1st Operations Group
1st Operations Group | |
---|---|
Langley Field, Joint Base Langley–Eustis, Virginia | |
Motto(s) | Aut Vincere Aut Mori – Conquer or Die |
Tail Code | "FF" |
Engagements | World War I
|
Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation
F-22 Raptor |
The 1st Operations Group (1 OG) is the flying component of the 1st Fighter Wing, assigned to the USAF Air Combat Command. The group is stationed at Langley Air Force Base, Virginia. The 1st Operations Group is the oldest major air combat unit in the United States Air Force, being the successor organization of the 1st Pursuit Group. The 1st Pursuit Group was the first air combat group formed by the Air Service, American Expeditionary Force, on 5 May 1918.
The Group was first organized at
The pilots of the 1st Group included Captain
Inactivated in 1961, after 30 years the group was renamed the 1st Operations Group (OG) and activated on 1 October 1991 as a result of the 1st Fighter Wing implementing the USAF objective wing organization. In 2005, the 1st OG was the first operational combat unit to receive the
Overview
The 1st OG directs the training and employment of two
The group is responsible for 300 people and $3 billion in resources.
In addition to carrying out local training requirements, the group deploys personnel and equipment on a regular basis to support air
Units
The 1st Operations Group consists of the following component squadrons:
- 7th Fighter Training Squadron (T-38C)
- 27th Fighter Squadron (F-22A)
- The 27th Fighter Squadron (FS) is one of the oldest fighter squadrons in the Air Force, being first organized on 15 June 1917. The 27th FS is tasked to provide air superiority for United States or allied forces by engaging and destroying enemy forces, equipment, defenses or installations for global deployment.[1]
- 71st Fighter Squadron (F-22A) Formal Training Unit for F-22A pilots[2]
- 94th Fighter Squadron (F-22A)
- The 94th FS is another of the oldest fighter squadrons in the Air Force, being first organized on 20 August 1917. The 94th FS is tasked to provide air superiority for the United States or allied forces by engaging and destroying enemy forces, equipment, defenses or installations for global deployment.[3]
- 1st Operations Support Squadron
- The 1st Operations Support Squadron, which traces its history to the World War II 1st Airdrome Detachment,[4] is responsible for all facets of airfield operations, air traffic control, weather, aircrew life support and training, intelligence analysis and support, weapons and tactics training, 1st FW battle staff operations, airspace scheduling, range operations and wing flying hour program for three fighter squadrons.
History
World War I
When first deployed to France, the Aero Squadrons of the
Origins
The
The two squadrons arrived at Liverpool on 10 November, spent about fourteen hours in a rest camp, boarded a steamer at Southampton, and sailed for France on 12 November. The 94th and 95th entered camp at Le Havre the next day, but their travels were not quite over. On 15 November the 95th moved to the 3d Aviation Training Center at Issoudun Aerodrome.[5]
On 18 November the 94th moved to the 1st Aviation Training Center at Paris, where it divided into seven detachments that immediately began advanced maintenance training in the region's airframe and aero-engine plants. The 94th reassembled in Paris and departed for Issoudun on 24 January 1918.[5]
After the 95th's personnel arrived at Issoudun in November, they received advanced training on the same types of aircraft they would operate at the front. The 95th thus found itself well along in its training when the 1st Pursuit Organization and Training Center announced its readiness to receive units in mid-February, and it became the first unit to be attached to the center. The 94th made good progress at Issoudun, however, and it reported to Villeneuve not long after the 95th.[5]
1st Pursuit Organization Center
On 16 January 1918, Brig. General
The initial task of the unit was to erect barracks for arriving personnel from the United States; obtaining hangar space from the French; and obtaining airplanes. The 95th Aero Squadron arrived on 19 February from the 3d Instructional Center at Issoudun Aerodrome, however the squadron's aircraft had not yet arrived. On 28 February word was received that the 94th Aero Squadron would be leaving Issoudun on 1 March. Bad weather with heavy sleet and snow inhibited the arrival of Nieuport 28 airplanes for the group, and the first elements of the 94th Squadron arrived on 5 March. The next day, two Nieuports arrived and by 8 March a total of sixteen aircraft were at the airfield and the squadrons began training and familiarization flights. The planes received, however, were unarmed due to a lack of machine guns due to the difference of American ammunition, which was 3mm longer than the French.[6]
