432nd Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 432d Observation Group on 18 Feb 1943 and activated on 22 Feb. Assigned to AAF School of Applied Tactics. Redesignated 432nd Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 432nd Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Aircraft included P-39's and L-3's. Trained, and provided reconnaissance to assist fighter, bombardment, and ground units with their training. Disbanded on 1 Nov 1943.

Reconstituted on 14 Jan 1954. Activated on 18 Mar 1954. Assigned to Tactical Air Command. Equipped with RF-80's, RF-84's, RB-26's, RB-57's, and RB-66's.

Squadrons. 3d: 1943. 20th: 1954. 29th: 1954-. 41st: 1954-. 43d: 1954-.

Stations. Alachua AAFld, Fla, 22 Feb 1943; Keystone AAFld, Fla, Mar-1 Nov 1943. Shaw AFB, SC, 18 Mar 1954-.

Commanders. 1st Lt Richard I Purnell, c. 1 Mar 1943; Capt John Owen Jr, c. 17 Mar 1943; Capt William C Collins, c. 21 Mar 1943; Maj William B Merrill Jr, 23 Mar 1943; Lt Col Eugene H Rice, 18 Apr 1943-unkn. Col Frank A Sharp, 18 Mar 1954-unkn; Col John G Foster, 1955-.

Campaigns. None.

Decorations. None.

Insigne. Shield: Gules, a stylized owl, holding in his dexter claws two lightning bolts in saltire, all sable, detail of the field. Motto: Victoria Per Scientiam - Victory through Knowledge. (Approved 2 Jun 1955.)

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