498th Fighter Squadron

The 498th Fighter Squadron was activated in 1942 as part of the United States Army Air Forces during World War II. Initially equipped with P-39 Airacobras, the squadron later transitioned to P-47 Thunderbolts and participated in combat operations in the European Theater. The 498th supported ground forces through close air support missions and bomber escort duties, contributing significantly to the Allied advance across France and into Germany. After the war, the squadron was inactivated in 1946 as part of the postwar drawdown of U.S. military forces.