USAAF Chronology:
COMBAT CHRONOLOGY OF THE US ARMY AIR FORCES
DECEMBER 1941
SATURDAY, 6 DECEMBER 1941
The combat organization of the US Army Air Forces at 2400 hours
Eastern Standard Time, 6 December 1941 (0500 GMT, 7 December 1941)
is listed below. An asterisk (*) indicates an attached unit.
This listing is divided into five sections, i.e.:
I. Units assigned to the Air Force Combat Command
II. Units assigned to the Office, Chief of the Air Corps
III. Units assigned to the Barrage Balloon Training Center, US Army
IV. Units based overseas
V. Units sorted by their station
I. AIR FORCE COMBAT COMMAND, Bolling Field, DC
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
1st Air Force, Mitchel Fld, NY
I Air Support Command, Mitchel Fld, NY
26th Observation Gp, Providence, RI
101st Observation Sqd, Otis Fld, Mass (O-46, O-47, O-49, O-59)
152d Observation Sqd, Ft Devens AAFld, Mass (BC-1, O-47, O-49, O-52,
O-58)
45th Bombardment Gp (Light), Grenier Fld, NH
78th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20, DB-7)
79th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20, DB-7)
80th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20, DB-7)
92d Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
59th Observation Gp, Pope Fld, NC
103d Observation Sqd, Harrisburg MAP, Pa (O-46, O-47, O-49, O-57)
104th Observation Sqd, Detrick Fld, Md (O-46, O-47, O-49, O-59)
*119th Observation Sqd, Newark MAP, NJ (O-47, O-49, O-52)
126th Observation Sqd, Ft Dix AAFld, NJ (BC-1, O-46, O-49, O-59)
65th Observation Gp, Owens Fld, SC
105th Observation Sqd (O-38, O-47, O-49, O-52)
112th Observation Sqd, Pope Fld, NC (O-47, O-49, O-57)
121st Observation Sqd (AT-6, O-38, O-46, O-47, O-58)
2d Balloon Sqdn, Pope Fld, NC (various balloons)
3d Observation Sqdn, Langley Fld, Va (O-43, O-47, O-49, O-52)
I Bomber Command, Langley Fld, Va
2d Bombardment Gp (Heavy), Langley Fld, Va
20th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
*41st Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy), Newfoundland Arpt, Nfld (B-17)
49th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy), ground echelon enroute to Newfoundland,
air echelon at Mitchel Fld, NY (B-17)
96th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
22d Bombardment Gp (Medium), Langley Fld, Va
2d Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-26)
*18th Reconnaissance Sq (Medium) (B-26)
19th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-26)
33d Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-26)
34th Bombardment Gp, (Heavy), Westover Fld, Mass
*1st Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
4th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
7th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
18th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
43d Bombardment Gp (Heavy), Dow Fld, Maine
*13th Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy) (B-18)
63d Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (LB-30)
64th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-18)
65th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
I Interceptor Command, Mitchel Fld, NY
1st Pursuit Gp (Fighter), Selfridge Fld, Mich
27th Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-38)
71st Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-38)
94th Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-38)
8th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Mitchel Fld, NY
35th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39)
36th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39)
31st Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Baer Fld, Ind
39th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39)
40th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39)
41st Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39)
33d Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Mitchel Fld, NY
58th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
59th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
60th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
52d Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Selfridge Fld, Mich
2d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
4th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
5th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
57th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Bradley Fld, Conn
64th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
65th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) Brainard Fld, Conn (P-40)
66th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) Brainard Fld, Conn (P-40)
2d Air Force, Ft Geo Wright, Wash
II Air Support Command, Will Rogers Fld, Okla
12th Bombardment Gp (Light), McChord Fld, Wash
81st Bombardment Sqd (Light) (B-18)
82d Bombardment Sqd (Light) (B-18, PT-17)
83d Bombardment Sqd (Light) (B-18, B-23)
94th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (B-18, B-23)
48th Bombardment Gp (Light), Will Rogers Fld, Okla
55th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
56th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
57th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
88th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
72d Observation Gp, Adams Fld, Ark
1st Observation Sqd, Marshall Fld, Kans (O-47, O-49)
108th Observation Sqd, Chicago MAP, Ill (O-31, O-47, O-49, O-52)
124th Observation Sqd, Sherman Fld, Kans (BC-1, O-38, O-47)
30th Observation Sqd, Atlanta AAB, Ga (O-38, O-49)
II Bomber Command, Ft Geo Wright, Wash
17th Bombardment Gp (Medium), Pendleton AAB, Ore
34th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-25)
37th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-25)
*89th Reconnaissance Sqd (Medium) (B-25)
95th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-25)
39th Bombardment Gp (Heavy), Geiger Fld, Wash
*12th Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
60th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
61st Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
62d Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
42d Bombardment Gp (Medium), Gowen Fld, Idaho
*16th Reconnaissance Sqd (Medium) (B-18, B-26)
75th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-18)
76th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-26)
77th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-26)
II Interceptor Command, Ft Lawton, Wash
54th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Paine Fld, Wash
42d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39)
56th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39)
57th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39)
55th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Portland AAB, Ore
37th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-43)
38th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-43)
54th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-36, P-40, P-43)
3d Air Force, Tampa, Fla
III Air Support Command, Savannah AB, Ga
3d Bombardment Gp (Light), Savannah AB, Ga
8th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20, A-24)
13th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
89th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
90th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
66th Observation Gp, Jacksonville AAB, Fla
97th Observation Sqd, Lawson Fld, Ga (O-47, O-49, O-52, O-57)
106th Observation Sqd, Birmingham AAB, Ala (O-47, O-49)
118th Observation Sqd (C-45, O-46, O-47, O-49, O-57, O-58, O-59)
67th Observation Gp, Esler Fld, La
107th Observation Sqd (C-45, O-47, O-49)
109th Observation Sqd (O-47, O-49, O-58)
113th Observation Sqd, Key Fld, Miss (O-47, O-49, O-52)
153d Observation Sqd, Key Fld, Miss (O-47, O-49, O-52, O-58)
68th Observation Gp, Brownwood Afld, Tex
122d Observation Sqd, Esler Fld, La (BC-1, O-38, O-46, O-47)
125th Observation Sqd, Post Fld, Okla (BC-1, O-38, O-47)
127th Observation Sqd, Sherman Fld, Kans (BC-1, O-38, O-46)
154th Observation Sqd, Post Fld, Okla (O-38, O-47, O-49, O-57)
71st Observation Gp, Birmingham AAB, Ala
102d Observation Sqd, Reilly Fld, Ala (C-45, O-46, O-47, O-49, O-57)
110th Observation Sqd, Adams Fld, Ark (O-47, O-49)
128th Observation Sqd, Lawson Fld, Ga (BC-1, O-38, O-46)
15th Observation Sqd, Post Fld, Okla (O-43, O-47, O-49, O-52)
111th Observation Sqd, Brownwood Afld, Tex (O-43, O-47, O-49, O-52,
O-59)
120th Observation Sqd, Biggs Fld, Tex (O-47, O-49)
III Bomber Command, MacDill Fld, Fla
13th Bombardment Gp (Medium), Orlando AAB, Fla
* 3d Reconnaissance Sqd (Medium) (B-18, B-25)
39th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-18, B-25)
40th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-18)
41st Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-25)
29th Bombardment Gp (Heavy), MacDill Fld, Fla
6th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
*21st Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy) (A-29, B-17)
43d Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
52d Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
30th Bombardment Gp (Heavy), New Orleans AAB, La
* 2d Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
21st Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (A-29)
27th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (A-29)
38th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-18)
38th Bombardment Gp (Medium), Jackson AAB, Miss
*15th Reconnaissance Sqd (Medium) (B-26)
69th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-26)
70th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-26)
71st Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-26)
44th Bombardment Gp (Heavy), MacDill Fld, Fla
*14th Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy) (B-24)
66th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-18)
67th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (unknown aircraft)
68th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (unknown aircraft)
III Interceptor Command, Drew Fld, Fla
49th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Morrison Fld, Fla
7th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-35)
8th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-35)
9th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
50th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Key Fld, Miss
10th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (BT-13, P-35)
11th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-36, P-40)
12th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (unknown aircraft)
53d Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Dale Mabry Fld, Fla
13th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39)
14th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39)
15th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39)
56th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Douglas Fld, NC
61st Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39, P-40)
62d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39, P-40)
63d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-39, P-40)
58th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Harding Fld, La
67th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-36)
68th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
69th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-35, P-36, P-39)
4th Air Force, Hamilton Fld, Calif
IV Air Support Command, Hamilton Fld, Calif
47th Bombardment Gp (Light), Fresno AAB, Calif
84th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (B-18)
85th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20, B-18)
86th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (B-18)
97th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (LB-30)
69th Observation Gp, Salinas AAB, Calif
82d Observation Sqd (O-46, O-47, O-49, O-52)
