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USAAF Reconnaissance Units |
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USAAF Reconnaissance Units |
| Squadrons | 1st Photographic 2nd Photographic 3rd Photographic 4th Photographic 6th Photographic 19th Photographic 91st Photographic |
| Brief History |
Constituted as 1st Photographic Group on 15 May 1941. Activated on 10 Jun 1941. Renamed the 1st Mapping Group in Jan 1942, and 1st Photographic Charting Group in Aug 1943. Disbanded on Oct 1944. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | Bolo B-18 Mitchell B-25 Hudson A-29 Flying Fortress B-17 Liberator B-24 Expeditor F-2 Havoc F-3 Liberator F-7 |
| Squadrons | 6th Photographic Reconnaissance 7th Photographic Reconnaissance 11th Photographic Reconnaissance 29th Photographic Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 2nd Photographic Group in May 1942, it was then re-designated the 2nd Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group in May 1943, and then the 2nd Photographic Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Assigned to 2nd
Air force and then later to the 3rd Air force. Undertook the trained of crews and Units for photographic reconnaissance and mapping. Group disbanded in May 1944. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell B-17 Flying Fortress B-24 Liberator A-20 Havoc L-4 Grasshopper L-5 Sentinel P-38 Lightning |
| Squadrons | 5th Photographic Reconnaissance 12th Photographic Reconnaissance 13th Photographic Reconnaissance 14th Photographic Reconnaissance 15th Photographic Reconnaissance 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed in June 1942 as the 3rd Photographic Group. Re-designated as the 3rd Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group in May 1943, then the 3rd Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) in Nov 1943, and lastly the 3rd Reconnaissance Group in May 1945. Moved to the Mediterranean
theatre via England in Nov-Dec 1942, and assigned to Twelfth AF. Used F-4 and F-5 aircraft. Provided photographic intelligence that assisted the campaigns for Tunisia, Pantelleria, Sardinia, and Sicily. Covered the Anzio area early in 1944 and continued to support Fifth Army in its drive through Italy. Flew reconnaissance missions over the period of the invasion of Southern France in Aug 1944. Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | F-5 Lightning F-4 Lightning |
| Squadrons | 17th Photographic Reconnaissance 18th Photographic Reconnaissance 19th Photographic Reconnaissance 20th Photographic Reconnaissance 38th Photographic Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Starting life as the 4th Photographic Group in Jul 1942. Undertook training for overseas duty with
the Lockheed F-4. Moved to the South Pacific late in 1942. Joined the 13th
Air force in Jan 1943. Re-designated the 4th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group in May 1943, then the 4th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) in late 1943 and then the 4th Reconnaissance Group in May 1945. From Dec 1942 to May 1945 the group, based successively on New Caledonia, Espiritu Santo, Guadalcanal, and Morotai, flying reconnaissance missions over enemy territory to supply air force units with target and damage assessment photographs. During the last three months of the war the group photographed Japanese positions and installations on Mindanao and Borneo to aid US and Australian operations. Moved to Leyte in Sep 1945. Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | F-4 Lightning |
| Squadrons | 15th Photographic Reconnaissance 21st Photographic Reconnaissance 22nd Photographic Reconnaissance 23rd Photographic Reconnaissance 24th Photographic Reconnaissance 32nd Photographic Reconnaissance 37th Photographic Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 5th Photographic Group in Jul 1942. Re-designated as the 5th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group in May 1943, then the 5th Photographic Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Transferred to the Mediterranean theatre in Jul-Sep 1943. Assigned first to 12th Air force and then later (late 1944) to 15th Air force. Flew missions over Italy, France, Germany, Austria, Czechoslovakia, Poland, and the Balkans, using F-5 aircraft. Also flew some photographic missions at night with B-17's and B-25's. Photographed areas near Anzio prior to the Allied landings. Provided reconnaissance services for 15th Air force's campaign against the enemy's oil industry, aircraft production, and communications. Also assisted the advance of ground forces in northern Italy by supplying intelligence on enemy installations in the area. Re-named the 5th Reconnaissance Group in May 1945. Returned to the US in Oct of that year. Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell B-17 Flying Fortress F-5 Lightning |
