The 401st Fighter Squadron was a United States Army Air Corps unit with a significant, though brief, combat history during World War II.
The unit's history is characterized by rapid deployment, conversion between aircraft, and participation in the major campaigns across the European Theater of Operations (ETO).
The 401st Fighter Squadron (FS) was constituted on July 22, 1943, and activated three days later at Westover Field, Massachusetts. It was originally equipped with P-47 Thunderbolts and trained under the I Fighter Command.
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World War II Combat: In early 1944, the squadron deployed to England and was assigned to the 370th Fighter Group, Ninth Air Force, as a tactical fighter unit supporting ground operations. Upon arrival in the ETO, the 401st quickly converted from P-47s to P-38 Lightnings.
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Normandy and Northern France: The 401st flew sweeps over occupied France, attacking radar sites and flak towers, and escorted medium bombers. On D-Day, June 6, 1944, the squadron provided crucial air cover for Allied forces crossing the English Channel and flew armed reconnaissance missions over the Cotentin Peninsula.
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Tactical Air Support: Moving to Advanced Landing Grounds (ALGs) in France, the squadron provided close air support for the Allied drive, hitting gun emplacements, supply dumps, and tanks during the breakthrough at Saint-Lô. They earned a Distinguished Unit Citation (DUC) for a mission near the Hürtgen Forest in December 1944, where they used napalm to strike heavily defended positions.
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Battle of the Bulge: The squadron flew armed reconnaissance throughout the Battle of the Bulge, attacking enemy transportation, rail lines, and motor transport.
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Conversion and Rhine Crossing: In early 1945, the unit converted again to the P-51 Mustang. In March 1945, the 401st bombed bridges and patrolled the area around Wesel to prepare for and support the Rhine River crossing (Operation Varsity).
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Inactivation: The squadron flew its last mission on May 4, 1945. It returned to the United States and was inactivated on November 7, 1945.
The 401st Fighter Squadron lineage was maintained and perpetuated within the Air National Guard:
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The unit was re-designated as the 173rd Fighter Squadron and allotted to the Nebraska Air National Guard on May 24, 1946. This unit was activated and remains operational today as the 173rd Air Refueling Squadron of the 155th Air Refueling Wing, carrying the 401st's World War II heritage.
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