AIR SERVICE GROUPS

Sources used throughout this section:

Mr. Mark Boland

Mr. Bernie Shearon

Source: "The Development of Tactical Services in the Army Air Forces" by John M. Coleman, published in 1950.

The unit called "Service Group" came into being in June 1942, when all "Air Base Groups" in the AAF were redesignated "Service Groups" and assigned to either the Air Service Command in the U.S. or to one of the AF Service Commands overseas. The term "Air Service Group" did not come into existance until Nov. 1944, and then it only referred to units assigned to perform maintenance on B-29 groups in the CBI and later in the Pacific. A "Service Group" had the following units assigned:

Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron

2 Service Squadrons

1 Finance Detachment

1 Medical Detachment

1 Military Police Company (Avn)

2 Ordnance Companies (Supply & Maint)

2 Quartermaster Truck Companies (Avn)

1 Quartermaster Company (Serv Gp) (Avn)

1 Signal Company (Serv Gp) (Avn)

Each of these groups was designed to run a Service Center for 2 air groups, regardless of type. Many groups were called this up to the end of the war. However, the AAF decided in early 1944 to develop a new type of service group for the B-29 groups being formed. They were first called "Service Group (Special)" and would organized differently from the old units. Personnel from arms and services were absorbed into three streamlined squadrons:

1 Headquarters and Base Services Squadron

T/O 1-452T, Headquarters and Base Services Squadron, Service Group (Special) (Changed to Headquarters and Base Services Squadron, Air Service Group on 4 Nov 1944) Command Section, Headquarters Base Services Squadron:

Headquarters Section

Mess Section

Supply Section

Transportation Section

Deputy for Services Section

Chaplain Section

Chemical Section

Communications Section

Finance Section

Fire Fighting Section

Guard Section

Medical Section

Photographic Section

Transportation Administration Section

Transportation Truck Section

Utilities Section

1 Air Materiel Squadron

T/O 1-457T, Engineering Squadron, Service Group (Special) (Changed to Air Engineering Squadron on 4 Nov 1944):

Administrative:

Headquarters Section

Mess Section

Supply Section

Transportation Section

Shop Administration:

Maintenance Control Section

Inspection Section

Shop Supply Section

Maintenance:

Armament Shop

Communications Shop

Electrical Shop

Fabric and Dope Shop

Flight and Reclamation Shop

Instrument Shop

Machine Shop

Office Repair Shop

Parachute Shop

Propeller Shop

Sheet Metal Shop

Vehicle Shop

Welding Shop

Woodworking Shop

3 Mobile Repair Units

1 Air Engineering Squadron

T/O 1-458T, Material Squadron, Service Group (Special) (Changed to Air Material Squadron on 4 Nov 1944):

Administrative:

Headquarters Section

Mess Section

Supply Section

Transportation Section

Stock Control:

Administration Section

Air Corps Supplies Section

Communications Supplies Section

Ordnance Supplies Section

Quartermaster Supplies Section

Technical Coordination Section

Warehouse:

Air Corps Section

Communications Section

Ordnance Section

Quartermaster Section

Armament Section

Each Service Group (Special) would service one combat group, and to operate a base complete with finance service, fixed communications, medical dispensaries, interior guard, utilities, firefighting and motor transport.

The designation "Service Group (Special)" was changed to "Air Service Group" on 4 Nov 1944. The name was changed due to misunderstandings in overseas theaters to assume a "Service Group" was a labor unit.

From Nov 1943 to May 1945, 24 Air Service Groups were trained in the U. S. and shipped overseas.

In early 1945, some Service Groups overseas were converted to Air Service Groups, but many remained as just plain "Service Group" for the rest of the war.

Source: "Air Service Command Soldier's Guide", 3/25/44, 97 pages, Patterson Field, OH.

New type Service Group is an organization designed to establish and operate a base with necessary 3d echelon supply and maintenance facilities for a combat group in the theater of operations. It is organized into three special squadrons according to function: Material Squadron, Engineering Squadron and Headquarters and Base Services Squadron.

Source: Air Force History Index

On 4 Jun 42, Air Base Unit Number 2 (inactivated 1 Feb 43 with personnel transferred into 54 Service Squadron) was created by the Karachi Air Defense Area (India) and sent to Kunming, China on 13 Jun 42 with responsibility of furnishing air service assistance to the China Air Task Force which was being organized from the American Volunteer Group (AVG) and tactical organizations. An aircraft factory was established at Loiwing by Curtiss Wright. The organization which operated it was the Central Aircraft Manufacturing Company (CAMC) which negotiated for the employment of members of the American Volunteer Group (AVG).

The China Air Service Command was organized to perform all supply and third and fourth echelon maintenance functions for the Air Forces in the China Theater. 14 Air Service Command (Provisional) was activated at Kunming, China on 19 May 43 under Brig Gen Julian F. Haddon. 14 Air Base Command (Provisional) was activated on the same date and assigned to the Air Service Command. This projected Command was succeeded on 30 Oct 43 by the 5308 Air Service Area Command (Provisional), an area command under the China-Burma-India Air Service Command with Station at Kunming, China. When the 5308 Air Service Area Command (Provisional) came to China in Nov 43, it inherited the 14 Air Service Command.

Orders predating the activation placed Col Reuben C. Hood and others on detached service with the China Air Service Area Command (Provisional) resulting in the improper designation of China Air Service Area Command. On 4 Jul 44 Col Clarence F. Talbot replaced Brig Gen Neuton Hood as commander of the 5308 Air Service Area Command.

On 20 Jul 44 the command was separated from 14 Air Force and assigned as a separate entity to the Army Air Forces, China Theater. The organization was redesignated as the China Air Service Command as a detachment of Headquarters and Headquarters Squadron, Air Service Command, China-Burma-India.

Also on 20 Jul 44, the 5309 Air Service Area Command (Provisional) was disbanded and redesignated as the Northern Air Service Area Command, a detachment of the China-Burma-India Air Service Area Command).

On 7 Dec 44, the China Air Service Command (Provisional) was established. The China Air Service Area Command was redesignated the China Detachment of Headquarters, India-Burma Air Service Command. The China-Burma-India Air Service Command was redesignated the India-Burma Air Service Command on 12 Dec 44. This action constituted an important step in setting up an independent China Air Service Command.

On 20 Dec 44, the China Air Service Command (Provisional) was assigned to the 14 Air Force and activated 12 Feb 45 at Kunming, China by General Order No. 6, Headquarters, China Air Service Command, dated 9 Feb 45. The Provisional status was removed 15 May 45 when the command was redesignated 14 Air Force Service Command. It was disbanded 8 Oct 1948.

NOTE on China Air Service Area Command: Sector Number 1 was at at Kunming with eight bases: Paoshan, Yunnanyi, Tsuyung, Chengkung, Yangkai, Chanyi, Luliang. Sector Number 2 was activated 13 Feb 44 at Hsingching. The two sector headquarters were disbanded and four Service Centers were established throughout China: the 68th Service Center was located at Chengkung; the 14th Service Center at Peishiyi; the 12th Service Center at Luliang; the 315th Service Center at Hsingching. Sector Number 3, 5308 Air Service Command, activated 17 Apr 44 with Col. Richard H. Wise commanding. Sector Number 3 was responsible for China Belly Tank project, manufacturing 75 gallon belly tanks for aircraft.

Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon

Many Air Service Groups were disbanded on 8 Oct 48 per AG 322 (887e), Disbandment of Certain Inactive Air Force Units. These units are noted below.

Other Sites of Interest:

Background on CBI Air Service Command (Craven & Cate)

315th Bomb Wing - The Service Groups

See "Air Service and Supply" in CBI Unit Histories section

12th Air Service Group (Old Type) (See CBI Unit Histories)

(Ex-CBI Roundup, May 1956 Issue)

Source:

Air Force History Index

Mr. Mark Boland & Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: Organized as 81 Aero (Service) Squadron on 6 Mar 18. Redesignated Squadron D at Post Field, OK on 22 Jul 18. Consolidated with other post field squadrons on 2 Jan 19 to form Flying School Detachment, Post Field, OK. Detachment demobilized on 22 Sep 19.

81 Aero (Service) Squadron reconstituted and consolidated with 12 Air Base Squadron (organized 1 Mar 35) at Kelly Field, TX as 81 Service Squadron.

Redesignated 12 Air Base Squadron on 1 Sep 36. Designated 12 Air Base Squadron (Special) on 1 Sep 40. Redesignated 12 Air Base Group (Special) in 1940. Departed Kelly Field on 6 Jan 43 and arrived Santa Maria, CA on 9 Jan 43. Personnel engaged in first phase training at Santa Maria. Departed Santa Maria for Biggs Field, TX in Jun 43. Group commander was Maj Charles Z. Ridgeway. Maj Ridgeway replaced by Lt Col Floyd M. Lindley on 25 Jul 43. Departed Biggs Field on 11 Aug 43 for Air Depot Training Station, Albuquerque AAB, NM. Lt Col Lindley replaced by Maj Hugh Lowery on 17 Sep 43. Two hundred personnel left for training at Santa Fe, NM on 5 Sep 43, returning on 17 Sep 43. Maj Lowery replaced by Lt Col Robert J. Koshland. Mobile units of group sent to Kirtland Field, NM on 16 Oct 43 for final training before shipment overseas. Group departed for Camp Anza, Riverside, CA on 26 Oct 43. Group embarked for foreign service on 9 Nov 43.

Arrived Bombay, India 26 Dec 43. On 15 Jan 44 part of group left for China. First casualities suffered during air travel to China with disappearance of aircraft.

Arrived Kweilin, China 17 Jan 44. Enemy made ten raids on group at Kweilin from Mar through Sep. On 7 Sep 44, began evacuation of Kweilin for bases in western China. Arrived Luliang, China 13 Sep 44. Attached to Sector Number 1, China Air Service Area Command on 20 Nov 44. Group assumed command of 12 Service Center 16 Feb 45. Redesignated 12 Air Service Group 23 Feb 45. Group relocated from Luliang to Chanyi, 24 Feb 45. Group exchanged some areas of responsibility with 14 Air Service Group. New areas included air bases at Peishiyi, Liangshan, Lifing, Aankang, and Enshih (possibly also detached service on bases at Hengyang, Chickiang, Chanyi, Ankang, Luichow, Nanning and Tanchuck). Group moved to Hankow, China on 8 Oct 45. Personnel continued to depart for United States via replacement service. On 20 Oct 45, group relieved from 10 Air Force and became part of China Air Service Command. Received word on 25 Oct that Group would become surplus unit in theater on 1 Nov 45.