115th Observation Sqd, Sherwood Fld, Calif (BC-1, O-38, O-47, O-49)
70th Observation Gp, Gray Fld, Wash
116th Observation Sqd (O-47, O-49)
123d Observation Sqd (BC-1, O-46)
31st Observation Sqd, Salinas AAB, Calif (O-49, O-52)
IV Bomber Command, Tucson, Arizona
1st Bombardment Wing, Tucson, Arizona
7th Bombardment Gp (Heavy), air echelon at Hamilton Fld, Calif;
ground echelon enroute US to Philippine Is
9th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
11th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
14th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy), Clark Fld, Philippine Is (B-17)
22d Bombardment Sqd (Heavy), ground echelon enroute to Philippine
Is; air echelon at Hamilton Fld, Calif (B-17)
*88th Reconnaissance Sq (Heavy), ground echelon enroute US to
Philippine Is; air echelon enroute US to Hawaii (B-17)
41st Bombardment Gp (Medium), Davis-Monthan Fld, Ariz
* 6th Reconnaissance Sqd (Medium) (A-29, B-18, LB-30)
46th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-18)
47th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (A-29)
48th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (A-29, B-18)
*38th Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy), air echelon enroute US to Hawaii;
ground echelon enroute US to Philippine Is (B-17)
IV Interceptor Command, Riverside, Calif
14th Pursuit Gp (Fighter), March Fld, Calif
48th Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-38)
49th Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-38)
50th Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-40)
20th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Hamilton Fld, Calif
55th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
77th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
79th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
35th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), enroute US to Philippine Is
21st Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor), Nichols Fld, Philippine Is (P-40)
34th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor), Del Carmen, Philippine Is (P-35)
70th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor), Hamilton Fld, Calif (P-36)
51st Pursuit Gp (Fighter), March Fld, Calif
16th Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-40)
25th Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-40)
26th Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-40)
V Air Support Command, Bowman Fld, Ky
46th Bombardment Gp (Light), Bowman Fld, Ky
50th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
51st Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
53d Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
87th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (A-20)
73d Observation Gp, Godman Fld, Ky
12th Observation Sqd (O-38, O-47, O-49, O-52, YO-54, O-57, O-59)
16th Observation Sqd, Lawson Fld, Ga (O-47, O-49)
22d Observation Sqd, Brooks Fld, Tex (O-46, O-49, O-52)
91st Observation Sqd, Wheeler-Sack Fld, NY (O-46, O-47, O-49, O-52)
15th Bombardment Sqd (Light), Lawson Fld, Ga (A-20)
II. OFFICE CHIEF OF AIR CORPS, Washington, DC
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
Air Corps Proving Ground, Eglin Fld, Fla
1st Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor), Eglin Fld, Fla (various acft)
24th Bombardment Sqd (Light), Eglin Fld, Fla (various acft)
54th Bombardment Sqd (Medium), Eglin Fld, Fla (various acft)
50th Transport Wing, Wright Fld, Ohio
10th Transport Gp, Patterson Fld, Ohio
1st Transport Sqd (C-39, C-47)
2d Transport Sqd, Olmsted Fld, Pa (C-39, C-47)
5th Transport Sqd (C-39, C-47)
60th Transport Gp, Westover Fld, Mass
10th Transport Sqd (unknown aircraft)
11th Transport Sqd, Selfridge Fld, Mich (unknown aircraft)
12th Transport Sqd, Mitchel Fld, NY (unknown aircraft)
61st Transport Gp, Daniel Fld, Ga
6th Transport Sqd, Olmsted Fld, Pa (C-39, C-53)
13th Transport Sqd, Drew Fld, Fla (C-47)
14th Transport Sqd (C-39)
15th Transport Sqd (C-39)
62d Transport Gp, McClellan Fld, Calif
4th Transport Sqd (C-39)
7th Transport Sqd (C-39)
8th Transport Sqd, Hill Fld, Utah (C-39)
63d Transport Gp, Brookley Fld, Ala
3d Transport Sqd, Duncan Fld, Tex (C-39)
9th Transport Sqd (C-39)
64th Transport Gp, March Fld, Calif
16th Transport Sqd, Portland AAB, Ore (C-47)
17th Transport Sqd, Hamilton Fld, Calif (C-47)
18th Transport Sqd (C-47)
1st Photographic Gp, Bolling Fld, DC
1st Photographic Sqd, Bradley Fld, Conn (A-29)
2d Photographic Sqd, Gray Fld, Wash (F-2)
3d Photographic Sqd, Maxwell Fld, Ala (?)
4th Photographic Sqd, Moffett Fld, Calif (F-2)
III. BARRAGE BALLOON TRAINING CENTER, US ARMY
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
3d Barrage Balloon Sqd, Camp Davis, NC (various balloons)
IV. OVERSEAS UNITS
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
ALASKA DEFENSE COMMAND, US ARMY
-------------------------------
Air Force, Alaska Defense Command
28th Composite Gp, Elmendorf Fld, Territory of Alaska
18th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (20 P-36s)
36th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (6 B-18As)
73d Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (6 B-18As)
CARIBBEAN DEFENSE COMMAND, US ARMY
----------------------------------
Caribbean Air Force, Albrook Fld, CZ
VI Bomber Command, Albrook Fld, CZ
6th Bombardment Gp (Heavy), France Fld, CZ
3d Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-18)
* 7th Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy), Howard Fld, CZ (B-17, B-18)
25th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-18)
74th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy), Aguadulce, Panama (B-18)
9th Bombardment Gp (Heavy), Waller Fld, Trinidad
1st Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-18)
5th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy), Beane Fld, St Lucia (B-18)
44th Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy), Atkinson Fld, British Guiana (B-17)
*59th Bombardment Sqd (Light), Howard Fld, CZ (A-20)
99th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy), Zandery Fld, Surinam (B-18)
25th Bombardment Gp (Heavy), Borinquen Fld, Puerto Rico
10th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-18)
12th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy), Benedict Fld, St Croix (B-18)
*27th Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy) (B-18)
35th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy), Coolidge Fld, Antigua (B-18)
40th Bombardment Gp (Medium), Borinquen Fld, Puerto Rico
* 5th Reconnaissance Sqd (Medium) (B-18)
29th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-18)
44th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-18)
45th Bombardment Sqd (Medium) (B-18)
VI Interceptor Command, Borinquen Fld, Puerto Rico
12th Pursuit Wing, Albrook Fld, CZ
16th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Albrook Fld, CZ
24th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-36)
29th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
43d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
32d Pursuit Gp (Fighter), Rio Hato, Panama
51st Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-36)
52d Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-36)
53d Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-36)
37th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Albrook Fld, CZ
28th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40)
30th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor), Chorrera, Panama (P-40)
31st Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-26, P-40)
36th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Losey Fld, Puerto Rico
22d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-36)
23d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-36)
32d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-36)
20th Transport Sqd, France Fld (detachment at Howard Fld), CZ (C-39,
C-47,
C-49)
39th Observation Sqd, France Fld, CZ (O-47, O-49)
HAWAIIAN DEPARTMENT, US ARMY
----------------------------
Hawaiian Air Force, Hickam Fld, Territory of Hawaii
14th Pursuit Wg, Wheeler Fld, Territory of Hawaii
15th Pursuit Gp (Fighter), Wheeler Fld
45th Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-36A)
46th Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-36A, P-40B)
47th Pursuit Sqd (Fighter) (P-40B, P-36A)
72d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (none)
18th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Wheeler Fld
6th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40B)
19th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40B, P-40C)
44th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor), Bellows Fld (P-40B, P-40C)
73d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40B)
78th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40B)
18th Bombardment Wg, Hickam Fld, Territory of Hawaii
5th Bombardment Gp (Heavy), Hickam Fld
* 4th Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
23d Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
31st Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
72d Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17, B-18))
11th Bombardment Gp (Heavy), Hickam Fld
26th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
42d Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
*50th Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
19th Transport Sqd, Hickam Fld (C-33)
58th Bombardment Sqd (Light), Hickam Fld (A-20)
86th Observation Sqd, Bellows Fld (B-12, O-47, O-49)
ICELAND BASE COMMAND, US ARMY
-----------------------------
33d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor), Reykjavik Aerodrome (P-40)
NEWFOUNDLAND BASE COMMAND, US ARMY
----------------------------------
*41st Reconnaissance Sqd (Heavy), Newfoundland Airport (B-17)
PUERTO RICAN DEPARTMENT, US ARMY
--------------------------------
4th Observation Sqd, Losey Fld, Puerto Rico (O-47, O-52)
US ARMY FORCES IN THE FAR EAST
------------------------------
Far East Air Force, Nichols Fld, Philippine Islands
V Bomber Command, Clark Fld, Philippine Islands
19th Bombardment Gp (Heavy), Clark Fld
*14th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
28th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
30th Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
32d Bombardment Sqd (Heavy), ground echelon enroute US to Philippine
Is; air echelon at Hamilton Fld, Calif (B-17)
38th Reconnaissance Sqdn (Heavy), ground echelon enroute US to
Philippine Is; air echelon enroute US to Hawaii
93d Bombardment Sqd (Heavy) (B-17)
27th Bombardment Gp (Light), Ft William McKinley
16th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (none)
17th Bombardment Sqd (Light) (none)
91st Bombardment Sqd (Light) (none)
5th Interceptor Command (Provisional), Nielson Fld
24th Pursuit Gp (Interceptor), Clark Fld
3d Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor), Iba Afld (P-40E)
17th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor), Nichols Fld (P-40E)
20th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor) (P-40B)
*21st Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor), Nichols Fld (P-40E)
*34th Pursuit Sqd (Interceptor), Del Carmen Fld (P-35)
2d Observation Sqd, Nichols Fld (O-46, O-52)
V. UNITS SORTED BY STATION
^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^^
AIR ECHELONS ENROUTE FROM U.S. TO HAWAII
----------------------------------------
38th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy)
88th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy)
ALABAMA
-------
Birmingham Army Air Base (Birmingham Municipal Airport)
71st Observation Group
106th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49)
Brookley Field, Mobile
63d Transport Group
9th Transport Squadron (C-39)
Maxwell Field, Montgomery
3d Photographic Squadron (?)