The first combat patrol by the 95th Squadron was made on 15 March, consisting of three unarmed Nieuport 28 planes and one French pilot in a SPAD took off from the airfield at 11:30. A second patrol was carried out in the afternoon to carry out a barrage of the Marne between Chalons and Eppernay. Continuous German air raids in the vicinity of Vetrus led to the digging of zigzag trenches on the Aerodrome and falling shrapnel was a hazard from the French anti-aircraft guns. Patrols continued to be carried out by the French, but none of the accompanying American planes were armed.[6]
Due to the lack of armed aircraft, sixteen pilots of the 95th were ordered back to Issoudun to take the course in aerial gunnery. On 30 March orders were received that both squadrons were to proceed at once to
On 22 April the 147th Aero Squadron arrived and on 24 April the 27th Aero Squadron arrived. Also the pilots of the 95th squadron returned from Issoudun. Reconnaissance patrols were carried out, however word was received that no flights over the Voil-Toul line would be permitted. on 4 May the 95th Squadron was moved to the Croix de Metz Aerodrome (Toul) where it joined the 94th Squadron which has been moved there from Epiez. The 27th and 147th were moved to Epiez. Group Headquarters was moved to Toul on 4 May.[6]
1st Pursuit Group
On 5 May 1918, the AEF replaced the 1st Pursuit Organization Center at Toul-Croix de Metz Aerodrome, with the 1st Pursuit Group, the first American group-level fighter establishment (the
Second Battle of the Marne
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/3/3c/94th_Aero_Squadron.jpg/220px-94th_Aero_Squadron.jpg)
Upon its formation, the 1st Pursuit Group was equipped with Nieuport 28s.[7] On 15 May, Captain David McK Peterson of the 95th squadron brought down two Enemy Aircraft. These were the first to be recorded in the records of the Group.[6] Towards the end of June, the need for air support on the Château-Thierry front was critical due to the Germans breaking through the line. On the 28th, the group moved to Touquin Aerodrome, where the group was vigorously effective. During the weeks to follow in the Second Battle of the Marne, the group took the offensive on all points and was engaged continually in aerial combat in the Dormans-Eloup sector. Losses were heavy, however 38 victories were recorded while losing 36 pilots. This was the first real test of American airpower in the war.[6]
On 5 July the group switched from Nieuports to
Battle of Saint-Mihiel
On 31 August the group began moving to Rembercourt Aerodrome, a new airfield in the Saint-Mihiel sector. On 12 September the Saint-Mihiel Offensive started. The group was given orders to fly low and attack enemy targets on the ground, a very dangerous mission that exposed the pilots to ground fire. A number of the pilots became experts in balloon strafing, and Lt Luke of the 27th shot down fifteen enemy balloons in seventeen days. During the offensive, the group began patrols before daybreak, and kept up a constant barrage each day until after dark at night. Patrols were constantly engaging in low-level aerial battles with enemy reconnaissance and large formations of Fokker pursuit aircraft. The group kept up an incessant barrage over and above the ground forces and claimed thirty-four victories while losing one pilot.[6]
In late September, a flight of the 27th Squadron was sent to an advanced airfield at Verdun. This flight worked on alerts and protection of Allied balloons. The Group patrolled a new sector near Watronville on the east of the Argonne forest flying low-level attacks while the Infantry advanced through the sector. Reconnaissance was flown over the enemy rear areas to secure important information about his bridges, road and troop activity.[6]
Night Patrols
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/96/94th_Aero_Squadron_-_Capt_Edward_V_Rickenbacker.jpg/220px-94th_Aero_Squadron_-_Capt_Edward_V_Rickenbacker.jpg)
On 7 October, the 185th Aero Squadron was assigned to the Group, equipped with British
Meuse-Argonne Offensive
In the last great offensive of the war, the infantry continued its advance. The Group's sector advanced and lengthened considerably. On one day, 22d October, the group flew 84 Sorties with a total of 104 flying hours. Sixteen combats were engaged in, shooting down seven enemy aircraft. On 11 November news was received that the Armistice was formally signed.[6]
Summary
From May until 11 November armistice, the Group recorded 1,413 aerial engagements, accumulating 151.83 confirmed kills of enemy aircraft, and 50 confirmed balloon victories. Nineteen of its pilots – five from each pursuit squadron except the 27th – were recognized as "aces".[8] For its participation, the 1st received seven campaign streamers.
