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{{short description|1941-1946 United States Army Air Forces operational command}}
{{short description|1941-1946 United States Army Air Forces operational command}}
{{Infobox military unit
{{Infobox military unit
|unit_name = I Fighter Command
|unit_name= I Fighter Command
|image=Curtiss P-40 061019-F-1234P-030.jpg
|image=Curtiss P-40 061019-F-1234P-030.jpg
|image_size=300px
|image_size=300px
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|current_commander=
|current_commander=
|notable commanders=
|notable commanders=
|garrison =
|garrison=
|nickname =
|nickname=
|motto =
|motto=
|colors =
|colors=
|march =
|march=
|mascot =
|mascot=
|battles=[[World War II]]
|battles=[[American Theater of World War II]]
|notable_commanders=[[John K. Cannon]]<br/>[[Elwood R. Quesada]]
|notable_commanders=[[John K. Cannon]]<br/>[[Elwood R. Quesada]]
|anniversaries =
|anniversaries=
|decorations =
|decorations=
|battle_honours =
|battle_honours=
<!-- Insignia -->
<!-- Insignia -->
|identification_symbol=[[File:Emblem of I Fighter Command - World War II.png|165px]]
|identification_symbol=[[File:Emblem of I Fighter Command - World War II.png|165px]]
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}}
}}


'''I Fighter Command''' was a [[United States Army Air Forces]] intermediate command responsible for command and control of the fighter operations within the [[First Air Force]] during [[World War II]].
'''I Fighter Command''' was a [[United States Army Air Forces]] intermediate command responsible for command and control of the fighter operations within the [[First Air Force]] during [[World War II]]. It was initially established in June 1941 as the '''1st Interceptor Command''' to provide [[air defense]] of the Northeastern United States. Following the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], the command's area of responsibility extended over the entire Atlantic coast and into Canada. As the perceived threat of attack decreased, the command's responsibnility for training units and [[aircrew]]s became its primary mission. The command continued its mission until March 1946, when it was inactivated.

The command was responsible for air defense of the northeastern United States until mid-1944, as well as training fighter units and personnel.


==History==
==History==
Line 43: Line 41:


===Air Defense===
===Air Defense===
Shortly after the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], the command moved its [[headquarters]] to [[New York City]]. Here, as the importance of the North Atlantic supply line grew, it assumed responsibility for planning the air defense of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. It selected [[radar]] sites in cooperation with Canadian authorities and worked to standardize aircraft warning procedures there.<ref>Cate & Williams, p. 156</ref> In June 1942, the command returned to Mitchel and would remain there until inactivated.{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438}} The command had already dispatched the [[33d Pursuit Squadron]] to provide air defense in Iceland in July.<ref>Cate & Williams, p. 158</ref>
Shortly after the [[attack on Pearl Harbor]], the command moved its [[headquarters]] to [[New York City]]. Here, as the importance of the North Atlantic supply line grew, it assumed responsibility for planning the air defense of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. It selected [[radar]] sites in cooperation with Canadian authorities and worked to standardize aircraft warning procedures there.<ref>Cate & Williams, p. 156</ref> In June 1942, the command returned to Mitchel and would remain there until inactivated.{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438}} The command dispatched the [[33d Pursuit Squadron]] to provide air defense in Iceland in July.<ref>Cate & Williams, p. 158</ref>


The command was charged with control of "active agents" for air defense in its area of responsibility, which included [[interceptor aircraft]], [[antiaircraft artillery]] and [[barrage balloons]]. Civilian organizations provided air raid warnings and enforced [[Blackout (wartime)|blackout]]s and came under the authority of the [[Office of Civilian Defense]]. [[Radar]] was initially not sufficiently developed to be included in air defense systems, There were only eight radars under construction to guard the Atlantic coast, but the command worked "feverishly" to create a [[Ground Observer Corps#World War II organization|ground observer corps]] and coastal radar net as elements of its Aircraft Warning Service.<ref>Goss, p. 290</ref> However, it soon became apparent that having two commands responsible for air defense in the [[Eastern Theater of Operations]] was impactable, and in early 1942, the command took over responsibility for air defense of the East and part of the Gulf coast.<ref>Goss, pp. 294-295</ref><ref group=note>The area included Florida to as far west as the [[Apalachicola River]]. [[Southern Defense Command]] and [[3d Interceptor Command]] retained responsibility for the remainder of the Gulf coast.</ref><ref>''See'' map, Goss, p. 297.</ref>
The command was charged with control of "active agents" for air defense in its area of responsibility, which included [[interceptor aircraft]], [[antiaircraft artillery]] and [[barrage balloons]]. Civilian organizations provided air raid warnings and enforced [[Blackout (wartime)|blackout]]s and came under the authority of the [[Office of Civilian Defense]]. [[Radar]] was initially not sufficiently developed to be included in air defense systems, There were only eight radars under construction to guard the Atlantic coast, but the command worked "feverishly" to create a [[Ground Observer Corps#World War II organization|ground observer corps]] and coastal radar net as elements of its Aircraft Warning Service.<ref>Goss, p. 290</ref> However, it soon became apparent that having two commands responsible for air defense in the [[Eastern Theater of Operations]] was impractical, and in early 1942, the command took over responsibility for air defense of the East and part of the Gulf coast.<ref>Goss, pp. 294-295</ref><ref group=note>The area included Florida to as far west as the [[Apalachicola River]]. [[Southern Defense Command]] and [[3d Interceptor Command]] retained responsibility for the remainder of the Gulf coast.</ref><ref>''See'' map, Goss, p. 297.</ref>


