410th Bombardment Squadron

History

Activated initially as a B-17 Flying Fortress reconnaissance squadron, later redesignated as a heavy bomb squadron; trained under Second Air Force. Completed training in early 1943; deploying to European Theater of Operations (ETO) assigned to VIII Bomber Command in England. Engaged in long-range strategic bombardment operations over Occupied Europe and Nazi Germany, March 1944-May 1945 attacking enemy military and industrial targets as part of the United States' air offensive against Nazi Germany. Most personnel demobilized in Europe after the German capitulation in May 1945; squadron inactivated as a paper unit in November.

Reactivated in 1947 as a B-29 Superfortress squadron in the reserves, however not equipped until 1949 when equipped with B-26 Invader light bomber. Squadron activated in 1951 as a result of the Korean War; personnel and equipment assigned as replacements to units of Far East Air Forces, then inactivated as a paper unit.

Lineage

Constituted 20th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) on 28 January 1942

Redesignated 410th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on 22 April 1942 Activated on 15 June 1942 Inactivated on 19 December 1945

Redesignated 410th Bombardment Squadron (Very Heavy) on 3 July 1947

Activated in the reserve on 17 July 1947 Redesignated 410th Bombardment Squadron (Light) on 26 June 1949. Ordered to active service on 10 March 1951 Inactivated on 20 March 1951

Assignments

94th Bombardment Group, 15 June 1942 – 19 December 1945; 17 Ju1 1947-20 March 1951

Aircraft

B-17 Flying Fortress, 1942–1945

B-26 Invader, 1949–1951