III Tactical Air Command

Constituted as III Ground Air Support Command on 15 May 1942 and activated on 19 May. Assigned to Third AF. Redesignated III Air Support Command in Sep 1942, III Reconnaissance Command in Aug 1943, and III Tactical Air Command in Mar 1944. At various times, trained dive bombardment, light bombardment, and reconnaissance organizations and personnel; also gave air support to ground units in training and participated in airground maneuvers and demonstrations. Disbanded on 24 Oct 1945.

Divisions. I (formerly III) Tactical Air: 1944-1945. II Tactical Air: 1944-1945. III (formerly II Tactical Air): 1944.

Stations. Birmingham, Ala, 19 May 1942; Barksdale Field, La, c. 1 Apr 1944-24 Oct 1945.

Commanders. Brig Gen William E Lynd, 25 May 1942; Col Rosenham Beam, c. 21 Jun 1942; Brig Gen Arthur B McDaniel, 1 Oct 1942; Col John E Bodle, Dec 1943; Brig Gen Hume Peabody, 20 Mar 1944; Brig Gen John F McBlain, 17 Nov 1944; Brig Gen Gordon P Saville, 22 Mar 1945; Brig Gen Ford L Fair, 1 May 1945; Brig Gen James W McCauley, 20 Jul-24 Oct 1945.

Campaigns. American Theater.

Decorations. None.

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