PropertyValue
rdf:type
rdfs:label
  • 84th Flying Training Squadron
rdfs:comment
  • The squadron was first activated in 1942, as the 84th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor). Soon after its activation the US Army transferred the squadron to England where it lost a majority of its pilots and planes to the American war effort in North Africa. During the war the 84th flew missions ranging from bomber escort, ground attack, counter-air, and close air support.
owl:sameAs
dcterms:subject
dbkwik:military/property/wikiPageUsesTemplate
Garrison
Branch
command structure
Country
Type
  • Pilot Training
Caption
  • 84
Dates
  • --02-09
  • --04-02
  • --10-01
  • --08-20
Unit Name
  • 84
Battles
decorations
  • 75
abstract
  • The squadron was first activated in 1942, as the 84th Pursuit Squadron (Interceptor). Soon after its activation the US Army transferred the squadron to England where it lost a majority of its pilots and planes to the American war effort in North Africa. During the war the 84th flew missions ranging from bomber escort, ground attack, counter-air, and close air support. In April 1943, the unit was involved in its first combat mission in North Africa. In June 1944, the 84th supported the Allied landings at Normandy and directly contributed to the breakthrough at Saint-Lô in July 1944. In September 1944, the squadron contributed to the Allied victory in the Arnhem-Nijmegen airborne landings; notably, they suppressed numerous ground positions during the airborne assault and were credited with saving scores of American and British troop transports. For this action the 84th received the Distinguished Unit Citation. In December 1944 the 84th began flying the P-51 Mustang. They used their new plane very successfully and on 10 April destroyed 58 aircraft on the ground earning the 84th its second Distinguished Unit Citation. In April 1945 the 84th flew its last combat mission escorting British bombers on their way to Hitler's "Eagles Nest". The squadron completed three years overseas and was credited with 260 German aircraft destroyed.