70th Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 70th Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 13 Sep 1941. Redesignated 70th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 70th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Aircraft: O-46's, O-47's, B-25's, A-20's, P-39's, L-2's, L-4's, L-5's, and L-6's. Provided artillery adjustment, reconnaissance, and fighter and bomber support to ground forces in training and on maneuvers along the west coast. Also flew antisubmarine patrols off the west coast from 7 Dec 1941 through Sep 1942. Disbanded on 30 Nov 1943.

Reconstituted, redesignated 70th Reconnaissance Group, and allotted to the reserve, on 10 Mar 1947. Activated on 26 Apr 1947. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.

Squadrons. 26th Tactical Reconnaissance: 1942-1943. 26th Photographic Reconnaissance: 1947-1949. 57th: 1947-1949. 61st: 1947-1949. 112th: 1943. 116th: 1941-1943. 123d: 1941-1943.

Stations. Gray Field, Wash, 13 Sep 1941; Salinas AAB, Calif, Mar 1943; Redmond AAFld, Ore, 15 Aug 1943; Corvallis AAFld, Ore, Oct 1943; Will Rogers Field, Okla, c. 14-30 Nov 1943. Hill Field, Utah, 26 Apr 1947-27 Jun 1949.

Commanders. Maj Hillford R Wallace, Sep 1941; Maj Wallace O'Daniels, c. 1 Apr 1942; Maj G Robert Dodson, c. 3 May 1942; Col Don W Mayhue, c. 9 May 1942; Lt Col G Robert Dodson, c. 3 Nov 1942; Lt Col Stanley R Stewart, c. 3 Dec 1942; Lt Col G Robert Dodson, c. 3 Jan 1943-unkn.

Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Azure, on a bend nebuly between six billets or, two crowing cocks palewise gules. Motto: We Watch Out For You. (Approved 5 Jan 1943.)

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