Along the Atlantic coast, Eastern Defense Command established a "vital air defense zone", extending from the coast approximately {{convert|150|mi|km}} inland and {{convert|200|mi|km}} to sea, with long range bombers from [[1st Bomber Command]] flying patrols over the ocean. However, 1st Bomber Command soon focused on antisubmarine warfare.<ref>Goss, p. 296, map, p. 297</ref> Regional air defense wings were established in August 1942 at [[Boston Fighter Wing|Boston]], [[New York Fighter Wing|New York]], [[Philadelphia Fighter Wing|Philadelphia]], and [[Norfolk Fighter Wing|Norfolk]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10143 |title=Factsheet 323 Air Division |publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030120205/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10143 |date=10 May 2007|archive-date=30 October 2012 |access-date=22 March 2014}}</ref>{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438 (years only)}}<ref>Goss, p. 296</ref>
Along the Atlantic coast, Eastern Defense Command established a "vital air defense zone", extending from the coast approximately {{convert|150|mi|km}} inland and {{convert|200|mi|km}} to sea, with long range bombers from [[1st Bomber Command]] flying patrols over the ocean. However, 1st Bomber Command soon focused on antisubmarine warfare.<ref>Goss, p. 296, map, p. 297</ref> Regional air defense wings were established in August 1942 at [[Boston Fighter Wing|Boston]], [[New York Fighter Wing|New York]], [[Philadelphia Fighter Wing|Philadelphia]], and [[Norfolk Fighter Wing|Norfolk]].<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10143 |title=Factsheet 323 Air Division |publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030120205/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10143 |date=10 May 2007|archive-date=30 October 2012 |access-date=22 March 2014}}</ref>{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438 (years only)}}<ref>Goss, p. 296</ref>
===Unit and crew training===
===Unit and crew training===
In 1942, Air Force Combat Command had established an [[Operational - Replacement Training Units#Operational Training Units|Operational Training Unit]] (OTU) system for [[Second Air Force|2nd]] and [[3d Air Force]]s. The system was later extended to 1st Air Force. Although it was originally intended to confine the OTU system to 2d and 3rd Air Forces, too much of the AAF's aircrew and aircraft were assigned to 1st Air Force to permit the command to forego training responsibilities entirely. In May 1942, all pursuit groups assumed [[Operational - Replacement Training Units#Operational Training Units|Operational Training Unit]] (OTU) responsibility.<ref>White, p. 13</ref> The command also trained fighter units and personnel.{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438}}
In 1942, Air Force Combat Command had established an [[Operational - Replacement Training Units#Operational Training Units|Operational Training Unit]] (OTU) system for [[Second Air Force|2nd]] and [[3d Air Force]]s. The system was later extended to 1st Air Force. Although it was originally intended to confine the OTU system to 2d and 3rd Air Forces, too much of the AAF's aircrew and aircraft were assigned to 1st Air Force to permit the command to forego training responsibilities entirely. In May 1942, all pursuit groups assumed [[Operational - Replacement Training Units#Operational Training Units|Operational Training Unit]] (OTU) responsibility.<ref>White, p. 13</ref> The command also trained fighter units and personnel.{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438}} By the end of 1942, the command's training consisted almost entirely of [[Operational - Replacement Training Units#Operational Training Units|Operational Training Unit]]s (OTU).<ref>White, p. 37</ref>

