerodrome {{Coord|09|04|59|N|079|19|00|W|}} on 12 March 1942, where they remained until returning to Albrook on 30 September, having been re-designated as the 24th Fighter Squadron on 15 May. For the first four months that the unit was at La Joya #2, they had operated off the very primitive dirt runway there. This field was 25 miles north east of Albrook, just off the main [[Pan-American Highway]] to [[Chepo, Panamá Province|Chepo]]. It was, however, well situated as, just off the runway was heavy jungle growth, which offered excellent revetments and camouflage. The unit had also transitioned from its P-40C's to [[Bell P-39D Airacobra]]s starting 2 May 1942, when it acquired 10 of these aircraft From the [[53d Fighter Group]]. The field at La Joya became flooded (due to the rainy season) in September 1942, forcing the return of the unit, somewhat ahead of schedule, to Albrook, where conditions were very crowded. By then, the P-39D's had been exchanged for 14 [[P-39K]]'s.<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name=24FS19191943/>


On 15 October 1942, eight P-39K's were dispatched on a mission near [[Rio Hato]] to graphically illustrate the effectiveness of the cannon-armed fighter as a ground-attack aircraft. The Airacobras attacked a column of derelict trucks positioned there and, when the dust settled, all but five of the 115 vehicles had been completely destroyed. In addition, between November 1942 and 11 January 1943, the Squadron also had a solitary [[Douglas P-70]] night fighter, which it maintained and operated on behalf of the [[XXVI Fighter Command]] at Albrook. This was the rather weak [[Sixth Air Force]] response to a concern over the lack of night fighter defenses for the Panama Canal.<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="AFHRA55915"/>
On 15 October 1942, eight P-39K's were dispatched on a mission near [[Rio Hato]] to graphically illustrate the effectiveness of the cannon-armed fighter as a ground-attack aircraft. The Airacobras attacked a column of derelict trucks positioned there and, when the dust settled, all but five of the 115 vehicles had been completely destroyed. In addition, between November 1942 and 11 January 1943, the Squadron also had a solitary [[Douglas P-70]] night fighter, which it maintained and operated on behalf of the [[XXVI Fighter Command]] at Albrook. This was the rather weak [[Sixth Air Force]] response to a concern over the lack of night fighter defenses for the Panama Canal.<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name=24FS19191943/>


The respite at Albrook was short-lived, however, as it had now become the policy of Sixth Air Force to rotate its Fighter Squadrons in and out of remote bases for practical as well as for morale purposes. Thus, on 17 January 1943, (with a total of 17 aircraft on hand) the Squadron took up residence again at La Joya #2, following the arrival of the dry season, where it stayed until 28 May, when it returned once again, briefly, to Albrook. However, just prior to the return to Albrook on 24 May, 12 P-39K's flew in support of three Navy [[PT Boat]]s in a simulated dive-bombing and strafing attack on two Navy Destroyers some 10 miles south east of [[Taborcillo|Taborquilla Island]].<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="AFHRA55915"/>
The respite at Albrook was short-lived, however, as it had now become the policy of Sixth Air Force to rotate its Fighter Squadrons in and out of remote bases for practical as well as for morale purposes. Thus, on 17 January 1943, (with a total of 17 aircraft on hand) the Squadron took up residence again at La Joya #2, following the arrival of the dry season, where it stayed until 28 May, when it returned once again, briefly, to Albrook. However, just prior to the return to Albrook on 24 May, 12 P-39K's flew in support of three Navy [[PT Boat]]s in a simulated dive-bombing and strafing attack on two Navy Destroyers some 10 miles south east of [[Taborcillo|Taborquilla Island]].<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name=24FS19191943/>


