510th Missile Squadron

510th Missile Squadron
Active1942–1945; 1947–1949; 1963–1993
Country United States
Branch United States Air Force
RoleIntercontinental ballistic missile
EngagementsEuropean Theater of Operations
DecorationsDistinguished Unit Citation
Air Force Outstanding Unit Award
Insignia
510th Missile Squadron emblem (approved 20 April 1976)
510th Bombardment Squadron emblem (approved 9 December 1943)[1]
World War II fuselage code[2]TU

The 510th Missile Squadron is an inactive United States Air Force unit. It was last assigned to the 351st Operations Group at Whiteman Air Force Base, Missouri. The squadron was equipped with the LGM-30F Minuteman II Intercontinental ballistic missile with a mission of nuclear deterrence. With the end of the Cold War, the 510th was inactivated on 15 November 1993.

The squadron was first activated during World War II as the 510th Bombardment Squadron, a Boeing B-17 Flying Fortress heavy bomber unit. After training in the United States, it deployed to the European Theater of Operations, where it participated in the strategic bombing campaign against Germany. It earned two Distinguished Unit Citations for its combat actions and two squadron members were awarded the Medal of Honor. Following V-E Day, the squadron returned to the United States, where it was inactivated in August 1945.

From 1947 to 1949, the squadron was active as a reserve unit, but does not appear to have been fully manned or equipped. It remained inactive until 1963, when it was activated at Whiteman as the 510th Strategic Missile Squadron. The squadron was unique, as it controlled Program 494L the Emergency Rocket Communication System.

  1. ^ Maurer, Combat Squadrons, pp. 612-613
  2. ^ Watkins, pp. 62-63