Air Commando and Special Operations Combat Wings History
WWII to End of Vietnam War
1ST Special Operations Wing
Lineage. Established as 1st Air Commando Group on 9 Aug 1944, replacing the 1st Air Commando Group (a miscellaneous unit) that was constituted on 25 Mar 1944, activated on 29 Mar 1944, and consolidated on 9 Aug 1944 with the headquarters unit of the new establishment. Inactivated on 3 Nov 1945. Disestablished on 8 Oct 1948. Re-established on 18 Apr 1962. Activated and organized on 27 Apr 1962. Redesignated: 1st Air commando Wing on 1 Jun 1963; 1st Special Operations Wing on 8 Jul 1968; 834th Tactical Composite Wing on 1 Jul 1974; 1st Special Operations Wing on 1 Jul 1975.
Assignments. Army Air Force India-Burma Sector, 29 Mar 1944(original unit assigned to 9 Aug 1944, establishment assigned thereafter); Tenth Air Force, 10 Jul 1945; Army Service Forces, 6 Oct-3 Nov 194. USAF Special Air Warfare Center (later USAF Special Operations Force), 27 Apr 1962, Tactical Air Command. 1 Jul 1974, Ninth Air Force 1 Jul 1976-.
Components. Groups, 549th Tactical Air Support Training: 15 Dec 1975-1 Jan 1977. 930th tactical Airlift (later 930th Air Commando; 930th Special Operations): 1 Jun 1968-18 Jun 1969 (not operational. Dec 1968-18 Jun 1969). Squadrons. 5th Fighter, Commando (later 605th Air Commando Composite): 1 Sep1944-3 Nov 1945: 15 Nov 1963-1 Jul 1964 (detached 15 Nov 1963-1 Jul 1964). 6th Fighter Commando (later 6th Air Commando Fighter: 6th Special Operations Training): 30 Sep 1944-3 Nov 1945; 27 Apr 1962-29 Feb 1968; 31 Jul 1973-1 Jan 1974. 8th: 1 May 1974-(not operational, 1 Mar-31 May 1974). 16th: 12 Dec 1975-18th: 25 Jan-15 Jul 1969. 20th: 1 Jan 1976-. 71st Tactical Airlift (later, 71st Air Commandos: 71st Air Commando: 71st Special Operations): 1 Jun-16 Dec 1968. 164th Liaison: 1 Sep 1944-3 Nov 1945. 165th Liaison: 1 Sep (1944-3 Nov 1945. 166th Liaison: 1 Sep 1944-3 Nov 1945. 310th Attack: 15 May-15 Jul 1969, 311th Attack: 15 May-15 Jul 1969. 317th Air Commando, Troop Carrier (later, 317th Air commando, Utility; 311th Special Operations); 1 Jul 1964-15 Jul 1969 (not operational, 1 Jan –30 Jun 1966); 15 Apr 1970-30 Apr 1974, 318th: 15 Nov 1971-1 Jun 1974. 319th Troop Carrier, Commando (later 319th Air Commando, Troop Carrier, 319th Air commando. Tactical Airlift; 319th Special Operations): 1Sep 1944-2 Sep 1945; 27 Apr 1962-15 Jul 1969; 30 Jul 1969-15 Jan1972. 360th Tactical Electronics Warfare: 1-31 Jul 1973. 415th Special Operations Training: 19 Jul 1971-30 Jun 1975. 424th Special Operations (later 424th Tactical Air Support) Training: 1Jul 1970-1 Jan 1972, 547th Special Operations (later, 547th Tactical Air Support) Training: 15 Oct 1969-30 Apr1975. 549th Tactical Air Support Training; 15 Oct 1969-15 Dec 1975. 602d Fighter, commando; 1 May 1963-1 Oct 1964, 603d Fighter, commando (later, 603d Air Commando; 603d Air Commando, Strike/Reconnaissance; 603d Special Operations; 603d Special Operations Training): 1 Jul 1963-15 May1971, 1 Jul 1973-1 Jul 1974. 404th Fighter, Commando; 1 Jul 1963-8 Nov 1964. 775th Troop Carrier, Assault: 15 Apr-1 Jul 1964, 440th Combat Crew Training: 1 Oct 1968-15 Jul 1969. 4407th Combat Crew Training: 15 Jul 1969-30 Apr 1973. 4408th Combat Crew Training: 15 Jul-22 Sep 1969. 4409th Combat Crew Training: 15 Jul-15 Oct 1969, 4410th Combat Crew Training: 27 Apr 1962-1 Dec 1965; 15 Jul-15 Oct 1969. 4412th Combat Crew Training: 25 Oct 1967-15 Jul 1969. 4413th Combat Crew Training: 1 Mar 1968-15 Jul 1969. 4473d Combat Crew Training; 8 Aug 1969-1 Jul 1970, 4532d Combat Crew Training: 25 Oct 1967-15 Jul 1969. Flight. 7th Special Operations: 1 Jul 1969-31 May 1972.