| Squadrons | 8th Photographic Reconnaissance 20th Photographic Reconnaissance 25th Photographic Reconnaissance 26th Photographic Reconnaissance 27th Photographic Reconnaissance 36th Photographic Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed in early 1943 as the 6th Photographic Group, then re-designated as the 6th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group in May 1943. Again another name change to the 6th Photographic Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943 and then the 6th Reconnaissance Group in May 1945. The Unit moved to the Southwest Pacific in Sep-Oct 1943, and was assigned to the 5th Air Force. After moving to the Philippines in Nov 1944, they flew missions to Formosa and China, engaged in mapping parts of Luzon and Mindanao, and provided intelligence for US ground forces concerning Japanese movements. Moved to Okinawa in Jul 1945 and flew some missions over Kyushu before the war ended. Moved to Japan in Sep 1945. Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | F-5 Lightning F-7 Liberator |
| Squadrons | 13th Photographic Reconnaissance 14th Photographic Reconnaissance 22nd Photographic Reconnaissance 27th Photographic Reconnaissance 28th Photographic Reconnaissance 29th Photographic Reconnaissance 30th Photographic Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 7th Photographic Group on Feb 1943. Re-designated as the 7th Photographic Reconnaissance and Mapping Group in May 1943 and then the 7th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) in Nov 1943, and lastly the 7th Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1945. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, to England on 7 Jul 1943 and assigned to 8th Air Force. Used Spitfires PR XI and L-5's. Prior to Jun 1944, photographed airfields, cities, industrial establishments, and ports in France, the Low Countries, and Germany. Provided reconnaissance support for the airborne attack on Holland in Sep 1944 and for the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945. Used P-51's to escort its own reconnaissance planes during the last months of the war as the group supported the Allied drive across the Rhine and into Germany. Took part in the final bomb-damage assessment following V-E Day. Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | L-5 Sentinel P-51 Mustang PR XI Spitfire |
| Squadrons | 9th Reconnaissance 20th Reconnaissance 24th Reconnaissance 40th Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Started as the 8th Photographic Reconnaissance Group on 15 Sep 1943. Activated on 1 Oct 1943. Trained to supply photographic intelligence for air and ground forces. Transferred to India in Feb-Mar 1944. Conducted photographic reconnaissance over areas in Burma, China, French Indochina, and Thailand. Re-designated the 8th Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1945. Returned to the United States in late 1945. Disbanded on 6 Mar 1947. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | F-5 Lightning F-6 Mustang F-7 Liberator P-40 Warhawk |
| Squadrons | Squadrons were attached to the Group, but none were assigned |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 9th Photographic Reconnaissance Group in Sep 1943. Under the command of the 3rd Air Force. The Group trained crews and units for photographic reconnaissance and combat mapping. Disbanded on 6 May 1944 |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-17 Flying Fortress B-24 Liberator A-20 Havoc F-5 Lightning F-4 Lightning F-7 Liberator |
| Squadrons | 1st Photographic Reconnaissance 12th Photographic Reconnaissance 15th Photographic Reconnaissance 16th Photographic Reconnaissance 22nd Photographic Reconnaissance 30th Photographic Reconnaissance 31st Photographic Reconnaissance 33rd Photographic Reconnaissance 34th Photographic Reconnaissance 36th Photographic Reconnaissance 39th Photographic Reconnaissance 91st Photographic Reconnaissance 111th Photographic Reconnaissance 152nd Photographic Reconnaissance 155th Photographic Reconnaissance 160th Photographic Reconnaissance 162nd Photographic Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 73rd Observation Group in Aug 1941. Tasked with training activities. Re-designated 73rd Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and then the 73rd Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943 and then became the 10th Photographic Group (Reconnaissance) in Dec 1943. Moved to the European theatre, Jan-Feb 1944, for duty with 9th Air Force. Photographed airfields, coastal defences, and ports, and made bomb-damage assessment photographs of airfields, marshalling yards, bridges, and other targets, in preparation for the Normandy invasion. Supported the invasion in Jun 44 by making visual and photographic reconnaissance of bridges, artillery, road and railroad junctions, traffic centres, airfields, and other targets. Aided Third Army and other Allied organizations in the battle to breach the Siegfried Line during Sep-Dec 1944. Participated in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944-Jan 1945, by flying reconnaissance missions in the combat zone. From Feb 1945 to V-E Day, assisted the advance of Third Army across the Rhine, to Czechoslovakia, and into Austria. Remained in Germany after the war as part of the army of occupation, being assigned to United States Air Forces in Europe. Was then Re-designated the 10th Reconnaissance Group in the summer of 1945. Transferred, without personnel and equipment, back to the United States in Jun 1947. Re-equipped with RF-51's and then re-named the 10th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1948. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | F-3 Havoc F-5 Lightning F-6 Mustang North American L-1 Vigilent L-4 Grasshopper L-5 Sentinel |
