510th Fighter Bomber Squadron

• World War II Origins: The 510th Fighter-Bomber Squadron was activated on March 1, 1943, during World War II, as part of the 405th Fighter-Bomber Group. • P-47 Thunderbolt Operations: The unit was equipped with the Republic P-47 Thunderbolt, a rugged and powerful fighter-bomber renowned for ground-attack missions in the European Theater. • D-Day Participation: The 510th played a crucial role in the Normandy Invasion (D-Day), providing close air support to Allied troops on June 6, 1944. • Distinguished Unit Citation: The squadron received the Distinguished Unit Citation for its aggressive attacks on German forces near Saint-Lô, France, in July 1944. • Ardennes Counteroffensive: The 510th participated in the Battle of the Bulge, disrupting German supply lines and ground forces during the critical winter of 1944-45. • Airfields in France and Germany: The squadron operated from several advanced landing grounds as the Allies advanced, including bases in France and eventually into Germany. • Redesignation and Postwar Inactivation: After the war, the unit was redesignated as the 510th Fighter Squadron and inactivated in October 1945. • Cold War Service: The 510th was briefly reactivated in the early 1950s as the Cold War intensified, flying jet aircraft such as the F-84 Thunderjet. • Legacy and Lineage: The squadron’s lineage continues today as part of the 510th Fighter Squadron, currently based at Aviano Air Base, Italy, flying F-16 Fighting Falcons. • Nickname “Buzzards”: The 510th is known as the “Buzzards,” a nickname dating back to its World War II days, symbolizing its aggressive and relentless attack tactics.