The next move, however, was to [[Howard Field]] (after being yet again flooded out at La Joya), on 9 June 1943, although Flight "E" was detached to serve on [[Isla del Rey (Panama)|Rey Island]] in the [[Bay of Panama]] on 15 June (Punta Coco Airfield,at southern tip la Esmeralda peninsula). Also, the Squadron, for reasons unknown, received four [[P-39D]]'s which had previously been stationed at [[Losey Army Airfield|Losey Field]], Puerto Rico. Fortunately, however, the Squadron flew its last P-39 missions on 25 June 1943 and, ironically, these were replaced on 27 June 1943 by two refurbished Curtiss P-40C's and on 29 June two new [[P-40N Warhawk]]s. From that point through until August, the Squadron transitioned into new P-40N's, 22 of which were on hand by the end of that month. Meanwhile, the detachment at Rey Island ("E" Flight) was joined by "F" Flight, and these were amalgamated into one very large "E" Flight, still on Rey Island.<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="AFHRA55915"/>
The next move, however, was to [[Howard Field]] (after being yet again flooded out at La Joya), on 9 June 1943, although Flight "E" was detached to serve on [[Isla del Rey (Panama)|Rey Island]] in the [[Bay of Panama]] on 15 June (Punta Coco Airfield,at southern tip la Esmeralda peninsula). Also, the Squadron, for reasons unknown, received four [[P-39D]]'s which had previously been stationed at [[Losey Army Airfield|Losey Field]], Puerto Rico. Fortunately, however, the Squadron flew its last P-39 missions on 25 June 1943 and, ironically, these were replaced on 27 June 1943 by two refurbished Curtiss P-40C's and on 29 June two new [[P-40N Warhawk]]s. From that point through until August, the Squadron transitioned into new P-40N's, 22 of which were on hand by the end of that month. Meanwhile, the detachment at Rey Island ("E" Flight) was joined by "F" Flight, and these were amalgamated into one very large "E" Flight, still on Rey Island.<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name=24FS19191943/>


On 27 August 1943, flying their new P-40N's, "A" and "B" Flights flew a most interesting mass cross-country to [[Costa Rica]]. The next day, they flew down the Atlantic side of the Isthmus of Panama – completely undetected – and made a successful surprise "attack" on the [[Gatun Locks]] of the Panama Canal. "B" Flight made three dive-bombing attacks from 10,000 feet while "A" Flight made four strafing passes. Defending interceptors, finally alerted to the proceedings, didn't show up until the attack was completely over. Effective 1 November 1943, the Squadron was officially assigned directly to the XXVI Fighter Command and, by 31 December, had totally re-equipped with P-4ON's.<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="AFHRA55915"/><ref name="AFHRA55933">[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/933.xml AFHRA document 00055933, 24th Fighter Squadron, 1943–1945]</ref>
On 27 August 1943, flying their new P-40N's, "A" and "B" Flights flew a most interesting mass cross-country to [[Costa Rica]]. The next day, they flew down the Atlantic side of the Isthmus of Panama – completely undetected – and made a successful surprise "attack" on the [[Gatun Locks]] of the Panama Canal. "B" Flight made three dive-bombing attacks from 10,000 feet while "A" Flight made four strafing passes. Defending interceptors, finally alerted to the proceedings, didn't show up until the attack was completely over. Effective 1 November 1943, the Squadron was officially assigned directly to the XXVI Fighter Command and, by 31 December, had totally re-equipped with P-4ON's.<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name=24FS19191943/><ref name=25FSstatus>{{cite web |url= http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/933.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, Weekly Status and Operations Reports 24 Fighter Squadron, Nov 1943-Aug 1945|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index||accessdate=November 7, 2020}}</ref>


The Squadron was moved again to [[Madden Army Airfield]] (near Madden Dam) on 8 March 1944 and, shortly following, again re-equipped, this time with [[Bell P-39Q]]-5's and P-39Q-20's, and [[Piper L-4]]s and [[North American AT-6 Texan]]s were also assigned. A "hack" [[Northrop RA-17]] as well as a [[Curtiss RP-40C]] and a [[North American AT-6D]] were also assigned. By March a single Vultee BT-13A Valiant had also been added, to augment the instrument training program. In July 1944, the Squadron was once again tasked to make mock attacks on Panama Canal installations and, later in the same month, conducted very intensive interceptor exercises against various [[VI Bomber Command]] elements. By the end of that month, 23 P-39Q's were on hand, of which 21 were combat ready.<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="AFHRA55933"/><ref name="AFHRA2497">
The Squadron was moved again to [[Madden Army Airfield]] (near Madden Dam) on 8 March 1944 and, shortly following, again re-equipped, this time with [[Bell P-39Q]]-5's and P-39Q-20's, and [[Piper L-4]]s and [[North American AT-6 Texan]]s were also assigned. A "hack" [[Northrop RA-17]] as well as a [[Curtiss RP-40C]] and a [[North American AT-6D]] were also assigned. By March a single Vultee BT-13A Valiant had also been added, to augment the instrument training program. In July 1944, the Squadron was once again tasked to make mock attacks on Panama Canal installations and, later in the same month, conducted very intensive interceptor exercises against various [[VI Bomber Command]] elements. By the end of that month, 23 P-39Q's were on hand, of which 21 were combat ready.<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name=25FSstatus/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/002/497.xml |last1=|first1=|title= Abstract, History of Madden Field, Jan-Nov 1944|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index||accessdate=November 7, 2020}}</ref>
[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/002/497.xml AFHRA document 00002497, History of Madden Field, Panama, 1944]</ref>