Hq and Hq Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
396th Air Service Squadron
- Activated 1 Jan 43 at Camp Blythe, CA and assigned to 12 Service Gp
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
(Ex-CBI Roundup, October 1980 Issue)
397th Air Service Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
1066th Quartermaster Company (ASG)
1102nd Signal Company (ASG)
1835th Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
1836th Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
2124th QM Truck Co

Other Sites of Interest: 396th Air Service Squadron

14th Air Service Group (Old Type) (See CBI Unit Histories)

NOTE on China Air Service Area Command: The two sector headquarters (Sector Number 1 at Kunming, Sector Number 2 at Hsingching) were disbanded and four Service Centers were established throughout China: the 68th Service Center was located at Chengkung; the 14th Service Center at Peishiyi; the 12th Service Center at Luliang; the 315th Service Center at Hsingching.

NOTE on 14th ASG: Of 54 officers, 21 were Chinese, 2 were Korean. Most of these latter officers were educated in United States. All enlisted personnel less one were Chinese. Less than one per centum of these enlisted personnel spoke no english. 99 percent of enlisted personnel were literate in Chinese to some extent. Efforts were made to naturalize all Chinese personnel.

Lineage: 100th Service Sq constituted 19 Feb 35, activated 1 Mar 35; redesignated 14th AB Sq 1 Sep 36 (AG 320.2 12 Aug 36); 14th AB Sq (Spl) 6 Dec 39; 14 Service Gp (Spl) 1 Sep 40; 14 Service Gp 13 Jun 42 (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42); 14 Air Service Gp May 45; Inactivated 31 Oct 45; Disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: GHQ, Air Force -1 Sep 36; Office, Chief of the Air Corps -Dec 41; Air Service Command -Jan 44; Warner Robins Air Technical Service Command -Oct 44; 14th Air Force -Oct 45.

Stations: Bolling Field, Washington, D.C., Mar 35-Jun 42; Pendleton Fld, OR -Jan 44; Venice Army Air Field, Venice, FL -Oct 44; Chanyi, Jan 45; Peishiyi (stations at Chihkiang, Hsupu, Changting, Tsingchen, Laowangping, Tushan)

Hq and Hq Squadron
3d Air Base Communications Detachment (Sp) - Luliang by 11 May 45
10th Air Base Communications Detachment (Sp) - Chanyi by 11 May 45
17th Airways Detachment
407th Air Service Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)

Stationed at Patterson Fld, OH 25 Aug 43-25 Mar 44
Assigned for detached service with Headquarters, China Air Service Area Command, Kunming, China c. Oct 44

555th Air Service Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Reconstituted & redesignated 555th International Materiel Squadron 22 Sep 2005 per DAF/DPM 640s, 22 Sep 2005. (See AFMC/PA Announcement, 14 Nov 2005 under 55th Air Depot Group, above). Inactivated 30 Jun 2010 DAF/A1M 194t, 19 May 2010; SO #GA-6, HQ AFMC, 28 May 10.
987th Signal Company (Serv Gp)
1077th Quartermaster Company (ASG)
1157th Signal Company (Serv Gp)
1544th Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
1545th Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
2121st Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2122nd Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)

Other Sites of Interest:

Society of Oral History on Modern China

24th Air Service Group (New Type)

Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: Base Hq & 24th Air Base Sq constituted 22 Dec 39, activated 1 Feb 40, redesignated 24th Air Base Gp (Reinf) 1 Sep 40, 24th Service Gp 12 Jun 42, active through Jun 43. Reactivated or reconstituted 24 May 44, redesignated 24th Air Service Gp Jan 45, inactivated 15 Apr 46, disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: Air Corps Flying Training Ctr/Gulf Coast Air Corps Flying Training Ctr to 26 Oct 40, Puerto Rico Dept to Oct 41, Caribbean Air Svc Cd/VI AF Service Cmd to 1943, Air Service Cmd Training Ctr to Nov 44, Oklahoma City Air Svc Cmd to Dec 44, 315 Bombardment Wg (16 Bombardment Gp).

Stations: Kelly Field, TX to 26 Oct 40, Borrinquen Fld, PR to 1943. Hammer Fld, CA 24 May 44 to Nov 44, Tinker Fld, OK 10 Nov 44-Apr 45, Smoky Hill AAF, KS to 7 Apr 45. Embarked at Seattle, WA, 15 Apr 45 for overseas assignment (Shipment #4804-L, -M, -N), arriving Northwest Field, Guam, 11 May. Northwest Fld, Guam -unknown.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
551st Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
552nd Air Materiel Sq
- Stationed at Andrews Fld, MD 19 May 47-16 Jul 47
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
- Reconstituted 1 May 92 as the 552nd Logistics Support Squadron and activated 28 (possibly 29) May 92 at Tinker AFB, OK and assigned to the 552nd Logistics Group (later 552nd Maintenance Group). Redesignated as the 552nd Maintenance Operations Squadron on 15 Jul 02. The 552nd Maintenance Operations Squadron directs all civil engineering, logistical plans, supply, security, environmental programs, and mobility operations for the 552nd Air Control Wing. Additionally, it performs maintenance support and conducts training for all wing logistics/maintenance personnel.

Other Sites of Interest: 315th Bombardment Wing

25th Air Service Group

Source:

25th Air Service Group

Narrative History of the 25th Air Service Group (from New York Public Library microfilm, courtesy of Mrs. Billie Conrad)

Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: Constituted as the 25th Air Base Gp 20 Aug 40, activated 28 Aug 40, redesignated 25th Service Gp (Spl) 13 Jun 42 (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42), 25th Air Service Gp, 21 Nov 44, inactivated 25 Oct 46, disbanded 8 Oct 48. (NOTE: Shipped as an Old Type Service Gp and converted to New Type Air Service Gp c. 1 Jul 44. 86th SG established at the same time and staffed from personnel from the 25th SG.)

Assignments: 3 Air Force 1940 to Jul 41, III AF Base Cmd to 13 Jun 42, III Air Svc Area Cmd to Feb 43, Air Service Cmd to Oct 43, Warner Robins Air Svc Cmd to Dec 43, unknown to Apr 44, 58th Bombardment Wg to May 44, Air Service Cmd, CBI to Jun 44, XX Bomber Cmd to unknown, 58 Bombardment Wing (444 Bombardment Gp). (NOTE: Serviced 462nd BG at Piardoba and 468th BG at Kharagpur in India; serviced 444th BG after moving to Tinian.)

Stations: Maxwell Fld, AL to 2 Sep 40; Orlando AAF, FL to 20 Aug 41; Beaumont, TX to 8 Oct 41 (Det at Lake Charles, LA 20 Aug 41-20 Oct 41); Greenville AAB, SC to unknown; Raleigh, NC, unknown to 4 Dec 41 (Det rejoins on 20 Oct 41); Orlando AAF, FL 6 Dec 41-Aug 42; Greenville AAB, SC Aug 42-unknown; Aiken AAF, SC to 13 Jan 44; Camp Patrick Henry, VA (POE) to 25 Jan 44; Bombay, India -1 May 44; Salua AF, Kharagpur 4 May 44-6 May 1945 (detachments at Piardoba AF); West Fld, Tinian 5 Jun 45-Nov 45; March Fld, CA 27 Nov 45-5 May 46; Davis-Monthan Fld, AZ 8 May-25 Oct 1946.

Awards: Meritorious Service plaque awarded by Headquarters, 20 Air Force, for outstanding performance of duty from 1 Jul-31 Dec 44.

Hq and Hq Sq / Hq and Base Services Sq (4 Jul 44)
35th Service Sq / 35th Air Engineering Sq (4 Jul 44) (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- 35th Materiel Sq redesignated 35th Service Sq (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42)
- 35th Service Sq redesignated 35th Engineering Sq 4 Jul 44
- Redesignated 35th Air Engineering Sq c. Jan 45
- Stationed at March Fld, CA 27 Nov 45-7 May 46; Davis-Monthan Fld, AZ 8 May 46-31 Oct 46; Ft. Worth AAF, TX 31 Oct 46-19 Nov 47 (7th Bomb Gp)
194th Quartermaster Co (Serv Gp)
349th Service Sq
- Designated 349 Materiel Sq Feb 42
- Redesignated 349 Service Sq May 42 (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42)
- Assigned to 25th ASG Aug 42
- Stationed at Kharagpur (Camp Salua) 5-10 May 44
- Stationed at Piardoba, 10 May -?
- Redesignated 349 Engineer Sq 1 Jul 44
- Redesignated 349 Air Engineer Sq 21 Nov 44
- Transferred to 86th ASG (date unknown)
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
578th Air Materiel Sq
- Stationed at Kharagpur, India
- Redesignated from 578 Material Sq 22 Jan 45
- Reduced to zero strength at March Field, CA 21 Jan 46
- Reactivated at March Field, CA 31 Jan 46 and assigned to Second Air Force 29 Mar 46
- Transferred to Davis Monthan Field, Tucson, AZ 9 May 46
- All squadron personnel transferred from squadron 20 Sep 46
- 637 Air Materiel Squadron deactivated and all personnel transferred to 578 Air Materiel Squadron and assigned to 7th Bomb Gp, Ft. Worth AAF, TX
- 578 Air Materiel Squadron deactivated 19 Nov 47; Disbanded 8 Oct 48

815th Ordnance Co (AB) (Avn)
846th Quartermaster Co (Truck, Avn)
1067th Signal Co (ASG)
- Det, 1067 Sig Co (Prov) preceded main unit via air to Kharagpur
- Main unit arrived at Bombay 28 Apr 44 until 1 May 44
- Arrived Camp Salua, Kharagpur 5 May 44
- Detachment (approx. 1/2 of unit) established 8 May 44
1147th Quartermaster Co (ASG)
1279th MP Co
1756th Ordnance S&M Co (Avn)
1757th Ordnance S&M Co (Avn)
- Camp Salua, Kharagpur 5 May 44-?
1953d Quartermaster Truck Co (Avn)
2018th Quartermaster Truck Co (Avn)
2070th Engineer Firefighting Det (See Engineering Units)

Source: 444th Bomb Group Association

20th AAF split the 25th & 28th Service Groups into the 86th & 87th Air Service Groups. These groups were know to be two of the most proficient, and technically trained of the AAF's Air Service Groups. Veteran personnel from the 589th Material Squadron, and the 355th Air Engineering Squadron were the basis of the new units. Just as in the case of the aircrew members, group members in the top 10% of their respective training classes were to be assigned to the B-29 Program.