By the end of 1942, the command's training consisted almost entirely of [[Operational - Replacement Training Units#Operational Training Units|Operational Training Unit]]s (OTU).<ref>White, p. 37</ref>


After the end of the war it was inactivated on 21 March 1946.{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438}} After September 1947, all former Air Corps units were transferred to the [[United States Air Force]], which disbanded the command in October 1948.{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438}}
After the end of the war it was inactivated on 21 March 1946.{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438}} After September 1947, all former Air Corps units were transferred to the [[United States Air Force]], which disbanded the command in October 1948.{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438}}
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* Mitchel Field, New York, 5 June 1941
* Mitchel Field, New York, 5 June 1941
* New York City, New York, 27 December 1941
* New York City, New York, 27 December 1941
* Mitchel Field, New York, 9 June 1942 – 21 March 1946.{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438}}
* Mitchel Field, New York, 9 June 1942 – 21 March 1946{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438}}


===Components===
===Components===
'''Wings'''
; Wings
* [[3rd Air Defense Wing]], 12 December 1942 – c. 7 February 1943<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10113 |title=Factsheet 64 Air Division (Defense) |date=5 October 2007|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121014002920/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10113 |archive-date=14 October 2012 |access-date=2 April 2014}}</ref>
* [[3rd Air Defense Wing]], 12 December 1942 – c. 7 February 1943<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10113 |title=Factsheet 64 Air Division (Defense) |date=5 October 2007|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency |archive-url= https://web.archive.org/web/20121014002920/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10113 |archive-date=14 October 2012 |access-date=2 April 2014}}</ref>
* 6th Pursuit Wing, 5 June 1941 – 7 December 1941<ref name=6ADfacts/>
* 6th Pursuit Wing, 5 June 1941 – 7 December 1941<ref name=6ADfacts/>
* 7th Pursuit Wing, 5 June 1941 – 31 August 1941<ref name=47ADfacts/>
* 7th Pursuit Wing, 5 June 1941 – 31 August 1941<ref name=47ADfacts/>
* [[301st Fighter Wing]]: attached 15 October 1944 – 21 May 1945<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432673/301-fighter-wing-afrc/ |last=Kane|first=Robert B.|title=Factsheet 301 Fighter Wing (AFRC) |date=September 23, 2010|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency |access-date=January 13, 2022}}</ref>
* [[301st Fighter Wing]]: attached 15 October 1944 – 21 May 1945<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/432673/301-fighter-wing-afrc/ |last=Kane|first=Robert B.|title=Factsheet 301 Fighter Wing (AFRC) |date=September 23, 2010|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency |access-date=January 13, 2022}}</ref>
* Boston Air Defense Wing (later Boston Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 13 February 1945<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10143 |title=Factsheet 323 Air Division |publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030120205/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10143 |date=10 May 2007|archive-date=30 October 2012 |access-date=22 March 2014}}</ref>
* Boston Air Defense Wing (later Boston Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 13 February 1945 (not manned after July 1944)<ref>{{cite web |url=http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10143 |title=Factsheet 323 Air Division |publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency| archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20121030120205/http://www.afhra.af.mil/factsheets/factsheet.asp?id=10143 |date=10 May 2007|archive-date=30 October 2012 |access-date=22 March 2014}}</ref>
* New York Air Defense Wing (later New York Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946{{sfn|Maurer|1983|p=427 (dates assigned to First Air Force))}}{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438 (years only)}}
* New York Air Defense Wing (later New York Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946 (not manned after July 1944){{sfn|Maurer|1983|p=427 (dates assigned to First Air Force))}}{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438 (years only)}}
* Norfolk Air Defense Wing (later Norfolk Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946{{sfn|Maurer|1983|p=427 (dates assigned to First Air Force))}}{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438 (years only)}}
* Norfolk Air Defense Wing (later Norfolk Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946 (not manned after July 1944){{sfn|Maurer|1983|p=427 (dates assigned to First Air Force))}}{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438 (years only)}}
* Philadelphia Air Defense Wing (later Philadelphia Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946{{sfn|Maurer|1983|p=428 (dates assigned to First Air Force))}}{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438 (years only)}}
* Philadelphia Air Defense Wing (later Philadelphia Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946 (not manned after July 1944){{sfn|Maurer|1983|p=428 (dates assigned to First Air Force))}}{{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438 (years only)}}