Stations. Hailakandi, India. 29 Mar 1944 (original unit); Asansol, India, 20 May 1944-6 Oct 1945 (original unit to 9 Aug 1944, establishment thereafter); Camp Kilmer, NJ. 1-3 Nov 1945. Eglin Air Force Auxiliary Field No. 9 (Hurlburt Field), Fla, 27 Apr 1962; England AFB, LA, 15 Jan 1966; Eglin Air Force Auxiliary Field No. 9 (Hurlburt Field, Fla, 15 Jul 1969-
Commanders. Col Philip G. Cochran, 29 Mar 1944 (original unit); Col Clinton B. Gaty, 20 May 1944 (original unit to 9 Aug 1944: establishment thereafter): Col Robert W. Hall, c. 7 Apr 1945-unkn. Lt Col Miles M. Doyle, 27 Apr 1962: Col Chester A. Jack 29 Apr 1962; Col Gerald R. Dix, 19 Mar 1963: Col Harry C. Aderholt 28 May 1964; Col Gordon F. Bradburn, 10 Jul 1964; Col Hugh G. Fly, Jr., 1 Dec 1965; Col Alpheus W. Blizzard, Jr., 3 Apr 1967; Col Albert S. Pouloit, 9 Sep 1967; Col Leonard Volet, 14 Feb 1969; Col Robert W. Gates, 15 Jul 1969; Col Michael C. Horgan, 31 Oct 1970; Col James H. Montrose, 1 Apr 1973; Brig Gen William J. Hilton, 11 Jan 1974. 11 Jan 1974; Col Edward Levell, Jr., 1 Jul 1976 Col Richard H. Dunwoody, 29 Jul 1977-
Aircraft. B-25, 1944; P-47, 1944-1945; P-51, 1944, 1945: UC-64, 1944-1945; L-1, 1944; L-5 1944-1945, C-47, 1944-1945; YR-4, 1944-1945; CG-4 (Glider), 1944-1945; TG-5 (glider), 1944-1945, C-46, 1962-1964; C/TC/CV-47, 1962-1970, 1973-1975; B/RB-26, 1962-1966; T/AT-28, 1962-1973; L-28 (later U-10) 1962-1973; C/UC-123, 1963-1973; A-1, 1963-1966, 1969-1972; YAT-28, 1964-1965; YAT-37, 1964, O-1, 1964-1967, 1969-1971; AC-47, 1965, 1967-1969; U-3, 1966-1967, U-6 1966-1967; UH-1, 1966, 1969-1974, 1976-: A/RA-26, 1966-1969; A-37, 1967-1969, 1969-1971, 1973-1974; EC/HC-47, 1967-1969, 1973; AC-123, 1967; C/MC-130, 1968-: AC-130, 1968, 1971-; EC-130, 1969; C/AC-119, 1968-1969, 1971-1972: O-2, 1969-1976; OV-10, 1969-1976; YQU-22 (drone), 1969-1970; QU-22 (drone), 1970-1971; CH-3, 1973-1974, 1976-. In addition to the primary aircraft listed above, also flew T-29, 1969-1973; VT-29, 1969-1975; T-33, 1969-1975; T-39, 1969-1975: C/VC-47, 1969-1970; C-130, 1969; C-131, 1970-1973; and VC-131, 1973-1975.
Operations. Replaced the 5318th Provisional Air Unit in India in Mar1944. As a miscellaneous unit, the group was comprised until Sep 1944 of operational sections (rather than units): bombers; fighters; light plane (and helicopter); transport; glider, and light cargo. The group provided fighter cover, bomb-striking power, and air transport services for Wingate’s Raiders, fighting behind enemy lines in Burma. Operations included airdrop and landing of troops, food, and equipment; evacuating of casualties; and attacks against enemy airfields and lines of communication. Converted from P-51 to P-47 fighters and eliminated its B-25 bomber section in May 1944. In Sep 1944,after the original unit was consolidated with the headquarters component of the new establishment (also called the Air Commando Group), the sections were replaced by a troop carrier, two fighter, and three liaison squadrons. The group continued performing supply, evacuation, and liaison services for allied forces in Burma until the end of the war, including the movement of Chinese troops from Burma to China in Dec 1944. It also attacked bridges, railroads, airfields, barges, oil wells, and troop positions in Burma and escorted bombers to Burmese targets, including Rangoon. Switched back to P-51s in May 1945. Left Burma in Oct and inactivated in NJ in Nov 1945.
Replaced the 4400th Combat Crew Training Group in Apr 1962 and assumed air commando operations and training responsibility. Also assumed a detachment in South Vietnam from the prior group and continued training USAF and South Vietnamese Air Force aircrews in the United States and South Vietnam throughtout the Southeast Asia conflict. The group (later wing) maintained a quick reaction force and conducted specialized operations in unconventional warfare, counterinsurgency, psychological activities, and civic actions at trouble spots around the world by deploying mobile training teams, detachments, and components as required. Although Southeast Asia received the bulk of the unit’s attention until 1973, air commando (later special operations) personnel were active in Panama, Central and South America, Europe, Africa, and the Middle East at various times. Trained personnel of friendly states, sometimes in the United States and sometimes-deployed teams. States receiving training included Iran, Greece, Saudi Arabia, Mali, El Salvador, The Dominican Republic, Costa Rica, Guatemala, the Republic of Vietnam, Thailand, Ethiopia, Venezuela, Ecuador, Nicaragua, Bolivia, and the Republic of the Congo.
The group (wing) also worked closely with US Army Special Forces, developed combat tactics for numerous types of aircraft, and conducted combat crew training for USAF and foreign aircrews. It participated in a number of tactical exercises, both at home and abroad, and occasionally participated in mercy missions and humanitarian operations. One such operation involved eradication of screwworm flies in Puerto Rico and the Virgin Islands, requiring numerous missions in the early 1970s.
