85th Air Division

History

During World War II, the 85th Fighter Wing was a command and control organization of Fifth Air Force, operating primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater. Its assigned units "participated in aerial combat in New Guinea and the Philippine Islands (February 1944 – August 1945) [flying] cover missions for convoys, patrols, escorted bombers, attacked enemy airfields, and supported ground forces."

"After the war's end, the organization provided fighter protection for the Philippine Islands and conducted an intensive training program in aerial combat, gunnery, and instrument flying, until [the units inactivation in] June 1948."

During the Cold War the unit was reactivated as an Air Division by Air Defense Command. "It was assigned to the Eastern Air Defense Force in September 1955 with a mission to intercept unidentified aircraft over the Washington, D.C. area. It participated in numerous training exercises. It also took part in gunnery and air-launched training and readiness tests." Inactivated in September 1958.

Lineage

Established as the 85th Fighter Wing on 4 November 1943

Activated on 10 November 1943Inactivated on 30 June 1948

Redesignated 85 Air Division (Defense) on 3 May 1955

Activated on 8 September 1955Inactivated on 1 September 1958

Assignments

Fourth Air Force, 10 November 1943

IV Fighter Command, 28 November 1943 – 10 January 1944

Army Service Forces, Port of Embarkation, 10 January – 17 February 1944

Fifth Air Force, 18 February 1944

Far East Air Forces, 11 May 1945

Thirteenth Air Force, 1 September 1945

Fifth Air Force, 1 June 1947 – 30 June 1948

Eastern Air Defense Force, 8 September 1955 – 1 September 1958

Components

Wing

4625th Air Defense Wing (later Washington Air Defense Sector): 1 December 1956 – 1 September 1958

Groups

18th Fighter Group: 15 March 1946 – 1 May 1947

49th Fighter Group: 19 April – 5 June 1944

348th Fighter Group: 7 November 1944 – 8 February 1945

414th Fighter Group: c. 15 December 1945-c. 30 September 1946

475th Fighter Group: 16 June 1944 – 18 May 1945

Squadrons

17th Photographic Reconnaissance Squadron: 1 February – 22 March 1946

48th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron: 1 March 1956 – 1 September 1958

95th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron: 1 March 1956 – 1 September 1958

419th Night Fighter Squadron: 10 January 1946 – 20 February 1947

482d Fighter-Interceptor Squadron: 8 April 1956 – 1 September 1958

550th Night Fighter Squadron: 7 April-c. 30 June 1945