Air Force Combat Units of WWII

296 AIR FORCE COMBAT WITS OF WORLD WAR I1yards, railheads, bridges, and vehicles inthe battle area. Received a DUC for theeffectiveness of its bombing in the Ardennes,23-25 Dec 1944, when the groupmade numerous attacks on enemy linesof communications. Flew several nightmissions in Feb 1945, using B-26's as flareplanes, an A-26 for target marking, andA-20's to bomb the objectives. Continuedto fly support and interdictory missions,aiding the drive across the Rhine and intoGermany, Feb-Apr 1945. Converted toA-26 aircraft, but the war ended beforethe group was ready to fly them in combat.Returned to the US, Jun-Aug 1945.Znactivated on 7 Nov 1945.SQUADRONS. 644th: 1943-1945. 645th:1943-1945. 646th: 1943-1945. 647th:'943-1945-STATIONS. Will Rogers Field, Okla, IJul 1943; Muskogee AAFld, Okla, Oct1943; Laurel AAFld, Miss, Jan 1944; LakelandAAFld, Fla, c. 8 Feb-c. 13 Mar 1944;Birch, England, c. 4 Apr 1944; Gosfield,England, c. 16 Apr 1944; Coulommiers,France, Sep 1944; Juvincourt, France, Feb1945; Beaumont-sur-Oise, France, May-Jun 1945; Seymour Johnson Field, NC,Aug 1945; Myrtle Beach AAFld, SC, c.5 Oct-7 NOV 1945.COMMANDERS. Unkn, I Jul-13 Aug1943; Lt Col Clark L Miller, 13 Aug 1943;Col Ralph Rhudy, 17 Sep 1943; Col ShermanR Beaty, 3 Jul 1944; Col Robert JHughey, Dec 1944-1945.CAMPAIGNS. Air Offensive, Europe;Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland;Ardennes-Alsace ; Central Europe.DECORATIONS. Distinguished Unit Citation:Germany, 23-25 Dec 1944.INSIGNE. None.411th BOMBARDMENT GROUPConstituted as 41 1th Bombardment-Group (Light) on 14 Jul 1943. Activatedon I Aug 1943. Assigned to Third AF.Functioned as a replacement training unit,using A-20 aircraft. Disbanded on I May1944.SQUADRONS. 648th: 1943-1944. 649th:1943-1944. 650th: 1943-1944. 651st:1943-1944-STATIONS. Will Rogers Field, Okla, IAug 1943; Florence AAFld, SC, 15 Aug1943-1 May 1944.COMMANDERS. Lt Col Blaine B Campbell,c. Aug 1943-1 May 1944.CAMPAIGNS. None.DECORATIONS. None.INSIGNE. None.412th FIGHTER GROUPConstituted as 412th Fighter Group on20 Nov 1943 and activated on 29 Nov. Assignedto Fourth AF. Conducted tests andengaged in experimental work with P-59Aand P-80 jet aircraft. Also trained pilotsand other personnel for duty with unitsusing jet aircraft. Inactivated on 3 Jul1946.Redesignated 412th Fighter Group (AirDefense). Activated on 18 Aug 1955. Assignedto Air Defense Comwd.