Source: "The Development of Tactical Services in the Army Air Forces" by John M. Coleman, published in 1950.

The two Service Groups designated were the 25th and the 28th Service Groups, both old-style organizations which had been acting as parent groups and were already in condition to go. The 22nd Air Depot Group, also an experienced unit, was likewise designated to work with B-29's. These groups were prepared for immediate shipment, with great secrecy, and all personnel except a few specialists arrived in India on 30 April 1944. There they were reorganized to form four Service Groups (Special), the 25th, 28th, 86th, and 87th.

28th Air Service Group (New Type)

Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: Activated 15 Jan 41 as the 28th Air Base Gp, redesignated 28th Service Gp (Spl) 10 Jun 42 (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42), 28th Air Service Gp 4 Dec 44, inactivated 25 Sep 45, activated 19 Nov 45, redesignated 28th Base Svc Sq 1 Oct 46, inactivated 19 Nov 47, disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: GHQ, Air Force 1941 to Unknown, 1st Air Force to 1941, I AF Base Cmd to after Dec 41, unknown to Apr 44, 58th Bombardment Wg to May 44, Air Service Cd, CBI to Jun 44, XX Bomber Cmd to unknown, 58th Bombardment Wg (444th BG) to 1945. Unknown to 1 Oct 46, 43d Bombardment Wg to 19 Nov 47.

Stations: Langley Fld, VA 1941 to 25 Mar 41; Bowman Fld, KY until after 7 Dec 41; Barksdale Fld, LA, Galveston, TX, and Blythe AAF, CA to 1 Dec 42; Great Falls AAB, MT to 31 Jan 43; Ft Dix AAF, NJ to 13 Jan 44; Camp Patrick Henry, VA (POE) to 25 Jan 44; Bombay, India 28 Apr 44-unknown; Chakulia to 24 Feb 45; West Fld, Tinian Apr-Sep 45; Castle Fld, CA 19 Nov 45-6 May 46; Davis-Monthan Fld, AZ 10 May 46-19 Nov 47.

Hq and Base Services Sq
39th Air Engineering Sq
- Organized as Materiel Squadron, 28 Air Base Group 15 Jan 41, Langley Field, VA
- Redesignated 39 Materiel Squadron Mar 41
- Moved c. 17 Mar 41 to Bowman Field, KY
- Redesignated 39 Service Sq (unknown)
- Redesignated 39 Engineering Sq (unknown)
- Redesignated 39 Air Engineering Sq (unknown)
- Stationed at Barksdale Fld, LA, 31 Jan 42-31 Mar 42; unknown - 1 Nov 42; March Fld, CA 1 Nov 42-30 Nov 42; CBI Theater -Nov 45; Merced AAF, CA 19 Nov 45-6 May 46
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
585th Air Materiel Sq
- Activated 6 Jul 44 at Chakulia Army Air Base, India as 585 Materiel Squadron
- Redesignated 21 Jan 45 as 585 Air Materiel Squadron
- Stationed at Tinian, Mariana Islands Jun-Nov 45; Camp Stoneman, CA Nov 45-19 Nov 46; Castle Field, Merced, CA 19 Nov 46-6 May 46; Davis-Monthan Fld, AZ 19 May 46-19 Nov 47
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
2071st Engineer Firefighting Det (See Engineering Units)

Source: 444th Bomb Group Association

Assigned to the 58th BW on 01/25/1944, the 28th ASG left the U.S. in March of 1944. Departing Fort Dix, NJ by ship. They passed through the Panama Canal, stopping in Australia. Then on to Bombay, and finally Chakulia, India arriving on 05/01/1944. They were attached to the 444th BG(VH) & 40th BG (VH), 58th BW. Redesignated as the 87th ASG in July 1944, they had the distinction of being the first unit to supply and maintain the B-29 Superfortress' combat operations. This included the June 15, 1944 strike- the first bombing of mainland Japan since the Doolittle Raid in 1942.

Source: "The Development of Tactical Services in the Army Air Forces" by John M. Coleman, published in 1950.

31st Air Service Group (New Type)

Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: Constituted 20 Nov 40 as the 31st Air Base Gp, activated 5 Dec 40, redesignated 31st Service Gp 13 Jun 42, 31 Service Gp (Spl) divided into 31 Service Gp (Spl) and 69 Service Gp (Spl) May 44, 31st Air Service Gp 4 Nov 44, inactivated 24 Aug 48, disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: GHQ, Air Force/AF Combat Cmd 1940 to Sep 41, IV AF Base Cmd/AF Svc Cmd to unknown, IV Air Svc Area Cmd to unknown, Warner Robins Air Svc Cmd to 1944, 20 AF to unknown, 314th Bombardment Wg (19 Bombardment Gp).

Stations: Barksdale Fld, LA 5 Dec 1940-30 Apr 41, Davis-Monthan Fld, AZ to 12 Jan 42, Sheppard Fld, TX to 30 Apr 42, Davis-Monthan Fld, AZ to 18 Aug 42, Muroc AAF, CA to 26 May 43, Biggs Fld, TX to 1943, Herbert Smart Apt, GA to Sep 43, Camp Campbell AAF, KY to 22 Jun 44, McCook AAF, NE to Dec 44, North Field, Guam 28 Dec 44-24 Aug 1948.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
56th Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Stationed at Spokane AAF, WA (56 Mat Sq) 21 Apr 41-3 Feb 42; Davis-Monthan Fld, AZ (56 Mat Sq) 4 Feb 42-4 May 42
574th Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)

(All 31st ASG images, below, courtesy of Ms. Valerie Laam)

31st ASG Supply Section
Camp Campbell AAF, KY

Later roster (likely while on Guam)

Group Song

Other Sites of Interest: 39th Bomb Gp. Association

44th Air Service Group (Old Type) (See CBI Unit Histories)

Lineage: 44th Air Base Group activated 15 Jan 41 at McChord Field, WA. 44 Air Base Group redesignated 44 Service Group c. 1 Apr 43. Inactivated Jan 46. Disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Stations: McChord Fld (44th ABG) 15 Jan 41-15 Dec 42, Will Rogers Field, OK 1-30 Apr 43, Barksdale Fld, LA 5 May 43-3 Feb 44, Panagarh and Sylhet, India May-Jul 44, Dinjan, India 29 Jul 44-unknown.

Hq and Hq Squadron
Det Hq and Hq Sq
3d Platoon, 816th Chemical Company
497th Air Service Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Stationed at Barksdale Fld, LA (497 Svc Sq) 1 Apr 43-3 Feb 44; Dinjan, India -unknown.
498th Air Service Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Stationed at Barksdale Fld, LA (498 Svc Sq) 1 Apr 43-3 Feb 44; Jorhat, India -unknown.
1080th Quartermaster (Truck, Avn)
1111th Signal Company (ASG)
1573d Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
1574th Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
2116th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn) (Colored)
2117th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn) (Colored)

51st Air Service Group (Old Type) (See CBI Unit Histories)

Lineage: 51st Air Base Gp constituted 4 Feb 41, activated on or about 24 Feb 41; redesignated 51st Service Gp 16 Sep 42 per GO No. 23, 10th AF; 51st Air Service Gp 5 Jan 45; inactivated Jan 46; disbanded 8 Oct 48; reconstituted 28 Aug 91 as 351st Logistics Gp, activated 1 Sep 91, inactivated 30 Sep 95.

Assignments: GHQ, Air Force -Jun 41, 3 AF -Oct 41, 1 AF Base Cmd -1942, X AF Svc Cmd -unknown, India-Burma Air Svc Cmd -unknown, Northern Air Svc Area Cmd -unknown, 351st Missile Wg 1991-1995.

Stations: Maxwell AAB, AL -1941, Orlando AAB, FL -1941, Morrison Fld, FL -1942, Chabua, India -unknown. Whiteman AFB MO 1991-1995.

Decorations: Meritorious Unit Commendation: 1 Jan 44-10 Mar 1945, GO 43, Hq India-Burma Air Service Command, dtd 16 May 45.

54th Air Service Group (Old Type) (See CBI Unit Histories)

Source: Mr. Andrew Popalis; Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: 54 Air Base Group, HQ & HQ Sq redesignated 54 Service Group, HQ & HQ Sq (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42).

Stations: Maxwell Fld, AL 1 Aug 41-15 Nov 41. Greenville Army Flying School, Greenville, MS, 3 Jul 1942-11 Nov 42; Dale Mabry Field, Tallahassee, FL 11 Nov 42-18 June 43; Avon Park Bombing Range, FL, 18 June 1943-6 Sep 1943; Lakeland Army Air Field, FL 6 Sep 43-15 Nov 43; Camp Patrick Henry, VA -22 Nov 43; Oran, Algeria 13 Dec 43-Jan 44 (499th ASG & 1081st QM Co at Casa Blanca); Bombay, India -Feb 44; (Sookerating, Kweilin - ??), Tezgaon, India Feb 44-Nov 45.

Hq and Hq Squadron
- Activated at the Greenville Army Flying School, Greenville, Mississippi, 3 July 1942, under authority of a letter, file 320.1, Headquarters Southeast Army Air Forces Training Center, 3 July 1942. Disbanded 8 Oct 48.
89th Air Service Squadron
- 89th Materiel Sq redesignated 89th Service Sq 10 Jun 42 (AG 320.2)
- Stationed at Maxwell Fld, AL 1 Aug 41-8 Dec 41
- Transferred to 54th ASG from 305th ASG upon Group's arrival at Tezgaon, Feb 44
499th Air Service Squadron
- Activated 1 Apr 43 and stationed at MacDill Fld, FL - 18 Jun 43
- Assigned to 54th Serv. Gp. and moved to Avon Park c. 18 Jun 43
- Transferred to 305th ASG in Feb 44 before 54th reached Tezgaon
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
500th Air Service Squadron
- Activated 1 Apr 43 and stationed at MacDill Fld, FL - 18 Jun 43
- Assigned to 54th Serv. Gp. and moved to Avon Park c. 18 Jun 43
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
1081st Quartermaster Company (ASG)
1086th Signal Company (ASG)
1104th Signal Company (ASG)
1112th Signal Company (ASG)
1575th Ordnance Company MM (Avn) (Q) (Redesignated Ordnance S&M Company (Avn))
1576th Ordnance Company MM (Avn) (Q) (Redesignated Ordnance S&M Company (Avn))
2080th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2081st Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2118th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn) (Colored)
2119th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn) (Colored)

While at Tezgaon, a detachment of approximately 200 officers and men was send to Hailakandi to support "Project 9" (1st Air Commando Gp.) 10 Feb-May 1944.