Two of the four pilots earning the Medal of Honor for actions during World War I were members of the 1st Pursuit Group: 2Lt Frank Luke Jr. and Captain Edward V. "Eddie" Rickenbacker.[7]
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/b/b7/27th_Aero_Squadron_-_2LT_Frank_Luke_Jr.jpg/220px-27th_Aero_Squadron_-_2LT_Frank_Luke_Jr.jpg)
Lieutenant Luke of the 27th Squadron during September became the American Ace of Aces for the time being. From 12 to 29 September he gained eighteen victories. He shot down fifteen balloons and three planes. Joining the Group on 1 August, he had gained one victory on the Chateau Therry front which never was made official. On 18 September, he brought down two balloons and three planes in a period of less than 10 minutes. On 29 September, he was reported missing in action. He had dropped a note to one of our balloons asking them to be on the watch for burning balloons. Twenty minutes later he burned three enemy balloons but did not return from his mission.[6]
Captain Rickenbacker, commanding officer of the 94th Squadron, became an Ace on the Toul sector in the spring of 1918. When the group moved to Rembercourt Aerodrome, Captain Rickenbacker made the 94th Squadron the leading American Fighting Squadron in number of aerial victories gained. From the period 14 September – 11 November he brought down twenty more official enemy aircraft.[6]
Pilot | Squadron | Airplanes | Balloons | Total |
---|---|---|---|---|
Capt. Edward V. Rickenbacker | 94th Aero Squadron | 21 | 5 | 26 |
2d Lt. Frank Luke, Jr. | 27th Aero Squadron | 4 | 14 | 18 |
Capt. James A. Meissner | 147th Aero Squadron | 7 | 1 | 8 |
2d Lt. Wilbur W. White | 147th Aero Squadron | 7 | 1 | 8 |
Capt. Hamilton Coolidge | 94th Aero Squadron | 5 | 3 | 8 |
1st Lt. Reed M. Chambers | 94th Aero Squadron | 6 | 1 | 7 |
1st Lt. Sumner Sewall | 95th Aero Squadron | 5 | 2 | 7 |
1st Lt. Harvey Weir Cook | 94th Aero Squadron | 3 | 4 | 7 |
1st Lt. Lansing C. Holden | 95th Aero Squadron | 2 | 5 | 7 |
1st Lt. Douglas Campbell | 94th Aero Squadron | 6 | 6 | |
1st Lt. Edward P. Curtiss | 95th Aero Squadron | 6 | 6 | |
2nd Lt. John K. McArthur | 27th Aero Squadron | 6 | 6 | |
2d Lt. Kenneth L. Porter | 147th Aero Squadron | 6 | 6 | |
1st Lt. Jerry C. Vasconcelles | 27th Aero Squadron | 5 | 1 | 6 |
1st Lt. James Knowles | 95th Aero Squadron | 5 | 5 | |
1st Lt. James A. Healy | 147th Aero Squadron | 5 | 5 | |
2d Lt. Ralph A. O'Neill | 147th Aero Squadron | 5 | 5 | |
1st Lt. Harold R. Buckley | 95th Aero Squadron | 4 | 1 | 5 |
1st Lt. Joseph F. Wehner | 27th Aero Squadron | 5 | 5 |
On 10 December 1918, orders were received relieving the First Pursuit Group from First Army with instructions to report to Commanding Officer, First Air Depot,
Air Service duty
The end of World War I was followed immediately by a massive demobilization of the
The designation of the Aero Squadrons was changed to "Squadrons (Pursuit)" on 15 March 1921 The 147th Aero Squadron became the
During the 1920s the group conducted pursuit training, tested new aircraft, participated in
The group changed aircraft frequently during its service between wars, as new types were developed and older models became outdated. It began its service flying
Winter flying was conducted each February at
The use of airpower demonstrations and participation in the dedication of civil airports to publicize the Air Corps reached its peak in 1929, when units of the 1st Pursuit Group participated in 24 airport dedications and 8 demonstrations. It garnered favorable publicity in other ways, however, using bombs to break up an ice jam on the
On 21 January 1924, the
Army Air Corps service
The Air Corps Act of 1926, drafted by Chief of Air Service
Resistance by the Coolidge administration to implementation of the plan for economic reasons, followed by the onset of the Great Depression severely limited the expansion. The 1st Group experienced restriction on its training operations and curtailment of personnel salaries. Officers were detached for duty with the Civilian Conservation Corps at varied intervals. However the Air Corps was able to expand from 6 to 14 groups in its first decade of existence, half of which were new pursuit groups. The 1st Pursuit Group trained individual squadrons at Selfridge and provided experienced cadres to the formation of these groups.
