454 Bomb Grp, 635 Security Police Sqdn

• Origins of the 454th Bombardment Group: The 454th Bombardment Group (Heavy) was activated on 1 June 1943 at Davis-Monthan Field, Arizona, as part of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. • Combat Aircraft: The group was equipped with B-24 Liberator heavy bombers, which were among the most important American strategic bombers of WWII. • European Theater Operations: The 454th BG was assigned to the Fifteenth Air Force and operated mainly from San Giovanni Airfield near Cerignola, Italy, from January 1944. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The group received the Distinguished Unit Citation for its mission on 4 April 1944, bombing the marshalling yards at Bucharest, Romania, despite severe enemy opposition. • Operation Dragoon Support: The 454th supported Operation Dragoon, the Allied invasion of Southern France, in August 1944 by targeting German defenses and infrastructure. • Post-War Fate: The 454th Bomb Group was inactivated on 17 October 1945, after the end of WWII, but its lineage was later continued in the Air Force Reserve and Strategic Air Command. • 635th Security Police Squadron Origins: The 635th Security Police Squadron was activated during the Vietnam War, providing security for United States Air Force bases, notably at U-Tapao Royal Thai Navy Airfield in Thailand. • Key Role in Operation Linebacker: The 635th SPS played a crucial role in protecting B-52 bombers and KC-135 tankers at U-Tapao during Operation Linebacker and Linebacker II in 1972, which were major bombing campaigns against North Vietnam. • Defending Against Attacks: The squadron was responsible for base defense against potential enemy saboteurs and insurgents, maintaining high alert during frequent threat conditions in the Vietnam War theater. • Honors and Legacy: Both units, though from different eras and roles, are remembered for their significant contributions to U.S. military history; the 635th SPS lineage continues in modern Air Force security forces, and the 454th BG is commemorated by veterans’ organizations and historical societies.