As the USAAF grew, some aspects became too large for the structured command that was currently in place. By sub-dividing these air forces, they were able to disperse responsibility across a wider level of responsibility. These became the Divisions included in the previous page.
Below these Divisions (or wider known Commands) are the combat wings. These wings formed the front line services that took the war to the enemy.
The lineage of these wings, like the divisions and Commands, went through a series of changes, names alterations, formations and demobilisation. Many had their origins long before the war started, and many went on post war to operate in other theatres such as Korea or Vietnam. With the cessation of the second World War, many units were disbanded, the aircraft scrapped and staff demobbed. Some units were then combined and re-designated as either the same unit or as part of another.
Here we concentrate solely on the changes and operations that occurred across the Second World War and not those that occurred pre or post war. Where dates appear after the Wing had been disbanded, they would have been reformed to continue operations elsewhere.
1st Bombardment Wing
Renamed as the 1st Bombardment Wing in 1940, they became synonymous with the bombing of Germany. They moved to England, Jul-Aug 1942, and became a heavy bombardment wing of Eighth AF. Re-designated 1st Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Aug 1943, and 1st Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Jun 1945. They served in the European theatre from Aug 1942 until 25th Apr 1945, receiving a DUC for an attack on aircraft factories in Germany on 11th Jan 1944. Returned to the US in Aug 1945, inactivated and disbanded on 7th Nov 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
7th Bombardment: 1931-1933, 1935-1941
17th Bombardment: 1931-1941
19th Bombardment: 1935-1941
20th Pursuit: 1939-1941
35th Pursuit: 1940-1941
41st Bombardment: 1941
91st Bombardment: 1942-1945
92nd Bombardment: 1942,1943
93rd Bombardment: 1942
97th Bombardment: 1942
301st Bombardment: 1942
303rd Bombardment: 1942-1943
305th Bombardment: 1942-1943
306th Bombardment: 1942 – 1943
351st Bombardment: 1943
379th Bombardment : 1943
381st Bombardment: 1943-1945
384th Bombardment: 1943
398th Bombardment: 1944-1945
482nd Bombardment: 1943
2nd Bombardment Wing
Activated on 7th June 1942. Moved to England, Aug-Sep 1942, and became a heavy bombardment wing of Eighth AF. In the Autumn of 1942, they helped to train bombardment groups assigned to Twelfth AF. Served in combat in the European theatre from Nov 1942 to June 1943. Ceased combat temporarily during Jul-Aug 1943 when its groups were on detached duty in the Mediterranean theatre. Re-designated 2nd Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Aug. Served on detached duty in the Mediterranean theatre during Sep-Oct 1943. Resumed combat in the European theatre in Oct 1943 and continued operations until Apr 1945, receiving a DUC on January 11th 1944. Re-designated 2nd Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Jun 1945. Returned to the US in Aug. Inactivated on 7th Nov 1945 and disbanded.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
1st Pursuit: 1935-1941.
2nd Bombardment: 1922-1941.
8th Pursuit: 1935-1941.
9th Bombardment: 1935 – 1940.
22nd Bombardment: 1940-1941.
31st Pursuit: 1940-1941.
44th Bombardment: 1942-1943, 1943.
93rd Bombardment: 1942-1943.
389th Bombardment: 1943-1945.
392nd Bombardment: 1943.
445th Bombardment: 1943-1945.
453rd Bombardment: 1944-1945.
4th Bombardment Wing
Following a number of changes, the 4th was finally activated on 7th Jun 1942. They moved to England, during Aug-Sep 1942, assigned to the Eighth AF. They had no groups assigned until the spring of 1943 and the Wing was not manned between 29th Sep 1942 to 19th Jan 1943. The 4th began combat in May 1943, were re-designated 4th Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Aug 1943 a month in which they received a DUC for action over Regensburg. The wing remained in combat until Apr 1945. It was disbanded in England on 18th Jun 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
34th: 1941
43rd: 1941
94th: 1943 – 1945
95th: 1943
96th: 1943
100th: 1943
319th: 1946 – 1949
320th: 1947 – 1949
385th: 1943 – 1945
388th: 1943
390th: 1943
447th: 1943 – 1945
486th: 1945
487th: 1945
5th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 5th Bombardment Wing on 19th Oct 1940. Activated on 18th Dec 1940 and assigned to the Second AF. Inactivated on 5th Sep 1941 and then reactivated on 10th Jul 1942. Moved to North Africa, Oct-Dec 1942, and began operations with Twelfth AF. Assigned to Fifteenth AF in Nov 1943. Re-designated 5th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Jan 1945. Served in combat until May 1945. Inactivated in Italy on 2nd Nov 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
1st Fighter: 1943, 1943-1944
2nd Bombardment: 1943-1945
12th Bombardment: 1941
14th Fighter: 1943-1944
17th Bombardment: 1941
39th Bombardment: 1941
47th Bombardment: 1942 – 1943
68th Reconnaissance: 1942-1943
82nd Fighter: 1944
97th Bombardment: 1943 – 1945
98th Bombardment: 1943
99th Bombardment: 1943 – 1945
301st Bombardment: 1943 – 1945
325th Fighter: 1943-1944
376th Bombardment: 1943
463rd Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
483rd Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
6th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 6th Pursuit Wing on 19th Oct 1940. Activated on 18th Dec 1940. Inactivated again on 7th Dec 1941 and then re-designated 6th Fighter Wing. Reactivated on 7th Jun 1942. No combat groups were assigned at this point. The wing then moved to England in Aug 1942 for duty with the Eighth AF. The Wing trained replacement pilots for fighter organisations until it disbanded, in England, on 13th Sep 1943.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
1st Pursuit:1940-1941
31st Pursuit: 1940-1941
36th Fighter: 1946-1948
52nd Pursuit: 1941
7th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 7th Fighter Wing on 31st Mar 1944. Activated in Hawaii on 21st Apr 1944 and assigned to the Seventh AF to provide air defence for the Hawaiian Islands.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
15th Fighter : 1945 – 1946
21st Fighter: 1944
9th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 9th Pursuit Wing on 19th Oct 1940 and then activated on 18th Dec 1940. Inactivated again on 1st Oct 1941 and re-designated 9th Fighter Wing. Reactivated on 24th Jul 1942 and moved to the Middle East, Dec 1942-Feb 1943. Assigned to Ninth AF. Apparently there were no combat groups were assigned to the wing during 1942-1943. They were then inactivated on 31st Mar 1943.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
14th: 1941
51st: 1941
10th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 10th Pursuit Wing on 19th Oct 1940 and activated on 18th Dec 1940. Inactivated again on 7th Dec 1941 and re-designated 10th Fighter Wing. Reactivated on 1st Oct 1942 and assigned to Eighth AF but attached to Third AF for manning and training, but no groups were actually assigned. The Wing was inactivated on 1st May 1943 and disbanded on 1st Dec 1943.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
20th: 1940 – 1941.
35th: 1940 – 1941.