From February to June 1934 the 1st Pursuit Group delivered the mail in the north central United States under an executive order of President
On 1 March 1935, all operational flying units, previously assigned to corps-level ground commands, were consolidated under a new centralized air force command named General Headquarters, Air Force. GHQ Air Force was divided into three wings, and the 1st Pursuit Group became part of the 2nd Wing.
In 1937 the group received its first enclosed cockpit,
1st Pursuit Group Commanders
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/e/ef/Curtiss_P-6_Hawk.jpg/220px-Curtiss_P-6_Hawk.jpg)
Commander | Dates |
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Lt.Col. Davenport Johnson | 22 August 1919 – 26 April 1920 |
Major Reed M. Chambers | 26 April 1920 – 29 June 1920 |
Capt. Arthur R. Brooks | 29 June 1920 – 5 October 1920 |
Major Carl Spaatz | 5 October 1921 – 25 April 1921 |
Capt. Arthur R. Brooks | 25 April 1921 – 21 December 1921 |
Major Carl Spaatz | 21 December 1921 – September 1924 |
Major Thomas G. Lanphier, Sr. | September 1924 – 4 February 1926 |
Capt. Vincent B. Dixon | 4 February 1926 – 26 June 1926 |
Major Thomas G. Lanphier, Sr. | 26 June 1926 – 25 August 1928 |
Major Ralph Royce | 25 August 1928 – 15 May 1930 |
Major Gerald E. Brower | 15 May 1930 – 18 July 1932 |
Major Adlai H. Gilkerson | 18 July 1932 – 4 July 1933 |
Lt.Col. Frank M. Andrews |
4 July 1933 – 4 October 1934 |
Lt.Col. Ralph Royce | 4 October 1934 – 30 April 1937 |
Major Edwin J. House | 30 April 1937 |
Col. Henry B. Clagett | 1938 |
Col. Lawrence P. Hickey | 1939 |
Lt.Col. Robert S. Israel | July 1941 – June 1942 |
1st Fighter Group in World War II
1st Fighter Group | |
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Active | 7 December 1941 to 16 October 1945 |
Country | United States |
Branch | Ploieşti, 18 May 1944 |
Insignia | |
1st Fighter Group emblem | ![]() |
On the date the United States entered World War II the 94th Pursuit Squadron was in
During its brief duty at March Field the Group provided cadre for newly mobilized fighter groups, losing over half of its assigned officers and enlisted men, but still made preparations for deployment to Europe on 25 April 1942. Before its departure, however, retired captain Eddie Rickenbacker made the first of several visits to the group both at home and abroad during World War II, listened to the Group's concerns and reported them to General "Hap" Arnold. Rickenbacker also worked with Arnold to reinstate the hat-in-the ring emblem, absent since Rickenbacker himself claimed the right to it when he retired, back to the 94th Fighter Squadron.
In 1942, U.S. war policy placed first priority with the war in Europe.
Group headquarters and the 71st Fighter Squadron were based at
The fighter and bomber groups initially deployed to England (97th and 301st Bomb Groups, and 1st, 14th, 31st, and 52nd Fighter Groups) were reassigned to support Operation Torch and redeployed to North Africa. While in transit, two 94th FS Lightnings were forced by mechanical difficulties to land in neutral Portugal, where the aircraft were confiscated and the pilots interned. However 1st Lt. Jack Ilfrey escaped, returned to the group, and became one of its leading aces. 1st Lt. Robert N. Chenoweth was killed when his P-38, on a ferry flight from the UK to North Africa, crashed into a mountain at Ortigueira, Corunna, Spain, on 15 November 1942. By 13 November 1942, the group completed the move to Algeria, where they provided close air support and fighter protection against the Afrika Korps.