| Squadrons | 1st Photographic 3rd Photographic 19th Photographic |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 11th Photographic Group (Mapping) on 19 Nov 1943. Tasked with photographic mapping in the United States and sent detachments to carry out similar operations in Africa, the Near and Middle East, Mexico, Canada, Alaska, and the Caribbean. Disbanded on 5 Oct 1944. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell B-17 Flying Fortress B-24 Liberator B-29 Superfortress F-2 Expeditor F-9 Fortress F-10 Mitchell A-20 Havoc |
| Squadrons | 652nd Bombardment 653rd Bombardment 654th Bombardment |
| Brief History |
Not a truly a reconnaissance Unit, the 25th Bombardment Group (Reconnaissance) was formed on the 17 Jul 1944. Served with 8th Air Force in England up until V-E Day. Operations included reconnaissance over the waters adjacent to the British Isles and occasionally to the Azores to obtain meteorological data; flights over the Continent for weather information needed in planning operations; night photographic missions to detect enemy activity; and daylight photographic and mapping missions over the Continent. Transferred to the United States in the summer of 1945. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell B-17 Flying Fortress B-24 Liberator L-5 Sentinel B-26 Marauder P-38 Lightning |
| Squadrons | 14th Reconnaissance 72nd Reconnaissance 91st Reconnaissance 101st Reconnaissance 103rd Reconnaissance 152nd Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 26th Observation Group in Aug 1941. Assigned to 1st and then later to 3rd Air Force. Re-named the 26th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943 and then the 26th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Participated in antisubmarine patrols off the east coast of the United States after they entered the war. Disbanded in Nov 1943. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell A-20 Havoc L-4 Grasshopper P-39 Airacobra O-46 O-47 O-52 Owl |
| Squadrons | 18th Reconnaissance 105th Reconnaissance 112th Reconnaissance 121st Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 65th Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Flew antisubmarine patrols off the east coast of the United States after the attack on Pearl Harbour. Re-named the 65th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943. Served as a training organization for crews that changed from observation aircraft to B-25's. Disbanded on 15 Aug 1943. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell O-47 O-52 Owl O-49 Vigilant |
| Squadrons | 19th Liaison 23rd Reconnaissance 97th Reconnaissance 106th Reconnaissance 118th Reconnaissance |
| Brief History | Started life as 66th Observation Group on 21 Aug 194. Renamed the 66th Reconnaissance Group in Mid 1943 and 66th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in August of the same year. Supported ground units on manoeuvres. Trained personnel in aerial reconnaissance. Also flew antisubmarine patrols off the east coast of the USA during Jan-Aug 1942. Unit disbanded on 20 Apr 1944. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell A-20 Havoc L-5 Stinson P-40 Warhawk P-39 Airacobra O-46 Douglas O-47 L-6 Grasshopper |
| Squadrons | 12th Reconnaissance 15th Reconnaissance 30th Reconnaissance 33rd Reconnaissance 107th Reconnaissance 109th Reconnaissance 113th Reconnaissance 153rd Reconnaissance 161st Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 67th Observation Group in Aug 1941. Undertook antisubmarine patrols along the east coast of the USA after the Japanese attacked Pearl
Harbour. Transferred to the European theatre Aug-Oct 1942. Became part of the Eighth
Air Force and then in late 1943 came under the command of the Ninth Air
Force. In May 1943 remained the 67th Reconnaissance Group and then the 67th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Nov 1943 and then another name change in 1945 to the 67th Reconnaissance Group. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | F-5 Lightning P-38 Lightning P-51 Mustang |
| Squadrons | 16th Reconnaissance 111th Reconnaissance 122nd Reconnaissance 125th Reconnaissance 127th Reconnaissance 154th Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 68th Observation Group in August 1941. Renamed the 68th Reconnaissance Group in May 1943 and then the 68th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in late 1943.