Reilly Field, Fort McClellan, Anniston
102d Observation Squadron (C-45, O-46, O-47, O-49, O-57)
ARIZONA
-------
Davis-Monthan Field (Tucson Municipal Airport)
41st Bombardment Group (Medium)
6th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) (A-29, B-18, LB-30)
46th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-18)
47th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (A-29)
48th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (A-29, B-18)
Tucson
IV Bomber Command, Tucson
1st Bombardment Wing, Tucson
ARKANSAS, Adams Field, Little Rock
----------------------------------
72d Observation Group
110th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49)
BRITISH GUINEA, Atkinson Field
------------------------------
44th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
BRITISH WEST INDIES
-------------------
Antigua, Coolidge Field
35th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
St. Lucia, Beane Field
5th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
Trinidad, Waller Field
9th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
1st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
CALIFORNIA
----------
Fresno Army Air Base, Fresno
47th Bombardment Group (Light)
84th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (B-18)
85th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20, B-18)
86th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (B-18)
97th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (LB-30)
Hamilton Field, San Rafael
4th Air Force
IV Air Support Command
7th Bombardment Group (Heavy) air echelon only
20th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), Hamilton Fld, Calif
9th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), air echelon only (B-17)
11th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), air echelon only (B-17)
17th Transport Squadron (C-47)
22d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), air echelon only (B-17)
55th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
70th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-36)
77th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
79th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
March Field, Riverside
14th Pursuit Group (Fighter)
51st Pursuit Group (Fighter)
64th Transport Group
16th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-40)
18th Transport Squadron (C-47)
25th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-40)
26th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-40)
48th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-38)
49th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-38)
50th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-40)
McClellan Field, Sacramento
62d Transport Group
4th Transport Squadron (C-39)
7th Transport Squadron (C-39)
Moffett Field, Mountain View
4th Photographic Squadron (F-2)
Riverside (US Post Office), Riverside
IV Interceptor Command
Salinas Army Air Base (Salinas Airport), Salinas
69th Observation Group
31st Observation Squadron (O-49, O-52)
82d Observation Squadron (O-46, O-47, O-49, O-52)
Sherwood Field, Paso Robles
115th Observation Squadron (BC-1, O-38, O-47, O-49)
CANAL ZONE
----------
Albrook Field
Caribbean Air Force
VI Bomber Command
12th Pursuit Wing
37th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
16th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
24th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-36)
28th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
29th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
31st Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-26, P-40)
43d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
France Field
6th Bombardment Group (Heavy), France Fld, CZ
3d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
20th Transport Squadron (C-39, C-47, C-49)
25th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
39th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49)
Howard Field
7th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
59th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
Detachment, 20th Transport Squadron (C-39, C-47, C-49)
CONNECTICUT
-----------
Bradley Field, Windsor Locks
1st Photographic Squadron (A-29)
57th Pursuit Group (Interceptor),
64th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
Brainard Field, Hartford
65th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
66th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
DISTRICT OF COLUMBIA, Bolling Field
-----------------------------------
Air Force Combat Command
Office Chief of Air Corps
1st Photographic Group
FLORIDA
-------
Dale Mabry Field, Tallahassee
53d Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
13th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39)
14th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39)
15th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39)
Drew Field, Tampa
III Interceptor Command
13th Transport Squadron (C-47)
Eglin Field, Valpariso
Air Corps Proving Ground
1st Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (various acft)
24th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (various acft)
54th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (various acft)
Jacksonville Army Air Base (Municipal Airport), Jacksonville
66th Observation Group
118th Observation Squadron (C-45, O-46, O-47, O-49, O-57, O-58, O-59)
MacDill Field, Tampa
III Bomber Command
29th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
44th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
6th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
14th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (B-24)
21st Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (A-29, B-17)
43d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
52d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
66th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
67th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (?)
68th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (?)
Morrison Field, Palm Beach
49th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
7th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-35)
8th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-35)
9th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
Orlando Army Air Base (Municipal Airport), Orlando
13th Bombardment Group (Medium)
3d Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) (B-18, B-25)
39th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-18, B-25)
40th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-18)
41st Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-25)
National Guard Armory, Tampa
3d Air Force
GEORGIA
-------
Atlanta Army Air Base (Atlanta Airport), Atlanta
30th Observation Squadron (O-38, O-49)
Daniel Field, Augusta
61st Transport Group
14th Transport Squadron (C-39)
15th Transport Squadron (C-39)
Lawson Field, Fort Benning, Columbus
15th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
16th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49)
97th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49, O-52, O-57)
128th Observation Squadron (BC-1, O-38, O-46)
Savannah Air Base, Savannah
III Air Support Command
3d Bombardment Group (Light)
8th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20, A-24)
13th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
89th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
90th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
GROUND ECHELONS ENROUTE FROM U.S. TO OVERSEAS
---------------------------------------------
Enroute to Newfoundland
49th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)
Enroute to Philippine Islands
7th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
35th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
22d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)
38th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy)
88th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy)
ICELAND, Reykjavik Airport, Reykjavik
-------------------------------------
33d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
IDAHO
-----
Gowen Field, Boise
42d Bombardment Group (Medium)
16th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) (B-18, B-26)
75th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-18)
76th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-26)
77th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-26)
ILLINOIS, Chicago Municipal Airport, Chicago
--------------------------------------------
108th Observation Squadron (O-31, O-47, O-49, O-52)
INDIANA, Baer Field, Fort Wayne
-------------------------------
31st Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
39th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39)
40th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39)
41st Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39)
KANSAS
------
Marshall Field, Fort Riley, Junction City
1st Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49)
Sherman Field, Fort Leavenworth, Leavenworth
124th Observation Squadron (BC-1, O-38, O-47)
127th Observation Squadron (BC-1, O-38, O-46)
KENTUCKY
--------
Bowman Field, Louisville
V Air Support Command
46th Bombardment Group (Light)
50th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
51st Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
53d Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
87th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
Godman Field, Fort Knox, Louisville
73d Observation Group
12th Observation Squadron (O-38, O-47, O-49, O-52, YO-54, O-57, O-59)
LOUISIANA
---------
Esler Field, Camp Beauregard, Alexandria
67th Observation Group
107th Observation Squadron (C-45, O-47, O-49)
109th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49, O-58)
122d Observation Squadron (BC-1, O-38, O-46, O-47)
Harding Field, Baton Rouge
58th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
67th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-36)
68th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
69th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-35, P-36, P-39)
New Orleans Army Air Base (New Orleans Airport), New Orleans
30th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
2d Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
21st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (A-29)
27th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (A-29)
38th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
MAINE, Dow Field, Bangor
------------------------
43d Bombardment Group (Heavy)
13th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
63d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (LB-30)
64th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
65th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
MARYLAND, Detrick Field, Frederick
----------------------------------
104th Observation Squadron (O-46, O-47, O-49, O-59)
MASSACHUSETTS
-------------
Fort Devens Army Airfield, Fort Devens, Ayer
152d Observation Squadron (BC-1, O-47, O-49, O-52, O-58)
Otis Field, Camp Edwards, Falmouth
101st Observation Squadron (O-46, O-47, O-49, O-59)
Westover Field, Chicopee Falls
34th Bombardment Group, (Heavy)
60th Transport Group
1st Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
4th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
7th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
10th Transport Squadron (?)