'''Groups'''
; Groups
{{div col|colwidth=40em}}
{{div col|colwidth=40em}}
* [[8th Pursuit Group]]: 31 August 1941 – 6 March 1942<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/434134/8-operations-group-pacaf/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 8 Operations Group (PACAF)|date=June 27, 2017|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=December 27, 2021}}</ref>
* [[8th Pursuit Group]]: 31 August 1941 – 6 March 1942<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/434134/8-operations-group-pacaf/ |last1=Robertson|first1=Patsy|title=Factsheet 8 Operations Group (PACAF)|date=June 27, 2017|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=December 27, 2021}}</ref>
Line 99: Line 95:
{{div col end}}
{{div col end}}


'''Squadrons'''
; Squadrons
* [[305th Fighter Control Squadron]]: 1 April – 19 December 1943<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/862202/623-air-control-flight-pacaf/ |last1=Haulman|first1=Daniel|title=Factsheet 623 Air Control Squadron (PACAF)|date=November 2, 2016|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=December 27, 2021}}</ref>
* [[305th Fighter Control Squadron]]: 1 April – 19 December 1943<ref>{{cite web |url= https://www.afhra.af.mil/About-Us/Fact-Sheets/Display/Article/862202/623-air-control-flight-pacaf/ |last1=Haulman|first1=Daniel|title=Factsheet 623 Air Control Squadron (PACAF)|date=November 2, 2016|publisher=Air Force Historical Research Agency|access-date=December 27, 2021}}</ref>
* [[403d Fighter Squadron]]: 7 August – 15 December 1943<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 493</ref>
* [[403d Fighter Squadron]]: 7 August – 15 December 1943<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 493</ref>
* [[453d Fighter Squadron]]: 20 November – 1 December 1943<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 559</ref>
* [[453d Fighter Squadron]]: 20 November – 1 December 1943<ref>Maurer, ''Combat Squadrons'', p. 559</ref>

; Aircraft warning units
* Signal Aircraft Warning Service, 1 Interceptor Command (later Signal Aircraft Warning Service, I Fighter Command: c. 30 November 1941 – c. 1 May 1944
* 502nd Signal Regiment (Aircraft Warning): c. 15 December 1941 – January 1942

; Base units
{{div col|colwidth=40em}}
* 102nd AAF Base Unit (Headquarters, I Fighter Command): c 10 April 1944 – 21 March 1946
* 103rd AAF Base Unit (Boston Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
* 104th AAF Base Unit (New York Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
* 105th AAF Base Unit (Philadelphia Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
* 106th AAF Base Unit (Norfolk Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
* 160th AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 15 November 1945
* 161st AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 1 September 1945
* 162nd AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
* 163rd AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 30 April 1944
* 164th AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 1 September 1945
* 165th AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 23 October 1944
{{div col end}}

===Campaign===
{| class="wikitable"
|- style="background:#efefef;"
! Campaign Streamer
! Campaign
! Dates
! Notes
|-
|[[Image:Streamer AC.PNG|200px]] ||American Theater without inscription||7 December 1941 – 2 March 1946||1st Interceptor Command (later I Fighter Command){{sfn|Maurer|1983|pp=437–438}}
|}



==References==
==References==

Revision as of 20:44, 16 February 2022

I Fighter Command
P-40 Warhawk of the command's 31st Pursuit Group
Active1941–1946
Country United States
Branch United States Army
 United States Air Force
RoleAir defense and training of fighter units
EngagementsAmerican Theater of World War II
Commanders
Notable
commanders		John K. Cannon
Elwood R. Quesada
Insignia
I Fighter Command emblem[note 1][1]

I Fighter Command was a United States Army Air Forces intermediate command responsible for command and control of the fighter operations within the First Air Force during World War II. It was initially established in June 1941 as the 1st Interceptor Command to provide air defense of the Northeastern United States. Following the attack on Pearl Harbor, the command's area of responsibility extended over the entire Atlantic coast and into Canada. As the perceived threat of attack decreased, the command's responsibnility for training units and aircrews became its primary mission. The command continued its mission until March 1946, when it was inactivated.