Between 11 Jan and 30 Jun 1974, the USAF Special Operations Force and 1st Special Operations Wing merged their operations, and on 1 Jul 1974, the wing-temporarily known as 834th Tactical Composite Wing-assumed responsibility for operating the USAF Special Operations School and the USAF Air Ground Operations School, the former training selected American and allied personnel in special operations, and later training personnel in concepts, doctrine, tactics, and procedures of joint and combined operations.
Service Streamers. None
Campaign Streamers. India-Burma; Central Burma.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citation (Burma and India): (mar)-20 May 1944. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: Jul 1963-Jun 1965; 1 Jul 1969-15 Apr 1971; 1 Jan 1976-31 Mar 1977.
Emblem. Per fess azure and play of 13 gules and argent, in pale a sword point to base light blue, wing fesswise in chief of the like, the blade surmounted in base by a lamp or enflamed of the third and fourth, all within a diminished border of the fifth. Motto: ANY TIME, ANY PLACE. (Approved 6 Jun 1963).
14th Flying wing
Lineage. Established as 14th Fighter Wing on 29 Jul 1947. Organized on 15 Aug 1947. Discontinued on 26 Jul 1948. Activated on 26 Jul 1948. Inactivated on 2 Oct 1949. Redesignated 14th Air Commando Wing and activated, on 28 Feb 1966. Organized on 8 Mar 1966. Redesignated 14th Special Operations Wing on 1 Aug 1968. Inactivated on 30 Sep 1971. Redesignated 14th Flying Training Wing on 22 Mar 1972. Activated on 1 Jun 1972.
Assignments. First Air Force, 15 Aug 1947-26 Jul 1948. First Air Force, 26 Jul 1948-2 Oct 1949. Pacific Air Force, 28 Feb 1966; 2d Air Division, 8 Mar 1966; Seventh Air Force, 1 Apr 1966-30 Sep 1971, Air Training Command, 1 Jun 1972-.
Components. Group. 14th: 15 Aug 1947-26 Jul 1948. 26 Jul 1948-2 Oct 1949. Squadrons. 1st 8 Mar 1966-20 Dec 1967. 3d: 1May 1968-15 Sep 1969. 4th; 8 Mar 1966-15 Dec 1969. 5th: 8 Mar 1966-15 Oct 1969. 6th: 29 Feb-15 Jul 1968, 9th: 25 Jan 1967-30 Sep 1971 (not operational. 25 Jan –28 Feb 1967). 14th: 25 Oct 1967-1 May 1968 (not operational. 25 Oct 1967-14 Jan 1968). 15th: 15 Mar 1968-31 Oct 1970. 17th: 1 Jun 1969-30 Sep 1971. 18th: 1 Oct 1969-25 Aug 1971. 20th: 8 Mar 1966-1 Sep 1971. 37th 1 Jun 1972-. 50th: 1 Jun1972-. 71st: 20 Dec 1968-10 Jun 1969. 90th: 31 Oct 1970-1 Sep 1971. 602d : 8 Mar 1966-8 Apr 1967. 604th: 15 Nov 1967-1 Mar 1970 (detached).
Stations. Dow Field (later AFB), Maine. 15 Aug 1947-26 Jul 1948. Dow AFB, Maine. 26 Jul 1948-2 Oct 1949. Nha Trang AB, South Vietnam. 8 Mar 1966: Phang Rang AB, South Vietnam, 15 Oct 1969-30 Sep 1971. Columbus AFB, Miss, 1 Jun 1972-.
Commanders. Col Loring F. Stetson, Jr., 1947; Col George A. McHenry, c. 7 Jan-26Jul 1948. Col George A McHenry, 26 Jul 1948. Col Arvid E. Olson, Jr., 30 Sep-2 Oct 1949. None (not manned), 28 Feb-7 Mar 1966; Col Robert J. Jones, 8 Mar 1966; Col Gordon F. Bradburn, 17 Apr 1966; Col Forrest L. Rauscher, 10 Apr 1967; Col John M. Patton, 21 Nov 1967; Col Conrad S. Allman, 3 Jun 1968; Col William K. Bush, 5 Mar 1969; Col Clyde S. Cherry, 2 Sep 1969; Col William H. Fairbrother, 3 Apr 1970; Col Alfred F. Eaton, 13 Sep 1970; Col Mark W. Magnan, 14 Mar 1971; Col Malcom L. Nurnburg, 13-30 Sep 1971. Col William A. Boutwell, 1 Jun 1972; Col Robert B. Tanguy, 9 Jun 1972; Col James S. Creedon, c. 18 Jul 1973; Col Horace W. Miller, 8 Mar 1976-.
Aircraft. P (later, F)-47, 1947-1948: P-84, 1947-1948. F-47, 1948-1949; F-84, 1948-1949, A-1, 1966-1967, 1968; AC-47, 1966-1969; C-47, 1966-1971; HC-47, 1966-1969; U-10, 1966-1969; CH-3, 1966-1969; O-2, 1967-1971; UH-1, 1967-1971; C-130, 1968-1971; C-123, 1968-1971; AC-130, 1968; AC-119, 1968-1971, T-41, 1972-1973; T-37, 1972-; T-38, 1972-.