On 29 November 1942, the
In April 1943 the Germans made several concerted attempts to reinforce the Afrika Korps using
Markings and squadron codes
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/f/f1/P-38F-1-LO_Lightning-41-7582.jpg/220px-P-38F-1-LO_Lightning-41-7582.jpg)
In 1943 the squadrons of the 1st Fighter Group began to apply distinctive colors to their tailbooms, wingtips and propeller tips for rapid unit identification. This was in addition to the fuselage letter codes assigned to the group by the Eighth Air Force which it continued to use when reassigned to the
Italian operations
Six months of continuous combat in North Africa was followed by a short break, flying reconnaissance and escort missions around the Mediterranean. The respite ended on 15 August 1943, as air attacks increased against southern Italy in preparation for landings at
The 1st Fighter Group became part of the newly created
The 1st Fighter Group received its third DUC for an escort mission on 18 May 1944. Assigned to escort the force of 700 B-17 and B-24 bombers to the oil refineries at
The minimal effect of high altitude bombing raids on the Ploieşti refineries prompted Fifteenth Air Force planners on 10 June 1944, to lay on a low level dive bombing attack by 48 P-38s of the 82nd Fighter Group and 45 of 1st FG. Mechanical turnbacks reduced the force by 21 aircraft, nine from the 1st Group. En route to the target much of the 1st FG was separated from the main force by a navigational error. Part of the 71st Fighter Squadron observed and attacked 6
From 10 to 21 August 1944, the 94th Fighter Squadron deployed sixty Lightnings to
The group's last major operation of the war came between 16 January and 19 February 1945. Under
On 15 April 1945, the 27th Fighter Squadron, which had scored the 1st Fighter Group's first kill of the war, also recorded the group's last aerial victory of World War II, during a mission in which 5 Lightnings were shot down strafing German airfields, with 4 pilots killed. Its final combat losses occurred on 23 April 1945, when three aircraft were shot down and a pilot, Capt. Clarence I. Knapp, killed in action.
During nearly three years of combat flying, from 31 August 1942, to 6 May 1945, the 1st Fighter Group flew over 21,000 sorties on 1,405 combat missions.
Aerial victories
The first aerial victory by a 1st Fighter Group pilot (and the first USAAF kill in the
The 1st Fighter Group had 402.5 claims credited for German aircraft destroyed in air-to-air combat recognized by U.S. Air Force Historical Study No. 85, with 17 pilots identified as
The uneven distribution of kills among the squadrons is an apparent reflection of an unequal degree of contact with German fighter units after June 1944, almost all of which occurred in July 1944. Of the last 38 kills awarded to the 1st Fighter Group, 30 were by the 27th FS (24 in July, 2 in August 1944, and 4 in 1945). The 71st FS recorded only four, with the last occurring 21 October 1944, while the 94th recorded four in July 1944 and none thereafter.
Pilot | Squadron | Credits | Aircraft flown |
---|---|---|---|
Capt. Thomas E. Maloney | 27th Fighter Squadron | 8 | Maloney's Pony |
1st Lt. Philip E. Tovrea, Jr. | 27th Fighter Squadron | 8 | La Muñeca Plata |
1st Lt. Jack M. Ilfrey1 | 94th Fighter Squadron | 7.5 | Texas Terror |
1st Lt. Meldrum L. Sears | 71st Fighter Squadron | 7 | |
Capt. Armour C. Miller | 27th Fighter Squadron | 6 | Jinx serial no. 43-2872 |
1st Lt. Donald D. Kienholz | 94th Fighter Squadron | 6 | Billy Joe/ Bar Fly/serial number:42-13460 |
Capt. Darrell G. Welch | 27th Fighter Squadron | 5 | Sky Ranger |
Capt. Newell O. Roberts | 94th Fighter Squadron | 5 | |
Capt. Joel Owens | 27th Fighter Squadron | 5 | Daisy Mae |
1st Lt. Daniel Kennedy | 27th Fighter Squadron | 5 | Beantown Boys |
1st Lt. John L. Wolford2 | 27th Fighter Squadron | 5 | |
1st Lt. Rodney W. Fisher | 71st Fighter Squadron | 5 | |
1st Lt. Lee V. Wiseman | 71st Fighter Squadron | 5 | Spurly |
1st Lt. Richard J. Lee | 94th Fighter Squadron | 5 | |
1st Lt. Everett Miller | 94th Fighter Squadron | 5 | Martha J |
2nd Lt. John A. MacKay | 27th Fighter Squadron | 5 | Shoot, You're Faded |
2nd Lt. Herbert B. Hatch | 71st Fighter Squadron | 5 | Mon Amy |
2nd Lt. Franklin C. Lathrope | 94th Fighter Squadron | 5 | |
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Post-war air defense role
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/9/9b/Production_P-80s_af.jpg/220px-Production_P-80s_af.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/94th_Fighter_Squadron_North_American_F-86A-5-NA_Sabre_48-130_Color.jpg/220px-94th_Fighter_Squadron_North_American_F-86A-5-NA_Sabre_48-130_Color.jpg)
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/6/63/94th_Fighter-Interceptor_Squadron_North_American_F-86D-60-NA_Sabre_53-892.jpg/220px-94th_Fighter-Interceptor_Squadron_North_American_F-86D-60-NA_Sabre_53-892.jpg)
The 1st Fighter Group was inactivated 16 October 1945. In the post-war reorganization of the Army Air Forces, the group was reactivated as a
The Air Force became an independent service on 18 September 1947, and the 1st Fighter Group became part of the newly created
The 1st Fighter Wing was re-equipped with
During the Korean War, the 1st Group served in an air defense role while the Wing's elements divided to provide defense for both coasts. The 1st FIG Headquarters, and the 27th and 71st FIS were temporarily detached to the Eastern Air Defense Force, while the Wing headquarters and the 94th Fighter Interceptor Squadron were assigned as part the Western Air Defense Force. The group was inactivated on 6 February 1952, in a general reorganization of all ADC units responding to ADC's difficulty under the existing wing base organizational structure in deploying fighter squadrons to best advantage.[14] and its squadrons reassigned to other ADC headquarters.