57th Air Service Group (New Type) (See CBI Unit Histories)

Source:

"History of the 57th Air Service Group", courtesy of Mr. Russell Melton

Mr. Bernie Shearon

1 Aug 41: 57th Air Base Gp (Sp) activated at Cochran Field, Macon, GA, with the 77th Air Base Sq and the 91st Materiel Sq assigned, all formed from cadres from the 71st Air Base Group. It was assigned to the Southeast Air Corps Training Ctr at Cochran Fld, GA and moved 4 Oct 41 to Shaw Fld, SC (mission was to support flying units on the base).

10 Jun 42: Redesignated 57th Service Gp (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42). 77th ABS redesignated 77th Base HQ and Air Base Sq and reassigned. 91st Materiel Sq redesignated 91st Service Sq and moved to Hunter Fld, GA 24 Sep 42.

11 Nov 42: Hq and Hq Sq moved to Dale Mabry Fld, FL.

1 Dec 42: The following units were activated and assigned to the 57th SG at their current locations:

385th Service Sq, Hunter Fld, GA

1814th Ordnance Co, Dale Mabry Fld, FL

1815th Ordnance Co, Dale Mabry Fld, FL

2062nd QM Truck Co, Dale Mabry Fld, FL

2063d QM Truck Co, Dale Mabry Fld, FL

1057th QM Service Co, Dale Mabry Fld, FL

1081st Signal Co (activated and assigned prior to 1 Dec 42)

9-28 May 43: 57th SG and all assigned units moved to Lakeland AAF, FL.

31 Jul 43: 2062 QM Truck Co departed for POE.

12 Aug 43: 91st Svc Sq, 385th Svc Sq, 1081st Sig Co departed for POE.

26 Aug 43: 1814th Ord Co departed for POE.

6 Sep 43: Hq and Hq Sq and 1057th QM Svc Co moved to Avon Park Bombing Range, FL.

16 Sep 43: 2063d QM Truck Co departed for POE.

31 Oct 43: Hq and Hq Sq and 1057th QM Svc Co moved to Venice AAB, FL.

16 Dec 43: Hq and Hq Sq and 1057th QM Svc Co moved to Lakeland AAF, FL.

6 Jan 44: Hq and Hq Sq departed for POE.

27 Jan 44: Departed POE.

5 Feb 44: Hq and Hq Sq arrived at Kahuka AB, TH (APO 964) and assigned to VII Bomber Cmd, 7th Air Force.

May 44: Group prepared to move to Bellows Fld, TH (APO 951).

10 Jun 44: 2031st QM Truck Co moved to Bellows Fld, TH (date of assignment to 57th SG unknown).

12 Jun 44: Hq and Hq Sq and 3d Provisional Ordnance S&M Co (formed as assigned c. 12 Jun) moved to Bellows Fld, TH. 2nd Provisional Service Sq and 2nd Provisional Signal Co assigned to Group (date unknown). These 2 units remained at Kahuka AB.

30 Jun 44: By this date the following units were assigned to the Group:

HQ and HQ Sq

2nd Provisional Signal Co

2nd Provisional Service Sq

3d Provisional Service Sq (Ordnance)

385th Service Sq

2nd Provisional QM Co

1243 MP Co

2031st QM Truck Co

2045 QM Truck Co

13 Jul 44: 2272nd QM Truck Co and 1039th Signal Co assigned. 2031st and 2045th QM Truck Co reassigned.

21 Aug 44: Group departed Bellows Fld for overseas assignment, sailing from Pier 26 at Honolulu.

19 Sep 44: Group arrived at Saipan. Destination orders changed from Tinian to Guam.

21 Sep 44: Arrived at Guam.

28 Sep 44: Moved to permanent camp area at Agana AB, Guam.

20 Oct 44: Group converted into a new model Service Gp (redesignated 57th Service Gp (Special)) and gained two new squadrons, the 613th Air Service Sq and 614th Air Service Sq. The 613th became an Air Engineering Sq and the 614th was replaced by the 619th Air Materiel Sq. Excess personnel assigned to 363d Service Gp, Oahu, TH, remaining attached to 57th pending further orders.

c. Jan 45: Group redesignated 57th Air Service Gp.

Apr 45: Group prepared to move to a forward area.

13 Jun 45: Group departed Guam camp site.

14 Jun 45: Arrived Saipan. Remained 2 weeks, then proceeded to Ulithi Atoll.

2 Jul 45: Arrived Yontan AB, Okinawa and assigned to 301st Fighter Wing. Remained at Yontan until at least 1946.

8 Oct 48: 57th ASG, 613th Air Eng Sq, 619th Air Mat Sq disbanded.

1988: Possibly reconstituted as the 857th Combat Support Group at Minot AFB, ND from 1988 to 1991.

Other Sites of Interest:

57th Air Service Group (Diary of SSgt Ed Murgatroyd)

61st Air Service Group (Old Type)

Lineage: Activated as 61 Air Base Group (Special) at Eglin Field, FL on 1 Dec 40. Redesignated 61 Service Group on 19 Jun 42 (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42). Lt Col Joe L. Neyer was commanding officer of Group on 29 Dec 43.

Stations: Eglin Fld (61 ABG) 1 Dec 40-17 Feb 43; Transferred to Will Rogers Field, Oklahoma City, OK on 16 Feb 43. Transferred to Santa Maria Army Air Field, Santa Maria, CA on 8 Apr 43. Moved to Pendleton Field, Pendleton, OR on 8 Sep 43. Engaged in supply and maintenance training on aircraft under field conditions. Fresno, CA unknown-2 May 44; Lakeland AAF, Lakeland, FL 2 May 44-unknown; Shamshernagar, India -unknown.

Hq and Hq Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
420th Air Service Squadron
- Activated at Air Service Command Training Center, Fresno, CA 13 Apr 44
- Shamshernagar, India -unknown
- Transferred to 54th ASG by 31 Mar 45
- Chittagong, India (214 NY) as of 1 May 45
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48.
1st Platoon, 816th Chemical Company (Air Depot) (attached as of 31 Mar 45))
505th Air Service Squadron
- Activated at Santa Maria AAF, CA 1 Apr 43
- Detached to 382nd ASG by 31 Mar 45
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
506th Air Service Squadron
- Activated at Santa Maria AAF, CA 1 Apr 43
- Transferred to Pendleton Field, Pendleton, OR (dates unknown)
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
1084th Quartermaster Company (Avn)
1104th Signal Company (Air Svc Gp)
1582nd Ordnance S&M Company
2124th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2125th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2259th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2261st Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)

65th Air Service Group (New Type)

Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: 65th Air Base Gp constituted 16 Aug 40, activated 1 Sep 40, active through 8 Dec 41, assigned to Gulf Coast AC Fly Tng Ctr; redesignated 65th Service Gp (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42); Inactivated -unknown; 3d Provisional Service Group activated at Macon, GA 16 Mar 44; redesignated 65th Air Service Gp 16 May 44, inactivated 17 Jan 46, disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: 73 Bombardment Wg (497 Bombardment Gp) to Oct 45.

Stations: Randolph Fld, TX to 1 Nov 40; Brooks Fld, TX to 15 Apr 41; Macon, Ga Mar-May 44; Tinker Fld 16 May 44-17 Jul 44; Camp Anza, CA 17 Jul; Proceeded to Los Angeles Port of Embarkation 12 Aug 44. Departed for overseas on 13 Aug 44. Isley Fld, Saipan 7 Sep 44-Dec 45; March Fld, CA c. Dec 45-17 Jan 46.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
3d Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Assigned to 65th ASG 16 Mar 44
- Stationed at Ft. Dix AAB 21 Apr 42-18 Nov 42; March Field, CA c. 1 Dec 45-17 Jan 46
573d Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Squadron activated 11 May 44 at Oklahoma City, OK
- Assigned to 65th ASG 16 Mar 44
- Stationed at Tinker Fld, OK (573 Mat Sq) 11 May 44-31 Jul 44; Isley Fld, Saipan -Nov 45, March Fld, CA 25 Nov 45-17 Jan 46

68th Air Service Group (Old Type) (See CBI Unit Histories)

Plaque located in Memorial Park
National Museum of the United States Air Force

Lineage: 68 Air Base Group redesignated 68 Service Group at Stockton Field, CA (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42). Redesignated 68 Air Service Gp c. Feb 45.

Stations: Stockton Field, CA -28 Sep 42; Gowen Field, Boise, ID -15 Oct 42; Thermal Army Air Base, CA 12 Mar-8 Sep 43; San Bernardino AAF, CA 10 Sep 43-1 Nov 43; Camp Anza, Arlington, CA 1-10 Nov 43; Bombay, India 26-28 Dec 43; Kanchrapara, India 2 Jan 44; Kunming, China Feb 44-Mar 45; Chengkung, China Mar-c. Dec 45.

Hq and Hq Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
2nd Air Base Communications Detachment (Sp)
5th Air Base Communications Detachment (Sp)
2nd Air Base Communications Detachment (Sp)
8th Medical Supply Platoon (attached 13 Mar 44 from 301st ADG)
12th Air Service Squadron
- This unit started off as the Mat Sq, 9 Air Base Gp. The abstract for the history of the 9 Service Gp indicates it was activated 1 Mar 35 at Rockwell Fld and moved to Moffett Fld later that year without mentioning its earlier designations. 12th Materiel Sq redesignated 12th Service Sq 10 Jun 42 (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42). Activated 12 Jul 42 at Chico AAF, CA (this should actually reflect a move from Moffett Fld, CA perhaps without personnel and new personnel assigned at Chico), moved to Gowen Fld, ID 24 Sep 42, where assigned to 68 Service Gp, to Wilmington, CA, departing on USS Hermitage 9 Nov 43, arriving Bombay 26 Dec 43, arrived Kanchrapara 2 Jan 44. Disbanded 8 Oct 48.
15th Airways Detachment
18th Airways Detachment
54th Air Service Squadron (assigned 29 Feb 44; disbanded 8 Oct 48)

Portion of scarf, courtesy of Mr. Melvin Lam
232nd Medical Dispensary (Avn)
377th Air Service Squadron (transferred to 51st ASG 26 Dec 43; disbanded 8 Oct 48)
1088th Signal Company (ASG)
1151st Quartermaster Company (ASG)
1157th Signal Company (ASG)
1760th Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
1803d Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
1989th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2050th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2051st Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn) (Colored)

Source: Mr. John Collier

The 68th was stationed in Kunming, China from February 1944 until March 1945 under the 5308th Air Service Area Command. And later under China Air Service Command, Sector #1. In March they moved to Chengkung, where they were at the end of the war.