On 15 August 1944, the Squadron moved again, this time to [[France Field]] and, by October, the unit had reached perhaps its highest state of combat readiness, with 23 of 24 P-39Q's airworthy, the highest percentage in XXVI Fighter Command at the time.<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="AFHRA55933"/>
On 15 August 1944, the Squadron moved again, this time to [[France Field]] and, by October, the unit had reached perhaps its highest state of combat readiness, with 23 of 24 P-39Q's airworthy, the highest percentage in XXVI Fighter Command at the time.<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name=25FSstatus/>


By January 1945, the unit had been formally redesignated as the 24th Fighter Squadron (Twin Engine) and this signaled the advent of the sleek [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]] into Squadron service. The first P-38 known assigned was P-38J 44-23072, which also suffered a landing accident on 25 February 1945. The Squadron moved once again, although the main body was still stationed at France Field, this time to [[Chame Airport|Chame Field]], Panama, and by March 1945 had a mixed strength consisting of 16 P-39Qs, 11 P-38Js, and single examples of the [[Cessna UC-78]], [[North American AT-6F]] (44-82129) and a Vultee BT-13A (42-42753). By June 1945, the P-38 Lightnings predominated, with 20 P-38s on hand and but five P-39Qs, although one of the P-38s was lost that month to an accident, the earlier P-38J's having been augmented by P-38Ls (including 43-50301 and 50318). A [[Beech UC-45F]] (44-87029) was also assigned to the Squadron to serve as a conversion trainer to twin-engined equipment, augmenting the UC-78.<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="AFHRA55933"/><ref name="AFHRA55919">[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/919.xml AFHRA document 00055919, 24th Fighter Squadron, 1945]</ref>
By January 1945, the unit had been formally redesignated as the 24th Fighter Squadron (Twin Engine) and this signaled the advent of the sleek [[Lockheed P-38 Lightning]] into Squadron service. The first P-38 known assigned was P-38J 44-23072, which also suffered a landing accident on 25 February 1945. The Squadron moved once again, although the main body was still stationed at France Field, this time to [[Chame Airport|Chame Field]], Panama, and by March 1945 had a mixed strength consisting of 16 P-39Qs, 11 P-38Js, and single examples of the [[Cessna UC-78]], [[North American AT-6F]] (44-82129) and a Vultee BT-13A (42-42753). By June 1945, the P-38 Lightnings predominated, with 20 P-38s on hand and but five P-39Qs, although one of the P-38s was lost that month to an accident, the earlier P-38J's having been augmented by P-38Ls (including 43-50301 and 50318). A [[Beech UC-45F]] (44-87029) was also assigned to the Squadron to serve as a conversion trainer to twin-engined equipment, augmenting the UC-78.<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name=25FSstatus/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/919.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, History 24 Fighter Squadron, Feb 1945|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index||accessdate=November 7, 2020}}</ref>


With the end of the war in September 1945, the squadron reduced its activities, and many personnel were transferred back to the United States for separation. The squadron was placed in an inactive status on 1 November 1945, and formally inactivated on 15 October 1946. Its remaining aircraft were transferred to the [[43d Fighter Squadron]].<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="AFHRA55927">[http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/927.xml AFHRA document 00055927, 24th Fighter Squadron, 1945]</ref>
With the end of the war in September 1945, the squadron reduced its activities, and many personnel were transferred back to the United States for separation. The squadron was placed in an inactive status on 1 November 1945, and formally inactivated on 15 October 1946. Its remaining aircraft were transferred to the [[43d Fighter Squadron]].<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref>{{cite web |url= http://airforcehistoryindex.org/data/000/055/927.xml |last1=|first1=|title=Abstract, History 24 Fighter Squadron, Oct 1945|date=|publisher=Air Force History Index||accessdate=November 7, 2020}}</ref>


===Heraldry===
==Heraldry==
A leaping tiger in the proper colors. (Approved 15 February 1924)
A leaping tiger in the proper colors.<ref name=Maurer24FS>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', pp. 127-128</ref>
⚫
<ref name=Maurer>{{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|year=1982|publisher=Office of Air Force History|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-405-12194-6|oclc=72556|lccn=70605402}}</ref>