18th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
MICHIGAN, Selfridge Field, Mount Clemens
----------------------------------------
1st Pursuit Group (Fighter)
52d Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
2d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
4th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
5th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
11th Transport Squadron (?)
27th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-38)
71st Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-38)
94th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-38)
MISSISSIPPI
-----------
Jackson Army Air Base (Municipal Airport), Jackson
38th Bombardment Group (Medium)
15th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) (B-26)
69th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-26)
70th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-26)
71st Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-26)
Key Field, Meridian
50th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
10th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (BT-13, P-35)
11th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-36, P-40)
12th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (?)
113th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49, O-52)
153d Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49, O-52, O-58)
NEW HAMPSHIRE, Grenier Field (Manchester Airport), Manchester
-------------------------------------------------------------
45th Bombardment Group (Light)
78th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20, DB-7)
79th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20, DB-7)
80th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20, DB-7)
92d Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
NEW JERSEY
----------
Fort Dix Army Airfield, Fort Dix, Wrightstown
126th Observation Squadron (BC-1, O-46, O-49, O-59)
Newark Municipal Airport, Newark
119th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49, O-52)
NEW YORK
--------
Mitchel Field, Hempstead, Long Island
1st Air Force
I Air Support Command
I Interceptor Command
8th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
33d Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
12th Transport Squadron (unknown aircraft)
35th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39)
36th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39)
49th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) air echelon only (B-17)
58th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
59th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
60th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
Wheeler-Sack Field, Pine Camp, Great Bend
91st Observation Squadron (O-46, O-47, O-49, O-52)
NEWFOUNDLAND, Newfoundland Airport, Gander Lake
-----------------------------------------------
41st Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (B-17B)
NORTH CAROLINA
--------------
Camp Davis, Wilmington
3d Barrage Balloon Squadron (various balloons)
Douglas Field, Charlotte
56th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
61st Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39, P-40)
62d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39, P-40)
63d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39, P-40)
Pope Field, Fort Bragg, Fayetteville
2d Balloon Squadron (various balloons)
59th Observation Group
112th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49, O-57)
OHIO
----
Patterson Field, Dayton
10th Transport Group
1st Transport Squadron (C-39, C-47)
Wright Field, Dayton
50th Transport Wing
5th Transport Squadron (C-39, C-47)
OKLAHOMA
--------
Post Field, Fort Sill, Lawton
15th Observation Squadron (O-43, O-47, O-49, O-52)
125th Observation Squadron (BC-1, O-38, O-47)
154th Observation Squadron (O-38, O-47, O-49, O-57)
Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma City
II Air Support Command
48th Bombardment Group (Light)
55th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
56th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
57th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
88th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
OREGON
------
Pendleton Army Air Base (Municipal Airport), Pendleton
17th Bombardment Group (Medium)
34th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-25)
37th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-25)
89th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) (B-25)
95th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-25)
Portland Army Air Base (Portland-Columbia Airport), Portland
55th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
16th Transport Squadron (C-47)
37th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-43)
38th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-43)
54th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-36, P-40, P-43)
PANAMA
------
Aguadulce
74th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
Chorrera
30th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40)
Rio Hato
32d Pursuit Group (Fighter)
51st Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-36)
52d Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-36)
53d Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-36)
PENNSYLVANIA
------------
Harrisburg Municipal Airport, Harrisburg
103d Observation Squadron (O-46, O-47, O-49, O-57)
Olmsted Field, Middletown
2d Transport Squadron (C-39, C-47)
6th Transport Squadron (C-39, C-53)
PHILIPPINE ISLANDS
------------------
Clark Field, Fort Stotsenberg, Luzon
V Bomber Command
19th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
24th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
14th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
20th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40B)
28th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
30th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
93d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
Del Carmen Field, Luzon
34th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-35)
Fort William McKinley, Luzon
27th Bombardment Group (Light)
16th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (none)
17th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (none)
91st Bombardment Squadron (Light) (none)
Iba Airfield, Luzon
3d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40E)
Nichols Field, Luzon
Far East Air Force
2d Observation Squadron (O-46, O-52)
17th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40E)
21st Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40E)
Nielson Field, Luzon
5th Interceptor Command (Provisional)
PUERTO RICO
-----------
Borinquen Field, Punta Borinquen
VI Interceptor Command
25th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
40th Bombardment Group (Medium)
10th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
5th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium) (B-18)
27th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
29th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-18)
44th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-18)
45th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-18)
Losey Field, Ponce
36th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
4th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-52)
22d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-36)
23d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-36)
32d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-36)
RHODE ISLAND, Providence
------------------------
26th Observation Group
SOUTH CAROLINA, Owens Field, Columbia
-------------------------------------
65th Observation Group
105th Observation Squadron (O-38, O-47, O-49, O-52)
121st Observation Squadron (AT-6, O-38, O-46, O-47, O-58)
SURINAM, Zandery Field
----------------------
99th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
TERRITORY OF ALASKA, Elmendorf Field, Fort Richardson, Anchorage
----------------------------------------------------------------
28th Composite Group
18th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (20 P-36s)
36th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (6 B-18As)
73d Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (6 B-18As)
TERRITORY OF HAWAII
-------------------
Bellows Field, Waimanlo Military Reservation, Oahu
44th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40B, P-40C)
86th Observation Squadron (B-12, O-47, O-49)
Hickam Field, Honolulu
Hawaiian Air Force
18th Bombardment Wg
5th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
11th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
4th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
19th Transport Squadron (C-33)
23d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
26th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
31st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
42d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
50th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (B-17, B-18)
58th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (A-20)
72d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17, B-18))
Wheeler Field, Schofield Barracks, Oahu
14th Pursuit Wg
15th Pursuit Group (Fighter)
18th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
6th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40B)
19th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40B, P-40C)
45th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-36A)
46th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-36A, P-40B)
47th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter) (P-40B, P-36A)
72d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (none)
73d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40B)
78th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-40B)
TEXAS
-----
Biggs Field, Fort Bliss, El Paso
120th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49)
Brooks Field, San Antonio
22d Observation Squadron (O-46, O-49, O-52)
Brownwood Airfield, Brownwood
68th Observation Group
111th Observation Squadron (O-43, O-47, O-49, O-52, O-59)
Duncan Field, San Antonio
3d Transport Squadron (C-39)
U.S. VIRGIN ISLANDS, Benedict Field, St Croix
---------------------------------------------
12th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-18)
UTAH, Hill Field, Ogden
-----------------------
8th Transport Squadron (C-39)
VIRGINIA, Langley Field, Hampton
--------------------------------
I Bomber Command
2d Bombardment Group (Heavy)
22d Bombardment Group (Medium)
2d Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-26)
3d Observation Squadron (O-43, O-47, O-49, O-52)
18th Reconnaissance Sq (Medium) (B-26)
19th Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-26)
20th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
33d Bombardment Squadron (Medium) (B-26)
41st Reconnaissance Sq (Heavy) (B-17)
96th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
WASHINGTON
----------
Fort George Wright, Spokane
2d Air Force
II Bomber Command
Fort Lawton, Seattle
II Interceptor Command
Geiger Field, Spokane
39th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
12th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
60th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
61st Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
62d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) (B-17)
Gray Field, Fort Lewis, Tacoma
2d Photographic Squadron (F-2)
70th Observation Group
116th Observation Squadron (O-47, O-49)
123d Observation Squadron (BC-1, O-46)
McChord Field, Tacoma
12th Bombardment Group (Light)
81st Bombardment Squadron (Light) (B-18)
82d Bombardment Squadron (Light) (B-18, PT-17)
83d Bombardment Squadron (Light) (B-18, B-23)
94th Bombardment Squadron (Light) (B-18, B-23)
Paine Field, Everett
54th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
42d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39)
56th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39)
57th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor) (P-39)
SUNDAY, 7 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-18, Douglas Bolo
O-47, North American
O-49, Stinson Vigilant
O-52, Curtiss Owl
P-36, Curtiss Hawk
P-40, Curtiss
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA (Air Force, Alaska Defense Command): Upon learning of the Pearl
Harbor attack, the Command's 6 B-l8's and 12 P-36's take to the air to
avoid being caught on their fields.
