36th Intelligence Squadron

History

The squadron was first activated in the summer of 1942 as the 28th Observation Squadron, one of the squadrons of the 73d Observation Group at Godman Field, Kentucky, where it was equipped with the Bell P-39 Airacobra. The squadron engaged in training activities including the Tennessee maneuvers of 1943.

During World War II, the squadron operated primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater, providing aerial reconnaissance and intelligence information over a wide area of the theater in numerous campaigns. In 1945, it performed reconnaissance missions over Formosa as well as the Philippines. The squadron earned the Philippine Presidential Unit Citation for its combat operations during the Liberation of the Philippines in 1944–1945. Following the Japanese surrender the squadron moved to Japan, briefly serving as part of the occupation forces, but returned to the Philippines at the end of 1945 and was inactivated in 1946.

The squadron was reactivated as an intelligence unit supporting Tactical Air Command (TAC) in 1990. When Air Combat Command replaced TAC in 1992, the 36th was transferred along with its parent group. In February 2008, it was reassigned to the Air Combat Command Targeting and Intelligence Group. Although much of its history remains classified, it has won numerous awards for its performance.

Lineage

Constituted as the 28th Observation Squadron on 1 July 1942

Activated on 17 July 1942Redesignated: 28th Reconnaissance Squadron (Fighter) on 2 April 1943Redesignated: 28th Tactical Reconnaissance Squadron on 11 August 1943Redesignated: 36th Photographic Mapping Squadron on 9 October 1943Redesignated: 36th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron on 29 March 1944Inactivated on 20 February 1946

Redesignated 36th Tactical Intelligence Squadron and activated on 1 September 1990

Redesignated 36th Air Intelligence Squadron on 1 November 1991Redesignated 36th Intelligence Squadron on 1 October 1993

Awards and Campaigns

Manual campaign table