History

Background

GHQ Air Force (GHQ,AF) had been established with two major combat functions, to maintain a striking force against long range targets, and the air defense of the United States.[2] In the spring of 1941, the War Department established four strategic defense areas and GHQ, AF reorganized its Northeast Air District as 1st Air Force with responsibility for air defense planning and organization along the eastern seaboard.[3] 1st Air Force activated 1st Interceptor Command at Mitchel Field on 5 June 1941, under the command of Brigadier General John C. McDonnell. The command's initial tactical components were the 6th and 7th Pursuit Wings[4][5][1]

Air Defense

Shortly after the attack on Pearl Harbor, the command moved its headquarters to New York City. Here, as the importance of the North Atlantic supply line grew, it assumed responsibility for planning the air defense of Newfoundland and Nova Scotia. It selected radar sites in cooperation with Canadian authorities and worked to standardize aircraft warning procedures there.[6] In June 1942, the command returned to Mitchel and would remain there until inactivated.[1] The command dispatched the 33d Pursuit Squadron to provide air defense in Iceland in July.[7]

The command was charged with control of "active agents" for air defense in its area of responsibility, which included interceptor aircraft, antiaircraft artillery and barrage balloons. Civilian organizations provided air raid warnings and enforced blackouts and came under the authority of the Office of Civilian Defense. Radar was initially not sufficiently developed to be included in air defense systems, There were only eight radars under construction to guard the Atlantic coast, but the command worked "feverishly" to create a ground observer corps and coastal radar net as elements of its Aircraft Warning Service.[8] However, it soon became apparent that having two commands responsible for air defense in the Eastern Theater of Operations was impractical, and in early 1942, the command took over responsibility for air defense of the East and part of the Gulf coast.[9][note 2][10]

Along the Atlantic coast, Eastern Defense Command established a "vital air defense zone", extending from the coast approximately 150 miles (240 km) inland and 200 miles (320 km) to sea, with long range bombers from 1st Bomber Command flying patrols over the ocean. However, 1st Bomber Command soon focused on antisubmarine warfare.[11] Regional air defense wings were established in August 1942 at Boston, New York, Philadelphia, and Norfolk.[12][13][14]

Unit and crew training

In 1942, Air Force Combat Command had established an Operational Training Unit (OTU) system for 2nd and 3d Air Forces. The system was later extended to 1st Air Force. Although it was originally intended to confine the OTU system to 2d and 3rd Air Forces, too much of the AAF's aircrew and aircraft were assigned to 1st Air Force to permit the command to forego training responsibilities entirely. In May 1942, all pursuit groups assumed Operational Training Unit (OTU) responsibility.[15] The command also trained fighter units and personnel.[1] By the end of 1942, the command's training consisted almost entirely of Operational Training Units (OTU).[16]

After the end of the war it was inactivated on 21 March 1946.[1] After September 1947, all former Air Corps units were transferred to the United States Air Force, which disbanded the command in October 1948.[1]

Lineage

  • Constituted as the 1st Interceptor Command on 26 May 1941[note 3]
Activated on 5 June 1941
Redesignated 1st Fighter Command 15 May 1942
Redesignated I Fighter Command c. 18 September 1942
Inactivated on 21 March 1946
Disbanded on 8 October 1948[1]

Assignments

Stations

  • Mitchel Field, New York, 5 June 1941
  • New York City, New York, 27 December 1941
  • Mitchel Field, New York, 9 June 1942 – 21 March 1946[1]

Components

Wings
  • 3rd Air Defense Wing, 12 December 1942 – c. 7 February 1943[18]
  • 6th Pursuit Wing, 5 June 1941 – 7 December 1941[4]
  • 7th Pursuit Wing, 5 June 1941 – 31 August 1941[5]
  • 301st Fighter Wing: attached 15 October 1944 – 21 May 1945[19]
  • Boston Air Defense Wing (later Boston Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 13 February 1945 (not manned after July 1944)[20]
  • New York Air Defense Wing (later New York Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946 (not manned after July 1944)[21][13]
  • Norfolk Air Defense Wing (later Norfolk Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946 (not manned after July 1944)[21][13]
  • Philadelphia Air Defense Wing (later Philadelphia Fighter Wing): 11 August 1942 – 3 April 1946 (not manned after July 1944)[22][13]
Groups
Squadrons
Aircraft warning units
  • Signal Aircraft Warning Service, 1 Interceptor Command (later Signal Aircraft Warning Service, I Fighter Command: c. 30 November 1941 – c. 1 May 1944
  • 502nd Signal Regiment (Aircraft Warning): c. 15 December 1941 – January 1942
Base units
  • 102nd AAF Base Unit (Headquarters, I Fighter Command): c 10 April 1944 – 21 March 1946
  • 103rd AAF Base Unit (Boston Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
  • 104th AAF Base Unit (New York Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
  • 105th AAF Base Unit (Philadelphia Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
  • 106th AAF Base Unit (Norfolk Fighter Wing): c 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
  • 160th AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 15 November 1945
  • 161st AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 1 September 1945
  • 162nd AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 31 July 1944
  • 163rd AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 30 April 1944
  • 164th AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 1 September 1945
  • 165th AAF Base Unit (Fighter Control) 10 April 1944 – c. 23 October 1944