69th Air Service Group (New Type)

Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: Activated 16 May 41 as 69th Air Base Gp (Spl), redesignated 69th Service Gp 1 Aug 42, possibly discontinued 10 Jun 43. 31 Service Gp (Spl) divided into 31 Service Gp (Spl) and 69 Service Gp (Spl) May 44, redesignated 69th Air Service Gp 1 Feb 45, inactivated 19 Apr 46, activated 19 May 47, inactivated 12 Aug 48, disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: AC Tech Tng Ctr/AAF Tech Tng Cmd 1941 to 1942, unknown to Jun 43, Warner Robins Air Svc Cd, 11 May 44 to Jun 44, XX Bmr Cmd to unknown, 314 Bombardment Wing (29 Bombardment Gp) to 1946. Strategic Air Cmd 1947-1948.

Stations: Chanute Fld, IL 1941 to 1 Aug 41, Keesler Fld, MS 4 Aug 41-15 Feb 43, unknown to 2 Apr 43, Great Falls AAF, MT to 10 Jun 43, Herbert Smart Apt, GA 11 May 44-Jun 44, Hastings AAF to 19 Nov 44, Seattle POE 24-30 Nov 44; North Fld, Guam to 28 Dec 44-1946; Andrews AFB, MD 19 May 47-12 Aug 48.

Commanders: Maj Philip J. Kuhl 3-12 Jun 45; Col Frank J. Coleman 12 Jun-16 Jul 45; Maj Philip J. Kuhl 16 Jul-12 Sep 45; Col Bob Arnold 12-24 Sep 45; Col Joseph E. Barzynski 24 Sep-20 Oct 45; Maj Philip J. Kuhl 20 Oct-17 Nov 45; Col Graves H. Snyder 17 Nov-unknown.

Awards: Meritorious Service Unit plaque, 26 Nov 45

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
305th Service Sq / Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
575th Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)

Other Sites of Interest: 39th Bomb Gp. Association

Photograph formerly belonged to Lt. H.V. Dargan of the 69th Air Service Group. During the war, the squadron was briefly stationed in Fresno, California, and while there the boys took some rest and relaxation at nearby Yosemite. They enlisted the services of Ansel Adams to take a photograph of their group, and later Adams went back to Best's Gallery and printed and mailed their photographs and other shots of the park to Lt. Dargan in Fresno on 1 November 1943. -- Courtesy of Mr. Andrew Smith

71st Air Service Group (New Type)

Lineage: 71 Air Base Group (Spl) redesignated 71 Service Group (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42). Disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: 318th Fighter Group -unknown.

Stations: Maxwell Field, AL 1 Mar 41-28 May 41; Cochran Field, Macon, GA -unknown; Dale Mabry Field, Tallahassee, FL -unknown; Greenville Service Group Training Center, Greenville, SC -unknown; Walterboro, SC -unknown; Bellows Field, Oahu, TH - Jul 44; Isley Field, Saipan -unknown; Kobler Field, Saipan -unknown; Bellows Field, Oahu, TH Mar 45; Kahuku AAB, TH 29 Sep 45-c. Jan 46;

Hq and Base Services Sq (Disbanded 8 Oct 48)
388th Aviation Sq
466th Service Sq / Air Engineering Sq
- Stationed at Kahuku AAB, TH c. 6 Jan-27 Feb 44
- 466 Service Squadron redesignated 466 Engineering Squadron 20 Oct 44
- Redesignated 466 Air Engineering Squadron c. Feb 45
- Transferred to 364th ASG by 1 May 45 (date unknown)
- Moved to Saipan then to Hawaii 17 Mar 45. At Kahuku AAB, TH 29 Sep 45-c. Jan 46
612th Service Sq / Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
620th Air Materiel Sq
- Stationed at Kahuku AAB, TH c. 29 Sep 45-1946
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48

72nd Air Service Group

Source:

Lineage:

Assignments:

Stations:

Hq and Base Services Sq
535th Air Engineering Sq
- 535 Service Sq activated 15 Apr 43 at Kelly Fld, TX
- Stationed at Kadena AAB 7 Jun 47-20 Sep 48
- Redesignated 534 Air Engineering Sq 1945
579th Air Materiel Sq
- Stationed at Robins Fld, GA 11 May 44-c. Jun 44; North Fld, Tinian to 15 Mar 46; Clark Fld to 7 Jun 47, Kadena AB 7 Jun 47-20 Sep 48

73d Air Service Group

Source:

Lineage:

Assignments:

Stations:

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
586th Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Stationed at Andrews Fld, MD 19 May 47-12 Aug 48
580th Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Stationed at Andrews Fld, MD 19 May 47-12 Aug 48

Other Sites of Interest:

315th Bomb Wing

75th Air Service Group

Lineage:

Stations:

Hq and Base Services Sq
587th Air Engineering Sq
- Activated 22 May 1944, Robins Fld, GA per GO Hq, Warner Robins Air Service Command dated 11 May 1944
- Moved to Herbert Smart Apt, GA 7 Sep 44
- Moved to Tinker Fld, OK, departing 5 Nov 44, arriving 7 Nov 44. Move included Hq & Base Services Sq and 581st Material Sq
- Moved to Walker AAF, KS 4 Dec 44
- Moved to Fort Lawton, WA 3 Apr 45
- Shipment #4804 departed 15 Apr 45, arriving Apra Harbor, Guam 10 May 45
581st Air Materiel Sq

Other Sites of Interest:

315th Bomb Wing

587th AES photos courtesy of Mr. Glenn Pendleton

76th Air Service Group

Source:

Air Force History Index

Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage:

Assignments:

Stations:

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
588th Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
582nd Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)

Other Sites of Interest:

315th Bomb Wing

77th Air Service Group

Source:

Lineage:

Assignments:

Stations:

Hq and Base Services Sq
534th Air Engineering Sq
- 534 Service Sq activated 15 Apr 43 at Kelly Fld, TX
- Stationed at Robins Fld, GA (534 Svc Sq) 24 Jan 44-c. Jun 44
- Smoky Hill AAF, Salina, KS -Nov 44
- Redesignated 534 Air Engineering Sq 1945
- Disbanded 15 Jun 83
576th Air Materiel Sq
Stationed at Robins Fld, GA 11 May 44-c. Jun 44

81st Air Service Group (New Type)

Lineage: 81st Air Base Group constituted 1 Aug 1941 and activated about 11 Aug 1941 at Kelly Fld, TX. Moved to Lake Charles AAF, LA, Nov 1941, where it was redesignated 81st Service Group on 13 Jun 1942. Activated Air Service Command Training Center, Fresno, CA. 81 Air Base Group, HQ & HQ Sq redesignated 81 Service Group, HQ & HQ Sq (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42). Original mission supply and maintain very heavy bombardment groups equipped with B-29 aircraft. Conducted Movement to Stinson Field, San Antonio, TX, thence to Robins Field, GA. Redesignated 81 Air Service Group. Reorganization to support fighter groups. Conducted overseas movement to North Airfield, Iwo Jima Island, Volcano Islands (serviced 15th Fighter Group (Single Engine)). Disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
82nd Air Base Squadron (81 ABG, 1941)
91st Materiel Squadron (later 91st Service Squadron) (81 ABG, 1941-1942)
336th Station Complement Sq
372nd Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- 372 Engineering Sq redesignated 372 Air Engineering Sq 21 Nov 44
583d Air Materiel Sq
- Activated 11 May 44 at Fresno, CA
- Moved to San Antonio, TX Jun 44
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48

86th Air Service Group (New Type)

Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: Activated 1 Aug 41 as the 86th Air Base Gp, redesignated 86th Service Gp (Spl) (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42). Possibly inactivated Aug 43. Reactivated 1 Jul 44 with personnel from 25th ASG and assigned to XX Bomber Command to support 58 Bombardment Wing (462 Bombardment Gp). Redesignated 86th Air Service Gp 28 Nov 44, inactivated 31 Mar 46. Group reestablished separate Headquarters in Albuquerque, NM Jan 46; Activated 19 May 47, inactivated 12 Aug 48, disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: West Coast AC Flying Training Ctr/AAF West Coast Flying Training Ctr 1941-Jun 42,San Bernardino Air Technical Service Cmd to unknown (may not have been active between Jan 43 and Apr 44), 58th Bombardment Wg (462 Bombardment Gp) to Feb 46. 4 Air Force HQ Feb 46. Strategic Air Cmd 47-48.

Stations: Mather Fld, CA 1 Aug 1941-24 Nov 41 Victorville AAF, CA to 21 Jan 43, unknown to Apr 44, Piardoba to Feb 1945, West Fld, Tinian to 1 Dec 45, MacDill Fld, FL 1 Dec 45-31 Mar 46, Andrews AFB, MD 19 May 47-12 Aug 48.

Awards: Meritorious Service Unit plaque for 3 Jul 44 to 1 Jan 45.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
349th Air Engineering Sq
- Designated 349 Materiel Squadron, Feb 42
- Redesignated 349 Service Squadron, May 42
- Redesignated 349 Engineering Squadron, 1 Jul 44
- Redesignated 349 Air Engineering Squadron, 21 Nov 44
- Transferred from 25th Serv Gp (date unknown)
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
584th Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
2072nd Engineer Firefighting Det (See Engineering Units)

Source: 444th Bomb Group Association

The 86th ASG was formed when the 20th AAF split the 25th & 28th Service Groups into the 86th & 87th Air Service Groups. These groups were know to be two of the most proficient, and technically trained of the AAF�s Air Service Groups. Veteran personnel from the 589th Material Squadron, and the 355th Air Engineering Squadron were the basis of the new units. Just as in the case of the aircrew members, group members in the top 10% of their respective training classes were to be assigned to the B-29 Program.

Source: "The Development of Tactical Services in the Army Air Forces" by John M. Coleman, published in 1950.

87th Air Service Group (New Type)

Lineage: 87 Air Base Group, HQ & HQ Sq redesignated 87 Service Group, HQ & HQ Sq (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42). Possibly inactivated Aug 43. Reactivated 1 Jul 44 with personnel from 28th ASG and assigned to XX Bomber Command to support 58 Bombardment Wing (468th Bomb Group). Reassigned from 4 Air Force to 2 Air Force 28 Mar 46. Disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Stations: Ft. Dix AAB, NJ 15 Dec 42-6 Aug 43; unknown -Mar 44; Chakulia and then Dudhkundi, India Jul 44-Apr 45; Advanced detachment of Group departed Dudhkundi for Tinian Island, 4 Apr 45. Remainder of Group departed on 6 May 45. West Field, Tinian Apr 45-c. Dec 45. Fort Worth, TX by 1 Jan 46. Relocated 9 Jan 46 Roswell, NM.