11th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 11th Pursuit Wing on 19th Oct 1940 and activated on 18th Dec that year. Inactivated on 1st Oct 1941 and re-designated 11th Fighter Wing. Reactivated on 1st Nov 1942 and assigned to the Eighth AF but attached to Third AF for manning and training, but no groups were assigned. Finally inactivated in the US on 1st May 1943 and disbanded on 1st Dec 1943.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
54th: 1941
55th: 1941
12th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 12th Pursuit Wing on 19th Oct 1940. Activated in the Panama Canal Zone on 20th Nov 1940. Then inactivated on 6th Mar 1942. Re-designated 12th Bombardment Wing and reactivated in the US on 8th Sep 1942. No groups were assigned at this point. The Wing moved to England, Nov-Dec 1942, and were assigned to the Eighth AF. All personnel and equipment were withdrawn in Jan 1943. The Wing was finally disbanded in England on 9th Oct 1944.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
16th: 1940 – 1942
32nd: 1941 – 1942
37th: 1940 – 1942
53rd: 1941 – 1942
322nd: 1947 – 1949
13th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 13th Composite Wing on 2nd Oct 1940 and activated on 10th Oct that year. Moved to Puerto Rico at the end of the same month. Inactivated on 25th Oct 1941, re-designated 13th Bombardment Wing and reactivated in the US on 1st Oct 1942. Assigned to Eighth AF, they were re-designated 13th Bombardment Wing (Medium) in Feb 1943. Moved to England, May-Jun 1943. Re-designated 13th Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Aug 1943. Groups were assigned in Sep 1943 and the wing served in combat in the European theatre until Apr 1945. Re-designated 13th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Jun 1945. The Wing returned to the US in Aug 1945 and were re-designated 13th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) in Aug 1945. Inactivated on 17th Oct 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
25th Bombardment: 1940 – 1941
36th Pursuit: 1941
40th Bombardment: 1941
95th Bombardment: 1943 – 1945
100th Bombardment: 1943 – 1945
390th Bombardment: 1943 – 1945
490th Bombardment: 1945
493rd Bombardment: 1945
14th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 14th Pursuit Wing on 19th Oct 1940 and activated in Hawaii on 1st Nov 1940. They suffered heavy losses during the Japanese attack on Pearl Harbour on 7th Dec 1941 but managed to shoot down several enemy aircraft. Inactivated in Hawaii on 23rd Jan 1942 and re-designated 14th Bombardment Wing. Reactivated in the US on 1st Oct 1942. Re-designated 14th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Feb 1943, they moved to England in May-Jun 1943 and were re-designated 14th Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Aug 1943. Once again received groups, (Sep 1943) and served in combat in the European theatre until Apr 1945. Re-designated 14th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Jun 1945 and returned to the US in Aug that year. Finally inactivated on 7th Nov 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
25th Pursuit: 1940 – 1942
28th Pursuit: 1940 – 1942
44th Bombardment: 1943, 1943 – 1945
94th Bombardment: 1945
392nd Bombardment:1943 – 1945
447th Bombardment:1945
486th Bombardment: 1945
487th Bombardment: 1945
491st Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
492nd Bombardment: 1944
15th Bombardment Training Wing
Constituted as 15th Bombardment Wing on 19 Oct 1940 and activated on 18th Dec 1940. Apparently the Wing never had sufficient personnel to carry out effectively its mission of light bombardment operations and training, it was inactivated on 3rd Sep 1941. Reactivated again on 23rd Jun 1942 and assigned to the Second AF. Re-designated 15th Bombardment Training Wing in Jan 1943, and 15th Bombardment Operational Training Wing in Apr 1943. Trained groups and heavy bombardment replacement crews until Feb 1945 when it ceased all activity. Inactivated finally on 9th Apr 1946 and disbanded on 8th Oct 1948.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
47th: 1941
4th: 1941 (Various groups assigned for training, 1942 – 1945)
16th Bombardment Training Wing
Constituted as 16th Bombardment Wing on 19th Oct 1940 and activated on 18th Dec 1940. Apparently the Wing did not have sufficient personnel for effective training and operations and were inactivated on 1st Sep 1941. Reactivated on 23rd Jun 1942, they were assigned to the Second AF. Re-designated 16th Bombardment Training Wing in Jan 1943, 16th Bombardment Operational Training Wing in Apr 1943, and 16th Bombardment Operational Training Wing (Very Heavy) in May 1945, they began training heavy bombardment groups and personnel in Jun 1942; later changed to very heavy bombardment training, which lasted until operations ceased late in 1945. The Wing was inactivated on 9th Apr 1946 and disbanded on 8th Oct 1948.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
45th: 1941
46th: 1941 (Various groups assigned for training, 1942 – 1945)
17th Bombardment Training Wing
Constituted as 17th Bombardment Wing on 3rd Oct 1940 and activated on 18th Dec 1940. Inactivated again on 1st Sep 1941 and reactivated on 23rd Jun 1942. They were assigned to the Second AF and then re-designated 17th Bombardment Training Wing in Jan 1943, and then 17th Bombardment Operational Training Wing in Apr 1943. They trained a number of heavy bombardment groups and also trained heavy bombardment crews. Inactivated on 15th Nov 1943, re-designated 17th Bombardment Operational Training Wing (Very Heavy) and reactivated on 11th Mar 1944, being assigned to the Second AF. They trained very heavy bombardment organisations and personnel until inactivation on 9th Apr 1946 and final disbandment on 8th Oct 1948.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
3rd Bombardment: 1940 – 1941
27th Bombardment: 1940 – 1941
18th Replacement Wing
Constituted as 18th Composite Wing on 8th May 1929 and then activated in Hawaii on 1st May 1931. It served as part of the defence force for the Hawaiian Islands. Re-designated 18th Wing in 1937, and 18th Bombardment Wing in 1940, then inactivated whilst in Hawaii on 29th Jan 1942. Re-designated 18th Replacement Wing and reactivated in the US on 23rd Jun 1942, being assigned to the Second AF. They processed personnel entering the Second AF prior to assignments to operational units. The Wing was finally disbanded on 11th Apr 1944.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
5th Bombardment: 1931 – 1942
11th Bombardment: 1940 – 1942
18th Pursuit: 1931 – 1940
20th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 20th Bombardment Wing on 19th Oct 1940 and activated on 18th Dec 1940. Then inactivated on 1st Sep the following year. Reactivated again on 1st Nov 1942 and re-designated the 20th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Feb 1943. They then moved to England, May-Jun 1943, for duty with Eighth AF. Re-designated 20th Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Aug 1943, it received its first groups in Nov 1943 who served in combat in the European theatre from Dec 1943 until Apr 1945. Then, re-designated 20th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Jun 1945, they returned to the US in Aug that year. Re-designated 20th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) in Aug, and VIII Bomber Command (Very Heavy) in Oct 1945, but apparently had no combat components assigned after Aug 1945. Finally inactivated on 10th Nov 1946 and disbanded on 8th Oct 1948.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
7th: 1940 – 1941
34th: 1945
42nd: 1941
93rd: 1943 – 1945
385th: 1945
388th: 1945
446th: 1943 – 1945
448th: 1943 – 1945
452nd: 1945
489th: 1944
21st Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 21st Bombardment Wing on 16th Dec 1942 and activated on 22nd Dec where they were assigned to the Second AF. They functioned throughout the war as a staging wing, processing heavy bombardment crews and aircraft to prepare them for overseas movement; in Apr 1944 they began processing men returning to the US from combat zones. Re-designated 1st Staging Command in Sep 1945, they were assigned to the Fourth AF in Nov. Eventually inactivated on 3rd Apr 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
95th: 1947 – 1949
384th: 1947 – 1949
24th Composite Wing
Constituted as 24th Composite Wing on 19th Nov 1942 it was finally activated in Iceland on 25th Dec 1942. It served in the defence of Iceland. Disbanded on 15th Jun 1944, to be reconstituted on 5th Aug 1946 and activated in Puerto Rico.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
342nd: 1942 – 1944
25th Antisubmarine Wing
Constituted as 25th Antisubmarine Wing on 17th Nov 1942 and activated on 20th Nov. Assigned to AAF Antisubmarine Command and later (Aug 1943) to the First AF. It conducted patrols, primarily off the eastern coast of the US until its disbandment on 15th Oct 1943.
