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Constituted as 74th Observation Group on 5 Feb 1942 and activated on 27 Feb. Redesignated 74th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 74th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Equipped at various times with O-52's, L-1's, L-4's, L-5's, B-25's, A-20's, P-39's, P-40's, and P-51's. Flew reconnaissance, mapping, artillery adjustment, bombing, dive-bombing, and strafing missions to support ground units in training or on maneuvers; trained personnel in aerial reconnaissance, medium bombardment, and fighter techniques. Inactivated on 7 Nov 1945.
Redesignated 74th Reconnaissance Group, allotted to the reserve, and activated, on 27 Dec 1946. Inactivated on 27 Jun 1949.
Squadrons. 5th: 1943. 8th: 1945. 11th: 1942-1945. 13th: 1942-1945. 21st: 1947-1949. 22nd Tactical Reconnaissance: 1942-1945. 22nd Photographic Reconnaissance: 1947-1949. 33rd (formerly 31st): 1947-1949. 36th: 1943-1944. 101st: 1945.
Stations. Lawson Field, Ga, 27 Feb 1942; DeRidder, La, c. 10 Apr 1942; Esler Field, La, c. 13 Dec 1942; Desert Center, Calif, c. 28 Dec 1942; Morris Field, NC Sep 1943; Camp Campbell AAFld, Ky, Nov 1943; DeRidder AAB, La, Apr 1944; Stuttgart AAFld, Ark, Feb-7 Nov 1945. Stewart Field, NY, 27 Dec 1946-27 Jun 1949.
Commanders. Capt Austin H Burleigh, 1942; Maj George G Finch, c. 27 Mar 1942; Col Clarence D Wheeler, c. 7 Apr 1942; Lt Col James R Gunn Jr, 26 Oct 1943; Lt Col Herbert A Bott, c. 10 Nov 1943; Maj Woodrow W Ramsey, 23 Apr 1944; Lt Col Richard A Morehouse, 22 Sep 1944; Col Yancey S Tarrant, Aug 1945; Col John T Shields, 26 Sep-7 Nov 1945.
Campaigns. American Theater.
Decorations. None.
Data from Air Force Combat Units of World War II By Maurer, Maurer, Published 1986
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