384th Air Refueling Wing

• WWII Origins: The 384th traces its roots to the 384th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which was activated in December 1942 and flew B-17 Flying Fortresses during World War II. • D-Day Participation: The 384th Bomb Group participated in the D-Day invasion, bombing enemy positions in Normandy on June 6, 1944. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The group received two Distinguished Unit Citations (DUCs) for its bravery and effectiveness in combat missions over Europe, notably Regensburg and Schweinfurt. • Heavy Bombing Missions: The 384th flew over 300 combat missions over Nazi-occupied Europe, targeting industrial sites, airfields, and transportation hubs. • Post-WWII Inactivation and Reactivation: The unit was inactivated after WWII, reactivated as a bomber wing in 1955, and later became an air refueling unit. • Cold War Role: Redesignated as the 384th Air Refueling Wing in 1987, the unit operated KC-135 Stratotankers and played a key role in the United States' strategic deterrence during the Cold War. • Support for Desert Storm: The 384th deployed personnel and aircraft in support of Operation Desert Storm in 1991, providing vital aerial refueling for coalition aircraft. • Stationed at McConnell AFB: The 384th ARW was based at McConnell Air Force Base in Kansas, a major hub for air refueling operations. • Notable Aircraft: Over its history, the wing operated several iconic aircraft, including the B-47 Stratojet, B-52 Stratofortress, and the KC-135 Stratotanker. • Final Inactivation: The 384th Air Refueling Wing was inactivated in 1994 as part of post-Cold War restructuring, but its lineage and honors remain part of Air Force heritage.