397th Bombardment Squadron

• World War II Activation: The 397th Bombardment Squadron was activated on 1 March 1942 as part of the 6th Bombardment Group, United States Army Air Forces. • Caribbean Defense: Initially stationed in the Caribbean, the squadron’s early missions focused on anti-submarine patrols and defending the Panama Canal from Axis naval threats. • Aircraft Operated: During WWII, the 397th operated several aircraft types, including the B-18 Bolo, B-17 Flying Fortress, B-24 Liberator, and later, the B-29 Superfortress. • Move to the Pacific: In 1944, the squadron was reassigned to the Pacific Theater, supporting long-range bombing missions against Japanese targets. • Guam Operations: The 397th was based at North Field, Guam, from where it launched strategic bombing raids against the Japanese home islands using the B-29 Superfortress. • Distinguished Missions: The squadron participated in the first bombing raids on Tokyo since the Doolittle Raid, targeting critical industrial and military sites. • Postwar Deactivation: After WWII, the squadron was inactivated on 18 October 1948 as part of the postwar drawdown of US military forces. • Unit Decorations: The 397th received several unit citations for its performance in combat, including Distinguished Unit Citations for its raids on Japan. • Veterans’ Legacy: Many veterans of the 397th played key roles in the postwar development of the US Air Force and were active in veterans’ organizations. • Heritage and Commemoration: The squadron’s history is preserved by military historians and through reunions and commemorative events, celebrating its vital role in WWII aerial warfare.