In April 1955, the group's designation was changed to 1st Fighter Group (Air Defense) and it was reactivated in August as part of
1st Operations Group
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/thumb/2/2e/USAF_F-15C_fires_AIM-7_Sparrow.jpg/220px-USAF_F-15C_fires_AIM-7_Sparrow.jpg)
On 1 October 1991, the 1st Tactical Fighter Wing was redesignated 1st Fighter Wing and the 1st Fighter Group reactivated as the 1st Operations Group to control its
On 15 March 1992, the 74th Air Control Squadron was transferred to the 1st Fighter Wing to provide command and control of air operations during deployments. On 1 February 1993, the 41st and 71st Rescue Squadrons, and the 741st Maintenance Squadron were also assigned to the 1st Fighter Wing. Stationed at Patrick AFB, Florida, the units provided search and rescue for NASA's space shuttle missions, and support of combat search and rescue operations in Southwest Asia. Additionally, C-21 operational support aircraft were assigned to the Wing on 1 April 1993, with the establishment of Detachment 1, 1st Operations Group. On 1 May, the detachment inactivated and the 12th Airlift Flight, with the same mission, activated.
On 14 June 1995, the 1st Rescue Group was activated as part of the 1st Fighter Wing and assumed operational control of the Search and Rescue organizations. On 1 April 1997, the 12th Airlift Flight was transferred to Air Mobility Command, leaving the group tasked with only fighter and air control operations.
In 2003 the 27th and 94th FS began transition to the
Lineage
- Organized in France as 1st Pursuit Group on 5 May 1918
- Demobilized in France on 24 December 1918
- Organized as 1st Pursuit Group on 22 August 1919
- Redesignated: 1st Group (Pursuit) on 9 March 1921
- Redesignated: 1st Pursuit Group on 25 January 1923
- Consolidated with the 1st Pursuit Group (World War I) on 8 April 1924
- Redesignated: 1st Pursuit Group, Air Corps on 8 August 1926
- Redesignated: 1st Pursuit Group on 1 September 1936
- Redesignated: 1st Pursuit Group (Interceptor) on 6 December 1939
- Redesignated: 1st Pursuit Group (Fighter) on 12 March 1941
- Redesignated: 1st Fighter Group on 15 May 1942
- Inactivated on 16 October 1945
- Activated on 3 July 1946.
- Re-designated: 1st Fighter-Interceptor Group on 16 April 1950
- Inactivated on 6 February 1952
- Redesignated: 1st Fighter Group (Air Defense) on 20 June 1955
- Activated on 18 August 1955
- Discontinued and inactivated on 1 February 1961
- Redesignated: 1st Tactical Fighter Group on 31 July 1985 (Remained inactive)
- Redesignated: 1st Operations Group and activated on 1 October 1991[7]
Assignments
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Components
- Squadrons
- 6th Airborne Command and Control Squadron: 1 October 1991 – 1 October 1992 (not operational after March 1992)
- 17th Pursuit Squadron: See 147th Aero Squadron
- 27th Pursuit Squadron; 27th Fighter Squadron, 27th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 27th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 27th Fighter Squadron): 2 June-24 December 1918, 22 August 1919 – 16 October 1945, 3 July 1946 – 6 February 1952 (detached after 15 August 1950), 1 October 1991 – present (detached 30 August—20 December 1994, 25 June–5 October 1996, 18 November 1997 – 10 January 1998, 13 August–8 October 1998, 9 June–9 Aug 1999, 9 June–9 September 2001)
- 41st Rescue Squadron: 1 February 1993 – 14 June 1995
- 71st Pursuit Squadron(later 71st Fighter Squadron, 71st Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 71st Tactical Fighter Squadron, 71st Fighter Squadron, 71st Fighter Training Squadron): 1 January 1941 – 16 October 1945, 3 July 1946 – 6 February 1952 (detached after 15 January 1950), 18 August 1955 – 1 February 1961 1 October 1991 – 30 September 2010, August 2015 – present (detached 3 October 1995 – 10 January 1996, 28 June–2 October 1997, 6 October–16 December 1998, 7 December 2001 – 13 March 2002)
- 71st Rescue Squadron: 1 February 1993 – 14 June 1995
- 72nd Helicopter Squadron: 1 October 1992 - 30 December 1995.
