323rd Bombardment Group, Martin B-26 Marauder.

Constituted as 323rd Bombardment Group (Medium) on 19 Jun 1942. Activated on 4 Aug 1942. Trained with B-26's. Moved to England, Apr-Jun 1943. Assigned first to Eighth AF and, in Oct 1943, to Ninth AF. Began operations in Jul 1943, attacking marshalling yards, airdromes, industrial plants, military installations, and other targets in France, Belgium, and Holland. Then carried out numerous attacks on V-weapon sites along the coast of France. Attacked airfields at Leeuwarden and Venlo in conjunction with the Allied campaign against the German Air Force and aircraft industry during Big Week, 20-25 Feb 1944. Helped to prepare for the invasion of Normandy by bombing coastal defenses, marshalling yards, and airfields in France; struck roads and coastal batteries on 6 Jun 1944. Participated in the aerial barrage that assisted the breakthrough at St Lo in Jul. Flew its first night mission after moving to the Continent in Aug, striking enemy batteries in the region of St Malo. Carried out other night missions during the month to hit fuel and ammunition dumps. Eliminated strong points at Brest early in Sep and then shifted operations to eastern France to support advances against the Siegfried Line. Received a DUC for actions (24-27 Dec 1944) during the Battle of the Bulge when the group effectively hit transportation installations used by the enemy to bring reinforcements to the Ardennes. Flew interdictory missions into the Ruhr and supported the drive into Germany by attacking enemy communications. Ended combat in Apr 1945 and moved to Germany in May to participate in the disarmament program. Returned to the US in Dec. Inactivated on 12 Dec 1945.

Redesignated 323rd Bombardment Group (Light). Allotted to the reserve. Activated on 9 Sep 1947. Ordered to active duty on 10 Mar 1951. Inactivated on 17 Mar 1951.

Redesignated 323d Fighter-Bomber Group. Activated on 8 Aug 1955. Assigned to Tactical Air Command.

Squadrons

453rd: 1942-1945; 1949-1951; 1955-.
454th: 1942-1945; 1949-1951; 1955-.
455th: 1942-1945; 1949-1951; 1955-.
456th: 1942-1945; 1947-1951.

Stations

Columbia AAB, SC, 4 Aug 1942
MacDill Field, Fla, 21 Aug 1942
Myrtle Beach Bombing Range, SC, 2 Nov 1942- 25 Apr 1943
Horham, England, 12 May 1943
Earls Colne, England, 14 Jun 1943
Beaulieu, England, 21 Jul 1944
Lessay, France, 26 Aug 1944
Chartres, France, 21 Sep 1944
Laon/Athies, France, 13 Oct 1944
Denain/Prouvy, France, 9 Feb 1945
Gablingen, Germany, 15 May 1945
Landsberg, Germany, 16 Jul 1945
Clastres, France, Oct-Dec 1945
Camp Myles Standish, Mass, 11-12 Dec 1945
Tinker Field, Okla, 9 Sep 1947- 17 Mar 1951
Bunker Hill AFB, Ind, 8 Aug 1955-.

Commanders

Col Herbert B Thatcher, Sep 1942
Col Wilson R Wood, c. 13 Nov 1943
Col Rollin M Winingham, 14 Feb 1945
Lt Col George O Commenator, Aug 1945-unkn.
Col John C Haygood,1955-.

Campaigns

Air Offensive, Europe
Normandy
Northern France
Rhineland
Ardennes-Alsace
Central Europe

Decorations: Distinguished Unit Citation: Belgium and Germany, 24-27 Dec1944.

Insigne: Shield: Per bend gules and azure, a bend between a mailed dexter gauntlet grasping a dagger and the winged hat of Mercury argent. Motto: VINCAMUS SINE TIMORIS-- " Without Fear We Conquer." (Approved 16 Feb 1943. This insigne was replaced 21 Jun 1957.)