Awards: Meritorious Service Unit plaque awarded to Group on 5 Apr 45 for superior performance of duty for period 1 Jul 44 to 1 Jan 45.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
355th Air Engineering Sq
- Lineage: 355 Materiel Squadron activated 11 Mar 42 at Geiger Field, WA. Redesignated 355 Service Squadron, 1 Jul 42; 355 Engineering Squadron, 1 Jul 44, and 355 Air Engineering Squadron 23 Jan 45. Disbanded 8 Oct 48.
- Stations: Geiger Field, WA (355 Mat Sq) 1 Mar 42-29 Sep 42; unknown -1 Nov 42; March Fld, CA (355 Svc Sq) 1 Nov 42-30 Nov 42. Moved to Dudhkundi, India 16 Jun 44. Began moving to Tinian Island 23 Feb 45.
589th Air Materiel Sq
- Moved May 45 to Tinian, Mariana Islands from India
- Stationed at Roswell, NM by early 1946
- Stationed at Andrews Fld, MD 19 May 47-12 Aug 48
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
2073d Engineer Firefighting Det (See Engineering Units)

Source: 444th Bomb Group Association

The 87th ASG was formed when the 20th AAF split the 25th & 28th Service Groups into the 86th & 87th Air Service Groups. These groups were know to be two of the most proficient, and technically trained of the AAF�s Air Service Groups. Veteran personnel from the 589th Material Squadron, and the 355th Air Engineering Squadron were the basis of the new units. Just as in the case of the aircrew members, group members in the top 10% of their respective training classes were to be assigned to the B-29 Program.

Assigned to the 58th BW on 01/25/1944, the 28th ASG left the U.S. in March of 1944. Departing Fort Dix, NJ. by ship. They passed through the Panama Canal, stopping in Australia. Then on to Bombay, and finally Chakulia India arriving on 05/01/1944. They were attached to the 444th BG(VH) & 40th BG(VH), 58th BW. 87th ASG formed 6 July 1944 from personnel from the 28th ASG. They had the distinction of being the first unit to supply and maintain the B-29 Superfortress� combat operations. This included the June 15, 1944 strike- the first bombing of mainland Japan since the Doolittle Raid in 1942.

Unlike the regular ground echelon of the combat group, the 87th was charged with duties that were more involved & required specific technical training. This included servicing radio & radar equipment, as well as base utility systems. The 87th also took care of procurement, storage, and issue of supplies and ordnance in support of their two B-29 combat units. Also included in the 87th were the 58th BW Signal units.

Taken with great sacrifice by the U.S. Marines, the Marianas islands were an essential objective on the road to Tokyo. It was from the Marianas that the B-29�s of the 20th AAF staged their final attacks on the Japanese Empire. The 87th moved with the 58th BW to West Field Tinian (468th Bombardment Gp) in April 1945, with advance units arriving in January & February. Only after the B-29 operations started from Tinian, Saipan, and Guam did the Japanese begin to realize that the war was lost. The 58th BW participated in massive low-level incendiary strikes on urban areas, as well as continued heavy precision bombing of strategic targets in Japan through the end of the war. The groups began returning to the United States in late 1945.

Source: "The Development of Tactical Services in the Army Air Forces" by John M. Coleman, published in 1950.

89th Air Service Group (New Type)

Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: Activated 1 Aug 41 as the 89th Air Base Gp, redesignated 89th Service Gp (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42). Activated at Air Service Command Training Center, Fresno, CA, 1 Mar 44. Comprised of Headquarters and Base Services, 501 Materiel, and 502 Engineering Squadrons. Active until 17 Nov 45, disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: West Coast AC Fly Tng Ctr/AAF West Coast Fly Tng Ctr 1941 to 1942, Merced Repl Ctr to Sep 42, Air Service Command Training Center to 1944, Warner Robins Air Tech Svc Cmd to Feb 44, 314 Bombardment Wg (39 Bombardment Gp?) from Jan 45.

Stations: Moffett Fld, CA 1941 to 9 Dec 41, Merced AAF, CA 11 Dec 41-15 Dec 42; Fresno, CA -Aug 44; Relocated 2 Aug 44 Army Air Field, McCook, NE, and 24 Dec 44 Fort Lawton, WA in preparation for movement overseas. Embarked for Guam, Mariana Islands, from Seattle, WA, Jan 45. North Field, Guam, Mariana Islands, 27 Jan-Nov 45. Mission to maintain, through supply and repair, B-29 aircraft in a Theater of Operations. Upon arrival on Guam personnel constructed all facilities necessary for servicing aircraft and housing the group. During heavy air raids against Japan in Mar 45, servicing of B-29 aircraft increased in tempo.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
502nd Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Stationed at Ft. Dix AAB (502 Svc Sq) 13 Sep 43-c. 20 Jan 44; Robins Fld, GA 1 Mar 44-23 May 44 (redesignated Air Mat Sq c. 1 Mar 44)
501st Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Stationed at Ft. Dix AAB (501 Svc Sq) 13 Sep 43-11 Jan 44; Robins Fld, GA (501 Svc Sq) 11 Jan 44-23 May 44 (redesignated Air Mat Sq c. 1 Mar 44)

Other Sites of Interest: 39th Bomb Gp. Association

90th Air Service Group (New Type)

Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: Activated 1 Aug 41 as 90th Air Base Gp, redesignated 90th Service Gp (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42), redesignated 90th Air Service Gp (unknown date, no information on unit between May 42 and Feb 44 or May 44 and Jan 45), active through 15 Nov 45, disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: West Coast AC Fly Tng Ctr 1941 to May 42, Warner Robins Air Svc Cmd 10 Feb-May 44, 314th Bombardment Wg (330 Bombardment Gp) Jan 45-15 Nov 45.

Stations: Luke Fld, AZ 1941 to 19 May 42, Fresno, CA -1944; Robins Fld, GA 1 Mar 44-23 May 44, North Fld, Guam Jan 45-15 Nov 45.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
508th Air Engineering Sq
- Inactivated 20 Dec 45
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
507th Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Stationed at Andrews Fld, MD 19 May 47-12 Aug 48

Other Sites of Interest: 39th Bomb Gp. Association

91st Air Service Group (New Type)

Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: Activated as 91st Air Base Gp (Reserve) 22 Jul 41 (comprised of 1 Air Base Sq, 3 Materiel Sq, 306 Materiel Sq); in Apr 42 participated in formation of initial Service Center at Fort Dix, NJ; redesignated 91st Service Gp 26 Jun 42 (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42); redesignated 91st Air Service Gp 1944; inactivated 17 Jan 46; disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: I AF Base Cmd 1941 to 10 Jun 42, I Air Service Area Cmd to 1942, unknown to 1944, Warner Robins Air Service Cmd to Apr 44 Oklahoma City Air Service Cmd to 1944, 73 Bombardment Wg (498 Bombardment Gp) Sep 44 to Oct 45, unknown -Jan 46.

Stations: Mitchel Fld 1941 to 15 May 42, Ft Dix AAF, NJ to 15 Nov 42; Orlando, Fl Nov-29 Dec 42; Leesburg, Fl 29 Dec 42-unknown; Herbert Smart Apt, GA to 16 Apr 44; Tinker Fld to 22 Jul 44; Camp Anza, CA to 13 Aug 44; Departed Los Angeles, CA, Port of Embarkation 13 Aug 44; arrived Saipan, Mariana Islands, 7 Sep 44; Isley Fld, Saipan to 15 Oct 45; March Fld, CA 15 Oct 45-17 Jan 46.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
322nd Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Stationed at Ft. Dix AAB (322 Svc Sq) 22 Sep 42-9 Nov 42; unknown -16 Apr 44; Tinker Fld, OK (322 Svc Sq) 16 Apr 44-22 Jul 44; Isley Fld, Saipan -Nov 45, March Fld, CA 19 Nov 45-22 Dec 45
572nd Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- 572 Materiel Squadron activated 11 May 44 at Tinker Fld, Oklahoma City, OK and assigned to 91 Service Group
- Squadron departed Tinker Fld 22 Jul 44 for Camp Anza, Arlington, CA
- Squadron departed Los Angeles Port of Embarkation 14 Aug 44
- Squadron arrived at Saipan 18 Sep 44 and stationed at Isley Fld - Nov 45
- Stationed at March Fld, CA 25 Nov 45-17 Jan 46

301st Air Service Group (Old Type) (See CBI Unit Histories)

Source:

Mr. Gerald E. "Gene" Zimmerman (AFHRA microfilm records of the 301st ASG)
Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: 301st Air Base Group activated 9 Feb 42 at Selfridge Field, MI; Redesignated 301st Service Group (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42), 301st Air Service Group c. Jan 45. Inactivated Jan 46.

Stations: Selfridge Field, MI 9 Feb 42-19 Nov 42; Syracuse AAB 20 Nov 42-18 Jan 43; Ft. Dix AAB, NJ (Ft. Dix Service Unit Training Center) 18 Jan 43-7 Jul 43; New York Port of Embarkation 7-10 Jul 43 (shipment number 5864 A to J inclusive); Deolali, India 13-18 Aug 43; Lalmanirhat, India 25 Aug 43-9 Jan 45; Tezpur, India 9 Jan 45-1 Jun 45; Bhamo, Burma 1 Jun 45-c. Jul 45; Jorhat, India c. Jul 45-unknown (replaced 381st ASG); Tezpur -unknown.