ZONE OF INTERIOR (1st Air Force): The 119th Observation Squadron, I Air
Support Command, begins flying ASW patrols from Newark Municipal Airport,
New Jersey with O-47's, O-49's and O-52's.
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Hawaiian Air Force): The first wave
of Japanese carrier-based airplanes (almost 200) hit Hickam Field and the
US Naval base at Pearl Harbor at 0755 local (1325 Eastern Standard Time,
1825 GMT). Attacks follow quickly against Wheeler and Bellows Fields. A
second wave of Japanese airplanes strikes other naval and military
facilities. The Hawaiian Air Force loses 163 men, with about 390 others
wounded or missing; has 64 of its 231 assigned aircraft destroyed. Only 79
of the remaining aircraft are deemed usable, and much of the Air Force's
ground facilities are destroyed. These losses are light in comparison with
the US Navy's: more than 2,000 killed or missing, and more than 900
wounded; 4 battleships sunk; 3 battleships, 3 cruisers, and 3 destroyers
damaged; and over half of the Navy's 169 airplanes in the area destroyed.
The Japanese lose 20 aircraft over Hawaii, including 4 claimed destroyed by
Second Lieutenant George S Welch of the 47th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter),
15th Pursuit Group (Fighter) piloting a P-40, one of the few US fighters to
successfully attack airplanes during the day. About 20 other aircraft are
lost by the Japanese during carrier landings. Altogether the Japanese pay a
small price for the damage done to the Americans on Oahu. For the remainder
of the day, following the attacks, the Army Air Forces carries out
fruitless searches for the carriers.
The air echelons of the 38th and 88th Reconnaissance Squadrons (Heavy),
1st Bombardment Wing, begin operating from Hickam Field where they arrived
during the Japanese attack. The crews of the 38th are dissolved and
personnel are assigned to other units; the 88th will operate from Hickam
Field until Feb 42.
INTERNATIONAL
Japan attacks Hawaii and other US and British possessions in the Pacific
without warning. Japan already is at war with China, and Great Britain is
at war with the Axis powers, Germany and Italy, which control most of
Western Europe. The Royal Air Force (RAF) is conducting an aerial offensive
against Germany, and the Luftwaffe is engaged in a campaign against
Britain. Russians are fighting German forces that have invaded the USSR.
British troops are battling Italians and Germans in Africa.
MONDAY, 8 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
A-20, Douglas Havoc
A-29, Lockheed Hudson
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-18, Douglas Bolo
B-25, North American Mitchell
LB-30, Consolidated Liberator
O-46, Douglas
O-47, North American
O-49, Stinson Vigilant
O-52, Curtiss Owl
O-59, Piper Grasshopper/Cub
P-38, Lockheed Lightning
P-40, Curtiss
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA (Air Force, Alaska Defense Command): Starting today, B-18's fly
armored reconnaissance each morning from Elmendorf Field, Anchorage to
Kodiak Island in the Aleutian Islands.
CARIBBEAN (Caribbean Air Force): All Army Air Force units in the
Caribbean begin flying ASW patrols.
ZONE OF INTERIOR: The 1st and 4th Air Forces are made responsible for the
air defense on the E and W coasts, respectively. The Commanding General 1st
Air Force orders the I Bomber Command to begin overwater reconnaissance
with all available aircraft to locate and attack any hostile surface forces
which might approach the E coast. Similar reconnaissance is ordered off the
W coast. P-38's of the lst Pursuit Group (Fighter) from Selfridge Field,
Mount Clemens, Michigan begin to arrive at NAS San Diego, California being
the first reinforcements of air strength on the W coast.
Effective this month, the following units begin flying ASW patrols:
1st Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy), I Bomber Command, from Westover
Field, Massachusetts with B-17's until Oct 42.
3d Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium), 2d Bombardment Wing from Orlando
AAB, Florida with B-18's and B-25's until Aug 43.
4th, 7th and 18th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 34th Bombardment Group
(Heavy) from Westover Field, Massachusetts with B-17's until Oct 42.
6th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium), IV Bomber Command, from Muroc
AAB, California with B-18's and LB-30's until Aug 42.
8th, 13th, 89th and 90th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 3d Bombardment
Group (Light) from Savannah AAB, Georgia with A-20's until Jan 42.
9th, 11th and 22d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group
(Heavy) from Muroc AAB, California with B-17's, until 12 Dec.
12th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy), II Bomber Command, from Geiger
Field, Washington with B-17's until Jan 42.
13th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy), I Bomber Command, from Dow Field,
Maine with A-29's and B-18's until Jan 42.
15th Bombardment Squadron (Light), V Air Support Command, from Ft Dix
AAFld, New Jersey with A-20's until Jan 42.
20th and 96th Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 2d Bombardment Group
(Heavy), from Mitchel Field, New York and Langley Field, Virginia with
B-17's until Oct 42.
37th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 17th Bombardment Group (Medium)
from Pendleton AAB, Oregon with B-25's until Mar 42.
40th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 13th Bombardment Group (Medium)
from Orlando AAB, Florida with B-18's until Jun 43.
43d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 29th Bombardment Group (Heavy) from
Pope Filed, North Carolina and MacDill Field, Florida with B-17's until Jun
42.
49th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 2d Bombardment Group (Heavy) with
B-17's from Geiger Field, Washington in Dec and from Langley Field,
Virginia Jul-Oct 42.
63d (LB-30), 64th (B-18) and 65th (B-17) Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy),
43d Bombardment Group (Heavy) from Dow Field, Maine until Feb 42.
79th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 20th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
with P-40's from Oakland MAP, California until Feb 42.
82d Observation Squadron, 69th Observation Group, with O-46's, O-47's,
O-49's and O-52's from Salinas AAB, California until Aug 42.
84th, 85th, 86th and 97th Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 47th
Bombardment Group (Light), with A-20's and B-18's from Hammer Field,
California until Jan 42.
101st Observation Squadron, 26th Observation Group, from Otis Field,
Massachusetts with O-46's and O-47's until Aug 42.
116th and 123d Observation Squadrons, 70th Observation Group, from Gray
Field, Washington with O-46's, O-47's and O-49's until Aug 42.
126th Observation Squadron, 59th Observation Group, from Ft Dix AAFld,
New Jersey with O-47's, O-49's, and O-59's until Oct 42.
INTERNATIONAL: The US, Great Britain, the Netherlands, Canada, the Union of
South Africa, New Zealand, Australia, Free France, and 8 Latin American
republics declare war against Japan.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): The first
word of the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbor is received on Luzon, Philip-
pine Islands by commercial radio between 0300-0330 hours local. Within 30
minutes radar at Iba Field, Luzon plots a formation of airplanes 75-miles
(120-km) offshore, heading for Corregidor Island. P-40's are sent out to
intercept but make no contact. Shortly before 0930 hours, after Japanese
aircraft are detected over Lingayen Gulf heading toward Manila, B-17's at
Clark Field, Luzon are ordered airborne to prevent being caught on the
ground. Fighters from Clark and Nichols Fields are sent to intercept the
enemy but do not make contact. The Japanese airplanes swing E and bomb
military installations at Baguio, Tarlac, Tuguegarao, and airfields at
Cabantuan are also attacked. By 1130 hours, the B-17's and fighters sent
into the air earlier have landed at Clark and Iba Fields for refueling, and
radar has disclosed another flight of Japanese aircraft 70-miles (112-km) W
of Lingayen Gulf, headed S. Fighters from Iba Field make a fruitless search
over the S China Sea. Fighters from Nichols Field are dispatched to patrol
over Bataan and Manila. Around 1145 hours a formation is reported headed S
over Lingayen Gulf. Fighters are ordered from Del Carmen Field to cover
Clark Field but fail to arrive before the Japanese hit Clark shortly after
1200 hours. B-17's and many fighters at Clark Field are caught on the
ground, but a few P-4O's manage to get airborne. 2d Lieutenant Randall B
Keator of the 20th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 24th Pursuit Group
(Interceptor), shoots down the first Japanese aircraft over the Philip-
pines. The P-40's earlier sent on patrol of the S China Sea return to Iba
Field with fuel running low at the beginning of a Japanese attack on that
airfield. The P-40's fail to prevent bombing but manage to prevent
low-level strafing of the sort which proved so destructive at Clark Field.
At the end of the day's action it is apparent that the Japanese have won a
major victory. The effective striking power of Far East Air Force has been
destroyed, the fighter strength has been seriously reduced, most B-17
maintenance facilities have been demolished, and about 90 men have been
killed.