===Lineage===
==Lineage==
* Formed as '''Company F, Provisional Aviation School Squadron, Kelly Field''' on 1 May 1917
* Formed as '''Company F, Provisional Aviation School Squadron, Kelly Field''' on 1 May 1917
: Redesignated '''19th Provisional Aviation School Squadron''', 14 June 1917
: Redesignated '''19th Provisional Aviation School Squadron''', 14 June 1917
Line 105: Line 101:
: Redesignated: '''24th Fighter Squadron (Twin Engine)''' on 1 January 1945
: Redesignated: '''24th Fighter Squadron (Twin Engine)''' on 1 January 1945
: Inactivated on 15 October 1946.
: Inactivated on 15 October 1946.
<ref name=Maurer/><ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name=Recordcard>Air Force Historical Research Agency Organizational Record Card, Search made on 23 January 2012, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Constituted Oct 2019, NAS FT. WORTH JRB TX
<ref name=Maurer24FS/><ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name=Recordcard>Air Force Historical Research Agency Organizational Record Card, Search made on 23 January 2012, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Constituted Oct 2019, NAS FT. WORTH JRB TX</ref>
</ref>


===Assignments===
===Assignments===
Line 127: Line 122:
: Attached to: [[1st Special Operations Wing|16th Pursuit (later Fighter) Group]], 1 December 1932
: Attached to: [[1st Special Operations Wing|16th Pursuit (later Fighter) Group]], 1 December 1932
* [[XXVI Fighter Command]], 1 November 1943
* [[XXVI Fighter Command]], 1 November 1943
* [[6th Fighter Wing]], 25 August – 15 October 1946.<ref name=Maurer/>
* [[6th Fighter Wing]], 25 August – 15 October 1946<ref name=Maurer24FS/>
* 301st FW, Carswell Field Oct 2019
* 301st FW, Carswell Field Oct 2019
⚫
<ref name="Hagedorn"/><ref name="Gorrell"/><ref name=Recordcard/>

⚫
<ref name="Hagerdorn"/><ref name="Gorrell"/><ref name=Recordcard/>


===Stations===
===Stations===
Line 162: Line 156:
* [[Howard Field]], [[Panama Canal Zone|Canal Zone]], 9 June 1943
* [[Howard Field]], [[Panama Canal Zone|Canal Zone]], 9 June 1943
* [[Madden Army Airfield|Madden Field]], [[Panama]], 8 March 1944
* [[Madden Army Airfield|Madden Field]], [[Panama]], 8 March 1944
* [[France Field]], [[Panama Canal Zone|Canal Zone]], 15 August 1944 – 15 October 1946.<ref name=Maurer/>
* [[France Field]], [[Panama Canal Zone|Canal Zone]], 15 August 1944 – 15 October 1946<ref name=Maurer24FS/>
* [[Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth|NAS Ft. Worth JRB]], Oct 2019 - present
* [[Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth|NAS Ft. Worth JRB]], Oct 2019 - present
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}
Line 186: Line 180:
* [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]], 2019 - present
* [[F-16 Fighting Falcon]], 2019 - present
{{Col-end}}
{{Col-end}}
<ref name=Maurer/>
<ref name=Maurer24FS/>


==See also==
==See also==
Line 194: Line 188:


==References==
==References==
===Notes===
⚫
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
; Explanatory notes
{{Reflist|group=note}}