Operational Squadrons serving the Wing.
1st: 1942 – 1943
2nd (formerly 523rd Bombardment): 1942 -1943
3rd: 1942 – 1943
4th:1942 – 1943
5th: 1942 – 1943
6th: 1942 – 1943
16th (formerly 521st Bombardment): 1942 – 1943
18th: 1942 – 1943
19th: 1942 – 1943
20th: 1943
22nd: 1943
24th: 1943
26th Antisubmarine Wing
Constituted as 26th Antisubmarine on 17th Nov 1942 and activated on 20th Nov. Assigned to AAF Antisubmarine Command and later (Aug 1943) to the First AF. They flew patrols in the Gulf of Mexico and the Caribbean Sea, until disbandment on 15th Oct 1943.
Operational Squadrons serving the Wing.
7th: 1942 – 1943
8th: 1942 – 1943
9th: 1942 – 1943
10th: 1942 – 1943
15th: 1942 – 1943
17th: 1942 – 1943
21st: 1943
23rd: 1943
25th: 1943
40th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 40th Bombardment Wing on 15th Jan 1943 and activated on 21st Jan. Re-designated 40th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in May 1943, they moved to England, May-Jun 2943, for duty with the Eighth AF. Then Re-designated 40th Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Aug 1943, and 40th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Jun 1945, they served in combat in the European theatre from Sep 1943 until Apr 1945. They remained in Europe after the war as part of United States Air Forces in Europe. Finally inactivated in Germany on 25th Dec 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
2nd: 1945 – 1946
92nd: 1943 – 1946
305th: 1943 – 1945, 1945 – 1946
306th: 1943 – 1945, 1945 – 1946
384th: 1945 – 1946
492nd: 1944 – 1945
41st Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 41st Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 29th Jan 1943 and activated on 16th Feb 1943. It moved to England in Jul 1943 for duty with the Eighth AF. Then re-designated 41st Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Aug 1943, it served in the European theatre from Sep 1943 to Apr 1945, until being disbanded in England on 18th June 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
303rd: 1943 – 1945
379th: 1943 – 1945
384th: 1943 – 1945
42nd Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 42nd Bombardment Wing (Dive) on 8th Feb 1943 and activated on 16th Feb. Re-designated 42nd Bombardment Wing (Medium), it transferred overseas without personnel and equipment, and was assigned to the Twelfth AF, on 31st Jul 1943. The Wing received groups in Aug 1943 and served in combat in the Mediterranean and European theatres until the end of the war. It returned to the US in Oct 1945 and was inactivated on 25th Oct 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
1st Fighter: 1943
27th Bombardment: 1943 – 1945
319th Bombardment: 1943 – 1944
320th Bombardment: 1943 – 1945
325th Fighter: 1943
45th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 45th Bombardment Wing (Medium) on 15th Feb 1943 and activated on 1st Apr 1943. Re-designated 45th Bombardment Wing (Heavy), it moved to England in Aug 1943 for duty with the Eighth AF. Re-designated 45th Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy), its groups were assigned in Sep 1943 and the wing participated in combat in the European theatre until Apr 1945. Finally disbanded in England on 18th Jun 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
34th: 1945
96th: 1943 – 1945
385th: 1945
388th:1943 – 1945
452nd: 1944 – 1945
47th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 7th Pursuit Wing on 19th Oct 1940 and activated on 18th Dec 1940. Inactivated again on 31st Aug 1941, to be re-designated 7th Fighter Wing and activated once more on 7th Jun 1942. It moved to North Africa, Oct-Nov 1942, to operate with the Twelfth AF. Then re-designated 47th Bombardment Wing (Medium) in Feb 1943 and assigned to Fifteenth AF in Nov 1943; afterwards operated as a heavy bombardment organisation until the war ended. It was re-designated 47th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Apr 1945 and returned to the US in that May. Re-designated 47th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) in Jun, it was inactivated on 15th Oct 1945. Then re-designated 47th Air Division, it finally went on to form part of the Strategic Air Command.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
8th Pursuit: 1940 – 1941
27th Bombardment: 1943
33rd Fighter: 1940 – 1941 ; 1942 – 1943, 1943
57th Pursuit: 1940 – 1941
81st Fighter: 1942 – 1943
82nd Fighter: 1943 – 1944
98th Bombardment: 1943, 1943 – 1945
310th Bombardment: 1943
319th Bombardment: 1943
320th Bombardment: 1943
321st Bombardment: 1943
325th Fighter: 1943
376th Bombardment: 1943, 1943 – 1945
449th Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
450th Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
451st Bombardment: 1944
489th Bombardment: 1945
49th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 49th Bombardment Operational Training Wing (Medium) on 17th Mar 1943 and activated on 31st Mar. Re-designated 49th Bombardment Wing (Medium) in Oct 1943, and 49th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Dec. Moved to Italy (Feb-Apr 1944) where groups were assigned. Operated with Fifteenth AF in the Mediterranean and European theatres from Apr 1944 until May 1945. It was inactivated in Italy on 16th Oct 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
100th Bombardment: 1946 – 1949
380th Bombardment: 1946 – 1949
451st Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
461st Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
484th Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
50th Troop Carrier Wing
Constituted as 50th Transport Wing on 8th Jan 1941 and activated on 14th Jan. Assigned to Office, Chief of the Air Corps Transported personnel, supplies, and materials in the US, Alaska, and the Caribbean area. Assigned to Air Transport Command (later 1st Troop Carrier Command) in Apr 1942. Re-designated 50th Troop Carrier Wing in Jul 1942, it functioned as a training organisation, moved overseas, Sep-Oct 1943, and was assigned to the Ninth AF. It operated in the European and Mediterranean theatres until after the war. Then the Wing transferred, without personnel and equipment, to the US in Sep 1945, renamed and re-equipped, before being inactivated on 31st Jul 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
439th: 1944 – 1945
440th: 1944 – 1945
441st: 1944 – 1945
442nd: 1944 – 1945 (Numerous other groups assigned for training or operations, 1941 – 1944).