Operations. Provided air defense for the northeastern United States, 1947-1948, and 1948-1949. Performed combat operations in Southeast Asia, Mar 1966-Sep 1971, operating from numerous locations in South Vietnam and Thailand. Operations included close and direct air support, interdiction, combat airlift, aerial resupply, visual and photographic reconnaissance, unconventional warfare, counterinsurgency operations, psychological warfare (including leaflet dropping and aerial broadcasting), forward air control operations and FAC escort, search and rescue, escort for convoy and defoliation operations, flare drops, civic actions, and humanitarian actions. The wing also operated Nha Tang AB, South Vietnam, Mar 1966-Oct 1969, and provided maintenance support to a number of tenants. Trained South Vietnamese Air Force (VNAF) personnel in AC-119 operations and maintenance, Feb-Aug 1971, and transferred some of its AC-119s t the VNAF, Aug-Sep 1971 as part of a phased-down for inactivation. Replaced, and absorbed resources of the 3650th Pilot Training Wing in Jun 1972 at Columbus AFB, Miss, and assumed an undergraduate pilot training, plus base operation and maintenance.
Service Streamers. None
Campaign Streamers. Vietnam Air; Vietnam Air Offensive; Vietnam Air Offensive Phase II: Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III; Vietnam Air/Ground; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV; TET 69/Counteroffensive; Vietnam Summer-Fall; Vietnam Winter-Spring, 1970; Sanctuary Counteroffensive; Southwest Monsoon; Commando Hunt V; Commando Hun VI.
Decorations. Presidential Unit Citations (Southeast Asia), 8 Mar 1966-7 Mar 1967; 21 Jun 1968-30 Jun 1969. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat “V” Device; 16 Jun 1967-20 Jun 1968; 1 Jul 1970-30 Jun 1970. Meritorious Unit Commendation; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1968. Air Force Outstanding Unit Award; 1 Jan-31 Dec 1974, Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses with Palm; 1 Apr 1966-30 Sep 1971; 1 Jan-30 Aug 1968.
Emblem. Azure, in chief an escutcheon per band argent and sable over two laurel branches in saltier or, above in bend two flight symbols ascending, one argent surmounting one gules, encircled by five mullets, one in sinister chief and four in dexter base; all within a diminished bordure or. Motto: Day and Night—Peace and War. (Approved on 19 Jun 1967.)
56th Tactical Fighter Wing
Established as the 56th fighter Wing on 28 Jul 1947. Organized on 15 Aug 1947. Redesignated 56th Fighter-Interceptor Wing on 20 Jan 1950. Inactivated on 6 Feb 1952. Redesignated 56th Fighter Wing (Air Defense) and activated on 28 Dec 1960. Organized on 1Feb 1961. Discontinued, and inactivated, on 1 Jan 1964. Redesignated 56th Air Commando Wing, and activated, on 16 March 1967. Organized on 8 Apr 1967. Redesignated: 56th Special Operations Wing on 1 Aug 1968, 56th Tactical Fighter Wing on 30 Jun 1975, 56th Tactical Training Wing on 1 Oct 1981, 56th Fighter Wing on 1 Oct 1991.
Assignments
Fifteenth Air Force, 15 Aug 1947; Strategic Air Command, 1 Oct 1947; Tenth Air Force, 1 Dec 1948 (attached to 26th Air Division [Defense], 10 1949-19 Feb 1950; 30th Air Division [Defense], 20 Feb 1950-) Eastern Air Defense Force, 1 Sep 1950-6 Feb 1952 (remained attached to 30th Air Division [Defense] to 6 Feb 19520. Air Defense Command 28 Dec 1960; Sault Sainte Marie Air Defense Sector, 1 Feb 1961; Duluth Air Defense Sector, 1 Oct 1963; Strategic Air Command, 1 Jan 1964. Pacific Air Forces, 16 Mar 1967; Thirteenth Air Force, 8 Apr 1967 (attached to Seventh Air Force, 8 Apr 1967-26 Feb 1974; United States Support Activities Group/Seventh Air Force, 27 Feb 1974-30 Jun 1975); Ninth Air Force, 30 Jun 1975; Nineteenth Air Force, 1 Apr 1994--.
Components
Group. 56th Fighter (later, 56th Fighter-Interceptor, 56 Operations): 15 Aug 1974-6 Feb 1952; 1 Nov 1991-4 Jan 1994; 1 Apr 1994--.
Squadrons. 1st: 20 Dec 1967-15 Dec 1972. 13th Tactical Fighter Training: 15 Jan 1976-1 Jul 1982. 18th: 25 Aug 1971-31 Dec 1972. 21st Helicopter (later, 21st Special Operations): 27 Nov 1967-30 Jun 1975. 22d: 25 Oct 1968-30 Sep 1970. 23rd Tactical Air Support: 15 Mar 1972-30 Jun 1975. 61st Tactical Fighter (later 61st Tactical Fighter Training): 30 Jun 1975-1 Nov 1991. 62d Tactical Fighter (later 62d Tactical Fighter Training): 1 Feb 1961-16 Dec 1963; 30 Jun 1975-1 Nov 1991. 63d Tactical Fighter (later 63d Tactical Fighter Training): 30 Jun 1975-1 Nov 1991.72d Tactical Fighter Training: 1 Jul 1982-1 Nov 1991. 97th: attached 1 Dec 1950-20 May 1951. 361st Tactical electronic Warfare: 1 Sept 1972-30 Jun 1974. 554th Reconnaissance: 15 Dec 1970-30 Sep 1972. 602d: 8 Apr 1967-31 Dec1970. 606th: 8 Apr 1967-15 Jun 1971. 609th: 15 Sep 1967-1 Dec 1969. 4501st Tactical Fighter Replacement: 30 Jun 1975-15 Jan 1976.
