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Constituted as 372d Fighter Group on 12 Oct 1943 and activated on 28 Oct. Assigned to Fourth AF, and later (Mar 1944) to Third AF. Redesignated 372d Fighter-Bomber Group in Apr 1944, and 372d Fighter Group in Jun 1944. Functioned as an operational training unit. Also provided air support for air-ground maneuvers and demonstrations, participating in the Louisiana Maneuvers in the summer of 1944 and in similar activities in the US until after V-J Day. Primary aircraft were P-40's until Jun 1945, then P-51's. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.
Redesignated 144th Fighter Group. Allotted to ANG (Calif) on 24 1946. Extended federal recognition on 2 Jun 1948. Redesignated 144th Fighter-Interceptor Group in Oct 1952, and 144th Fighter-Bomber Group in Dec 1952.
Squadrons. 407th: 1943-1945. 408th: 1943-1945. 409th: 1943-1945.
Stations. Hamilton Field, Calif, 28 Oct 1943; Portland AAB, Ore, 7 Dec 1943; Esler Field, La, 29 Mar 1944; Pollock AAFld, La, 14 Apr 1944; Esler Field, La, 9 Feb 1945; Alexandria AAFld, La, 14 Sep-Nov 1945.
Commanders. Maj Francis E Brenner, 28 Oct 1943; Maj Darrell G Welch, 21 Dec 1943; Maj Joseph S Wakefield, 4 Feb 1944; Maj John R Harrison, 16 Feb 1944; Lt Col Sam W Westbrook, 3 Mar 1944; Lt Col Robert W Stephens, 17 Mar 1945; Lt Col Jack J Oberhansly, 30 May 1945; Col George R Bickell, 6 Aug-7 Nov 1945.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Insigne. Shield: Azure, three clouds two and one argent, issuing from the second cloud two lightning flashes one terminating on the first cloud and the other on the third cloud golden orange; in chief three mullets of the second. (Approved Feb 1954.)
Data from Air Force Combat Units of World War II By Maurer, Maurer, Published 1986
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Historical Artifacts: We are looking for photos, documents and other types of artifacts including uniforms, medals, insignia, gear, manuals, and training material. We accept electronic/scans or originals of pictures and paper records. A General Order could be an award document that contains information on many servicemen. Special Orders may contain transfers or other information. Flight records, accident reports, maintenance logs, after action reports, pilot encounter reports, diaries and biorgraphies; all of these types of documents help us support or mission: preserving your history! Contact us today for instructions on sending us this material. Contact Today
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