| abstract | - Established as a P-40 Warhawk fighter squadron under I Fighter Command, summer 1942. Trained in the Northeast United States until October, then was deployed to Ninth Air Force in Egypt, taking part in the Western Desert Campaign. Trained for several weeks Royal Air Force units. Began operating with other organizations against the enemy in Tunisia, engaged primarily in escort and patrol missions between Tunisia and Sicily until July 1943. Trained during July–October 1943 for operations with Twelfth Air Force. Resumed combat on 30 October 1943 and directed most of its attacks against roads, bridges, motor transports, supply areas, rolling stock, gun positions, troop concentrations, and rail facilities in Italy until August 1944. Patrolled the beach and protected convoys during the assault on Anzio in January 1944. Aided the Allied offensive in Italy during May 1944, receiving another DUC for action from 12 to 14 May when the squadron bombed an enemy position on Monastery Hill (Cassino), attacked troops massing on the hill for counterattack, and hit a nearby stronghold to force the surrender of an enemy garrison. Continued to give close support to ground forces until the fall of Rome in June 1944. Converted to P-47 Thunderbolts in July and supported the assault on southern France in August by dive-bombing gun position, bridges, and radar facilities, and by patrolling the combat zone. Attacked such targets as motor transports, rolling stock, rail lines, troops, bridges, gun emplacements, and supply depots after the invasion, giving tactical support to Allied forces advancing through France. Aided the reduction of the Colmar bridgehead January–February 1945, and supported Seventh Army's drive through the Siegfried defenses in March 1945. Became part of occupation forces in Germany after European War ended in May, demobilized with personnel returning to the United States and aircraft going to storage facilities in Europe. Inactivated as an administrative unit, November 1945.
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