Stations
Selfridge Field (later, AFB), MI, 15 Aug 1947-6 Feb 1952, K.I. Sawyer AFB, MI 1 Feb 1961-1 Jan 1964, Nakhon Phanom RTAFB, Thailand, 8 Apr 1967-30 Jun 1975; MacDill AFB, FL, 30 Jun 1975; Luke AFB, AZ 1994--.
Commanders
Col William T. Hudnell, 15 Aug 1947; Lt Col David T. McKnight, Jun 1949; Col James R. Gunn, Jr., 23 Aug 1949; Col George S. Brown, 15 Aug 1951-6 Feb 1952. None (not manned), 28 Dec 1960-31 Jan 1961; Col James F. Reed, 1 Feb 1961; Col John M. Konosky, 16 May 1963-1 Jan 1964. None (not manned), 16 Mar-7 Apr 1967; Col Harry C. Aderholt, 8 Apr 1967; Col Roland K. McCoskrie, 19 Nov 1967; Col Edwin J. White, Jr., 7 Nov 1968; Col Patrick M. Fallon, 31 May 1969; Col Edwin J. White, Jr., (by 18) Jun 1969; Col Samuel E. Crosby, Jr., 5 Oct 1969; Col Edward J. Walsh, Jr., 8 Aug 1970; Col Jack E. Robinson, 15 Jul 1971; Col Norbert L. Simon, 17 Jun 1972;Col Robert E. Wayne, 1 Dec 1972; Col William B. Owens, 30 Jun 1973; Col Ralph H. Bowersox, 15 Sep 1973; Col Charles E. Woods, 26 Sep 1973; Col Perry J. Dahl, 15 Jul 1974; Col Harry A. Goodall, 3 Feb 1975; Col Gerald J. Carey, Jr., 30 Jun 1975; Col Ernest A. Bedke, 11 Aug 1975; Col Charles J. Cunningham, Jr., 4 Nov 1977; Col Henry D. Canterbury, 7 Jul 1979; Col Henry Viccellio, Jr., 15 Jan 1982; Col Ronald R. Fogleman, 4 Mar 1983; Col Jimmie L. Cash, 29 Aug 1984; Col Joseph W. Ralston, 6 Feb 1986; Brig Gen James L. Jamerson, 27 Feb 1987; Brig Gen Ben Nelson, Jr., 18 Jan 1989; Brig Gen Marvin R. Esmond, 2 Sep 1992--.
Aircraft
P (later, F)-80, 1947-1950; F-86, 1950-1952; F-47, 1951-1952; F-51, 1951-1952; F-94, 1951-1952, F-101, 1961-1963. A-1, 1967-1972; A-26, 1967-1969; CH-3, 1967-1972; C-123, 1967-1971; T-28, 1967-1973; RT-28, 1967-1972, U-6, 1967-1969; UC-123, 1968-1971; C-47, 1969-1972; CH-53, 1970-1975; QU-22, 1970-1972; AC-119, 1971-1972; EC-47, 1972-1974; H-34, 1972; OV-10, 1972-1975; O-1, 1973; F-4, 1975-1982; F-16, 1980--.
Operations
Supported exercises, operations, and training programs of Strategic Air command, 1947-1948. Pioneered west-to-east jet fighter transatlantic crossing along the northern air route in Jul 1948. Provided air defense for a large portion of the northeastern United States, Dec 1948-Feb 1952. Provided air defense in the Michigan area, 1961-1963. Combat in Southeast Asia, Apr 1967-Aug 1973, and combat support until Jun 1975, employing a wide variety of aircraft to meet specialized missions. Missions included interdiction, psychological warfare, close air support, search and rescue, forward air control, training Thai and Laotian air forces, and helicopter escort for clandestine insertion and extraction of personnel in Laos and North Vietnam. Provided close air support at the sieges of Khe Sanh, Feb-Apr 1968, and Lima Site 85, Jan-Mar 1968. Participated in Son Tay Prison raid on 21 Nov 1970. Continued combat in Vietnam until mid-Jan 1973, in Laos until 22 Feb 1973, and in Cambodia until 15 Aug 1973. Assisted in the evacuations of Phnom Penh on 11 Apr 1975 and Saigon, 29-30 Apr 1975, prior to communist takeover. Provided forward air control and helicopter insertion/extraction support during the SS Mayaguez rescue operation on 15 May 1975. Returned t the United States on 30 Jun 1975 and absorbed resources of the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing. Operated MacDill AFB and nearby Avon Park Range, FL. Conducted F-4D/E replacement training for pilots, weapon systems officer, and maintenance personnel Jul 1975-Jul 1982. Conducted a service test of TAC’s “production oriented maintenance organization” in 1976 and converted to the POMO concept in Mar 1977. Used UH-1P helicopters, 1976-1987, to support Avon Range logistics needs, search and rescue efforts and humanitarian missions. Continued to participate in the Air Reserve Advisory Program, providing assistance and support to numerous AFRES tactical fighter units. With conversion to F-16A/B aircraft in 1980-1982, the 56th became the designated unit of transitioning USAF and selected allied nation pilots into the new fighter, while continuing to augment NORAD’s air defense forces in the southeastern US. Provided logistic support to US Central Command beginning in 1983, and to the US Special Operations Command after 1986. Upgraded to F-16C/D aircraft in 1988-1990. Provided support personnel and equipment to units in Southwest Asia, Aug 1990-Mar 1991.