51st Troop Carrier Wing
Constituted as 51st Transport Wing on 30th May 1942 and activated on 1st Jun 1942. Re-designated 51st Troop Carrier Wing in Jul 1942, it arrived in England in Sep 1942 and trained for the invasion of North Africa. It operated with the Twelfth AF in North Africa and the Mediterranean area from Nov 1942 to May 1945, before moving to Germany in Sept 1945. Then assigned to the United States Air Forces in Europe, until it was inactivated in Germany on 5th Jan 1948.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
60th: 1942 – 1945, 1946 – 1947
61st: 1942, 1946 – 1947
62nd: 1942 – 1945
64th: 1942 – 1945
313th: 1946 – 1947
314th:1945 – 1946
441st: 1945 – 1946
442nd: 1945 – 1946
516th: 1945 – 1946
52nd Troop Carrier Wing
Constituted as 52nd Transport Wing on 30th May 1942 and the activated on 15th Jun 1942. Re-designated 52nd Troop Carrier Wing in Jul 1942. Moved to the Mediterranean theatre, Apr-May 1943, and served with the Twelfth AF until Feb 1944. It moved to England, Feb-Mar 1944, and was reassigned to the Ninth AF, where it engaged in operations in the European theatre until Jun 1945. Finally returned to the US, Jun-Jul 1945, and was inactivated on 27th Aug 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
10th: 1942 – 1943
61st: 1942, 1943 – 1945
63rd: 1942
64th: 1943
313th: 1942, 1942 – 1945
314th: 1942, 1943 – 1945
315th: 19429 1944 – 1945
316th: 1942, 1943 – 1946
317th: 1942
349th: 1945, 1946
433rd: 1943
434th: 1945 – 1946
439th: 1945 – 1946
53rd Troop Carrier Wing
Constituted as 53rd Troop Carrier Wing on 27th Jul 1942 and activated on 1st Aug 1942. It then moved to England, Jan-Mar 1944 where it was assigned to the Ninth AF. It operated in the European theatre until after V-E Day, whereupon, it returned to the US (Oct 1945). It was finally inactivated on 11th Oct 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
61st: 1942 – 1943
63rd: 1942 – 1943
89th: 1942
313th: 1942
314th: 1942
316th: 1942
433rd: 1943
434th: 1943, 1944 – 1945
435th: 1943, 1944 – 1945
436th: 1943, 1944 – 1945
437th: 1943, 1944 – 1945
438th: 1943, 1944 – 1945
439th: 1943
440th: 1943
54th Troop Carrier Wing
Constituted as 54th Troop Carrier Wing on 26th Feb 1943 and activated in Australia on 13th Mar 1943 where it was assigned to the Fifth AF. Here it engaged in troop carrier and transport operations from May 1943 until after the end of the war. Inactivated in the Philippines on 31st May 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
2nd Combat Cargo: 1944 – 1946
317th Troop Carrier: 1943 – 1946
374th Troop Carrier: 1943
375th Troop Carrier: 1943 – 1946
433rd Troop Carrier: 1943 – 1946
55th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 55th Bombardment Operational Training Wing (Medium) on 17th Mar 1943 and activated on 31st Mar. Various groups were attached for training prior to Oct 1943. Re-designated 55th Bombardment Wing (Medium) in Oct 1943, and 55th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Dec. Moved to Italy (Feb-Mar 1944) where combat elements were assigned. Operated with the Fifteenth AF in the Mediterranean and European theatres from Mar 1944 until May 1945. Finally inactivated in Italy on 9th Sep 1945
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
460th: 1944 – 1945
461st: 1944
464th: 1944 – 1945
465th: 1944 – 1945
485th: 1944 – 1945
57th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 8th Pursuit Wing on 19th Oct 1940 and activated on 6th Nov 1940. Inactivated again on 1st Nov 1941, re-designated 8th Fighter Wing, and reactivated on 24th Jul 1942. Then moved to Egypt, Oct-Dec 1942, and served with the Ninth AF in the Middle East and North Africa. Re-designated 57th Bombardment Wing in Apr 1943. Assigned to Twelfth AF in Aug 1943 it continued operations in the Mediterranean theatre until the end of the war. Inactivated in Italy on 12th Sep 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
12th Bombardment: 1943 – 1944
47th Bombardment: 1943 – 1944
49th Pursuit: 1941
57th Fighter: 1943 – 1944
79th Fighter: 1943 – 1944
310th Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
319th Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
321st Bombardment: 1943 – 1944, 1944 – 1945
340th Bombardment: 1943 – 1944, 1944 – 1945
58th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 58th Bombardment Operational Training Wing (Heavy) on 22nd Apr 1943 and activated on 1st May 1943. Then re-designated 58th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Jul 1943, and 58th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) in Nov 1943. Moved to India in the spring of 1944 and were assigned to the Twentieth AF. Engaged in very-long-range bombardment operations from Jun to Oct 1944. Disbanded in India on 12th Oct 1944.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
40th: 1943 – 1944; 1945 – 1946
444th: 1943 – 1944; 1945 – 1946
462nd: 1943 – 1944; 1945 – 1946
468th: 1943 – 1944; 1945 – 1946
472nd: 1943 – 1944
60th Troop Carrier Wing
Constituted as 60th Troop Carrier Wing on 5th Jun 1943 and activated on 12th Jun. Assigned to 1st Troop Carrier Command. Trained groups and glider crews and participated in several airborne manoeuvres. Inactivated on 8th Oct 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
(Unfortunately this is not available due to the large number of changes and you should investigate these with official records).
6lst Troop Carrier Wing
Constituted as 61st Troop Carrier Wing on 5th Jun 1943 and activated on 13th Jun. Assigned to 1st Troop Carrier Command. Trained groups, troop carrier replacement personnel, and glider crews. Inactivated on 4th Oct 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
(Unfortunately this is not available due to the large number of changes and you should investigate these with official records).
