561 Fighter Squadron

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Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 561 Fighter Squadron

The 561st Fighter Squadron was first activated in December 1942 as part of the 388th Fighter Group, training with P-47 Thunderbolts before deploying to the European Theater during World War II. The squadron participated in numerous combat missions, including bomber escort, ground attack, and air superiority operations, playing a significant role in the Allied air campaign over France and Germany. After the war, the unit was inactivated but later reactivated during the Cold War era, flying jet aircraft such as the F-4 Phantom II and F-16 Fighting Falcon in various tactical fighter roles. The 561st distinguished itself through its adaptability and combat effectiveness before its final inactivation in the 1990s.

Unit Members

Thomas Smith

U.S. Air Force

561 Fighter SquadronView Profile

Steven Salazar

U.S. Air Force

561 Fighter SquadronView Profile

Photos

U.S. Marine Corps • 1967

About 561 Fighter Squadron

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• World War II Origins: The 561st Fighter Squadron was activated on December 1, 1942, as part of the 388th Fighter Group during World War II. • P-47 Thunderbolt Operations: The squadron flew the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, conducting bomber escort and ground-attack missions across Europe. • D-Day Support: The 561st played a significant role in the Normandy invasion, providing air support for Allied forces on and after D-Day, June 6, 1944. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The squadron earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for its actions on March 8, 1944, during a daring attack on German airfields in the face of heavy opposition. • Cold War Reactivation: Reactivated in 1953, the 561st became part of the United States Air Force’s growing air defense network during the Cold War. • F-4 Phantom II Era: During the Vietnam War, the squadron operated the legendary McDonnell Douglas F-4 Phantom II fighter jet. • Wild Weasel Legacy: The 561st became a "Wild Weasel" unit, specializing in Suppression of Enemy Air Defenses (SEAD) missions with the F-4G variant. • Operation Desert Storm: The squadron played a crucial role in Operation Desert Storm (1991), flying SEAD missions to protect Coalition strike packages from Iraqi air defenses. • Final Inactivation: The 561st Fighter Squadron was inactivated on December 31, 1993, following the retirement of the F-4G Phantom II from active service. • Enduring Motto: The squadron’s enduring motto, "Mors Ab Alto" ("Death From Above"), reflects its legacy of air superiority and combat excellence.