342d Composite Group

Constituted as 342d Composite Group on 29 Aug 1942. Activated on 11 Sep 1942 in Iceland. Equipped with P-38's, P-39's, P-40's, and a B-18, the group served as part of the island's defense force, intercepting and destroying some of the German planes that on occasion attempted to attack Iceland or that appeared in that area on reconnaissance missions. Also conducted antisubmarine patrols in the North Atlantic and provided cover for convoys on the run to Murmansk. Disbanded on 18 Mar 1944.

Reconstituted and redesignated 342d Fighter-Day Group, on 7 May 1956. Activated on 25 Jul 1956. Assigned to Tactical Air Command.

Squadrons. 33d Fighter: 1942-1944; 1956-. 50th Fighter: 1942-1944. 337th Fighter: 1942. 572d: 1956-. 573d: 1956-.

Stations. Iceland, 11 Sep 1942-18 Mar 1944. Myrtle Beach AFB, SC, 25 Jul 1956-.

Commanders. Lt Col J S Holtoner, 11 Sep 1942; Lt Col W W Korges, 2 Jun 1943; Lt Col Cy Wilson, 10 Aug 1943-unkn. Maj Charles S Boster, Jul 1956-.

Campaigns. Air Combat, EAME Theater.

Decorations. None.

Data from Air Force Combat Units of World War II By Maurer, Maurer, Published 1986