VI BOMBER COMMAND
IN DEFENSE OF THE PANAMA CANAL
1941 - 45
VI Bombardment Command History:
Unit Histories:
6th BGp (Heavy)
3rd BS (Heavy)
29th BS (Heavy)
74th BS (Heavy)
397th BS (Heavy)
9th BGp (Heavy)
1st BS (Heavy)
5th BS (Heavy)
99th BS (Heavy)
430th BS (Heavy)
25th BGp (Medium)
12th BS (Medium)
35th BS (Medium)
59th BS (Medium)
417th BS (Medium)
40th BGp (Heavy)
25th BS (Heavy)
44th BS (Heavy)
45th BS (Heavy)
395th BS (Heavy)
Units Attached to VI Bomber Command
10th BS (Heavy)
15th BS (Light)
Crew Pictures:
U-Boat Sinkings:
Aircraft Crashes:
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History of the 9th Bombardment Group (VH) 1st, 5th, and 99th Squadrons, 1995, by Lawrence. Smith
9th Bombardment Group (Heavy)
430th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy)
December 1939
Activated at France Field, CZ, on April 1, 1931, and relocated to Albrook Field, CZ, on May 13, 1932, the 44th Observation Squadron was redesignated 44th Reconnaissance Squadron on September 1, 1937; and 44th Reconnaissance Squadron (Medium Range), December 6, 1939.
November 1940
The 44th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) was attached to the 9th Bombardment Group on November 20, 1940, and redesignated 44th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy).
October 1941
The 44th Reconnaissance Squadron was stationed at Howard Field, CZ, July 8-October 27, 1941, and departed Howard Field, CZ, for Atkinson Field, British Guiana, on October 27, 1941. The Air Echelon, consisting of 15 officers, 39 enlisted men, one B-17B and five B-18A's, arrived at Atkinson Field at 1200Q, October 28, 1941. The Ground Echelon, consisting of three officers, one cadet, and 165 enlisted men, arrived at 0600Q, November 4, 1941 on the USAT "Franklin S. Leisenring."
November 1941
The 44th Reconnaissance Squadron moved to Atkinson Field, British Guiana, on November 4, 1941.
February 1942
The 44th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) was assigned to the 9th Bombardment Group, February 25, 1942
April 1942
The 44th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) was and redesignated the 430th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy) on April 22, 1942.
May 1942
The 44th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) was redesignated the 430th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), per Hq. VI AF GO #18, May 11, 1942.
September 1942
The 44th Reconnaissance Squadron (Heavy) remained at Atkinson Field until September 29, 1942 when the 9th Bombardment Group, less personnel and equipment, was transferred to Orlando, FL.
October 1942
The 430 Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), less personnel and equipment, was transferred to Orlando, FL, per Hq. VI AF GO #57, October 5, 1942. As the result of the transfer of this organization, in name only, 16 officers, and 143 enlisted men were transferred to the Detachment 35th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), Air Task Force, per same order, effective October 31, 1942, at mid-night. One enlisted man transferred to Hq. 25th Bomb Group (Medium), Air Task Force; four enlisted men transferred to the 22nd Fighter Squadron, XXXVI Fighter Command; two enlisted men transferred to the 10th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), Air Task Force; one Medical Officer to the 417th Bombardment Squadron (Medium), Air Task Force; four enlisted men remained attached to the Detachment, 35th Bombardment Squadron (Heavy), Air Task Force; 120 enlisted men transferred to the Air Corps Unassigned, but were attached for rations and quarters with the 309th Service Squadron.