334th Fighter Squadron

The 334th Fighter Squadron is a USAF squadron that operates out of "'Seymour Johnson AFB."'Infobox Military Unit
unit_name= 334th Fighter Squadron


caption= 334th Fighter Squadron Insignia
dates= 22 August1942-Present
country= United States
allegiance=
branch= United States Air Force
type= Attack
role= Sustained Combat Operations
size=
command_structure=
current_commander=
garrison= Seymour Johnson AFB
ceremonial_chief=
colonel_of_the_regiment=
equipment=F-15E Strike Eagle
nickname=
patron=
motto=
colors=
march=
mascot=
battles=

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thumb|334th_Fighter_Squadron_in_January_1945_[ [http://home.earthlink.net/~johnrlove/1000_destroyed/roster.html Squadron Photos] ] ]

World War II

The 334th was originally formed as No. 71 Squadron RAF, an Eagle Squadron of American volunteers in the British Royal Air Force. After the United States entered the war, the squadron was transferred to the USAAF. It was officially constituted by War Department letter on 12 August 1942, and was activated at Bushey Hall, England on 12 September 1942.

The 334th, along with the 335th and 336th, were assigned to the 4th Fighter Group, which was the first Army Air Corps unit activated in the European Theater during World War II, which was located in Essex, England.

The 334th flew British Supermarine Spitfire fighters until until the arrival of P-47 Thunderbolt aircraft in 1943. After about a year the squadron switched to P-51 Mustangs.

During World War II, the 334th had a total of 395 kills against the German Luftwaffe; 210 kills in the air and 185 on the ground.

Post World War II

Equipped with the F-80 Shooting Star, the 334th moved to Andrews AFB,in April 1947. In 1949 the 334th moved to Langley AFB, where they were reequipped with the F-86 Sabre.

Korean War

In November 1949, the 334th were sent to the conflict in Korean War. During the war they were credited with 142 kills, and they had six pilots who achieved ace status.

The 334th remained in Korea until 8 December 1957. They were reassigned to Seymour Johnson AFB as a unit of the 4th Fighter Wing. The 334th flew the F-100 Super Sabre until 1959, when the unit started to use the F-105 Thunderchief.

Captain Gus Grissom were assigned to the 334th during the Korean War. Major James Jabara, Captain Manuel J. "Pete" Fernandez, Major George A. Davis, Medal of Honor recipient and Major Frederick "Boots" Blesse; the second, third, fourth and sixth leading aces of the Korean War were assigned to the 334th.

Vietnam War

In January 1968 the 334th went to Korea to support operations during the Pueblo incident. The 334th returned Seymour Johnson AFB.

Gulf Wars

The 334th flew its first sorties with the F-15E on 1 January 1991. Throughout the month the 334th served as the host unit for multipul units deploying to Operation Desert Shield. Also, some 334th aircrews and support personnel deployed to Operation Desert Storm as augmentees. On 18 June 1991 the squadron became operational on the F-15E, and deployed to Saudi Arabia the next day to relieve elements of the 335th Fighter Squadron, providing combat air patrol and ground alert forces supporting withdrawal of troops from Operation Desert Storm

References

Notes

Bibliography

* [http://www.globalsecurity.org/military/agency/usaf/334fs.htm Global Security]

External links

* [http://www.fourthfightergroup.com/ Fourth Fighter Group]