62nd Fighter Wing
Constituted as 1st Air Defence Wing on 12th Dec 1942 and activated the same day. Moved to the Mediterranean theatre in Jan 1943. Re-designated 62nd Fighter Wing in Jul 1943. Here it served with the Twelfth AF until the end of the war. Eventually inactivated in Italy on 12th Sep 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
52nd: 1943
81st: 1943, 1943 – 1944
332nd: 1944
350th: 1944 – 1945
63rd Fighter Wing
Constituted as 2nd Air Defence Wing on 12th Dec 1942 and activated the same day. Moved to North Africa in Jan 1943 and re-designated 63rd Fighter Wing in Jul 1943. Operated with Twelfth AF until Nov 1944 when the wing moved to the European theatre losing its combat elements. Returned to the US in Dec 1945 and inactivated on 11th of that month.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
52nd: 1943 – 1944
350th: 1943 – 1944
64th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 3rd Air Defence Wing on 12th Dec 1942 and activated the same day. Moved to Algeria in Feb 1943. Re-designated 64th Fighter Wing in Jul 1943. Served with Twelfth AF in the Mediterranean theatre until Nov 1944. Moved to the European theatre and continued operations until the war ended. Remained in Germany after the war as part of United States Air Forces in Europe. Finally inactivated on 5th Jun 1947.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
27th Fighter: 1943, 1946 – 1947
31st Fighter: 1943
33rd Fighter: 1943
36th Fighter: 1945 – 1946
52nd Fighter: 1946 – 1947
86th Fighter: 1943, 1945 – 1946, 1946 – 1947
324th Fighter: 1943, 1945
354th Fighter: 1945 – 1946
355th Fighter: 1946
363rd Reconnaissance: 1945
366th Fighter: 1945 – 1946
370th Fighter: 1945
404th Fighter: 1945
406th Fighter: 1945 – 1946
65th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 4th Air Defence Wing on 25th Mar 1943 and activated on 27th Mar. Moved to England, May-Jun 1943, for duty with the Eighth AF. Re-designated 65th Fighter Wing in Jul 1943, it served in combat in the European theatre from Jul 1943 to late in Apr 1945. Inactivated in England on 21st Nov 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
4th: 1943 – 1945
56th: 1943 – 1945
78th: 1943
355th: 1943 – 1945
356th: 1943 – 1944
361st: 1944 – 1945, 1945
479th: 1944 – 1945
66th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 5th Air Defence Wing on 25th Mar 1943 and activated on 27th Mar. Moved to England, May-Jun 1943, and assigned to the Eighth AF. Re-designated 66th Fighter Wing in Jul 1943. It participated in combat in the European theatre from Nov 1943 to late in Apr 1945. Inactivated in England on 21st Nov 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
4th: 1945
55th: 1943 – 1945
56th: 1945
78th: 1943 – 1945
339th: 1944 – 1945
353rd: 1943 – 1945
357th: 1944 – 1945
358th: 1943 – 1944
359th: 1943
361st: 1943 – 1944, 1945
479th: 1945
67th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 6th Air Defence Wing on 14th Jun 1943 and activated on 15th June. Re-designated 67th Fighter Wing in Jul 1943. Moved to England in Aug 1943 and was assigned to the Eighth AF. Served in combat in the European theatre from Dec 1943 until late in Apr 1945. Inactivated in England on 21st Nov 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
20th: 1943 – 1945
352nd: 1943 – 1945
356th: 1944 – 1945
359th: 1943 – 1945
361st: 1944
364th: 1944 – 1945
68th Composite Wing
Constituted as 68th Fighter Wing on 9th Aug 1943 and activated in China on 3rd Sep 1943, it was assigned to Fourteenth AF. Re-designated 68th Composite Wing in Dec 1943, it served in combat from Dec 1943 until Aug 1945. Inactivated in China on 10th Oct 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
23rd Fighter: 1943 – 1945
69th Composite Wing
Constituted as 69th Bombardment Wing on 9th Aug 1943 and activated in China on 3rd Sep 1943. Assigned to Fourteenth AF, it was then re-designated 69th Composite Wing in Dec 1943. Served in combat from Dec 1943 until Aug 1945 whereupon it was assigned to the Tenth AF in that Aug. Here it engaged in transport operations after V-J Day, being awarded a DUC for the period 1st – 30th Sep 1945 when the wing ferried troops and supplies in China, helped to evacuate prisoners of war, and flew mercy and other special missions to areas in China, French Indochina, and Manchuria. Inactivated in China on 26th Dec 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
51st Fighter: 1943 – 1945
341st Bombardment: 1943 – 1945
70th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 70th Fighter Wing on 11th Aug 1943 and activated on 15th Aug. Moved to England in Nov 1943 and was assigned to the Ninth AF. Served in the European theatre from Feb 1944 to May 1945, operating with various fighter groups assigned or attached for brief periods of time. Remained in Europe after the war as part of United States Air Forces in Europe. Finally being inactivated in Germany on 25th Sept 1947.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
(various fighter groups not available here).
71st Fighter Wing
Constituted as 71st Fighter Wing on 11th Aug 1943 and activated on 15th Aug. Moved to the European theatre in Dec 1943 and was assigned to the Ninth AF. Served in combat missions from Mar to Aug 1944 when its combat elements were relieved of assignment. Returned to the US, Nov-Dec 1945 and inactivated on 3rd Dec 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
366th: 1944
368th: 1944
370th: 1944
72nd Fighter Wing
Constituted as 72nd Bombardment Operational Training Wing (Heavy) on 12th Aug 1943 and activated on 20th Aug, assigned to Second AF. Re-designated 72nd Fighter Wing in Sep 1943, it trained fighter organisations and replacement crews. Finally inactivated on 9th Apr 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
36th: 1943 – 1944
84th: 1943 – 1944
357th: 1943
407th: 1943 – 1944
408th: 1943 – 1944
476th: 1944
507th: 1944 – 1945
508th: 1944
73rd Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 5th Heavy Bombardment Processing Headquarters on 9th Feb 1943 and activated on 17th Feb. Assigned to Second AF, it was re-designated 73rd Bombardment Operational Training Wing (Heavy) in Aug 1943. Inactivated on 15th Oct 1943, it was re-designated 73rd Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy). Activated again on 20th Nov 1943, it moved to Saipan, Jul-Sep 1944, and was assigned to the Twentieth AF. Here they engaged in very heavy bombardment operations from Oct 1944 to Aug 1945. Returned to the US late in 1945. Assigned to Strategic Air Command on 21st Mar 1946 and inactivated on 31st May 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
338th: 1947 – 1949
381st: 1947 – 1949
497th: 1943 – 1946
498th: 1943 – 1946
499th: 1943 – 1946
500th: 1943 – 1946
84th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 84th Fighter Wing on 4th Nov 1943 and activated on 10th Nov. Moved to the European theatre in Jan 1944 and was assigned to the Ninth AF. It engaged in combat from Mar 1944 until May 1945, operating with various groups that were assigned or attached for short periods of time. Disbanded in Europe on 12th Aug 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
(various fighter groups not available here)
85th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 85th Fighter Wing on 4th Nov 1943 and activated on 10th Nov. Moved to the Southwest Pacific, Jan-Feb 1944, served in combat with the Fifth AF until May 1945 when the wing lost its tactical groups.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
18th: 1946 – 1947
49th: 1944
348th: 1944 – 1945
414th: 1946
475th: 1944 – 1945
86th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 86th Fighter Wing on 19th Nov 1943 and activated on 1st Dec 1943. Moved to the Southwest Pacific, Mar-May 1944 and assigned to the Fifth AF. Engaged in combat from May until early in 1945 when the wing became responsible for establishing and operating an aircraft warning system in the Philippine Islands. Inactivated in the Philippines on 15th Mar 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
