19th Weapons Squadron | |
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Active | 1942–1945; 1963–1964; 1964–1993; 2003–present |
Country | United States |
Branch | United States Air Force |
Type | Squadron |
Role | Advanced Intelligence, Surveillance, and Reconnaissance Training |
Part of | USAF Weapons School |
Garrison/HQ | Nellis Air Force Base, Nevada |
Motto(s) | "Rustic" "To the Green Door..." |
Engagements | World War II
Vietnam War |
Decorations | Distinguished Unit Citation (3x) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award with Combat "V" Device (4x) Air Force Outstanding Unit Award (6x) Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm Republic of Korea Presidential Unit Citation |
Insignia | |
19th Weapons Squadron emblem |
The 19th Weapons Squadron is a United States Air Force unit assigned to the USAF Weapons School at Nellis AFB, Nevada.
The squadron was first activated as the 19th Observation Squadron in March 1942. The 19th originally flew antisubmarine missions during World War II, then moved to China in 1944 to begin observation missions in support of Chinese ground forces. It later flew resupply missions to resistance forces operating behind enemy lines in French Indochina.
The squadron was redesignated the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron, then organized in July 1963. From 1963 through 1968 the 19th Tactical Air Support Squadron flew forward air support and observation missions over Vietnam until its mission was transferred to Osan AB, South Korea in 1972, where it provided Eighth US Army and Republic of Korea ground forces with aerial reconnaissance and close air support.