Hq and Hq Squadron
8th Medical Supply Platoon
319th Air Service Squadron
- 319th Material Squadron activated at Selfridge AAF, MI 9 Feb 42
- Redesignated 319th Service Squadron 10 Jun 42 (AG 320.2)
- Moved to Lalmanir Hat, India 19 Aug 43
- Moved to Tezpur, India 29 Jan 44
- Moved to Sahmaw, Burma (date unknown)
- Moved to Bhamo, Burma 1 Jun 45
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
326th Air Service Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- 326th Material Squadron (308th Air Base Group) activated 10 Feb 42
- Redesignated 326th Service Squadron 10 Jun 42 (AG 320.2)
- 326th Service Squadron transferred 9 Jul 42 from the 308th Service Group to the 301st Service Group.
- Moved to Lalmanir Hat, India 19 Aug 43
- Moved to Tezpur, India 12 Feb 45
- Moved to Rupsi Air Base, Jun 45
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
1083d Ordnance Company (Avn)
1083d Signal Company (ASG)
1086th Signal Company (ASG)
1106th Quartermaster Company (ASG)
1752nd Ordnance S&M Company
1753d Ordnance S&M Company
1819th Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
1905th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn) (Colored)
1961st Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2050th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn) (Colored)

303d Air Service Group (New Type)

Source: Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: 303 Air Base Group redesignated 303 Service Gp (Spl) (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42), activated in 1942, inactivated 1943, reactivated 3 Jan 44; redesignated 303 Service Gp 10 May 44; assigned to 20 Air Force 1 Dec 44; redesignated 303 Air Service Gp 3 Jan 45; inactivated 31 Mar 46. Activated 19 May 47, inactivated 7 Nov 47, disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: Warner Robins Air Service Cmd to Jul 43, Oklahoma City Air Service Cmd to 3 Jan 44 to Jun 44, 73d Bombardment Wg (499 Bombardment Gp) to Oct 45, unknown to 1946. Strategic Air Cmd 1947-1947.

Stations: Dale Mabry Fld, FL to 1943 (may have moved off base. One source gives location as Tallahassee, FL in 1943) Casper AAB, WY during 1943, Tinker Fld, OK to from 3 Jan 44-22 Jul 44, Isley Fld, Saipan Aug 44-Dec 45, March Fld, CA c. Dec 45-5 Jan 46, MacDill Fld, FL 5 Jan 46-31 Mar 46, Andrews Fld, MD 19 May 47-24 Sep 47, Davis-Monthan Fld, AZ to 24 Sep 47-7 Nov 47.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
327th Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
73d Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Stationed at North Field, Guam (31 Air Svc Gp) 28 Dec 44-20 Aug 48

History of the 303d ASG
(Courtesy of Mr. Brent Peeples)

305th Air Service Group (Old Type)

Lineage: 305 Air Base Group activated 7 Feb 42 at Savannah AAB, GA; redesignated 305 Service Group 13 Jun 42 (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42); relocated to Ondal, India as of 23 Dec 42. Disbanded 27 Sep 84.

"The primary function of the Ondal base and the 305th Air Service Group was to supply the 7th Bomb Group, the 1st Air Commando Group, the 24th Photo Mapping Squadron, the 47th Air Depot Group and the 30th Station Hospital." -- Mr. Rocco Pernetti (Ex-CBI Roundup, July 1998 Issue)

Hq and Hq Squadron
89th Air Service Squadron (transferred to 54th ASG in Feb 44)
- Stationed at Maxwell Fld, AL 1 Aug 41-8 Dec 41
323d Air Service Squadron
- 323d Materiel Sq redesignated 323d Service Sq (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42)
- Moved from Newport News, VA to Colombo, Ceylon by ship between 7 Oct 42 and 25 Nov 42
- Arrived at Bombay, India 29 Nov 42
- Stationed at Agra, India dec 43 and at Ondal, India Jan 43
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
412th Air Service Squadron
- 412 Service Sq (Training) activated 1 Jul 43 at Florence AAF, SC
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
499th Air Service Squadron (transferred from 54th ASG in Feb '44; disbanded 8 Oct 48)
771st Chemical Company, (Depot, Avn)
816th Chemical Company (Air Opn)
881st Signal Company (ASG) (attached from 80th ADG as of 31 Mar 45)
1036th Signal Company (ASG)
1142nd QM Co. (ASG)
- Det - Karachi, India
- Det - Chakulia, India
1365th MP Company (Avn)
- Det A - Gaya, India
1603d Ordnance S&M Co. (Avn) (See Ordnance Units)
- Det - Feni, India
1670th Ordnance S&M Co. (Avn)
1959th QM Company (Truck, Avn) - Ondal, India
2000th QM Company (Truck, Avn) (Colored)
2087th Engineer Platoon (Avn) Fire Fighting

315th Air Service Group (Old Type)

Source:

Air Force History Index

Mr. Mark Boland

Mr. Bernie Shearon

Lineage: 315th Air Base Gp constituted 28 Jan 42; activated 5 Mar 42 with Maj Allison J. Holifield as commander; redesignated 315th Service Gp (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42); 315th Air Service Gp around Dec 44; inactivated 3 Jan 46; disbanded 8 Oct 48; reconstituted 31 Jul 85 as 415th Combat Support Gp (not active).

Stations: Key Fld, MS 5 May-21 Sep 42; Abu Sueir, Egypt 1 Nov 42; Gambut Main, Egypt -Feb 43; Tripoli, Libya -Jul 43; Sicily -Oct 43; Italy -Feb 44; Kurmitola, India by 1944; Hsingching, China Apr 44-Oct 45; Shanghai, China Oct 45-Jan 46. At beginning of Jan 46 Group on board ship bound for Seattle, WA. Docked at Tacoma, WA on 3 Jan 46. Inactivated immediately after return to United States.

Assignments: Assigned to AF Combat Command 1942, probably to Third AF until Jun 42, then to Air Service Cmd until moving overseas, IX AF Service Cmd in Egypt, probably X AF Service Cmd in India, then China Air Service Area Cmd in China.

Hq and Hq Squadron
8th Airdrome Squadron (See Other Units - Airdrome Squadrons)
8th Air Base Communications Detachment
9th Air Base Communications Detachment
16th Airways Detachment
36th Malaria Survey Detachment
86th Veterinary Food Inspection Detachment
231st Medical Dispensary (Avn)
233d Medical Dispensary (Avn)
234th Medical Dispensary (Avn)
338th Air Service Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Activated 11 Mar 42, Key Field, MS as 338 Materiel Squadron
- Redesignated 338th Service Sq (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42)
- Stationed at Ft. Dix AAB (338 Svc Sq) 28 Aug 42-20 Sep 42
- Overseas movement to European/African/Middle Eastern (EAME) theater
- Primary service in Africa and Italy before moving to the CBI
358th Air Service Squadron
- 358th Materiel Sq redesignated 358th Service Sq (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42)
- Stationed at Air Base A-1, Hsinching, China c. Jul 44 for repair of fighter aircraft
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
1049th Signal Company (ASG)
1139th Quartermaster Company (ASG)
1364th Military Police Company (Avn)
1369th Military Police Company (Avn)
1641st Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
1682nd Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
1980th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)

329th Air Service Group (Old Type)

"Known as the "Global Planesmen," the 329th saw action in North Africa and Italy before coming to India." -- IBT Roundup, December 27, 1945.

Source: Mr. Mark Boland; Mr. Bernie Shearon; various historical documents

Lineage: Organized on 2 Mar 42 as 329 Air Base Group at Salt Lake [City] Army Air Base, UT. Redesignated 329 Service Group 16 Jun 42. Departed for Hill Field, UT on 3 Sep 42. Departed for Fort Dix, NJ on 17 Sep 42. Departed New York POE on 25 Sep 42. Group commander Maj Evan C. Williams. Arrived Firth of Clyde off Gourock, Scotland on 7 Oct 42. Departed for Horsham Saint Faith outside Norwich, England, arriving on 9 Oct 42. Assigned to XII Air Force. Maj Andrew L. Castleman assumed command of Group on 19 Oct 42. Departed for Avonmouth (Bristol), England on 22 Oct 42. Boarded ship on 23 Oct 42 for Arzew, Algeria, arriving 8 Nov 42. Departed for Nouvion Air Base, 45 miles southeast of Arzew, on 18 Nov 42. (unknown - Jun 43). Left Nouvion Air Base, Algeria for Kariouan, Tunisia 30 Jun 43. Arrived M'Saken, Tunisia 4 Jul 43. Serviced 51 and 52 Wings, Troop Carrier Cmd. Departed for Milazzo, Sicily 21 Sep 43, arriving 24 Sep 43. Departed 25 Sep 43 for Palermo, Sicily. Departed for Licata, Sicily 26 Sep 43. (unknown - Mar 44) Departed Port of Aden 6 Mar 44, arriving Bombay, India 12 Mar 44. Departed 13 Mar 44 for Panitola, India, arriving 26 Mar 44, then to Dinjan, India same day. Moved 7 Aug 44 to Jorhat, India. Redesignated 329th Air Service Gp 16 Feb 45, inactivated after Jan 46, disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Assignments: Assigned to AF Combat Command, probably to Second AF until Jun 42, then to XII Air Force, then Air Service Command and to X AF Svc Cmd on arrival in India; later assigned to Northern Air Service Area Cmd.

Hq and Hq Squadron
42nd Air Service Squadron
- 42nd Materiel Sq redesignated 42nd Service Sq (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42)
- detached to 383d ASG as of 31 Mar 45
- disbanded 8 Oct 48
342nd Air Service Squadron
- 342nd Materiel Sq redesignated 342nd Service Sq (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42)
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
1056th Signal Company (ASG)
1116th Quartermaster Company (ASG)
- Det - Sookertang, India
1649th Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
1677th Ordnance S&M Company (Avn)
1752nd Ordnance S&M Company, c. Jul 45
2043d Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2494th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn) (Colored) (transferred to 14th Air Depot Group)

381st Air Service Group (New Type)

Source:

Mr. Eugene Gregg (AFHRA microfilm records of the 597th AES, roll # A0710)
Mr. Bernie Shearon
"Shanghai Air Depot Weekly", March 1946

Lineage: Constitution and authority for activation of Group, 597th Engineering Sq, 605th Materiel Sq per AG 322 (5 Jun 44) OB-I-AFRPG-M, dated 13 June 1944; Activated 16 Jun 44 per GO #73, HQ AAFTAC, dated 16 Jun 44; Inactivated 7 Jun 46 per AG 322 (6 Jun 46) dated 12 Jun 46. Disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Stations: AAFTAC, Orlando, FL Jun-6 Aug 44; Robins Fld, GA 5 Aug 44-6 Dec 44; Los Angeles POE 10-20 Dec 44; Bombay, India 22 Jan-1 Feb 45; Tezpur, India 2 Feb-15 Jul 45 (replaced 301st ASG); Jorhat, India 15-25 Jul 45 (replaced 329th ASG); Dergaon, India 1 Aug-11 Sep 45; Chabua, India 11-20 Sep 45; Shanghai, China 21 Sep 45-25 May 46 (301st ASG replaced 381st at Jorhat).