Service Streamers
None
Campaign Streamers
Vietnam: Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase III; Vietnam Air/Ground: Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV; Tet 69/Counteroffensive; Vietnam Summer-Fall, 1969; Vietnam Winter-Spring, 1970; Sanctuary Counteroffensive; Southwest Monsoon; Commando Hunt V; Commando Hunt VI; Commando Hunt VII; Vietnam Ceasefire.
Armed Forces Expeditionary Streamers
None
Decorations
Presidential Unit Citations (Southeast Asia): 1 Nov 1968-1 May 1969; 1 Oct 1969-30 Apr 1970; 1 Apr 1972-22 Feb 1973. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat “V” Device; 1 Dec 1970-30 Nov 1971; 1 Dec 1971-29 Feb 1972; 23 Feb 1973-28 Feb 1974; 24 Jan-2 May 1975. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards: 1 Jan 1977-1 Jan 1979; 1 Jul 1980-30 Jun 1982; 1 Jun 1984-31 May 1986; 1 May 1987-30 Apr 1989; 1 May 1989-30 Apr 1990; 1 May 1990-30 Apr 1991. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross-with Palm: 8 Apr 1967-28 Jan 1973.
Bestowed Honors
Authorized to display honors earned by the 56th Operations Group prior to 15 Aug 1947.
Service Streamers. World War II American Theater.
Campaign Streamers. World War II: Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe; Air Combat, EAME Theater.
Decorations. Distinguished Unit Citations: ETO, 20 Feb-9 Mar 1944, Holland 18 Sep 1944.
Emblem
Tenne, on a chevron Azure fabricated or, two lighting flashes chevron wise of the last all within a diminished bordure or. Motto: Cave Tonitrum-Beware of the thunderbolt. Approved for the 56th Group on 4 Apr 1942 and for 56th on 19 Apr1967 (K 9834).
315th Military Airlift Wing (Associate)
Lineage. Established as 315th Troop Carrier Wing, Medium, on 23 May1952. Activated on 10 Jun 1952. Inactivated on 18 Jan 1955. Redesignated 315th Air Commando Wing, Troop Carrier, and activated on 21 Feb 1966. Organized on 8 Mar 1966. Redesignated: 315th Air Commando Wing on 1 Aug 1967; 315th Special Operations Wing on 1 Aug 1968, 315th Tactical Airlift on 1 Jan 1970. Inactivated on 31 Mar 1972. Redesignated 315th Military Airlift Wing (Associate) on 29 Jan 1973. Activated in the Reserves on 1 Jul 1973.
Assignments. 315th Air Division (Combat Cargo), 10 Jun 1952-18 Jan 1955, Pacific Air Forces, 21 Feb 1966 315th Air Division (Combat Cargo), 8 Mar 1966 (attached to 2d Air Division, 8-31 Mar 1966, Seventh Air Force, 1 Apr-15 Oct 1966); 834th Air Division, 15 Oct 1966; Seventh Air Force, 1 Dec 1971-31 Mar 1972. Eastern Air Force Reserve Region, 1 Jul 1973 (attached to 437th Military Airlift Wing, 1 Jul 1973-); Fourteenth Air Force (Reserve), 8 Oct 1976-(remained attached to 437th Military Airlift Wing).
Components. Group, 315th; 10 Jun 1952-18 Jan 1955. Squadrons, 8th; 31 Jul 1971-15 Jan 1972 (detached 5-15 Jan1972). 9th; 30 Sep 1971-29 Feb 1972 (detached 9 Jan-29 Feb). 12th; 15 Oct 1966-30 Sep 1970 (not operational, 20 Jul-30 Sep 1970). 19th; 8 Mar1966-10 Jun 1971 (not operational. 1 May-10 Jun 1971). 300th; 1 Jul 1973-. 09th; 8 Mar 1966-31 Jul 1970 (not operational, 1-31 Jul 1970). 310th; 8 Mar 1966-15 Jan 1972, attached 16-26 Jan 1972. 311th; 8 Mar 1966-5 Oct 1971 (not operational, 15 Sep-5 Oct 1971). 701st; 1 Jul 1973-. 707th; 1 Jul 1973-. Flight, Royal Australian Air Force Air Transport Flight, Vietnam; attached 8 Mar-15 Oct 1966. Detachments. Det 5HQ 315th Air Division (Combat Cargo); attached 8 Mar-15 Oct 1966. Det 6, HQ 3`15th Air Division (Combat Cargo); attached 8 Mar-15 Oct 1966. Det 1, HQ 315th Air Commando Wing, Troop Carrier; 1 Aug-15 Oct 1966.