; Citations
{{Reflist|30em}}
{{Reflist|30em}}

===Bibliography===
⚫
{{Air Force Historical Research Agency}}
* {{cite book|last1=Browne|first1=George Waldo|last2=Pillsbury|first2=Rosecrans W.|title=The American Army in the World War, A Divisional Record of the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe|url= https://books.google.gy/books?id=xQ0gAAAAMAAJ&output=html_text&source=gbs_book_other_versions_r&cad=2 |accessdate=November 7, 2020|edition=Reprint|series=War College|year=1921|publisher=Overseas Book Company|location= }} (ISBN 9781298486806 for 2015 reprint by Creative Media Partners, Burbank CA}
* {{cite book|last=Clay|first=Steven E.|title=US Army Order of Battle 1919-1941|url =http://www.cgsc.edu/carl/download/csipubs/OrderOfBattle/OrderofBattle3.pdf |accessdate=October 16, 2012|volume=Vol. 3 The Services: Air Service, Engineers, and Special Troops 1919-1941|year=2011|publisher=Combat Studies Institute Press|location=Fort Leavenworth, KS|isbn=978-0-98419-014-0|oclc=637712205|lccn=2010022326}}
* {{cite book|last=Gorrell|first= Col. Edgar S.|title=History of the American Expeditionary Forces Air Service, 1917-1919|series = Series E: Squadron Histories|volume= Vol. 5 History of the 22d-24th Aero Squadrons|year= 1974|publisher=National Archives and Records Service, General Services Administration|location= Washington, DC|oclc=215070705}}
* {{cite book|last=Hagedorn|first=Dan|title=Alae Supra Canalem: Wings Over the Canal|year=1995|publisher=Turner Publishing|location=Nashville, TN|isbn=1-56311-153-5}}
⚫
* {{cite book|last=Maurer|first=Maurer|title=Aviation in the U.S. Army, 1919-1939|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Sep/23/2001330114/-1/-1/0/AFD-100923-007.pdf|accessdate=December 17, 2016|year= 1987|publisher=Office of Air Force History, United States Air Force|location=Washington, DC|isbn=0-912799-38-2|oclc=15661556|lccn=87012257|}}
* {{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}}
⚫
* {{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|}}
* {{cite book|last= Maurer|first=Maurer|title=The US Air Service in World War I|url= http://media.defense.gov/2010/Oct/13/2001329758/-1/-1/0/AFD-101013-007.pdf|accessdate=December 17, 2016 |volume=Volume 1 The Final Report and a Tactical History |year= 1978|publisher=Office of Air Force History, United States Air Force|location=Washington, DC|isbn=978-1477602-74-4|oclc=|lccn=}}
* {{cite book|last=War Department|first=|title=Battle Participation of Organizations of the American Expeditionary Forces in France, Belgium and Italy, 1917–1919
|url= https://ia802609.us.archive.org/24/items/battleparticipat00unitrich/battleparticipat00unitrich.pdf |accessdate=December 4, 2016|year= 1920|publisher=Government Printing Office|location=Washington DC|oclc=118250}}


==External links==
==External links==

Revision as of 21:07, 7 November 2020

24th Fighter Squadron
P-38J Lightning (Squadron #12), France Field, Panama, 1945
Active1917–1919; 1921–1946; 2019-
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleFighter
Part ofAir Combat Command
Garrison/HQNaval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth
Nickname(s)Leaping Tigers[citation needed]
Engagements

  • World War I

  • World War II – American Theater
Commanders
Current
commander		Maj. Ryan "Rojo" Busbey [1]
Insignia
24th Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 30 Oct 2019)[2]
24th Pursuit Squadron emblem (approved 18 February 1924)[2]

The 24th Fighter Squadron is a United States Air Force Reserve Command unit, assigned to the 301st Operations Group, 301st Fighter Wing at Naval Air Station Joint Reserve Base Fort Worth, Texas. The squadron flies the General Dynamics F-16 Fighting Falcon. If mobilized, the Wing is gained by the Air Combat Command.

History

The 24th Fighter Squadron was originally formed on 1 May 1917 as Company F, Provisional Aviation School Squadron at Kelly Field, Texas. It then became the 19th Provisional Aviation School Squadron on 14 June 1917 and the 24th Aero Squadron (Observation) 23 July 1917.[3] On 11 November 1917, the original squadron was divided, with half of the squadron being re-formed into the 185th Aero Squadron.[4]

World War I

see: 24th Aero Squadron for expanded history of the unit during World War I
24th Aero Squadron, Vavincourt Aerodrome, France, November 1918

The unit actually deployed to England after the U.S. entry into World War I on 9 January 1918, and from there moved on to France after a training period in England, on 18 July 1918, positioned first at St. Maxient and later at Ourches (Meuse)

During its World War I campaign, the 24th Aero was assigned to the First Army Observation Group. Its first combat mission came on 12 September 1918, and 13 more missions were flown during the preceding 10 days. The unit's first confirmed combat victory came on 15 September 1918 when 2LT Roe E. Weils (Pilot) and 2LT Albert W. Swmebroad (Observer) shot down a German aircraft. The unit also lost three aircraft during the same period, and of the crews from these aircraft, two men became POW's.[3][5][6][7][8]

The unit went on to fly 155 missions from Gondreville and Viocourt Airfields from 22 September 1918 during the Meuse-Argonne Offensive and claimed 11 confirmed aerial victories. Of these missions, 22 were termed "special combat missions" in which they were sent out by Army Headquarters to obtain aerial reconnaissance information most urgently needed to support ground operations, all of which were conducted at "extremely low altitude." For these special duties, teams were detached from the squadron and sent to Army Headquarters at Souilly between 9 and 18 October. On one such mission, 1st Lt. Raymond P. Dillon (Pilot) and 2d Lt. John B. Lee III engaged nine enemy aircraft and claimed three of them.