Letter Authorizing the 381st ASG

Letter Activating the 381st ASG

Letter Inactivating the 381st ASG

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
597th Air Engineering Squadron
- Redesignated 597th Air Engineering Sq effective 1 Apr 45 per AG 322 (5 Apr 45) OB-I-WDGC T-M, Report No. 82, dated 5 Apr 45
- Inactivated 25 May 46 per GO #35, Hq Army Air Forces in China, dated 20 May 46.
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
605th Air Materiel Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
The following were attached as of 31 Mar 45:
- 326th Air Service Sq (301st ASG)
- 1677th Ordnance S&M Company (329th ASG)
- 1752nd Ordnance S&M Company (301st ASG) through c. Jul 45
- 1905th Quartermaster Truck Company (301st ASG)
- 456th Quartermaster Platoon (48th ADG)

Source: Mr. James Logue, 605th Air Material Sq.

381st arrived at Warner Robins Field, GA for training 7 Aug 44. POE California 19 Dec 44. Arrived Bombay, India 24 Jan 45, Tezpur, Assam, India early Feb 45. Moved to Jorhat, India to Shanghai, China by way of Chabua, India and Luichow, China. Arrived Shanghai 21 Sep 45. Back to States SFPOE 7 May 46.

382nd Air Service Group (New Type) (See CBI Unit Histories)

Lineage: Formed from Cadre 7, Stinson Fld, San Antonio, TX. Activated 24 Jun 44.

Stations: Chittagong, India Jan - Jul 45 (serviced 4th Combat Cargo Gp); Luliang, China -Oct 45; Kiangwan (Shanghai Air Depot) -Nov 45.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
4th Platoon, 816th Chemical Company (attached by 31 Mar 45)
78th Medical Supply Platoon (attached from IB ASC by 31 Mar 45)
420th Air Service Squadron (Attached from 61st ASG by 31 Mar 1945)
- 420th Service Sq (Training) activated 1 Jul 43 at Tinker AAF, OK
- Stationed at Tinker Fld, OK 1 Jul 43-c. 1 Apr 44; Shamshernagar, India -unknown; Chittagong, India (214 NY) as of 1 May 45
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
500th Air Service Squadron
505th Air Service Squadron (Attached from 61st ASG by 31 Mar 1945) (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
598th Air Engineering Squadron (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
606th Air Materiel Squadron
- Activated c. Jun 44 at San Antonio, TX
- Moved to Chittagong Air Field, India Jan 45
- Provided supplies for British 14 Army in Burma
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
1081st Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
1086th Signal Company (ASG)
1575th Ordnance S&M Company
1576th Ordnance S&M Company
1581st Ordnance S&M Company (Attached from 61st ASG by 31 Mar 1945)
2080th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2081st Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2124th Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn)
2261st Quartermaster Company (Truck, Avn) (Attached from 61st ASG by 31 Mar 1945)

383d Air Service Group (New Type)

Lineage: Formed from Cadre 9, Stinson Fld, San Antonio, TX. Activated 24 Jun 44.

Stations: Moved from Stinson Field, San Antonio, TX to Camp Anza, Arlington, CA in early Dec 44 and sailed from Wilmington, CA for overseas in late Dec 44. Sailed to Hobart, Tasmania, Australia and then to Bombay, India where they arrived in late Jan 45. On 2 Feb 45 arrived at Dergaon Army Air Base, Assam, India and then in March moved to Salua AF, Kharagpur, India (replaced 25th ASG when 25th moved to Tinian).

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
42nd Air Service Squadron
- 42nd Materiel Sq redesignated 42nd Service Sq (AG 320.2, 10 Jun 42)
- Attached from 329th ASG as of 31 Mar 45
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
599th Air Engineering Squadron
- Activated 24 Jun 44 at Stinson Field, San Antonio, TX as 599 Engineering Squadron
- Redesignated 21 Nov 44 as 599 Air Engineering Squadron
- Attached to 47th ADG
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
607th Air Materiel Squadron
- 607 Materiel Squadron activated 24 Jun 44 at San Antonio, TX
- Attached to 48 ADG by 31 Mar 45
- Redesignated 607 Air Materiel Squadron 1 Apr 45
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48

386th Air Service Group (New Type)

Lineage: Activated 24 Jul 1944 at Kahuku AAF, HI as the 386th Service Gp (Special) and assigned to VII AF Service Cd. Moved in Oct 1944 to Wheeler Fld, HI and then to Bellows Fld, HI. Redesignated 386th Air Service Gp 4 Nov 1944, moved in Feb 1945 to South Field, Iwo Jima where it was active through about 25 Nov 1945. Disbanded 8 Oct 1948.

Station: Kahuku AAB, TH 22 Jul-12 Oct 44. South Field, Iwo Jima -unknown

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
335th Station Complement Sq
384th Aviation Sq (attached)
490th Air Engineering Sq
- 490th Service Sq activated 25 Mar 43 at Santa Maria AAF, CA
- Stationed at San Bernardino AAF, CA 31 Mar 44-17 May 44
- Stationed at Kauku AAB, TH 17 Jun-12 Oct 44
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
611th Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)

Source: 386th Air Service Group

The 386th Air Service Group of the Army Air Force was formed on 22 July 1944 from an existing unit, the 13th ASG. The 386th ASG was to support the 15th Fighter Group and its new fighter planes: P-51 Mustang and P-61 Black Widow nightfighter. Both the 386th Air Service Group and the 15th Fighter Group were members of the VII Fighter Command.

Source: Mr. Mark Boland; Mr. Bernie Shearon

Stationed at Kahuku AAB, TH 22 Jul-12 Oct 44

390th Air Service Group (New Type) (See CBI Unit Histories)

Stations: Fort Lawton, WA -1 May 45; North Field, Tinian c. May-Oct 45 (509 Composite Gp)

Hq and Base Services Sq
- Activated 17 Dec 44. Stationed at Hill Fld, UT 17 Dec 44-23 Apr 45, North Field, Tinian c. May-Oct 45. Stationed Nov 45 at Roswell Army Air Field, NM. Redesignated 390th Base Services Sq -unknown. Disbanded 8 Oct 48.
603d Air Engineering Sq
- Activated 17 Dec 44. Stationed at Hill Fld, UT 17 Dec 44-23 Apr 45, North Field, Tinian c. May-Oct 45. Stationed Nov 45 at Roswell Army Air Field, NM. Later reassigned. Disbanded 8 Oct 48.
1027th Air Materiel Sq (See CBI Unit Histories)
- Activated 17 Dec 44 at Wendover Field, UT
- Stationed at North Field, Tinian 30 May-Aug 45
- Relocated to San Francisco, CA shortly before close of World War II
- Moved to Roswell Army Air Field, Roswell, NM and assigned to take part in Project Crossroads
- Later reassigned and redesignated 509 Supply Squadron Nov 47 at Roswell AAF, NM
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48

514th Air Service Group (New Type)

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
940th Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
764th Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)

555th Air Service Group (New Type)

Shipment #2815-A, -B, -C, c. May 45

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
- Activated 18 Oct 44, ATSCTC, Fresno, CA
- Stationed at:
  - ATSCTC, Fresno, CA
  - Selfridge, MI
  - Bluethenthal Fld, NC
  - Barksdale Field, LA
  - Vancouver Barracks, WA
  - Seattle POE, WA
- Departed Seattle POE 15 Jun 45
- Arrived Eniwetok 20 Jun 45
- Arrived Iwo Jima 8 Jul 45
334th Station Complement Squadron
465th Aviation Squadron
985th Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
990th Air Materiel Sq
- 990 Materiel Squadron activated 20 Oct 44
- Redesignated 990 Air Materiel Squadron 21 Nov 44
- Moved to Selfridge Field, MI 20 Dec 44
- Relocated to Iwo Jima on 15 Jun 45
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48

555th ASG personnel, Iwo Jima
Photo courtesy of Mr. Ray Manley, from the collection of Mr. George Lesshafft, 555th ASG

557th Air Service Group (New Type)

Group activated Fresno, CA on 20 Oct 44, possibly as 557th ASG (Special). Commanding officer was Lt Col Frank W. Seifert. Mission of group was to service P-47 very long range aircraft fighter group. On 21 Dec 44, group departed Fresno for Dalhart Army Air Field, Dalhart, TX. Shipment #2815-D, -E, -F c. May 45.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
987th Air Engineering Sq
- 987 Engineering Sq activated 20 Oct 44 at Fresno, CA
- Redesignated 987 Air Engineering Sq, Nov 44
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
992nd Air Materiel Sq
- Activated 20 Oct 44 as the 992 Materiel Squadron at Delhart Army Air Field, TX
- Mission was to provide all echelons of supply for the 557 Service Group
- Redesignated 992 Air Materiel Squadron 21 Nov 44
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48

558th Air Service Group (New Type)

Lineage: Disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Stations: Fresno, CA -8 Dec 44; Tinker Fld, OK c. 8 Dec 44-c. 15 Jan 45. Shipment #5211-A, -B, -C c. May 45; Okinawa 24 Jul 45; Kadena Fld 25 Jul 45

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
988th Air Engineering Sq
- 988 Engineering Sq activated 20 Oct 44, Fresno, CA
- Redesignated 988 Air Engineering Sq, 21 Nov 44
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
993d Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)

Photo courtesy of Mr. Doug Thomas, son of Mr. Joseph Thomas (back row, 3rd from left)

559th Air Service Group (New Type)

Lineage: Activated 20 Oct 44 at Fresno, CA. Disbanded 8 Oct 48.

Stations: Tinker Field, OK 11 Dec 44-5 Feb 45; McCook Army Air Field, NE -20 Jul 45; Kadena AAB 20 Jul 45 (Shipment #5211-D, -E, -F) -18 Aug 48.

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
989th Air Engineering Sq
- Activated 20 Oct 44, Air Service Command Traning Center, Fresno, CA
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48
994th Air Materiel Sq
- Activated 20 Oct 44, Air Service Command Traning Center, Fresno, CA
- Disbanded 8 Oct 48

568th Air Service Group (New Type)

Stations: Guam

Hq and Base Services Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
1031st Air Engineering Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)
1032nd Air Materiel Sq (disbanded 8 Oct 48)

Matching the units which were assigned/attached to the various Air Depot Groups and Air Service Groups has proven to be a challenge due to lack of documentation, etc.

If you have information as to which units were assigned to which Air Depot and/or Air Service Group (e.g., which Group a specific Quartermaster Company was assigned/attached to, etc), please contact me at the email address listed at the bottom of this page. Thank you!