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| Aircraft used by the Group | B-17 Flying Fortress B-24 Liberator A-20 Havoc P-40 Warhawk P-39 Airacobra P-38 Lightning P-51 Mustang |
| Squadrons | 10th Reconnaissance 22nd Reconnaissance 31st Reconnaissance 34th Reconnaissance 37th Reconnaissance 82nd Reconnaissance 101st Reconnaissance 102nd Reconnaissance 111th Reconnaissance 115th Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Starting as the 69th Observation Group in August 1941 and fully operational in September 1941. They were renamed the 69th Reconnaissance Group in mid 1943 and then the 69th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in August 1943. Used primarily in air-ground training during the years 1943 and 1944 and then began training with F-6's in January 1945 for duty overseas. Moved to France in March 1945 and was assigned to 9th US
Air Force, flying visual-reconnaissance and photographic missions. Another name change in June 1945 to the 69th Reconnaissance Group. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-17 Flying Fortress B-24 Liberator A-20 Havoc P-40 Warhawk P-39 Airacobra P-38 Lightning P-51 Mustang |
| Squadrons | 26th Tactical Reconnaissance 112th Reconnaissance 116th Reconnaissance 123rd Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 70th Observation Group in Aug 1941 and started operations in late 1941. renamed the 70th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943 and then the 70th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in August 1943. Supplied reconnaissance, fighter and bomber support to ground forces in training and on manoeuvres along the west coast of the United States. Also flying some antisubmarine patrols off the west coast from Dec 1941 until late 1942. The Group was disbanded in Nov 1943. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell A-20 Havoc L-4 Grasshopper L-5 Sentinel P-39 Airacobra O-46 O-47 L-6 Grasshopper L-2 Grasshopper |
| Squadrons | 17th Reconnaissance 25th Liaison 82nd Reconnaissance 102nd Reconnaissance 110th Reconnaissance 128th Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
First formed as the 71st Observation Group in August 1941,
becoming operational in October of that year 1941. The Group flew anti-submarine patrols off the west coast of the United States during December 1941 until January 1943. The Groups name was changed to the 71st Reconnaissance Group in April 1943 and then the 71st Tactical Reconnaissance Group in May 1944 and yet again to the 71st Reconnaissance Group in May 1945.
The Group moved to the Southwest Pacific in late 1943 and was assigned to 15th US
Air Force.
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| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell L-4 Grasshopper L-5 Sentinel P-40 Warhawk P-39 Airacobra P-38 Lightning L-6 Grasshopper |
| Squadrons | 1st Reconnaissance 4th Reconnaissance 39th Reconnaissance 108th Reconnaissance 124th Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 72nd Observation Group in August 1941. Becoming operational in Sep 1941. Renamed to the 72nd Reconnaissance Group in 1943. The Group was moved to the Panama Canal Zone between Dec 1941-Jan 1942, here they flew patrol missions, carried mail, searched for missing aircraft, provided reconnaissance support to ground forces and occasionally did photographic-mapping work. The Group was disbanded in Nov 1943. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-18 Bolo L-1 Vigilent L-4 Grasshopper P-39 Airacobra O-47 O-52 Owl O-49 Vigilant |
| Squadrons | 5th Reconnaissance 8th Reconnaissance 11th Reconnaissance 13th Reconnaissance 22nd Tactical Reconnaissance 36th Reconnaissance 101st Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Starting it's operational career as the 74th Observation Group in Feb 1942 and became fully operational that same month. Re-designated the 74th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943 and then the 74th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. The Group flew reconnaissance, bombing (which also included dive-bombing), and strafing missions to support ground units in training or on manoeuvres. The Group also trained personnel in aerial reconnaissance, medium bombardment, and fighter techniques. The Group lost it's operational status in Nov 1945. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell A-20 Havoc L-1 Vigilent L-4 Grasshopper L-5 Sentinel P-40 Warhawk P-39 Airacobra P-51 Mustang O-52 Owl |
| Squadrons | 521st Reconnaissance 30th Reconnaissance 124th Reconnaissance 127th Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed in Feb 1942 as the 75th Observation Group. Renamed the 75th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943 and with another name change to the 75th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Until late 1942 the group aided ground units with their training by flying reconnaissance, artillery adjustment, strafing, and dive-bombing missions. One of the Group's Squadrons, the 124th, flew antisubmarine patrols over the Gulf of Mexico. From the start of 1943, the Group functioned primarily as a replacement training unit, being disbanded in May 1944. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell A-20 Havoc L-1 Vigilent L-4 Grasshopper P-40 Warhawk P-39 Airacobra P-51 Mustang O-47 O-52 Owl L-2 Grasshopper |