Stations. Brady AB, Japan, 10 Jun 1952-18 Jan 1955. Tan Son Nhut AB, South Vietnam, 8 Mar 1966; Phan Rang AB, South Vietnam, 15 Jun 1967-31 Mar 1972, Charleston AFB, SC 1 Jul 1973->
Commanders. Col Kenneth W. Northamer, 10 Jun 1952; Col Robert O. Good, 26 Jul 1953; Col Adriel N. Williams, 29 Aug 1953; Col David B. Lancaster, 27 Feb 1954; Col Francis W. Williams, 10 Aug 1954-18 Jan 1955. None (not manned), 21 Feb-7 Mar 1966; Col George L. Hannah, Jr., 8 Mar1966; Col Robert T. Simpson, 23 Jun 1966; Col Vernon W. Froehlich, 19 Nov 1966; Col Bill M. Richardson, 9 Aug 1967; Col Robert D. Brown, 20 Nov 1967; Col Noble F. Greenhill, Jr., 8 Jun 1968; Col John W. Pauly, 19 Jul 1968; Col Harry V. Bankard, 4 May 1969; Col John W. Pauly, 3 Jun 1969, Col Leslie J. Campbell, Jr., 10 Jun 1969; Col Charles S. Reed, 27 May a970; Col Kenneth T. Blood, Jr., 31 Jan 1971; Col Ray C. Staley, 19 Nov 1971-31 Mar 1972, Col Richard P. McFarland, 1 Jul 1973; Col David Guminski, c. 31 Sep 1974; Lt Col David L. Weber, 1 Dec 1974; Lt Col Kenneth O. Mann, c. 20 Jun 1976-.
Aircraft. C-46, 1952-1955, CV-2, 1966; UC-123, 1966-1971; C-123, 1966-1972; C-130, 1966; A-37, 1971-1972; C-47 1971-1972; O-2, 1971-1972, C-5, 1973; C-141, 1973-.
Operations. Flew troop and cargo airlift and airdrop, leaflet drop, spraying, air evacuation, search and rescue, and other allied missions between Japan and Korea during Korean War. Continued airlift in Japan, Korea, French Indo-China, and other points in the Far East from Jul 1953to 14 Dec 1954. Inactivated in Jan 1955. Activated in South Vietnam in Mar 1966 and became responsible until 15 Oct 1966 for all in country airlift in the Republic of Vietnam, including control over all USAF airlift assets, aerial port squadrons, an aero medical evacuation squadron, and a special air transport fight of the Royal Australian Air Force. From 15 Oct 1966 to 15 Jan 1972, performed C-123 airlift operations in Vietnam. Operations included aerial movement of troops and cargo; flare drops, defoliation missions, aero medical evacuation, and airdrops of crucial supplies and paratroops. Conducted C-123 aircrew training for the South Vietnamese Air Force, 4 Jan-22 Sep 1971. Gained control over A-37 close air support and interdiction operations of the 8th Special Operations Squadron in Jul 1971, and psychological warfare and visual reconnaissance operations of the 9th Special Operations in Sep 1971. Lost control over these special operations units early in 1972. Not tactically operational, 15 Jan-31 Mar 1972. Replaced 943d Military Airlift Group (Associate) on 1 Jun 1973 and became affiliated with the 437th Military Airlift Wing, with Reserve aircrews flying aircraft of the regular unit.
Service Streamers. Korean Theater.
Campaign Streamers. Vietnamese Air; Vietnam Air Offensive, Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase II; Vietnam Air/Ground; Vietnam Air Offensive, Phase IV; TET 69/Counteroffensive, Vietnam Summer-Fall; Vietnam Winter-Spring. 1970; Sanctuary Counteroffensive; Southwest Monsoon; Commando Hunt V; Commando Hunt VI; Commando Hunt VII.
Decorations. Presidential Unit Citations (Vietnam); 21 Jan-12-May 1968; 1 Apr-30 Jun 1970. Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards with Combat “V” Device; 15 Oct 1966-30 Apr 1967; 10 Jun-31 Dec 1967; 15 Jul 1968-30 Jun1969, 1 Jan 1971-31 Mar 1972. Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation; 10 Jun 1952-27 Jul 1953. Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Crosses with Palm, 1 Oct 1966-30 Oct 1971; 1 Jun 1969-1 Jun 1970; 1 Jul 1971-11 Mar 1972.
Emblem. Per fess nebuly light blue and argent fimbriated or on the first three mullets of five points fess wise of the third above an aircraft fess wise of the second in base a globe per pale argent and azure, grid lines counterchanged, al within a diminished bordure of the third. (Approved on 7 Nov 1973.)
656th Special Operations Wing
Lineage. Established as 656th Special Operations Wing on 14 May 1975. Activated on 30 Jun 1975. Inactivated on 22 Sep 1975.
Assignments. Thirteenth Air Force, 30 Jun 1975; 17th Air Division, 1 Jul-22 Sep 1975.
Components. Squadrons. 21st attached 30 Jun-25 Sep 1975. 23rd Tactical Air Support; attached 30Jun-22 Sep 75.
Stations. Nakhon Phanon Aprt, Thailand, 30 Jun-22 Sep 1975.
Commanders. Col Robert D. Janca, 30 Jun-22 Sep 1975.
Aircraft. CH-53, 1975; Ov-10, 1975.
Operations. Formed to absorb resources left following movement of 56th Special Operations Wing. Charged with closing US portion of Nakhon Phanom and, with attached squadrons, certain contingency operations.
Service Streamers. None.
Campaign Streamers. None.
Decorations. None.
Emblem. None.
580th Air Resupply and Communications Wing
Lineage. Established as 580th Air Resupply and Communications Wing on 15 Mar 1951. Activated on 16 Apr 1951. Inactivated on 8 Sep 1953.
Assignments. Air Resupply and Communications Service, 16 pr 1951, United States Air Force in Europe, 1 Oct 1952-8 Sep 1953.
