823d Tactical Missile Squadron

History

The 823d was not manned prior to about June 20, 1943; it was raised in Australia from a cadre of parent 38BG and replacements. The unit flew missions from Northern Queensland over New Guinea Following that, it moved to forward airfields in New Guinea and followed MacArthur's advance along the northern coast of the island into the Netherlands East Indies flying tactical bombardment missions against Japanese strong points and airfields. It moved to Luzon, Philippines, as part of the United States liberation forces in 1945, then moved to Okinawa during the summer in preparation for the Invasion of Japan. Following the end of the war, the unit moved to Japan and became part of the Occupation Forces. It was inactivated in 1949 due to budget reductions.

The unit was reactivated in West Germany in 1958 as a MGM-1 Matador tactical missile squadron when the unit was ordered out of France. Prior to its activation, personnel were assigned to the 38th TMW / 587th Tactical Missile Group / 822d Tactical Missile Squadron as "B-Flight".

The 823d remained as a tactical missile unit until 1966 when the MGM-13 Mace was retired.

Lineage

Constituted 823d Bombardment Squadron (Medium) on March 29, 1943

Activated on April 20, 1943 Inactivated on April 12, 1946

Redesignated 823d Tactical Missile Squadron, and activated, on September 10, 1962

Organized on September 25, 1962 Inactivated on September 25, 1966

Assignments

38th Bombardment Group, April 20, 1943 – April 12, 1946

United States Air Forces in Europe, September 10, 1962

38th Tactical Missile Wing, September 25, 1962 – September 25, 1966

Stations

Dispersed Matador/Mace missile location

Site II "Invent" – 3.0 miles (4.8 km) SSE of Sembach AB49°28′06″N 007°53′53″E

Closed 1966, Abandoned state, buildings in various states of deterioration, missile shelters removed, concrete pads remain.

Aircraft and missiles

B-25 Mitchell, 1943–1946

MGM-13 Mace, 1962–1966