| Squadrons | 20th Reconnaissance 23rd Reconnaissance 24th Reconnaissance 70th Reconnaissance 91st Reconnaissance 97th Reconnaissance 101st Reconnaissance 102nd Reconnaissance 106th Reconnaissance 121st Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Constituted as 76th Observation Group in Feb 1942,
renamed the 76th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943 and then again the 76th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Trained in aerial reconnaissance and air support techniques and aided ground units in their training, Feb 1942-May 1943. Was assisted to the Second Army on
manoeuvres, May-Sep 1943; participated in manoeuvres with ground forces in the California-Arizona desert training area beginning in Sep 1943. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell A-20 Havoc L-1 Vigilent L-4 Grasshopper L-5 Sentinel P-40 Warhawk P-39 Airacobra L-6 Grasshopper |
| Squadrons | 5th Reconnaissance 27th Reconnaissance 35th Reconnaissance 113th Reconnaissance 120th Reconnaissance 125th Reconnaissance 128th Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 77th Observation Group in Feb 1942. Name changed to the 77th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943 and then to the 77th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. The Group was used to supported ground units in training by flying reconnaissance, artillery adjustment, fighter, and bomber missions and in the process trained reconnaissance personnel who later served overseas. The 113th squadron flew antisubmarine patrols over the Gulf of Mexico from Mar until Jun 1942 when it was relieved by the 128th. The 120th squadron patrolled the Mexican border during Mar-Jul 1942. A detachment of the 77th served in India from Feb until Jul 1943. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | B-25 Mitchell A-20 Havoc L-5 Sentinel P-40 Warhawk P-39 Airacobra O-47 O-52 Owl |
| Squadrons | 31st Reconnaissance 33rd Reconnaissance 39th Reconnaissance 155th Reconnaissance 160th Reconnaissance 161st Reconnaissance 162nd Reconnaissance |
| Brief History | Starting life as the 363d Fighter Group in Feb 1943. The Group trained with P-39's and served as part of the air
defence force. The Group then moved to England in Dec 1943 for duty with 9th Air Force and was equipped with P-51's in Jan 1944. The Group supported the invasion of Normandy in Jun 1944 by escorting troop carriers and gliders and by attacking enemy positions near the front lines, and moved to the Continent at the end of Jun to take part in the Allied drive to the German border. Renamed 363d Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Sep 1944. Equipped with F-5 and F-6 aircraft. They flew photographic missions to support both air and ground operations. The Group received two Belgian citations for reconnaissance activities, including the group's support of the assault on the Siegfried Line and its participation in the Battle of the Bulge, Dec 1944 - Jan 1945. Another name change in Jan 1945 to the 363d Reconnaissance Group. Returned to the US in Dec of that year. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | F-5 Lightning F-6 Mustang P-39 Airacobra Bell P-51 Mustang |
| Squadrons | 29th Reconnaissance 32nd Reconnaissance 33rd Reconnaissance 34th Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 423rd Observation Group in Mar 1943. Assigned to the 3rd Air Force. Renamed in Apr 1943 to the
413th Reconnaissance Group. Original mission of training replacements was changed in Jun 1943 to training pilot instructors for III Fighter Command. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | Unknown at this time |
| Squadrons | 35th Reconnaissance 36th Reconnaissance 37th Reconnaissance 38th Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Started as the 414th Observation Group in Mar 1943. Assigned to 3rd Air Force. Renamed to the 424th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943. However, the Group was never fully organized. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | Unknown at this time |
| Squadrons | 44th Reconnaissance 45th Reconnaissance 46th Reconnaissance 47th Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 416th Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1943. Assigned to 3rd Air Force, But was never fully organized. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | Unknown at this time |
| Squadrons | 3rd Reconnaissance |
| Brief History |
Formed as the 432nd Observation Group in Feb 1943. Assigned to Army Air Force School of Applied Tactics. Renamed in Apr 1943 to the 432nd Reconnaissance Group and then again change to the 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. |
| Aircraft used by the Group | P-39 Airacobra L-3 Grasshopper |