69th Reconnaissance Group

Constituted as 69th Observation Group on 21 Aug 1941. Activated on 3 Sep 1941. Redesignated 69th Reconnaissance Group in Apr 1943, and 69th Tactical Reconnaissance Group in Aug 1943. Used O-38, O-46, O-47, O-52, L-1, L-2, L-3, L-4, L-5, L-49, P-39, P-40, B-25, A-20, and other aircraft. Flew antisubmarine patrols along the Pacific coast after Pearl Harbor. Engaged primarily in air-ground training during 1943 and 1944. Began training with F-6's in Jan 1945 for duty overseas. Moved to France, Feb-Mar 1945. Assigned to Ninth AF. Flew visual-reconnaissance and photographic missions to provide intelligence for ground and air units. Redesignated 69th Reconnaissance Group in Jun 1945. Returned to the US, Jul-Aug 1945. Trained with F-6 and A-26 aircraft. Inactivated on 29 Jul 1946.

Squadrons. 10th: 1942-1946. 22d: 1945-1946. 31st: 1942-1945, 1945-1946. 34th: 1945. 37th: 1943-1944. 39th: 1946. 82d: 1941-1942. 101st (formerly 39th): 1944-1945. 102d: 1942-1944. 111th: 1945. 115th: 1941-1943.

Stations. Paso Robles, Calif, 3 Sep 1941; Salinas, Calif, c. 3 Oct 1941; San Bernardino, Calif, Dec 1941; Ontario, Calif, c. 1 Jun 1942; Laurel, Miss, Nov 1942; Esler Field, La, Mar 1943; Abilene AAFld, Tex, Sep 1943; Esler Field, La, Nov 1943; Key Field, Miss, Jan-Feb 1945; Nancy, France, c. 22 Mar 1945; Haguenau, France, c. 2 Apr-c. 30 Jun 1945; Drew Field, Fla, Aug 1945; Stuttgart AAFld, Ark, Nov 1945; Brooks Field, Tex, Dec 1945-29 Jul 1946.

Commanders. Maj William C Sams, 3 Oct 1941; Col John N Jeffers, 9 Dec 1941; Col Kenneth R Crosher, 8 Nov 1942; Maj Cecil E West, 12 May 1943; Lt Col Eugene C Woltz, 29 Sep 1943; Lt Col Arthur Fite Jr, 26 Oct 1944; Col John T Shields, 21 Jan 1945; Lt Col Richard A Morehouse, c. 20 Feb 1946; Col Russell A Berg, c. 10 Mar-29 Jul 1946.

Campaigns. Antisubmarine, American Theater; Central Europe.

Decorations. None.

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