355th FS

• World War II Origins: The 355th Fighter Squadron (FS) was activated on 15 November 1942 at Hamilton Field, California, and initially flew the P-39 Airacobra before transitioning to the P-51 Mustang. • European Theater Success: During World War II, the 355th FS became part of the famed 354th Fighter Group, known as the "Pioneer Mustang Group," and provided long-range bomber escort missions deep into Germany. • Ace-Producing Unit: The 355th FS produced several aces during WWII, including Lt. Col. Glenn E. Duncan, who scored 19.5 aerial victories before being shot down and joining the French Resistance. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The squadron was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation for its performance during a massive air battle over Leipzig, Germany, on 24 April 1944, where it downed numerous enemy fighters. • Cold War Reactivation: After WWII, the squadron was inactivated but later reactivated during the Cold War, flying F-100 Super Sabres, F-105 Thunderchiefs, and F-4 Phantom IIs as part of Tactical Air Command. • Vietnam War Deployments: The 355th FS served in the Vietnam War, conducting air-to-ground missions and close air support, earning multiple Air Force Outstanding Unit Awards. • Modernization with A-10: In 1978, the 355th FS became one of the first units to transition to the A-10 Thunderbolt II ("Warthog"), specializing in close air support for ground forces. • Operation Desert Storm: The squadron deployed to the Middle East in 1991, flying numerous combat missions during Operation Desert Storm and providing critical support for coalition ground forces. • Alaskan Assignment: The 355th FS has been based at Eielson Air Force Base, Alaska, supporting both Arctic and Pacific defense missions and participating in major joint exercises like Red Flag-Alaska. • Recent Deployments: In the 21st century, the "Fighting Falcons" of the 355th FS have supported operations in Iraq, Afghanistan, and other locations, continuing their tradition of close air support and joint-force integration.