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History of 1st Air Commando Group

The 1st Air Commando Group was formed in 1943 during World War II as a United States Army Air Forces unit specializing in unconventional warfare and support for allied forces behind enemy lines. Originally created to support British Chindit operations in Burma, the group pioneered the use of air transport for long-range penetration, glider insertions, and aerial resupply missions deep in Japanese-held territory. Under the leadership of Colonels Philip G. Cochran and John R. Alison, the unit employed a diverse array of aircraft, including P-51 Mustangs, C-47 transports, and gliders, to execute daring operations that helped disrupt Japanese supply lines. The 1st Air Commando Group’s innovative tactics laid the groundwork for modern Air Force special operations and remains a celebrated example of airpower in support of special operations forces.

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ABOUT 1st Air Commando Group

  • Origins in World War II: The 1st Air Commando Group was formed in 1943 during World War II, specifically to support British Chindit operations behind Japanese lines in Burma.
  • Brainchild of Arnold and Cochran: The unit was the result of collaboration between General Henry "Hap" Arnold and Colonel Philip Cochran, inspired by the need for unconventional air support for Allied special operations.
  • Operation Thursday: The group played a pivotal role in "Operation Thursday," the first major Allied airborne invasion of World War II in March 1944, airlifting over 9,000 troops, animals, and supplies into enemy-controlled Burma.
  • Innovative Aircraft Use: The unit operated a diverse fleet, including P-51 Mustangs, C-47 Skytrains, B-25 Mitchells, UC-64 Norseman, and even military gliders (Waco CG-4A), demonstrating remarkable flexibility.
  • First Use of Helicopters in Combat: The 1st Air Commando Group was among the first to use helicopters (Sikorsky R-4) in combat, notably for rescue missions to extract downed airmen and wounded soldiers from jungle clearings.
  • Notable Personnel: Famed cartoonist and pilot, Lt. Col. Milton Caniff, created the logo and mascot "Burma Banshees" for the unit, which boosted morale and identity.
  • "Anytime, Anyplace, Anywhere": The group's motto reflected its readiness for diverse, high-risk missions in some of the most remote and hostile environments of the war.
  • Influence on Special Operations: Their success inspired the evolution of modern Air Force special operations, directly influencing the formation of Air Force Special Operations Command (AFSOC).
  • Presidential Unit Citation: The 1st Air Commando Group was awarded the Distinguished Unit Citation (now Presidential Unit Citation) for extraordinary heroism in action.
  • Legacy Continues: The lineage of the 1st Air Commando Group lives on as the 1st Special Operations Wing, based at Hurlburt Field, Florida, carrying forward their pioneering spirit and mission.

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