History
The 8th Pursuit Squadron was activated on 16 January 1941 as part of the 49th Pursuit Group. After receiving some aircraft and training it moved Australia where it was equipped with Curtiss P-40 Warhawks. The 8th has flown combat missions in the Southwest Pacific from, c. 20 April 1942 – 4 August 1945, in Korea from, 2 July 1950 – 27 July 1953, and in Southeast Asia from, c. 12 May – 2 October 1972. Portions of the squadron deployed to Southwest Asia to fly combat air patrol missions from, 19 September – 19 December 1991.
As one of three fighter squadrons of the 49th Fighter Group, the 8th Fighter Squadron's story began on 16 January 1941 when the 49th Pursuit Group was activated at Selfridge Field, Michigan. The 8th Fighter Squadron and its sister squadrons (7th Fighter Squadron and 9th Fighter Squadron) attained a record of 668 aerial victories not matched in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
During WWII the 8th FS amassed an impressive record of 207 aerial victories. Notable “aces” included Robert W. Aschenbrener (10), Ernest Harris (10), Robert White (9), George Kiser (9), Sammie Pierce (7), James Morehead (7), Willie Drier (6), James Hagerstrom (6), Robert Howard (6), Don Meuten(6), Nial Castle(5), William Day (5), Marion Felts (5), Nelson Flack (5).
It was during this time that the 8th acquired their colorful name "The Black Sheep" Squadron. In 1943 the 49th Fighter Group began transitioning from the P-47 Thunderbolt to the P-38 Lightning. While the 7th and 9th squadrons received new aircraft, the 8th received the older aircraft being replaced by the other squadrons. Unhappy with being last on the supply line and not liking the unlucky "Eightballs" name caused the pilots to begin calling the 8th “The Black Sheep" Squadron. The name stuck and a Disney artist designed the distinctive logo.
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