After the November 1918 Armistice with Germany, the squadron was part of the Occupation of the Rhineland, returning to the United States on 1 October 1919 and being demobilized.[3][5][6]

Panama Canal Defense

Boeing P-12E at Albrook Field, Canal Zone[note 1]
Eight Curtiss P-36A Hawks at Rio Hato Airfield in 1939[note 2]

The unit was reconstituted as the 24th Squadron (Pursuit) at Mitchel Field, New York, and assigned to the 6th Composite Group, France Field, Panama Canal Zone on 22 April 1922. Ground elements departed 30 April 1922 from the port of New York on the USAT Somme en route to the Canal Zone. Air elements concurrently departed Mitchel Field and arrived several days later at France Field, CZ. Redesignated the 24th Pursuit Squadron in 1923.[9]

The unit remained at France Field until October 1932 when it was transferred to the newly completed Albrook Field, where it became an element of the 16th Pursuit Group. For the rest of its existence, the Squadron's mission was the defense of the Panama Canal. The Squadron was progressively redesignated, in keeping with the changes sweeping through the Army Air Corps, becoming first the 24th Pursuit Squadron in 1923; 24th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) in 1939, and finally the 24th Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942.[3][10][11][12]

The Great Depression in the United States and lack of funding to the Army Air Service and later Army Air Corps led to the fortunes of the unit being at a rather low ebb by 1 January 1939, at which time the squadron consisted of six flying officers and 93 other ranks, the Squadron was equipped with the Boeing P-26A Peashooter. With the breakout of World War II in Europe during September 1939, the Squadron was one of the first to be brought up to strength when, on 7 September 1939, 25 new Second Lieutenants arrived from Barksdale, Selfridge and Langley Fields in the United States. Between the date of their arrival and the Pearl Harbor Attack on 7 December 1941, 13 of these young officers were reassigned to other Pursuit squadrons in the Canal Zone, and this marked the beginning of a policy whereby most of the Squadrons of the 16th and 32d Pursuit Groups grew, almost literally, out of the 24th Pursuit Squadron.[3][10][12]

In October 1939, the Squadron received word that it was to re-equip with the new Curtiss P-36A Hawks. By the end of 1939, the Squadron was "up to strength," with 12 P-36A's (the Squadron color was yellow at the time), one Captain (the Squadron Commander), 11 Second Lieutenants and 142 enlisted ranks. The year 1940 passed in an endless series of training maneuvers, and personnel replacements and reassignments. Due to training accidents, as of 31 December 1940, the unit had but eight of its P-36A's left, and officer strength had dwindled to one Captain, one First Lieutenant and six Second Lieutenants, but enlisted strength had grown to 158. In June 1941, the Squadron received nine new Curtiss P-40C Warhawks and, with these, a number of long-range navigational flights were undertaken, one going so far as Trinidad.[3][10][12]

World War II

Three aircraft formation of squadron P-40N Warhawks[note 3]
Squadron P-39 Airacobra[note 4]

After the Pearl Harbor Attack in December 1941, the squadron initially remained on standing alert at Albrook, but dispatched "C" flight to Salinas Airport, Ecuador, to provide aerodrome defense for that strategic point on 2 February 1942. The remainder of the Squadron moved to the La Joya #2 Aerodrome 09°04′59″N 079°19′00″W / 9.08306°N 79.31667°W / 9.08306; -79.31667 on 12 March 1942, where they remained until returning to Albrook on 30 September, having been re-designated as the 24th Fighter Squadron on 15 May. For the first four months that the unit was at La Joya #2, they had operated off the very primitive dirt runway there. This field was 25 miles north east of Albrook, just off the main Pan-American Highway to Chepo. It was, however, well situated as, just off the runway was heavy jungle growth, which offered excellent revetments and camouflage. The unit had also transitioned from its P-40C's to Bell P-39D Airacobras starting 2 May 1942, when it acquired 10 of these aircraft From the 53d Fighter Group. The field at La Joya became flooded (due to the rainy season) in September 1942, forcing the return of the unit, somewhat ahead of schedule, to Albrook, where conditions were very crowded. By then, the P-39D's had been exchanged for 14 P-39K's.[3][12]

On 15 October 1942, eight P-39K's were dispatched on a mission near Rio Hato to graphically illustrate the effectiveness of the cannon-armed fighter as a ground-attack aircraft. The Airacobras attacked a column of derelict trucks positioned there and, when the dust settled, all but five of the 115 vehicles had been completely destroyed. In addition, between November 1942 and 11 January 1943, the Squadron also had a solitary Douglas P-70 night fighter, which it maintained and operated on behalf of the XXVI Fighter Command at Albrook. This was the rather weak Sixth Air Force response to a concern over the lack of night fighter defenses for the Panama Canal.[3][12]