8th: 1944 – 1945
49th: 1944 – 1945
58th: 1944 – 1945
87th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 87th Fighter Wing on 14th Oct 1943 and activated on 25th Oct. Moved overseas, Dec 1943 – Jan 1944, and operated with the Twelfth AF in the Mediterranean theatre from April 1944 until the wing’s groups were reassigned in Sep 1944. Disbanded in Italy on 1st Apr 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
57th: 1944
79th: 1944
86th: 1944
90th Reconnaissance Wing
Constituted as 90th Photographic Wing (Reconnaissance) on 11th Oct 1943. Activated in North Africa on 22nd Nov 1943. It provided photographic reconnaissance for both the Twelfth and Fifteenth AF until the wing’s groups were reassigned on 1st Oct 1944. Afterwards, aided in establishing a photographic library for use in the European and Mediterranean theatres. Returned to the US in Apr 1945, re-designated 90th Reconnaissance Wing in June and inactivated on 23rd Oct 1945
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
3rd: 1943 – 1944
5th: 1943 – 1944
26th: 1947 – 1949
65th: 1946 – 1949
91st Reconnaissance Wing
Constituted as 91st Photographic Wing (Reconnaissance) on 9th Oct 1943 and activated on 20th Oct. Re-designated 91st Reconnaissance Wing in Jun 1945. Moved to the Southwest Pacific, Feb-Mar 1944, and served with Fifth AF until the end of the war. Inactivated in Japan on 27th Jan 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
6th: 1944 – 1945
66th: 1946 – 1949
71st: 1944 – 1945
74th: 1946 – 1949
92nd Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 92nd Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 25th Oct 1943 and activated in England on 1st Nov 1943, where it was assigned to the Eighth AF. Entered combat on 11th Dec 1943 but its group were reassigned on 15th Dec. Re-entered combat with new groups in May 1944 and continued operations until the groups were taken away in Feb 1945. Moved to the US in Jul and disbanded on 28th Aug 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
351st: 1943
401st: 1943
486th: 1944 – 1945
487th: 1944 – 1945
93rd Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 93rd Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 25th Oct 1943. Activated in England on 1st Nov 1943, but did not receive groups until the spring of 1944. Served in combat with the Eighth AF in the European theatre from May 1944 until Apr 1945. Moved to the US in Jul 1945 and then disbanded on 28th Aug 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
34th: 1944 – 1945
385th: 1945
490th: 1944 – 1945
493rd: 1944 – 1945
94th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 94th Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 2nd Nov 1943. Activated in England on 12th Dec 1943 and assigned to the Eighth AF. Served in combat in the European theatre until Apr 1945. Disbanded in England on 18th Jun 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
351st: 1943 – 2945
401st: 1943 – 1945
457th: 1944 – 1945
95th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 95th Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 2nd Nov 1943. Activated in England on 12th Dec 1943 and assigned to the Eighth AF. Had no groups until Apr 1944. Flew in combat in the European theatre from 2nd Jun until 14th Aug 1944 when its groups were taken away. Moved to the US in Jul 1945. Disbanded on 28th Aug 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
489th: 1944
491st: 1944
96th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 96th Combat Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 8th Nov 1943. Activated in England on 11th Jan 1944 and served in combat in the European theatre with the Eighth AF from Mar 1944 until Apr 1945. Re-designated 8th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Jun, moved to the US in Aug, re-designated 96th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) in that same month and inactivated on 17th Oct 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
44th : 1945
93rd: 1945
351st: 1948 – 1949
381st: 1947 – 1948
392nd: 1945
446th: 1945
448th: 1945
458th: 1944 – 1945
466th: 1944 – 1945
467th: 1944 – 1945
491st: 1945
97th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 97th Combat Bombardment Wing (Medium) on 2nd Nov 1943 and activated in England on 12th Nov. Assigned to the Ninth AF. Re-designated 97th Combat Bombardment Wing (Light) in Jul 1944, it participated in combat operations in the European theatre, Apr 1944 – May 1945. Then re-designated 97th Bombardment Wing (Medium) in Jun 1945 and moved to the US in Oct. Inactivated on 11th Oct 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
409th: 1944 – 1945
410th: 1944 – 1945
416th: 1944 – 1945
98th Bombardment Wing
Activated on 7th Jun 1942 and assigned to the Eighth AF. Moved to the European theatre, Aug-Sep 1942, and entered combat in May 1943. Re-designated 98th Combat Bombardment Wing (Medium) in Nov 1943. Assigned to Ninth AF and continued combat operations until Apr 1945. Re-designated 98th Bombardment Wing (Medium) in Jun 1945 and inactivated in Europe on 27th Nov 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
3rd Bombardment: 1932 – 1940
13th Bombardment: 1941
20th Pursuit: 1932 – 1939
29th Bombardment: 1940 – 1941
44th Bombardment: 1941
305th Bombardment: 1945
306th Bombardment: 1945
310th Bombardment: 1947 – 1949
322nd Bombardment: 1942 – 1943
323rd Bombardment: 1942 – 1945
341st Bombardment: 1947 – 1949
344th Bombardment: 1945
386th Bombardment: 1942 – 1943, 1945
387th Bombardment: 1942 – 1945
391st Bombardment: 1945
394th Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
397th Bombardment : 1944 – 1945
99th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 44th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 15th Feb 1943 and activated on 1st Mar 1943. Moved to England in Jul 1943 and assigned to the Eighth AF. Combat elements apparently were not assigned and wing headquarters was not fully manned prior to Nov 1943. Re-designated 99th Combat Bombardment Wing (Medium), it then served in combat with the Ninth AF until May 1945. Re-designated 99th Bombardment Wing (Medium) in Jun 1945. Returned to the US, Sep-Oct 1945, and inactivated on 4th Oct 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
312th: 1947 – 1949
322nd: 1943 – 1945
344th: 1943 – 1945
386th: 1944 – 1945
391st: 1944 – 1945
394th: 1945
401st: 1947 – 1949
447th: 1947 – 1949
100th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 100th Fighter Wing on 8th Nov 1943 and activated in England on 24th Nov. Assigned to Ninth AF. It engaged in combat in the European theatre from Apr 1944 to May 1945, then moved to the US, Aug-Sep 1945, where it was inactivated on 7th Nov 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
48th: 1944
354th: 1943, 1944, 1945
358th: 1944
361st: 1944 – 1945
362nd: 1944, 1945
363rd: 1944
365th: 1944 – 1945
367th: 1944, 1945
368th: 1944 – 1945
371st: 1944, 1945
405th: 1945
406th: 1945
474th: 1944
301st Fighter Wing
Constituted as 301st Fighter Wing on 5th Oct 1944 and activated on 15th Oct. Moved to Le Shima May-Jul 1945. Assigned to the Twentieth AF. Engaged in combat during the last few days of the war. Reassigned to the Eighth AF in Aug 1945 and to Far East Air Forces in 1946. Inactivated on Okinawa on 20th Jan 1949.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
51st: 1946 – 1948
408th: 1944
413th: 1944 – 1946
414th: 1944 – 1945
506th: 1944 – 1945
507th: 1944 – 1945
303rd Fighter Wing
Constituted as 303rd Fighter Wing on 15th Nov 1943 and activated on 24th Nov. Moved to the European theatre, Feb-Mar 1944 and assigned to the Ninth AF. Served in combat from May 1944 until May 1945, operating with various groups that were assigned or attached for brief periods of time. Disbanded in Europe on 12th Aug 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
(Various fighter groups not available here).
