About this Unit
The 529th Bomb Squadron was activated during World War II as part of the 380th Bombardment Group. Flying B-24 Liberators, the squadron operated primarily in the Southwest Pacific Theater, conducting long-range bombing missions against Japanese targets in the Netherlands East Indies and the Philippines. The 529th earned multiple Distinguished Unit Citations for its effectiveness and bravery under challenging conditions. After the war, the squadron was inactivated in 1946, having played a significant role in the Allied air campaign in the Pacific.
Historical Facts
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World War II Origins: The 529th Bombardment Squadron was activated in 1942 as part of the 380th Bombardment Group, tasked with flying B-24 Liberators in the Pacific Theater during World War II.
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Nickname - "Flying Circus": The squadron and its parent group earned the nickname "Flying Circus" due to their frequent movement between airfields and their colorful aircraft nose art.
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Crucial Role in New Guinea: The 529th played a critical role in the New Guinea campaign, striking Japanese airfields, shipping, and supply lines, helping to turn the tide in the Southwest Pacific.
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Distinguished Unit Citation: The squadron received the Distinguished Unit Citation for its daring raid on oil refineries at Balikpapan, Borneo, in August 1943, despite intense enemy opposition.
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Longest Bombing Missions: The 529th flew some of the longest B-24 missions of the war, including attacks on targets in the Dutch East Indies over 1,500 miles away.
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Postwar Inactivation: After the Japanese surrender, the squadron was inactivated in February 1946 as part of the postwar drawdown.
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Reactivation During the Cold War: The 529th was reactivated in 1955 as a Strategic Air Command unit, this time flying B-47 Stratojet bombers during the height of the Cold War.
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Operation Reflex Deployments: In the late 1950s, the squadron participated in Operation Reflex, deploying B-47s to overseas bases in Europe for quick-response nuclear strike capability.
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Final Inactivation: The squadron was inactivated in 1961 as the B-47 was phased out of service, marking the end of the unit’s active flying history.
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Legacy Preserved: The legacy and honors of the 529th Bomb Squadron are preserved by the Air Force Historical Research Agency, and its veterans remain active in reunions and historical projects.
