453d Electronic Warfare Squadron - History

History

• Formed under III Bomber Command in early 1943 as a B-26 Marauder medium bomber squadron. Trained for duty in Europe with Ninth Air Force. Engaged in combat beginning in early 1944, attacked tactical targets in France, Low Countries and Germany supporting Allied ground forces advancing after D-Day in Northern France Campaign and the Western Allied invasion of Germany, 1945. Earned a Presidential Unit Citation for actions on 24 December 1944 through 27 December 1944, during the Battle of the Bulge, when squadron effectively attacked transportation installations used by enemy forces to bring reinforcements to the Ardennes. Served in the Army of Occupation involved with disarming the Luftwaffe. Received A-26 Invaders in April 1945, however did not use in combat. Returned to the United States for inactivation.
• Trained as a reserve unit, and personnel used as fillers when activated for the Korean War 1949-1951. Probably assigned AT-6, AT-7, and AT-11 trainers for aircrew proficiency flying, but not an operational unit.
• Trained electronic warfare officers 1973-1993
• Is the fusion of the core EW functions from the original AFEWC and AFSPECOM Centers of Excellence