475th ABW

Relive and share the memories of your service-time with your brothers and sisters in arms today. VetFriends.com can help you reconnect.

Did you proudly serve in the 475th ABW?

Are you looking for someone who is or was in the 475th ABW?

Do you have 475th ABW photos you'd like to share?

Then join a community with your brothers and sisters of the 475th ABW.

Branch

U.S. Air Force

Members

About 475th ABW

The **475th Air Base Wing (ABW)** was originally activated as the 475th Fighter Group in 1943, serving with distinction in the Pacific Theater during World War II, notably flying P-38 Lightnings. After the war, the unit underwent several redesignations and periods of inactivation before being reactivated as the 475th Air Base Wing in 1971 at Yokota Air Base, Japan. As an ABW, its primary mission was to provide base support and administrative services for U.S. Air Force and allied personnel in the region. The wing played a critical role in sustaining U.S. operations in Japan during the Cold War until its inactivation in 1992 as part of Air Force restructuring.

Unit Members

Terry Wagner

U.S. Air Force

475th ABWView Profile

Kim Parker

U.S. Air Force

475th ABWView Profile

Photos

U.S. Air Force • 1976

stationed at johnson air force base in japan

U.S. Air Force • 1949

About 475th ABW

About this Unit

Historical Facts

• Formation and Designation: The 475th Air Base Wing (ABW) was originally activated as the 475th Fighter Group during World War II in 1943. • World War II Service: As the 475th Fighter Group, the unit played a critical role in the Pacific Theater, flying P-38 Lightnings and producing numerous aces, including top American ace Richard Bong. • Richard Bong’s Legacy: Major Richard Bong, a member of the 475th, became America’s highest-scoring ace with 40 aerial victories, earning the Medal of Honor. • Post-War Reactivation: The 475th was reactivated as the 475th Air Base Wing in 1955 at Misawa Air Base, Japan, and was responsible for base support and administration. • Cold War Mission: During the Cold War, the 475th ABW supported USAF operations in Northeast Asia, including reconnaissance and air defense missions. • Support for Multiple Units: The wing provided critical support for various tenant units, including tactical fighter squadrons and reconnaissance units stationed at Misawa. • Humanitarian Efforts: The wing participated in humanitarian relief operations in the region, providing disaster response and assistance to local communities. • Distinctive Emblem: The 475th ABW’s emblem features a sword and lightning bolt, symbolizing readiness and swift response. • Inactivation: The 475th ABW was inactivated in 1994, with its responsibilities assumed by the 35th Fighter Wing, continuing the USAF presence at Misawa. • Legacy of Excellence: Across its history, the 475th earned numerous unit citations and awards for outstanding performance in both combat and peacetime operations.