303rd Fighter Squadron

This article is about the 303d Fighter Squadron designated in 1992. For the 303d Fighter Squadron of World War II, see 139th Airlift Squadron.
"303d Tactical Airlift Squadron" redirects here. For the 303d Tactical Airlift Squadron at March AFB from 1985-1992, see 303d Expeditionary Rescue Squadron.

303d Fighter Squadron
303d Fighter Squadron A-10 Thunderbolts
Active1943–1946; 1949–1951; 1952–present
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleFighter
Part ofAir Force Reserve Command
Garrison/HQWhiteman Air Force Base
Nickname(s)KC Hawgs[1]
EngagementsMediterranean Theater of Operations
European Theater of Operations[2]
DecorationsDistinguished Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Republic of Vietnam Gallantry Cross with Palm[2]
Insignia
303d Fighter Squadron emblem (approved 13 April 1995)[2]

The 303rd Fighter Squadron is assigned to the 442d Operations Group at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri, and flies the Fairchild Republic A-10 Thunderbolt II aircraft conducting close air support missions.

The squadron was first activated during World War II. After training in the United States, it deployed to the European Theater of Operations, where it earned a Distinguished Unit Citation for its actions on D-Day. After V-E Day, the squadron remained in Germany until the fall of 1946 as part of the occupation forces.

The squadron was reactivated in the reserve in 1949. It was mobilized for the Korean War, but was inactivated and its personnel used as fillers for other units. When the reserve began flying operations again in 1952, it was once again activated. The 303d was mobilized again during the Berlin Crisis of 1961. It continued the airlift mission until 1984, when it converted to operating fighter aircraft.

  1. ^ McCauley, Parker (9 April 2021). "KC Hawgs depart for Jaded Thunder". DVIDS. Retrieved 6 August 2022.
  2. ^ a b c Endicott, Judy G. (7 December 2007). "Factsheet 303 Fighter Squadron (AFRC)". Air Force Historical Research Agency. Retrieved 18 August 2017.