Components. Group. 580th 16 Apr 1951-8 Sep 1953 (not operational, 8 Apr 1952-8 Sep 1953). Squadron. 580th, attached 8 Apr 1952-8 Sep 1953.
Stations. Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, 16 Apr 1951-17 Sep 1952; Wheelus Field, Libya, 22 Sep 1952-8 Sep 1953.
Commanders. Col William O. Eareckson, 16 Apr 1951; Col John R. Kane, 12 Nov 1951; Col Frederick J. Knorre, Jr, 8 May 1952; Col John R. Kane, 2 Jun 1952; Col Frederick J. Knorre, Jr., 18 May 1953; Col Vincent M. Miles, 27 May-8 Sep 1953.
Aircraft. C-119, 1951-1953; B-29, 1951-1953; SA-16, 1951-1953; C-47, 1953.
Operations. Performed psychological warfare and unconventional operations.
Service Streamers. None.
Campaign Streamers. None
Decorations. None.
Emblem. Quarterly, first and fourth, or, a stylized aircraft sable, nose to dexter; second and third, azure, a horse’s head coupled or, on a chief, gules over a wreath of two branches of olive, a sword in fess, all or. Motto: Libertas Per Veritatem--Freedom through truth. (Approved on 8 Nov 1951.)
581st Air Resupply and communications Wing
Lineage. Established as 581st Air Resupply and Communications Wing on 9 Jul 1951. Activated on 23 Jul 1951. Inactivated on 8 Sep 1953.
Assignments. Air Resupply and Communications Service, 23 Jul 1951; Thirteenth Air Force, 18 Jul 1952 08Sep 1953.
Components. Group, 581st 23 Jul 1951-8 Sep 1953 (not operational, 17 Apr 1952-8 Sep 1953). Squadron, 581st: attached 17 Apr 1952-8 Sep 1953.
Stations. Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, 23 Jul 1951-26 Jun 1952; Clark AB, Philippines, 18 Jul 1952-8 Sep 1953.
Commanders. LtCol Rupert E. Herr, 23 Jul 1951; Col John K. Arnold, Jr., 1 Aug 1951; Maj John F. Zinn, 10 Aug 1951; LtCol George H. Pittman, Jr., 31 Aug 1951; Col John K. Arnold, Jr., 1 Oct 1951; Col Lawrence C. Gilbert, 16 Jan 1952; Col John K. Arnold, Jr., c. 18 Feb 1952; Col Lawrence C. Gilbert, 12 Jan-8 Sep 1953.
Aircraft. C-119, 1951-1953; B-29 1951-1953; SA-16, 1951-1953; H-19, 1952-1953; C-54; C-118, 1952-1953.
Operations. Performed psychological warfare and unconventional operations. Conducted limited operations in French Indo-China in 1953.
Service Streamers. None.
Campaign Streamers. None.
Decorations. None.
Emblem. On a shield azure, a torch, base argent, flame or flame moving toward the dexter over the flame a quill argent bend sinister all between three links of a chain sable, the center link coupled, with one and one-half links on each side of the torch; on a chief gules two branches of olive, surmounted by a sword in fess, hilt and pommel to the dexter, all or. Motto: Libertas Per Veritatem—Freedom through Truth. (Approved on 12 Jun 1952.)
582nd Resupply and Communications Wing
Lineage. Established as 582d Air Resupply and Communications Wing on 3Sep 1952. Activated on 24 Sep 1952. Inactivated on 14 Aug 1953.
Assignments. Air Resupply and Communications Service, 24 Sep 1952-14 Aug 1953.
Components. Group. 582d: 24 Sep 1952-14 Aug 1953 (not operational). Squadron. 582d: attached 20 May-14 Aug 1953.
Stations. Mountain Home AFB, Idaho, 24 Sep 1952; Great Falls, AFB Mont, 1 May-14 Aug 1953.
Commanders. Col Robert W. Fish, 24 Sep 1952; Col Earl J. Livesay, 8 Jul-14 Aug 1953.
Aircraft. C-119, 1953; B-29, 1953; Sa-16, 1953.
Operations. Performed psychological warfare and unconventional operations. Conducted limited operations in French Indo-China in 1953.
Service Streamers. None.
Campaign Streamers. None.
Decorations. None.
Emblem. Per fess indented or and azure, the silhouette of a transport plane sable and in base a broken chain of three links proper below two lighting bolts points conjoined argent, on a chief gules a wreath surmounted by a sword fesswise, hilt to dexter both of the first. Motto: Libertas Per Veritatem—Freedom through truth. (Approved on 14 Apr 1953.)
633rd Special Operations Wing
Lineage: Established as 633d Special Operations Wing and activated on 9 Jul 1968. Organized on 15 Jul 1968. Inactivated on 15 Mar 1970.
Assignments. Pacific Air Forces, 9 Jul 1968, Seventh Air Force, 15 Jul 1968-15 Mar 1970.
Components. Squadron. 6th; 15 Jul 1968-15 Nov 1969.
Stations. Pleiku AB, South Vietnam, 15 Jul 1968-15 Mar 1970.
Commanders. None (not manned). 9-14 Jul 1968; Col George P. Birdsong, Jr., 15 Jul 1968; Col Samuel D. Berman, 25 Apr 1969-15 Mar 1970.
Aircraft. A-1, 1968-1969.
Operations. Engaged in combat in Southeast Asia, including close air support, air escort, day and night interdiction, and visual and photographic reconnaissance, Jul 1968-1969.
Streamers. None.