TUESDAY, 9 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-10, Douglas
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-18, Douglas Bolo
B-26, Martin Marauder
P-26, Boeing Peashooter
P-35, Seversky
P-38, Lockheed Lightning
P-40, Curtiss
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
CARIBBEAN (Caribbean Air Force): HQ 6th Bombardment Group (Heavy) trans-
fers from France Field, Canal Zone to Rio Hato, Panama.
HQ 32d Pursuit Group (Interceptor) transfers from Rio Hato, Panama to
France Field, Canal Zone.
The 28th and 31st Pursuit Squadrons (Interceptor), 37th Pursuit Group
(Interceptor), transfer with P-26's P-40's from Albrook Field, Canal Zone
to Patilla Point and Chorrera, Panama respectively.
ZONE OF INTERIOR
1ST AIR FORCE: Fighters at Mitchel Field, New York are dispatched to
intercept a hostile airplane reported (falsely) to be approaching the E
coast.
The 70th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment Group (Medi-
um), based at Jackson AAB, Mississippi begins flying ASW patrols from
Savannah AAB, Georgia with B-26's until 12 Dec.
4TH AIR FORCE: The 2d, 19th and 33d Bombardment Squadrons (Medium), 22d
Bombardment Group (Medium) transfer from Langley Field, Virginia to Muroc
AAB, California with B-26's and begin flying ASW patrols until Jan 42.
The 18th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium), IV Bomber Command, transfers
from Langley Field, Virginia to Muroc AAB, California with B-26's and
begins flying ASW patrols until Jan 42.
The 94th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter), 1st Pursuit Group (Fighter),
begins flying ASW patrols from NAS San Diego, California with P-38's until
Mar 42.
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Hawaiian Air Force): The 78th
Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 18th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), transfers
with P-40's from Wheeler Field to Kaneohe, Territory of Hawaii.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): Shortly after
0300 hours, Japanese aircraft attack Nichols Field. This attack, added to
the previous day's raids on Clark and Iba Fields, leaves the Far East Air
Force strength reduced by half. Only 17 of 35 B-17's remain in commission;
about 55 P-40's, 3 P-35's, and close to 30 other aircraft (B-10's, B-18's,
and observation airplanes) have been lost in aerial combat or destroyed on
the ground. During the morning and afternoon, B-17's from Mindanao Island
fly reconnaissance missions and land on Clark and San Marcelino Fields on
Luzon. Several more B-17's are flown from Mindanao Island to these Luzon
bases for resistance against a possible invasion attempt.
The 3d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 24th Pursuit Group (Interceptor),
transfers from Iba Airfield to Nichols Field, Luzon with P-40's.
The 17th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 24th Pursuit Group (Intercep-
tor), based at Nichols Field begins operating from Clark Field, Luzon with
P-40's.
WEDNESDAY, 10 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
A-29, Lockheed Hudson
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-18, Douglas Bolo
P-35, Seversky
P-40, Curtiss
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (4th Air Force): The air echelons of the 11th and 22d
Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy) cease flying
ASW patrols from Muroc AAB, California with B-17's.
The 48th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 41st Bombardment Group (Medium),
transfers from Davis-Monthan Field, Arizona to Muroc AAB, California and
begins flying ASW patrols with A-29's and B-18's until Sep 42.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): B-17's,
P-40's, and P-35's attack a convoy landing troops and equipment at Vigan
and at Aparri in N.Luzon. 1 transport at Vigan is destroyed. The strikes
include the much publicized attack of Captain Colin P Kelly Jr of the 14th
Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy) on a warship
off Aparri. Captain Kelly, who is killed when his B-17 is shot down by
fighters as he is returning to Clark Field, is later posthumously awarded
the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for destroying a battleship. However,
later information reveals that he attacked the heavy cruiser ASHIGARA,
probably scoring near misses.
THURSDAY, 11 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
A-20, Douglas Havoc
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-18, Douglas Bolo
P-36, Curtiss Hawk
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
CARIBBEAN (Caribbean Air Force): The 7th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy),
VI Bomber Command, transfers from Howard Field, Canal Zone to David, Panama
with B-17's and B-18's.
The 32d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 36th Pursuit Group (Interceptor),
based at Losey Field, Puerto Rico sends a detachment to Arecibo, Puerto
Rico with P-36's.
The 74th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 6th Bombardment Group (Heavy),
transfers from Aguadulce, Panama to Rio Hato, Panama with B-18's.
ZONE OF INTERIOR: The 2d and 4th Air Forces are assigned to the US Army's
Western Defense Command.
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Hawaiian Air Force): 6 B-18's fly a
sea-search mission from the Hawaiian Islands. Similar missions by B-17's,
B-18's, and A-20's are flown each day for the remainder of the year;
several submarines are sighted and some are attacked but without positive
evidence of hits.
The 58th Bombardment Squadron (Light), Hawaiian Air Force, and 72d
Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 5th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfer from
Hickam Field to Bellows Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii with A-20's and
B-18's respectively.
INTERNATIONAL: Germany and Italy declare war on the US. The Congress
declares war on Germany and Italy.
FRIDAY, 12 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-25, North American Mitchell
P-38, Lockheed Lightning
P-40, Curtiss
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (4th Air Force): he 89th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medi-
um), II Bomber Command, begins flying ASW patrols from Pendleton AAB,
Oregon with B-25's; patrols continue until Mar 42.
The 9th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment Group
(Heavy), ceases flying ASW patrols from Muroc AAB, California with B-17's.
The 27th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter), 1st Pursuit Group (Fighter), begins
flying ASW patrols from NAS San Diego, California with P-38's; patrols
continue until 29 Dec.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): 100+ Japanese
aircraft hit targets at Clark Field, Batangas, and Olongapo on Luzon
Island. No hits are scored by the single B-17 that is sent against Japanese
transports at Vigan.
The 3d Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 24th Pursuit Group (Interceptor),
transfers from Nichols Field to Ternate, Luzon and operating from Del
Carmon, Luzon with P-40's.
SATURDAY, 13 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-25, North American Mitchell
O-38, Douglas
O-47, North American
O-49, Stinson Vigilant
P-36, Curtiss Hawk
P-38, Lockheed Lightning
P-40, Curtiss
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
CARIBBEAN (Caribbean Air Force): The 22d and 23d Pursuit Squadrons
(Interceptor), 36th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), transfer from Losey Field
to Vega Baja, Puerto Rico with P-36's.
ZONE OF INTERIOR (4th Air Force): The 115th Observation Squadron, 69th
Observation Group, transfers from Sherwood Field to San Bernardino AAFld,
California with O-38's, O-47's and O-49's and continues flying ASW patrols.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): 1st Lieuten-
ant Boyd D Wagner of the 17th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 24th Pursuit
Group (Interceptor), shoots down 4 Japanese airplanes near Aparri while on
a reconnaissance mission over N Luzon. In another action, Captain Jesus
Villamor of the Philippine Air Force leads 6 P-26's in an interception of
54 Japanese bombers attacking Batangas Field, Luzon; their harassing
tactics minimized the damage to the field.
SUNDAY, 14 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-26, Martin Marauder
O-47, North American
O-49, Stinson Vigilant
P-39, Bell Airacobra
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR
1ST AIR FORCE: The 70th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 38th Bombardment
Group (Medium), ceases flying ASW patrols from Savannah AAB, Georgia with
B-26's.
The 106th Observation Squadron, 66th Observation Group, transfers from
Birmingham, Alabama to Miami MAP, Florida with O-47's and O-49's and begins
flying ASW patrols which continue until Mar 42.
The 107th Observation Squadron, 67th Observation Group, transfers from
Camp Beauregard, Louisiana to Charleston AAFld, South Carolina with O-47's
and O-49's and begins ASW patrols which continue until Jan 42.
4TH AIR FORCE: The 41st Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 31st Pursuit
Group (Interceptor), begins flying ASW patrols from Paine Field, Washington
with P-39's.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): B-17's are
sent against the Japanese beachhead at Legaspi, Luzon. 1st Lieutenant
Hewitt T Wheless is later awarded the Distinguished Service Cross (DSC) for
bringing his bullet-riddled B-17 back from the mission to an emergency
crashlanding at Cagayan, Mindanao Island.
MONDAY, 15 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
A-20, Douglas Havoc
P-38, Lockheed Lightning
P-39, Bell Airacobra
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR
1ST AIR FORCE: The 15th Bombardment Squadron (Light), V Air Support
Command, ceases operating from Mitchel Field, New York and returns to it's
base at Ft Dix AAFld, New Jersey with A-20's. ASW patrols continue into Jan
42.
4TH AIR FORCE: The 39th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 31st Pursuit
Group (Interceptor), begins flying ASW patrols from Bellingham AAFld,
Washington with P-39's; patrols continue until Jan 42.
