Constituted as Los Angeles Air Defense Wing on 6 Aug 1942 and activated
on 20 Aug. Assigned to Fourth AF. Redesignated Los Angeles Fighter Wing in
Jul 1943. Provided air defense for the Los Angeles area. Also trained
fighter groups and personnel. Disbanded on 7 Jun 1944.
Groups. 20th: 1943. 329th: 1943-1944. 360th: 1943-1944. 364th:
1943-1944. 412th: 1943-1944. 473d: 1943-1944. 474th: 1943-1944. 479th:
1943-1944.
Stations. Los Angeles, Calif, 20 Aug 1942-7 Jun 1944.
Commanders. Col Robert S Israel Jr, Aug 1942; Maj Henry G Thorne Jr, c.
11 Dec 1942; Brig Gen Edward M Morris, c. 6 Jan 1943; Lt Col Henry G
Thorne Jr, c. 21 Mar 1943; Col Ralph A Smavely, c. 25 Mar 1943; Lt Col
Merrick Bayer, c. 4 Aug 1943; Col Romulus W Puryear, c. 16 Aug 1943; Col
Ralph A Smavely, c. 8 Dec 1943; Lt Col Edward G Hillery, c. 26 Mar 1944;
Lt Col John O Zahn, 5 Apr 1944; Maj Gomer Lewis, 1 May-c. 7 Jun 1944.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None. Data from Air Force Combat Units of World War II By Maurer, Maurer, Published 1986 |