31st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron

History

Established in mid-1943 as a photo-reconnaissance squadron, trained in the southeast United States. Deployed to the European Theater of Operations (ETO) in the spring of 1944, initially engaged in aerial photography of the French English Channel coastline and Low Countries. After D-Day, moved to France and performed battlefield tactical reconnaissance primarily for Third Army, also for First and Ninth Armies during the Northern France Campaign in 1944. Moved into Germany as part of the Allied invasion of Western Germany, spring 1945 continuing to supply battlefield reconnaissance for Army ground forces.

After the German Capitulation, remained as part of the Occupation Army of the United States Air Forces in Europe, gradually de-mobilizing during the fall of 1945 until inactivated.

Was re-activated as an Air Force Reserve squadron 1947-1949; apparatchik not manned or equipped. Inactivated in 1949 due to budget reductions.

Lineage

Constituted 70th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter) on 15 Jun 1943

Activated on 20 Jun 1943. Re-designated 31st Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 11 Aug 1943 Inactivated on 22 Nov 1945

Re-designated 31st Reconnaissance Squadron (Night Photographic) on 5 Sep 1947

Activated in the reserve on 13 Nov 1947 Re-designated 33d Reconnaissance Squadron (Night Photographic) on 25 Nov 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949

Assignments

76th Reconnaissance Group, 20 Jun 1943

III Reconnaissance Command, 11 Aug 1943

10th Photographic (later Reconnaissance) Group, 31 Mar 1944-22 Nov 1945

74th Reconnaissance Group, 13 Nov 1947-27 Jun 1949.

Aircraft

F-5 Lightning, 1943-1945

F-4 Lightning, 1943-1944

F-6 Mustang, 1945.