The 71st Pursuit Squadron (Fighter), 1st Pursuit Group (Fighter),
begins flying ASW patrols from NAS San Diego, California with P-38's;
patrols continue until 30 Dec.
TUESDAY, 16 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
A-20, Douglas Havoc
O-43, Douglas
O-47, North American
O-49, Stinson Vigilant
O-52, Curtiss Owl
P-38, Lockheed Lightning
P-39, Bell Airacobra
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (1st Air Force): The 15th Observation Squadron, III Air
Support Command, transfers from Post Field, Oklahoma to Ellington Field,
Texas with O-43's, O-47's, O-49's and O-52's and begins flying ASW patrols
which continue to Mar 42.
The 113th Observation Squadron, 67th Observation Group, transfers from
Key Field, Mississippi to MacDill Field, Florida with O-47's, O-49's and
O-52's and begins flying ASW patrols until Jan 42.
The 153d Observation Squadron, 67th Observation Group, transfers from Key
Field, Mississippi to Bluethenthal Field, North Carolina with O-47's,
O-49's and O-52's and begins flying ASW patrols until Jan 42.
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Hawaiian Air Force): The 98th
Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) is activated at Hickam Field, Territory of
Hawaii and assigned to the 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy). B-18's will be
assigned in 1942.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): 1st Lieuten-
ant Boyd D Wagner of the 17th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 24th Pursuit
Group (Interceptor), leads a dive-bombing raid on the airfield at Vigan and
shoots down his fifth aircraft, thereby becoming the first Army Air Forces
"Ace" in World War II.
WEDNESDAY, 17 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (4th Air Force): The ground echelon of the 32d Bombard-
ment Squadron (Heavy), Sierra Bombardment Group establishes HQ at Minter
Field, California. They had departed San Francisco aboard ship for the
Philippine Islands on 6 Dec and returned on 9 Dec. The air echelon is
flying ASW patrols from Muroc AAB, California.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): B-17's,
evacuating Luzon, begin arriving at Batchelor Field near Darwin, Northern
Territory, Australia. Captain Floyd J Pell arrives in Australia to begin
arrangements for the use of Australian facilities by the Far East Air
Force.
UNITED KINGDOM: Major General James E Chaney, Chief Special Observer Group,
US Army (SPOBS), writes to the Adjutant General, US Army on the "Construc-
tion Program of US Forces in UK," which indicates a shortage of accommoda-
tions for proposed US forces in Scotland, N Ireland, and England.
THURSDAY, 18 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
O-38, Douglas
O-47, North American
O-49, Stinson Vigilant
O-52, Curtiss Owl
O-57, Taylorcraft Grasshopper
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (1st Air Force): The 97th Observation Squadron, 66th
Observation Group, begins flying ASW patrols from Miami MAP, Florida with
O-47's, O-49's, O-52's and O-57's. A flight remains at Lawson Field,
Georgia; patrols continue until Sep 42.
The 109th Observation Squadron, 67th Observation Group, transfers from
Camp Beauregard, Louisiana to Savannah AAB, Georgia with O-38's, O-47's,
O-49's and O-52's. The squadron begins flying ASW patrols which continue
until Jan 42.
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Hawaiian Air Force): Brigadier
General Clarence L Tinker succeeds Major General Frederick L Martin as
Commanding General, Hawaiian Air Force.
The air echelon of the 22d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment
Group (Heavy), arrives at Hickam Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii from the
US with B-17's.
FRIDAY, 19 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
A-20, Douglas Havoc
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (1st Air Force): The 1st Air Force is assigned to the
Eastern Theater of Operations, US Army which is subsequently redesignated
the Eastern Defense Command.
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Hawaiian Air Force): The 58th
Bombardment Squadron (Light), Hawaiian Air Force, transfers from Bellows
Field to Wheeler Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii with A-20's.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): The air
echelon of the 93d Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 19th Bombardment Group
(Heavy) transfers from Clark Field, Luzon to Batchelor Field near Darwin,
Northern Territory, Australia with B-17's. The ground echelon is attached
to the 5th Interceptor Command (Provisional) and will fight as infantry on
Luzon and Mindanao Islands in the Philippines.
SATURDAY, 20 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-18, Douglas Bolo
B-25, North American Mitchell
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (4th Air Force): The 95th Bombardment Squadron (Medium),
17th Bombardment Group (Medium), begins flying ASW patrols from Pendleton
AAB, Oregon with B-25's.
CENTRAL PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Hawaiian Air Force): The 26th
Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 11th Bombardment Group (Heavy), transfers
from Hickam Field to Wheeler Field, Oahu, Territory of Hawaii with B-17's
and B-18's and begins flying search missions which continue until Jul 42.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): The air
echelon of the 30th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 19th Bombardment Group
(Heavy), transfers from Clark Field, Luzon to Batchelor Field near Darwin,
Northern Territory, Australia with B-17's. The ground echelon is reassigned
to the 5th Interceptor Command (Provisional) and will fight as infantry in
the Philippines.
SUNDAY, 21 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
O-47, North American
O-49, Stinson Vigilant
O-52, Curtiss Owl
O-58, Aeronca Grasshopper
O-59, Piper Grasshopper/Cub
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (1st Air Force): The 152d Observation Squadron, 26th
Observation Group, begins flying ASW patrols from Ft Devens AAFld, Massa-
chusetts with O-47's, O-49's, O-52's, O-58's and O-59's. The patrols
continue until Aug 42.
MONDAY, 22 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-25, North American Mitchell
C-39, Douglas
C-47, Douglas Skytrain
C-49, Douglas
O-46, Douglas
O-47, North American
O-49, Stinson Vigilant
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
CARIBBEAN (Caribbean Air Force): The 20th Transport Squadron, Panama Air
Depot, transfers from France Field, Canal Zone to Waller Field, Trinidad
with C-39's, C-47's and C-49's. A detachment of the squadron remains at
Howard Field, Canal Zone.
ZONE OF INTERIOR (4th Air Force): The 34th Bombardment Squadron (Medium),
17th Bombardment Group (Medium), begins flying ASW patrols from Pendleton
AAB, Oregon with B-25's.
The 102d Observation Squadron, 71st Observation Group, transfers from Ft
McClellan, Alabama to San Bernardino AAFld, California with O-46's, O-47's
and O-49's and flies ASW patrols until Oct 42.
INTERNATIONAL: The Anglo-American conference (ARCADIA) opens in Washington,
DC to deal with war strategy. President Franklin D Roosevelt, Prime Minis-
ter Winston S Churchill, Harry Hopkins, Lord Beaverbrook, and American and
British Chief of Staffs participate.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): 9 B-17's from
Batchelor Field near Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia, attack shipping
in Davao Bay, Mindanao Island and land at Del Monte on Mindanao Island.
HQ 7th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and the ground echelon of it's 9th, 11th
and 22d Bombardment Squadrons (Heavy) and attached 88th Reconnaissance
Squadron (Heavy) arrive at Brisbane, Australia from the US. The air eche-
lons of the 9th and 11th are enroute from the US to Australia with B-17's;
the air echelons of the 22d and 88th are operating from Hickam Field, Oahu,
Territory of Hawaii until 5 Jan 42 and 10 Feb 42 respectively with B-17's.
The 16th, 17th and 91st Bombardment Squadrons (Light), 27th Bombardment
Group (Light) transfer from Ft William McKinley to Lipa Airfield, San
Fernando and San Marceleno, Luzon respectively without aircraft.
TUESDAY, 23 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-18, Douglas Bolo
B-26, Martin Marauder
O-46, Douglas
O-47, North American
P-26, Boeing Peashooter
P-35, Seversky
P-40, Curtiss
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
CARIBBEAN (Caribbean Air Force): The 31st Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor),
37th Pursuit Group (Interceptor), transfers from Chorrera, Panama to
Albrook Field, Canal Zone with P-26's and P-40's.
ZONE OF INTERIOR (4th Air Force): The air echelon of the 16th Reconnais-
sance Squadron (Medium) attached to the 42d Bombardment Group (Medium),
begins flying ASW patrols from Paine Field, Washington with B-18's and
B-26's; patrols continue until May 42.
The 110th Observation Squadron, 71st Observation Group, begins flying ASW
patrols from Salinas AAB, California with O-46's and O-47's; patrols
continue until Aug 42.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): 4 B-17's take
off from Del Monte on Mindanao Island after midnight during the night of
22/23 Dec and bomb shipping in Lingayen Gulf, Luzon. 12 P-4O's and 6 P-35's
strafe forces landing in San Miguel Bay on Luzon. The Far East Air Force
comes under control of the newly-created US Forces in Australia (USFIA).
