U.S. Air Force

The 738th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (ADC) was activated during the early years of the Cold War, on 1 February 1953, as part of the United States Air Defense Command. Stationed at Olathe Air Force Station, Kansas, the unit was responsible for operating radar systems to detect and track potential aerial threats to the central United States. The squadron played a vital role in the nation’s air defense network, coordinating with interceptor aircraft and other radar stations to ensure rapid response to incursions. The 738th ACW Squadron was inactivated on 1 July 1968, as advancements in radar technology and changes in strategic priorities led to a reorganization of the nation’s air defense system.

The 739th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated in 1950 as part of the United States Air Force’s expanding air defense network during the early Cold War era. Stationed at Wadena Air Force Station, Minnesota, the unit’s primary mission was to operate radar systems to detect and track potential airborne threats entering North American airspace. The squadron played a critical role in the Ground-Control Intercept (GCI) system, guiding interceptor aircraft toward unidentified targets. The 739th AC&W Squadron was inactivated in 1963 as advances in radar technology and shifts in defense priorities led to the consolidation of air defense assets.

The 73rd Troop Carrier Squadron was a United States Army Air Forces unit activated in 1943 during World War II. Assigned to the 434th Troop Carrier Group, the squadron operated C-47 Skytrain aircraft, primarily conducting airborne operations, cargo transport, and paratrooper drops in the European Theater. The 73rd played a crucial role in major operations such as D-Day (Normandy invasion), Operation Market Garden, and the airborne crossing of the Rhine (Operation Varsity). After the war, the squadron was inactivated in 1946, having contributed significantly to Allied airborne and logistics successes.

The 7500th Air Base Group (7500 ABG) was a United States Air Force unit stationed at RAF Woodbridge, England, during the early years of the Cold War. Activated in 1952, the group was responsible for providing base support and services for various USAF units assigned to the installation, including operations, logistics, and administrative functions. The 7500 ABG played a crucial role in supporting NATO and USAFE (United States Air Forces in Europe) missions during a period of heightened tensions with the Soviet Union. The unit was eventually inactivated as part of organizational changes and realignments within the USAF in Europe.

The 756th Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1951 as part of the nation’s growing air defense network during the early Cold War. Stationed at Finland Air Force Station in Minnesota, its primary mission was to operate radar equipment for the detection and tracking of potential airborne threats, contributing to North American airspace defense. The squadron formed a key element of the Air Defense Command, providing early warning and guidance information to interceptor aircraft. The 756th Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1970 as advances in technology and changes in defense priorities led to the restructuring of the air defense radar system.

The 76th Tactical Fighter Squadron (TFS) traces its origins to the famed "Flying Tigers" of World War II, originally activated as the 76th Pursuit Squadron in 1941. During WWII, the unit gained distinction in the China-Burma-India Theater, flying P-40 Warhawks against Japanese forces. Reactivated during the Cold War, the 76th TFS operated various aircraft, including the F-4 Phantom II and A-10 Thunderbolt II, participating in numerous NATO exercises and providing close air support capabilities. The squadron has been recognized for its combat effectiveness and continues to honor its storied legacy within the United States Air Force.

The 788th Aircraft Control and Warning Squadron (AC&W) was activated in 1951 as part of the United States Air Force’s expansion of its air defense network during the early Cold War. Initially stationed at Waverly, Iowa, the unit was responsible for operating radar equipment to detect and track potential airborne threats entering North American airspace. In 1952, the squadron relocated to Perrin Air Force Station in Texas, where it continued to serve as a critical component of the continental radar defense system. The 788th AC&W Squadron was inactivated in 1968 as advances in technology and changes in defense priorities led to the consolidation of air defense assets.

The 78th Fighter-Interceptor Squadron (78th FIS) was a distinguished unit of the United States Air Force, originally activated in 1942. Throughout World War II, it served with the 20th Fighter Group in the European Theater, flying P-38 Lightnings and later P-51 Mustangs in bomber escort and ground attack missions. During the Cold War, the squadron was reactivated and assigned to air defense roles, operating aircraft like the F-86 Sabre, F-101 Voodoo, and F-106 Delta Dart to protect North American airspace. The 78th FIS was inactivated in 1991 as part of the post-Cold War drawdown.