The respite at Albrook was short-lived, however, as it had now become the policy of Sixth Air Force to rotate its Fighter Squadrons in and out of remote bases for practical as well as for morale purposes. Thus, on 17 January 1943, (with a total of 17 aircraft on hand) the Squadron took up residence again at La Joya #2, following the arrival of the dry season, where it stayed until 28 May, when it returned once again, briefly, to Albrook. However, just prior to the return to Albrook on 24 May, 12 P-39K's flew in support of three Navy PT Boats in a simulated dive-bombing and strafing attack on two Navy Destroyers some 10 miles south east of Taborquilla Island.[3][12]

The next move, however, was to Howard Field (after being yet again flooded out at La Joya), on 9 June 1943, although Flight "E" was detached to serve on Rey Island in the Bay of Panama on 15 June (Punta Coco Airfield,at southern tip la Esmeralda peninsula). Also, the Squadron, for reasons unknown, received four P-39D's which had previously been stationed at Losey Field, Puerto Rico. Fortunately, however, the Squadron flew its last P-39 missions on 25 June 1943 and, ironically, these were replaced on 27 June 1943 by two refurbished Curtiss P-40C's and on 29 June two new P-40N Warhawks. From that point through until August, the Squadron transitioned into new P-40N's, 22 of which were on hand by the end of that month. Meanwhile, the detachment at Rey Island ("E" Flight) was joined by "F" Flight, and these were amalgamated into one very large "E" Flight, still on Rey Island.[3][12]

On 27 August 1943, flying their new P-40N's, "A" and "B" Flights flew a most interesting mass cross-country to Costa Rica. The next day, they flew down the Atlantic side of the Isthmus of Panama – completely undetected – and made a successful surprise "attack" on the Gatun Locks of the Panama Canal. "B" Flight made three dive-bombing attacks from 10,000 feet while "A" Flight made four strafing passes. Defending interceptors, finally alerted to the proceedings, didn't show up until the attack was completely over. Effective 1 November 1943, the Squadron was officially assigned directly to the XXVI Fighter Command and, by 31 December, had totally re-equipped with P-4ON's.[3][12][13]

The Squadron was moved again to Madden Army Airfield (near Madden Dam) on 8 March 1944 and, shortly following, again re-equipped, this time with Bell P-39Q-5's and P-39Q-20's, and Piper L-4s and North American AT-6 Texans were also assigned. A "hack" Northrop RA-17 as well as a Curtiss RP-40C and a North American AT-6D were also assigned. By March a single Vultee BT-13A Valiant had also been added, to augment the instrument training program. In July 1944, the Squadron was once again tasked to make mock attacks on Panama Canal installations and, later in the same month, conducted very intensive interceptor exercises against various VI Bomber Command elements. By the end of that month, 23 P-39Q's were on hand, of which 21 were combat ready.[3][13][14]

On 15 August 1944, the Squadron moved again, this time to France Field and, by October, the unit had reached perhaps its highest state of combat readiness, with 23 of 24 P-39Q's airworthy, the highest percentage in XXVI Fighter Command at the time.[3][13]

By January 1945, the unit had been formally redesignated as the 24th Fighter Squadron (Twin Engine) and this signaled the advent of the sleek Lockheed P-38 Lightning into Squadron service. The first P-38 known assigned was P-38J 44-23072, which also suffered a landing accident on 25 February 1945. The Squadron moved once again, although the main body was still stationed at France Field, this time to Chame Field, Panama, and by March 1945 had a mixed strength consisting of 16 P-39Qs, 11 P-38Js, and single examples of the Cessna UC-78, North American AT-6F (44-82129) and a Vultee BT-13A (42-42753). By June 1945, the P-38 Lightnings predominated, with 20 P-38s on hand and but five P-39Qs, although one of the P-38s was lost that month to an accident, the earlier P-38J's having been augmented by P-38Ls (including 43-50301 and 50318). A Beech UC-45F (44-87029) was also assigned to the Squadron to serve as a conversion trainer to twin-engined equipment, augmenting the UC-78.[3][13][15]

With the end of the war in September 1945, the squadron reduced its activities, and many personnel were transferred back to the United States for separation. The squadron was placed in an inactive status on 1 November 1945, and formally inactivated on 15 October 1946. Its remaining aircraft were transferred to the 43d Fighter Squadron.[3][16]

Heraldry

A leaping tiger in the proper colors.[17]

