55th Bombardment Wing

Constituted as 55th Bombardment Operational Training Wing (Medium) on 17 Mar 1943 and activated on 31 Mar. Various groups were attached for training prior to Oct 1943. Redesignated 55th Bombardment Wing (Medium) in Oct 1943, and 55th Bombardment Wing (Heavy) in Dec. Moved to Italy (Feb-Mar 1944) where combat elements were assigned. Operated with Fifteenth AF in the Mediterranean and European theaters from Mar 1944 until May 1945. Inactivated in Italy on 9 Sep 1945.

Redesignated 55th Fighter Wing. Allotted to ANG (Ohio) on 24 May 1946. Extended federal recognition on 7 Dec 1947. Inactivated on 31 Oct 1950.

Groups. 460th: 1944-1945. 461st: 1944. 464th: 1944-1945. 465th: 1944-1945. 485th: 1944-1945.

Stations. MacDill Field, Fla, 31 Mar 1943-Feb 1944; Spinazzola, Italy, Mar 1944; Bari, Italy, c. Jul-9 Sep 1945.

Commanders. Col Guy L McNeil, Apr 1943; Brig Gen George R Acheson, 11 Jun 1943-c. Jun 1945.

Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Rome-Arno; Normandy; Northern France; Southern France; North Apennines; Rhineland; Central Europe; Po Valley.

Decorations. None.

Data from Air Force Combat Units of World War II By Maurer, Maurer, Published 1986