The 78th Tactical Air Command (TAC), also known as the 78th Fighter Group in earlier designations, traces its origins to World War II, where it was activated in 1942 and played a pivotal role in the European Theater of Operations. Flying P-47 Thunderbolts and later P-51 Mustangs, the unit provided crucial bomber escort and conducted ground-attack missions during the Allied advance across Europe. After the war, the 78th underwent several redesignations and was reactivated during the Cold War as a tactical fighter unit within the United States Air Force, equipped with jet aircraft such as the F-84 Thunderjet and F-86 Sabre. The unit's legacy is marked by its adaptability and distinguished combat record, contributing significantly to both air superiority and tactical support missions throughout its service history.

The 79th Aerospace Rescue and Recovery Squadron was an Air Force unit activated in 1952, originally as the 79th Air Rescue Squadron. Stationed at Andersen Air Force Base, Guam, the squadron played a vital role in search and rescue operations throughout the Pacific region, including during the Vietnam War, where it conducted numerous combat rescue missions. Operating aircraft such as the HC-130 Hercules, the unit specialized in long-range search, rescue, and aeromedical evacuation. The 79th was inactivated in 1997 as part of post-Cold War restructuring, having earned a distinguished record for saving lives under dangerous conditions.

The 7th Military Airlift Platoon (7th MAPS) was an air logistics unit established to provide rapid, flexible airlift support for military operations. Activated during the height of the Cold War, the 7th MAPS specialized in transporting personnel, equipment, and supplies to forward operating bases and remote locations. The unit played a crucial role in several key operations, notably contributing to humanitarian missions and joint exercises with allied forces. Throughout its service, the 7th MAPS earned recognition for its reliability, adaptability, and commitment to mission success before being restructured during a broader military reorganization.

The 801st Radar Squadron was a unit of the United States Air Force tasked with air defense operations during the Cold War. Activated in 1955, the squadron operated and maintained long-range radar systems at Malmstrom Air Force Base, Montana, as part of the Air Defense Command's network to detect and track potential airborne threats. The unit played a critical role in monitoring North American airspace, contributing to the nation's early warning capabilities against Soviet bombers. The 801st Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1968 as advancements in technology and changes in strategic defense requirements led to a reorganization of air defense assets.

The 807th Medical Group is a United States Air Force Reserve medical unit with a distinguished history of providing medical support and care. Originally activated to support the medical needs of airmen, the unit has participated in various operations, both stateside and abroad, including humanitarian missions and deployments in support of contingency operations. Over the years, the 807th Medical Group has adapted to evolving military medical requirements, ensuring readiness to respond to both warfighting and disaster relief scenarios. Through its dedicated personnel, the unit continues to uphold the Air Force’s commitment to excellence in medical service and support.

The 80th General Support Group was a versatile logistics unit in the United States Army, activated during the Vietnam War era. Tasked primarily with providing logistical and administrative support, the group managed transportation, supply, maintenance, and services to sustain combat and support operations. Stationed primarily in Vietnam, the 80th General Support Group played a crucial role in ensuring operational readiness for various combat units in the theater. After the conflict, the unit was inactivated as part of the Army’s post-war drawdown and restructuring.

The 818th Maintenance Company is a unit within the United States Army Reserve, specializing in equipment maintenance and logistical support. Originally constituted during the post-World War II era, the 818th has played a vital role in ensuring combat readiness by providing repair and recovery services for vehicles and weapon systems. Over the decades, the company has supported various operations, including deployments during Operation Desert Storm and Operation Iraqi Freedom, where their technical expertise was crucial in sustaining operational momentum. The 818th Maintenance Company continues to uphold its tradition of excellence, supporting both stateside missions and overseas contingencies.

The 81st Signal Group was a communications unit within the United States Army, originally constituted during the buildup of World War II. Activated in the early 1940s, the group provided vital signal support, enabling secure and reliable communications for command and control across various theaters of operation. Throughout its service, the 81st Signal Group was responsible for installing, operating, and maintaining both wired and wireless communication systems, ensuring the effective transmission of orders and intelligence. After the war, the group's mission continued to evolve with advancements in communications technology, supporting both peacetime operations and later conflicts before being inactivated or reorganized in the postwar era.