- 94th Pursuit Squadron, 94th Fighter Squadron, 94th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron, 94th Tactical Fighter Squadron, 94th Fighter Squadron): 5 May–17 November 1918, 22 August 1919 – 16 October 1945, 3 July 1946 – 6 February 1952 (detached 13 October 1947 – 16 February 1948), 18 August 1955 – 1 February 1961, 1 October 1991 – present (detached 14 June–18 September 1992, 21 June–6 October 1995, 1 October–20 November 1997, 6 July–21 August 1998, 9 August–4 October 1999, 7 September–9 December 2001)
- 95th Pursuit Squadron: 5 May–24 December 1918, 22 August 1919 – June 1927
- 17th Pursuit Squadron): 2 June–24 December 1918, 22 August 1919 – 27 October 1940
- 185th Aero Squadron: 7 October–24 December 1918[7]
- Flights
- 11th Airlift Flight: 1 May 1993 – 1 April 97
- 72nd Helicopter Flight (later 72nd Helicopter Squadron): 1 November 1991 – 1 October 1992[7]
- 4401st Helicopter Flight: 1 October–1 November 1991
Stations
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Aircraft
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1st FG P-38 on exhibit
Beginning in 1977, at least a dozen different groups attempted to locate and recover one of the eight aircraft abandoned on the Greenland ice cap after the forced landing of 15 July 1942. One of the B-17s was located and found to have been crushed by the glacial forces. A P-38 in restoreable condition was then located in 1988 approximately 268 feet below the surface. Efforts to bring it to the surface began in May 1992, culminating in the recovery in October 1992 of P-38F-1-LO 41-7630, last flown by 1st Lt. Harry L. Smith, Jr., 94th Fighter Squadron.
The P-38 was subsequently restored to flying condition over the next ten years, dubbed
See also
Notes
- ^ Robertson, Patsy AFHRA Factsheet, 27th Fighter Squadron Archived 20 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine. 22 July 2010 Retrieved 26 March 2012
- ^ Cohen, Rachel. "F-22 flight training begins at Virginia base after years in limbo". Air Force Times. Retrieved 21 June 2023.
- ^ Robertson, Patsy AFHRA Factsheet, 94th Fighter Squadron Archived 20 December 2016 at the Wayback Machine 22 July 2010. Retrieved 26 March 2012
- ^ Scales, Matthew (17 March 2015). "1 Operations Support Squadron (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 4 March 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ^ a b c d First Fighter, A History of the First Fighter Wing, 1918–1983. Office of History, Langley AFB, Virginia
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j k l m n o p q r s Series "C", Vol. 9, History of the 1st Pursuit Group. Gorrell's History of the American Expeditionary Forces Air Service, 1917–1919, National Archives, Washington, D.C. via "fold3.com". Archived from the original on 26 December 2016. Retrieved 6 March 2013.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i Robertson, Patsy (22 February 2016). "1 Operations Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Archived from the original on 14 April 2016. Retrieved 17 December 2016.
- ^ The 185th did not receive credit for any aircraft destroyed during World War I. See "History of the 185th Aero Squadron". Over the Front. 21 (3). 2006.
- ^ Maurer, Maurer, A Preliminary List of U.S. Air Force Aces, 1917–1953, (1962), USAF Historical Study No. 73
- ^ Maurer, Maurer, US Air Service Victory Credits, World War I, (1969), USAF Historical Study No. 133
- ^ Tate, Dr. James P. (1998). The Army and its Air Corps: Army Policy Toward Aviation 1919–1941, Air University Press, pp. 45–47
- ^ Air Force Historical Study 85: USAF Credits for the Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II. Lt. Shahan's kill is documented in Air Force Historical Study 105: Air Phase of the North African Invasion, November 1942, p. 34.
- ISBN 0-912799-12-9.
- ^ Grant, C.L., The Development of Continental Air Defense to 1 September 1954, (1961), USAF Historical Study No. 126, p. 33
- ^ ISBN 0-912799-02-1.