304th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 304th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 7th Dec 1943 and activated in Italy on 29th Dec. Operated with Fifteenth AF in the Mediterranean and European theatres from Feb 1944 until May 1945. Moved to the US, Sep-Oct 1945. Inactivated on 13th Oct 1945. Re-designated 304th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) and allotted to the reserve. Activated on 19th Apr 1947. Re-designated 304th Air Division (Bombardment) in Apr 1948. Inactivated on 27th Jun 1949.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
448th: 1947 – 1949
452nd: 1947 – 1949
4544th: 1944 – 1945
455th: 1944 – 1945
456th: 1944 – 1945
459th: 1944 – 1945 ; 1947 – 1949
305th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 305th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 7th Dec 1943 and activated in Italy on 29th Dec. No combat components were assigned until 13th Jun 1945. Inactivated in Italy on 9th Sep 1945. Re-designated 305th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) and allotted to the reserve. Then activated in the US on 12th Jul 1947, and re-designated 305th Air Division (Bombardment) in Apr 1948. Finally inactivated on 27th June 1949.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
1st Fighter: 1945
14th Fighter: 1945
31st Fighter: 1945
52nd Fighter: 1945
82nd Fighter: 1945
325th Fighter: 1945
332nd Fighter: 1945
306th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 306th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 7th Dec 1943 and activated in Italy on 15th Jan 1944. Assigned to Fifteenth AF. Entered combat in Mar as a fighter organisation. Re-designated 306th Fighter Wing in May 1944. Operated in the Mediterranean and European theatres until the end of the war. Moved to the US, Jul-Aug 1945. Inactivated on 7th Nov 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
1st: 1944
14th: 1944
31st: 1944 – 1945
52nd: 1944 – 1945
82nd: 1944
325th: 1944 – 1945
332nd: 1944 – 1945
307th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 307th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 7th Dec 1943. Activated in Italy on 15th Jan 1944, but no combat elements were assigned. Disbanded in Italy on 15th Jun 1944. Reconstituted and re-designated 307th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy), it was allotted to the reserve, on 10th Feb 1947. Activated in the US on 31st Mar 1947. Re-designated 307th Air Division (Bombardment) in Apr 1948. Inactivated on 27th Jun 1949.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
482nd: 1947 – 1949
308th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 308th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 20th Jan 1944 and activated in New Guinea on 1st Feb 1944. It served in combat with the Fifth AF from Feb 1944 to Aug 1945, operating with various groups that were attached for brief periods. Moved to Korea late in 1945 and, as a component of Far East Air Forces, became part of the occupation force.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
1944 – various groups as necessary
475th Fighter: 1945 – 1947
309th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 309th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) on 20th Jan 1944 and activated in New Guinea on 1st Feb 1944. It was assigned to the Fifth AF and served in combat until the end of the war, operating with various groups that were attached for short periods of time. Inactivated in Japan on 25th Mar 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
3rd Air Commando: 1946
446th Bombardment : 1947 – 1949
455th Bombardment : 1947 – 1949
310th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 310th Bombardment Wing (Medium) on 20th Jan 1944. Activated in New Guinea on 1st Feb 1944 and assigned to the Fifth AF. Engaged in combat from Feb 1944 until the end of the war, operating with various groups that were attached for short periods. Inactivated in Japan on 25th Mar 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
(Various groups on a short-term basis).
311th Reconnaissance Wing
Constituted as 311th Photographic Wing (Mapping and Charting) on 31st Jan 1944. Activated on 1st Feb 1944. Assigned directly to AAF. Re-designated 311th Reconnaissance Wing in Jul 1945. Operated in the US and sent detachments to various areas of the world to perform mapping and charting duties. Assigned to Continental Air Forces in Dec 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
1st, 11th, 55th 91st, and various wings all 1944 onward.
312th Fighter Wing
Constituted as 312th Fighter Wing on 7th Mar 1944 and activated in China on 13th March. Assigned to the Fourteenth AF. Served in combat in China from Jul 1944 until Aug 1945. Moved to the US, Oct-Nov 1945 and inactivated on 5th Nov 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
33rd: 1944
81st: 1944 – 1945
311th: 1944 – 1945
313th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 313th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) on 15th Apr 1944 and activated on 23rd Apr. Moved to the Marianas late in 1944. Assigned to the Twentieth AF, it engaged in very heavy bombardment operations from Jan to Aug 1945. Then moved to the Philippine Islands and assigned to the Far East Air Forces in Mar 1946. Inactivated in the Philippines on 15th Jun 1948.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
5th: 1946 – 1948
6th: 1944 – 1948
9th: 1944 – 1948
504th: 1944 – 1946
505th: 1944 – 1946
314th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 314th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) on 15th Apr 1944 and activated on 23rd Apr. Moved to Guam Dec 1944 – Feb 1945. Assigned to the Twentieth AF. It engaged in very heavy bombardment operations from Feb to Aug 1945. Re-designated 314th Composite Wing in Jan 1946 and assigned to Far East Air Forces. It moved to Japan in Jun 1946, and was inactivated on 20th Aug 1948.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
3rd Bombardment: 1946 – 1948
29th Bombardment: 1944 – 1946
35th Fighter: 1946 – 1948
39th Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
49th Fighter: 1946 – 1948
330th Bombardment: 1944 – 1945
315th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 315th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) on 7th Jul 1944 and activated on 17th Jul. Moved to Guam, Mar-Apr 1945 and assigned to the Twentieth AF. It engaged in very heavy bombardment operations from Jun to Aug 1945. Re-designated 315th Composite Wing in Jan 1946 and assigned to the Far East Air Forces. Moved to Japan in May 1946 and was inactivated on 20th Aug 1948.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
8th Fighter: 1946 – 1947
16th Bombardment: 1944 – 1946
38th Bombardment: 1946 – 1948
331st Bombardment: 1944 – 1946
501st Bombardment: 1944 – 1946
502nd Bombardment: 1944 – 1946
316th Bombardment Wing