The 823 Aircraft Support Squadron was established in 1952 to provide logistical and technical support for frontline combat aviation units. During the Korean War, the squadron played a vital role in maintaining and rapidly rearming fighter and bomber aircraft, ensuring sustained air operations. In the Vietnam War, the 823rd deployed advanced maintenance teams to forward bases, which significantly improved aircraft turnaround times. Over the decades, the squadron adapted to evolving technologies and now specializes in integrated support for modern multi-role aircraft, underpinning operational readiness in diverse theaters.

The 824th Transportation Squadron was a United States Air Force unit assigned to the Strategic Air Command (SAC) during the Cold War era. Activated in the late 1950s, the squadron played a crucial role in supporting SAC’s nuclear deterrence mission by providing ground transportation and logistical support for personnel, equipment, and sensitive materials at key bomber and missile bases. Its responsibilities included vehicle operations, convoy movements, and ensuring the rapid mobility of strategic assets. The squadron was eventually inactivated or re-designated as part of broader Air Force organizational changes in the 1960s and 1970s, reflecting the evolving needs of the nation’s strategic forces.

The 827th Radar Squadron was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1957 as part of the Air Defense Command. Stationed at Klamath Air Force Station in California, the squadron operated and maintained long-range radar systems to detect and track potential air threats approaching the West Coast during the Cold War. The unit played a critical role in continental air defense, coordinating with interceptor aircraft and the Semi-Automatic Ground Environment (SAGE) system. The 827th Radar Squadron was inactivated in 1981 as advances in technology and changes in defense strategy reduced the need for such radar sites.

The 832nd Combat Support Group was a United States Air Force unit activated in 1966 at Cannon Air Force Base, New Mexico. It was responsible for providing comprehensive support—such as logistics, civil engineering, security, and personnel services—to the 832nd Air Division’s flying and operational units. Throughout its service, the group played a crucial role in maintaining readiness and efficiency for tactical fighter operations during the Cold War. The unit remained active until it was inactivated in 1991 as part of an Air Force-wide reorganization.

The 833rd Transportation Squadron was a United States Air Force unit primarily responsible for providing logistical and transportation support to assigned bases and deployed locations. Activated during the Cold War era, the squadron managed the movement of personnel, equipment, and supplies, playing a crucial role in ensuring operational readiness. Throughout its service, the 833rd supported various missions, including deployments, humanitarian operations, and routine resupply missions. The unit’s professionalism and efficiency contributed significantly to the success of Air Force operations until its inactivation during a later force restructuring.

The **85th Air Transport Squadron** was an active unit of the United States Air Force, first constituted during World War II. Activated in 1943, the squadron was initially tasked with ferrying cargo, personnel, and equipment in the China-Burma-India Theater, playing a vital role in logistical airlift operations over the treacherous "Hump" route. After the war, the unit was inactivated, but it was later redesignated and reactivated during the early Cold War era as a part of the Military Air Transport Service (MATS), supporting global airlift missions. The squadron was eventually inactivated as part of broader postwar reorganization and modernization of Air Force airlift capabilities.

The 866th Medical Group was a United States Air Force medical unit, originally activated to provide comprehensive healthcare and medical readiness support to assigned personnel. Over its service, the group delivered expeditionary medical services, including preventive care, emergency treatment, and aeromedical evacuation, supporting both peacetime operations and contingency deployments. The 866th Medical Group played a crucial role during overseas operations, ensuring force health protection and sustaining mission capabilities. Although its specific assignments and locations have varied, the group exemplified the Air Force’s commitment to high-quality medical care for its service members.

The **868th Medical Group (SAC)** was a United States Air Force medical unit assigned to the Strategic Air Command. Activated during the Cold War era, it provided comprehensive medical, dental, and preventive health services to support SAC operations and personnel. The group played a crucial role in maintaining the health and readiness of aircrews and support staff, particularly during periods of heightened alert and strategic deployments. The 868th Medical Group contributed significantly to SAC’s mission readiness until its eventual inactivation as part of post-Cold War Air Force restructuring.