U.S. Strategic Air Forces In Europe

Constituted as Eighth AF on 19 Jan 1942 and activated on 28 Jan. Moved to England, May-Jun 1942, and engaged primarily in bombardment of targets in Europe. Redesignated US Strategic Air Forces in Europe on 22 Feb 1944. Afterward, coordinated AAF activities in the EAME Theater, exercising some operational control over both Eighth AF (originally VIII Bomber Command) and Fifteenth, and some administrative control over Eighth AF and Ninth. Served with the occupation forces in Europe after World War II. Redesignated United States Air Forces in Europe in Aug 1945. Directed USAF operations in the Berlin airlift, Jun 1948-Sep 1949.

Commands. VIII Air Support: 1942-1943. VIII Bomber: 1942-1944. VIII Fighter: 1942-1944.

Stations. Savannah AB, Ga, 28 Jan-c. 20 May 1942; London, England, 18 Jun 1942; Bushy Park, England, 25 Jun 1942; St-Germain-en-Laye, France, 26 Sep 1944; Wiesbaden, Germany, c. 28 Sep 1945-.

Commanders. Brig Gen Asa N Duncan, 28 Jan 1942; Maj Gen Carl Spaatz, 5 May 1942; Lt Gen Ira C Eaker, 1 Dec 1942; Gen Carl Spaatz, 6 Jan 1944; Lt Gen John K Cannon, 3 Jun 1945; Gen Carl Spaatz, 13 Jun 1945; Lt Gen John K Cannon, 4 Jul 1945; Maj Gen Idwal H Edwards, 2 Mar 1946; Brig Gen John F McBlain, 14 Aug 1947; Lt Gen Curtis E LeMay, 20 Oct 1947; Lt Gen John K Cannon, 16 Oct 1948; Gen Lauris Norstad, 22 Jan 1951; Lt Gen William H Tunner, 27 Jul 1953-.

Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater; Air Offensive, Europe; Normandy; Northern France; Rhineland; Ardennes-Alsace; Central Europe.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Upon a shield argent charged with letters USSTAF gules, a chief azure charged with a pair of wings displayed or between three mullets one and two of the first in fess point a large mullet of the field that portion on shield fimbriated of the third charged with a torteau. (Approved 21 Dec 1944.)

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