Constituted as 316th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) on 4th Aug 1944 and activated on 14th Aug. Moved to Okinawa, Jul-Sep 1945. Assigned to the Eighth AF and later (1946) to the Far East Air Forces. Re-designated 316th Composite Wing in Jan 1946, and 316th Bombardment Wing (Very Heavy) in May 1946. Inactivated on Okinawa on 21st Jun 1948.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
22nd: 1946 – 1948
333rd: 1944 – 1946
346th: 1944 – 1946
382nd: 1944 – 1945
383rd: 1944 – 1945
322nd Troop Carrier Wing
Constituted as 322nd Troop Carrier Wing on 4th Dec 1944 and activated by Far East Air Forces on 30th Dec. Operated in the southwestern and western Pacific areas until the end of the war. Inactivated in the Philippines on 15th Feb 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
374th: 1945 – 1946
440th: 1947 – 1949
323rd Combat Crew Training Wing
Constituted as Boston Air Defence Wing on 6th Aug 1942 and activated on 11th Aug. Re-designated Boston Fighter Wing in Jul 1943. Defended the New England area; also trained fighter organisations and personnel. Apparently was not manned from Jul 1944 until Feb 1945. Re-designated 323rd Combat Crew Training Wing. Trained very heavy bombardment personnel from Mar until Aug 1945. Apparently had no personnel assigned after Aug. Inactivated on 8th Apr 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
58th Fighter: 1943
79th Fighter: 1942
325th Fighter: 1942 – 1943
359th Fighter: 1943
434th Troop Carrier: 1947 – 1949
436th Troop Carrier: 1947 – 1948
(Other groups assigned for short periods for operations or training, 1942-1949)
325th Reconnaissance Wing
Constituted as 325th Photographic Wing (Reconnaissance) on 17th Jul 1944. Activated in England on 9th Aug 1944 and assigned to the Eighth AF. Served in the European theatre until after V-E Day. Re-designated 325th Reconnaissance Wing in Jun 1945. Inactivated in England on 20th Oct 1945.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
7th Reconnaissance: 1944 – 1945
25th Bombardment (Reconnaissance): 1944 – 1945
68th Reconnaissance:1947 – 1949
70th Reconnaissance: 1947 – 1949
72nd Reconnaissance: 1947 – 1949
Los Angeles Fighter Wing
Constituted as Los Angeles Air Defence Wing on 6th Aug 1942 and activated on 20th Aug. Assigned to the Fourth AF. Re-designated Los Angeles Fighter Wing in Jul 1943. It provided air defence for the Los Angeles area and also trained fighter groups and personnel. Finally disbanded on 7th Jun 1944.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
20th: 1943
329th: 1943 – 1944
360th: 1943 – 1944
364th: 1943 – 1944
422nd: 1943 – 1944
473rd: 1943 – 1944
474th: 1943 – 1944
479th: 1943 – 1944
New York Fighter Wing
Constituted as New York Air Defence Wing on 6th Aug 1942 and activated on 11th Aug. Assigned to the First AF. Re-designated New York Fighter Wing in Jul 1943. Served in defence of the New York area and also trained fighter groups and personnel. Evidently not manned after Jul 1944. Inactivated on 3rd Apr 1946 and disbanded on 8th Oct 1948.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
56th: 1942
58th: 1943
80th: 1942 – 1943
326th: 1942 – 1943
348th: 1942 – 1943
352nd: 1942 – 1943
356th: 1943
359th: 1943
362nd: 1943
368th: 1943
370th: 1943
373rd: 1943
402nd: 1943
Norfolk Fighter Wing
Constituted as Norfolk Air Defence Wing on 6th Aug 1942 and activated on 11th Aug and assigned to the First AF. Re-designated Norfolk Fighter Wing in July 1943 it served in the defence of the Norfolk area. Not manned after Jul 1944. Inactivated on 3rd Apr 1946 and disbanded on 8th Oct 1948.
Operational Groups serving the Wing:
(Operated with attached AAF organisations and cooperating naval aircraft.)
Orlando Fighter Wing
Constituted as Air Defence Department, AAF School of Applied Tactics on 27th Nov 1942. Activated on 3rd Dec 1942. Helped to develop air defence tactics and trained organisations and personnel in the techniques of air defence. Also served in defence of the Orlando area, using such tactical organisations as were assigned or attached. Re-designated Orlando Fighter Wing in Oct 1943. Continued to provide defence for the Orlando area but engaged primarily in training fighter and light bombardment organisations and personnel. Disbanded on 1st Apr 1944.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
Operated with various units as required.
Philadelphia Fighter Wing
Constituted as Philadelphia Air Defence Wing on 6th Aug 1942 and activated on 11th Aug. Assigned to the First AF. Re-designated Philadelphia Fighter Wing in Jul 1943. Served in defence of the Philadelphia area and also trained fighter groups and personnel. Not manned after 31st July 1944. Inactivated on 3rd Apr 1946 and disbanded on 8th Oct 1946.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
33rd: 1942
58th: 1943
83rd: 1948 – 1943
353rd: 1942 – 1943
355th: 1943
87th: 1943
324th: 1942
327th: 1943
358th: 1943
361st: 1943
365th: 1943
366th: 1943
371st: 1943
San Diego Fighter Wing
Constituted as San Diego Air Defence Wing on 6th Aug 1942 and activated on 20th Aug. Assigned to the Fourth AF. Re-designated San Diego Fighter Wing in Jul 1943, it served in the defence of the San Diego area. Disbanded on 7th Jun 1944.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
Operated with an attached AAF squadron and cooperating naval aircraft.
San Francisco Fighter Wing
Constituted as San Francisco Air Defence Wing on 6th Aug 1942 and activated on 20th Aug. Assigned to the Fourth AF Re-designated San Francisco Fighter Wing in Jul 1943, it served in defence of the San Francisco area. It also trained fighter naval aircraft, groups and personnel. Finally disbanded on 7th Jun 1944.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
328th: 1943 – 1944
354th: 1943
357th: 1943
363rd: 1943
367th: 1943 – 1944
89th: 1943 – 1944
372nd: 1943
478th: 1944-1944
Seattle Fighter Wing
Constituted as Seattle Air Defence Wing on 6th Aug 1942 and activated on 20th Aug. Assigned to the Fourth AF. Re-designated Seattle Fighter Wing in Jul 1943, it provided air defence for the northwest. It also trained fighter groups and personnel. Disbanded on 7th Jun 1944.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
55th: 1943
372nd: 1943 – 1944
478th: 1944
Trinidad Wing, Antilles Air Command
Constituted as VI Interceptor Command on 17th Oct 1941 and activated in Puerto Rico on 25th Oct. Re-designated VI Fighter Command in May 1942, and Trinidad Wing, Antilles Air Command in Oct 1943. Disbanded in Trinidad on 15th Mar 1944.
Operational Groups serving the Wing.
Unknown.
Source:
‘Air Force Combat Units of World War II’, Office of Air Force History, Washington D.C. (1961) Ed. Maurer Maurer
Aviation Trails 
Wow that is quite extensive. Excellent work
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Thank you. It certainly took some time.
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