319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron

• World War II Origins: The 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron was originally constituted as the 319th Fighter Squadron (Single Engine) on 24 June 1942 and activated on 3 August 1942, flying P-40 Warhawks. • Pacific Theater Action: During World War II, the squadron served in the Pacific, notably in the Solomon Islands and New Guinea, providing air cover and escort for bombers and ground forces. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The squadron earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for its aggressive and effective actions in the Southwest Pacific from October 1943 to January 1944. • Post-war Inactivation and Reactivation: After World War II, it was inactivated in January 1946, but reactivated in October 1947 as the 319th Fighter Squadron, All Weather, focusing on air defense. • Pioneers in Jet Intercept: The 319th transitioned to jet aircraft in the late 1940s, operating F-94 Starfires and later F-89 Scorpions, becoming an early pioneer in all-weather jet interception. • Alaskan Air Defense: In the 1950s and early 1960s, the squadron was based at various Alaskan airfields, defending North American airspace against potential Soviet bomber incursions during the Cold War. • Nickname “Moonglows”: The 319th was sometimes referred to by the nickname “Moonglows,” referencing their nocturnal and all-weather air defense missions. • Notable Aircraft: Over its history, the squadron operated a variety of aircraft including the Curtiss P-40 Warhawk, Lockheed P-38 Lightning, North American P-51 Mustang, Northrop F-89 Scorpion, and Lockheed F-94 Starfire. • Inactivation in 1960: The squadron was inactivated on 25 August 1960, as part of a broader reorganization of air defense forces in Alaska. • Legacy and Honors: The 319th Fighter Interceptor Squadron’s lineage is preserved in Air Force history, with its decorations and achievements commemorated by successor units and Air Force heritage organizations.