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487th Combat Support Wing

U.S. Air Force•2 members

487th Combat Support Wing Homepage Photos Members

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About 487th Combat Support Wing

The 487th Combat Support Wing was established during World War II as a support unit for various combat operations. It provided vital logistics, engineering, and base operating services for United States Army Air Forces units stationed primarily in the European Theater. After the war, the wing was inactivated but was later reactivated during the Cold War to support U.S. Air Force activities in Europe, ensuring continuous readiness and support for NATO operations. Over its history, the 487th Combat Support Wing has been recognized for its adaptability and essential role in sustaining combat missions and maintaining operational infrastructure.

About 487th Combat Support Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

World War II Origins: The 487th Combat Support Wing traces its lineage back to the 487th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which was activated in 1943 during World War II as part of the United States Army Air Forces.
European Theater Service: The 487th Bombardment Group flew B-24 Liberators and later B-17 Flying Fortresses, conducting strategic bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe from their base in England.
D-Day Participation: The 487th played a crucial role during the D-Day invasion by bombing German coastal defenses in Normandy, helping to pave the way for Allied ground forces.
Distinguished Unit Citation: The group received a Distinguished Unit Citation for its performance in bombing heavily defended targets in Germany, including oil refineries, factories, and transportation hubs.
Postwar Inactivation: Following the end of World War II, the unit was inactivated in November 1945 as part of the general demobilization of U.S. forces.
Cold War Reactivation: The 487th was reactivated during the Cold War era but its designation and mission evolved, eventually becoming a Combat Support Wing to provide essential base support services.
Role in United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE): The 487th Combat Support Wing was stationed at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, supporting key USAF operations in Europe.
Support for Strategic Air Command: The unit provided vital logistical and operational support for Strategic Air Command bombers and refueling aircraft stationed in the UK during heightened tensions with the Soviet Union.
Deactivation and Legacy: The wing was inactivated in 1995 as part of post-Cold War force reductions, but its legacy continues through the units that inherited its lineage and honors.
Commemorations and Reunions: Veterans and historians have held reunions and commemorative events to honor the service of the 487th, and its history is preserved at museums and memorials in both the United States and the United Kingdom.

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487th Combat Support Wing

U.S. Air Force•2 members

487th Combat Support Wing Homepage Photos Members

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 487th Combat Support Wing?

Are you looking for someone who is or was in the 487th Combat Support Wing?

Do you have 487th Combat Support Wing photos you'd like to share?

Then join a community with your brothers and sisters of the 487th Combat Support Wing.

About 487th Combat Support Wing

Photos

Getting my 1LT bars after I was promoted.

3900 CPUSS • U.S. Air Force • 1979

Boot camp ,lackland afb

U.S. Air Force

Getting my 2LT bars after I was Commissioned

3900 CPUSS • U.S. Air Force • 1977

Izuym, Ukraine

137th special ops wing • U.S. Air Force • 2022

About 487th Combat Support Wing

About this Unit

Historical Facts

World War II Origins: The 487th Combat Support Wing traces its lineage back to the 487th Bombardment Group (Heavy), which was activated in 1943 during World War II as part of the United States Army Air Forces.
European Theater Service: The 487th Bombardment Group flew B-24 Liberators and later B-17 Flying Fortresses, conducting strategic bombing missions over Nazi-occupied Europe from their base in England.
D-Day Participation: The 487th played a crucial role during the D-Day invasion by bombing German coastal defenses in Normandy, helping to pave the way for Allied ground forces.
Distinguished Unit Citation: The group received a Distinguished Unit Citation for its performance in bombing heavily defended targets in Germany, including oil refineries, factories, and transportation hubs.
Postwar Inactivation: Following the end of World War II, the unit was inactivated in November 1945 as part of the general demobilization of U.S. forces.
Cold War Reactivation: The 487th was reactivated during the Cold War era but its designation and mission evolved, eventually becoming a Combat Support Wing to provide essential base support services.
Role in United States Air Forces in Europe (USAFE): The 487th Combat Support Wing was stationed at RAF Lakenheath and RAF Mildenhall in the United Kingdom, supporting key USAF operations in Europe.
Support for Strategic Air Command: The unit provided vital logistical and operational support for Strategic Air Command bombers and refueling aircraft stationed in the UK during heightened tensions with the Soviet Union.
Deactivation and Legacy: The wing was inactivated in 1995 as part of post-Cold War force reductions, but its legacy continues through the units that inherited its lineage and honors.
Commemorations and Reunions: Veterans and historians have held reunions and commemorative events to honor the service of the 487th, and its history is preserved at museums and memorials in both the United States and the United Kingdom.