Campaign

Campaign Streamer Campaign Dates Notes
American Theater without inscription 7 December 1941 – 2 March 1946 1st Interceptor Command (later I Fighter Command)[1]


References

Notes

Explanatory notes

  1. ^ Approved 11 June 1943.
  2. ^ The area included Florida to as far west as the Apalachicola River. Southern Defense Command and 3d Interceptor Command retained responsibility for the remainder of the Gulf coast.
  3. ^ Maurer indicates unit was constituted as the "I" Interceptor Command. However, the unit was constituted and activated with an arabic number in its name. The use of roman numerals to designate Army Air Forces combat commands did not begin until September 1942. "Air Force Historical Research Agency Organizational Reconds: Types of USAF Organizations". Air Force History Index. 9 January 2008. Retrieved 19 September 2016.

Citations

  1. ^ a b c d e f g h i j Maurer 1983, pp. 437–438.
  2. ^ Cate & Williams, p. 152
  3. ^ Cate & Williams, p. 154
  4. ^ a b "Factsheet 6 Air Division". Air Force Historical Research Agency. 4 October 2007. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 5 March 2014.
  5. ^ a b "Factsheet 47 Air Division". Air Force Historical Research Agency. 5 October 2007. Archived from the original on 17 October 2012. Retrieved 4 April 2014.
  6. ^ Cate & Williams, p. 156
  7. ^ Cate & Williams, p. 158
  8. ^ Goss, p. 290
  9. ^ Goss, pp. 294-295
  10. ^ See map, Goss, p. 297.
  11. ^ Goss, p. 296, map, p. 297
  12. ^ "Factsheet 323 Air Division". Air Force Historical Research Agency. 10 May 2007. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  13. ^ a b c d Maurer 1983, pp. 437–438 (years only).
  14. ^ Goss, p. 296
  15. ^ White, p. 13
  16. ^ White, p. 37
  17. ^ Kane, Robert B. (11 June 2009). "Factsheet First Air Force (Air Forces Northern) (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 9 December 2021.
  18. ^ "Factsheet 64 Air Division (Defense)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. 5 October 2007. Archived from the original on 14 October 2012. Retrieved 2 April 2014.
  19. ^ Kane, Robert B. (23 September 2010). "Factsheet 301 Fighter Wing (AFRC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  20. ^ "Factsheet 323 Air Division". Air Force Historical Research Agency. 10 May 2007. Archived from the original on 30 October 2012. Retrieved 22 March 2014.
  21. ^ a b Maurer 1983, p. 427 (dates assigned to First Air Force)).
  22. ^ Maurer 1983, p. 428 (dates assigned to First Air Force)).
  23. ^ Robertson, Patsy (27 June 2017). "Factsheet 8 Operations Group (PACAF)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  24. ^ Robertson, Patsy (27 June 2017). "Factsheet 31 Operations Group (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  25. ^ Dollman, TSG David (18 October 2016). "Factsheet 33 Operations Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 29 December 2021.
  26. ^ Robertson, Patsy (7 May 2013). "Factsheet 52 Operations Group (USAFE)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  27. ^ Dollman, TSG David (27 July 2017). "Factsheet 56 Operations Group (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  28. ^ Robertson, Patsy (29 July 2009). "Factsheet 57 Operations Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 1 January 2022.
  29. ^ Dollman, TSG David (8 February 2018). "Factsheet 58 Operations Group (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 6 January 2022.
  30. ^ Stevens, Maj Sonia (11 July 2017). "Factsheet 53 Test and Evaluation Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 7 January 2022.
  31. ^ Haulman, Daniel L. (22 July 2019). "Factsheet 80 Flying Training Wing (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 10 January 2022.
  32. ^ Bailey, Carl E. (1 July 2017). "Factsheet 325 Operations Group (AETC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 11 January 2022.
  33. ^ Musser, James M. (30 March 2021). "Factsheet 355 Wing (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  34. ^ Dollman, TSG David. (18 October 2016). "Factsheet 366 Operations Group (ACC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 13 January 2022.
  35. ^ Haulman, Daniel (2 November 2016). "Factsheet 623 Air Control Squadron (PACAF)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 27 December 2021.
  36. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 493
  37. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, p. 559

Bibliography

Public Domain This article incorporates public domain material from the Air Force Historical Research Agency

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