- ^ Cornett, Lloyd H; Johnson, Mildred W (1980). A Handbook of Aerospace Defense Organization, 1946–1980 (PDF). Peterson AFB, CO: Office of History, Aerospace Defense Center. p. 85. Archived from the original (PDF) on 13 February 2016. Retrieved 26 March 2012.
- ^ Buss, Lydus H.(ed), Sturm, Thomas A., Volan, Denys, and McMullen, Richard F., History of Continental Air Defense Command and Air Defense Command July to December 1955, Directorate of Historical Services, Air Defense Command, Ent AFB, CO, (1956), p. 6
- ^ a b c d Cornett & Johnson, p. 118
- ^ a b c Cornett & Johnson, p. 121
- ^ Cornett & Johnson, p. 135 (1st Field Maintenance Squadron, 1st Consolidated Aircraft Maintenance Squadron)
- ^ Cornett & Johnson, p. 132 (1st Installations Squadron)
- ^ Cornett & Johnson, p. 151 (1st Operations Squadron)
- ^ See Abstract, History 1st USAF Hospital, Jul -Dec 1955 Archived 4 March 2016 at the Wayback Machine. Retrieved 28 October 2012
- ^ These units, along with the 1st Air Police Food Services, Motor Vehicle, and Supply Squadrons were transferred to the 1st Air Base Group or 1st Maintenance & Supply Group in 1956
- ^ FineScale Modeler, July 2006, pp. 69–70.
References
This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency
- Freeman, Roger A. (1993). The Mighty Eighth (reprint ed.). ISBN 978-0-87938-638-2.
- Gabler, Clyde W. (1994). What Did You Do in World War II, Grandpa?. Baltimore, MD: Gateway Press.
- Hartney, Harold E. (1980) [1940]. Up and at 'Em: The War Memoirs of an American Ace (reprint ed.). Ayer Publishing. ISBN 9780405121791.
- Hartney, Harold E. (1974). Ulanoff, Stanley M. (ed.). Wings Over France. Folkestone, UK: Bailey Bros. & Swinfen, Ltd. ISBN 9780561002071.
- Maurer, Maurer, ed. (1982) [1969]. Combat Squadrons of the Air Force, World War II (PDF) (reprint ed.). Washington, DC: Office of Air Force History. ISBN 0-405-12194-6.
- Maycock, Thomas J., Air Force Historical Study 105: Air Phase of the North African Invasion, November 1942 (1944). Retrieved 26 March 2012
- Mullins, John D. (1995). An Escort of P-38s: The 1st Fighter Group in World War II. St. Paul, MN: Phalanx Publications. ISBN 9781883809034.
- Newton, Wesley P. et al., Air Force Historical Study 85: USAF Credits for Destruction of Enemy Aircraft, World War II Office of Air Force History (1978) very large (27.21 MB) pdf file, pp. 540, 567 and 581 for 1st FG totals.
- Rogers, Brian (2005). United States Air Force Unit Designations Since 1978. Hinkley, UK: Midland Publications. ISBN 1-85780-197-0.
- Shiner, John F. (1997). "Chapter 3, From Air Service to Air Corps: The Billy Mitchell Era". Winged Sword: A History of the United States Air Force. Vol. I. Hinkley, UK: Midland Publications. ISBN 978-0-16-049009-5.
- Zeske, Jim, "Workbench Review", FineScale Modeler July 2006, Vol.24, No.6, Kalmbach Publishing.
External links
![](http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/thumb/4/4a/Commons-logo.svg/30px-Commons-logo.svg.png)
- 1st Fighter Group Website
- 1st Fighter Association
- AFHRA Factsheet, 1st Fighter Wing. Retrieved 26 March 2012
- AFHRA Factsheet, 1st Operations Group. Retrieved 26 March 2012
- Lost Squadron website, detailing recovery and restoration of 1st FG P-38F
- P-38 National Association and Museum, "Glacier Girl"
- Goleta Air and Space Museum "virtual" museum with extensive photographs of Glacier Girl
- 1st Pursuit Group overview, history and 90th Anniversary celebration photos at www.usaww1.com
- 1st Pursuit Group interactive Google Map of bases, etc. at www.usaww1.com
- "Fighter Pilot", Ernie Pyle column about 1st Fighter Group ace Jack Ilfrey in North Africa
- The Mysterious YP-80 Shooting Stars in Italy during World War II, Project Extraversion with the 1st FG, photos and text