Lineage

  • Formed as Company F, Provisional Aviation School Squadron, Kelly Field on 1 May 1917
Redesignated 19th Provisional Aviation School Squadron, 14 June 1917
Redesignated 24th Aero Squadron, 23 July 1917
Redesignated 24th Aero Squadron (Army Observation) 22d August 1917
Demobilized on 1 October 1919
Consolidated with the 24th Pursuit Squadron on 25 January 1923
  • Constituted as the 24th Squadron (Pursuit) on 30 August 1921
Organized on 1 October 1921
Redesignated: 24th Pursuit Squadron on 25 January 1923
Consolidated with 24th Aero Squadron, 25 January 1923
  • Reconstituted as 24th Pursuit Squadron, 8 April 1924
Redesignated: 24th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) on 6 December 1939
Redesignated: 24th Fighter Squadron on 15 May 1942
Redesignated: 24th Fighter Squadron (Twin Engine) on 1 January 1945
Inactivated on 15 October 1946.

[17][3][18]

Assignments

  • Post Headquarters, Kelly Field, 1 May – 28 December 1917
  • Aviation Concentration Center, 28 December 1917 – 9 January 1918
  • American Expeditionary Forces, 24 January – 6 August 1918
Attached to: Royal Flying Corps, 24 January – 18 July 1918
Attached to 6th Composite Group), 15 November 1930
Attached to: 6th Composite Group, 16 June 1932
Attached to: 16th Pursuit (later Fighter) Group, 1 December 1932

[3][4][18]

Stations

Aircraft

[17]

See also

References

Notes

Explanatory notes
  1. ^ Probably a 1932 Serial, Squadron #5. Note squadron emblem prominent on fuselage. Taken about 1933.
  2. ^ Identified aircraft are serials 38-13, 38-69 and 38-15.
  3. ^ Aircraft were operating from Madden Field, Panama. Serials 42-104978 (Squadron #13), 42-104973 (Squadron #33) and 42-104953 (Squadron #29).
  4. ^ Aircraft is Bell P-39Q-20-BE Airacobra, serial 44-3528 "Miss Izzy". Taken at France Field, Panama with squadron personnel in 1944.
Citations
  1. ^ Moose, SSG Randall (26 June 2020). "24th Fighter Squadron welcomes new commander". 301st Fighter Wing Public Affairs. Retrieved 7 November 2020.
  2. ^ a b Ream, Margaret (24 September 2008). "Factsheet 24 Fighter Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 16 April 2020.
  3. ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q Hagedorn, [page needed]
  4. ^ a b Gorrell [page needed]
  5. ^ a b War Department, Battle Participation of Organizations of the American Expeditionary Forces [page needed]
  6. ^ a b Brown & Pillsbury [page needed]
  7. ^ "Abstract, Reconnaissance and Miscellaneous Reports 24 Aero Squadron (Observation), Jan 1917-Dec 1919 [sic]". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 7 November 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  8. ^ "Abstract, Miscellaneous Documents 24 Fighter Squadron [sic], Jan 1917-Dec 1919 [sic]". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 7 November 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  9. ^ Clay [page needed]
  10. ^ a b c Maurer, Aviation in the U.S. Army [page needed]
  11. ^ "Abstract, History 24 Aero Squadron, Nov 1918-Dec 1919". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 7 November 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help) "Abstract, History 24 Pursuit Squadron, Nov 1921-Jan 1923". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 7 November 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  12. ^ a b c d e f g h "Abstract, Miscellaneous Documents 24 Fighter Squadron, Feb 1919-Jul 1943". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 7 November 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  13. ^ a b c d "Abstract, Weekly Status and Operations Reports 24 Fighter Squadron, Nov 1943-Aug 1945". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 7 November 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  14. ^ "Abstract, History of Madden Field, Jan-Nov 1944". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 7 November 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  15. ^ "Abstract, History 24 Fighter Squadron, Feb 1945". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 7 November 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  16. ^ "Abstract, History 24 Fighter Squadron, Oct 1945". Air Force History Index. Retrieved 7 November 2020. {{cite web}}: Cite has empty unknown parameter: |1= (help)
  17. ^ a b c d e Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 127-128
  18. ^ a b Air Force Historical Research Agency Organizational Record Card, Search made on 23 January 2012, Maxwell AFB, Alabama Constituted Oct 2019, NAS FT. WORTH JRB TX

Bibliography

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

Retrieved from "https://en.wikipedia.org/enwiki/w/index.php?title=24th_Fighter_Squadron&oldid=987561659"