Major General Lewis H Brereton, Commanding General Far East Air Force,
receives orders establishing HQ Far East Air Force at Darwin, Northern
Territory, Australia.
WEDNESDAY, 24 DECEMBER 1941 (Christmas Eve)
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
A-24, Douglas Dauntless
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-25, North American Mitchell
P-40, Curtiss
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (4th Air Force): A B-25 crew of the 95th Bombardment
Squadron (Medium), 17th Bombardment Group (Medium), at Pendleton Field,
Pendleton, Oregon, claims a submarine sunk off the mouth of the Columbia
River, but this claim is not confirmed by the committees of the US Navy and
British Admiralty which later assesses damage to enemy submarines during
World War II.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): 3 B-17's fly
from Del Monte, Mindanao Island during the night of 24/25 Dec, bomb the
airfield and shipping at Davao on Mindanao Island and land at Batchelor
Field near Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. 2 airplanes leave Manila,
Luzon for Darwin with personnel of HQ Far East Air Force. Army Air Force
units on Luzon, as well as ground forces, begin moving to Bataan Peninsula.
HQ 19th Bombardment Group (Heavy) and the air echelon of the 28th Bom-
bardment Squadron (Heavy) transfer from Clark Field, Luzon to Batchelor
Field with B-17's. The ground echelon of the 28th will fight as infantry on
Luzon and Mindanao.
The air echelon of the 14th Bombardment Group (Heavy), 7th Bombardment
Group (Heavy) begins operating from Batchelor Field with B-17's. The ground
echelon is still at Clark Field, Luzon.
The air echelons of the 16th, 17th and 91st Bombardment Squadrons
(Light), 27th Bombardment Group (Light) begin operating from Brisbane,
Queensland, Australia with A-24's. The ground echelons will fight as
infantry on Luzon.
The 17th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor), 24th Pursuit Group (Interceptor)
ceases operating from Clark Field, Luzon with P-40's.
THURSDAY, 25 DECEMBER 1941 (Christmas Day)
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
A-24, Douglas Dauntless
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
B-25, North American Mitchell
O-38, Douglas
O-46, Douglas
O-47, North American
O-49, Stinson Valiant
P-35, Seversky
P-40, Curtiss
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (1st Air Force): The 122d Observation Squadron, 68th
Observation Group, begins flying ASW patrols from New Orleans AAB, Louisi-
ana with O-38's, O-46's, O-47's and O-49's; patrols continue until Feb 42.
The 154th Observation Squadron, 68th Observation Group, begins flying ASW
patrols from Eglin Field, Florida with O-47's and O-49's; patrols continue
until Feb 42.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): Lieutenant
Colonel Charles H Caldwell sets up HQ Far East Air Force on the Royal
Australian Air Force (RAAF) airfield at Darwin, Northern Territory, Austra-
lia. HQ V Bomber Command is also established at Darwin.
The 3d, 17th, 20th, 21st and 34th Pursuit Squadrons (Interceptor), 24th
Pursuit Group (Interceptor), transfer from Ternate, Nichols Field, Clark
Field, Nichols Field and Del Carmen respectively to Bataan, Luzon with
P-35's and P-40's. The 17th and 20th begin operating from Lubao, Luzon with
P-40's
HQ 27th Bombardment Group (Light) and the ground echelon of it's 16th,
17th and 91st Bombardment Squadrons (Light) transfer from Lipa Airfield,
San Fernando and San Marceleno respectively to Cabcaben, Luzon. The air
echelons are operating from Brisbane, Australia; the ground echelons will
fight as infantry on Luzon.
FRIDAY, 26 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
O-47, North American
O-52, Curtiss Owl
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (1st Air Force): The 105th and 121st Observation Squad-
rons, 65th Observation Group, transfer from Owens Field, South Carolina to
Langley Field, Virginia with O-47's and O-52's and begin ASW patrols which
continue until Oct 42.
SATURDAY, 27 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
O-46, Douglas
O-47, North American
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (1st Air Force): The 103d Observation Squadron, 59th
Observation Group, begins flying ASW patrols from Hillsgrove AAFld, Rhode
Island with O-46's and O-47's; patrols continue until Aug 42.
SUNDAY, 28 DECEMBER 1941
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): The ground
echelon of the 17th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 27th Bombardment Group
(Light) transfers from Cabcaben to Limay, Luzon. The air echelon is operat-
ing from Brisbane, Australia.
MONDAY, 29 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-26, Martin Marauder
P-38, Lockheed Lightning
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA (Air Force, Alaska Defense Command): In response to repeated
requests by this Command to the War Department for additional aircraft to
defend Alaska, the 77th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), 42d Bombardment
Group (Medium), arrives at Elmendorf Field, Anchorage with 13 B-26's.
ZONE OF INTERIOR (4th Air Force): The 27th Pursuit Squadron (Fighter),
1st Pursuit Group (Fighter) ceases flying ASW patrols from NAS San Diego,
California with P-38's.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): Major General
Lewis H Brereton, Commanding General Far East Air Force, arrives at his new
HQ at Darwin, Northern Territory, Australia. Colonel Harold H George
remains at Manila in command of the air elements left in the Philippines,
the chief center of Army Air Force activity in the S Philippines being Del
Monte on Mindanao Island where air personnel are under the command of Major
Ray T Ellsmore. (Brigadier General George is killed in an aircraft accident
near Darwin on 29 Apr 42. Victorville AFB, California is renamed George AFB
on 2 Jun 50 in his memory.)
The ground echelon of the 16th Bombardment Squadron (Light), 27th Bom-
bardment Group (Light), transfers from Cabcaben to Bataan, Luzon. The air
echelon is operating from Brisbane, Australia.
TUESDAY, 30 DECEMBER 1941
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
P-38, Lockheed Lightning
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ALASKA (Air Force, Alaska Defense Command): The 11th Pursuit Squadron
(Interceptor), Western Theater of Operations, US Army, arrives at Elmendorf
Field, Anchorage with 25 P-40's.
ZONE OF INTERIOR (4th Air Force): The 71st Pursuit Squadron (Fighter),
1st Fighter Group (Fighter), ceases flying ASW patrols from NAS San Diego,
California with P-38's.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): HQ 19th
Bombardment Group (Heavy) and the air echelon of it's 28th Bombardment
Squadron (Heavy) transfer from Batchelor Field near Darwin, Northern
Territory, Australia to Singosari, Java, Netherlands East Indies with
B-17's. The ground echelon of the 28th is on Luzon and Mindanao Islands.
The air echelon of the 14th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 7th Bombardment
Group (Heavy), transfers from Batchelor Field to Singosari, Java with
B-17's. The ground echelon is on Luzon Island.
WEDNESDAY, 31 DECEMBER 1941 (New Year's Eve)
AIRCRAFT MENTIONED IN THIS REPORT:
B-17, Boeing Flying Fortress
O-46, Douglas
O-47, North American
O-49, Stinson Vigilant
O-59, Piper Grasshopper/Cub
P-40, Curtiss
AMERICAN THEATER OF OPERATIONS
ZONE OF INTERIOR (1st Air Force): The 104th Observation Squadron, 59th
Observation Group, based at Detrick Field, Maryland begins flying ASW
patrols from Ft Dix AAFld, New Jersey with O-46's, O-47's, O-49's and
O-59's.
SOUTHWEST PACIFIC THEATER OF OPERATIONS (Far East Air Force): The 17th and
20th Pursuit Squadrons (Interceptor), 24th Pursuit Group (Interceptor),
cease operating from Lubao with P-40's and return to their base on Bataan,
Luzon.
The air echelon of the 30th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), 19th Bombard-
ment Group (Heavy) transfers from Batchelor Field near Darwin, Northern
Territory, Australia to Singosari, Java, Netherlands East Indies with
B-17's. The ground echelon is on Luzon and Mindanao Islands in the Philip-
pines.
SOURCES:
AIR FORCE COMBAT UNITS OF WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force History,
Headquarters USAF, 1961, ISBN 0-912799-02-1
COMBAT SQUADRONS OF THE AIR FORCE, WORLD WAR II, Office of Air Force
History, Headquarters USAF 1982
THE ARMY AIR FORCES IN WORLD WAR II: COMBAT CHRONOLOGY, 1941-1945 by the
Office of Air Force History, Headquarters USAF, 1973
THE MIGHTY EIGHTH WAR DIARY by Roger A. Freeman, ISBN 1-85409-071-2
Jack McKillop
USAF (Airways and Air Communications Service)
1955-59